Vibrio – shellshocking bacteria

According to Ecolab.com, Vibrio species account for a significant number of foodborne infections from the consumption of raw or undercooked shellfish. They require salt to grow, and are thus associated with ocean-sourced seafood. There are four Vibrio species of primary public health concern: Vibrio vulnificus, Vibrio p arahaemolyticus, Vibrio cholerae O1 and Vibrio cholerae non-O1.

In the bad news department, health officials continue to see jumps in illness caused by a group of bacteria called vibrio, which are associated with shellfish.

Vibrio parahaemolyticus in coastal water estuarine environments, is associated with marine fish and shellfish, and causes mild or moderate gastroenteritis with symptoms of diarrhea, abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting, headache, fever and chills. The illness persists for about 2.5 days after an incubation period of four to 96 hours after ingestion.

There were fewer than 200 vibrio cases reported in 2010, but that’s more than double the numbers seen in the 1990s.

Vibrio cases are preventable. Flash-freezing and pasteurization of oysters could reduce the risk to consumers, Dr. Christopher Braden, a CDC epidemiologist said.

The primary control for Vibrio is harvesting seafood from safe waters and after harvest seafood should be chilled to less than 5°C (41°F) to prevent growth of Vibrio.

Cooked seafood should be eaten within two hours or promptly chilled to less than 5°C (41°F).

Women’s Health – Better days ahead!

 Initially, I wanted to publish this particular blog for all the mothers (especially mine ) on Mother’s Day, however, with computer issues and time constraints my writing has been limited. Finally, I’m back up and running ready to channel outwardly the wisdom from within.

Mother’s are the greatest creation known to man. Raised in a single parent household, I saw firsthand the endures of a mom. She feed, clothed, nurtured, taught, protected, disciplined, instructed, coached, guided, advised, and instructed us from every which angle possible. As a child, I lived foolishly neglecting my mother’s instructions. Despite raising two strong-willed children she did it by herself. On top of working full-time, partaking in the PTA, driving us to respective sporting practices and events, she ran her Fortune 500 company – the home she provided for us.

Most moms can always make a rainy day bright, a disappointing day enjoyable. They just have that knack to make right what was done wrong. It’s a divine power, even if they don’t realize it. So, as they burn a candle from both ends, I now question who’s taking care of them? Who’s mentoring them? Who’s providing aid on their own health? In most cases, a daily schedule for a married or single mom ends when the whole family has been fed, the kitchen is cleaned, and the kids are put to bed.

Then what? They either spend alone time possibly dreaming about the lifestyle they wanted, quality time with the spouses/significant others, in glee over their accomplishments or vegetating watching DVR programs. Consequently, it’s difficult to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

What can a women do? First, love yourself. I read another great blog on the morality of health. Written by a woman, in essence I finished the reading with a great sense of how helping others take one key component – love. The love of wanting to help but not being a burden. So, this blog is not to point fingers, however, hopefully seen as a e-pamphlet to better days of health ahead.

5 Steps to Better Health: 

1. Boost Breast Health.

According to recent studies published in Cancer Epidemiology, there’s been a direct correlation with increase body fat (adipose tissues) and breath cancer. Furthermore, with very obese women there is a 39% higher risk of cancer relating to estrogen and 35% higher risk of contracting triple negative breast cancer. However, in a Nurses’ Health Study report, women who had higher blood levels of vitamin D had a 30 percent reduced breast cancer risk.

Eating a well-balanced diet incorporating fresh fruit and vegetables, along with a daily superior supplement you enhance your immune system and work towards healthier breasts.  

2. Strengthen Your Bones.

Don’t take Calcium for granted. It is widely understood that calcium is critical for bone health. In addition, research has shown other nutrients playing an impacting role for bone health as well. Isoflavone found in soy protein may prevent the brittle bone disease – osteoporosis. You may have reservations about the consumption of supplements, however,
a recent study published in the British Medical Journal has stated that calcium supplements are important for maintaining good bone health. Likewise, a strength training regimen, even if you’re already suffering from the disease.

