Kansans and Friends In Weight Loss

Help Teens Stay Slim

26 05 2008

Experts have long suspected that the empty calories from sugary drinks like soda are playing a key role in the growing childhood obesity epidemic. So what can a parent do to fight back? Try stocking the fridge with low-calorie drink options instead, say researchers from Children’s Hospital in Boston.

In a study, they found that simply replacing high-calorie drinks like soda and sugary fruit-flavored drinks with low-calorie options like diet soda, low-cal lemonade, iced tea, and water led to an 82 percent reduction in the amount of sugar teens consumed. Plus, the more overweight teens who participated in the study dropped an average of half a pound a week simply by switching to low-cal beverages! Talk about effortless weight loss!

Next time you head for the market, bring your teens along and have them help choose which low-calorie drinks they’d like to try. Experts say involving your kids, and making healthier foods their choice, is key to making this easy change stick.

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Categories : denise austin

Beef Product Alert due to Possible E. Coli Contamination

22 05 2008

FSIS Issues Public Health Alert For Beef Products Due To
Possible E. Coli O157:H7 Contamination

WASHINGTON, May 21, 2008 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s
Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is issuing a public health alert for approximately 808
pounds of ground beef products produced at Tyson Fresh Meats, Inc., a Lexington, Neb., establishment
that may be contaminated with E. coli O157:H7.

Tyson Fresh Meats, Inc., (EST. 245L), sold chubs of 85% lean, 15% fat coarse ground beef to Sherm’s
Food-4-Less retail establishment in Medford, Oregon, who then processed this ground beef into
various sized packages of ground beef products and sold to consumers between May 7 and May 19.

FSIS is issuing a public health alert rather than a recall because FSIS has confirmed that none
of the affected products remain available for sale at this retail establishment. Consumers that
may have purchased various sized packages of ground beef products at this retail establishment
between May 7 and May 19 are urged to check their refrigerators and freezers and discard or return
the ground beef products for a refund.

The problem was discovered after a microbiological test for E. coli O157:H7 was reported
positive by another recipient of the product subject to this alert. FSIS has received no reports
of illnesses associated with consumption of this product. Anyone with signs or symptoms of foodborne
illness should consult a medical professional.

E. coli O157:H7 is a potentially deadly
bacteria that can cause bloody diarrhea, dehydration, and in the most severe cases, kidney failure.
The very young, seniors and persons with weak immune systems are the most susceptible to foodborne
illness.

Consumers with questions about this alert should contact the Tyson hotline at (866) 328-3156.
Media with questions about this alert should contact company Director of Communications Gary Mickelson
at (479) 290-6111.

Consumers with food safety questions can “Ask Karen,” the FSIS virtual representative available
24 hours a day at AskKaren.gov. The toll-free USDA Meat and
Poultry Hotline 1-888-MPHotline (1-888-674-6854) is available in English and Spanish and can be
reached from l0 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Eastern Time) Monday through Friday. Recorded food safety messages
are available 24 hours a day.

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Categories : USDA recalls

Pork Sausage Recall in California

22 05 2008

California Firm Recalls Pork Sausages For Possible Listeria Contamination

Recall Release	CLASS I RECALL
FSIS-RC-017-2008	HEALTH RISK: HIGH

Congressional and Public Affairs
(202) 720-9113
Amanda Eamich

WASHINGTON, May 21, 2008 – Cecina Los Amigos, a Carson, Calif., firm,
is voluntarily recalling approximately 290 pounds of pork blood sausages that may be
contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, the U.S. Department of
Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service announced today.

The following product is subject to recall: [View Label]

10-pound vacuum-sealed packages of “CECINA LOS AMIGOS PORK BLOOD SAUSAGE (MORONGA).”
The label bears the establishment number “EST. 21653” inside the USDA mark of
inspection.

The pork blood sausages were produced on May 14, 2008 and were distributed to
retail establishments in northern California.

The problem was discovered by routine FSIS microbiological sampling. FSIS has
received no reports of illnesses associated with consumption of products subject to
this recall. Anyone with signs or symptoms of foodborne illness should consult a
medical professional.

Consumption of food contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes can cause
listeriosis, an uncommon but potentially fatal disease. Healthy people rarely contract
listeriosis. However, listeriosis can cause miscarriages and stillbirths, and can also
cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in those with weak immune systems, such
as infants, the elderly, and persons with HIV infection or undergoing chemotherapy.
Infection can spread to the nervous system, resulting in high fever, severe headache,
neck stiffness, nausea, confusion and convulsions.

Media and consumers with questions about the recall should contact the Company
Owner Felipe Flores at (310) 830-1787.

