Event
Health
[search=Search] |Search[/search]
Subscribe to "Health"


Articles

    ShowMe Gold Sponsors
    Top
    Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over Campaign
    August 22nd 2013 by Dee Loflin
    Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over Campaign

    Submitted by

    Dee Loflin, SMT Manager/Writer

    Jefferson City, Missouri - Missouri state and local law enforcement agencies will participate in the national effort to deter substance-impaired driving by conducting statewide sobriety checkpoints and DWI saturation patrols Aug. 16 through Sept. 2.

    

Officers will focus on enforcement of Missouri's DWI laws and keep impaired drivers off the road. The strong enforcement presence reinforces the importance of driving sober and the legal consequences of ignoring that advice. Missourians will hear and see the Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over messages during this statewide public awareness campaign.

    

"A drunk driving arrest could cost you thousands of dollars in fines, court costs and lawyers fees," said Leanna Depue, executive chair of the Missouri Coalition for Roadway Safety. "If you're convicted of a DWI you could also lose your license, lose your job and even spend time behind bars."

    The message is clear - Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over.



    The end of summer is always a busy travel time. Statewide, law enforcement made 714 DWI arrests during the impaired driving campaign in August and September of 2012. 

Unfortunately, substance-impaired driving contributes to nearly 30 percent of all Missouri traffic fatalities. We are all a part of the solution.

    Please consider the following tips:



    •·        Don't risk it - if you plan to drive, don't drink.

    

•·        Encourage safe driving behaviors among family, friends and co-workers.

    

•·        Choose a designated driver before partying.  A designated driver is someone who drinks NO alcohol at all.

    

•·       Take mass transit, a taxicab or ask a friend to drive you home if you have no designated driver and no other means of transportation.

    

•·       Party hosts should include alcohol-free beverages for designated drivers.



    •·       Report impaired drivers to law enforcement.

    

•·       Always wear your safety belt - it's your best defense against an impaired driver.



    If drivers choose to ignore the drive sober messages, there's a good chance they'll be stopped by law enforcement officers and ticketed. That's a tough experience, but it's much better than being arrested for causing a fatal crash.

    

In 2012 there were 230 people killed and 868 seriously injured in crashes that involved at least one impaired driver. 



    To learn more about impaired driving and how you can Arrive Alive, visit saveMOlives.com, or follow social media at Save MO Lives, #drivesoberMO.


    Last Updated on August 22nd 2013 by Dee Loflin
    https://showmetimes.com/Blogpost/upin/Drive-Sober-or-Get-Pulled-Over-Campaign


    Go to post


    More from ShowMe Times:
    Top
    Unprocessed Baby Food May Protect Children Against Food Allergies
    August 15th 2013 by Beth Farrah
    Unprocessed Baby Food May Protect Children Against Food Allergies
    Babies who ate more fruits and vegetables and fewer packaged foods were less likely to develop food allergies in a new study that looked at overall diet patterns instead of just specific foods.

    "We have been aware that certain diets seem to reduce the risk of allergy in infants," said Dr. Magnus Wickman, a professor at the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm, Sweden, who was not involved in the study.

    "The mechanism behind that is that we think that different kinds of fatty acids and antioxidants, different kinds of vitamins and essential minerals are good for your health and also prevent allergy," he said.

    Researchers estimate that up to eight percent of children have a food allergy.
    Parents are sometimes advised to avoid certain foods as a means of preventing food allergies from starting. But Kate Grimshaw, lead author of the new study and a researcher at the University of Southampton in the UK, said she's been concerned that parents are reducing the nutritional diversity of their infants' diet without there being a great deal of evidence to back it up.

    To see how parents are feeding their infants, and whether that appears to have any influence on food allergies, Grimshaw and her colleagues collected food diaries from the parents of 1,140 babies.

    The parents typically maintained the diet log for the first year of life, Grimshaw and her colleagues report in The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology.

    During that time, 41 children were diagnosed with a food allergy, and Grimshaw's group compared these infants to 82 similar babies without an allergy.

    The researchers scored the babies' diets based on the combination of different foods they ate.

    They found that babies without food allergies scored higher than babies with allergies on a diet that was rich in healthy, often homemade, foods - including fruits, vegetables, poultry and fish - and scant on processed foods such as pre-made meals, potato chips, cook-in sauces and bacon.

    "The analysis showed that the infants who were having more fruits and vegetables and less commercially produced baby foods and also less adult foods were the ones who were less likely to develop an allergy by the time they were two," Grimshaw said.

    "It's not that they didn't have commercially-made baby foods, it's just that they did not have them predominantly in their diet," she added.

    The study could not determine why the fresher type of diet seemed to protect against food allergies. And the results do not prove that the dietary patterns caused the differences in allergy rates.