3. Lose Weight

Ultimately, our goals as humans is to live a lively life! Long life is guaranteed, yet, we do have control on whether we live life out of shape and out of weight. Women have many means and options of shedding and keeping weight off. There are programs like Jenny Craig, Weight Watchers, even Curves to help with prepare for meals without strenous thought. (lol – inside joke) Every last one is prepared by the experts. A bit pricey for some, but, how much does your life Value? Ever ask yourself that particular question? Maybe you should.  By becoming proactive you’ll diminish the ratio of becoming a victim of the “silent killer”. Heart disease kills more women than anything else and also may be more difficult to detect and get treated for, than men. For this and other reasons women are more likely to die from heart attacks than men.

4. Manage PMS and menopausal symptoms.

So, how do I share my expertise? I don’t! I have no experience with pms or menopausal symptoms, however, there are many experts on the web who do, and the experts say bump up your Vitamin B intake. (For those who did not know of the benefits in vitamin intake) I also read a great article titled,  13 Foods to Include in Your Diet for PMS Symptoms, which provide an extensive list – 13 items to be precise – for addressing PMS  and menopausal Symptoms. For example, adding soy, which contain isoflavone, in your diet reduces hot flashes.

5. Find More Energy

If you can master the first 4 items on this list then finding energy shouldn’t be a problem. You’ve corrected eating choices and habits, which in turn leads to weight loss, stronger immune system, and behold added energy to do things that you may wanted to do, but lacked the energy. At the end of the day the best energy boost is the unique blend of soy protein, potent antioxidants, probiotic, vitamins, minerals, and herbs.

Well, ladies I hope this has proved to be an informative read to produce greater results in your health. God loves you! Therefore I love you!

Power Up Your Produce – Prevention.com

Before, I begin today’s blog, I have to acknowledge an important influence in my cause to educate all eyes passing my page. In one year time I’ve had several deaths in my family and friends circle – mostly men.  Young men to be exact. As my 33 birthday approaches I can’t help but thank my blessing for lasting this long on earth. A long-life is never guaranteed, however, when you have the power to valiantly position yourself to maintain a healthy lifestyle your percentages are quite better. So, I made a pledge just yesterday that as I educate myself on the do’s and don’ts or clean and dirty or conventional and organic the sole purpose is to reach out to the community and help anybody I possibly can. More and more people lose their lives to often preventable diseases, yet, they never knew the amount of control they have. 

“Obesity is a complex condition with genetic, psychological and behavioral components, so there’s no easy explanation for why so many people can’t seem to shake the excess weight,” stated Robert K. Cooper, Ph. D author of Low-Fat Living. Despite this key struggle with explaining body fat accumulation, researchers know your body stores fat much easier than carbos or proteins.

Complex Carbohydrates – Fruits, Veggies, and Whole Grains

When looking at our daily dieting habits, experts encourage consumers to make every meal healthier by boosting the benefits of produce purchases. Read Power Up Your Produce – Prevention.com for detail information on how to put the nutrient punch back into your produce. Since not all carbs are created equal, learning those carbs which activate fat burning are essential to shedding pounds while avoiding starving yourself, yet not too be overshadowed by the importance on how carbohydrates can, as Robert Su, M.D states, “seriously impact our health.” Depriving your body of proper nutrition only leads to your body holding onto all your BAD fat.

So, STARVING YOURSELF = holding onto all your BAD Fat.

Remember this simple equation and you’ll understand why experts often say you have to eat more to burn more. There’s truth behind the statement. Likewise, if you change your thinking, when it comes to eating, from present age eaters to prehistoric dwellers at a time where cavemen only hunted and gathered foods you’ll soon be on your way to healthier meals.

Unintended Fat by a familiar comfort food

So, as I rummaged through my buddies cabinets this early morning looking for something good to eat, I couldn’t help but notice the assortment of soups. Hmm, I can understand how convenient popping open a can of Chunky’s hardy soup can be to ones empty tank. However, I refrain from the - though delicious - fat, sugar, and salt; in other words, calorie packed, cleverly packaged “comforting” snack or meal.

