Nutrition Food Label Facts

After an adventure with my waffle syrup, I decided I would post some information on food labeling, including the nutrition facts label on foods. I won't mention any brand names, but the other day I was in the supermarket to buy another bottle of syrup. I found a brand that was different from my usual one that was cheaper so I decided to try it, especially since it was their "lite--reduced calorie" version. Well, if that was their lite version, I'd hate to taste the regular. It was advertised as being half the calories of their regular syrup but was still so sweet that I had trouble eating it. I neglected to look at the nutrition facts label when I bought it and now I wish I had. Their "lite" version contains 24 grams of sugar in a 1/4 cup serving. I looked at a 12 oz. soda can and that contained 40 grams of sugar, so in just 2 oz. of syrup, you're getting as much sugar as in over a half a can of soda. Their regular version would have more sugar in a 2 oz. serving than there is in a can of soda. There's no fat in it so all those calories come from the sugar syrup and high fructose corn syrup that are the second and third ingredients on the label.

It is important to not just pick up something because it's the "lite" version or whatever else they're calling it, but you must also read the nutrition facts label to see what is really in it. Brands vary widely by the amount of sugar and other additives they add so read before you buy! An excellent resource in understanding nutrition facts labels is How to Understand and Use the Nutrition Facts Label from the FDA.

Here are some definitions:

Reduced fat means that a product has 25% less fat than the same regular brand.

Light means that the product has 50% less fat than the same regular product.

Low fat means a product has less than 3 grams of fat per serving.

Here are a couple other links to some great information on food labels:

Deciphering Food Labels (Nemours Foundation)

Food Label Helps Consumers Make Healthier Choices (Food and Drug Administration)

Eye Disorders

Approximately 11 million Americans 12 years and older could improve their vision through proper refractive correction. There are more than 3.3 million Americans over the age of 40 who are legally blind.

Refractive errors are the most common eye problem in the United States. Refractive errors include nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism (distorted vision at all distances), and presbyopia that occurs between age 40-50 years (loss of the ability to focus up close). These problems can be corrected by eyeglasses, contact lenses and sometimes surgery.

Macular Degeneration is an eye disorder that is associated with aging and it affects sharp and central vision. Macular degeneration affects the macula, which is the central part of the retina. The central part of the eye allows us to see fine details and it is important for reading and driving.

Cataract is clouding of the eye’s lens and is the leading cause of blindness worldwide. Cataracts can happen at any age, but it is estimated that there are more than 20.5 million Americans aged 40 or older who have cataracts in one or both eyes.

Diabetic retinopathy is a common complication of diabetes and it is the leading cause of blindness in Americans. Diabetic retinopathy causes damage to the blood vessels in the eye that progressively gets worse over time.

Glaucoma is a group of diseases that cause damage to the optic nerve that leads to vision loss and blindness. The two major types of glaucoma are open angle and closed angle. Open angle glaucoma occurs gradually and the person who has it doesn’t notice that they are losing vision until the disease has progressed too far. Closed angle glaucoma happens quickly and it is painful, so people who suffer from that usually seek medical attention before the disease progresses too far.

Amblyopia is also called lazy eye and is the most common vision impairment in children. Amblyopia is the medical term that is used when the vision in one eye is reduced when the brain and the eye don’t communicate properly.

Strabismus is when there is an imbalance it the eyes and the eyes look in different directions. This causes loss of depth perception and the brain may learn to ignore the input from one eye.

For more details on these eye disorders, visit the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) Common Eye Disorders page.

Other links:

Healthy Eyes (National Eye Institute)

Signs of Eye Problems in Adults (Prevent Blindness America)

College Students and Hearing Loss

There was a study done at the University of Florida that found that 25% of the students who thought they had normal hearing, actually suffered from hearing loss that was severe enough that it could impact their education.

Dr. Colleen Le Prell/UF researcher: “So the level of hearing loss that we are seeing, it is starting in the higher frequencies and that is exactly what you see in an aged ear. So typically, starting around age 50, you will start to see hearing losses in the higher frequencies. When we are seeing kids with those kinds of hearing losses it is very alarming.”

