Showing posts with label health. Show all posts

Friday, April 10, 2015

National Public Health Week

Dear Readers,

We have many challenges ahead on our path to creating the healthiest nation. One thing we have learned in the past 20 years of celebrating National Public Health Week: the public health community can overcome even the most daunting obstacles. Take a moment to remember some of the greatest public health accomplishments of the 20th century.

We all have a role to play in creating the healthiest nation. Take one first step today:

Join the NPHW 20th Anniversary Campaign
In the spirit of NPHW, help APHA continue the great work of the public health community. We’ll share the latest research and best practices. We’ll advocate for policies that improve the health of all people and all communities. Please consider a gift of $20. If we all give a little think of the impact we can make!

Share the Healthiest Nation Infographic
Help people understand the challenge of creating the healthiest nation.

Sign the healthiest nation pledge
When we come together, we are strong enough to drive the change necessary to create the healthiest nation.

Be an inspiration
Show us what you are doing to create the healthiest nation. Enter the “We Can Do Better” contest, and you could win $100.

Thank you for everything you do. Together, we can become the healthiest nation in one generation!

Sincerely,

Torrey Wasserman
Development Manager

President Obama photo by Pete Souza, courtesy of Ethan Bloch/Flickr
President Clinton photo by Lauren Gerson, courtesy of LBJ Foundation/Flickr

“Public health is the foundation for a brighter tomorrow.”

- President Barak Obama
2015 NPHW Proclamation

Clinton

“Every day thousands of individuals across our country are working… to build a safer, healthier future for all our people.”

- President William Clinton
1995 NPHW Proclamation

Saturday, May 3, 2014

Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteer Opportunities Click Here!

Where would we be without our volunteers? Nowhere near what we got going on today!

Current needs:

Spread the good word! Why do you care about real food? We need some extra peoplepower to chat with folks at various tabling eventsaround the state. You’ll get more events (and probably great snacks if you do it right!) if you’re available on the weekend!
Do you have time to make runs around your city to stash our Good Food Guide? (Don’t worry — the store managers already know what’s up!) Get in touch!

Email Kate at katek@georgiaorganics.org if you want in!

Office Volunteers

We are a small staff and the truth is that we owe the scale of our impact to the volunteer support we receive in the office. If you have daytime availability and you are in the Atlanta area, please give us a call to schedule a time to work with us. Let us know if you have a particular skill set that you think we may be able to utilize or if you are interested in acquiring new skills for your resume. We want this to be a mutually beneficial experience. Contact Anika if you are interested at anika@georgiaorganics.org or 678-702-0400 ext. 203.

Send us your events!

Anywhere, GA

The “Events” section of our website is intended to be a one stop shop resource for all fun organic food and farm related events in the state. We need your help learning about events that are happening in your area. Please forward public invitations or event postings to Brooke at brooke@georgiaorganics.org and we will get them up on our site.

On-Farm Opportunities

Several of our farm members would love your help! Turn off your phone, get some fresh air, and tune in to where your food comes from. Please contact the farms below directly for more information.

West End Urban Community Garden, Atlanta (Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays)
Contact: Haylene Green, haylenegardenqueen@gmail.com or 678-933-1087

Mealor Family Gardens; Decatur, GA (Wednesdays & Saturdays)
Contact Bill: billmealor@yahoo.com or 404-373-8888

Patchwork City Farms; Atlanta, GA (As needed)
Contact Cecilia: patchworkcityfarms@yahoo.com or 404.665.7138

The Funny Farm; Stone Mountain, GA (as needed)
Contact Duane: duanemarcus@mac.com

Truly Living Well; Various locations in and near metro Atlanta (as needed)
Contact Tatille: tatille@trulylivingwell.com

Legacy Alpaca Farm; Loganville, GA (as needed)
Contact Terrill: legacyalpacafarm@gmail.com

Global Growers; Decatur, GA (regular, weekly volunteers wanted)
Contact Andrea: andreaness17@gmail.com or 206-554-1197

Oakleaf Mennonite Farm; Atlanta, GA (as needed)
Contact Erin: oakleafmennonitefarm@gmail.com

Abundant Harvest Gardens; Winston, GA (as needed)
Contact Jonathan: abundantharvestgardens@yahoo.com

Moss Hill Farm; Milton, GA (as needed)
Contact Floyd: 770-815-2815

Sugar Creek Garden; Decatur, GA (Mondays 10am-12pm, Wednesdays 4pm-7pm)

Contact Dara Suchke: dara@wyldecenter.org

Monday, December 30, 2013

Do you really understand Hookah?

