Pollen grains from trees, grasses and weeds can float through the air in spring, summer or fall. But on their way to fertilize plants and tree flowers, pollen particles often end up in our noses, eyes, ears and mouths. The result can be sneezing spells, watery eyes, congestion and an itchy throat.
Pollen allergy affects about 1 out of 10 Americans, according to the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID). For some, symptoms can be controlled by using over-the-counter (OTC) medicine occasionally. Others have reactions that may more seriously disrupt the quality of their lives.
The FDA offers a complete, full report for consumers. Download “Itching for Allergy Relief?” - it’s free. No strings.
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April 30th, 2009
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To Your Health! |
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On April 26, 2009, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommended that consumers not eat raw alfalfa sprouts, including sprout blends containing alfalfa sprouts, until further notice because the product has been linked to Salmonella serotype Saintpaul contamination. Other types of sprouts have not been implicated at this time.
The investigation indicates that the problem may be linked to contamination of seeds for alfalfa sprouts. FDA and CDC are issuing this general advisory because suspect lots of seeds may be sold around the country and may account for a large proportion of the alfalfa seeds currently being used by sprout growers, and cases of illness are spread across multiple states.
FDA will work with the alfalfa sprout industry to help identify which seeds and alfalfa sprouts are not connected with this contamination, so that this advisory can be changed as quickly as possible.
CDC, FDA, and six state and local authorities have associated this outbreak with eating raw alfalfa sprouts. Michigan, Minnesota, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Utah, and West Virginia have reported 31 cases of illness with the outbreak strain of Salmonella Saintpaul to CDC. Most of those who became ill reported eating raw alfalfa sprouts. Some reported eating raw sprouts at restaurants; others reported purchasing the raw sprouts at the retail level.
The illnesses began in mid-March. Cases are still being reported, and possible cases are in various stages of laboratory testing, so illnesses may appear in other states. No deaths have been reported.
Salmonella is an organism that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Healthy people infected with Salmonella often experience fever, diarrhea (which may be bloody), nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. In rare circumstances, infection with Salmonella can result in the organism getting into the bloodstream and producing more severe illnesses, such as meningitis and bone infections.
Source: FDA
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April 28th, 2009
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Most of us have heard of phentermine – and many have tried it; some with success, but did that success come at a cost?
Have you heard of Proactol? If not, read more about it here. This is an amazing weightloss product, thoroughly tested for safety, effectiveness and popularity.
From the quality of the supplement down to its affordability, Proactol is by far the more superior product. Especially when you compare Phentermine’s results to Proactol’s many other natural health benefits: lower cholesterol, reduced calorie intake and increased well being. Put these two products side by side and Proactol™ is truly a breath of fresh air.
Read the complete product comparison – follow this link.
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April 27th, 2009
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Weightloss Wisdom |
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Three Cheese Chicken Penne Pasta Bake
A delicious pasta dish you can enjoy at home without the big tab of similar restaurant dishes – and with less than 500 calories per serving!
Ingredients:
1-1/2 cup multigrain penne pasta, uncooked
1 package (9 oz.) fresh spinach leaves
1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces
1 teaspoon dried basil leaves
1 jar (14-1/2 oz.) spaghetti sauce
1 can (14-1/2 oz.) diced tomatoes, drained
2 ounces Neufchatel Cheese, cubed
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
Directions:
Heat oven to 375 degrees. Cook pasta, adding spinach to boiling water for last one minute.
Cook and stir chicken and basil in large nonstick skillet on medium-high heat 3 minutes. Add sauce and tomatoes; bring to boil. Simmer 3 minutes or until chicken is done. Stir in Neufchatel cheese.
Drain pasta mixture; return to pan. Stir in chicken mixture and 1/2 cup mozzarella. Spoon into 2-quart baking dish.
Bake 20 minutes. Sprinkle with remaining cheeses. Bake 3 more minutes for cheese to melt.
Recipe makes 4 servings.
