Ignore “Organic” Labels on Fish May 23, 2008
Posted by Mary Ellen Iafrate in : Uncategorized , comments closedThe term is meaningless when it comes to seafood, since the USDA has not set standards, as it has for other certified organic foods.
There is no guarantee that farmed fish was raised on organic feed or that antibiotics and synthetic pesticides were not used—and “organic” doesn’t mean that either farmed or wild fish contain fewer contaminants.
Setting organic standards for seafood is problematic, because it’s impossible to control the environment and feeding of wild fish, and fish farming often contributes to pollution and runs counter to the philosophy of organic production in other ways.
Published by UC Berkeley Wellness Letter, March 2007
Benefits of Eating Whole Grains May 23, 2008
Posted by Mary Ellen Iafrate in : Uncategorized , comments closedTwo new studies have confirmed that whole grains help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes.
One, an analysis of seven large studies, concluded that people who averaged 2.5 daily servings of whole grains were about 20% less likely to have heart disease or a stroke than those consuming little or no whole grains.
The second study, from Germany, found that those who consumed the most fiber from grains (primarily whole grains) as well as magnesium (in whole grains, beans, leafy greens, and nuts) were 23 to 33% less likely to develop Type 2 diabetes.
Excerpt from UC, Berkeley “Wellness Letter”, Volume 23, Issue ll.
Would You Recognize a Stroke? May 23, 2008
Posted by Mary Ellen Iafrate in : Uncategorized , comments closedIn March, I wrote on the topic “Small Changes Can Prevent a Stroke”. I would like to follow that up with this “Would You Recognize a Stroke?” post.
Having been intimately involved in the rehabilitation and care of the relative that suffered the stroke, I hope this information will be beneficial to everyone.
If you think someone is having a stroke, act F.A.S.T.
FACE: Ask the person to smile. Does one side of the face droop?
ARMS: Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?
SPEECH: Ask the person to repeat simple sentences. Are the words slurred? Can he/she repeat the sentence?
TIME: If the person shows any of the symptoms, call 911.
Other stroke symptoms include:
- Sudden numbness or weakness of face, arm or leg.
- Sudden confusion, trouble seeing, trouble speaking or understanding.
- Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination.
- Sudden severe headache with no known cause.
The above excerpt is from the publication “Great Medicine” by Henry Ford Macomb Stroke Program. 586.263.2890.