Halloween Candy Recall

With Halloween just a couple days away, here is a recall you should be aware of.

Sherwood brand Pirate's Gold Milk Chocolate coins are being recalled due to the fact that they contain Melamine, the ingredient in milk product that has caused many infant deaths in china. These candies are sold at Costco, as well as many bulk and dollar stores. Please make sure to spread the word and DO NOT EAT THE PIRATE COINS (you know the ones wrapped in the shiny gold foil) and please let other parents know about this!

This recall is mainly affecting Canada, but they are not sure if this candy crossed the border into the US.
Read the Snopes article HERE

Non Invasive Approach to Ear Pain

Do you suffer from ear infections?
I am prone to sinus infections which in turn causes ear pain. Fluid collects in my middle ear. The doctor treats this infection usually with antibiotics, but my body seems to resist because of the repeated use of anitibiotics..

Children are more prone to get ear infections. It is one of the most common infections frequently in the first 2 to 4 years of their life.

What Is An Ear Infection?

The middle ear is a pocket behind the eardrum.When infection is present in the middle ear it is called otitis media. Germs and bacteria can get into the middle ear which then causes pain. Between the middle ear and your throat there are tubes called eustachian. This tube (one on each side) keeps pressure from building up by letting air move in and out. If the eustachian tubes get blocked when you have a cold or allergies, then germs seep inside causing an ear infection.

Ear infections can be caused by bacteria or considered viral. Bacteria infections are usually treated with antibiotics. If you get repeated viral infections, the need for surgery may be necessary. This surgery which can be permanent or not, consists of having a small plastic tube inserted into the eardrum. This tube is a vent to relieve the pressure of the buildup of fluid or infection. It also acts as a drain for the fluid.

Common Signs of Otitis media in children:

> unusual irritability
> difficulty sleeping
> tugging or pulling at one or both ears
> fever
> fluid draining from the ear
> loss of balance
> unresponsiveness to quiet sounds or other signs of hearing difficulty such as sitting too close to the television or being inattentive

Some ear infections can clear up on their own, but some require treatment. Treatments for ear infections can include: antibiotics, ear drops, over the counter pain relievers and drainage tubes.

Another approach to treating ear pain that is gaining popularity in the news is Eardoc

The EARDOC is an efficient non-invasive device that reduces the ear pain by treating the problem rather than the symptom.Eardoc opens the Eusthichian tube for otitis media, ear infection, swimmers ear and other ear pain causes.

Learn more about this alternative treatment option.

The EARDOC is the only efficient non invasive device that reduces the pain and edema for ear pain.

Keep Your Brain Active

To maintain a good, quality life, you need to keep your brain active.

How You May Ask?

We need good nutrition, be physically active, keep a positive attitude and do brain exercises.

To keep negative feelings at bay, keep positive and be optimistic. How you wake up in the morning will probably determine the rest of your day. How often do you find that to be true?

Follow a healthy diet, drink lots of water and make sure you are getting enough vitamins and minerals.

Exercise your body. Exercise does affect your health in a positive way. With a healthy body, you have a healthy mind.

Exercise your mind by keeping it active. Read, do crossword or search a word puzzles. Learning something new will keep your mind active and it will also challenge your mind.

Here's a Brain Waker Upper for today. It's more difficult that it looks and it usually take the average person 5 tries before getting a 100%

Take this test and use this to exercise your brain.
THE COLOR TEST

What Happens When We Die?

Dr. Sam Parnia, critical care doctor, director of the Human Consciousness Project and author of “What Happens When We Die,” seeks to settle this debate through AWARE(Awareness during Resuscitation), a division of the Human Consciousness Project.

Find out what Parnia had to say when AOL Health sat down with him for an interview. Click here to read full article


What is the AWARE study?

During the AWARE study, physicians will use the latest technologies to study the brain and consciousness during cardiac arrest. At the same time, they will also be testing the validity of out of body experiences and claims of being able to see and hear during cardiac arrest through the use of randomly generated hidden images that are not visible unless viewed from specific vantage points above.

Cataract Free America

I love bringing awareness to others about topics they could benefit from. This is one topic that hits home.

Cataracts.

My grandmother had cataracts and I remember when I was a child, she was almost blind. Luckily our family was able to help with the cost of corrective surgery. Others are not so lucky. My mom had to have a cataract removed also and her quality of life improved. She was lucky enough to have great medical insurance to help cover her medical bills. Others are not so lucky.