Consumers with food safety questions can “Ask Karen,” the FSIS virtual
representative available 24 hours a day at AskKaren.gov.
The toll-free USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline 1-888-MPHotline (1-888-674-6854) is
available in English and Spanish and can be reached from l0 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Eastern
Time) Monday through Friday. Recorded food safety messages are available 24 hours a
day.

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Categories : USDA recalls

Pork Crackling Recall

20 05 2008

FSIS Issues Public Health Alert for Pork Crackling Products Due to Possible Salmonella Contamination

Congressional and Public Affairs
Laura Reiser
(202) 720-9113 Editorial Note: May 20, 2008. FSIS has revised this alert to clarify which products are no longer available in commerce.

WASHINGTON, May 19, 2008 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety
and Inspection Service (FSIS) is issuing a public health alert for approximately 1,100 pounds of fully cooked pork
crackling products produced at Sofia Chicharones, Inc., a Miami, Fla., establishment that may be contaminated with
Salmonella.

The following product is subject to this public health alert:

1-pound and 5-pound bags of “FULLY COOKED PORK CRACKLINGS WITH ATTACHED SKIN.”
Each packages bears a label with the establishment number “EST. 21055” inside the USDA mark
of inspection as well as a “PACKED DATE” of “051208-1.”

These fully cooked pork crackling products were sold in the establishment’s retail store in Miami, Fla.,
on May 12, 2008. FSIS has confirmed that the pork cracklings produced on May 12 are no longer
available for sale at this establishment, however, consumers are urged to look for and discard or destroy
products with the pack date code of “051208-1” if they find them.

This public health alert was initiated after the product tested positive for Salmonella during
FSIS routine microbiological sampling.

FSIS has received no reports of illnesses associated with consumption of products subject to this alert.
Anyone with signs or symptoms of foodborne illness should consult a medical professional.

Media or consumers with questions about the product should contact company representative
Sofia Barns at (305) 324-1816.

Consumption of food contaminated with Salmonella can cause salmonellosis, one of
the most common bacterial foodborne illnesses. Salmonella infections can be life-threatening,
especially to those with weak immune systems, such as infants, the elderly and persons with HIV
infection or undergoing chemotherapy. The most common manifestations of salmonellosis are diarrhea,
abdominal cramps, and fever within eight to 72 hours. Additional symptoms may be chills, headache,
nausea and vomiting that can last up to seven days.

Consumers with food safety questions can “Ask Karen,” the FSIS virtual representative
available 24 hours a day at AskKaren.gov. The toll-free USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline
1-888-MPHotline (1-888-674-6854) is available in English and Spanish and can be reached from l0
a.m. to 4 p.m. (Eastern Time) Monday through Friday. Recorded food safety messages are available
24 hours a day.

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Categories : USDA recalls

Take the Tissue Test!

19 05 2008

Want spectacular skin? It’s easier than you think! You can improve your skin’s appearance at any age simply by identifying your skin type and choosing your skin care and makeup products accordingly. If you’re not sure what type of skin you have, or haven’t assessed your skin in a while, take this simple tissue test to see where you stand.

First, wash your skin with your normal cleanser, but don’t apply any toner or moisturizer. Wait 10 minutes, then take four squares of white tissue and use one each to blot your forehead, cheeks, nose, and chin. If none of the tissues are left with oil on them, you have dry skin. If there is a small amount of oil on all of them, you have normal skin. If there is more oil on the tissues from your nose, forehead, and chin than the one used on your cheeks, you have combination skin. If there is excess oil on all the tissues, you have oily skin.

Now examine the skin care and makeup products you’re currently using. Do they match up with your skin type? If not, it’s time to go shopping! You’ll be amazed how much better your skin will look and feel when you treat it according to its type!

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Categories : denise austin

Workouts for Moms-To-Be!

18 05 2008

At
one time, pregnant women were advised to avoid any exercise during
pregnancy. Today, experts know that exercise in pregnancy has a whole
list of benefits — from reducing fatigue and fighting depression to
helping preserve a positive body image and making for an easier
post-pregnancy recovery! You don’t need to stop working out — just keep
a few tips in mind, say the experts at The American College of
Obstetricians and Gynecologists:

Don’t pick up the pace! Maintain your current workout intensity but
don’t aim to increase the load. If you haven’t been working out at all,
talk to your doctor about your plans before starting.
Minimize impact. Choose low-impact options, like cycling, swimming, and walking, over jarring moves (like jogging).
Watch your form. During pregnancy your body releases hormones that
loosen muscles and joints. Your growing belly also shifts your center
of balance, so be especially aware of safety!
Pace it. Keep your heart rate below 140 beats per minute.
Hydrate. Drink lots of fluids before, during, and after exercise.
Stay cool. Avoid outdoor workouts on hot or humid days.
Listen to your body. If you’re not feeling up to it, just skip the workout!
Don’t take chances. If you experience, pain, contractions,
cramping, or bleeding, stop what you are doing immediately and call
your doctor. Don’t risk it!

