It has been estimated that over 50,000 Americans are diagnosed with some form of arthritis every year. Arthritis comes with pain that may vary in frequency but commonly goes unresolved for years or even a lifetime. Treatment for chronic pain, such as arthritis, begins with addressing overall healthincluding sleep, diet and mood. While just one component of treatment, eating the best foods for arthritis can play a role in easing pain and preventing some conditions often related to the presence of arthritis.

Related:How to Keep Your Joints Healthy

After an arthritis diagnosis, taking a look at what you eat is a common starting point. There are two main benefits to improved nutrition: easing pain by adding foods that relieve arthritis and removing foods that make arthritis worse and reaching a healthy body mass index (BMI).It is important to note that an arthritis-friendly diet shouldnt replace medications, other therapies or recommendations from your rheumatologist.

The medicines that you take [for arthritis] work better in a normal BMI; studies have shown when you are at a higher BMI, the medicines dont work as well, explains M. Elaine Husni MD, MPH, vice chair of the Department of Immunologic and Rheumatic Disease and director of the Arthritis Center at Cleveland Clinic. In that case, diet becomes important not only for nutritional value but also for your treatment outcome. You will reduce a lot of comorbidities or complications of the disease.

Even someone who had the cleanest diet before an arthritis diagnosis may find adding certain foods can help alleviate pain and symptoms. Marcy OKoon, senior director of consumer health at the Arthritis Foundation, explains that while food cannot cause or cure arthritis, it can hurt or help it.

Overcoming Family History Just because your parent has arthritis doesnt mean you will. You may be more prone to arthritis, but researchers are still studying the role of genetics as a determining factor.

Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis, affecting the joints as the cartilage wears down between the bones. In this case, the CDC notes that obesity can put extra pressure on joints, increasing swelling that already is a common cause of osteoarthritis.

As with all types of arthritis, doctors stress eating a healthy diet with as little processed food as possible. What we generally recommend in any case is to have a nutrient dense diet, Dr. Husni says. That means everything you put in your body we want to make sure is healthy and packed full of nutrients; we dont really want you filling with empty calories.

The best foods for easing arthritis symptoms are actually foods that are good for everyone; however, from an arthritis standpoint, OKoon recommends learning which foods are pro-inflammatory and which are anti-inflammatoryand steering away from foods that make arthritis worse. For example, processed salty and crunchy snacksparticularly those containing glutenare going to increase inflammation. Nutrient-dense foods such as blueberries contain antioxidants that lessen inflammationand can help reduce the swelling that all types of arthritis cause.

When looking for a specific type of diet, the Mediterranean diet is often cited as a great starting point because it focuses on plant-based, minimally processed foods. Eating more whole foods can also help with weight management, which is often a focus of arthritis treatment that helps medications work better.

Related:What Does Arthritis Feel Like?

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune form of arthritis thataffects over a million Americans. It triggers inflammatory chemicals that attack and damage the bodys own joints and tissues, rather than a viral or bacterial invader, OKoon says.

Obesity is actually a risk factor for RA, but there are other health issues that can be attributed to the disease. For example, those with RA have a higher risk of developing heart disease and diabetes, so nutrition in this case would be a vital part of managing life with arthritis.

Just as with osteoarthritis, you should be eating foods that are nutrient rich and reducing processed foods in your diet. Dr. Husni stresses the importance of getting nutrients from your food versus supplements; taking a turmeric pill to get more omega-3 fatty acids isnt the same as eating a piece of fresh salmon. Getting your nutrients in their most natural form is always best. That means changing how you eat fruits and vegetableslike consuming them raw vs. cookedcan help your body get more nutrients.

Related: Rheumatoid Arthritis and Diet

Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is an inflammatory disease that attacks where tendons and ligaments connect to the bone,causing inflammation in the joints. For the same reasons, eating a healthful dietwhich is also low calorie if weight loss is neededis a smart part of an overall management plan, OKoon adds.

Just as with RA there is a risk of heart disease with PsA, however, the risk nearly doubles if you have a PsA diagnosis. Again, this is why people with PsA should follow the same guidelines for other types of arthritis. In this case, eating foods that are heart healthysuch as berries, nuts and leafy, green vegetablesshould be a focus.

Related:Know the 5 Types of Psoriatic Arthritis

Make sure you actually like whatever healthy foods you choose so your changes can be long-term and sustainable. Additionally, recognizing that other lifestyle factors go hand-in-hand with a healthy diet is important; what you eat is just a piece of the larger puzzle.

If you are on the best diet but smoke a pack of cigarettes per day, your diet wont matter, notes Husni. Stress, sleep, etc. is all intertwined; you have to be mindful of the other lifestyle factors that go along with having a good diet.

If your doctor has spoken to you about ways to ease arthritis pain with some dietary changes, here are some of the best foods to add into your meals that can help keep inflammation down, manage weight and provide you with essential vitamins and minerals for a strong body (and bones).

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5 Foods That Lower Inflammation:

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20 Best Foods to Ease Arthritis Pain and Reduce Inflammation - Parade

CHAMPAIGN With his teammates, several Illinois staff members and a couple of cameramen surrounding him, clapping and bellowing words of encouragement, Kendrick Green stepped up to the squat rack and took several, deep puffs of air.

He hoisted a whopping 700 pounds and descended into a crouch. Then, Green, who is listed at less than half of that, at 310 pounds, let loose a lengthy AHHH! of determination and rose back up to his feet.