As, I struck gold and prepared a bowl of oatmeal with only 2 teaspoons of brown sugar and diced walnuts, I meditated how, better yet, why would a former athlete who lives in the gym purchase items like canned soup? I thought, well maybe it’s because canned goods have shelf life, therefore, in case of a natural disaster he’ll have a good portion of food stored. You know for a “rainy” day. That’s cool. But, then crept in the thought of maybe his schedule remains active enough that he’s pressed for time, thereby, allowing him only the few minutes it takes to warm-up and eat quickly. Man that sucks! That’s no way to live. Right? No, not at all. The irony of my random thinking was perfectly met after I came across a Men’s Health article scrolling across Yahoo! home screen entitled: 9 Soups That Make You Fat . The discovery amazing, but sad.

Calories – Calories – Calories

Some of our finest and favorite quick to eat meals get the big thumbs down! What a heavy disappointment. About a month ago, I even went so far to eat only soups for an entire week. In hindsight, according to the website it probably wasn’t the best choice. Now, I’m not dumb to the fact that shelf life indicates a certain percentage of added preservatives are prevalent (e.g. sodium). So, after looking at these potentially deadly 9 under a microscope it raises questions are their better alternatives?

First, let’s take a closer look at which are the Worst Top 9 Soups:

#9: WORST SUPERMARKET SOUP

Campbell’s Chunky New England Clam Chowder (1 cup)
230 calories
13 g fat (2 g saturated)
890 mg sodium

#8: WORST ASIAN SOUP

P.F. Chang’s Hot and Sour Soup (Bowl)
400 calories
15 g fat (5 g saturated)
5,000 mg sodium

#7: WORST POTATO SOUP
Applebee’s Baked Potato Soup (Bowl)
440 calories
31 g fat (14 g saturated)
1,270 mg sodium

#6: WORST SOUTHWESTERN SOUP
Chili’s Sweet Corn Soup (Bowl)
450 calories
36 g fat (20 g saturated)
960 mg sodium
#5: WORST VEGETABLE SOUP
Einstein Bros. Broccoli Cheese Soup (Bowl)
470 calories
33 g fat (19 g saturated, 1 g trans)
1,910 mg sodium
 

#4: WORST CHOWDER
Red Lobster’s New England Clam Chowder (Bowl)
480 calories
34 g fat (20 g saturated)
1,390 mg sodium
 

#3: WORST BISQUE
Au Bon Pain’s Lobster Bisque (Large)
540 calories
39 g fat (24 g saturated, 1.5 g trans)
1,830 mg sodium

#2: WORST CHILI
Panera’s All-Natural Steak Chili with Cornbread (Large)
580 calories
26 g fat (8 g saturated)
1,330 mg sodium 

#1: WORST “HEALTHY” SOUP
Cosi’s Tomato & Basil Aurora Soup (Large)
597 calories
54 g fat (33 g saturated)
1,701 mg sodium 

So by now you’re on the edge of your seat eager for the alternatives in respective order and establishments (like myself), well here your 9 healthier options:

Campbell’s Healthy Request New England Clam Chowder (1 cup)
130 calories
3 g fat (1 g saturated)
410 mg sodium

PF Chang’s Egg Drop Soup (Cup)
60 calories
3 g fat
640 mg sodium

Applebee’s Chicken Noodle Soup (Bowl)
160 calories
4 g fat (1 g saturated)
1,120 mg sodium

Chili’s Chicken and Green Chile Soup (Bowl)
200 calories
7 g fat (3 g saturated)
1,240 mg sodium

Einstein Bros. Chicken Noodle Soup (Bowl)
180 calories
6 g fat (1.5 g saturated)
1,210 mg sodium

Red Lobster’s Manhattan Clam Chowder (Bowl)
160 calories
2 g fat (1 g saturated)
1,420 mg sodium  

Au Bon Pain’s Tomato Rice Soup (Large)
170 calories
2 g fat (0 g saturated)
390 mg sodium 

Panera’s Low-Fat Garden Vegetable Soup with Pesto and Classic Café Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette (You Pick Two combo)
190 calories
8 g fat (1 g saturated)
960 mg sodium

Cosi’s Chicken Queso Tortilla Soup (Large)
300 calories
13 g fat (7 g saturated)
1,200 mg sodium

Enjoy!

