Melanoma Monday, Detection and Prevention

Melanoma Monday is the kick-off of May Melanoma Month.  People are encouraged to self examine their skin for skin cancer.

What Is A Melanoma?

Melanoma is a malignant tumor found predominantly in skin but also in the bowel and the eye. Around 60,000 new cases of invasive melanoma are diagnosed in the US each year. It is more common in Caucasian people living in sunny climates or in those who use tanning salons. According to WHO about 48,000 melanoma related deaths occur worldwide per year. Treatment includes surgical removal of the tumor, adjuvant treatment, chemo- and immunotherapy, or radiation therapy.

American Academy of Dermatology has prepared a Skin Cancer Detection and Prevention program called 31 Days - 31 Ways

The Facts About Melanoma

Melanoma is the most serious form of skin cancer because of its ability to spread. It is important to catch melanoma early when the cure rate with dermatological surgery is about 95%.

Melanoma can appear anywhere on the body - soles, palms, inside the mouth, genitalia, and underneath nails. However, it is most commonly found on the back, buttocks, legs, scalp, neck, and behind the ears.

Melanoma often develops in a pre-existing mole that begins to change or a new mole. This is why it is important to be familiar with the moles on your body and perform regular self-examinations of your skin. When looking at moles, keep in mind the ABCDEs of Melanoma Detection as described in the following video.

Is That Just A Mole - Or Early Signs of Skin Cancer?

We all have at least some moles on our skin. Do you know which moles are normal, and which could be signs of trouble? This year, more than one million Americans will get some form of skin cancer, and in many cases, moles could have served as early warning signs.

Prevention 

Most skin cancer can be prevented by practicing sun protection. Research shows that not only does sun protection reduce one’s risk of developing skin cancer; sun protection also may decrease the likelihood of recurrence.

The American Academy of Dermatology (Academy) recommends that everyone protect their skin by following these sun protection practices:

Avoid deliberate tanning. Lying in the sun can cause premature aging (wrinkles, blotchiness, and sagging skin) as well as a 1 in 5 chance of developing skin cancer. Tanning beds and sunlamps are just as dangerous.  If you like the look of a tan, consider using a sunless self-tanning product. These products do not protect skin from the sun, so a sunscreen should be used.

Get vitamin D safely through a healthy diet. Don’t seek the sun.

Generously apply sunscreen to all exposed skin every day. The sunscreen should have a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of at least 30 and be broad-spectrum (provides protection from ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) rays.

Don’t forget your ears, nose, neck, hands, and toes. Many skin cancers develop in these areas. Protect your lips, another high-risk area, with lip balm that offers sun protection with an SPF of 30 or higher.

Sunscreen should not be used to prolong sun exposure. Some UV light gets through sunscreen.

Sunscreens should be applied to dry skin 15-30 minutes before going outdoors, and reapplied approximately every two hours.

Be sure to reapply sunscreen after being in water or sweating.

Sunscreen does not make sunbathing safe.

Wear protective clothing, such as long-sleeved shirts, pants, a hat, and sunglasses, where possible.

Seek shade when appropriate. The sun’s rays are strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Use extra caution near water, snow, and sand as they reflect the damaging rays of the sun. This can increase your risk chance of sunburn.

Aside from skin cancer, the sun’s UV rays also cause premature aging: Signs of premature aging include wrinkles, mottled skin, and loss of skin’s firmness.

Indoor Tanning is Out

Not only can the ultraviolet radiation from indoor tanning beds lead to wrinkles, it also increases the risk of skin cancer, including melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer. On an average day, more than one million Americans tan in tanning salons. Research shows that nearly 70 percent of indoor tanners are female, primarily 16 to 29 years old.

The Academys public service advertisement (PSA) campaign aims to educate the public, especially young women, about the dangers of indoor tanning. The campaign contains print, television and radio advertisements, which all carry the same theme: Indoor Tanning is Out®. In the television advertisements, a series of young women tell their peers why indoor tanning is not as safe as they might think.