Seven-hundred pounds. Think about that.

The video of Greens feat, which now has over 100,000 views on Twitter after Illinois strength and conditioning coach Lou Hernandez shared it back on March 6, is an obvious example of how Green has transformed since signing his letter of intent to play football at Illinois three years ago.

Ive definitely evolved, I would say that, Green said. I just learned a lot, and that comes with time. I learned a lot of things you know about myself, just being mature being out here on my own.

He arrived in Champaign fresh off winning Peoria Highs first-ever state title in football, but his accomplishments since then rival what he achieved with the Lions.

Green is now an emerging star with Lovie Smiths Illini, playing a key role at left guard on 2019s Redbox Bowl team.

He started all 13 games and was a Pro Football Focus All-America honorable mention, grading out as the No. 6 offensive guard in the country and the second-ranked guard in the Power Five conferences. Green certainly is an NFL prospect at this point, along with fellow Illini linemen Doug Kramer, Alex Palczewski and Vederian Lowe.

Green has packed on about 30 pounds of muscle after switching from guard to defensive tackle during his redshirt year in 2017, and then switching back to guard in 2018.

He has started 25-straight games for the Illini since, filling in at center for Doug Kramer against California in the Redbox Bowl in December after playing his first 24 games at left guard.

Listed at six feet and four inches, Green said he has certainly developed physically, but also, mentally. Hes still the same lighthearted jokester who brightens a room, but hes also a veteran Big Ten football player now.

I think way differently than I did when I was in high school, Green said. I feel like I was such a little kid, coming here, and then now its completely different.

Green is happy with his progression at Illinois. He feels at home with his teammates and has earned the trust and respect of Smith, who coached the Bears to the Super Bowl in 2006, and offensive line coach Bob McClain.

But even after asserting himself as one of the Big Tens premier linemen and generating buzz ahead of his junior season, Green is cognizant that he is still developing.

Its exciting to be recognized for playing well, Green said. I want to build on that. Im number six on the (Pro Football Focus) list and Im trying for number one.

The 2019 season was full of highlights for both Illini, who stunned No. 6 Wisconsin and erased a 28-3 deficit to win at Michigan State and clinch the programs first bowl appearance since 2014, and Green, who stood out again and again as a physical, sturdy blocker who could seal off defenders and open gaps for the likes of running backs Reggie Corbin and Dre Brown.

Proficient as a run blocker, Green has been thinking about how he can improve in the pass game and be more mobile to elongate plays for quarterback Brandon Peters and the Illini receivers throughout the offseason.

Even though spring ball was canceled due to the pandemic and most of the players returned home, Green remained at his campus home and has been training there in quarantine, along with Illinois defensive tackle Jamal Woods.

I have got a lot of things I can work on, for sure, that I need to work on, he said. I still want to keep that same edge, playing physical and with a little nasty streak.

He watches film as part of his regular offensive line and team meetings, and is getting used to breaking down footage with McClain over Zoom.

I critique myself a lot, Green said. Im always looking at things like, can I take a bigger first step here? Or, I might be able to put this kid on his back, but I didnt.

He has had some impressive moments. For instance, the time he beat Iowa stud A.J. Epenesa, a second-round NFL draft selection by the Buffalo Bills, twice on the same play back in November.

With the Illini trailing by six points on third-and-five in the third quarter, Green propelled Epenesa back once, and then drove him to the ground as quarterback Brandon Peters rushed around Green and out of the pocket for a first down.

Those types of plays are what draws the attention from NFL types and fans, but Green doesnt think much about them, other than what they mean in the moment.

I dont like watching myself when I do well, I dont know why, Green said. It feels kind of weird. I looked at it once, and now I try to look past it.

Green has been doing his best to continue making gains while cooped up inside over the last two months, relying on body weight exercises and a high-protein, low-carb diet that keeps him in the right weight range. He has enjoyed sleeping in, but also has tried to keep himself disciplined as spring turns to summer and an eventual return to athletics seems to be looming.

That day to day life, you have no structure in your day. You wake up whenever you want, that type of thing, Green said. But youve got to take initiative and have self-discipline to do it on your own. I think my biggest thing is not being able to go anywhere.

Many of his fellow athletes will return to campus beginning June 3, as Illinois rolls out its plan to allow athletes to return for individual, socially distanced workouts in waves.

Green said that he believes hes in a strong position to begin preseason workouts and prepare for the lead-in to the college football season, whichever form that ultimately ends up taking. Its unclear how exactly the NCAA and Big Ten will allow programs to train and when the season may begin, but Green will adjust no matter what goes down.

Heading into his fourth year of Big Ten football, Green knows he is in a better spot than many younger and less experienced players who have missed important time to develop and might be more reliant on spring practice and preseason camp.

It depends on who you ask, theyre going to give you a different answer, Green said. I think guys that played before, that have been in the fire before, you know, I need two weeks to get in football shape. I understand football, I understand our offense. If I get my body right, Ill be ready.

Its rare, especially in Power Five football, for a junior to already have 25 starts under his belt. But thats where Green sits ahead of the 2020 season, and now hes got his eyes set on attaining the Illini record of 48 starts.

Currently, former quarterback Nathan Scheelhaase (2010-13) shares that mark with East Peoria native and former offensive lineman Tim Simpson (1988-91) and former center Ryan McDonald (2005-08). Regardless of whether Illinois makes bowl games in Greens final two years of eligibility, he would break the record if he starts each regular season game.

