1. June-July 2010 – Volume 1, Issue 3 Wash Your Hands! Here is a clean tip from Centers From Disease Control: Keeping hands clean is one of the most important steps we can take to avoid getting sick and spreading germs to others. It is best to wash your hands with soap and clean running water for 20 seconds. However, if soap and clean water are not available, use an alcohol-based product to clean your hands. Always wash your hands after using the restroom, before preparing or eating food, after handling garbage or waste, before and after tending to someone who is sick and after coughing. Clean hands are the best way to fend off colds and germs! Summer is Hurricane Season Many states can be affected by both Atlantic and Pacific cyclones. Hurricane season is June to November. If you live in an area that may be impacted by hurri- canes, have a safety kit on hand, and always have an evacuation route in mind. Experts recom-mend that you have a plan in advance of emergency situations, such as transportation for getting to a shelter if need be. Also, make plans for your pets in the event of a stormy evacuation. Tornados that spin off from hurricanes, as well as hurricane-force winds, can down power lines and block highways. Heed all hurricane warnings you hear. Add Colors to Your Diet Check out your local grocery or farmer’s market for seasonal produce that will jazz up meals and give you added health benefits. Fruits and vegetable are power foods that can give you more energy and protect you against disease. They are healing foods as well. One way to eat healthier is to eat more colors of foods! Blue and Purple: Blackberries, blueberries, figs, grapes, raisins, prunes, cabbage and eggplant contain antioxidants that protect against disease Red: Strawberries, apples, grapes, oranges, cranberries, cherries, grapefruit, beets, tomatoes, carrots and onions help maintain heart health Green: Grapes, kiwifruit, limes, apples, avocados, broccoli, asparagus, Brussels sprouts, peas, peppers, spinach, artichokes, celery and endive may help lower cancer risk, strengthen bones and aid eye health Orange and Yellow: Nectarines, pears, peaches, pineapple, grapefruit, oranges, carrots, corn, sweet potatoes, squash and pumpkins are good for heart, eye and immune system health Brown, Tan, and White: Brown pears, white peaches, bananas, nectarines, dates, mushrooms, onions, potatoes, cauliflower, parsnips and turnips are also good for heart health and healthy cholesterol levels Always discuss any diet changes with your physician.
