The Survive and Thrive Boomer Guide

Food companies use sugar, fat to get people to eat more

From an early age Americans learn to love sugar.

I know. I’m one of many people who have a “sweet tooth.” I have to work very hard to eat only two or three sweet treats a week. Recently, on a low-carb diet, I’ve eliminated them completely. It’s tough.
 
Last week, it upset me to hear David Kessler, M.D., former commissioner of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, say in a radio interview that it’s in the business plans of food companies to get American consumers to eat more food.

Kessler, discussing his book “The End of Overeating: Taking Control of the Insatiable American Appetite,” said it was a goal of the food industry to get food on every street corner, available 24 hours a day.

And by developing processed food with layer upon layer of fat and sugar, food companies have created food that consumers crave, he said. People’s brains have been hijacked, and they can’t stop eating.

The result is Americans are getting fatter and fatter.

Kessler suggested people break the cycle by looking at food differently. When thinking about food and deciding what to eat, ask “Is that nutritious? Is that the kind of food I want?”

The brain can be reprogrammed, he said, and people can get their control back.

Kessler said the food industry needs to change its practices and act responsibly.

I agree. It's wrong for food companies to be making profits by creating addictive foods that make people fat, unhealthy, and stressed.

Copyright 2009, Rita R. Robison, Consumer Specialist

FDA adopts new rules to improve egg safety and reduce Salmonella illness as part of overhaul of food system

As one of the Obama administration’s first sweeping reforms to improve food safety, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced yesterday new rules on egg production.

The rules are expected to prevent 79,000 cases of foodborne illness and 30 deaths each year caused by eating eggs contaminated with the bacterium Salmonella enteritidis.

The rule requires measures to prevent contamination of eggs in poultry houses and requires refrigeration of eggs during storage and transportation.

Egg-associated illness caused by Salmonella is a serious public health problem, the FDA reported in its announcement about the new rule.

Infected individuals may suffer mild to severe gastrointestinal illness, short-term or chronic arthritis, or even death, according to the FDA. Carrying out the preventive measures would reduce the number of Salmonella enteritidis infections from eggs by nearly 60 percent.

Salmonella enteritidis can be found inside eggs that look normal. If the eggs are eaten raw or undercooked, the bacterium can cause illness. Eggs in the shell become contaminated on the farm, primarily because of infection in the laying hens.

See the announcement for what the new rules require of egg producers.

The FDA estimates that the egg rule would provide $1.4 billion in annual public health benefits, at an annual cost of $81 million to the egg industry, or less than 1 cent per dozen eggs produced in the United States.

Consumer groups and the industry support the new rule, but expressed concerns that it took federal agencies more than 20 years to adopt the procedures.

Even when research showed that chickens chronically infected with salmonella laid eggs laced with the bacteria, which does no harm to the birds but can sicken and kill humans, government agencies debated which agency should take the lead in regulatory action, reports the article “U.S. Moves to Improve Safety of Eggs and Other Foods” on stltoday.com.

The Obama administration proposes to overhaul of the food system to ensure the safety of other problem foods – spinach, lettuce, tomatoes, melons, beef, and chicken, the article also states.

Proposals include:

• U.S. Department of Agriculture – Development of new standards to reduce Salmonella levels in chickens and turkeys.

• Food and Drug Administration – Advice for the food industry on how to prevent contamination of tomatoes, melons, spinach, and lettuce.

• Food and Drug Administration – Advice about how farmers, wholesalers, and retailers can build systems to trace contaminated foods quickly from shelf to field.

Although food safety is a priority for the Obama administration and American consumers, it’s likely to take years to develop this new regulatory structure.

Copyright 2009, Rita R. Robison, Consumer Specialist

Beware of offers for a free home alarm system

In the last two weeks, I’ve received two offers for a free home alarm system.

The first one came after I filled out a form to win a drawing at a community celebration. I received a call saying I’d “won” a home alarm system. I’d only need to pay $1 a day to have it hooked up to a company that would respond when the alarm went off.

I asked the caller if he would send me information about the deal in the mail so I could mull it over. He said he couldn’t do that. Instead, he kept saying I needed to set up an appointment with a representative of the company. A big red flag. I told him I wasn’t interested if I couldn’t study the proposal.

The company called later and left me a message, but I didn’t call back.

Then on the Fourth of July, I heard a knock at the door. The salesman said he’d like to offer me a “free” home alarm system if I’d put his company’s sign in my yard so my neighbors would know I was a customer.

More knowledgeable now, I asked if I’d have to pay $1 a day for it.