For my fifth year, I would hope to go for the start record, which I think somebody told me I have a shot at getting, Green said.

Currently though, Green is dealing with life with the same day-by-day approach that many people share in uncertain times.

Im going to do as much as possible as I can to put myself ahead, he said. Ive been working on my body and position work. I really just look at this time to reflect on the things I have done well and the things I havent done well.

Thats something this pandemic has definitely shown me. I have no excuses. Its time to just put work in.

Gavin Good is the University of Illinois correspondent for Gannett Illinois. Contact him at gavinrg2@illinois.edu or at Twitter.com/itsallG_O_O_D.

Read more:
Peoria native Kendrick Green growing as Illinis top NFL prospect - The State Journal-Register

Salinas, CA: Your bodys ability tofight infection and disease depends on your immune system. The immunesystem is made up of cells, tissues, and organs that work together to protectyour body from illness and infection. DArrigoCalifornia is launching a BOOST YOUR IMMUNITYhealth campaign, stated Claudia Pizarro-Villalobos, Director of Marketing, tokeep well-balanced and healthy we need to consume fresh fruits and vegetables asthey are packed with immune boosting vitamins and minerals. Now more than ever, having an optimallyfunctioning immune system is critical to ones health and wellness.

Ahealthy immune system paired with daily preventative measures that includehand-washing, hand-sanitizing, and physical distancing is imperative for allages. We have adapted to a new normal tocombat COVID-19 and studies have shown that a healthy diet and lifestyle canboost the bodys natural defenses. Pizarro-Villalobosshared, so, dont wait, boost your immunity by consuming Andy Boy broccolirabe. Broccolirabe is a nutrient-packed powerhouse veggie that will enhance your immunesystem.

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We are excited to educate and engage withconsumers on our social media platforms during our BOOST YOUR IMMUNITYhealth campaign. We only have one body so lets take care of it, statedPizarro-Villalobos. Keep yourimmunity and spirits up and do not let COVID-19 get you down. Be sure to wash yourhands, keep your distance, exercise and eat your fruits and veggies. Produce is not only safe to consume but essential to ahealthy lifestylewhich is vital to everyday life now more than ever.

Checkout DArrigo Californias BOOST YOURIMMUNITY fun and educational posts on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest and Twitter.

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AboutDArrigo California

Fromthe day the company was founded in 1920 by Stefano and Andrea DArrigo, twoimmigrants from Messina, Sicily, innovation has been its hallmark. DArrigoCalifornia offers strategies and solutions to its customers in everything fromseed research and development, food safety and sustainability, to entirely newapproaches to packaging, harvesting and shipping. The companys brand, Andy Boy, is known for signature products likebroccoli rabe, fennel and romaine hearts. DArrigo California grows not onlyconventional and organic products year-round, but also provides services thatinclude cross docking, consolidation, custom growing and commercial cooling.

See the original post here:
Need an Immunity BOOST? Bring on the Broccoli Rabe! - PerishableNews

World Digestive Health Day: 10 natural ways to improve your digestion and immunity amid lockdown  |  Photo Credit: iStock Images

New Delhi: You probably already know why its important to maintain a healthy digestive system, which plays a vital role in your body. The digestive system breaks down nutrients (foods and liquids) into small parts so that your body can absorb and use it for energy, growth, and cell repair. In fact, the role of the digestive system in maintaining immune health and overall well-being cannot be underestimated.

Perhaps, the novel coronavirus pandemic has changed the way we eat, yet, the extended lockdown has ensured that some of these changes mold into habits. Plenty of claims are being made through social media about diets that can help keep COVID-19 at bay, which is adding to the existential diet-related anxiety. On World Digestive Health Day, celebrated on May 29 every year, an expert explains how to take care of your digestive and immune systems amid lockdown.

Heres a list of tips to help you maintain a healthy gut, improve your immune system amid the lockdown. The following guidelines suggested by Dr Rakesh Patel, Senior Consultant, Gastroenterologist, Fortis Hospital, Kalyan, Mumbai, will also help you plan your meals better.

Do not follow fad diets as you cant sustain a healthy living on fad diets, and importantly, they are usually devoid of essential nutrients, leaving you nutrient deficient or nutrition starved. The bottom line is, pandemic or not, leading a healthy lifestyle such as having a balanced wholesome diet coupled with moderate exercises and getting sound sleep will help boost your digestion, keep your immune system strong, and fight the virus better.

Disclaimer: Tips and suggestions mentioned in the article are for general information purpose only and should not be construed as professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor or a dietician before starting any fitness programme or making any changes to your diet.

Read the rest here:
World Digestive Health Day: 10 natural ways to improve your digestion and immunity amid lockdown - Times Now

When you think of a full English breakfast, crispy hash browns, runny egg yolk and sizzling sausage springs to mind - but one amateur chef has divided opinion by adding a colourful vegetable to the mix peas.

Jessica Ms post appeared on the popular Twitter page Rate My Plate, whereby fellow food enthusiasts are invited to judge other peoples meals. The picture of her impressive fry-up creation includes sausages, hash browns, gammon steaks, fried egg, and baked beans as well as the bizarre choice of a generous helping of peas.

The post has since sparked a heated social media debate, with a number of Twitter users jumping to Jessicas defence. One pea lover argued Good enough for me! Love peas and happy to have them for breakfast!.

