More Weight Loss Solutions

Archives

Archive for the ‘Diet Safely’ Category

The best educational toys for kids will combine a fun aspect which allows a child to play, whilst engaging their mind to learn key skills in the process. This could be anything from perseverance, cause and effect, investigation, hand-to-eye coordination or STEM. But how do you know which educational toys to pick?

Young children are sponges when it comes to learning new things. So, just like youd make sure your kids have a varied, nutritional, balanced diet when it comes to what they eat, ensuring they have a balanced play diet that incorporates different activities and games as stimulus for their minds is also important.

But dont worry making sure a child has sufficient stimulation to enable their brains to develop fully is easier than it sounds.

Learning, the development of key skills and stimulation for children comes from a variety of sources. While playing with educational toys has an important role in that, so does providing them with different experiences, letting them play with other children and talking to them about their day or what youre doing as they watch you do it.

Joanne Moore, aPrimary School Teacher in Norfolk and Educational Product Adviser to Learning Resources told GoodtoKnow that educational toys are essential to a childs development.

As stated by Einsteinplay is the highest form of researchand from a very early age children learn and develop through play, Joanne told us. They allow children to freely explore, challenge their minds and support the development of many skills from fine motor control, early mathematics to speech and language.

Child development expert and psychologist Dr. Amanda Gummer, who is also the founder of Dr. Gummers Good Play Guide, adds that while toys that promote school-based learning can help childrens confidence at school and help them embed the learning: there are also lots of educational toys that support learning through encouraging exploration, fostering curiosity, building relationships, exploring moral dilemmas etc which should not be ignored.

Toys that encourage a child to be actively doing and toys that provide open-ended opportunities I feel are most important for early child development, says Joanne.

Toys that are kinaesthetic allow a child to develop their hand-eye coordination plus their fine and gross motor skills. These skills are the essential building blocks before a child can learn to write. There are some great apps available out there for online learning. However, I feel it is important to do as much off-screen learning as possible for young children.

Open-ended toys allow a child to explore their own imagination and creativity. They will often provide a child with challenges which build resilience, perseverance and problem solving skills. These are all characteristics of effective learning. These characteristics are essential for young children to develop in order to become an effective and motivated learner for life.

STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. STEM toys are designed to promote learning, curiosity, and education while they are played with.

When it comes to educational toys for kids, STEM toys in particular are great for helping your child develop innovative thinking, hand-eye coordination and spatial skills amongst other things while they play. Youll love watching STEM toys foster creativity and problem solving in your child.

Its never too early to introduce your children to toys containing letters and numbers so that children become familiar with them at an early age, says Dr. Amanda Gummer.

However, Dr Gummer also emphasises that its important not to hot house children. Basically, try not to force the educational toys on them.

Feeling pressured to play with a particular toy is a sure way to turn a child off wanting to play with it and wanting to learn, Dr Gummer advises.

Below weve rounded up the best educational toys for kids aged 1 to 5. All the toys are out this year and recommended by experts, fellow parents and those in the know! Scroll through to find the right products aimed at your childs age.

Read more from the original source:
Best educational toys for kids aged 1 to 5 - goodtoknow

Comments Off on Best educational toys for kids aged 1 to 5 – goodtoknow
Jun 25th, 2020 | Filed under Diet Safely

In this June 11, 2020, file a passer-by wears a mask out of concern for the coronavirus while walking past a storefront window in Boston. (AP Photo/Steven Senne, File)

The number of coronavirus cases are still on the rise in North Carolina. In parallel, the economy is in free fall. The state unemployment rate has more than tripled since February, and 1 million people have filed for unemployment benefits. Fortunately, its possible to balance kick-starting the Tar Heel State economy while protecting our most vulnerable residents.

Gov. Cooper needs to get on board. Although parts of the state economy have started to reopen, the governor continues to veto legislation that would relax restrictions further. Restaurants remain forced to operate at limited capacity, and health clubs, as well as similar businesses, remain closed. The governors ultra-cautious approach has likely cost North Carolina nearly $200 million from the now-cancelled RNC convention.

Despite what some doomsday predictions claim, a return to normalcy can be done safely.

Public health officials and the doctors who have dealt with coronavirus patients have learned a lot since the start of the pandemic notably, who is most susceptible to the virus. More than 80% of coronavirus-related deaths are people over the age of 65, and 42% of fatalities occur in nursing homes or alternative assisted living communities. Additionally, less than one-in-10 deaths list the coronavirus as the sole cause; the rest involve a pre-existing condition that inflamed the effects.

The fatality rate when including the entire population? Just 0.4 percent. For Americans who are 34 years old or younger, the death rate is even lower: 0.0005 percent, or one fatality per 2,000 cases.

It seems silly to keep the state economy running on low power mode when its evident which group of people needs to be protected; everyone else, which accounts for the vast majority of North Carolinians, should be able to get back to work and return to a near-normal life.

At-risk groups including older people and those with pre-existing conditions should continue to take more precautions and limit human contact. Visitation and isolation policies should remain in place at nursing homes and other establishments where vulnerable populations live or frequent. Younger, healthier people can do their part by following common sense, facile health practices.

Frequent hand washing, being cognizant of crowds and staying home if symptoms reveal themselves are among recommended protocols. New reports indicate that asymptomatic spreading of the virus which was initially a major fear is rarer than previously thought. Its easier to limit the spread when its obvious who is potentially infected. Optimizing your immune system with a good diet, exercise and enough sleep will also help your body fight the virus, or the common cold for that matter!

The name of the game is to isolate the few to protect the many; not the other way around.

