Health Briefs TV Observes How Tainted Food Costs Lives

The World Health Organization states approximately 420,000 people die every year from food-borne diseases. Young children account for more than a quarter of those deaths, Health Briefs TV notes.

The agency also estimates that 600 million people become ill every year from consuming tainted food. Children under five are vulnerable to serious illness from contaminated food, resulting in 125,000 deaths per year. A review of the food-related illnesses found 31 types of bacteria, viruses, parasites, toxins or chemicals in food consumed in Africa and Asia.

Raw or undercooked meat, eggs, fresh produce and dairy products are the main culprits. Other diseases which can stem from tainted food are typhoid fever, hepatitis A, tapeworm and aflatoxin which is a mold that grows on grain stored incorrectly.

Health Briefs TV observes from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control that 48 million people get sick from tainted food each year. Roughly 128,000 need to be hospitalized and an estimated 3,000 die.

In the U.S., prevention is the key to not becoming ill from contaminated food. Wash all produce thoroughly. Cook meat until fully done. Wash all food preparation surfaces and hands after handling raw chicken and fish. Don’t intermingle meat and chicken on cutting boards. If the food smells bad, throw it out. Pay attention to use and sell by dates on all packages of fresh food.  

As the holiday season is now upon us, take extra care when preparing and storing food for celebrations and gatherings.  This is the season for joyous events. No one wants to spend it sick in bed or in the hospital.

store and cook food like this properly

Health Briefs TV Relays Weight Loss Tips for the Holiday Season

The holiday season wreaks havoc on the best weight loss successes, and throws a wrench into healthy lifestyle changes. Health Briefs TV relays weight loss tips during the holiday season.

It can be a major challenge to maneuver the many holiday parties, gatherings and the food and drinks offered at them. The numerous Christmas and other holiday cookies and sweets, the big family meals, the cocktail parties with sugar-laden drinks and fattening appetizers all lead to one big nosedive off of the weight loss plan. But there are ways to counter these hazards and, at the very least, maintain weight.

Before heading out to a party or food gathering, drink plenty of water. Snack on fruits and vegetables. If planning to drink alcohol, eat some bread or crackers to soak the alcohol in your stomach.

Take the smallest plate on the buffet table. Walk around the table before getting line to get something to eat to see what’s being served. Look for the healthiest options such as lean chicken and fish, vegetables, salads and sides. Take a little bit of the food you want to eat. If it is a heavier, fattier food, consider taking about two tablespoons worth of the item.

Health Briefs TV suggests taking a brisk walk after the meal if possible. Party goers should stay up for a little while once home and re-hydrate with water or lemon water before bed.

Holiday parties and family gatherings will soon begin. Don’t let one happy reunion get in the way of weight loss success. Keep the momentum going throughout the festive season and start the new year ahead of everyone who is just beginning their healthy lifestyle change. 

Health Briefs TV Relays Cautions for July Fourth

Never use sparklers in the house or home

The upcoming July Fourth holiday in the United States is a time of celebration, family picnics, firework shows, and injuries. Health Briefs TV relays cautions for the Independence holiday.

As Americans being to prep and prepare homes, lawns, and food for the holiday weekend, there are important health and safety reminders to consider:

Lawns and the outdoors

• Carefully trim trees, bushes and shrubs. Be aware of power and cable lines hidden in thick tree branches. Wear sturdy, enclosed shoes and long sleeves to prevent slips from ladders and scratches on arms.
• Be sure swimming pools have secure gates and fences to prevent small children from possibly drowning.
• Clean outdoor furniture with water only.
• Wear swim goggles when enjoying public pools and in oceans, lakes and other bodies of water to prevent eye infections.
• Use plenty of sunscreen and wear a hat when spending a lot of time in the sun. Reapply often and don’t forget to protect the ears, nose and mouth.
• Use sparklers and snappers cautiously. Avoid letting small children use them. Snappers can pop under someone’s legs and cause burns. Sparklers crackle and pop scaring animals and kids. Stand away from other people when using them. Fireworks sold to consumers cause more burns to hands, arms and faces than anywhere else, according to the US Consumer Product Safety Commission.

Homes and food

• Refrigerate all food well in advance of picnics and barbeques. Use sealed containers to prevent spills and contamination from air.
• Clean up counters and tables when done using them immediately so pets and toddlers don’t ingest food with bones, chocolate or anything which might cause an allergic reaction.
• Keep alcoholic drinks away from surfaces that kids can reach.
• Pack plenty of beach towels, bug spray and sunscreen for everyone.
• Keep everyone hydrated with a supply of cold water and fruit juices. Flavor it naturally with berries, oranges, lemons, limes and mint.

The Health Briefs TV show wishes readers a safe and healthy Fourth of July.

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How to Not Over Eat During the Holidays from Health Briefs TV

Oh how good the home cooked meals are. We know how hard it is to be careful what we eat during the holidays. Health Briefs TV offers a few thoughts about to not overeat during the holidays.

It is okay to indulge on the holiday itself but not on the days before and after it. Over indulging throughout Thanksgiving week and the weeks leading up to and including Christmas, Hanukah and New Year’s Day can derail anyone’s weight loss plan or wellness routine. But do enjoy the special dishes people like to make.

Take plenty of walks before and after meals with family members and friends. This is the nicest way to spend quality time with someone you haven’t seen in a while.

If there is a lot of fatty, carb and calorie-laden food on the table, take small portions of it.  A small portion should be no bigger than the palm of the hand.

The Health Briefs TV show suggests snacking on veggies and low-fat or healthful dips and spreads. Make your own to take with you or borrow a car and head to the store for the ingredients.

Over eating throughout the holiday season can wreak havoc on a healthy lifestyle or weight loss plan, Think ahead and prepare to not over eat.

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