For many Twitter users, having peas for breakfast is a step too far - one user claimed the addition was a No no never peas. Crime against breakfast, while another said OMG! Who has peas with breakfast??. A third person shared their sentiment by professing that Its a criminal offence to consumer peas before noon.

Not one to miss a pea-related debated, frozen food giant Birds Eye, who have been growing British peas in the UK since 1946, weighed in, retweeting the original picture and asking its followers for their thoughts on whether peas belong on the same plate as a Full English Breakfast.

Helen Fraser, Senior Brand Manager at Birds Eye, said: We know Brits are crazy for peas, in fact the average person eats nearly 9,000 a year - but we can safely say weve not seen them added to an English breakfast before! Its great to see Jessica adding some colour (and goodness) to her meal, and while it isnt a combination weve thought of eating before, our Sunday fry up might feature a burst of green this weekend!

The British Growers Association Yes Peas campaign, which promotes peas in the UK diet, has come up with a pea-based breakfast recipe for Green baked eggs with peas and leeks.

Continued here:
Most heated debate this week - should you eat peas for breakfast - Hertfordshire Mercury

The best way to prevent food allergies is to introduce the most common allergenic foods to babies early in life, as research evidence for peanut and egg has shown. Even during the current COVID-19 pandemic, the benefits of allergy prevention outweigh the very small risk of a severe reaction.

As clinicians and researchers in the field of allergy and infant nutrition, we are worried that COVID-19 may lead parents to delay the introduction of allergens to their babies. Parents may not feel comfortable taking their baby to an emergency room because of potential exposure to COVID-19, so they dont want to risk a severe allergic reaction requiring a hospital visit.

The most recent Canadian recommendations continue to apply during the COVID-19 pandemic. The recommendations encourage parents to introduce allergenic foods to babies as soon as they start eating solids around six months, but not before four months of age. This applies to lower-risk infants as well, but is especially important for babies who are at higher risk of allergy due to eczema, other food allergies or an immediate family history of an allergic condition.

Many parents may be wondering if they should hold off on introducing allergens to their baby because of COVID-19. The answer is no. Despite the pandemic and some families trying to avoid the risk of an emergency room visit, introducing allergens to babies without delay is recommended. The risk of a severe allergic reaction when eating a new food for the first time is extremely low well below two per cent.

Delaying the introduction might put children at higher risk of allergies. If not introduced in infancy, the risk of an allergic reaction as a child gets older is increased, so its better to introduce early and not delay. There is evidence that in higher-risk infants, peanut introduction during infancy reduces the risk of peanut allergy by up to 80 per cent.

Its very unlikely that infants will react so severely to a new food that they will need an emergency trip to the hospital. To put it further into perspective, food allergies affect around two per cent to 10 per cent of Canadians, so even most older children will not have an allergic reaction to foods. The chance of a severe allergic reaction such as anaphylaxis is much less than two per cent, even in higher risk infants.

In the unlikely event that infants have a severe reaction and need to go to the emergency room, the risk of acquiring COVID-19 is also extremely low when proper infection control measures are adhered to. The risk of an infant dying from COVID-19 in the unlikely event that it is acquired while visiting the emergency room is even more remote since children have milder disease symptoms.

In Canada, the most common allergens are cows milk, eggs, peanuts and tree nuts, sesame seeds, fish and shellfish, soy and wheat. Pured foods, smooth nut butters diluted with breast milk or formula, or ground nuts mixed in pures are great ways for parents to introduce allergens safely in non-choking form for babies.

Its important that the allergen be introduced orally, meaning that the infant eats the food. We dont recommend rubbing it on the skin or lips to test for an allergic reaction as that may cause irritation that could be misinterpreted as allergy.

Parents can introduce these foods one at a time, always in an age-appropriate way for their baby, and without delays between the introduction of new foods. Allergic reactions usually appear very quickly, so parents can gauge reaction within a couple of hours following the meal.

Allergic reactions in infants will usually affect the skin (hives, itchiness, rash), gastrointestinal tract (vomiting, diarrhea) or respiratory system (wheezing). Parents should monitor the signs closely and take pictures of skin reactions as they seek advice from their family doctor. If there is a reaction, the food should be avoided until parents have consulted their health-care team, and decided on the next best steps to take.

Once an allergen has been introduced safely, it is very important to keep offering and serving it to the baby a few times a week to maintain tolerance. Aiming to include these allergens in the regular family diet is a practical way for parents to offer it often to baby.

The benefit of preventing the development of food allergy (which can affect the quality of life of the whole family for many years) is far greater in our professional opinion than the very small risk of experiencing a life-threatening allergic reaction and potentially exposing infants to COVID-19.

Read the original:
Peanuts, eggs and your baby: How to introduce food allergens during the coronavirus pandemic - The Conversation CA

The Scottish Government has outlined what the first phase of the reopening will entail.

This includes changes in guidance to allow for the planning of schools returning and the gradual resumption of key support services in the community subject to appropriate physical distancing and hygiene measures.

The following information is courtesy of Aberdeen City Council.

Local authorities, Police Scotland and other bodies have a central role to play in the implementing of the easing of restrictions and local authorities are central to the reopening planning and consultation process.

This will continue during the four phases of easing the lockdown but with a move from rules and regulations and enforcement to a more consensual approach with the public being asked to respect guidance.