    Wickman said that studies on diet and allergy are extremely difficult, and that it is a challenge for researchers to account for other factors that might influence what a child eats and his risk for developing a food allergy.
    Still, it's possible that the foods themselves are responsible.

    "We know that there are nutrients in the diet that educate the immune system. And one could argue that if they're not there in adequate amounts when the child's immune system is developing, that may be one way that this is working," Grimshaw said.

    Wickman said that there is no evidence that avoiding allergenic foods, such as nuts, fish and eggs is beneficial in preventing food allergies.

    She added, there is very little risk in recommending that parents focus on fresh fruits and vegetables.

    "Healthy food has so many good things, and maybe it also can reduce the risk of food allergy in the child," Wickman said.

    Doctors and health officials already recommend that children get plenty of fruits and vegetables and avoid junk foods.

    Grimshaw said the results are just another reason for parents to feed their children fruits and vegetables and to try to serve home-made meals.


    Written by Fox News Writer

    Last Updated on August 15th 2013 by Beth Farrah
    https://showmetimes.com/Blogpost/uphk/Unprocessed-Baby-Food-May-Protect-Children-Against-Food-Allergies


    Go to post


    More from ShowMe Times:
    Top
    New Cure for Insect Allergies
    August 13th 2013 by Beth Farrah
    New Cure for Insect Allergies
    Submitted by
    Beth Farrah, SMT Writer
    A recent study from Annals of Allergy, Asthma  & Immunology suggests allergy injections for insect allergy can make sufferers “less allergic.”

    If you think summer insects are done setting their sights on ruining your outdoor gathering, think again. The hot and dry climate that exists during August in much of the country is the perfect breeding ground for insects, especially yellow jackets. And for the millions of Americans allergic to insect stings, these late-summer bugs can be deadly.

    Research shows insect-sting allergy is increasing, affecting 5 percent of the population. But what much of the population may not understand is that there is something that can be done about it.

    “Allergy injections or shots for insect sting allergy can almost always prevent severe reactions to stings,” said Dr. David Golden, an allergy and immunology specialist and the study’s lead author.  “It usually provides long-lasting immunity, even after the treatment is stopped.”

    Even 10 to 20 years after having an allergic reaction from an insect sting, the chance of having another reaction continues to be up to 70 percent in adults and 30 percent in children. Venom immunotherapy doesn’t completely eliminate the risk of an allergic reaction to insect stings, noted Golden, but almost all of the reactions that do occur (five to 10 percent) are mild, with less than two percent chance of a severe reaction while on treatment. Protection takes effect as soon as the full dose is reached, usually within 2 to 3 months of treatment.

    “Allergy sufferers who have had an allergic reaction to an insect sting should be under the care of a board-certified allergist,” said Golden. “For those with severe reactions, prescribed emergency epinephrine should always be carried. Sufferers should also talk with their allergist to see if venom immunotherapy is right for them. It’s not always a cure, but it is close.”

    As with other forms of allergy shots, the recommended duration of injections for stinging insect allergy, can run from 3-5 years or longer, depending on a variety of circumstances.  It is generally a good idea to see an allergist, who is an expert on diagnosing and treating potentially life-threatening allergic conditions, such as stinging insect allergy.  This in-office treatment can help to prevent severe allergic reactions and improving quality of life because people no longer have to fear getting stung.

    To reduce the chance of getting stung by late summer insects, the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (ACAAI) advises you:
    Cover up with pants and long-sleeved shirts when gardening or working outdoors.
    Avoid walking barefoot in the grass.
    Take caution when eating or drinking anything sweet.
    Don’t wear sweet-smelling perfumes, hairsprays and deodorants when heading outdoors.
    Avoid brightly colored clothing with floral patterns.
    For more information about insect-sting allergy and to locate an allergist in your area, visit AllergyandAsthmaRelief.org.

    Last Updated on August 13th 2013 by Beth Farrah
    https://showmetimes.com/Blogpost/upgu/New-Cure-for-Insect-Allergies


    Go to post


    More from ShowMe Times:
    Top
    Keeping Your Home Safe While You're On Vacation
    August 06th 2013 by Beth Farrah
    Keeping Your Home Safe While You're On Vacation

    Submitted by

    Beth Farrah, SMT Writer

    While summer vacation is a time to kick back, relax and enjoy the sun, your time away from home can leave the place vulnerable. By taking a few preventive measures to keep your house safe while you’re gone, you can make the most of your vacation and give yourself a little peace of mind. Here are some tips on how to stay safe while you’re away this summer.

    Don’t Tip Off Thieves

    While most people will take some basic preventative measures to avoid tipping off thieves — like having a neighbor come over to pick up the mail, look in every now and then and, maybe, mow the lawn — this often isn’t enough to stop a determined crook. Here are some extra measures you can take to make sure criminals don’t break in while you’re away.