Hookahs

Overview

Hookahs are water pipes that are used to smoke specially made tobacco that comes in different flavors, such as apple, mint, cherry, chocolate, coconut, licorice, cappuccino, and watermelon.1,2

Although many users think it is less harmful, hookah smoking has many of the same health risks as cigarette smoking.1,2
Hookah is also called narghile, argileh, shisha, hubble-bubble, and goza.1,2
Hookahs vary in size, shape, and style.2
A typical modern hookah has a head (with holes in the bottom), a metal body, a water bowl, and a flexible hose with a mouthpiece.3,4
Hookah smoking is typically done in groups, with the same mouthpiece passed from person to person.1,2,3,4

Tobacco users should quit all tobacco products to reduce health risks.

Hookah smoking is NOT a safe alternative to smoking cigarettes.1

Hookah Use

Hookah use began centuries ago in ancient Persia and India.1,2,3,4
Today, hookah cafés are gaining in popularity around the world, including Britain, France, Russia, the Middle East, and the United States.1
Hookah use by youth1,2,3 and college students is increasing.5
In 2010, the Monitoring the Future survey found that among high school seniors in the United States, about 1 in 5 boys (17%) and 1 in 6 girls (15%) had used a hookah in the past year.5
Other small studies of young adults have found high prevalence of hookah use among college students in the United States. These studies show past-year use ranging from 22% to 40%.5
New forms of electronic hookah smoking, including steam stones and hookah pens, have been introduced.
- These products are battery powered and turn liquid containing nicotine, flavorings, and other chemicals into a vapor, which is inhaled.6
- Very little information is currently available on the health risks of electronic tobacco products.6

Health Effects

Using a hookah to smoke tobacco poses serious health risks to smokers and others exposed to the smoke from the hookah.

Hookah Smoke and Cancer

The charcoal used to heat the tobacco can raise health risks by producing high levels of carbon monoxide, metals, and cancer-causing chemicals.1,4
Even after it has passed through water, the smoke from a hookah has high levels of these toxic agents.4
Hookah tobacco and smoke contain several toxic agents known to cause lung, bladder, and oral cancers.1,4
Tobacco juices from hookahs irritate the mouth and increase the risk of developing oral cancers.4,7

Other Health Effects of Hookah Smoke

Hookah tobacco and smoke contain many toxic agents that can cause clogged arteries and heart disease.1,4
Infections may be passed to other smokers by sharing a hookah.2
Babies born to women who smoked water pipes every day while pregnant weigh less at birth (at least 3½ ounces less) than babies born to nonsmokers.5,8
Babies born to hookah smokers are also at increased risk for respiratory diseases.8