I kept saying no. He kept talking. Finally, I closed the door.

One consumer rip-off that shows no sign of abating is the annual invasion of door-to-door salespeople who use dubious and intrusive tactics to sell burglar-alarm systems to unwary homeowners, according the article “Avoid Summer-Time Burglar Alarm Scams” on the ConsumerReports.org blog.

Consumer protection officials advise consumers to be sure that they verify everything the company says and do comparison shopping with firms that don't sell door-to-door.

They warn consumers to be suspicious of any alarm salesperson who:

• Attempts to upset you by telling about an upswing of burglaries in their neighborhoods.

• Claims to represent or wear clothing with logos from major alarm manufacturers such as GE and Honeywell, firms that don’t sell directly to consumers.

• Tries to gain entrance into your home.

• Offers a free system, because "free" systems usually come with higher monthly service fees and may be cheaply made.

• Says the company is ready to install your system right away.

• Claims your current alarm company is no longer in business.

Consumers need to focus on the quality of the equipment and service, the article advises. Also, look at the length of the agreement and determine if there are any early-termination fees.

Other tips include:

• Make sure that you deal only with well-established companies.

• Check out any company you may buy an alarm system from with the Better Business Bureau.

• Find out which local or state agency has jurisdiction over alarm companies and check the records of any company you're considering using.

• Find out whether your homeowner's insurance company offers a discount for using certain alarm companies.

Good luck avoiding these summer high-pressure salesmen. I’m glad I did.

Copyright 2009, Rita R. Robison, Consumer Specialist

Tattoos and baby boomers: What are the risks?

Tattoos don’t appeal to me. I won’t be getting one anytime soon. So I was surprised to learn that more and more baby boomers are getting tattoos.

A 2008 Harris poll showed that about 20 percent of adults between the age of 40 and 64 reported having one or more tattoos, according to the article “What Boomers Need to Know About Tattoos” on the DesMoinesRegister.com.

Boomers are usually looking for smaller tattoos that can be hidden, one tattoo artist reported. Flowers, birds, and family references are popular.

Another tattoo artist interviewed said he’s seen more interest in boomers who are retired getting tattoos. Since they aren’t working, they don’t have to worry about being stigmatized for having body art.

But is getting a tattoo risky?

Tattoo artists should follow health and safety practices to protect themselves as well as their clients from blood borne pathogens such as hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and/or HIV, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends.

Health and safety procedures for body artists may be regulated by city, county, or state agencies. Reputable shops and tattoo parlors govern themselves and follow strict safety procedures to protect their clients – and their body artists.

Are you considering getting a tattoo?

If you decide to get a tattoo, make sure you go to a licensed facility and take time to discuss the safety procedures with the artists working at the shop or tattoo parlor, the CDC recommends.
They should explain the process and tell you what they do to keep everyone safe and healthy by using sterile needles and razors, washing hands, wearing gloves, and keeping surfaces clean.

What safety procedures should be used?

Tattoo artists protect themselves and their clients when following safe and healthy practices, the CDC advises, such as:

• Use single-use, disposable needles and razors. Disposable piercing needles, tattoo needles, and razors are used on one person and then thrown away. Reusing needles or razors is not safe.

• Safely dispose of needles and razors. Used needles and razors should be thrown away in a biohazard-labeled, disposable container to protect both the client and the person changing or handling the trash bag from getting cut.

• Wash hands before and after putting on disposable gloves. Gloves are always worn while working with equipment and clients, changed when necessary, and aren’t reused.

• Clean and sterilize reusable tools and equipment. Some tools and equipment can be reused when creating body art. Reusable tools and equipment should be cleaned and then sterilized to remove viruses and bacteria.

• Frequently clean surfaces and work areas. Chairs, tables, workspaces, and counters should be disinfected between procedures to protect both the health of the client and the artist. Cross-contamination – spreading bacteria and viruses from one surface to another – can occur if surfaces aren’t disinfected frequently and between clients. Any disinfectant that claims to be able to eliminate the tuberculosis germ can also kill HIV and hepatitis B and hepatitis C viruses. Use a commercial disinfectant, following the manufacturer’s instructions, or a mixture of bleach and water – one part bleach to nine parts water.

What are the risks if safety procedures aren't followed?

• Viruses, germs, and bacteria that can cause infections

• Tuberculosis

• Hepatitis B

• Hepatitis C

• HIV and AIDS

What are other problems that could occur with tattoos?

• An allergy to the ink, which may be troublesome because pigments can be difficult to remove.

• Nodules called granulomas that may form around material that the body sees as foreign, such as particles of tattoo pigment.

