Nurse’s Notes for June 2010
June 6
The FDA is planning to gradually reduce the amount of salt consumed [in processed foods] each day by Americans, and thereby hoping to lower death rates from hypertension and heart disease. Companies such as Conagra, Pepsico, Kraft Foods, General Mills, and Sara Lee have already begun lowering the amount of salt used in their products. The reduction will occur over a number of years; so there would be minimal effect on taste. (Layton, L. (4/20/10) The Washington Post. Plans to Limit Amount of Salt Allowed in Processed Foods for Health Reasons)
June 13
In an effort to protect emergency personnel, Move Over Laws (aka Steer Clear Laws) have been enacted by 47 of our 50 states, requiring that motorists move over to a non-adjacent lane when coming upon an emergency scene, traffic stop, or a disabled vehicle. If moving over is not possible, vehicle speed must be reduced by at least 20 mph.
June 20
Five Time-saving strategies to help you prepare quick, easy, and nutritious meals:
- Use frozen vegetables that can be steamed or heated in the microwave in a few short minutes (unseasoned and without sauce).
- Portion and prepare ahead of time. Place enough meat for one meal, inside freezer bags, add some marinade and freeze. Place frozen food in fridge the night before to thaw, and your entrée is ready to grill or broil the next day.
- Cook once, eat twice. Double the recipe, and freeze one meal for another evening.
- Make eggs the center of attention. Use eggs or egg substitute for the main dish at dinner.
- Pepare a meatless meal. Top a microwave-baked white or sweet potato with broccoli, beans, and/or low-fat cheese.
(Johns Hopkins Health Alert, April 14, 2010)
June 27
Cut Risk of Head and Neck Cancer by 400% Take good care of your smile and you’ll have more than just white teeth to show for it. New research from Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Buffalo, NY, shows that people with the chronic gum disease periodontitis have a fourfold risk of developing a type of head or neck cancer, especially in the mouth or throat. The risk was increased even among patients who never used tobacco. Gum disease occurs when the bacteria that live in plaque infect the gums, so brush and floss regularly to prevent plaque buildup, and see your dentist every six months for a cleaning and exam. (Prevention, May 2010, pg. 90)