As part of a bipartisan group of 70 experts which included doctors, academics, economists, scientists and business specialists we outlined this sentiment in a letter to President Trump in May. Among other recommendations, we recommended that a professional statistician be added to the Presidents Coronavirus Team, that more emphasis be placed on accurate record keeping, and for a much stronger focus on effective therapeutics. When adopted together, these recommendations can help our state and the entire country get back on track.

North Carolinians dont face a binary choice between economic recovery and protecting the states most at-risk population. We can have the best of both worlds. Gov. Cooper should take note.

Dr. John Droz is a physicist residing in North Carolina and is a partner of the Job Creators Network Foundation.

Read more:
DROZ: Name of the game: Isolate the few to protect the many - North State Journal

Comments Off on DROZ: Name of the game: Isolate the few to protect the many – North State Journal
Jun 25th, 2020 | Filed under Diet Safely

SINGAPORE, June 22, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- SilverConnect, a medical nutrition startup creating specialized food solutions for people with dysphagia, announced today that it closed a Seed financing round led by Heritas Capital Management, with participation from SEEDS Capital, the investment arm of Enterprise Singapore.

Dysphagia, or the difficulty to swallow, is more common in older people and often results from nerve or muscle problems. Undiagnosed or poorly managed dysphagia increases the risk of choking, dehydration and malnutrition. Texture-modified diets are often recommended for people with dysphagia, but caregivers frequently find it challenging and time-consuming to prepare nutritionally complete meals with appropriate textures. Many healthcare institutions in Singapore have recently adopted the framework set out by the International Dysphagia Diet Standardisation Initiative (IDDSI) to ensure that all meals are safely prepared to the right consistency that people with dysphagia need.

SilverConnect was founded by Dr Shen Yiru and Ms Jeannie Ong in 2017 with the intent to enhance nourishment for the elderly and relieve their caregivers from the daily burden of preparing such modified meals. SilverConnect manufactures pured moulded food under the brand of GentleFoods, turning local Singapore food delights into texture-modified meals following the global IDDSI framework. SilverConnect operates the GentleFoods brand of ready-to-eat frozen meals that turns local hawker favourites into texture-modified meals that meet global IDDSI standards. GentleFoods aims to create familiar, safe and nutritious meals that stimulates the appetite with the way it looks, tastes and smells, thereby bringing the joy of food back into the lives of people with swallowing difficulties.

"My world changed when I saw my demented grandma rejecting all pureed foods because it was all so unfamiliar to her. The emotional impact inspired me to begin a journey to find out how other people with such challenges cope," said Dr Shen Yiru, founder and CEO of SilverConnect. "We found that many people with dysphagia do not enjoy their meals, resulting in almost a quarter of older people being malnourished. With our new line of GentleFoods meals, we hope that elderly and other patients with swallowing difficulties will now be able to enjoy a wide variety of safe and tasty meals with their loved ones, while reducing the amount of time their caregivers currently spend on preparing such meals."

"All of our menu items have been carefully co-developed with a passionate team of speech therapists, dieticians and food technologists to ensure that the food has the appropriate consistency and uniform texture even after reheating," said Ms Jeannie Ong, co-founder and Director of Operations at SilverConnect. "Many of our meals are high in protein, low in salt, and are nutritionally balanced to meet the dietary needs of the older population."

GentleFoods currently offers ready-to-eat frozen meals thatare suitable for patients requiring IDDSI Level 4 food consistency, with familiar local favourites such as Sweet and Sour Fish, Chicken Rice and Rendang Fish on the menu. Every meal comes with one starch, two vegetables, and a protein. All meals are made from 100% natural ingredients. The frozen meals can be easily reheated at home following the simple instructions provided on the packing label.

"Heritas Capital, alongside SEEDS Capital, is pleased to back innovative foodtech start-ups like SilverConnect in its mission to provide safe, tasty and nutritious food for patients with dysphagia, expected to increase with ageing populations in Singapore and across Asia," said Mr Chik Wai Chiew, CEO and Executive Director of Heritas Capital Management. "We believe SilverConnect's creative and impactful offering will enhance patients' appetite and joy of consuming local favourites, leading to better nutrition, health and immunity which are especially important during the Covid-19 pandemic."

Said Mr Ted Tan, Chairman of SEEDS Capital and Deputy Chief Executive Officer of Enterprise Singapore, "SilverConnect's focus to address an unmet local and global need in the elderly and dysphagic population exemplifies the spirit of innovation. It aligns with the Food for Elders initiative under FoodInnovate, a multi-agency initiative led by Enterprise Singapore to drive innovation and position Singapore as a leading food and nutrition hub in Asia.We hope that SEEDS Capital's investment will help SilverConnect scale up its operations more quickly and connect them to strategic partners in the region."

Story continues

Over the last two years, Enterprise Singapore provided grant support to SilverConnect for (i) the co-development of three popular local snacks with Khoo Teck Puat Hospital under the Food for Elders initiative, and (ii) a corporate branding project to help them develop a global brand strategy and establish presence in key overseas markets.

Proceeds from this Seed investment round will be used to fast-track the commercialization and rollout of GentleFoods to both consumers and elderly care institutions. GentleFoods meals are currently available for sale on the company's website at https://www.mygentlefoods.com/.

About SilverConnect

GentleFoods is a registered trademark of SilverConnect Pte Ltd. We create pured moulded food that is familiar, safe and nutritious. Our food aims to stimulate the appetite with the way it looks, tastes and smells, bringing the joy of food back into the lives of people with swallowing difficulties.