May Wellness News Highlights

May 2010 Current News and Resources in Nutrition, Food, Health,
Recalls/Safety and Disability Rights.
Encourages awareness & inspires ideas for Journalists, Educators,
Consumers and Health Professionals. 

May Wellness News Highlights

Arthritis Awareness Month, Better Hearing & Speech Month, Clean Air Month, Family Wellness Month, Gifts From The Garden Month, Food Drive for Homeless Animals Month, Heal the Children Month, Motorcycle Safety Month, National Allergy/Asthma Awareness Month, National Asparagus Month, National Barbeque Month, National Bike Month, National Egg Month, National Hamburger Month, National Hepatitis Awareness Month, National Meditation Month, National Melanoma / Skin Cancer Awareness Month, National Osteoporosis Awareness Prevention Month, National Physical Fitness & Sports Month, National Salad Month, National Salsa Month, National Smile Month, National Strawberry Month, National Stroke Awareness Month, National Teen Pregnancy Prevention Month, National Vinegar Month, Older Americans Month, Strike Out Strokes Month, Sweet Vidalia Onions Month, Teen Self-Esteem Month, Ultra-violet Awareness Month, Women's Health Care Month, Young Achievers of Tomorrow Month, National Family Month (5/9 to 6/20)

April 25 to May 3, 2010 Safe Kids Week

April 25 to May 3, 2010
Safe Kids Week

Safe Kids Week

We Believe Campaign - We believe that all kids deserve to grow up safe, healthy and injury free. If you believe in a world without preventable injuries, join in the fight to protect kids! Visit Safe Kids USA

Safe Kids and the MetLife Foundation have partnered to bring a series of safety videos highlighting how you can take precautions in the home to help prevent injuries to children with physical, developmental or cognitive disabilities.

Children Learn of the Dangers of Pills From the Danger Rangers at DangerRangers.com

Michael Anderson, MD, University Hospitals Rainbow Babies & Children's Hospital, discusses potential food choking hazards

Safety in the Workplace Worker’s Memorial Day (Founding of OSHA)

April 28th.  Worker’s Memorial Day.
First proclaimed in 1989 to commemorate the founding of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) on Apr 28, 1970 (signed into law in 1971).

Safety in Restaurants

Slips and Falls

Foodborne Disease OSHA Standards

Control and Prevention

Control of foodborne diseases is based on avoidance of contaminated food, destruction of contaminants, and prevention of further spread of contaminants. Prevention is dependent upon proper cooking and storing practices, and personal hygiene of food handlers.

The quality of food, and controls used to prevent foodborne diseases, are primarily regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and local public health authorities. These diseases may be occupationally related if they affect the food processors (e.g., poultry processing workers), food preparers and servers (e.g., cooks, waiters), or workers who are provided food at the worksite.

Section 5(a)(1) of the OSHA Act, often referred to as the General Duty Clause, requires employers to "furnish to each of his employees employment and a place of employment which are free from recognized hazards that are causing or are likely to cause death or serious physical harm to his employees". Section 5(a)(2) requires employers to "comply with occupational safety and health standards promulgated under this Act".

Safety Orientation for Healthcare

The OSHA Safety Orientation for Healthcare materials show employees how to protect themselves from some of the most common hazards. For more information on these materials please contact National Safety Compliance at 1.877.922.7233 or visit http://www.osha-safety-training.net/.

National Office
U.S. Department of Labor
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
200 Constitution Avenue, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20210

National DNA Day A Look at Genetically Modified Foods

April 23rd is National DNA day. The day commemorates the completion of the Human Genome Project in April 2003 and the discovery of the DNA double helix.

DNA plays a significant role in our foods, medicine, medical research and numerous other areas of our lives. Genetically Modified (GM) Foods are a controversial topic. On one side, there are those who want to prevent GM because they believe the foods are harmful. While the other group wants to fund GM projects in the hope of producing bigger foods (fruits, vegetables, livestock), insect resistant, more nutritious, etc.