Hookah Smoking Compared With Cigarette Smoking

While many hookah smokers may think this practice is less harmful than smoking cigarettes, hookah smoking has many of the same health risks as cigarette smoking.1,2
- Water pipe smoking delivers nicotine—the same highly addictive drug found in other tobacco products.2
- The tobacco in hookahs is burned (exposed to high heat) and the smoke is at least as toxic as cigarette smoke.1,2
Because of the way a hookah is used, smokers may absorb more of the toxic substances also found in cigarette smoke than cigarette smokers do.1,2
- An hour-long hookah smoking session involves 200 puffs, while smoking an average cigarette involves 20 puffs.1,2
- The amount of smoke inhaled during a typical hookah session is about 90,000 milliliters (ml), compared with 500–600 ml inhaled when smoking a cigarette.4
Hookah smokers may be at risk for some of the same diseases as cigarette smokers. These include:3,4
- Oral cancer
- Lung cancer
- Stomach cancer
- Cancer of the esophagus
- Reduced lung function
- Decreased fertility
Hookahs and Secondhand Smoke
- Secondhand smoke from hookahs can be a health risk for nonsmokers. It contains smoke from the tobacco as well as smoke from the heat source (e.g., charcoal) used in the hookah.1,5,9
Nontobacco Hookah Products
- Some sweetened and flavored nontobacco products are sold for use in a hookah.10
- Labels and ads for these products often claim that users can enjoy the same taste without the harmful effects of tobacco.10
- Studies of tobacco-based shisha and “herbal” shisha show that smoke from both preparations contain carbon monoxide and other toxic agents known to increase the risks for smoking-related cancers, heart disease, and lung disease.10,11
References
1. American Lung Association. An Emerging Deadly Trend: Waterpipe Tobacco Use . [PDF–222 KB] Washington: American Lung Association, 2007 [accessed 2013 Dec 17].
2. American Lung Association. Hookah Smoking: A Growing Threat to Public Health Issue Brief. . [PDF–1.34 MB] Smokefree Communities Project, 2011 [accessed 2013 Dec 17].
3. Akl EA, Gaddam S, Gunukula SK, Honeine R, Jaoude PA, Irani J. The Effects of Waterpipe Tobacco Smoking on Health Outcomes: A Systematic Review . International Journal of Epidemiology 2010;39:834–57 [accessed 2013 Dec 17].
4. Cobb CO, Ward KD, Maziak W, Shihadeh AL, Eissenberg T. Waterpipe Tobacco Smoking: An Emerging Health Crisis in the United States . American Journal of Health Behavior 2010;34(3):275–85 [accessed 2013 Dec 17].
5. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Preventing Tobacco Use Among Youth and Young Adults: A Report of the Surgeon General. Atlanta: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Office on Smoking and Health, 2012 [accessed 2013 Dec 17].
6. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Electronic Cigarettes (e-Cigarettes) [last updated 2013 April 25; accessed 2013 Dec 17].
7. El-Hakim Ibrahim E, Uthman Mirghani AE. Squamous Cell Carcinoma and Keratoacanthoma of the Lower Lips Associated with "Goza" and "Shisha" Smoking. International Journal of Dermatology 1999;38:108–10 [cited 2013 Dec 17].
8. Nuwayhid, I, Yamout, B., Ghassan, and Kambria, M. Narghile (Hubble-Bubble) Smoking, Low Birth Weight and Other Pregnancy Outcomes . American Journal of Epidemiology 1998;148:375–83 [accessed 2013 Dec 17].
9. Cobb CO, Vansickel AR, Blank MD, Jentink K, Travers MJ, Eissenberg T. Indoor Air Quality in Virginia Waterpipe Cafés. Tobacco Control 2012 Mar 24 doi:10.1136/tobaccocontrol-2011-050350 [cited 2013 Dec 17].
10. Shihadeh A, Salman R, Eissenberg T. Does Switching to a Tobacco-Free Waterpipe Product Reduce Toxicant Intake? A Crossover Study Comparing CO, NO, PAH, Volatile Aldehydes, Tar and Nicotine Yields . Food and Chemical Toxicology 2012;50(5):1494–8 [accessed 2013 Dec 17].
11. Blank MD, Cobb CO, Kilgalen B, Austin J, Weaver MF, Shihadeh A, Eissenberg T. Acute Effects of Waterpipe Tobacco Smoking: A Double-Blind, Placebo-Control Study. Drug and Alcohol Dependence 2011;116(1–3):102–9 [cited 2013 Dec 17].
For Further Information

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion
Office on Smoking and Health
E-mail: tobaccoinfo@cdc.gov
Phone: 1-800-CDC-INFO

Media Inquiries: Contact CDC's Office on Smoking and Health press line at 770-488-5493.

Tuesday, December 17, 2013

The 5 Healthiest Winter Fruits and Vegetables

by Keri Gans, R.D.N.

Stock up on these winter fruits and veggies to boost your energy, immune system, and more.

It seems every year when winter approaches, many of my patients complain, "There just aren't as many fruits and veggies available." I, of course, beg to differ. Yes, the farmers markets and supermarkets aren't booming with an assortment of colorful berries (at least tasty and inexpensive ones), tomatoes, or corn, but they still have plenty of healthy options. These five are delicious and provide the greatest nutrition bang for your caloric buck. You just might miss them come summer.

1. Beets: The problem with beets is that many people avoid them because they think they are high in sugar. However, that really isn't so: One raw beet has 5.5 grams for 35 calories. Plus they are a good source of magnesium and calcium (both important for bone health), iron (which you need for energy and to prevent and hair loss), fiber (to help to fill you up), and folic acid (necessary for the production and maintenance of new cells in our bodies, and especially important for pregnant woman). Beets are especially important during the winter because they have a unique source of phytonutrients, called betalains, which provide antioxidant and anti-inflammatory support to help keep your immune system strong.