    Keep it Secure: Many people leave their garage door openers in the cars, and thieves know this. With a swift smash of a window, that parked car in your driveway has given them access to your garage. Make sure you hide your garage door opener — good advice even when you’re not on vacation. While you’re at it, make sure to remove any extra keys you have stashed away. You might think your hiding spot behind the drainpipe is ingenious, but a clever thief often knows right where to look.

    Use Technology to Your Advantage: While you can get a friend to occasionally check in, you can put your smartphone or tablet to work to give you realtime surveillance around the clock. The Dropcam is a wifi-enabled security camera that allows you to stream video directly to Android and Apple devices and can even send you alerts to your phone when something is wrong.

    For a fuller security system, you can also check out Lowe’s Iris smart home system, which includes video surveillance, motion sensors, door and window sensors, and a door lock, all of which you can control and monitor from your phone.

    If you already have a monitored home security system, check with your provider to see if they have an app that allows you to check in on your home. Many, like ADT’s Pulse will allow you to extend your home security system’s features, giving you access to check in while you’re on the go.

    Preventing Disaster

    Thieves aren’t the only thing you have to worry about while you’re away.  Disaster can also strike, leaving your house damaged or destroyed. However, you can take steps to mitigate potential problems.

    Check Your Water Heater: A water heater can go at any time, but if it occurs while you’re away for a few weeks, clean up and repairs can cost tens of thousands of dollars. Unfortunately, there’s no surefire way to know when a water heater might start leaking, but you can check for some common signs that disaster is imminent. Big leaks often start as small leaks, which many people don’t notice until it’s too late. Look for any drops of water, as well as rust or corrosion around the edges of the tank.

    Unplug Before Your Leave: Black outs and brown outs can be common in the summer months, especially when a sudden heat wave puts a lot of pressure on the local power grid. When the power comes back on, the resulting surge can harm delicate electronics. So before you head out on your big vacation, make sure to unplug your gadgets.

    Turn Down Your Air Conditioner (But Don’t Turn It Off): To save money, many people might be tempted to turn the air conditioner off entirely while they are out of town. The problem is that in humid summer weather, your hot, sealed-up home can quickly become a breeding ground for mold — not a fun thing to return to after your vacation. By setting the thermostat at 85 degrees, you’ll keep the heat and humidity in check without costing you a fortune to run it while you’re away. 

    Written by: Adam Verwymeren, FOX News


    Last Updated on August 06th 2013 by Beth Farrah
    https://showmetimes.com/Blogpost/upfl/Keeping-Your-Home-Safe-While-Youre-On-Vacation


    Go to post


    More from ShowMe Times:
    Top
    FDA Announces New Gluten Free Products
    August 05th 2013 by Beth Farrah
    FDA Announces New Gluten Free Products

    Written by

    Beth Farrah, SMT Writer

    After six years of various definitions of “gluten free” the Food and Drug Administration is finally defining what the commonly used phrase means. Before last week, customers never actually knew what the term meant, since it did not have a secure meaning. Manufacturers were allowed to create their own “gluten free” products, so customers might have been receiving a large range of different products from different manufacturers that had different ingredients and different amounts of gluten.

    The Food and Drug Administration finally announced on Friday that products labeled and sold as “gluten free” products do not exactly have to be gluten free at all. The products do not have to be free of wheat, barley, or rye, but they do have to be less than 20 parts per million of gluten. This has been considered as a low enough amount so that the health of citizens with celiac disease will not be effected or made sick by these products they consume.

    Celiac disease is among around three million Americans and causes abdominal pain, diarrhea, and bloating. When a person with this disease eats gluten, they suffer from sudden weight loss, fatigue, long-term medical problems, and various rashes. This disease is linked straight to gluten, where a person’s body is not able to break it down properly, causing many problems throughout the body.

    "Adherence to a gluten-free diet is the key to treating celiac disease, which can be very disruptive to everyday life," FDA Commissioner Margaret A. Hamburg said. "The FDA’s new ‘gluten-free’ definition will help people with this condition make food choices with confidence and allow them to better manage their health."

    The new rule also makes sure that the manufacturer labels their products correctly so there are no misinterpretations for the consumer. Products with labels such as gluten free, no gluten, or without gluten will have to meet the FDA standards under the new rule.

    "Without clear ingredient information and a definitive labeling standard, celiac consumers are playing Russian roulette when it comes to making safe food choices," said Levario. "This will eliminate confusion for the consumer and will cut down on calls to companies to try and determine whether their products are safe and gluten free."

    Even before the new rule was proposed, gluten free products have caused an uproar across the country. People have claimed that these products have created a healthier lifestyles for them and their families, even though they do not have celiac disease. The new rule has ensured healthier products and healthier Americans.


    Last Updated on August 05th 2013 by Dee Loflin
    https://showmetimes.com/Blogpost/upfi/FDA-Announces-New-Gluten-Free-Products


    Go to post


    More from ShowMe Times: