Allergy Relief Products to be used in 2014

Important Allergy Relief Products

In this article you will see some nice products we must buy to safeguard against allergy in homes.

 

What is Allergy?

An allergy is the response of the body's immune system to normally harmless substances, such as pollens, foods, and house dust mite. Whilst in most people these substances (allergens) pose no problem, in allergic individuals their immune system identifies them as a’ threat’ and produces an inappropriate response.

 

Allergies are classified into IgE mediated and non-IgE mediated allergies. In IgE mediated allergies the immune system produces exaggerated amounts of a distinct class of antibodies known as IgE antibodies that are, specific for the particular offending allergens. These IgE antibodies bind to the surface of cells in the body called mast cells which become ‘IgE-sensitised’ such that these cells can then identify particular allergens the next time they come in contact with the body. This process is called sensitisation, and at this stage there are no physical symptoms of an allergy.

Here are some nice product you must buy to protect you and your family from allergy in 2014

Cover Your Mattress or pillows

Encase pillows, mattress, and box springs in allergen-proof covers. Prices can range from $65-$150 depending on bed size.

Clean the Air with HEPA Filters

A HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filter can capture 98% of the tiny particles (allergens) in the air. These portable devices range from tabletop to room-size. HEPA filters work best for removing pet dander and pollen, but not as well for dust mites.

Use an Allergen-Trapping Filter

Typical furnace filters don't catch smaller allergens. Pleated paper filters with a MERV (efficiency) rating of 7 to 13 can be almost as effective as HEPA filters and can cost around $10. Electrostatic filters use charged fibers to trap allergens and can cost less than $15.

Use Electronic Air Cleaners

Electronic air cleaners don't use filters or fans. Instead, they change the electric charge on polluting particles. Some electronic air cleaners produce ozone, which can further irritate allergies.

Neti Pot: Clean Your Nasal Passages

Using a neti pot to irrigate your nasal passages may help reduce allergy symptoms. Fill the pot with lukewarm saline solution, tilt your head over the sink, then pour the salt water into one nostril and let it drain out of the other. The pots, which are available at health food and drugstores, sell for around $15 and contain instructions

Use  Humidifiers and Dehumidifiers

Dust mites -- tiny creatures that live in your bed, sofa, and carpet -- are a leading cause of nasal allergies. Keeping indoor humidity low helps control dust mites, which thrive in moist, warm air. But too-dry air can irritate nasal passages and make allergy symptoms worse. Strike a balance by keeping the humidity in your home between 30%-50%.

 

Wear a Mask and Gloves

Housework and yard work stir up an uncommon amount of potential allergens, from dust and pet dander to pollen and leaf mold. Prevent an allergy attack by donning an inexpensive safety mask and gloves

Use a HEPA Vacuum

Vacuuming once a week can help allergy proof your home, but you'll need to use a vacuum with a replaceable HEPA filter or use a double bag

Mold & Mildew Killers

To get rid of mold – a common allergen that thrives in warm, wet places like the kitchen and bathroom -- follow these 3 steps: Clean, disinfect, and dry. Scrub mold and mildew away with soap, water, and a stiff brush. Disinfect with a mold-killing product that has 5% chlorine bleach, or use hydrogen peroxide or vinegar

 

Pet Beds & Shampoos

There are no hypoallergenic pets, but you can reduce pet allergies by keeping your exposure to pet dander to a minimum. Use a mild shampoo to bathe your pet frequently; if your cat is averse to a bath, at least wipe the cat's fur with a damp washcloth.

2014-New Printable Registered Dietitian Job exam Practice Sample Questions with answers

FREE Registered Dietitian exam sample Questions

This is new article on getting Registered Dietitian and other health related jobs. In this article you will see some more free Registered Dietitian questions with answers. This test can be also used for passing other health exams.

Free and Printable Registered Dietitian exam questions- 1-10

Q 1

 Which protein-digesting enzymes are produced by the pancreas:

A. Trypsin, chymotrypsin, carboxypeptidase

B. Amylase, maltase, sucrase

C. Peptidase, lipase, esterase

D. Nuclease, secretin, cholycystekinin

Q 2

 Dumping syndrome is associated with:

A. Osmotic movement of water into the jejunum due to the presence of carbohydrate

B. Reactive hypoglycemia

C. Gastric resection surgery

D. All of the above

 

 Q 3

 Which of the following is considered to be a marker for inflammation?

