The #1 Tool to Avoid Food Poisoning

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By Reader's Digest Magazine | Healthy Living – 

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You always knew your dishwasher was convenient. But did you also know that it's one of your best allies in keeping your kitchen safe from contaminants? The dishwasher sanitizes everything that goes in it, says Bonnie Richmond, senior lecturer in food safety and sanitation at the Hotel School at Cornell University, if you use the dry cycle. During that cycle, the internal temperature of the dishwasher reaches 170°F, which is required for sanitizing. (Sanitizing is the process of reducing harmful microbes to an acceptable level. Sterilizing is the process of removing all living organisms - something we can't aspire to in our own homes.)

Here's Richmond's first rule of thumb: Run anything through the dishwasher that can go into it, including plateware, glassware, flatware, plastic cutting boards, and sponges. Anything that touches raw meat and fish, or their juices or blood, should be placed in the dishwasher immediately. That means if you use a sponge to wipe up the counter where meat juices have spilled, you should toss it right in the dishwasher and get out a clean one. At the very least, your sponges should go into the dishwasher every time you run it. Be sure to keep a backup supply on hand so you are not tempted to use a dirty one.

PLUS: 8 Places Germs Hide in Your Home

One thing you can't put through the dishwasher is your hands. Always keep a bar of soap or soap dispenser next to the kitchen sink. To ensure that you are not spreading contaminants, wash your hands thoroughly whenever you enter the kitchen, between each kitchen task, and before you leave the kitchen. 

BeHealthConscious Org The Relaunch Jan 2k12!

Kendrick Perkins drops 32 pounds, bucking the lockout trend

By Kelly Dwyer

Since entering the NBA in 2003, Oklahoma City Thunder center Kendrick Perkins has been known for his hustle, his defensive smarts, his willingness to cover a multitude of defensive sins on the interior, and a wee bit of girth. Perk looked a little doughier in 2010-11 because he was unable to condition his body as usual following a knee ligament tear suffered in the 2010 Finals. With the five-month lockout lopping off the typical training camp and preseason, along with two months' worth of games, there was ample time for Perkins to balloon up even further as the hours wiled away.

[Photos:Stunning 'Biggest Loser' transformations]

Instead, he went in the opposite direction, shedding 32 pounds, checking in at 267 at the start of training camp, and looking as svelte as ever. Check out the before and after pictures:

Here's Perk's regime, as reported on by the Associated Press:

Perkins said he spent about three hours many mornings during the offseason lifting weights and doing conditioning work to help get him out of his knee braces, then he'd get up shots and play pickup games whenever he could. He also hired a nutritionist to help get him slimmed back down to 275 pounds, where the Celtics had him listed at the start of last season.

"I was just eating whatever I wanted. You have to change up your diet a little bit. But there was a lot of things that was healthy on the menu that I actually liked," Perkins said. "I feel a ton better. … It's just a sacrifice you've got to put in. You've really just got to be honest and look yourself and look yourself in the mirror and go from there. [...]

"Obviously, when you get lighter, you move quicker and you jump higher. I've never been a real leaper but I've got some kind of hops now," Perkins said. "It's all good."

Agreed. And we doubt losing the weight will affect Perkins' ability to help defensively and bang on both sides of the ball in the post. His strength, footwork and smarts will allow him to produce as usual. The Thunder's frontcourt of Perkins, Serge Ibaka and Kevin Durant might be the skinniest we've seen in years, but it's also the youngest and scariest trio in the NBA at this point. The Thunder, like Perk, are looking good.

Good news for millions of families: 2.5 Million More Young Adults Have Coverage Thanks to Health Law http://t.co/vKQdf5vD

Tips: Eating whole grain bread or cereal is more nutritious and keeps you fuller for longer than processed ones.

Living Better with Diabetes.

First Congregational Church 125 Ellis Street NW  Atlanta, GA 30303    Thursdays, January 5th - April 26th 5:30-8:30PM  C.H.O.I.C.E.S. is pleased to announce a sponsorship from Novo Nordisk to present Living Better with Diabetes, a free workshop series for people over age 18, who have type 2 diabetes. While we are remaining focused upon our mission of preventing childhood obesity, we cannot ignore the facts -there is a significant correlation between obesity and diabetes, especially here in Georgia.  By using lessons learned over the last 10 years of presenting obesity prevention programs, we have the educational resources to make a positive impact on the health of 120 participants and that of their families. Our excitement is contained only by the necessity for guest speakers, culinary chefs, diabetes educators, fitness trainers, dietetic interns and health student interns that can contribute just a little of their time on a Thursday evening. We realize that the success ofLiving Better with Diabetes is dependent upon the willingness of professionals such as yourself to share your stories and knowledge! To donate your time as a volunteer or expert, please fill out this brief survey. http://survey.constantcontact.com/survey/a07e5fwa77egvzgajn6/start To register, please call 678-819-3663 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting            678-819-3663      end_of_the_skype_highlighting or emaildiabetes@choicesforkids.org.  Space is limited to 30 participants per session. For more information on our Living Better with Diabetes workshops, please reference the flyer below.