Sunday, September 23, 2012

Trader Joe's recalls peanut butter

WASHINGTON (AP) — The grocery store chain Trader Joe's is recalling peanut butter that has been linked to 29 salmonella illnesses in 18 states.

The Food and Drug Administration and the federal Centers for Disease Control said Saturday that the store's Creamy Salted Valencia Peanut Butter, which is sold nationwide, is the likely source of the outbreak. The agencies are investigating whether any other items sold at the store could be contaminated.

More than three-fourths of those who became ill were children under the age of 18. No deaths have been reported.

The FDA issued a statement Saturday saying that the FDA, the CDC and the state of California briefed Trader Joe's on its investigation showing the link between the peanut butter and the illnesses on Sept. 20. The company then agreed to remove the product from store shelves.

The government did not release which states had reported illnesses, but several states have issued warnings to residents not to eat the peanut butter. According to the individual states' health departments, three cases were in Massachusetts, one was in Rhode Island and one was in North Carolina.

The CDC said people became sick between June 11 and Sept. 2. Information may not be available for those who were sickened after August.

Salmonella can cause diarrhea, fever and abdominal cramps 12 to 72 hours after infection. It is most dangerous to children, the elderly and others with weak immune systems

Over 50 Fair for Boomers

For all the boomers out there...a celebration aimed at the over 50 crowd will be held next Sunday (9/30/2012) at the Melville Marriott. Workshops will be held on many topics including-
Zumba
Yoga
Tai Chi
As well as other topics ranging from sleep apnea and reverse mortgages.


Here are some of the types of businesses/organizations that will be participating:

Interests for those Over 50
Wellness
Exercise Classes

Health for those Over 50
Health Care Professionals
Nutrition

Lifestyle for those Over 50
Education
Travel Ideas
Spare Time for those Over 50
Volunteering
Business Opportunities

Finances for those Over 50
Estate Planning
Long Term Care Insurance

Living Arrangements for those Over 50
Real Estate
In Home Care


For more info:
516-621-1446 or see http://www.over50Fair.com
A small admission is being charged.

Tuesday, July 31, 2012

Computer game aims to zap teen depression and isolation

Long viewed as a contributing factor in teenage isolation, computer games are now being used to treat adolescent depression in an innovative New Zealand programme.

 Rather than simply encouraging players to engage in mindless destruction, the SPARX video game attempts to teach teenagers how to deal with depression using a psychological approach known as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT).

 Just as importantly, its creators set out to make the game exciting for those teenagers who are often reluctant to seek counselling and bored by well-meaning advice on how to cope with depression. The result is a role-playing fantasy game, where teenagers adopt a warrior avatar ... Click for full article from Yahoo news.