Jun
12
2011
Hello my fans and here we go again. German authorities have again said that they are looking into bean sprouts from an organic farm in Lower Saxony, as the cause of the contaminated vegetables. Meanwhile the death rate has climbed to 30 with over 3000 people infected. The organic farm in question (Gaertnerhof Farm) has apparently been shut down and is no longer sending produce to market. Authorities have said its okay to start eating tomatoes, lettuce and cucumbers but to avoid bean sprouts.
E. coli is a bacterium that is found in the intestines of animals and humans. Produce (fruits and vegetables), does not produce this bacteria. So the fruits and vegetables get contaminated by the manure of animals (and humans). It is also suspected that animals that are fed antibiotics to prevent infections (or treat infections), produce a resistant strain of E. coli leading to the development of the new super strains of E. coli (e.g. Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli 0104:H4) we are seeing.
According to the CDC:
Shiga-toxin producing E. coli (STEC) infections can cause different gastrointestinal symptoms, which often include severe stomach cramps, diarrhea (often bloody), and vomiting. If there is fever, it is generally not very high (less than 101°F ). Hemolytic-uremic syndrome (HUS) is a disorder that usually occurs when an infection in the digestive system (such as STEC) produces toxic substances that destroy red blood cells and ...
Posted in: Editor's Page, Home
Jun
06
2011
The deadly bacteria E. coli 0104 also known as enterohaemorrhagic E. coli (EHEC) has spread to all parts of Germany as well as most of Europe and several cases have been confirmed in the United States. Most cases involve young women between the ages of 20 – 50. Besides Germany, Sweden has the highest number of confirmed cases of hemolytic-uremic syndrome (a blood infection and kidney failure) as a result of the EHEC infection. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the EHEC determined in the laboratory is the serotype 0104:H4 and the specific strain is the enteroaggregative Verocytotoxin-producing E. coli (EAggEC VTEC) 0104:H4.
Initially reported by German health officials, bean sprouts grown at an organic farm in northern Germany (Gaertnerhof farm in the village of Buenenbuettel) were implicated as a cause of the lethal bacteria. Now that doesn’t seem to be the case. The Lower Saxony agriculture ministry did an about face and retracted the bean sprout story, apparently finding no evidence of the EHEC after testing. So the search goes on. After initially implicating Spanish cucumbers, now bean sprouts are out as a suspect, at least for now.
So where do we go next? The advisory is still in effect: DO NOT EAT RAW TOMATOES, LETTUCE, BEAN SPROUTS OR CUCUMBERS when traveling in the northern part of Germany. Seek medical care if you have eaten these raw vegetables and or ...
Posted in: Editor's Page, Home
Jun
05
2011
Hello my fans and welcome to another breaking news story: the cause of the deadly super E. coli (Escherichia coli) bacteria that has killed 22 people and affected over 2200, has been found to be related to bean sprouts grown in the Lower Saxony region of Germany. Several cases of the super E. coli 0104:H4 (STEC0104:H4) bacteria have been found in the United States, in people that had traveled to Germany. The E. coli illness has been reported in patients all over Europe and is caused by eating raw tomatoes, cucumbers, lettuce and bean sprouts. Apparently washing the vegetables has little effect on this super bug.
Symptoms from a crampy and bloody diarrhea to a deadly hemolytic-uremic syndrome producing kidney failure, a blood disorder and brain disease are being seen in people affected by this super bacteria. Women and people over the age of 20 seem to be the likely target. Is it because women eat more salads? It also is different in that the time from exposure to onset of symptoms maybe upwards of 12 days. And the kicker is that it seems to be resistant to all of our available antibiotics! This bacteria produces a toxin (Shiga toxin) which is a byproduct produced by some bacteria. The problem is that when the antibiotics kills the bacteria, the toxins are released and some of these toxins are more deadly than ...