Enforcement measures will remain and the focus of Trading Standards and Environmental Health officers will be on restrictions on those businesses that cannot yet open and physical distancing measures for those that can.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) remains the regulator for premises including manufacturing, construction, waste and sites subject to major hazards legislation.

Inquiries about working safely to protect people from Covid-19 at work can be raised with HSE.

Councils are the main regulator for retail, wholesale distribution and warehousing, hotel and catering premises, offices, and the consumer/leisure industries, including the requirements of physical distancing on these premises.

If you have concerns about a business in Aberdeen is not complying with the regulations, including physical distancing, you can report your concerns online via the relevant councils website.

Police Scotland has sole responsibility under the regulations for dealing with restrictions on movement and public gatherings not associated with the operation of a business.

All businesses and services must take all reasonable measures to ensure:

For retail business, breaches would include a failure to maintain one or more of the measures outline above. A business which opens despite being specifically prohibited from doing so by the regulations would also be a breach.

If you have concerns about a business in Aberdeen that is not complying with physical distancing as detailed above, you can report your concern here.

If the business is located in Aberdeenshire, you can report them here.

Hazlehead, Bucksburn, and Tullos Household Waste and Recycling Centres will operate from Monday on normal summer opening hours, from 10am to 7.45pm from Monday to Friday and from 9am to 7.45pm on Saturdays and Sundays.

The Tullos site will however be closed on Wednesdays.

Always check the Council website for the latest information before travelling to a recycling centre.

Sites will only open where it is considered safe to do so. It is not considered safe to open the site at Bridge of Don at this time. Demand is expected to be high when the sites first open, with queues likely, and the Bridge of Don site is accessed directly off busy main road where extensive queuing could be hazardous.

Dyce recycling centre is now close permanently as agreed at the Councils budget meeting in March.

To adhere with physical distancing rules, there are a number of changes to the way the sites operate:

Only one person per vehicle is permitted unless you are a blue badge holder and then you can bring a passenger to unload your waste if required.

As staff cannot help you unload please only bring to site what one person can safely carry.

No. Large vans or trailers are not permitted for now. The sites are expected to be busy when they reopen and banning larger vehicles will allow more vehicles to access the sites.

No, pedestrian access is not permitted at any time.

No. This is to ensure that physical distancing measures are observed. Visitors are asked only to bring what they can safely deposit in the skips themselves. If for any reason you need to speak to staff during your visit, please wave to get their attention and keep 2m distance at all times.

The range of materials accepted at the site at this time is restricted to household general waste, non-electrical bulky waste, garden waste and cardboard. No other materials are being accepted at this time.

The range of materials accepted at the sites is reduced to accommodate physical distancing measures on-site and help reduce queueing traffic by minimising visiting times and maximising the number of vehicles through the sites.

There are disposal outlets for other recyclables either via the kerbside collection and/or local Recycling Points at supermarkets, shopping centres and other convenient community locations.

You should keep them for now. Store them safely at home until they are accepted at the recycling centres.

No. White goods (e.g. washing machines, fridges etc) are not accepted just now. Check if your electrical goods supplier will remove and recycle your old item when they deliver your new one. Many do, although they may charge a fee. Alternatively, you could book a bulky uplift.

Do not bring waste at any time which has been used when Coronavirus symptoms have been present i.e. used tissues, wipes etc. This should be kept separately, double bagged and left for 72 hours before placing in your household bin.

No, commercial waste cannot be disposed of at Household Waste Recycling Centres at any time. This is a breach of the site licence and it must be disposed of via a licensed waste operator/site.

Due to the restrictions imposed during the Coronavirus crisis we are unable to say when or if sites will open normally as they used to. We will continue to review the situation in line with Government guidance and work to ensure that our sites are operating as fully as possible within the safety guidelines that are required to keep staff and site users safe.

In line with the Scottish Governments announcement and in common with all local Scottish authorities, we anticipate schools in Aberdeen will re-open on 11 August 2020.

We await guidance from the Scottish Negotiating Committee for Teachers in order to confirm our arrangements.

This is not a decision that Aberdeen City Council can take in isolation but in consultation with the Local Negotiating Committee for Teachers following the receipt of guidance from the Scottish Teachers Negotiating Committee.

We cannot speculate on that and cannot comment until negotiations are concluded and a way forward agreed. Information will be shared with staff as soon as it is available.

No, the Scottish Government is taking a different approach to learning and ask that we deliver a blended model of teaching a mixture of part-time study in school and learning at home.

Physical distancing will still need to be observed. It is likely that the curriculum and timetables will be slightly different.

Class sizes will be significantly smaller in order to accommodate physical distancing. Pupils will spend some of their time in class and some of their time learning at home. Time in school will gradually increase as soon as it is safe to do so and in line with Scottish Government guidance.

For example, some children could attend on alternate days, mornings only or may have set day and times to attend over the week. The service is currently exploring what this will look like in individual schools and will be sharing plans with parents, carers and children and young people as soon as they are able to.

Schools will implement physical distancing measures. For example, staggered arrivals, departures and break times and providing classroom seating that takes 2 metre distancing into account.

The service is currently determining the capacity of each school and will only be able to take decisions on spaces used for delivering in school learning when this has been done.

We are currently in the process of determining how many teachers will be in a position to deliver in school learning. Some staff may continue to deliver in home learning if they are shielding and cannot attend school buildings.

Aberdeen schools and teachers have already been innovative in using home learning during lockdown via online tools such as Google Classroom and this will continue in supporting the blended model. We have ensured that children without home wi-fi access have received laptops and dongles so that they can also participate.