2. Brussels sprouts: A member of the cabbage family, Brussels sprouts have seen a recent rise in popularity, and that's a good thing. (I wonder what took everyone so long-I love them!) They are an excellent source of bone-strengthening vitamin K and may give you a glow thanks to the vitamin C, which supports collagen production and products against free radicals. A cup also provides 15 percent of your daily iron and 13 percent of your recommended fiber.

3. Cauliflower: Ever since we were told to load our plates with color, white foods have been getting a bad rap. Cauliflower doesn't deserve it. It is an excellent source of folic acid and vitamins C and K, and also contains lots of iron, fiber, potassium for efficient muscle function, and B vitamins, which play a role in everything from hair growth to red blood cell creation to carrying oxygen and nutrients to cells of our body.

4. Clementines: I know the winter season is upon us when I see the boxes of clementines, a cross between a mandarin and an orange, in the supermarket. So easy to peel, they make the easiest grab-and-go citrus fruit this time of year. Besides being a excellent source of vitamin C, they also contain calcium and potassium, and are a great low calorie fruit: a serving of two clementines is only 80 calories.

5. Pears: I think pears are an overlooked fruit, with so many more people grabbing apples at this time of year. One of the highest-fiber fruits, a medium pear offers about 6 grams, which can help with blood sugar control and promote weight loss. An excellent source of vitamins C and K, pears are also packed with B vitamins, calcium, magnesium, potassium, and manganese.

Sunday, November 24, 2013

Off Grid Info Where To Get Heirloom Seeds - Non-GMO Seeds - Organic Seeds

Off Grid Info - Food Independence - Where To Get Heirloom Seeds - Non-GMO Seeds - Organic Seeds

Here is a useful list of ~~40+~~ 130+ companies supplying heirloom / non-GMO / organic seeds. If health is wealth, then this page is solid gold! :) Please share this important information. If you have any additions or corrections for this list, please let us know! We welcome genuine suppliers based anywhere in the world. Let's make the biggest and best list we can! - See more at: http://www.off-grid.info/food-independence/heirloom-seed-suppliers.html#sthash.P2FJ5nEG.dpuf

USA (states in alphabetical order)

- See more at: http://www.off-grid.info/food-independence/heirloom-seed-suppliers.html#sthash.P2FJ5nEG.dpu
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Thursday, July 25, 2013

DeKalb Family Fun Day!

Monday, July 22, 2013

#WINFROMWITHIN

#WINFROMWITHIN
Gatorade Challenge
Show how you #WINFROMWITHIN. Create your own digital @Gatorade bottle. https://gatorade.com/winfromwithin

Saturday, June 15, 2013

Grocery Store First In City To Offer Dietician To Customers

June 13, 2013 5:50 PM

Reporting Gigi Barnett

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BALTIMORE (WJZ) — More than a third of Baltimore’s neighborhoods don’t have grocery stores. It’s a problem that’s contributed to the city’s high obesity rate.

Gigi Barnett takes a look at how one southwest Baltimore store is trying to change that.

Pam Burley’s grocery cart is loaded with fruits and vegetables.

She shops at the Food Depot in southwest Baltimore. The store just finished a complete overhaul to offer more healthy options to neighbors.

“You’ve got to eat healthy. Your health is more important than the price,” Burley said. But the store still lowered prices on organic foods, brought in more signs to showcase healthy choices and hired a full-time dietician to show shoppers how to eat well on a budget.

“I took a pack of chicken breast and I made it into five different things for a total of 37 different servings for under $5,” said Sheryl Hoehner, registered dietician.

About 36 percent of Baltimore’s neighborhoods are in what’s called a “food desert.” That means the nearest grocery store is more than a quarter mile away and less than 60 percent of the people in those communities have a car to get to one.

“That’s very troubling to me, and it’s something I care deeply about,” said Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake.

Those kind of changes drew the attention of city Mayor Rawlings-Blake, who wants more stores like Food Depot in Baltimore to bring in more fruits and vegetables.

“So many of the diseases that impact our community in Baltimore are impacted by obesity. If we can get that under control we would be able to create a healthier city,” the mayor said.

In addition to Food Depot being the first Baltimore grocery store with a dietician on staff, the store is also teaming up with a local gym to offer exercise classes.

The city says it especially needs more grocery stores because about 25 percent of children live in food deserts.