I believe more help should be available for our seniors. I heard about this program and couldn't wait to post about this. Cataract Free America is a new, non profit organization whose mission is to help seniors who are eligible to getfree cataract surgery. Isn't that wonderful? If Cataracts have touched you or a family member, please look into this. Your eyesight is a wonderful gift. This organization also provides information to the public about cataract related issues and gives researched answers to seniors' questions.

What are Cataracts?

A cataract can affect one eye or both. When the crystalline lens within your eye becomes cloudy, it is considered a cataract. The crystalline lens is the clear part of the eye and it helps to focus light, or an image, onto the retina. A healthy eye receives the light through the transparent lens and passes it to the retina. Once at the retina, the light is then changed into nerve signals that are sent to the brain. If your lens is clear and the retina will receive a sharp image. If the lens is cloudy from a cataract, the image will be blurred, distorted, and/or discolored.

Cataracts affect millions of people each year and is the leading cause of correctable blindness in the world.

Cataract Symptoms

> No symptoms
> Poor night vision, halos, starbursts
> Hazy, cloudy, or blurry vision
> Glare
> Ghost images, double vision or multiple images in one eye
> Better near vision, worse distance vision
> Frequent eyeglasses or contact lens prescription changes
> Color changes toward yellow and brown

If you experience any of these listed symptoms, it could be a sign of other eye problems also. Please consult your eye specialist.

At Cataract Free America, they have a panel of doctors who are willing to reduce fees for eligible seniors. They will also accept existing insurance, such as Medicare as PAYMENT IN FULL. They will also provide surgery for FREE to those who have no insurance.

Informational links for you:

> How surgery can be free:
> Beneifts:
> Eligibility:

Give someone you know the gift of eyesight and the peace of mind knowing they don't have to worry about the financial aspect of this surgery.

FDA Posts List of Potential Problem Drugs

The government began posting a list of prescription drugs under investigation for potential safety problems in an effort to better inform doctors and patients.

It is very important to learn all you can about the medications your health care professional prescribes for you. You should know what you are putting into your body. It IS your right.

Sometimes if more than one medication is prescribed, they could cause a reaction or other symptoms could surface.

Knowledge. It's up to you...

Please review the complete article and list of potential problem drugs by clicking HERE

Your Favorite Healthy Recipe Could Win!

I have mentioned in this blog many times about how healthy foods and juices affect our bodies in a positive way. If you are like me, I do a lot of grilling, so I have a lot of healthy recipes just for the grill.

I have come across this contest and wanted to pass the information along.

There is a contest going on over at iBuyBarbeques.com that gives you a chance to win $400 for your favorite recipe. Even better if you use your barbeque grills for preparation. Please get complete rules by going to iBuyBarbeques.com.

In order to qualify for the $400 grand prize, you must submit your entry URL to dan@ibuystores.com. Post your favorite recipe in your blog or website and then submit your url. How easy it that?

Here's one recipe I am considering to enter myself. It's super easy and so unbelievably amazing!

Lemon Sauteed Shrimp over Caramelized Fennel

1 lb. uncooked large shrimp, peel and deveined
2 tbsp lemon juice
1 large clove garlic, chopped
1 cup chopped fresh Italian parsley
1/2 tsp grated lemon peel
1/2 tsp salt
3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 medium fennel bulb, thinly sliced
1 large onion, thinly sliced

In large non aluminum bowl or re-seal able plastic bag, combine shrimp, lemon juice, garlic, lemon peel, parsley and salt. Marinate in refrigerator 15 minutes or longer.

Meanwhile, in 12 inch nonstick skillet, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium heat and cook fennel and onion, stirring occasionally, 15 minutes or until vegetables are golden. Remove vegetables into a serving platter and keep warm.

Remove shrimp from marinade (discard the marinade). I put the shrimp on skewers or use my grilling frying pan and grill until shrimp are a nice shade of pink. I then remove the shrimp into the serving platter, spooning the warm fennel and onion over the shrimp. Season with fresh ground pepper if desired. Absolutely yummy!

Serves: 4
Prep time: 15 minutes
Marinade time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes

Something that taste this fantastic takes so little time and is healthy for you. Enjoy!