Our aim is always to ensure that no pupil is disadvantaged and that will continue to be the case.

Staff will carefully consider the aspects of curricular areas being taught to ensure physical distancing. This may lead to changes in the order of courses.

Staff will carefully consider their plans to ensure that in school learning doesnt put any child or young person at risk.

Colleagues are currently considering the implications of physical distancing measures on toilets and changing rooms.

All schools will develop a school specific plan which will be shared with parents and carers. Plans will include the rationale for decisions being taken.

Teachers will have a vital role in ensuring that schools are ready from day one of re-opening. This includes curriculum setting, setting lessons, agreeing how best to structure the blended approach and rotas.

There will also be a requirement for training given that we are in unprecedented circumstances with regard to teaching with physical distancing requirements.

Individual risk assessments will be completed to help us plan for children and young people with the most complex needs.

Given the delays to the ELC Expansion capital programme, and the need for physical distancing arrangements, we will not be in a position to deliver 1,140 hours this year. The Early Years team will be contacting families in the near future.

In the meantime, we still aim to maintain our statutory requirement to deliver 600 hours per year where possible.

We are currently reviewing our Emergency Childcare and Hub provision to attempt to continue to deliver a service which enables children to access their in school learning.

We are working closely with colleagues from across the Council and transport providers to explore restrictions fully.

We will advise families of any changes necessary as soon as we are clearer on the impact of physical distancing arrangements on transport.

Schools are currently using Local Authority guidance to deliver transition support. Individual schools will contact families if there are any changes to their transition programme.

In the first instance it is likely that children and young people in school over lunchtime will be asked to bring a packed lunch. Free school meal vouchers, which can be used at supermarkets, will continue to be provided.

The SQA have advised that they intend to run the exam diet next year. We will continue to be guided by SQA.

No. That is planned for later phases of the route map.

Park toilets are to remain closed to the public. Toilets will be open when it is safe to do so and in accordance with government guidance.

From 8am on May 29.

There are many benches across our green spaces and there are no current plans to stop the public using them subject to the public adhering to the national guidance on physical distancing.

These benches may be welcomed by some members of the public who require to rest during their walks, exercise etc

Yes. Along with grass cutting, the tree squad, mechanical street sweeping and manual litter picking, invasive weed spraying and the Countryside Rangers team are set to start back to work.

The public will be expected to respect physical distancing rules. All work starting back will be one-person operations i.e. ride on mowers, mechanical sweeping and litter picking.

Services and tasks have been risk assessed and changes have been made to depot layouts etc to ensure physical distancing and safety of staff as per government guidelines.

Grass cutting was not seen as a critical service and has been stood down for the last 10 weeks in the interests of public safety. Grass cutting and some grounds maintenance will begin on Monday morning at multiple locations with services being rolled out across the city over the course of the week. Parks, open spaces, cemeteries and road verges will take priority.

Our priority will be the areas that are being well used by the public for exercising and where we want to ensure accessible open spaces. We also want to ensure that our cemeteries are cut. The initial start back and the first cut will take much longer than usual. It may be that this year some areas cannot be cut.

We aim to start back with the house garden maintenance programme. We will look to undertake as many cuts as we can before the end of the season.

To manage travel demandand adherence to physical distancing,the Council is to roll out temporary measures for city streets to allow people to walk, cycle, and queue for buses and shopping.

Measures are being designed to support the NHS guidance on physical distancing and include pedestrianisation, pavement widening, temporary bike lanes, and one-way walking systems, andwork will start on installing measures in next few days.

No the Council will not be re-opening all of their buildings in phase 1. The process of re-opening buildings is under review to consider various issues including physical distancing, government guidance and the wellbeing of staff and customers.

There will inevitably be delays to the completion of construction works due to the pandemic.

We will not know the impact of the lockdown until our contractors are able to assess their works, the impact of the lockdown and the working constraints related to maintaining physical distancing to carry out work tasks.

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What happens now Covid-19 lockdown restrictions have entered phase one? - Aberdeen Evening Express

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The ketogenic diet (or keto diet, for short) is a low-carb, high-fat diet that offers many health benefits.

In fact, over 20 studies show that this type of diet can help you lose weight and improve your health (1).

Ketogenic diets may even have benefits against diabetes, cancer, epilepsy and Alzheimers disease (2, 3, 4, 5).

Here is a detailed beginners guide to the keto diet.

The ketogenic diet is a very low-carb, high-fat diet that shares many similarities with the Atkins and low-carb diets.

It involves drastically reducing carbohydrate intake and replacing it with fat. This reduction in carbs puts your body into a metabolic state called ketosis.

When this happens, your body becomes incredibly efficient at burning fat for energy. It also turns fat into ketones in the liver, which can supply energy for the brain (6, 7).

Ketogenic diets can cause massive reductions in blood sugar and insulin levels. This, along with the increased ketones, has numerous health benefits (6, 8, 9, 10, 11).

The keto diet is a low-carb, high-fat diet. It lowers blood sugar and insulin levels, and shifts the bodys metabolism away from carbs and towards fat and ketones.

There are several versions of the ketogenic diet, including:

However, only the standard and high-protein ketogenic diets have been studied extensively. Cyclical or targeted ketogenic diets are more advanced methods and primarily used by bodybuilders or athletes.

The information in this article mostly applies to the standard ketogenic diet (SKD), although many of the same principles also apply to the other versions.