We believe the food that one enjoyed must always remain the food that one continues to enjoy. Working tirelessly with hospitals, speech therapists, dieticians and food technologists, we have created GentleFoods to be both nutritious and appetising, to make people with swallowing difficulties 'feel hungry again'. GentleFoods offers ready-to-eat frozen meals and bulk packs. The nurturance, thoughtfulness and committed culture at GentleFoods aims to bring back the positive and joyous relationship with food. For more information, please log on to https://www.mygentlefoods.com/

About Heritas Capital Management

Heritas Capital Management is a private equity and venture capital fund manager based in Singapore. Established since 1997, Heritas manages private equity, venture capital and fund-of-funds investments into healthcare, education, and technology globally, and has demonstrated strong hands-on track record to create sustainable growth and ESG impact by addressing key unmet needs. Heritas isalso pleased to be a co-investment partner of SEEDS Capital, under the Startup SG Equity Scheme into leading healthcare start-ups in Singapore. For more information on Heritas Capital Management, visit: https://www.heritascapital.com/

About SEEDS Capital

As the investment arm of Enterprise Singapore, SEEDS Capital catalyses smart investments into innovative Singapore-based startups with strong intellectual content and global market potential. We co-invest with independent investors in innovative startups. We help our startups commercialize and expand globally through leveraging on the expertise and strategic networks of our co-investment partners in areas such as technology translation, commercialization and market expansion. Through co-investments, SEEDS Capital aims to catalyze investments into nascent and strategic sectors. These include Advanced Manufacturing & Engineering, Health & Biomedical Sciences, Urban Solutions & Sustainability, and Services & Digital Economy.

SOURCE SilverConnect

View original post here:
SilverConnect Closes Seed Round Financing Led By Heritas Capital And SEEDS Capital To Launch Dysphagia-Friendly Meals Online And In Nursing Homes -...

Comments Off on SilverConnect Closes Seed Round Financing Led By Heritas Capital And SEEDS Capital To Launch Dysphagia-Friendly Meals Online And In Nursing Homes -…
Jun 23rd, 2020 | Filed under Diet Safely

Irish-grown cereals including barley and wheat are excellent sources of energy for either fattening cattle or maximising milk production; however, feeding high levels of cereals increases the risk of acidosis in livestock.

The feeding of high levels of cereals in a diet must be managed carefully; feeding rates, mineral and buffer supplementation and the inclusion of a suitable source of fibre being very important. However, there is a solution that can help to increase feeding levels of Irish-grown cereals safely.

Ivan Gethings farms with his two sons Chris and Jason and the Gethings family fatten cattle year round on their beef and tillage farm outside Tullamore, Co. Offaly. The Gethings family have been keeping and feeding their own grain for a number of years and have tried different treatment options during that time.Ivan (centre), Chris and Jason Gethings on their farm near Tullamore, Co. Offaly

Last harvest, Ivan treated all of his cereals with XL Grain. XL Grain is a new product to the Irish market produced by Vitalac in France and distributed in Ireland by Quinns of Baltinglass Ltd. XL Grain is an alkaline grain treatment product which can add value to your home-grown cereals.

On advice from Arnie McDonald, the local Quinns technical sales advisor, Ivan decided to use XL Grain on his own cereals last harvest as it increased the pH and protein of the grain, allowing for higher feeding levels of his own barley and wheat. Overall, he was very happy with the treatment process and feeding his cereals treated with XL Grain.

We found the application process very straightforward as the rate is one bag (20kg) per tonne of grain. We treated and rolled the grain with our own roller straight after harvest and covered it over for three or four weeks. The XL Grain treatment meant the barley was now just under 15% protein and very safe to feed to cattle.

The barley and wheat stored very well; better than other treatments we used in the past. We fed it to finishing heifers, bullocks and bulls up to 6kg/head/day and found it very safewe never had an issues with acidosis.

We were happy with the liveweight gains and fat scores of cattle fed on it and will be using it again this year.

XL Grain will not only treat the grain, but also increases both the protein and the pH of the grain to allow higher feeding levels of home-grown cereals; with reduced risk of acidosis occurring.

XL Grain can be used to treat barley, wheat, oats and grain maize. It can be used on whole or rolled grain; however, the grain must be rolled to allow for safe feeding.

Whole or rolled cereals treated at optimum moistures of 16-20% must be stored under a polythene cover for a period of three weeks to allow for the treatment process to take place.Once this process is complete the cover can be removed and the grain can be either fed (once rolled) or moved to another shed.

XL Grain offers significant flexibility as whole grain can be treated at harvest using a diet feeder and the grain can be rolled as needed during the season or a contractor could roll and treat the grain at harvest time.

Whether treating whole or rolled grain, the application rate of XL Grain is 1 bag (20kg) per tonne of cereals. This is a much simpler process when compared to similar products on the market. Once whole or rolled grain is treated it will keep for up to 12 months.

The application of 1 bag of XL Grain per tonne of cereals will increase the pH of the grain to a minimum pH of 8.5 resulting in significant reduction in the risk of acidosis.

The application will also increase protein content of the grain by up to five percentage points i.e. bringing barley from 10% to 15% protein content. This is beneficial because it reduces the need for bought in proteins and also means there is less need for storage of these proteins on farm.

The combined effect of a higher protein, higher pH cereal achieved with XL Grain treatment is that you can feed higher levels of a high starch, high-quality, Irish-grown feed without the same risk of acidosis.

This has significant effects for both finishing and milking diets. In relation to finishing diets the effect is that you can increase the levels of starch in the diet at a faster rate which can result in reduced days to finishing. Cereals treated with XL Grain can be safely fed up to ad lib levels in beef-finishing diets.

In relation to milk production;sub-acute ruminalacidosis (SARA) is a real issue for high output dairy herds with levels of cereals in the diet. Acidosis has many negative effects including reduced milk output and reduced solid production; which ultimately reduces profit. The inclusion of XL Grain treated cereals has a significant positive effect on both.