Posted in: Editor's Page, Home
Jun
04
2011
Hello my fans, breaking news: MyPlate has replaced MyPyramid as the new food educational icon for the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). The round plate shape is in and the pyramid structure is out. The new MyPlate message is the following:
A. Fruits and veggies should now make up half of your daily calorie intake.
B. Grains make up over one quarter and should be mostly whole grains.
C. Proteins make up less than a quarter of the calories for the day and include a recommendation for everyone (except vegetarians) to eat at least 8 ounces of cooked seafood per week. Less for younger children based on age.
D. Dairy should be either 2 or three cups depending on age and ONLY low fat or fat free.
E. Reduce your sodium intake.
F. Increase water intake and reduce and avoid sugary drinks.
The USDA spent approximately 2 million dollars to develop the new icon which includes promotional monies for the first year of its use. Yes, its simple and appears easier to understand than the pyramid. There is no mention of servings or portions? But I guess that depends on the size of your plate! The largest percentage of the plate goes to the plant foods which without a doubt are the healthiest foods you can consume. Unfortunately, most of us are not eating enough fruits and veggies. What are you waiting for? Low fat and ...
Posted in: Editor's Page, Home
May
25
2011
The 2011 American Fitness Index (AFI) report was released this week by the American College of Sports Medicine. Meant as a report of the Health and Community Fitness Status of the 50 largest metropolitan areas in the United States, the AFI was developed in 2008 as a measure of the fitness of various cities and communities across the United States, using “ a composite of preventive health behaviors, levels of chronic disease conditions, health care access, as well as community resources and polices that support physical activity, “and allows officials, residents and potential residents to see the health statistics in their community. This can help identify ways to improve the health and “quality of life and well-being” of the residents of that particular community. In addition to the fitness components of the community, violent crime statistics are also shown for each community. The index uses the 50 largest metropolitan areas of the United States as determined by the U.S. Office of Management and Budget (from data supplied by the U.S. Census). High AFI scores indicates “strong community fitness,” and are analogous to an individual’s strong personal commitment to physical fitness. Low scores can be interpreted as the reverse.
So let’s go to the results and see where your city’s fitness ranks:
2011 Rank/ City/ 2010 Rank
1 Minneapolis, MN -3
2 Washington, DC - 1
3 Boston, MA - 2
4 Portland, OR - 5
5 Denver, CO - 6
6 San ...
Posted in: Editor's Page, Home
May
24
2011
Hello my diet fans and welcome to Day 7 of your Best Diet in the Universe diet plan, brought to you by me, your diet guru, Graehm Gray. Yes, I have accepted your mandate. I am there for you! Investigating the hundreds of diet plans out there and formulating my original plan just for you, my loyal followers. Its actually not so dramatic, but I like to write that way! My plan incorporates the essentials of a good Mediterranean style meal plan with a special concern on calorie intake. Its really not a “diet” plan per se, but more like a way of life. Yes, a life style!
So fellow dieter, you have reached the end of the week: week number one-and we are about to climb further up the mountain. By this time, after six diet days, your body is going through changes. Your body is recognizing that it is not getting the usual amount of food that it has received before. In fact, besides seeing a lower quantity, it is seeing a much healthier assortment of calories. Your body is now being called upon to burn fat and carbs more efficiently. It is adding protein to your muscles and burning internal fat. And with the Best Diet in the Universe daily exercise program, your conditioning is improving not to mention the efficiency of your metabolism. Your ability ...
Posted in: Editor's Page, Home
May
10
2011
Hello my fans. Welcome to Day 6 of the Best Diet in the Universe. Day 5 was certainly a leaner day with less food available but with continued exercise. Your body is learning to adjust to the lower amounts of calories. You are getting into the fat burning stages of this diet plan which will result in weight loss. That’s a good thing!
We will follow Day 5 with a detox* day. This will help lower your body fat and get your metabolism to gear up to a steady state of fat and calorie burning.
Let’s begin:
Breakfast: start with a mixture of 2 ounces of "POM"-brand name blueberry/pomegranate juice and 2 ounces of water, followed by 2 scrambled eggs, 2 slices of tomato (1/4 inch thick), 1/2 of a grapefruit sprinkled with cinnamon, coffee/tea, 1 glass of water with lemon (6oz). Calorie goal: 200.