There are several versions of the keto diet. The standard (SKD) version is the most researched and most recommended.

A ketogenic diet is an effective way to lose weight and lower risk factors for disease (8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13).

In fact, research shows that the ketogenic diet is far superior to the often recommended low-fat diet (2, 14, 15, 16).

Whats more, the diet is so filling that you can lose weight without counting calories or tracking your food intake (16).

One study found that people on a ketogenic diet lost 2.2 times more weight than those on a calorie-restricted low-fat diet. Triglyceride and HDL cholesterol levels also improved (17).

Another study found that people on the ketogenic diet lost 3 times more weight than those on the diet recommended by Diabetes UK (18).

There are several reasons why a ketogenic diet is superior to a low-fat diet, including the increased protein intake, which provides numerous benefits (14, 19, 20).

The increased ketones, lower blood sugar levels and improved insulin sensitivity may also play a key role (21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26).

For more details on the weight loss effects of a ketogenic diet, read this article.

A ketogenic diet can help you lose much more weight than a low-fat diet. This often happens without hunger.

Diabetes is characterized by changes in metabolism, high blood sugar and impaired insulin function (27).

The ketogenic diet can help you lose excess fat, which is closely linked to type 2 diabetes, prediabetes and metabolic syndrome (28, 29, 30).

One study found that the ketogenic diet improved insulin sensitivity by a whopping 75% (29).

Another study in people with type 2 diabetes found that 7 of the 21 participants were able to stop using all diabetes medications (28).

In yet another study, the ketogenic group lost 24.4 pounds (11.1 kg), compared to 15.2 pounds (6.9 kg) in the higher-carb group. This is an important benefit when considering the link between weight and type 2 diabetes (2, 31).

Additionally, 95.2% of the ketogenic group were also able to stop or reduce diabetes medication, compared to 62% in the higher-carb group (2).

For more information, check out this article on the benefits of low-carb diets for people with diabetes.

The ketogenic diet can boost insulin sensitivity and cause fat loss, leading to significant health benefits for people with type 2 diabetes or prediabetes.

The ketogenic diet actually originated as a tool for treating neurological diseases such as epilepsy.

Studies have now shown that the diet can have benefits for a wide variety of different health conditions:

However, keep in mind that research into many of these areas is far from conclusive.

A ketogenic diet may provide many health benefits, especially with metabolic, neurological or insulin-related diseases.

Any food that is high in carbs should be limited.

Here is a list of foods that need to be reduced or eliminated on a ketogenic diet:

Avoid carb-based foods like grains, sugars, legumes, rice, potatoes, candy, juice and even most fruits.

You should base the majority of your meals around these foods:

It is best to base your diet mostly on whole, single-ingredient foods. Here is a list of 44 healthy low-carb foods.

Base the majority of your diet on foods such as meat, fish, eggs, butter, nuts, healthy oils, avocados and plenty of low-carb veggies.

To help get you started, here is a sample ketogenic diet meal plan for one week:

Always try to rotate the vegetables and meat over the long term, as each type provides different nutrients and health benefits.

For tons of recipes, check out these 101 healthy low-carb recipes.

You can eat a wide variety of tasty and nutritious meals on a ketogenic diet.

In case you get hungry between meals, here are some healthy, keto-approved snacks:

Great snacks for a keto diet include pieces of meat, cheese, olives, boiled eggs, nuts and dark chocolate.

It is not very hard to make most restaurant meals keto-friendly when eating out.

Most restaurants offer some kind of meat or fish-based dish. Order this, and replace any high-carb food with extra vegetables.

Egg-based meals are also a great option, such as an omelet or eggs and bacon.

Another favorite is bun-less burgers. You could also swap the fries for vegetables instead. Add extra avocado, cheese, bacon or eggs.

At Mexican restaurants, you can enjoy any type of meat with extra cheese, guacamole, salsa and sour cream.

For dessert, ask for a mixed cheese board or berries with cream.

When eating out, select a meat-, fish- or egg-based dish. Order extra veggies instead of carbs or starches, and have cheese for dessert.

Although the ketogenic diet is safe for healthy people, there may be some initial side effects while your body adapts.

This is often referred to as the keto flu and is usually over within a few days.

Keto flu includes poor energy and mental function, increased hunger, sleep issues, nausea, digestive discomfort and decreased exercise performance.

To minimize this, you can try a regular low-carb diet for the first few weeks. This may teach your body to burn more fat before you completely eliminate carbs.

A ketogenic diet can also change the water and mineral balance of your body, so adding extra salt to your meals or taking mineral supplements can help.

For minerals, try taking 3,0004,000 mg of sodium, 1,000 mg of potassium and 300 mg of magnesium per day to minimize side effects.

At least in the beginning, it is important to eat until youre full and avoid restricting calories too much. Usually, a ketogenic diet causes weight loss without intentional calorie restriction.

Many of the side effects of starting a ketogenic diet can be limited. Easing into the diet and taking mineral supplements can help.

Although no supplements are required, some can be useful.

Certain supplements can be beneficial on a ketogenic diet. These include exogenous ketones, MCT oil and minerals.

Here are answers to some of the most common questions about the ketogenic diet.

1. Can I ever eat carbs again?

Yes. However, it is important to significantly reduce your carb intake initially. After the first 23 months, you can eat carbs on special occasions just return to the diet immediately after.