A. Transthyretin

B. Total lymphocyte count

C. C-reactive protein

D. IGF-binding protein

Q 4

 How would queuing theory be useful in a foodservice facility?

A. It is used to trace usage dates for produce

B. It is a tool for menu rotation

C. It can be used to analyze layout and flow of cash register lines

D. It is used to calculate profit margins

Q 5

 The Delaney Clause mandates which of the following:

A. Manufacturers of food additives must prove that they are safe

B. Standards of fill must meet federal guidelines

C. Cancer-causing substances must be removed from foods

D. Dishonest food labeling is prohibited

6. How many servings are obtained from 15 pounds of bacon with a 50% yield and a 2-ounce serving size?

A. 100

B. 80

C. 70

D. 60

7. The prime cost method for setting a selling price for a food item involves:

A. Adding raw food costs and direct labor costs

B. Calculating a markup factor from the percentages of raw food and labor costs

C. Subtracting depreciation

D. A & B

8. How many ounces are in size 24 serving scoop?

A. 2 â…”

B. â…“

C. 2 ¼

D. 4 ⅝

9. Several community hospitals have decided to order their supplies together. The advantages of group purchasing are:

A. Quicker delivery times

B. Reduced costs may be available when large volumes are purchased

C. Increased vendor loyalty and reliability

D. B & C

10. A written product specification submitted with a purchase order to a vendor should include:

A. Identification of the product name, description, brand, quality, and grade

B. Certification of acceptable contaminant levels

C. Industry sensory standards

D. All of the above

Answers with explanations-1-10 

Q 1 Answer: A - Trypsin, chymotrypsin, and carboxypeptidase are protein-digesting enzymes produced by the pancreas. They are released in pancreatic juice in response to a meal containing protein-rich foods.

Q 2 Answer: D - Dumping syndrome is associated with the movement of water into the jejunum due to the presence of carbohydrate. It often accompanies gastric resection surgery and leads to diarrhea. Reactive hypoglycemia may result when carbohydrate in the gut is rapidly digested and absorbed, leading to over-secretion of insulin.

Q 3 Answer: C - C-reactive protein is considered to be a marker for inflammation. It is produced by the liver and rises rapidly in the blood after exposure to disease or infection. Transthyretin is a transport protein for vitamin A, total lymphocyte count measures white blood cell count, and IGF-binding protein is a carrier protein for a type of growth factor.

Q 4 Answer: C - Queuing theory is a method for determining the optimal layout and flow of waiting lines. It would be useful in a food service for setting up cash register lines that move quickly with the least wait times, less congestion, etc.

Q 5 Answer: C - The Delaney Clause is a federal law that mandates that cancer-causing substances must be removed from the food supply. The manufacturing of safe food additives is overseen through the Food Additive Amendment, and standards of fill and food labeling are regulated by offices within the FDA.

Q 6 Answer: D - 60 2-ounce portions of bacon can be obtained from 15 pounds assuming a 50% cooking loss. The number of portions is calculated using the following steps:

How many servings are obtained from 15 pounds of bacon with a 50% yield and a 2-ounce

1.Calculate the amount lost in cooking and convert to ounces

2.Divide by portion size to determine the number of portions obtained

(0.50)(15) = 7.5 lbs lost in cooking

15 - 7.5 = 7.5 lbs remaining

7.5 lbs x 16 oz/lb = 120 oz

120 oz / 2 oz = 60 portions

Q 7 Answer: D - The prime cost method for setting a selling price for a food involves adding raw food and direct labor costs, and adding a markup factor based on the contributions of raw food and labor costs to the total cost. Depreciation is not considered in the prime cost method.

Q 8 Answer: B - There are 1 â…“ ounces in a size 24 serving scoop. To calculate this divide 32 ounces by the serving scoop size = 32/24 = 1.33 = 1 â…“.

Q 9 Answer: D - The advantages of group purchasing are reduced costs due to buying large volumes and increased vendor loyalty and reliability. Delivery times may not necessarily be quicker because large amounts are ordered.

