Salmonella in a Nutshell

Upwards of six hundred cases of salmonella that could be linked to peanut contamination have been reported in 44 states in the US.  Several deaths have resulted.

The outbreak is probably more widespread as only a small percentage of cases are laboratory-confirmed and tracked.  The recent outbreak has been traced to contaminated peanut butter and peanut butter products from Peanut Corporation of American located in Blakely, GA.

Voluntary recalls for over 2,000 products have been issued and the list is expanding.  Despite FDA assurances that they are not affected, sales of national brands have slumped.

What You Can Do

• Check the recall list regularly and not the names of tainted peanut products.
• Should any of the recalled items find their way to your pantry, don't consume! Dispose of the products in a closed plastic and deposit in a sealed trash can.
• Avoid eating peanuts or peanut butter if unsure whether or not they're on the list.
• Check pet food, it could be on the list.
• If you think you're infected, consult a physician immediately

Salmonella Data

Salmonella bacteria pass from human and animal feces to humans and animals.  It is usually transmitted through meat, eggs, vegetables and other contaminated foods.  It can be transmitted by infected people who touch food without washing their hands.  Symptoms include abdominal cramps, diarrhea and fever.  Typically, symptoms occur 12-72 hours following infection.  The elderly, infants and those with compromised immune systems are most likely to be affected severely.

The majority of salmonella sufferers recover without treatment.  Those with severe cases should drink fluids.  Extreme cases may require intravenous hydration and/or antibiotics.  A small percentage of cases can lead to Reiter's syndrome, typified by joint pain, eye irritation and pain when urinating.  This can lead to chronic arthritis.

Source of information from CareNotes.

Do you have a Healthy and Green Home?

Household cleaners may be making your family sick.

Consider these facts:

1. Synthetic chemicals are everywhere in our homes and environment.  The risks of some are known -- others, nobody knows yet.
2. These synthetic chemicals have been found in the blood of children and adults--even in the core blood of newborns!
3. Serious illnesses are increasing among children and adults.

Simple logic tells us there may be a connection among these known facts. The wise approach is to get the chemicals out of our homes and make our families safer.

Watch the Toxic Brew News Report and see just what may be lurking in your home!

View this video on Toxic Brew.

A Natural Approach to Treating Hypertension

(NaturalNews) There are many nutrients available to individuals with hypertension who wish to take a more natural approach for addressing their condition. Clearly, improving diet and increasing physical activity are key to achieving normal blood pressure, along with a host of other positive benefits. Still, there are specific supplements that can assist in lowering blood pressure.

One very important mineral for regulating blood pressure is magnesium. Unfortunately, magnesium also represents one of the most common nutritional deficiencies in those who follow the Standard American Diet. There appears to be an inverse relationship between blood pressure and blood levels of magnesium. Furthermore, the Honolulu Heart Study showed that magnesium intake had the strongest association with blood pressure out of 60 other variables that were evaluated.

Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. Here is an extra health report for you. I hope you enjoy the information.  Denise

Diabetic--Protect Your Feet

Nerve damage, circulation problems and infections can cause serious foot problems for diabetics. Controlling your sugar levels and not smoking can go a long way in preventing feet problems. Here are some suggestions below that can also help.

See your physician four times a year to check our feet.

Have your sense of feeling and your pulses checked at least once a year. If you have nerve damage, deformed or misshaped feet, or a circulation problem, your feet need special care. Ask your health care professional to show you how to care for your feet.

Check your feet daily.

Look at your feet daily to see if you have scratches, cracks, cuts or blisters. Always check between your toes and on the bottoms of your feet. Call you health care professional at once if you have a sore on your foot.

Wash your feet and trim your toenails carefully.

Be sure to dry between your toes. Moisture between the toes will let germs grow that could cause an infection. Don’t soak your feet as it can dry out your skin and that can lead to infections. Rub lotion or cream on the tops and bottoms of your feet but not between your toes.

Trim your toenails after you’ve washed and fried your feet (the nails will be softer and safer to cut). Trim the nails to follow the natural curve of your toes. Don’t cut into the corners. If you can’t see well, or if your nails are thick or yellowed, get them trimmed by your foot doctor.

Protect your feet:

Always wear shoes and socks, indoors and outdoors. Don’t wear shoes with plastic uppers and sandals with thongs between the toes.

• Heat and cold-Hot water or hot surfaces are a danger to your feet. Wear shoes and socks when you walk on hot surfaces, such as beaches or the pavement around swimming pools. In summer, be sure to use sunscreen on the tops of your feet. In winter, wear socks and footwear such as fleece-lined boots to protect your feet. Wear socks at night.

Exercise

Physical activity can help increase the circulation in your feet. Ask your health care team about things you can do to exercise your feet and legs.

Source: Centers for Disease Prevention and Control.

Check out my Shaklee website: http://www.shopwithdenise.com