Mid morning snack: 3 handfuls of a combination of roasted unsalted almonds and dried cherries; coffee/tea, one glass water (6 ounce) with lemon. Calorie goal: 50-100.
Lunch: Start with a large salad with either iceberg or Romaine lettuce; add tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, onions, carrots, fresh or frozen broccoli, and a small piece (2 inches thick, by 2 inches wide by 5 inches long) of grilled salmon* (the salmon is grilled with garlic, lemon and olive oil). Dip and taste salad dressing of your choice. Coffee/tea, with 2 glasses ...
Posted in: Editor's Page, Home
May
07
2011
• National Physical Fitness and Sports Month (May 1-31)
• Mother’s Day (May 8th)
• National Physical Education and Sport Week (May 1-7)
• National Women's Health Week (May 8-14)
• Bike-to-Work Week (May 16-20)
• National Employee Health and Fitness Day (May 18)
• National Senior Health Fitness Day (May 25th)
• National Salad Month* (May)
• National Tap Dance Day (May 25th)
• Memorial Day (May 30th)
• United Nations: World No Tobacco Day (May 31st)
My friends, for all of you salad lovers, this is the month to show your support. If you are not a consumer of plant foods, this is the time to give them a try. Salads are an amazingly healthy food item that offers many protective health benefits. And it’s also the month to get out and show your exercise support.
Remember, regular exercise and eating healthy are the best ways to remain physically fit and protect yourself from many medical problems.
Stay fit and healthy The Nerdel Way.
Links:
a. Salad Adventures* 101 and 102 at www.nerdel.com/blog
b. Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans: www.health.gov/PAGuidelines/
c. Take the Million PALA Challenge: nerdel.com/blog
d. President’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports Tool Kit: www.fitness.gov/resources/toolkit/index.html
Posted in: Editor's Page, Home
May
01
2011
Hello my fans. Welcome to another day in the life of a dieter. Do you have more pounds to lose? That’s okay! You are in the right place and on the right track. Today's plan is part of the “quick weight loss” plan that is incorporated in the Best Diet in the Universe series. There will be less food today. Yes, less than the previous four days. Today, less is better than more! This will help trigger more fat burning and more calorie loss. If you are on the Best Diet in the Universe plan, you are eating nuts (if you are not allergic), fresh fruits and berries. You are eating less carbohydrates and this is boosting your fat burning. And today, you will eat even less! I know I just said that, but I want to emphasize the “less factor”. Many of you have written in that there is too much food on this plan. You are correct. There are extreme diet plans and less extreme. My plan will allow your body to adjust to the lower amounts of calories and changes in the composition without dramatically affecting your mood or hunger center. But today we will push you a bit! Remember today less is more.
Le Tour de Diet!!! Alez silvous plait. On to Day 5.
Bon Jour! So we have reached day number five of Le Tour de Diet! ...
Posted in: Editor's Page, Home
Apr
23
2011
Hello my fans and welcome to Salad Adventures 102- the second part of how to make the best salad choice. I know it seems easy. Just choose the lettuce, throw in a few tomatoes and bing badda bing, you are done. Well, it doesn’t stop there. What about the peppers, or the radishes or the cucumbers? What color tomatoes should you use? Which lettuce- the Romaine or the Radicchio? Do I add grilled chicken or maybe sliced steak? What dressing do I use? You can see the choices and options are endless. And if you are at a salad bar with people behind you waiting for you to make your choices, the pressure is on!
The most important guide to choosing a salad is to keep it healthy and eat the best in each class. Forget the fried anything’s! Grilled chicken is fine- fried is not!! Most salad croutons (you know those crunchy and sometimes soggy pieces of bread that they throw on Caesar and other salads) are baked and fried in oil- so you don’t need those extra carb and fat calories- so forget them. Fresh fruit and dried fruits provide natural sugar sweeteners, fiber, vitamins and antioxidants and are okay in moderation. Just remember that even though they are healthy and natural by themselves, fruit (fresh or dried) still counts for carbohydrate calories and content in the ...
Posted in: Editor's Page, Home