 

Alzhemier’s Disease: New Discovers, Stages and Treatments

Let’s see…so far my day has consisted of a wake up at 5 am for meditation and prayer, which ran about an hour to an hour and half. Afterwards, I laid on my sister’s sofa bed listening my Lecrae Pandora station, as I slowly drifted back into a morning slumber. My cell phone rang and a pleasant, welcoming voice spoke on the other end. I smiled after hearing their voice because of the fond memories we have created so far. During our conversation, I tried to recall a dream I had and even though I couldn’t quite recall the dream in its entirity, I had the ability to come up with a few details. And I’m sure all of you can remember what happened this morning and years back.

What am I getting at?

Click on me!

Well, this morning’s CNN reported about 5.4 million people in the United States suffer from Alzheimer’s disease, according to the Alzheimer’s Association, and sadly enough, this particular disease is fastly growing. Currently, it’s the sixth leading cause of death in the US and by the middle of the century, 16 million people are expected to have the condition. And don’t get it twisted – senior citizens aren’t the only victims of this debilitating disease. Just ask Seth Rogan because of his future mother-in-law, who is only 59 and has already had it for several years. And now Rogen, who has no family history of the disease, has become passionate about supporting his fiancée’s family and spreading awareness of Alzheimer’s.

Medical experts, like Marilyn Albert of John Hopkins University School of Medicine, believe its critical to determine immediately so that intervention measurements can be implemented once they have an effective treatment. Under the new criteria, research has noted other stages to consider with Alzheimer’s. The previous criteria was written in 1984 defining the disease with only one stage of indicating factors and assumed those who didn’t show any signs didn’t have the disease, but recent research shows this assumption was during the last stages of the disease when patient’s were too far gone.  

For further pertinent signs of Alzheimer’s Disease click link below.

3 stages of Alzheimer’s disease introduced

Alzheimer’s not only affects those patients victimized by this disease, but, there are nearly 15 million unpaid caregivers, not counting the rest of the family and friends who tirelessly provide support even though no prevent, treatment or cure has been found. The disease is fatal. The average length of the disease is four to eight years, although some people can live with it for 20 years.

And caregivers are providing 17 billion hours of unpaid care each year, at an annual cost of $206 billion, according to the Alzheimer’s Association’s most recent report.

Fortunately, once family day caregivers sense additional nursing assistance in needed, there are some helpful alternatives. The Alzheimer’s Association can assist family in finding a proper facility. Despite,  no cures or available treatments at the moment to prevent the brain cell destructor, some drugs can slow the symptoms, however, findings were only found in about half the patients.

Just the Facts:

From 2000 to  2008 death rates declined for most major diseases such as breast and prostate cancer, stroke, heart disease and HIV/AIDS, but for Alzheimer’s, the rate climbed by a staggering 66 percent.

Six new drugs are in late stages of clinical trials but researchers won’t know for two or three years which are effective.

UK Studies show some promise

A recent study revealed a small, yet significant decrease in build-up of tangles of damaging proteins called tau in people’s brain fluid – one of the hallmarks of Alzheimer’s disease.

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-1381400/Pill-costs-just-pence-stop-onset-Alzheimers.html#ixzz1Kpfmx6ED

Healthy Living Tip

It’s early Wednesday, and as I sit on my moms (no I don’t live with my mom! I’m visiting the Bronx for a week) sofa watching Jimmey Kimble Live, I pondered over my days work. Despite the lack of attendace, I still had a really productive day. I had the chance to hang out with two really fond friends of mine. Additionally, the ability to share with them a way to obtain optimal health in the most simple means. The irony is the segment being aired has to deal with improving LA school menus to more healthy and nutritious options. And then I remembered it’s been some days since I’ve posted. So, I read through a few of my emails and came across a great infromational piece on actions to take for a better quality of a healthy lifestyle.  I merely copied and pasted it because it’s so straightforward and figured  I would only taint the hardwork by paraphasing. Therefore, I hope you find the piece equally as helpful!