Quinns of Baltinglass Ltd will be offering a full service to its customers in relation to the use of XL Grain this harvest.

This service will include:

Product summary:

For further information on using XL Grain on your farm, please contact Quinns of Baltinglass Ltd on: 059-6481266; orclick here

Sponsored by Quinns of Baltinglass

The rest is here:
Feed higher levels of Irish cereals with XL Grain - Agriland

Comments Off on Feed higher levels of Irish cereals with XL Grain – Agriland
Jun 23rd, 2020 | Filed under Diet Safely

While fossil fuels offer an easily transportable, affordable, and energy-dense fuel for everyday use, the burning of this fuel creates pollutants, which can concentrate in city centers degrading the quality of air and life for residents.

The world is looking for alternative ways to ensure the mobility of people and goods with different power sources, and electric vehicles have high potential to fill this need.

But did you know that not all electric vehicles produce their electricity in the same way?

The world obsesses over battery technology and manufacturers such as Tesla, but there is an alternative fuel that powers rocket ships and is road-ready. Hydrogen is set to become an important fuel in the clean energy mix of the future.

Todays infographic comes from the Canadian Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Association (CHFCA) and it outlines the case for hydrogen.

Some scientists have made the argument that it was not hydrogen that caused the infamous Hindenburg to burst into flames. Instead, the powdered aluminum coating of the zeppelin, which provided its silver look, was the culprit. Essentially, the chemical compound coating the dirigibles was a crude form of rocket fuel.

Industry and business have safely used, stored, and transported hydrogen for 50 years, while hydrogen-powered electric vehicles have a proven safety record with over 10 million miles of operation. In fact, hydrogen has several properties that make it safer than fossil fuels:

Since hydrogen is the most abundant chemical element in the universe, it can be produced almost anywhere with a variety of methods, including from fuels such as natural gas, oil, or coal, and through electrolysis. Fossil fuels can be treated with extreme temperatures to break their hydrocarbon bonds, releasing hydrogen as a byproduct. The latter method uses electricity to split water into hydrogen and oxygen.

Both methods produce hydrogen for storage, and later consumption in an electric fuel cell.

Battery and hydrogen-powered vehicles have the same goal: to reduce the environmental impact from oil consumption. There are two ways to measure the environmental impact of vehicles, from Well to Wheels and from Cradle to Grave.

Well to wheels refers to the total emissions from the production of fuel to its use in everyday life. Meanwhile, cradle to grave includes the vehicles production, operation, and eventual destruction.

According to one study, both of these measurements show that hydrogen-powered fuel cells significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and air pollutants. For every kilometer a hydrogen-powered vehicle drives it produces only 2.7 grams per kilometer (g/km) of carbon dioxide while a battery electric vehicle produces 20 g/km.

During everyday use, both options offer zero emissions, high efficiency, an electric drive, and low noise, but hydrogen offers weight-saving advantages that battery-powered vehicles do not.

In one comparison, Toyotas Mirai had a maximum driving range of 312 miles, 41% further than Teslas Model 3 220-mile range. The Mirai can refuel in minutes, while the Model 3 has to recharge in 8.5 hours for only a 45% charge at a specially configured quick charge station not widely available.

However, the world still lacks the significant infrastructure to make this hydrogen-fueled future possible.

Large scale production delivers economic amounts of hydrogen. In order to achieve this scale, an extensive infrastructure of pipelines and fueling stations are required. However to build this, the world needs global coordination and action.

Countries around the world are laying the foundations for a hydrogen future. In 2017, CEOs from around the word formed the Hydrogen Council with the mission to accelerate the investment in hydrogen.

Globally, countries have announced plans to build 2,800 hydrogen refueling stations by 2025. German pipeline operators presented a plan to create a 1,200-kilometer grid by 2030 to transport hydrogen across the country, which would be the worlds largest in planning.

Fuel cell technology is road-ready with hydrogen infrastructure rapidly catching up. Hydrogen can deliver the power for a new clear energy era.

Thank you!

Given email address is already subscribed, thank you!

Please provide a valid email address.

Please complete the CAPTCHA.

Oops. Something went wrong. Please try again later.

Here is the original post:
Vegetarianism: Tapping Into the Meatless Revolution - Visual Capitalist

Comments Off on Vegetarianism: Tapping Into the Meatless Revolution – Visual Capitalist
Jun 23rd, 2020 | Filed under Diet Safely

By Tasneem Hassanali

One night in early September 2017, 11.00 pm I woke up with cold sweat on palms and forehead. I assumed it is just another pregnancy outcome. I had just entered my third trimester.

I felt pain with each deep breath and back aches. And there was that hot, tight, sore spot right above my belly. I woke my husband up, telling him I cant breathe.

I press hard on the center of the pain, close my eyes tight and wait. My heartbeat echoes gently up my fingertips. Is it a heart attack?

Whats going on, I think aloud. The sweats drying, and I can fill my lungs without doubling over from the pain. Its 10 minutes past 11, Im okay.

A week later, at 1.00 am, repeat of above. I am not okay. The pain lasted for more than 10 minutes.

My husband, trying to rub my back but it doesnt seem to be of any help. I cry, shout in pain couldnt understand why the body is suddenly acting this way. The throbbing beneath my breastbone got worse.

Is it acidity, which is a common thing in pregnancy, I think aloud again. The pain lasted for an hour, before I could ease back to sleep. 2.00 am and I am sound asleep.

3 weeks later, at 12.00 pm, in the office, repeat of the above. It was now time to call the doctor but how would I describe the pain to him if I didnt understand what was going on.

Few of my colleagues helped me to ease the pain but it got worse with vomiting. We normalised it as acidity or alike but the pain lasted for hours this time. I was alright by 7.00 pm.