Nutrition information per serving:
Calories: 460; Fat: 14g (Sat. 6g); Cholesterol: 90mg; Sodium: 880mg; Carbohydrates: 39g; Fiber: 7g; Sugars: 8g; Protein: 45g
See also: Low Cost Dieting Recipes
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April 23rd, 2009
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Kitchen Creations |
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Universal ABC Beauty Supply International, Inc. of Brooklyn, NY, has been informed by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) that FDA lab analyses of the dietary supplements distributed by the company were found to contain undeclared Sibutramine, an FDA-approved drug used as an appetite suppressant for weight loss. These dietary supplements are not supposed to contain Sibutramine. The FDA has not approved these products, therefore the safety and effectiveness of these products is unknown.FDA advises that these products pose a threat to consumers because Sibutramine is known to substantially increase blood pressure and/or pulse rate in some patients and may present a significant risk for patients with a history of coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure, arrhythmias or stroke.
All lots of the following dietary supplement products are being recalled:
PRODUCT NAME
1. ProSlim Plus, 60 capsules, bottle in box
2. 3 DAYS fit, 60 capsules, bottle in box
3. EIGHT FACTOR DIET, 60 capsules, 3 pouches/box
4. 24hours Diet, 60 capsules
5. Slim 3in1 M-18 ROYAL DIET, 90 capsules, 3 pouches/box
6. 3X SLIMMING POWER, 60 capsules, bottle in box
7. Extrim Plus 24 Hours RE-BURN Formula, 60 capsules
8. Slim 3in1 EXTRA SLIM FORMULA, 90 capsules, 3 pouches/box
9. Slim 3in1 EXTRA SLIM WAIST FORMULA, 90 capsules, 3 pouches/box
10. SLIM EXPRESS 360º C
11. SLIM EXPRESS 4in1, 60 capsules, bottle in box
12. ROYAL SLIMMING FORMULA, 60 capsules, bottle/box
13. BODY CREATOR, 90 capsules, 3 pouches/box
14. Slim Waistline (labeling written in Chinese)
15. BODY SHAPING, 90 capsules, 3 pouches/box
16. PERFECT SLIM, 90 capsules, 3 pouches/box
17. Perfect Slim 100% Natural Herbal Essence
18. IMELDA Perfect Slim
19. Slim Waist Formula, 32 capsules, 2 pouches/box
20. Super Slimming, 60 capsules, bottle in box
21. 2 DAY DIET
22. Powerful Slim
23. BODY SHAPING
24. SUPER FAT BURNER, 60 capsules, bottle in box
25. SLIMMING FORMULA
26. SLIM FAST 2, 32 capsules, 2 pouches/box
27. SLIM FAST, 60 capsules, 3 pouches/box
28. Slim up, 120 capsules, bottle in box
29. 7 DAYS DIET, 60 capsules, 3 pouches/box
30. Perfect Slim Up, 60 capsules, bottle in box
31. JM Fat Reducer
32. SlimBurn
33. 21 Double SLIM
34. TRIM PLUS 2
NOTE: The above products may have various UPC numbers.
No illnesses or injuries have been reported to the company to date in connection with this product.
Universal ABC Beauty Supply International, Inc. is taking this voluntary action because it is committed to providing accurate information about its products and because of the concern for the health and safety of consumers. The company has discontinued distribution of these products. It sincerely regrets any inconvenience to customers.
Consumers should not consume the above products and should return the dietary supplements on hand to the place of purchase for a full refund or partial refund of the unused portion. Distributors should contact Sandra Tan by phone at 718-891-6888 or by e-mail at universalabc@aol.com to receive further instructions for returning the product(s). Consumers with questions should contact Sandra Tan at 718-891-6888, Monday through Friday, 12:00 pm through 6 pm, EDT.
Source: FDA
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April 22nd, 2009
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The Institute of Medicine (IOM) recommends that people of all ages consume 14 grams of fiber for each 1,000 calories they consume. This means that most adult women should aim to eat more than 20 grams of fiber a day and that men should strive for more than 30 grams per day. Yet, most Americans consume about half the amount of fiber recommended by the IOM.
Here are some simple tips for how to build a high-fiber diet:
Fiber-ful Breakfast. The first meal of the day is the most important, not only because it gives you energy to start the day, but also because it is one of the best opportunities to load up on fiber. There are a host of high-fiber cereals from which to choose—then add a banana or another favorite fruit to the bowl along with some fat-free milk for a quick and easy fiber fix.
Fiber Snack Attack. Try a slice of whole-wheat bread with a fresh and juicy red or green apple; feel free to add a little peanut butter to the mix for a great tasting and nutritious snack.