Please post a comment and let me know if you enter this contest or if you want to share some healthy grill recipes with us.
Good luck!

What You Need To Know About The Flu Shot

It's that time of year when the Flu season is upon us. The flu is a serious disease that can make people of any age very ill. Some people are ill for a few days, but some need to be hospitalized. Did you know that Thousands of people die each year from the flu. These deaths occur mostly in the elderly.

What Are Flu Symptoms?
Fever
Chills
Headache
Cough
Sore Throat
Muscle Aches

Who Should Get the Flu Shot?
All people over the age of 65

All residents of long term care facilities with chronic medical conditions

Any child or adult including pregnant women, with serious long term health problems...heart disease, lung disease, kidney disease, diabetes, asthma, etc...

People who see a doctor regularly or were admitted to a hospital in the past year.

All people who have close contact with those who are at risk

All people who have a disease or condition that lowers the body's resistance to infection

When Should You Get The Flu Shot?

If you are in a high risk group, you should get a flu shot once a year. It is best to get the shot between September and mid November.

Will You Get The Flu From the Flu Shot?

The answer is simply no. The viruses that cause the flu can change every year. That's why is important to protect yourself and get your flu shot.

Are There Side Effects From The Flu Shot?

There may be a few risks as with any medication. Getting the flu is more likely to cause problems than getting the shot itself. Some people experience a mild fever, aches, soreness, redness or swelling in the area where the shot was given.

Source: St. Peter's Hospital Patient Education Committee

Less Invasive Surgery For Weight Loss

Most surgery is usually considered invasive. Of course there are risks involved surrounding any type of surgery, but with the current houston weight loss surgery it is less invasive. Less invasive means there is less trauma to your body, giving your body a chance to recover more quickly.

If your quality of life depends on losing weight, you may want to consider the lap band procedure. You may have seen commercials for this procedure on television. If you thought about having gastric bypass, think about this: the lap band procedure is the least invasive surgery you can have, it is 10 times safer than gastric bypass, there is no stomach stapling or intestinal changes, the lap band procedure has the lowest operative complication rate and the lowest nutritional risk.

You can click HERE to find out if there is a free seminar to learn more about the Lap Band procedure in your area.

Remember: you do have options and it is best to learn as much as you possibly can regarding any procedure you are thinking of having.

Something For God To Do

To: YOU
Date: TODAY
From: GOD
Subject: YOURSELF
Reference: LIFE

This is God. Today I will be handling All of your problems for you. I do Not need your help. So, have a nice day.
I love you.

P.S. And, remember...
If life happens to deliver a situation to you that you cannot handle, do Not attempt to resolve it yourself! Kindly put it in the SFGTD (something for God to do) box. I will get to it in MY TIME. All situations will be resolved, but in My time, not yours.

Once the matter is placed into the box, do not hold onto it by worrying about it. Instead, focus on all the wonderful things that are present in your life now.

If you find yourself stuck in traffic, don't despair. There are people in this world for whom driving is an unheard of privilege.

Should you have a bad day at work; think of the man who has been out of work for years.

Should you despair over a relationship gone bad; think of the person who has never known what it's like to love and be loved in return.

Should you grieve the passing of another weekend; think of the woman in dire straits, working twelve hours a day, seven days a week to feed her children.

Should your car break down, leaving you miles away from assistance; think of the paraplegic who would love the opportunity to take that walk.

Should you notice a new gray hair in the mirror; think of the cancer patient in chemo who wishes she had hair to examine.

Should you find yourself at a loss and pondering what is life all about, asking what is my purpose? Be thankful. There are those who didn't live long enough to get the opportunity.

Should you find yourself the victim of other people's bitterness, ignorance, smallness or insecurities; remember, things could be worse. You could be one of them!

Now, you have a nice day...God

Examining Your Skin For Melanoma

The best time to examine your skin is after a bath or shower. Use a full length mirror is you have one. If not, a hand held one will work fine. Check any moles, blemishes or birthmarks from the top of your head to your toes. Note anything new or a change. Be aware of any sore that doesn't heal.

Face the mirror: check your face, ears, neck, chest and belly. Use a comb or hairdryer to part your hair so you can check your scalp.

Check the underarm areas, both sides of your arms, the tops and palms of your hands, in between your fingers and your nails.