I had just finished nursing my one-month-old baby, when my mother found me on the floor not just squealing but screaming of pain.

It was the same all over. I was rushed to the hospital at wee hours but the doctors couldnt understand why the acidity and pain medications werent working. We were still ruling it out as acidity. I was alright by morning, once again.

My baby had just turned four-months-old when I found myself being rushed to the hospital once again. The pain attack was back.

This time, the doctors suspected something else when they ran some lab tests and history. I was separated from my baby for about 5 days as I was put under-observation, surviving only on IV fluids. I was still breastfeeding my baby and I didnt know what hurt more being separated from the baby and not able to breastfeed her or throbbing under my breastbone.

My surgeon comes up to me and tells me that they are suspecting passing of gallstones. I say, What, gallstones, me? Isnt that for older women?

My mother is a living testament of bearing gallstones within her for God knows how many years now.

I have read every word of every mother-to-be and mother-in-progress book in the English language. How have I escaped knowing that oestrogen levels surge after delivery that can cause many new mothers to develop gall stones?

MRCP imaging technique revealed that I have three gall bladder stones between the size of 0.75cm and 0.97cm.

According to Dr Amritbir Singh, General and Laproscopic surgeon based in Dar es Salaam, 80 per cent of gallstones are made of cholesterol. The other 20 per cent of gallstones are made of calcium salts and bilirubin.

Dr Singh further explains that gallstones are hardened deposits of digestive fluid that can form in your gallbladder. Your gallbladder is a small, pear-shaped organ on the right side of your abdomen, just beneath your liver.

The gallbladder holds a digestive fluid called bile thats released into your small intestine.

Gallstones range in size from as small as a grain of sand to as large as a golf ball. Some people develop just one gallstone, while others develop many gallstones at the same time.

They affect more women, but men are at risk too

When my surgeon first explained to me about gallbladder disease and stones, he mentioned about the 4 Fs that weigh in the fact that women are more at a risk to develop gallbladder stones than men.

These are: Female, Fertile, Fat and Forty. Research shows that women are more likely to develop cholesterol gallstones than men, especially during their reproductive years, when the incidence of gallstones in women is 2-3 times that in men.

Dr Singh explains that the difference appears to be attributable to sex hormone oestrogen, which increases biliary cholesterol secretion, pregnancy is also a major risk factor for gallstone formation.

Oral contraceptives have also been described to be associated with an increased risk for gallstone disease.

Other risk factors Dr Singh explains as, Other factors raise your risk, too. For instance, overweight people are more susceptible since gallstone formation is associated with excess weight, which is often a result of consuming too many high-fat and high-calorie foods. Genes also play a factor. Anyone with a family history of gallstones is at a higher risk.

Additionally, he explains that taking certain medications that contain estrogen, such as oral contraceptives or hormone therapy drugs can increase your risk too.

The change in my lifestyle

I was advised to adopt a low-fat diet to manage my stones before I decide whether I want to have my gallbladder removed or not. This meant anything with cream, whole milk, fat not allowed. I completely cut down on red meat, fatty foods (including the love I had for cheese) and milk.

Dr Singh advises that whether people are symptomatic or asymptomatic, or whether you want to prevent gallbladder disease or stones one needs to drink enough water (about 2.5litres a day), eat a balanced diet, include lots of fresh fruits and vegetables, wholegrain foods are encouraged and one needs to cut down completely on saturated fats that can include butter and noodles.

This type of balanced diet with regular meals is recommended. This will not cure gallstones, but it can have a positive impact on any symptoms and pain experienced.

A laparoscopic gallbladder removal, the only possible treatment option for symptomatic gallbladder stones that I was recommended.

But over these years, I have seen my mother live with the gallbladder stones whether in pain or not and till date it keeps me in a dilemma whether I should have my gallbladder removed surgically or not.

I have consulted many doctors, some advice I should go for it, others say stay with it. It has been about 2 years since my last pain attack, I have been trying to maintain a healthy lifestyle but I still wonder and fear when the next pain attack will be. I still have my gallbladder intact with my three stones floating inside I still wonder what to do.

Dr Singh says, A patients treatment plan for gallstones depends on how the symptoms are affecting their daily life. There are stages.

He further explains the stages:

1. Lithogenic State: This is known as the pre-gallstone state.

The conditions inside your gallbladder favour gallstone production, but nothing has formed quite yet. Its kind of like seeing the rain clouds on the horizon, but unlike the weather, you can do something about it. Exercise and eating a healthy diet full of leafy vegetables, fruits, whole grains and beans. Avoid high fat diets.

2. Asymptomatic stage: This is the stage we referenced above. Many people may be dealing with asymptomatic gallstone formation and not even know it.

This could occur because the gallstones are very small and still able to pass through the biliary tract and be expelled, or because they arent causing major blockage.

3. Symptomatic stage: In the third stage, you will begin dealing with what is described as episodes of biliary colic or bile duct blockage.

Your pain will not be constant, and may seem to go in waves, especially after eating a meal. If youre experiencing pain in your abdomen and you suspect you may have gallstones, head to an endocrine specialists office. Some minor cases may resolve with medications, but oftentimes surgery is the preferred route.

4. Complicated stage: Choleithasis is the medical term for gallstone development, and in the final stage the condition is complicated and potentially dangerous. The bile cant flow out of the gallbladder which can lead to inflammation and disease.

We have to categorise each patient as to which stage they are at and then advise medical management accordingly.

This can include strict diet, medications, shock wave lithotripsy [ultrasonic shock waves are aimed at the gallstones, which break them up. If gallstones become small enough, they can then pass safely in the stools. This type of treatment is uncommon and is only used when there are few gallstones present] and in some cases surgery, Dr Singh explains.

Dr Singh gives the following tips:

You can reduce your risk of gallstones if you:

Dont skip meals. Try to stick to your usual mealtimes each day. Skipping meals or fasting can increase the risk of gallstones.

Lose weight slowly. If you need to lose weight, go slow. Rapid weight loss can increase the risk of gallstones. Aim to lose 1 or 2 pounds (about 0.5 to 1 kilogram) a week.

Eat more high-fiber foods. Include more fiber-rich foods in your diet, such as fruits, vegetables and whole grains.

Maintain a healthy weight. Obesity and being overweight increase the risk of gallstones.

Work to achieve a healthy weight by reducing the number of calories you eat and increasing the amount of physical activity you get. Once you achieve a healthy weight, work to maintain that weight by continuing your healthy diet and continuing to exercise.

thassanali@tz.nationmedia.com

Here is the original post:
Living with stones in my body - The Citizen

Comments Off on Living with stones in my body – The Citizen
Jun 23rd, 2020 | Filed under Diet Safely

Many venues and businesses will be allowed to reopen, as long as they are "Covid-secure", for example by maintaining social distancing.

These include hotels, hostels, bed and breakfast accommodation, holiday apartments or homes, cottages or bungalows, campsites, caravan parks or boarding houses. Shared facilities must be kept very clean.

Restaurants, cafes, workplace canteens, bars, pubs and cinemas can reopen, as can places of worship, libraries, community centres and bingo halls.

Theatres and concert halls can reopen but not for live performances.

Museums and galleries, hair salons and barbers can reopen.

Outdoor playgrounds, outdoor gyms, funfairs, theme parks and adventure parks and activities can reopen.

Amusement arcades, outdoor skating rinks, indoor leisure centres or facilities - including indoor games and recreation - can also open up.

Social clubs, model villages and indoor attractions at aquariums, zoos, safari parks, farms, wildlife centres, and any place where animals are exhibited to the public as an attraction, can reopen.

See the rest here:
Coronavirus latest news: Boris Johnson brings England out of hibernation - but with a warning that Covid is still here - Telegraph.co.uk

Comments Off on Coronavirus latest news: Boris Johnson brings England out of hibernation – but with a warning that Covid is still here – Telegraph.co.uk
Jun 23rd, 2020 | Filed under Diet Safely

Mediterranean diet: A heart-healthy eating plan

Ready to switch to a more heart-healthy diet? Here's how to get started with the Mediterranean diet.

If you're looking for a heart-healthy eating plan, the Mediterranean diet might be right for you.

The Mediterranean diet blends the basics of healthy eating with the traditional flavors and cooking methods of the Mediterranean.

Interest in the Mediterranean diet began in the 1960s with the observation that coronary heart disease caused fewer deaths in Mediterranean countries, such as Greece and Italy, than in the U.S. and northern Europe. Subsequent studies found that the Mediterranean diet is associated with reduced risk factors for cardiovascular disease.

The Mediterranean diet is one of the healthy eating plans recommended by the Dietary Guidelines for Americans to promote health and prevent chronic disease.

It is also recognized by the World Health Organization as a healthy and sustainable dietary pattern and as an intangible cultural asset by the United National Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization.

The Mediterranean diet is a way of eating based on the traditional cuisine of countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea. While there is no single definition of the Mediterranean diet, it is typically high in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, beans, nut and seeds, and olive oil.

The main components of Mediterranean diet include:

Other important elements of the Mediterranean diet are sharing meals with family and friends, enjoying a glass of red wine and being physically active.

The foundation of the Mediterranean diet is vegetables, fruits, herbs, nuts, beans and whole grains. Meals are built around these plant-based foods. Moderate amounts of dairy, poultry and eggs are also central to the Mediterranean Diet, as is seafood. In contrast, red meat is eaten only occasionally.

Healthy fats are a mainstay of the Mediterranean diet. They're eaten instead of less healthy fats, such as saturated and trans fats, which contribute to heart disease.

Olive oil is the primary source of added fat in the Mediterranean diet. Olive oil provides monounsaturated fat, which has been found to lower total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (LDL or "bad") cholesterol levels. Nuts and seeds also contain monounsaturated fat.

Fish are also important in the Mediterranean diet. Fatty fish such as mackerel, herring, sardines, albacore tuna, salmon and lake trout are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, a type of polyunsaturated fat that may reduce inflammation in the body. Omega-3 fatty acids also help decrease triglycerides, reduce blood clotting, and decrease the risk of stroke and heart failure.

The Mediterranean diet typically allows red wine in moderation. Although alcohol has been associated with a reduced risk of heart disease in some studies, it's by no means risk free. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans caution against beginning to drink or drinking more often on the basis of potential health benefits.

Interested in trying the Mediterranean diet? These tips will help you get started:

The Mediterranean diet is a delicious and healthy way to eat. Many people who switch to this style of eating say they'll never eat any other way.

.

See the article here:
Mediterranean diet for heart health - Mayo Clinic

Comments Off on Mediterranean diet for heart health – Mayo Clinic
Jun 18th, 2020 | Filed under Diet Safely

You've probably heard someone complain about how they always catch a cold after flying. Maybe you are that person.

Or perhaps you've seen those GIFs showing how germs from someone sneezing can spread all over the plane, or reports that shed light on the dirtiest parts of a plane (yes, tray tables are germierthan airplane bathrooms).

While nonessential travel is still not recommended in many places such as in the US, where the Centers for Disease Control warns against it you might be wondering how safe it really is to fly right now. Are airplanes vessels of disease, best avoided during a global pandemic, or are they no riskier than, say, a trip to the grocery store?

We spoke to four experts to find out what the risks look like.