It is wise to try to convince young people that listening to loud music can be harmful to their hearing. If you want to read the full report on the study, here is the link: UF study: College students often miss mark when reporting ‘normal’ hearing

Japan Radiation Threat Information

With so much unnecessary hysteria over the threat of radiation exposure in the U.S. from the Japanese nuclear situation and the rush to buy potassium iodide pills, I thought I'd post some information and links so you can get accurate and up-to-date information.

Here is what the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has to say:

"At this time, CDC does not recommend that people in the United States take Potassium Iodide (KI) or iodine supplements in response to the nuclear power plant explosions in Japan.

"The use of non-FDA approved iodine supplements cannot be guaranteed for safety or efficacy. These products do not have an FDA-approved dosing schedule. The supplements are not necessarily manufactured using FDA-approved quality control methods. Saturated Solution of Potassium Iodide (SSKI or Lugol’s Solution) is not an FDA-approved drug.

"Scientists are tracking the location of radioactive iodine released from the power plant in Japan. No radioactive iodine has been detected in the U.S. The EPA monitors for radioactivity through a national network of monitoring stations called RADNET."

You can get more information about this from the CDC's web site Radiation Emergencies

Here are more links for other information about the Japan situation and radiation emergencies in general:

Japan Nuclear Emergency: Frequently Asked Questions (Environmental Protection Agency)

FAQs: Japan Nuclear Concerns (World Health Organization)

Radiation Emergencies: Emergency Preparedness and Response (Environmental Protection Agency)

Bariatric (Weight Loss) Surgery

The American Heart Association just issued a statement that the benefits of bariatric (weight loss) surgery may outnumber the risks in some obese patients. Weight loss surgery is usually performed on men who are at least 100 pounds overweight and women who are at least 80 pounds overweight. (National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases)

There are four types of operations that are commonly offered in the United States: adjustable gastric band (AGB), Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB), biliopancreatic diversion with a duodenal switch (BPD-DS), and vertical sleeve gastrectomy (VSG).

Here are the descriptions of each type of surgery from the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases-NIDDK (there's a link at the end of these descriptions to the NIDDK web site):

Adjustable Gastric Band AGB works primarily by decreasing food intake. Food intake is limited by placing a small bracelet-like band around the top of the stomach to produce a small pouch about the size of a thumb. The outlet size is controlled by a circular balloon inside the band that can be inflated or deflated with saline solution to meet the needs of the patient.

Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass RYGB works by restricting food intake and by decreasing the absorption of food. Food intake is limited by a small pouch that is similar in size to the adjustable gastric band. In addition, absorption of food in the digestive tract is reduced by excluding most of the stomach, duodenum, and upper intestine from contact with food by routing food directly from the pouch into the small intestine.

Biliopancreatic Diversion With a Duodenal Switch BPD-DS, usually referred to as a “duodenal switch,” is a complex bariatric operation that principally includes 1) removing a large portion of the stomach to promote smaller meal sizes, 2) re-routing of food away from much of the small intestine to partially prevent absorption of food, and 3) re-routing of bile and other digestive juices which impair digestion.

In removing a large portion of the stomach, a more tubular “gastric sleeve” (also known as a vertical sleeve gastrectomy, or VSG) is created.

The smaller stomach sleeve remains connected to a very short segment of the duodenum, which is then directly connected to a lower part of the small intestine. This operation leaves a small portion of the duodenum available for food and the absorption of some vitamins and minerals.
However, food that is eaten by the patient bypasses the majority of the duodenum. The distance between the stomach and colon is made much shorter after this operation, thus promoting malabsorption. BPD-DS produces significant weight loss. However, there is greater risk of long-term complications because of decreased absorption of food, vitamins, and minerals.

Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy VSG historically had been performed only as the first stage of BPD-DS (see above) in patients who may be at high risk for complications from more extensive types of surgery. These patients’ high risk levels are due to body weight or medical conditions. However, more recent information indicates that some patients who undergo a VSG can actually lose significant weight with VSG alone and avoid a second procedure. It is not yet known how many patients who undergo VSG alone will need a second stage procedure. A VSG operation restricts food intake and does not lead to decreased absorption of food. However, most of the stomach is removed, which may decrease production of a hormone called ghrelin. A decreased amount of ghrelin may reduce hunger more than other purely restrictive operations, such as gastric band.

(For more information on these types of surgeries and to see diagrams of each one, check out Bariatric Surgery for Severe Obesity from the NIDDK.

If you’re interested in reading the complete American Heart Association Statement, check out Bariatric Surgery and Cardiovascular Risk Factors

Other links you might find helpful:

Gastric Bypass Surgery: Who Is It For? (Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research)

Gastric Bypass Surgery (Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research)

Weight Loss Surgery (UpToDate)

Calculate Your Body Mass Index (National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute)

Colorectal Cancer

March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month so I thought I’d post some information and links with some useful information.

Colorectal cancer is cancer that is in the colon or rectum. It is the fourth most common cancer in men and women in the United States. It is most common in people over 50 and the risk increases with age.

Symptoms can include blood in the stool, narrower stools, a change in bowel habits and general stomach discomfort. However, you may not have symptoms at first, so screening is important. Everyone who is 50 or older should be screened for colorectal cancer. Colonoscopy is one method that your doctor can use to screen for colorectal cancer. Treatments for colorectal cancer include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation or a combination. (National Cancer Institute)

For more information, visit these links:

What You Need to Know about Cancer of the Colon and Rectum (National Cancer Institute)

Colorectal Cancer (PDQ): Screening (National Cancer Institute)

Colorectal Cancer Screening Basic Fact Sheet (CDC)

Detailed Guide: Colon and Rectum Cancer (American Cancer Society)

Colonoscopy (National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases)

Colon Cancer (PDQ): Treatment (National Cancer Institute)

Rectal Cancer (PDQ): Treatment (National Cancer Institute)

Flood Preparedness

With much of the eastern part of the country under some kind of flood watch or warning, I thought it would be a good idea to post some information on flood preparedness. It's important that you find out if your area is prone to flooding, whether it be general flooding or flash flooding. Flash flooding is especially dangerous since it can come upon you so suddenly.

Sometimes all the different terms can be confusing, so here are some definitions to help you figure out a watch from a warning.

Flood: Know Your Terms

Familiarize yourself with these terms to help identify a flood hazard:

Flood Watch: Flooding is possible. Tune in to NOAA Weather Radio, commercial radio, or television for information.

Flash Flood Watch: Flash flooding is possible. Be prepared to move to higher ground; listen to NOAA Weather Radio, commercial radio, or television for information.

Flood Warning: Flooding is occurring or will occur soon; if advised to evacuate, do so immediately.

Flash Flood Warning: A flash flood is occurring; seek higher ground on foot immediately.

PLEASE, IF YOU ARE IN A CAR DURING FLOODING CONDITIONS AND YOU COME ACROSS WATER IN THE ROAD--DO NOT DRIVE THROUGH IT! Way too many people are killed by recklessly driving through water when they don't know how deep it is and their car gets swept away. TURN AROUND AND FIND A SAFER WAY TO GO!

It's always a good idea to have supplies on hand when there is a chance of flooding. Here's a checklist from the American Red Cross, which suggests having these supplies handy in case you need to evacuate because of flooding:

_ Water—at least a 3-day supply; one gallon per person per day
_ Food—at least a 3-day supply of nonperishable, easy-to-prepare food
_ Flashlight
_ Battery-powered or hand-crank radio (NOAA Weather Radio, if possible)
_ Extra batteries
_ First aid kit
_ Medications (7-day supply) and medical items (hearing aids with extra batteries, glasses, contact lenses, syringes, cane)
_ Multi-purpose tool
_ Sanitation and personal hygiene items
_ Copies of personal documents (medication list and pertinent medical information, deed/lease to home, birth certificates, insurance policies)
_ Cell phone with chargers
_ Family and emergency contact information
_ Extra cash
_ Emergency blanket
_ Map(s) of the area
_ Baby supplies (bottles, formula, baby food, diapers)
_ Pet supplies (collar, leash, ID, food, carrier, bowl)
_ Tools/supplies for securing your home
_ Extra set of car keys and house keys
_ Extra clothing, hat and sturdy shoes
_ Rain gear
_ Insect repellent and sunscreen_ Camera for photos of damage