This video was created as part of a USDA grant
to explain Genetic Modifications to the American consumer.

Bill Gates explains why his philanthropic foundation helps fund genetically modified food research. "You are right on the verge of starvation all the time, so every tool that's safe and appropriate, you at least want to look into," he says.

For Educators and those who find music a fun way to learn.

Here is a DNA song.

For more Information on the DNA project and educational tools, go to http://www.genome.gov/

Hummus versus Mayonnaise

Hummus versus Mayonnaise

If you use one Tablespoon of Hummus,
instead of one Tablespoon of Mayonnaise
You will save 74 calories!

National Animal Crackers Day, April 18

Animal crackers are usually in the shape of circus animals such as lions, tigers, bears, and elephants. During the late 1800's, animal crackers were imported from England to the United States. The first batch of animal crackers were made by Stauffer's Biscuit Company in 1871 in York, Pennsylvania. Other local bakeries soon came together under the National Biscuit Company, or "Nabisco Brands." In 1902, the animal cracker's box officially became "Barnum's Animals" with the circus themed box.

April is Fresh Florida Tomato Month

April is Fresh Florida Tomato Month and today April 6th we celebrate Fresh Tomato Day.

Low in Calories and rich in Vitamin C. Tomatoes are fun and easy to grow, indoors or outdoors.

The Easter Egg

The Easter Egg

Where did the colored Easter eggs come from? The egg is a symbol of new life, rebirth and the celebration of spring. The early Christians describes the egg as a symbol of the resurrection of Jesus.

After a long hard winter with small amounts of food, an egg for Easter was quite a treasure. Later, Christians abstained from eating meat during Lent. Easter was the first chance to enjoy eggs and meat after the long abstinence.

Chicken egg versus the Chocolate Easter Egg
A large chicken egg is only 80 calories and rich in protein. Check the chocolate eggs below and compare.

Chocolate designed to look like a carrot was a surprise, but the biggest surprise was on the nutrition label

April Wellness News

April 2010 Current News and Resources in Nutrition, Food, Health, Recalls/Safety and Disability Rights. Encourages awareness and inspires ideas for Journalists, Educators, Consumers and Health Professionals.


April Monthly Events: Alcohol Awareness Month; Autism Awareness Month; Cancer Control Month; Child Abuse Prevention Month; Informed Women Month; Injury Prevention Month; International Customer Loyalty Month; IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) Month; Month of the Military Child; National Donate Life Month; National Occupational Therapy Month; National Parkinson's Awareness Month; National Youth Sports Safety Month; Prevention of Animal Cruelty Month; Women's Eye Health and Safety Month; World Habitat Awareness Month; Celebrate Diversity Month; Community Spirit Days; Emotional Overeating Awareness Month; Florida Tomato Month; Global Child Nutrition Month; National Garden Month; National Pecan Month; National Soft Pretzel Month; National Soy Foods Month; Jazz Appreciation Month; Keep America Beautiful; National Humor Month; School Library Media Month; Stress Awareness Month

March 27, 2010 Earth Hour at 8:30 PM local time

Earth Hour 2010 Reminder. Be a part of a Worldwide Event. Today at 8:30 pm local time join the World in turning off your lights for one hour.


To learn more about how you can be involved visit Earth Hour, 2010

Getting children with special needs involved in the kitchen

Getting children with special needs involved in the kitchen

Supermarket Enquirer. When Did Single Serve Meals Start Serving 1-1/2 People?

Supermarket Enquirer

When did single serve meals go from one serving to 1.5 servings?
Read the Labels.

2010 Food Safety Education Conference

Opening speakers at the Food Safety Education Conference

Secretary of Agriculture, Tom Vilsack video remarks to 2010 Food Safety Education Conference, March 24, 2010, Atlanta, GA.