It's worth noting that if you do choose to travel, it's best to check each state's health and travel advisories, and the CDC's travel recommendations by country.

HEPA filters are also used in hospitals and remove 99.97% of all airborne particles. Stanislav Samoylik/Shutterstock

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) states on its website that "most viruses and other germs do not spread easily on flights because of how air circulates and is filtered on airplanes."

Some experts agree.

Joseph Allen, an assistant professor of exposure assessment science at Harvard University and co-author of the book "Healthy Buildings," told Insider that the air on planes is "clean and highly filtered."

Having studied airplane cabin air quality for over a decade, Allen says: "We have to approach this not just from a medical side, but also understanding the engineering side. When you take a step back and look at how the airplane functions, you quickly see that the airplane is getting a lot of fresh air."

He explains that air on planes comes through the engine from outside, and is usually a 50/50 mix of fresh and recirculated air. The recirculated air goes through a HEPA filter, which is used in hospitals and removes 99.97% of all airborne particles, such as germs and viruses. He adds that airplanes get 10 to 12 full air changes per hour, which is on par with what the CDC recommends for airborne infection isolation rooms in hospitals.

"When an infectious passenger coughs or sneezes, the large droplets are going to fall to the ground. So they're not going to be floating around the cabin. It's the small aerosols that are going to float around the cabin, and hopefully [those] are wiped up by the HEPA filter," said Howard Weiss, a biomathematician and professor in the School of Mathematics at Georgia Tech and an adjunct professor of biology and public health at Emory University. Weiss also co-authored a study titled, "Behaviors, movements, and transmission of droplet-mediated respiratory diseases during transcontinental airline flights."

He adds that it's believed that the flu and the coronavirus, for example, are mostly transmitted by the large droplets, though he says there are some indications of "super spreading events that may be caused by aerosols" for COVID-19.

Claiming that air on planes is probably fresher than the air in your house or office, Weiss says "what that means is that an infectious aerosol won't linger for long periods of time on a plane."

The International Air Transport Association is on the same page, stating on its website that "the risk of catching an infection on an aircraft is typically lower than in a shopping center or office environment."

The tray table is the dirtiest surface on a plane. David Slotnick/Business Insider

"The issue is really who's next to you, and then the surfaces you touch a lot," Charles Gerba, a professor of virology at the University of Arizona who has also studied germs on planes, said.

However, he adds that the current cleaning protocols implemented by most airlines, which disinfect planes between flights in many cases, "should take care of a lot of the concerns with that." In fact, going forward airlines will increasingly focus on hygiene, with ideas such as plastic dividers between seats or in-flight janitors already circulating.

Gerba says that tray tables are the dirtiest place on a plane, according to his studies, and that he's detected influenza virus, norovirus, and parainfluenza virus, which causes the common cold, on them.

"The reason that the trays get so contaminated is because that's where your hands are. You're contaminating it all the time by picking it up. So what we generally recommend is you bring a hand sanitizer with you, try to avoid touching your face, or wear a mask, and I think the risks are minimized." He says to avoid the tray table entirely if you can, and to be careful using the bathroom latch and taps, and the overhead vents.

Weiss agrees, saying that indirect transmission of most respiratory infections (touching something that someone who is infected touched) can for the most part be staved off "by using hand sanitizer religiously if you touch any surfaces in the airplane cabin."

"I think that the risk has always been primarily through inhalation, but it doesn't mean that the surface route is not important, or we don't need to worry about wiping down surfaces or washing our hands and using hand sanitizer. I still think that's very important from an infection risk reduction," said Paloma Beamer, associate professor of environmental health sciences at University of Arizona and president of the International Society of Exposure Science.

According to newly revised guidance on the CDC's website, the coronavirus "does not spread easily" from contaminated surfaces.

It's almost impossible to maintain a 6-foot distance from others on a plane. Associated Press

According to Allen, there are "very few examples of outbreaks happening on an airplane," at least relative to the millions of flights annually. However, he adds that "proximity to the infectious patient or person is the key risk factor."

Gerba agrees, but says "it's only really the immediate area around you" that puts travelers at risk. He says that because the air on planes goes around, instead of back and forth, "studies have shown in outbreaks on planes it's usually the people on either side of you or front and back of you." And while Gerba says, "you can get diseases on planes," he adds that it comes mainly from "the people just right immediately next to you."

Allen says it's down to "the luck of the draw," and whether you sit next to someone who is not only infectious but also asymptomatic, as he hopes that symptomatic patients are screened out of flights at this stage.

"It'd be the same risk if you went out grocery shopping what are the odds you happen to be next to somebody in line with an infection?" he said.

Beamer says that the main issue on a plane is the inability to control your environment.

"If you're on a full plane and you sit down next to somebody who is sick, there's not really a whole lot you can do. You don't have as much control over your exposure on a plane versus other environments. Like, when I'm at Trader Joe's, I can still move away," she said.

According to Beamer, travelers can have up to 20 other passengers within six feet of them on a full flight, but adds that six feet is really just a suggestion. "Six feet 1 inch doesn't make you safe, neither does 5 feet 10 inches make you not safe it's kind of a range. Some people are going to release a lot more virus when they're sick than other people," she said.

Essentially, your probability of getting infected changes depending on how close or far you are from an infected person.

"What our study showed was that if direct transmission, large droplet mediated infectious disease variance falls within a meter or two (3-6 feet), then unless you're seated close to the infectious passenger [...] you have quite a low probability of getting infected," Weiss said.

Close, to Weiss, means the CDC standard for most infectious diseases of three feet.