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Categories : denise austin

Illinois Meat Recall

17 05 2008

Illinois Firm Recalls Beef Products Due To Possible E. coli O157:H7 Contamination

Recall Release	CLASS I RECALL
FSIS-RC-016-2008	HEALTH RISK: HIGH

Congressional and Public Affairs
(202) 720-9113
Peggy Riek

WASHINGTON, May 16, 2008 - JSM Meat Holdings Company, Inc., a Chicago, Ill., firm,
is voluntarily recalling an undetermined amount of beef products intended for use in ground products
because they may be contaminated with E. coli O157:H7, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s
Food Safety and Inspection Service announced today.

The following products are subject to recall:

30-,
60- pound boxes, combo boxes or 47-gallon barrels of “MORREALE MEAT”
beef products labeled as “Boneless Chucks,” “Boneless Clods,” “Flat
Rounds,” “Gooseneck Rounds,” “Knuckle,” “Heel Meat,” “Scotties,”
“Trimmings 50,” “Trimmings 60,” “Trimmings 65,” “Trimmings 70,”
“Trimmings 75,” “Trimmings 80,” “Trimmings 85,” or “Trimmings 90.”

The beef products bear the establishment number “EST. 6872″ inside the USDA mark of inspection.
These beef products were distributed to establishments for further processing in Florida, Georgia,
Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, Nebraska, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin.

The problem was discovered by FSIS. FSIS has received no reports of illnesses associated with consumption of
this product. Anyone with signs or symptoms of foodborne illness should consult a medical professional.

E. coli O157:H7 is a potentially deadly bacteria that can cause bloody diarrhea, dehydration, and
in the most severe cases, kidney failure. The very young, seniors and persons with weak immune systems are
the most susceptible to foodborne illness.

Media and consumers with questions about the recall should contact company President Steve Hurckes, Sr. at
(312) 421-3664, ext. 214.

Consumers with food safety questions can “Ask Karen,” the FSIS virtual representative available
24 hours a day at AskKaren.gov. The toll-free USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline 1-888-MPHotline (1-888-674-6854)
is available in English and Spanish and can be reached from l0 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Eastern Time) Monday through Friday.
Recorded food safety messages are available 24 hours a day.

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Categories : USDA recalls

In Memorial of a Special Woman

15 05 2008

I am cross posting this from my blog over at Wildheart’s Works.

I am writing this post for two reasons. One my blogger friend Anthony over at Old School SEO had something to do with it and after 7 years of my grandmother being gone I decided I needed to deal with her death in some way. My choice of dealing with things has always been writing.

My grandmother was my mother. She along with my grandfather gave up their retirement to take care of four kids that suffered early on the signs of attachment issues and early trauma from being neglected, and abandoned. My biological mother was not a mother to us. She neglected us and ended up being the cause behind us being taken away by the state and being put into foster homes. My grandparents fought hard to get us back together because they didn’t want us to go around in the world wondering who our brothers and sisters were. Despite the dysfunctional ways they grew up they had their family throughout their life. As soon as my mom went through all the motions for the court to fake she had changed she ditched us. I was 7 at the time. My grandmother made me who I am today a strong woman who knows how to take care of herself and her son. She made sure that I would not follow the same footsteps that my mom did. She took me aside and showed me how to do everything that involved running a household. By the time I was 15 and forced to leave home I knew beyond a shadow of a doubt I could take care of myself when the time came. Our relationship afterwards was tested due to the fact that my grandfather who molested me held all the emotional cards to keep her from leaving him.

There are so many good memories I have of her and so many memories I have that I know I tried her patience time and time again. I was angry not at her but at the fact I would never get to know my dad and at the fact that I had no idea why my mom didn’t love me enough to want to stick around to be a mom to me. I was angry at being put in foster homes and juggled all over the place. Later I became angry because I was being molested and lived in a town where no one believed me until I did something drastic to get out of the situation. I could never be angry with my grandmother. I loved her too much. It wasn’t until I had been in three abusive relationships that I knew what she suffered being with my grandfather from her perspective.

I did falter in my confidence as a mom when she passed away because I didn’t know what I was going to do without her. Then a voice that was more like a scream than a whisper told me I was going to do what I did every day. Get up and take care of my son. Be the mother she tried to teach my mom to be, but had succeeded in teaching me to be. She gave me all the tools to be a great mother. She is my inspiration for running my blogs and doing what I do on the internet each day. I keep a picture of her handy now to look at when I get to feeling down or depressed. She seems to look at me like “You can do whatever you put your mind to; you are a pretty girl with a great complexion and you’re very smart.”