Sit down and check the front of your thighs, shins, the tops of your feet, in between your toes and your toenails. Look at the bottom of your feet, your calves. Using your mirror, check the back of your thighs, buttocks, genital area, lower and upper back and the back of your neck.

If you do this exam regularly, you will know what is normal to you. Remember the warning signs written in this series of posts. If you suspect any changes or find a new growth, check with your doctor or dermatologist.

Source: American Cancer Society
www.cancer.org

Can You Prevent Melanoma?

There are some ways you can reduce your risk of melanoma. You can avoid exposure to intense sunlight. This is especially true for fair skinned people and those with a tendency to develop moles or those who are at increased risk for any reason. Avoid unprotected sun exposure when the sun is high in the sky. Wear protective clothing, sunglasses and hat. Use a suncreen with a sun protector of 15 or higher. Sunscreen doesn't offer total protection from UV rays, but it does help. Indoor sun lamps and tanning beds also increase your risk of skin cancer.

Check your skin thoroughly once a month. Get familiar with your skin and the patterns of any moles, freckles and birthmarks. Be alert to any changes in the number, size, color, shape of any spots on your skin. The best way to do this is to examine your skin. Call your doctor is you find any new or changing skin growths.

Coming Next:
Examining Your Skin For Melanoma

Other Warning Signs of Melanoma

Other warning signs include:

> A sore that does not heal

> The spread of pigment from the border into the surrounding skin

> A change in sensation-itchiness, tenderness or pain

> A change in the surface of the mole - oozing, bleeding or the appearance of a bump

> A mole that stands out or looks different from your other moles

How Is Melanoma Diagnosed?

If your doctor suspects a change in your skin is a sign of melanoma, a sample of the area is removed. This is called a biopsy and can usually be done quickly and usually in the doctor's office. The sample is then sent to a pathology lab for examination under a microscope to confirm a diagnosis

Coming Next:
Is there Any Way To Prevent Melanoma?
Checking Your Skin

The Differences Between Melanoma and a Mole

An ordinary mole is an evenly covered brown, tan or flesh colored spot in the skin. It can be either raised or flat. It's shape can be round or oval, but has defined borders. Moles are usually a quarter of an inch across. You can be born with moles or they can appear later in life. Sometimes several moles appear at about the same time, especially areas of the skin that has been exposed to the sun. Once a mole has fully developed, it normally remains the same size, shape and color for many years. Some moles fade as a person grows older.

Warning Signs

The most important warning sign is a new or changing skin growth. It could be a new growth or change in size, shape or color that progresses over a month or more.

Most of us do have spots on our skin. A non cancerous growth sometimes can even look like skin cancer. Almost everyone has moles and most are harmless, but a change in their appearance is a sign you should see your doctor.

Things To Look For:

ASYMMETRY: One half of the spot does not match the other half

BORDER IRREGULARITY: Normal moles are round or oval. The borders of a melanoma may be uneven or notched.

COLOR: Common moles are usually one color throughout. Melanomas may have several colors or an irregular pattern.

DIAMETER: Common moles are usually less than one quarter of an inch across (about the diameter of a pencil eraser). Melanomas may be one eighth to one quarter of an inch across but are often larger.

Coming Next:
Other Warning Signs of Melanoma
How is Melanoma Diagnosed
Can Melanoma Be Treated?

Who is Likely To Get Melanoma?

No one is free from risk of getting melanoma. People who have the highest risk have many moles, irregular moles or large moles.

Those with close blood relatives who have had melanoma or who have previously had melanoma themselves are at risk. This can be caused by a family lifestyle of frequent sun exposure, having fair skin, inheriting a gene mutation or a combination of these factors.

Some dermatologists recommend those with a history of melanoma in a first relative-(being a mother, father, sister son, etc.) have a skin exam to determine their risk.

Other people that develop melanoma might have fair skin which burns and freckles easily. People with red or blond hair. Even though melanoma is less common among people with darker skin who hardly sunburn, no one is immune to melanoma.

The risk is also higher in places where there is intense, year round sunshine. As with other types of cancer, the chance of developing melanoma increases as a person gets older.

It was once believed that dark brown or black skin prevented melanoma. When melanoma develops in people whose untanned skin is brown, it commonly occurs on the palms, feet and under their nails.

Coming Next:
The Difference Between a Melanoma and a Mole