Increasing Risk of Food PoisoningWritten by Loring A. Windblad
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Large food processing plants, in which a single infected chicken (or other animal) can spew bacteria or viruses into a city's poultry or meat supply, worsen scene. The trend away from home cooking and growth of fast food eateries, mass catering and pre-processed meals add to spread of food poisoning. Almost half food now consumed in U.S. and Canada is eaten away from home or "ordered in." Storage and extra handling increase food poisoning risks, especially among susceptible people -- elderly, young children, ill and those with weak immune systems. What to do about food poisoning Report any suspected foodborne source of illness to family physician. (Food poisoning is a "reportable disease" in several provinces.) Above all, keep up fluid intake. The usual treatment for food poisoning or diarrhea is bed rest and plenty of fluids, preferably clear water or flat ginger ale. Self-remedies are fine for mild to moderate diarrhea or food poisoning, but severe bouts need medical attention -- because of risk of dehydration and other serious complications. Sufferers are advised to drink clear fluids such as broth, bottled carbonated drinks and clear tea (no milk) until stomach cramps and diarrhea subside. Stick to rice, noodles, Jello, frozen Popsicles, mashed potatoes, pureed cooked foods (carrots, apples) until better, and resume full diet gradually. Avoid milk products. For fluid replacement because of diarrhea due to food poisoning, one expert recommends flat ginger ale or Gastrolite as "ideal for children and adults." Use mild medications to slow diarrhea such as Lomotil and Imodium sparingly -- they can also be used in children, and work by slowing bowel spasms. Do not use these drugs when there is high fever, chills or persistent (bloody) diarrhea. (It's best to consult a physician about their use as they may impede elimination of bacteria. For children with suspected food poisoning, ignore old adage about "starving out diarrhea" and continue light meals after first 12-24 hours of diarrhea (unless child is vomiting). Above all keep up fluid intake to avoid dehydration. Children's small bodies lose water and dehydrate fast. Infants on formula can be given oral rehydration solution (ORS), as advised by a physician, marketed under different brand names and obtainable at most drug or grocery stores. Avoid plain water in young children as it's not nourishing enough. Always consult a physician about severe diarrhea in children. Lose no time in contacting doctor if child has: * Fever higher than 39[degrees]C (102[degrees]F); * Repeated vomiting; * Refusal to drink; * Sunken eyes, listlessness, apathy; * Rapid breathing; * Bloody stools; * In infants: very large, watery stools, sunken fontanelle ("soft spot" on top of head), less than usual number of wet diapers (reduced urination). Calls for safer food handling Poor sanitation, lack of elementary hygiene and absence of safe rules for food handling facilitate bacterial spread. "How is it," writes one expert, "that people need a license to drive a car, but no one asks a food handler to pass a rudimentary food safety test?" Lack of precautions, little supervision and even simple failure to wash hands can easily spread infection. One food handler can endanger hundreds of thousands of people a year. Education and food-monitoring systems are not enough to win war against foodborne bacteria. Research is underway on new vaccines against cholera, typhoid and new forms of E. coli.
Loring Windblad has studied nutrition and exercise for more than 40 years, is a published author and freelance writer. His latest business endeavor is at http://www.organicgreens.us
| | New Sources of Hyaluronic Acid Provide Hope for Increased Availability, Hyaluronic Acid Injection Restylane ® Announces New Rewards ProgramWritten by Jana Willinger
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In related news, Medecis, maker of Hyaluronic acid injection, Restylane, announced a new consumer incentive program. Consumers will receive an initial reward upon proof of their first visit, and subsequent rewards for Restylane treatments within six-month intervals. For each qualifying treatment, participants will receive rewards ranging from $25 select retailer gift cards to $100 spa gift certificates. The Restylane Hyaluronic acid injection rewards program is first ever offered for a cosmetic procedure. Restylane is first non-animal stabilized Hyaluronic acid ("HA") filler for treatment of facial wrinkles and folds. The incentive program was developed to reward loyal Hyaluronic acid injection, Restylane consumers for adhering to a semi-annual treatment schedule, designed to ensure optimal results and maximize patient satisfaction.
E-Hyaluronicacid.com is dedicated to promoting an understanding of Hyaluronic acid, a major ingredient in many medical and anti-aging therapies and to highlighting places where you can safely purchase Hyaluronic acid products. For more information go to http://www.e-hyaluronicacid.com/.
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