Inspired by Old School SEO Mother’s Day Giveaway for Mom Blogger’s

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Categories : self analysis, blogging

New York Meat Recall If You Have These Throw Them Out!

13 05 2008

New York Firm Recalls Ground Beef Products That May Contain Pieces of Plastic

Recall Release	CLASS I RECALL
FSIS-RC-015-2008	HEALTH RISK: HIGH

Congressional and Public Affairs
(202) 720-9113
Amanda Eamich

WASHINGTON, May 12, 2008 - Fairbank Reconstruction Corp., an Ashville, NY,
establishment, is voluntarily recalling approximately 22,481 pounds of ground beef products
that may contain pieces of plastic, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and
Inspection Service announced today.

The following products are subject to recall: [View Labels (PDF Only)]

1.2-pound
trays of “Shaw’s Fresh Ground Sirloin 90/10.” The labels on the bottom
of the package bear a Julian Date of “124″ on the bottom right hand
corner, as well as the establishment number “EST. 492″ inside the USDA
mark of inspection.
1.3-pound trays of “Shaw’s Fresh
Ground Beef 80/20.” The labels on the bottom of the package bear a
Julian Date of “124″ on the bottom right hand corner, as well as the
establishment number “EST. 492″ inside the USDA mark of inspection.
1-pound
trays of “Shaw’s Fresh Ground Beef Patties 80/20.” The labels on the
bottom of the package bear a Julian Date of “124″ on the bottom right
hand corner, as well as the establishment number “EST. 492″ inside the
USDA mark of inspection.
3-pound trays of “Shaw’s
Fresh Ground Beef Patties Family Pack 80/20.” The labels on the bottom
of the package bear a Julian Date of “124″ on the bottom right hand
corner, as well as the establishment number “EST. 492″ inside the USDA
mark of inspection.
1.3-pound trays of “Price Chopper
Fresh Ground Beef Sirloin Patties, 90% Lean 10% Fat.” The labels on the
bottom of the package bear a “Sell-by” date of “05/13/08″ as well as
the establishment number “EST. 492″ inside the USDA mark of inspection.
1.3-
and 3-pound trays of “Price Chopper Fresh Homestyle Ground Beef Round
Patty, 85% Lean 15% Fat.” The labels on the bottom of the package bear
a “Sell-by” date of “05/13/08″ as well as the establishment number
“EST. 492″ inside the USDA mark of inspection.
3-pound
trays of “Price Chopper Pub Style Ground Beef Chuck Patty, 80% Lean 20%
Fat.” The labels on the bottom of the package bear a “Sell-by” date of
“05/13/08″ as well as the establishment number “EST. 492″ inside the
USDA mark of inspection.
1.3-pound trays of “Price
Chopper Fresh Homestyle Ground Beef Chuck Patty, 80% Lean, 20% Fat.”
The labels on the bottom of the package bear a “Sell-by” date of
“05/13/08″ as well as the establishment number “EST. 492″ inside the
USDA mark of inspection.
5.3-pound trays of “BJ’S
Fresh Ground Beef, 100% Beef, Contains 15% Fat.” The labels bear a
“Sell-by” date of “05/15/08″ as well as the establishment number “EST.
492″ inside the USDA mark of inspection.
1-pound trays
of “Fairbank Farms Ground Chuck Patties, 100% Beef, Contains 20% Fat.”
The labels on the bottom of the package bear a “Sell-by” date of
“05/15/08″ as well as the establishment number “EST. 492″ inside the
USDA mark of inspection.

The products
were produced on May 3, and were distributed to retail establishments
in Connecticut, Maryland, Massachusetts and New York.

The problem was discovered after the company received
consumer complaints. FSIS has not received any consumer complaints at
this time. No injuries have been reported at this time. Anyone
concerned about an injury from consumption of the products should
contact a physician.

Consumers with questions about the recall should
contact the Fairbank Farms’ toll-free hotline at (800) 724-1136. Media
with questions about the recall should contact Company Representative
at Agnes Schafer (816) 512-2291.

Consumers with food safety questions can “Ask Karen,” the FSIS virtual representative available 24
hours a day at AskKaren.gov.
The toll-free USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline 1-888-MPHotline (1-888-674-6854) is available in English
and Spanish and can be reached from l0 a.m. to
4 p.m. (Eastern Time) Monday through Friday. Recorded food safety messages are available 24 hours a day.

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Categories : USDA recalls

Kansans and Friends ranked on Blogged!

13 05 2008

Someone has taken notice of this blog and has given me a fairly good ranking as you can see. I was pleasantly surprised. I want to thank those who follow my blog and for hanging in there with me. Even though I don’t get much in the way of comments I can still tell folks are coming here.

I will continue to write good quality posts and also provide other resources. This will always be a great resource and support blog for those wanting to get healthy from the inside out.

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Categories : blog milestone, blogging