2. Will I lose muscle?

There is a risk of losing some muscle on any diet. However, the high protein intake and high ketone levels may help minimize muscle loss, especially if you lift weights.

3. Can I build muscle on a ketogenic diet?

Yes, but it may not work as well as on a moderate-carb diet. For more details about low-carb or keto diets and exercise performance, read this article.

4. Do I need to refeed or carb load?

No. However, a few higher-calorie days may be beneficial every now and then.

5. How much protein can I eat?

Protein should be moderate, as a very high intake can spike insulin levels and lower ketones. Around 35% of total calorie intake is probably the upper limit.

6. What if I am constantly tired, weak or fatigued?

You may not be in full ketosis or be utilizing fats and ketones efficiently. To counter this, lower your carb intake and re-visit the points above. A supplement like MCT oil or ketones may also help.

7. My urine smells fruity. Why is this?

Dont be alarmed. This is simply due to the excretion of by-products created during ketosis.

8. My breath smells. What can I do?

This is a common side effect. Try drinking naturally flavored water or chewing sugar-free gum.

9. I heard ketosis was extremely dangerous. Is this true?

People often confuse ketosis with ketoacidosis. The former is natural, while the latter only occurs in uncontrolled diabetes.

Ketoacidosis is dangerous, but the ketosis on a ketogenic diet is perfectly normal and healthy.

10. I have digestion issues and diarrhea. What can I do?

This common side effect usually passes after 34 weeks. If it persists, try eating more high-fiber veggies. Magnesium supplements can also help with constipation.

A ketogenic diet can be great for people who are overweight, diabetic or looking to improve their metabolic health.

It may be less suitable for elite athletes or those wishing to add large amounts of muscle or weight.

And, as with any diet, it will only work if you are consistent and stick with it in the long term.

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The Ketogenic Diet: A Detailed Beginner's Guide to Keto

GENESEE COUNTY, MI -- Consumers Energy has released 19 rescued turtles back into their natural wetland habitat.

Juvenile Blandings Turtles were rescued in the fall from the construction path of the Saginaw Trail natural gas pipeline replacement project. Now they have been returned to their wetland habitat in Genesee County, according to a Thursday, May 28 Consumers Energy news release.

Eggs of adult females were safely removed from the pipeline path in 2019, then returned when construction was complete.

Natural gas pipeline project carves 29-mile path through Genesee County

Consumers Energy is proud to play a key role in helping the Blandings Turtle, a species of special concern in Michigan, survive and thrive, said Dennis Dobbs, Consumers Energys vice president of enterprise project management and environmental services.

Our dedicated and caring pipeline employees embraced our commitment of leaving it better than we found it by working to protect and enhance wildlife and valuable habitat while modernizing our pipeline system, Dobbs said.

A herpetologist contracted by Consumers Energy incubated the eggs and nurtured the juvenile turtles over the winter until they were large enough to have a good chance of survival from predators, the release states.

Consumers Energys pipeline employees also enhanced the turtle release habitat by placing trees removed from the pipeline path into the wetlands to create additional protective cover, basking sites and food sources like aquatic insects and tadpoles.

The Blandings Turtle is listed as a species of special concern by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service. It is protected by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and proposed for federal protection.

The turtles have a lifespan of over 80 years, but dont reach sexual maturity until they are about 20 years old. Hatchling and juvenile turtles suffer very high mortality rates from predators, particularly raccoons. It may take one adult female decades to produce enough turtles to help keep the population stable.

Its a really good feeling to know that because of our efforts these turtles could be here for the next generation of Michiganders to enjoy. Were very proud of that, Dobbs said.

12 rare turtles with names like Thor and Taco released into wetlands

Last spring, a separate group of 12 juvenile Blandings Turtles were released after being successfully incubated and given a head start that included acclimating to natural temperatures, eating a live diet and learning to catch food themselves.

The Saginaw Trail Pipeline replacement project is a four-phase, $610 million project to modernize natural gas infrastructure in Saginaw, Genesee and Oakland counties. The work is part of Consumers Energys Natural Gas Delivery Plan, a 10-year plan to create a safer and more reliable, affordable and clean system.

More than 30,000 frogs, toads, salamanders, turtles and snakes have been safely relocated from the pipeline path over the past three years of construction on the Saginaw Trail Pipeline, according to Consumers Energy. Other animals protected during pipeline work include several species of nesting birds and small mammals.

The first phase, completed in 2017, ran 18.5 miles from northern Genesee County into Saginaw Countys Spaulding Township. The second phase, completed in 2018, included an 18.5-mile path through Spaulding, James, Swan Creek, Thomas and Tittabawassee townships. The third phase, included 29.2 miles of 24-inch steel pipe from the Clio city limits south to Grand Blanc.

A fourth and final phase of the project covering 28.2 miles -- from Grand Blanc to Clawson Control in Oakland County -- is scheduled to begin in 2020.

A look at phase 3 of the four-phase Saginaw Trail Pipeline project by Consumers Energy currently underway in Genesee County. The third phase running from Clio to Grand Blanc is expected to be completed by October 2019.

Read more:

Consumers installing new gas pipeline through federal wildlife refuge

Proposed pipeline involves 650 landowners in Saginaw, Genesee, Oakland counties

Consumers Energy prepared to avoid disruption to service amid coronavirus outbreak

Consumers plans long-term fix to problems with some Saginaw gas meters

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19 rare turtles released into Genesee County wetlands - MLive.com