While many flights are currently operating at low capacity, and some airlines are keeping their middle rows empty, this likely won't last. According to a press release by the International Air Transport Association (IATA), social-distancing measures can reduce planes' maximum load factors to 62%, when most airlines need their planes to be 77% full to break even. Thus, the IATA anticipates fares rising by up to 54% in some places, though this could also mean that flights will simply get filled right back up as soon as there's demand again.

Gerba suggests wearing a mask, not only because it reduces the spread of airborne droplets, "but it keeps you from touching your nose and mouth, which are potential routes of transmission of virus."

While Weiss acknowledges that your level of protection really depends on the kind of mask you wear, he says that "wearing a mask and washing your hands religiously, I think those are the best things you could do."

Allen also suggests keeping the vent above you on and blowing air down.

Crowds like these are not uncommon at airports. Scott Olson/GettyImages

The CDC says that yes, air travel can increase your risk of contracting COVID-19, but clarifies that this doesn't necessarily mean that the risk is only on the plane itself.

"Air travel requires spending time in security lines and airport terminals, which can bring you in close contact with other people and frequently touched surfaces," the CDC writes.

Allen thinks that there are many situations outside of the airplane cabin that deserve our heightened attention.

"If you look at the whole travel experience, you can't disentangle the time in the airplane from these other environments, which may be higher risk," he said, pointing to taking public transportation to the airport, standing in tightly packed lines for check-in, security, and boarding, and potentially eating at a contaminated table in the terminal. He adds that travel often disrupts your sleep cycle and diet, which can also impact your immune system.

His research has also found that often the gates and jetways at airports don't have ventilation running while people board and disembark, which he says needs to change in order to prevent the spread of airborne viral particles infectious people might be shedding.

"We have to place the risk on an airplane in the context of other risks, we can't just point to one environment. If everyone's focus is on the tray table, rather than their entire time through the airport, then that's a mistake because that means they're not paying as much attention to other areas that are higher risk. Those are things that are controllable risks," Allen said.

"I'm not saying we shouldn't take additional precautions during a pandemic, it's just to highlight that the time on the airplane is lower risk compared to these other environments," he added.

"There's some added benefit to sitting in a window seat." Getty Images

"Because people are walking by you in the aisle seat, it's shown in outbreaks and norovirus that people are more likely to get ill if they sit on the aisle because people are touching surfaces and walking by. So based on norovirus outbreaks, the window seat is better," said Gerba.

Weiss agrees. "What we found was under normal circumstances again, we're talking direct transmission of large droplet transmitted infectious diseases if you sit in a window seat, you are more than a meter (3 feet) away from the aisle," he said. "So if you believe in the one-meter cut-off for infectious droplets, then you're going to have far fewer close proximity contacts. So yes, there's some added benefit to sitting in a window seat. It's modest, but it's certainly a benefit."

Wiping down tray tables and other touch points can reduce risk. Joey Hadden/Business Insider

"The airlines have a lot of responsibility here, but let's not ignore the responsibility of the air traveler," Allen said, citing that travelers should stay home if they're sick, wear their mask throughout the entire trip, and maintain physical distance.

Currently, air travel is slightly up again the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) reported 441,255 people flying on June 7 but that's only in comparison to its record low of 87,534 people in April. To put the numbers into perspective, on the same weekday in 2019, the TSA saw 2,669,860 people passing through their checkpoints.

Allen says that travelers should continue to ask themselves whether the trip is really necessary.

"This is not a green light that everyone should run out to the airport tomorrow morning and fly," he said. "While the science shows that the risk is low on an airplane, airplanes are also good vectors of disease. They move people around the country and the world efficiently, and can bring someone who is sick to an area that maybe doesn't have an outbreak happening."

"You have to ask yourself, is it necessary? Do you have any personal risk factors that put you at higher risk? Are you willing to do your part? Are you willing to keep your mask on? Are you willing to wash your hands frequently? Are you willing to maintain physical distancing?" Allen asks.

"I think if we do all of that, and the airport does their role, the airlines do their role, and air travelers do their part, we can get back to a place where we can start to increase the amount of air travel we have."

Continued here:
Experts on what the health risks of flying on a plane right now are - Insider - INSIDER

Comments Off on Experts on what the health risks of flying on a plane right now are – Insider – INSIDER
Jun 18th, 2020 | Filed under Diet Safely

For people obliged to follow a special diet or those who have undergone bariatric surgery, taking part in meals together as a family, rather than alone in front of a computer or television, could help maintain balanced eating habits, a new study suggests.

Published in the Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior, the study also indicates that patients were more likely to have family meals when they had good communication and moral support from their loved ones.

The study involved 259 patients, all parents of a child between the ages of two and 18, who were registered at accredited weight management and bariatric surgery centres at Ohio State University and Wake Forest University in the United States.

The patients were asked questions about family meal practices, as well as parent-child discussions on specific topics such as diet, weight and body image.

According to the survey, families with younger children were more likely to eat dinner and breakfast together.

The researchers also found that parents who perceived their child to be overweight or obese were four times more likely to discuss this topic with them.

Its important to ensure communication directly about child-rens weight is not harmful in their development of a healthy body image and behaviours.

That includes older children and adolescents who are at greater risk of developing eating disorders and disordered eating behaviours, points out Keeley J. Pratt, an Ohio State University professor who directed the study.

Additional research assessing the family meal practices and weight talk in the families of adults pursuing weight loss could yield important evidence that could lead to improved patient outcomes, and safely promote healthy behaviours and prevention of obesity in children, the study authors conclude. AFP Relaxnews

Go here to read the rest:
Eating as a family helps maintain healthy weight - The Star Online

Comments Off on Eating as a family helps maintain healthy weight – The Star Online
Jun 18th, 2020 | Filed under Diet Safely
Weight Loss Solutions
matomo tracker