• Scars called keloid formation that grow beyond normal boundaries may occur in people who are prone to developing keloids.

• MRI complications such as swelling or burning in the affected areas when undergoing magnetic resonance imaging test or MRI.

So be extremely careful if you decide to get a tattoo. Here are references on the things to consider before walking into a tattoo parlor to have body art applied:

 “Tattoos and Permanent Makeup” – U.S. Food and Drug Administration

“Think Before You Ink: Are Tattoos Safe?” – U.S. Food and Drug Administration

“Foot Tattoos: Five Things to Think About Before You Get a Foot Tattoo” – The Fun Times Guide to Feet

“Tattoos: What You Need to Know” – MedicineNet.com

“Tattooing Tips” – Life123

“The Deadly Dangers of Body Tattoos” – Associated Content

“What Are the Dangers of Getting a Tattoo?” – The Sun Chronicle

“About Tattoo Dangers and Side Effects” – eHow

“Having Tattoos Could Be a Sign of Low Self-Esteem” – studentdailynews.com

“Tattoo Remorse Fuels Boom for Dermatologists” – CNNhealth.com

“Color Me Yellow: Hepatitis and the Art of Tattoo” – About.com

Copyright 2009, Rita R. Robison, Consumer Specialist

The Survive and Thrive Boomer Guide Recall of the Week: Intermatic In-wall Electronic Timers

About 240,000 Intermatic Model ST01 and EI600 In-wall Electronic Timers are being recalled.

Manufactured in Mexico by Intermatic Inc., of Spring Grove, Ill., the timers pose a shock hazard to consumers, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission reports.

When consumers trying to replace the timer’s battery place a metal object through the battery tray slot, the object can reach internal metal contacts, and a shock could occur.

The firm has received 12 reports of consumers receiving a minor shock while changing the timer’s battery.

This recall involves the Intermatic In-wall Electronic Timers with model numbers ST01, ST01C, ST01AC, ST01AC70, ST01C70, ST01CL, EI600C, EI600LAC, EI600LAC8, EI600WC, and EI600WC8.

The timer is a lamp and appliance timer, and it usually takes the place of a standard wall switch. The timer is white, off-white, or almond and measures 2 1/2 inches high by 1 3/4 inches wide.

Model numbers can be found on the packaging and on the instructions. In-wall timers are included in this recall if:

• The brand name “Intermatic” is molded on the front of the timer cover door.

• The timer has only four keypad buttons.

• There is no 3-digit date code, for example, “04C,” stamped on the inside of the timer cover door. Timers with a 3-digit date code stamped on the inside of the timer cover door aren’t included in this recall.

The recalled timers were sold at retailers and electrical distributors nationwide from March 2007 through June 2009 for between $25 and $45.

Consumers shouldn’t attempt to change the in-wall timer’s battery until they receive a free repair kit, the commission advises. Consumers need to contact Intermatic to obtain the kit with installation instructions.

For information on how to obtain the kit, call Intermatic toll-free at 877-417-4316 anytime or visit the firm’s Web site at www.intermatic.com.

For more information on recent recalls, see www.recalls.gov.

Copyright 2009, Rita R. Robison, Consumer Specialist

Best wishes on the Fourth of July

What’s happening on July Fourth in your community?

I hope you and your loved ones are having a great time celebrating the birth of our nation.

I went out today in the Olympia, Wash., area and took these photos. It was fun. I’ll try fireworks photos this evening.

Copyright 2009, Rita R. Robison, Consumer Specialist

How to take photos of fireworks

Tonight I’m going to work on getting some better photos of fireworks. I’ve tried it before and didn’t have much success.

I did some research and these tips are recommended:

• Go early and locate a great spot where you can set up a tripod or put your camera on something solid, such as a rock wall.

• Use the fireworks setting or the night setting so the shutter will be open longer.

• Use a low ISO, such as 100 ASA.

• Turn off the flash and auto focus, if you can. Put your focus on infinity.

• Leave the shutter open for 30 to 40 seconds to capture multiple bursts. Cover the lens between bursts to cut down on the amount of ambient light that shows up.

• Use a remote release to engage the shutter, if you have one, to keep from jiggling the camera when you press the shutter.

I'll post some photos after the fireworks show.