Living green means we recycle, create less waste and use fewer resources. These are all important ways to protect the environment. But what are you doing to green up your health? A healthy environment and a healthy lifestyle go hand in hand. Let’s make every day “Green Health Day!”

1. Don’t pollute your body. Is your body a nutritional wasteland? Give a hoot — don’t pollute your body with garbage foods. Instead, treat it well by eating more natural foods that are packed with nutrients. Think fiber-filled whole grains and fruits and vegetables. Meanwhile, reduce saturated fats and sodium intake. You can also prevent erosion of your health with nutritional supplements.
2. Reduce waist. How deep is your footprint? Being overweight contributes to type 2 diabetes, coronary heart disease and stroke, certain types of cancer and more. If you’re a man with a waist measurement of 40 inches or more, or a woman with a waist measurement of 35 inches or more, you’re at much higher risk of metabolic syndrome, which can lead to heart disease and type 2 diabetes. So it pays to reduce your waist! Losing just 5 to 7 percent of your body weight and doing moderate-intensity exercise for 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week also may prevent or delay the onset of type 2 diabetes.
3. Use more natural energy.Forget oil — we’re talking leg power! Walk or ride a bike whenever possible. Use your leg power to go to the grocery store. If you’re buying a lot, consider pulling a wagon to the store for the walk home. It’s a great muscle and cardio workout to improve heart health and burn more calories! Or bring the family on bikes and everyone can carry a (cloth) bag home. Another idea is to ride your bike to work and arrive invigorated for the day. Re-cycle day after day! With gas prices climbing steeply, these strategies are good for your body and your wallet.
4. Live toxic-free. Stress is toxic. It takes a toll on you mentally and physically and makes you more likely to eat on the run and exercise less. The aftermath is an increase in illness, fatigue and brain fog. Follow the mantra: live, laugh and love. Laughing is a known stress reliever that allows you to live and love more freely! Take some time to enjoy nature too. By taking care of yourself with good nutrition and exercise, you’re better able to handle stress and you create a positive, energetic outlook that ripples to others.

Uninvited Weight Gain

So after my recent perusing through various sites, I’d like to know, by a show of hands – raise them up REEEEEAL high so I can accurately tally the total – Haha (like anybody but myself and 2 other people gonna read this lol) Are you ever been a fervent believer that snacking in moderation, whether a bag of chips every other day, a few pieces of chocolate, a small piece of pastry, or any other vices ok? I’ve heard it time and time again anything in moderation is ok for you. I’ve heard it from coaches, personal trainers ( the ones with 3% body fat lol ), even my cousin Farnsworth. But, did you ever stop to think where did this “everything in moderation is ok“ perspective initially begin? I don’t have the slightest clue, however, I’ve recently saw a report on the news that somethings in moderation overtime may actually do way more harm than you can suspect. I’ll give you with one example: 

This inconspicuous bowl filled with our favorite chocolate delights resting on your coworkers desk, though mouth-watering and full of yummy goodies, can lead to a detrimental habit causing a newly discovered, yet overlooked fact.

A recent study shows the average American workers gains 7lbs per year from the easily accessible bite-size treat you can find in offices across America. As Taryn Winter Brill reports, office candy bowls are part of the problem.  Within the paramount success of eating right and exercising, a simple everyday practice like walking to the office can threaten the most honest effort.

“It’s ridiculous what it does,” stated Brian Wansink author of Mindless Eating.  The significance of these candy left out can wreak havoc on a diet even when you’re not hungry; out of boredom.  

Ironically, Wansink claims by simply moving the candy arrangement six feet away there’s an apparent drop by half occurrences.

Suggestions according to Amanda Bate, Clinical and Nutritional Psychologist

Mindful Eating Habits:

1. Identify How You Feel: think about why you’re about to pick one, or you tired from sitting at desk all day
2. Identify A Response: have a healthy snack around, go for a walk with coworker

Hence, eat well and clean. Having a diet with a rainbow of colors that satisfies all your senses.

 If you’re interested in where good tastes meets good health indulge yourself through eatingwell.com site and tell them I sent you!