March 24th, National Chocolate-Covered Raisin Day

Raisins can be enjoyed plain, in cooking, desserts and covered with chocolate. Raisins are a popular dried fruit and when covered with rich dark chocolate you have a taste sensation enjoyed by young and old alike.

Nutrition Information
(based on a 1/2 cup serving)
Calories 95;
Fat (g) 3.8;
Saturated Fat (g): 2.5;
Cholesterol (mg): 2.5;
Sodium (mg): 7.4;
Trans Fatty Acid (g): 0.0

Enjoy National Chocolate-Covered Raisins Day

Diabetes Alert Day, 2010

Diabetes Alert Day

The American Diabetes Association has designated March 23, 2010 as Diabetes Alert Day.

The American Diabetes Association is at the forefront of the fight to prevent, treat, and cure diabetes. They provide education, promote awareness, advocate on behalf of diabetes patients and are the authoritative source on diabetes in the United States.

To learn more about the American Diabetes Association and events planned for Diabetes Alert day, Visit American Diabetes Association Alert Day

How God Chooses a Mom for a Disabled Childby Erma Bombeck

To Moms of Special Need Children.

This was given to me when I learned Jake had Cerebral Palsy.

I believe the story has been passed along to thousands of mothers who just recently learned they were given a special gift from God - a Special Needs Child.

On January 19, 1989 we learned Jake had cerebral palsy. The doctor explained that Jake might never walk, talk or even recognize us. I cried and I could not bring myself to see Jake until a few hours later. I quietly walked into his room. It was about 5:00 AM. I looked down at Jake in his crib and he looked up and smiled at me. I knew he recognized me. I picked up Jake in my arms and I told him, "We will travel this journey together and learn all that we can so you will have a wonderful life".

Jake is the most important person in the world to me. When he was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy, my friends and family would comfort me and say "God never gives you more than you can handle". I thought they were crazy and just didn't know whatelse to say. It took awhile for me to believe this, but in time I would understand my son would be one of my greatest teachers.

How God Chooses a Mom for a Disabled Child
by Erma Bombeck

Most women become mothers by accident, some by choice, a few by social pressures, and a couple by habit. This year, nearly 100,000 women will become mothers of handicapped children. Did you ever wonder how mothers of handicapped children are chosen?

Somehow, I visualize God hovering over Earth selecting his instruments for propagation with great care and deliberation. As he observes, he instructs his angels to make notes in a giant ledger.

"Armstrong, Beth; son; patron saint, Matthew."
"Forrester, Marjorie; daughter; patron saint, Cecelia."
"Rudledge, Carrie; twins; patron saint... give her Gerard. He's used to profanity."

Finally, he passes a name to an angel and smiles, "Give her a handicapped child."

The angel is curious. "Why this one, God ? She's so happy."

"Exactly," smiles God. "Could I give a handicapped child a mother who does not know laughter? That would be cruel."

"But has she patience?" asks the angel.

"I don't want her to have too much patience or she will drown in a sea of self-pity and despair. Once the shock and resentment wears off, she'll handle it. I watched her today. She has that feeling of self and independence. She'll have to teach the child to live in her world and that's not going to be easy."

"But, Lord, I don't think she even believes in you."

God smiles. "No matter. I can fix that. This one is perfect. She has just enough selfishness."

The angel gasps, "Selfishness? Is that a virtue?"

God nods. "If she can't separate herself from the child occasionally, she'll never survive. Yes, this is a woman I will bless with a child less then perfect. She doesn't realize it yet, but she is to be envied. She will never take for granted a 'spoken word.' She will never consider a 'step' ordinary. When her child says 'Momma' for the first time, she will be present at a miracle and know it! When she describes a tree or a sunset to her blind child, she will see it as few people ever see my creations.

"I will permit her to see clearly the things I see - ignorance, cruelty, prejudice - and allow her to rise above them. She will never be alone. I will be at her side every minute of every day of her life because she is doing my work as surely as she is here by my side."

Exceptional Parent's Mission Statement:
To Develop, Translate, and Share Information as Tools for Positive Change for the Special Needs Community

World Down Syndrome Day

March 21st is World Down Syndrome Day.
To learn more about this event, visit the website of
World Down Syndrome Day.

Meet a family who shares their amazing story of love and living.

Maple Syrup Saturday

New York’s maple industry is hosting its 15th annual "Maple Weekend". 150 sugarhouses across the state will open their doors to share the syrup-making process from tree to table.

How to Make Maple Syrup.



Maple Syrup: Calorie Information

National Poultry DayCooking, Safety and Nutrition

Poultry is an excellant source of protein and lower in fats than red meat (especially if you remove the skin). There are about 3,200,000 poultry recipes on the Internet.

Cooking, Safety and Nutrition are key to enjoying poultry.

USDA Guidance on Cooking Poultry


USDA Meat & Poultry Hotline answers questions about safe storage, handling & preparation of meat, poultry & eggs.
Call the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at:
1-888-MPHotline (1-888-674-6854)
Or send Email to: mphotline.fsis@usda.gov



Safety is important when handling poultry and meats. The USDA requires that safe handling instructions be posted on all packages of raw and not fully cooked meat and poultry.

Calorie Facts about Poultry.

For additional information on Poultry visit the USDA Website. There are Fact Sheets for Labeling, Safety, Handling and Quality.

Broward County Dietetic Association celebrates National Nutrition Month from the Ground Up

Broward County Dietetic Association celebrates National Nutrition Month from the Ground Up.

The BCDA spent this weekend (March 13-14) at the Flamingo Nursery. The community loved meeting the Registered Dietitians and enjoyed the free mini pots of herbs and nutrition information being passed out.







BCDA members (from left to right) Tracy Wilczek, Stacy Roberts, Jennifer Keil and Ashley Johnson

BCDA members Jennifer Keil (left) and Ashely Johnson (right) help shoppers at the Nursery





BCDA members Jennifer Keil, Stacy Roberts and Ashley Johnson

Happy St Patrick's Day - Eat something Green

Happy St Patrick's Day. Eat something Green. Here is a list of natural green foods rich in fiber, vitamins and minerals.

Girl Scouts Respond to Nutrition Questions

Mom was a girl scout leader and my sister Janet and I were girl scouts and brownies. I found this old home video from 1960. Mom and other leaders took a group of us girls on a field trip to an Animal Farm and Botanical Gardens (Nassau County, Long Island, New York).

It was a wonderful experience and extra special since mom was our leader. I learned about charity, commitment, friendship, family and a whole lot more. However, we did not learn about nutrition in the early 1960's.

To complement the video is a sample of the song called "Julliette" (Girls Scout Founder) by Melinda Carroll. To obtain the complete song - go to http://gsmusic.com/about/about-melinda.html

"The Girl Scouts of the USA is an organization dedicated solely to girls—all girls—where, in an accepting and nurturing environment, girls build character and skills for success in the real world. In partnership with committed adult volunteers, girls develop qualities that will serve them all their lives, like leadership, strong values, social conscience, and conviction about their own potential and self-worth."


Girl Scout Cookies:
Nutrition and Safety History
Girl Scouts Respond to Nutrition Questions
How Well Do You Know Your Girl Scout Cookies?
Each Cookie has a Mission

Nutrition and Safety History of Girl Scout Cookies.

In 1960, licensed bakers first began wrapping Girl Scout Cookie boxes in printed aluminum foil or cellophane to protect the cookies and preserve their freshness. In 1961, 14 licensed bakers were mixing batter for thousands of Girl Scout Cookies annually. By 1966, a number of varieties were available. Among the best sellers were Chocolate Mint, Shortbread, and Peanut Butter Sandwich cookies. Nutrition information was not required on the labels during this time.

In the early 1990s, eight varieties were available, including low fat and sugar-free selections.

By 2007, Girl Scouts of the USA announced that all their cookies now had zero trans fat per serving; many required reformulation to accomplish this.

Girl Scout cookies are listed as having "0 trans fat per serving" and will have packaging saying Trans Fat Free. The cookies are not truly trans fat free, as various partially hydrogenated oils (PHOs, i.e., trans fats) are still listed in the ingredients. Nonetheless, they now have a sufficiently small amount per serving to comply with the government's official standards for the Trans Fat Free label. (The official rules allow the label to appear where there are fewer than 0.5 grams per serving.)

Recall
On February 23, 2010, Little Brownie Bakers announced a recall of some batches of the Girl Scout Cookie, "Lemon Chalet Crèmes". While the cookies were safe to eat, some of the packages had an off odor and taste.

Girl Scouts Respond to Nutrition Questions

Q: Don't Girl Scout Cookies contribute to the childhood obesity problem?
A: Starting with our youngest members, the Girl Scout organization promotes a healthy lifestyle for its girl members, which includes a well-balanced diet and plenty of exercise. Our health and fitness programs encourage girls to adopt healthy fitness and eating habits early in life and continue them into adulthood. Girls are also taught to consider ingredient contribution to their overall diet and portion size when choosing snacks.

In addition, the Girl Scout Research Institute (GSRI) released a research review entitled Weighing In: Helping Girls Be Healthy Today, Healthy Tomorrow. Weighing In addresses various underlying causes leading to the epidemic of obesity and of being overweight among children and adolescents and the lifestyles, culture, and behavior that have contributed to this condition. Read more about this research review.


Q: Should people with diabetes buy or consume Girl Scout Cookies?
A: For consumer convenience, each of our two licensed bakers lists dietary exchanges on the cookie box and cookie order form so people with diabetes and adults with children with diabetes can make informed choices. The amount of sugar and carbohydrates is also listed. Dietary exchanges should always be consulted, even if a product is labeled "sugarless."


Q: Why don't you offer cookies that are whole-wheat, wheat-free, non-dairy, dairy-free, vegan, sugar-free, gluten-free, organic, low-carbohydrate, low-calorie, low-fat, non-fat, fat-free, etc.?
A: The demand for specialty cookie formulations is simply not great enough to make it economically feasible to offer a variety of specialty types. Of all the different possible formulations, sugar-free seems to be the most popular, yet in the past, even the sugar-free Girl Scout cookies that have been offered have had to be discontinued due to lack of demand. Our bakers continue to experiment and develop formulations that balance the best tasting cookies using the healthiest ingredients.

For a complete listing of Girl Scout Cookie Nutrition Facts, go to: http://s3.amazonaws.com/www.littlebrownie.com/downloads/NLIs_All.pdf

How Well Do You Know Your Girl Scout Cookies?
Can you match the cookie to their name?
(Answers and Calories are listed at the end of the article.)

Each Cookie has a Mission
Girl Scout Promise, Law, Motto, and Slogan


Promise:
On my honor, I will try:
To serve God and my country,
To help people at all times,
And to live by the Girl Scout Law.

The Promise is often recited at Girl Scout troop meetings while holding up the three middle fingers of the right hand, which forms the Girl Scout sign. Girl Scout policy states that the word "God" may be interpreted depending on individual spiritual beliefs. When reciting the Girl Scout Promise, "God" may be substituted with the word dictated by those beliefs.

Law:
I will do my best to be Honest and fair,
Friendly and helpful, Considerate and caring,
Courageous and strong, and
Responsible for what I say and do,
And to respect myself and others,
respect authority, use resources wisely,
make the world a better place, and
be a sister to every Girl Scout.

Motto:
"Be Prepared."

Slogan:
"Do a Good Turn Daily"

Answers to: "How Well Do You Know Your Girl Scout Cookies?"

Congratulations to all the Registered Dietitians, 2010

The goals of the American Dietetic Association (ADA) are to provide consumers with information on how to lead healthy lives, promote education, advance nutrition knowledge through research, and learn to make healthy choices.

I am proud to be a member of ADA. Through our association, I learned compassion, charity, friendship, and knowledge.

Thank you and congratulations to all the dedicated dietitians. This year I would like to extend a special thank you to the RDs I’ve met on-line. The Internet has brought the world closer together and opened avenues for learning, teaching and sharing.

Dietitians-Online was created to acknowledge the contributions of Registered Dietitians on the Internet and their global impact. We have come a long way.

Food Recall Puts Spotlight Back on FDA

Food Recall Puts Spotlight Back on FDA.

Positive food messages can impact eating habits

Positive food messages can impact eating habits: "Donna L. Hollinger MS, RD, LD is a registered dietitian in the Nutrition Center at the University of Iowa College of Public Health. ...


See all stories on this topic"

March is National Nutrition Month

National Nutrition Month is highlighted in this
short video. Illustrated are words associated with a healthy lifestyle
and the 2010 theme, Nutrition from the Ground Up.

Words: Planting, Growing, Harvesting, Balance, Variety,
Choices, Moderation, Change, Commitment, Planning, Activity



To learn more about National Nutrition Month (NNM)
go to http://www.eatright.org/nnm

Maya and Miguel sign on to the "Let's Move" Campaign

Maya and Miguel demonstrate the fun you can have with exercise and healthy eating. They are now part of the nationwide campaign to combat childhood obesity, "Let's Move."

Blog: From A Dietitian's Perspective: Eat Right: Extending Your Healthy Life

Blog: From A Dietitian's Perspective: Eat Right: Extending Your Healthy Life

Portion Planning 6. Sticky Bun versus Apples

Portion Planning Series 6
How many small Apples equal One Sticky Bun?

Alzheimer and Dementia Awareness Week

February 14 to 21 is Alzheimer and Dementia Awareness Week.

Current research
http://www.alzheimers.org.au/content.cfm?infopageid=5707

Mealtimes can present challenges for a caregiver and a person with Alzheimer's or Dementia
http://bit.ly/dpvKVI

Make mealtimes easier (from http://tinyurl.com/ybxzpc2 pdf file)

•Set up a regular mealtime and stick to it.

•Encourage fluids.

•Limit distractions. Serve meals in a quiet place so that the person can focus on eating. Turn off the television, radio or telephone ringer.

•Keep the table setting simple. Take off flowers, centerpieces and condiments. Use only the utensils needed for the meal.

•Distinguish food from the plate or bowl. Changes in your loved one's visual and spatial abilities may make it tough to distinguish food from the plate. Avoid patterned dishes, tablecloths and placemats that might confuse the person.

•Check the food temperature. The person might not be able to tell if a food or beverage is too hot to eat or drink.

•Serve only one or two foods at a time. For example, serve mashed potatoes followed by chicken tenders.

•Be flexible to food preferences. The person may suddenly develop new food preferences or reject foods he or she may have liked in the past.

•Give the person plenty of time to eat. Remind him or her to chew and swallow carefully.

•Avoid nuts, popcorn and raw carrots. These foods can get caught in the throat. Learn how to perform the Heimlich maneuver, just in case the person chokes.

•Eat together. Make meals an enjoyable social event so that your loved one looks forward to the experience.

The Size of Your Dinerware Can Cause You to Gain Weight

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National Jell-O Week

February is National Snack Month

February 7 to 13, 2010 is Jell-O Week

Jell-O Facts

• The Gelatin found in Jell-O comes from the collagen in cow or pig bones, hooves and connective tissues. Gelatin is not recommended for vegetarians.
• In 1923 D-Zerta became the first sugar-free gelatin dessert.

Links

Jell-O Recipes

Jell-O Activities for Children

February 2010 Wellness News

February 2010 Wellness News
Highlights special events to promote awareness and responsibility in nutrition, health, weight control, recalls/safety and disability rights. Inspires ideas for Journalists, Educators, Consumers and Health Professionals

January 2010, Wellness news

January 2010, Wellness News