Q 10 Answer: A - A written product specification submitted with a purchase order to a vendor should include identification of the product name, description, brand, quality, and grade. Certification of acceptable contaminant levels and industry sensory standards are specifications that are submitted TO the customer by the vendor.

Why all salad eating is not as healthy and diet-friendly?

All salads are not healthy

In this article you will see why some salads we eat are not as good as we think. Salads can run the degree of healthiness, depending on what is in them. Although that big bowl of greens may be packed full of antioxidants and fiber, it can also be laden with fat, cholesterol, and sodium—not to mention an overabundance of calories.

Many restaurant salads have more calories than a cheeseburger

Now let us see how we can make a salad your healthy diet. When dining out, don't be afraid to ask questions, make special requests (extra veggies, dressing on the side, light cheese) and ask about substitutions (like grilled chicken for breaded). Most restaurants will be happy to accommodate you as long as their kitchen is stocked with the ingredients you want.

Here are some tips for making a healthy salad at home or choosing one from a menu.

Selecting a Best Lettuce (Iceberg or romaine)

The foundation of most salads, lettuce adds substance, crunch, water, and fiber for very few calories—only about 10 per cup. But if you want all that and vitamins, then toss out the iceberg, and replace with romaine, mixed baby greens and spinach. While iceberg lettuce is lower in nutrients (and still makes a decent choice if it's the only thing available), these other greens are rich in vitamins A, C and K, manganese, and foliate.

Use lot of healthy Veggies (carrots and peppers)

Vegetables like bell peppers, grated carrots, sugar snap peas, and tomatoes provide flavor, fiber, and vitamins for few calories. Grated carrots, for example, have only 45 calories in a whole cup, and there are only about 20 calories in an entire red bell pepper. When building your best salad, use as many veggies as possible for extra filling power—and a nice crunch! Practice moderation when it comes to starchy vegetable toppings like corn and potatoes, which are higher in calories. And remember to go for a variety of colors to ensure you're getting several different nutrients and antioxidants in your salad bowl.

How to choose healthy Toppings

Sesame sticks, crispy noodles and croutons are salty and crunchy but conceal lot of hidden fat. Better options include water chestnuts, apple slivers, a small serving of nuts, crumbled whole-grain crackers, and homemade croutons. To make your own low-fat croutons, just slice a large clove of garlic and rub it over both sides of a piece of whole-grain bread. Cut the bread into cubes and then brown it in the toaster or conventional oven.

Best Dressing

A very healthy salad could go very wrong with one too many shakes of oil or dressing. The main issue with dressing is its fat and sodium content—and the fact that people have trouble controlling their portions. Two tablespoons is an appropriate serving of dressing, but most restaurants serve much more than that, whether mixed in to your salad or served on the side. Those calories add up fast. When dining out, always ask for dressing on the side and dip your fork into the dressing before picking up your bite of salad. Caesar, ranch and other cream-based dressings (when not specified as low-fat) are calorie bombs worth avoiding. Look for dressings specified as "low-fat" that contain no more than 60 calories per serving. You can also add flavor for minimal calories by using salsa, vinegar or lemon juice

Tomato Herb Salad Dressing

A handful of herbs, including basil, marjoram and celery seed, helps perk up the low-sodium tomato juice used in this light, refreshing salad dressing. You won't miss the salt for a minute

Adding some healthy Fruit

Don't leave fruit on the sidelines! Fresh, canned and dried fruits add a sweetness that can help temper the slightly bitter taste of greens and veggies. They also provide color and texture (not to mention nutrition) to your salad bowl. Chopped apples, pears, grapes, or mandarin oranges (canned in juice—not syrup—and drained) are excellent salad toppers. Chewy dried fruits (cranberries, raisins) work well, too, but they are also high in calories (so only use a sprinkle!). Avocados (and the guacamole made from them) are creamy and nutritious thanks to their heart-healthy fats, but they're also a concentrated sources of calories. Keep your use of avocado to a minimum if you're watching your weight.

How to choose good Protein (Lean protein best)

Adding protein, such as lean meat, tofu, eggs or beans, will help bulk up your salad and keep you full longer. Unfortunately, many protein toppings are deep-fried, breaded and greasy, which adds unnecessary calories plus cholesterol, sodium and fat to your salad.