Here are some references if you'll be trying to photograph fireworks tonight:

“Explosions in the Sky: Take Better Fireworks Photos” – wired.com

“How to Take Great Digital Photos of Fireworks” – Digital Photography

“Tips for Taking Perfect Fireworks Shots” – wtop.com

Update: The fireworks photo experience was challenging. I hadn't been to the Tumwater fireworks for years, so I didn't know exactly where to go. I picked a spot, but trees were in the way when the fireworks started. I moved to where there were fewer trees, so that worked better. I tried the suggestions above, but my photos didn't turn out like those in the articles I read. When I set the camera on "Manual," the photos were dark. When I switched to "Apeture," I got something, but the shutter speed was very slow. The fireworks look very white in my photos, not like they actualy appeared. We have Lakefair coming up in two weeks, so I'll try again.

Copyright 2009, Rita R. Robison

How to have a healthy Fourth of July barbecue

When I go to a barbecue on July Fourth, I love to load my plate with all the traditional foods served for the celebration.

Here’s a typical plate of food I would serve myself, along with the calories for each item:

Hamburger – 279
Hot Dogs (two with no bun) – 294
Potato Salad – 358
Potato Chips – 152
Avocado Dip – 90
Fruit Salad – 125
Green Beans – 44
Baked Beans – 382
Green Salad With Egg and Cheese – 102
Ranch Salad Dressing for Green Salad – 493
Chocolate Cake – 235
Chocolate Ice Cream – 167
White Wine (2 glasses) – 166

That’s a whopping total of 2,887 calories!

Eileen Silva, N.D., offers this menu instead:

Turkey Burgers, Vegetarian Burgers, and Poultry Sausages
Chicken, Fish, or Seafood
Grilled Vegetables with Olive Oil and Herbs
Grilled Pineapple with Chocolate Sauce and Cool Whip

For more information, see “Summer Barbecues” on Silva’s Baby Boomers Blog.

Copyright 2008, Rita R. Robison, Consumer Specialist

Top 10 Fourth of July celebrations

After enjoying a barbecue with family and friends, a picnic in the park, boating, or hiking, it’s fun to watch a spectacular fireworks display.

What are the best July Fourth celebrations in the United States?

I reviewed several dozen lists of top Fourth of July events. Here the cities that came up most often as the best in the country:

1. Washington, D.C.
2. Boston
3. New York City
4. New Orleans
5. Chicago, San Diego, Philadelphia
6. Mount Rushmore
7. Philadelphia
8. Cape Cod, Nantucket, and Martha's Vineyard
9. San Juan Islands, St. Louis, Mo., Lake Tahoe, Houston, Los Angeles, Orlando
10. Queen Mary 2, U.S. Virgin Islands, Seattle, Williamsburg, Miami, Austin

See these Web sites for descriptions of the Independence Day celebrations in various cities:

“Top Places to Celebrate July Fourth” – Yahoo! News

“Top 10 Places to Celebrate July 4” – msnbc

“Top 10 Places to Celebrate July 4th” – toptenz

“Fourth of July Travel: Best Places to See Fireworks” – Cheapflights.com

“Top 10 Places to Celebrate Independence Day 4th of July” – Ezine Articles

“Best Places to Watch July 4th Fireworks” – LowFares.com

Copyright 2009, Rita R. Robison, Consumer Specialist

Blueberries, raspberries, other berries enhance health

I love raspberries. It’s great to be able to go out to my raspberry patch this time of year and eat fresh, organic raspberries right off the plants.

I developed my fondness for raspberries was I was growing up. I was able forage in my great-aunt Mable Kenyon’s raspberry patch in Cashmere, Wash., when my family went to visit.

 

About five years ago, I bought a single raspberry plant at the Olympia Food Coop. Now I have a raspberry patch.

Raspberries, blueberries, strawberries, and other berries are good for your health.

They contain phytonutrients, chemical compounds in plants that repair cells. These compounds have been and are being studied, reports Richard Brightheart, acupuncturist, in his book “An Integrative Approach to Healing Chronic Illness: Revealing the Root Causes of Modern Disease,” for their ability to:

• Support immune function.

• Prevent illness.

• Slow the aging process.

• Help to support the body in healing.

They are known for their strong antioxidant/free radical scavenging action as well as their ability to reduce inflammation.

Berries that seem to hold these properties, Brightheart reports, include:

• Raspberries

• Cranberries

• Blueberries

• Strawberries

• Goji berries

• The palm berry acai

So enjoy raspberries, strawberries, and blueberries as the summer months unfold. And be sure to look for organic berries at your local farmers’ market.

Disclosure: Richard Brightheart is my acupuncturist, and I edited his book “An Integrative Approach to Healing Chronic Illness: Revealing the Root Causes of Modern Disease.”

Copyright 2009, Rita R. Robison, Consumer Specialist