For more information on Floods, here are some links:

Key Facts About Flood Readiness: Preparing for a Flood (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)

Flood (Federal Emergency Management Agency)

Flood Safety Checklist (Complete list) (American Red Cross) - PDF

Floods (Dept. of Homeland Security)

Sleep: Important Facts

More than one-third of Americans routinely sleep fewer than seven hours a night, which affects their concentration and general health, new government research shows. The study was done at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Atlanta. Insufficient sleep can affect work performance and the ability to safely drive a car.

"Over the last 20 years there has been a decline in overall sleep duration in adults," said lead author of one report, Lela McKnight-Eily, a clinical psychologist and epidemiologist at the CDC's National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention.

The National Sleep Foundation recommends that adults sleep for 7 to 9 hours a night to maintain good health.

But when McKnight-Eily's team studied the sleep habits of 74,571 adults in 12 states, 35.3 percent reported sleeping less than seven hours.

In addition, 48 percent reported snoring, 37.9 percent said they fell asleep at least once during the day the previous month and 4.7 percent admitted to falling asleep at the wheel at least once.
According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, drowsiness or nodding off while driving accounts for 1,550 deaths and 40,000 injuries a year.

In the study, some of the states with the highest number of sleepy drivers, who admitted to nodding off while driving, include Hawaii, Texas and Illinois. If you want to read the full report, Here is the link: Unhealthy Sleep-Related Behaviors --- 12 States, 2009

Here is some great information from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute:

Warning signs that you might be too sleepy to drive:

- trouble keeping your eyes focused
- continual yawning
- inability to recall driving the last few miles

Tips To Avoid Drowsy Driving:

Be well rested before hitting the road. Keep in mind that if you skimp on sleep for several nights in a row, it might take more than 1 night of good sleep to be well rested and alert.

Avoid driving between midnight and 7 a.m. This period of time is when we are naturally the most sleepy.

Don’t drive alone. A companion who’s awake and can keep you engaged in conversation may help you stay awake.

Schedule frequent breaks on long road trips.

Don’t drink alcohol!

Don’t count on caffeine. Although drinking a cola or coffee might help keep you awake for a
short time, it won’t overcome excessive sleepiness.

Here are some other great links to information on healthy sleep habits:

Your Guide to Healthy Sleep (National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute) - PDF

In Brief: Your Guide to Healthy Sleep (A condensed version of the link above) (National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute) - PDF

Brain Basics: Understanding Sleep (National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke)

And for all kinds of great links on sleep disorders, visit the National Library of Medicine's MedlinePlus Sleep Disorders page.

Prescription Medications

On Wednesday, the FDA issued a press release. Here are the main points of the press release:

FDA announced Wednesday that the agency intends to remove certain unapproved prescription medicines intended to relieve cough, cold, and allergy symptoms from the U.S. market.These products have not been evaluated by FDA to assure that they are safe, effective, and of good quality. These products may therefore pose unnecessary risk to consumers, especially when there are other products available for treatment of cough, cold, and allergy symptoms, including FDA-approved prescription drugs or over-the-counter drugs that follow appropriate FDA standards.

If you want to see if your medication is on the FDA approved list, check out the FDA Drug Approval List.

It's also important that you take your medication properly so that the medication will be safe and effective. I found a couple links that provide some helpful information:

Are You Taking Medication as Prescribed? (Food and Drug Administration)

Giving Medication to Children (Food and Drug Administration)

There is another important aspect of medication safety and that is how to properly dispose of unused medications. Most people have some sort of medication in their home that is unused. The FDA has a great consumer health resource that will tell you all you need to know to dispose of those medications safely. Check out this link: How to Dispose of Unused Medicines