Avoid- Fattier toppings such as bacon and fried (breaded) chicken strips.

Use-Instead Lean proteins, Grilled chicken, canned beans of all kinds, chickpeas, tofu, hardboiled eggs (especially whites), or water-packed tuna are leaner choices. Nuts and seeds are popular in salads, too, and while they’re a healthy source of good fats and some protein, they’re not exactly low-cal. If you choose to add them, watch your portions (1/2 ounce contains more than 80 calories).

How to select a good Cheese for a salad

Restaurants know that people love cheese, so they tend to pile on multiple servings of it on their salads. It might be tasty, but it sends the calorie counts sky high! While cheese is a nutritious food that adds flavor, calcium, and protein to a salad, enjoys it in moderation due to its high fat content. Just a half-cup of cheddar cheese (the amount on many large restaurant salads) contains 18 grams of fat and 225 calories. To keep calories in check, use a single serving of cheese (approximately 2 tablespoons). Choose low-fat varieties as much as possible to save on saturated fat and calories.

A smaller amount of a stronger-flavored cheese, such as Brie, feta, chevre, gorgonzola, sharp cheddar or bleu cheese will go a long way in helping you cut down on your calories and portions.

Salad may be the symbol of healthy eating, but not every salad is healthful—or diet-friendly. The healthfulness of your next salad depends on the simple choices you make when topping or dressing it. Perhaps my greatest discovery about salads was that because you can customize them so easily, you could make a huge main-course salad for a very small amount of calories. Pile in the lettuce and veggies, add a moderate amount of lean protein, sprinkling some cheese and a little something crunchy and measure a portion-controlled side of dressing, and you’ve got a dinner that won’t leave you feeling hungry.

How a good marriage boosted survival in either man or a woman?

Why a good MARRIAGE is a Powerful Heart Drug

This is very interesting research which shows that why Marriage helps people live longer after heart problems. Married adults who undergo heart surgery are more than three times as likely as single people who have the same surgery to survive the next three months, a new study finds.

That's a dramatic difference in survival rates for single people, during the most critical post-operative recovery period, says Ellen Idler, a sociologist at Emory University and lead author of the study, which appears in the March issue of the Journal of Health and Social Behavior. "We found that marriage boosted survival whether the patient was a man or a woman."

 

While the most striking difference in outcomes occurred during the first three months, the study showed that the strong protective effect of marriage continues for up to five years following coronary artery bypass surgery. Overall, the hazard of mortality is nearly twice as great for unmarried as it is for married patients about to undergo the surgery.

The findings underscore the important role of spouses as caregivers during health crises," Idler says. "And husbands were apparently just as good at care giving as wives."

Tying the knot has been associated with longer life since 1858, when William Farr observed that marriage protected against early mortality in France. The evidence keeps accumulating that the widowed, never married, and divorced have higher risks of mortality. Much of the research, however, has looked broadly across populations during an entire lifespan, or relies only on medical records. "We wanted to zero in on a particular window of time: a major health crisis," Idler says, "and we wanted to add the in-person element of patient interviews, in addition to the full record of their medical history and hospitalization." The major study involved more than 500 patients undergoing either emergency or elective coronary bypass surgery. All of the study subjects were interviewed prior to surgery. Data on survival status of the patients were obtained from the National Death Index. While the data are inconclusive for what caused the striking difference in the three-month survival rate, the interviews provided some possible clues.

The married patients had a more positive outlook going into the surgery, compared with the single patients," Idler says. "When asked whether they would be able to manage the pain and discomfort, or their worries about the surgery, those who had spouses were more likely to say, yes." Patients who survived more than three months were approximately 70 percent more likely to die during the next five years if they were single. An analysis of the data showed that smoking history accounted for the lower survival rates in the single patients over this longer term.

"The lower likelihood that married persons were smokers suggests that spousal control over smoking behavior produces long-term health benefits," Idler says. When it comes to healing hearts, marriage may be powerful medicine, but it's in increasingly short supply, Idler says, which does not bode well for aging baby boomers. Barely half of U.S. adults are currently married, the lowest percentage ever, according to the Pew Research Center.

(Source- Journal of Health and Social Behavior)