Get Fiber on a Roll. Next time you bite into a tortilla or sandwich roll make sure that it is whole wheat or whole grain corn meal to reap more fiber benefits. Also try adding spring mix or spinach, artichokes, and hummus or chickpeas to add in more fiber. Top it all off with low-fat cheese and a side of crunchy pear slices.
Frozen Fiber. Vegetables are a great source of fiber, and there is no easier way to add more veggies to your plate then heating up a frozen vegetable medley and adding it to your meal.
Fiber in a Glass. Red juicy raspberries, sweet blueberries, tasty bananas and strawberries are all fiber-rich fruits. Add one or all of these fruits to a blender with some yogurt and ice for a quick and easy smoothie that you can pour into a to-go cup for a grab-and-go snack or a quick morning starter. Add more fiber to the smoothie by grinding up some almonds and mixing them in.
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April 19th, 2009
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Low levels of the essential vitamin D is a bad thing for a teen-ager.
Low vitamin D, that is. A study finds teens with low vitamin D levels were more likely to have high blood pressure and high blood sugar. They also were more likely to have metabolic syndrome, which includes those conditions and others – and raises the risk of diabetes and heart disease.
Milk and sunlight can help you get vitamin D.
The study presented at an American Heart Association conference was supported by the National Institutes of Health.
Source: HHS
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April 17th, 2009
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For many recipes, perhaps you’ve discovered that using ALL fat-free products doesn’t work. The flavor may be off as well as the texture.
For example, a cheesecake made with egg substitute and fat free cream cheese has a too-tangy taste and slick appearance and mouth-feel.
But using a combination of fat free and reduced fat cream cheese, along with a whole egg or two, yields a more luscious, creamy dessert that is still much lower in calories and fat than traditional versions.
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April 14th, 2009
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Weight Loss and Vanilla
A study at the St. George’s Hospital in London indicates that vanilla may help you lose weight. Under the guidance of Catherine Collins, a state registered dietician at St. George’s, overweight people who were given vanilla-scented skin patches found that their sweet food intake was significantly reduced, leading to greater weight loss than those given dietary advice alone. She concluded that an intensely sweet vanilla-scented candle or essence may have a similar effect though it has not been proven in a test environment.
Dieticians in the United States working with overweight people are also often testing clients with an array of aromas as a way to reduce food cravings. While vanilla may not work for everyone, it appears to be useful for most. Breathing the aroma of a vanilla bean in a glass tube, or wearing vanilla body products may be helpful.
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April 13th, 2009
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Weightloss Wisdom |
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Mrs. Grissom’s Salads is recalling ALL LOTS of the following cheese products due to undeclared anchovies: Cheese products packaged under the Mrs. Grissom’s brand:
- Premium Cheese Spread, packaged in 11 oz, 24 oz, 48 oz and 5 lb plastic tubs
- Hot Jalapeno Cheese Spread or Dip, packaged in 11 oz plastic tubs
- Original Recipe Pimento Cheese Salad, packaged in 11 oz and 5 lb plastic tubs
- Jalapeno, Hot Cheese Dip, packaged in 8 oz plastic containers
- Gar-licious, Garlic & Onion Flavor Cheese Dip, packaged in 8 oz plastic containers
- Cheese n’Cheese, Double Cheese Dip, packaged in 8 oz plastic containers
- Bac’n Cheese, Bacon Flavor Cheese Dip, packaged in 8 oz plastic containers
- Ragin’ Cajun, Spicy Cheese Dip, packaged in 8 oz plastic containers
Cheese products packaged under the Grace’s HomeStyle Brand:
- Pimento Sandwich Spread, packaged in 11 oz and 24 oz plastic tubs
- Hot Jalapeno Pimento Spread or Dip, packaged in 11 oz plastic tubs
These products were distributed through retail grocery and dollar stores in Kentucky, Indiana, Tennessee, Alabama, Mississippi, Georgia and West Virginia.
Mrs. Grissom’s Salads CEO Kenneth Funger said the omission was discovered April 8, 2009 during a routine inspection at the company’s processing and packaging plant in Nashville, Tennessee. The Worcestershire sauce used in these products contains anchovies, and people who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to fish run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume these products. We are recalling the products and revising the labeling to ensure persons with fish allergies are aware of its presence.
Funger said that the company has received no complaints or reports of an allergic reaction to the products.
Consumers who have purchased the products are urged to return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions regarding this recall may call the company at 1-800-255-0517.
Source: FDA
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April 11th, 2009
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Food Alerts |
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