Raw Sprouts Dangerous To Eat, Says CDC

Many people think of raw sprouts as a healthy food.  Raw sprouts can be  anything but safe.  Several outbreaks have taught us that it is unsafe to eat raw sprouts and is a good idea to cook them. Here are some reasons they are dangerous, according to the CDC,  (Centers for Disease Control). 1. A sprouting seed is friendly to bacteria such as Salmonella or E coli.   The warm, moist conditions in which sprouts are produced make matters   worse.  Bacteria in or on growing sprouts cannot be washed off.   Sprouts have also carried Listeria, which causes a very dangerous infection   for pregnant women and the elderly. 2.  It is not necessary to eat large quantities of sprouts to get sick. They  can be hidden when used as a garnish, on a sandwich or in a salad. 3.  Sprouts were first recognized as a source of food-bourne disease in the  1990's.  Since 1998, more than 30 outbreaks have been reported to the    CDC, due to many different kinds of sprouts, alfalfa, bean, clover  and others.  4.  When the potential dangers of sprouts became known, the US Food  and Drug Administration developed guidance for growers to help reduce   the risks.  So far, no available method has proven completely effective. 5.  People who eat raw sprouts need to know the risks, including people  that grow their own sprouts.  Contamination typically starts with the seeds. Eat healthy but safely!

Here's a beautiful sunrise to a better breathing day!

Laughter Really Is The Best Medicine

There are some wonderful benefits in laughter.  In many years spent  observing and sharing experiences with people with breathing difficulties, I have seen many.  For those who have retained  secretions and trouble coughing, it can provide great airway  clearance!  It is good breathing exercise.  Best of all, from kids  to adults, it always brings good times together! Laughter Relaxes tension Boosts your immune system Reduces heart rate and blood pressure Exercises breathing muscles Releases endorphins

Green Tea Benefits

 

Green tea is made from the Chinese camellia plant leaves.  You can buy it as traditional tea bags, bottled, or as a supplement.  The way it is processed minimizes oxidation, which may be why is has so many benefits.   Of course always ask your doctor’s opinion.

Here is a list of some of the benefits people are suggesting it may have.  Research is underway or accomplished on many of these.

Stabilizes cholesterol levels      Eases allergy symptoms

Lowers cancer risk                   Prevents tooth decay

Boosts immune system            Eases arthritis pain

Promotes brain, skin and cardiovascular health     

Here's to blue skies, better health, and enjoying each day!!   

 

Just in from Respiratory Report

When heavy smokers kick the habit, they experience elevated levels of the enzyme monoamine oxidase A (MAO-A) in regions of the brain that regulate mood, such as the prefrontal cortex and the anterior cingulate cortex, according to Canadian researchers. MAO-A has been linked to depression.

Maintaining good health, especially lung health, has three parts,  exercise, eating right and most importantly not smoking.  It is never too late to quit smoking.   The benefits are well worth it and experienced right away!  There are many tools to help you quit and stay quit.  Ask your doctor for a plan tailored for you.  It may be much easier than you thought.  There are so many options to help you.  Check it out!!  Tomorrow can be a better breathing day!!! 

COPD patients can burn up to 10X more calories.

If you are short of breath, eating well may be harder for you than for other people. Your energy may be limited, making it harder to prepare and eat meals. Medications or depression can reduce your appetite.

Respiratory muscles in people with COPD burn 10 times the calories of other people, This reason is the extra energy needed just to breathe.

Eating sitting up fairly straight is best, using your oxygen as prescribed.  Choose easy to chew foods, chew slowly and breathe deeply while chewing.  Do inhaled medications and airway clearance  before meals, so you are breathing at your best.

A healthy diet becomes very important.  It is also important to maintain a healthy weight.  If you are underweight you may feel weak and tired more often.  Muscles may weaken and you may be more prone to infection. Being overweight makes your heart and lungs work harder and use more oxygen.

Eating small meals and snacks of healthy foods throughout the day may help you maintain a healthy weight, and give you needed energy