Perhaps youve decided to use this time to really get to know your skin, inside and out. And for many of us, we may have a lot to learn about our skin: What are common breakout triggers, what topical ingredients should you be using, what steps should you take morning at night?

And sure you could guess-and-test on your own (what many of us have been doing for years), but currently Naturopathica is hosting virtual consultations with skin care expert, master herbalist and founder Barbara Close. ($100, and the proceeds go to COVID-19 relief; launching on May 13, and you can book an appointment here.) The beloved natural brand hosts similar consultations in-store and -salon, however given the current climate thats obviously not an option. So, like much of theworld, they moved online.

But now, no matter where you live, you can get her sage advice. In the consultations, you may discuss your stress levels, diet, and current skin care routine, to get a full picture of your skin care routine. (Because skin care routines are not just products.) From there shell offer suggestions for lifestyle modifications and treatments. One of the best ways to deal with stress is to help our bodies adapt to it using herbal remedies and relaxing well-care rituals, says Close. My goal with these consultations is to share the tips that Ive learned over the past two decades as an herbalist, esthetician and product formulator to help alleviate some stress from our community.

You can also buy a facial bundle (check the skin care packages here) and book an appointment with a licensed esthetician, who will take you through the process and make you feel like you are at a spa, if just for a moment. After, you'll have all the effective products, and can continue to do the facial at your leisure.

Original post:
Need To Satisfy A Beauty Itch? We've Got 4 Safe Ways To Have Fun Right Now - mindbodygreen.com

When it comes to eczema, many people who suffer it also have food allergies. But those without diagnosed food allergies notice they experience flare-ups of their eczema after they eat certain foods.

However, this may be a food sensitivity rather than an allergy and its worth paying careful attention to how your diet affects your eczema in case it might help to avoid specific foods.

But you should bear in mind that there certain foods that have the tendency of causing a flare-up of your eczema; these include:

Canned FoodsIf you suffer from a type of eczema called dyshidrotic eczema, you may be sensitive to nickel. If so, eating foods containing nickel can exacerbate symptoms, like the small blisters that may appear on your feet and hands. Nickel can be found in a number of foods, including wheat, legumes, oat, rye, chocolate, and cocoa. But since many manufacturers use nickel in the production of cans for food preservation, nickel can also show up in those canned foods.

NutsIts very common for people with eczema to be allergic to peanuts. If you seem to have developed allergic symptoms, including eczema flare-ups, after eating peanuts, peanut butter, or any other food containing peanuts, you may want to consider allergy testing.

MilkCows milk is one of the most commonly cited culprits of eczema flare-ups in young adults. Also, experts caution, that parents shouldnt just routinely eliminate milk or milk-based products from their childrens diets. If it is completely removed from the diet, they may develop vitamin deficiencies and other issues.

This kind of elimination diet should only be reserved for people with severe eczema; so speak with your doctor about the appropriate food substitutes.

Eggs

In babies and young children, eggs are another common trigger of eczema exacerbation. If youre trying to avoid them, it may be easy enough to avoid scrambled or fried eggs, but be vigilant about dishes like bread and other baked goods that may contain eggs. Keep in mind it might only need to be a short-term avoidance strategy; as with milk allergies, some children with egg allergies also outgrow them, too.

FishInterestingly, some experts note that certain types of fish, including salmon, sardines, and herring, are an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, which can fight inflammation in your body. But others warn that fish is on the list of foods that commonly cause allergic reactions. You may want to be cautious until you know how your body reacts.

Ultimately, before you completely eliminate any foods from your diet, consult with your doctor. He or she can help you determine what steps to take when safely cutting out different food products.

The medical information provided in this article is provided as an information resource only. This information does not create any patient-physician relationship and should not be used as a substitute for professional diagnosis and treatment.

See the rest here:
5 Foods You Need To Avoid When Dealing With EczemaGuardian Life - Guardian

From supporting immunity to healthy pregnancies, eggs do a lot of jobs for us.

The original superfood, eggs are one of the healthiest foods you can eat, packed full of amino acids, antioxidants and essential vitamins.

All those nutrients are not only great for boosting our immune systems, but they also play different roles inassisting us throughout all of our life stages.

We askedexpert dietitian Sharon Natoli to explain the exact ways eggs can benefit both your health, and your loved ones health too.

With COVID-19 never far from our thoughts and winter drawing closer, many of us are concerned about building up our immunity. Containing 13 different vitamins and minerals, eggs are indeed a superfood that can help to protect and strengthen your body from disease.

Eggs contain a variety of key nutrients that are needed for a healthy immune system, Sharon tells Mamamia.

They have protein, which helps antibodies fight infection; iron for helping the immune cells to multiply and mature; selenium, which is an antioxidant that protects cells and fights off free radicals; vitamin A for healthy skin, and healthy mucous membranes that are our first line of defence against invaders.

Theyre also very high in vitamin D, which is especially helpful if were spending more time indoors right now.

One of the key things weve found recently is that theyre really high in vitamin D, which has a role in influencing how the immune system responds, Sharon shares. A recent study found that vitamin D might be helpful in reducing the risk of respiratory symptoms.

Dietitian Sharon Natolis best advice around egg nutrition. Post continues after video.

Youve probably heard about the many health benefits of consuming eggs during pregnancy. Eggs contain vital nutrients for this period of life, such as folate, vitamin B12 and the little-known choline.

Choline is an incredibly important nutrient that most of us arent getting enough of, and its even more necessary to get a good dose of choline during pregnancy when your babys spinal cord and brain is developing.

According to Sharon, recent research by the University of Wollongong found that less than 10 per cent of the Australian population get enough choline in their diet.

Its difficult to reach choline requirements during pregnancy without eating eggs, she explains.Choline has an important role to play in brain development and the functioning of the nervous system.

Eggs also contain omega-3s, which are needed for eye and brain development, and theyre a useful source of iodine, providing 20 per cent of the RDI (recommended dietary intake) during pregnancy. Iodine is needed for normal thyroid functioning and one in five pregnant women dont get enough iodine.

Sharon stresses that eggs should always be safely consumed during pregnancy, meaning that theyre cooked properly, and not runny. Hard yolks, folks!

The nutrients in eggs support the growth and development of our little ones. The high-quality protein, omega-3s and variety of vitamins and nutrients found in eggs make them a great introduction to solids for babies.

Babies and children require nutrient rich foods. They have small stomachs, but their nutritional requirements are high, Sharon says.

Her best advice is that wematch the texture of the eggs to the infants stage of development. Start with purees before moving on to mashed, then lumpy, and make sure yolks are always cooked hard for babies.

See the original post:
From baby food to a source of iron: 6 facts you probably don't know about eggs. - Mamamia

The boss of McDonald's has confirmed when it will start to reopen restaurants across the UK.

In a letter to staff and customers on Friday, May 2 -Paul Pomroy -McDonalds CEO UK and Irelandrevealed the number of measures that will be in place to allow them to reopen safely.

Mr Pomroy said: "In March we took the decision to temporarily close our restaurants in the UK and Ireland for the safety of our employees and customers.

"Recently, we began working through a potential and limited reopening and I wanted to share with you an update that we shared with our franchisees and 135,000 employees earlier today.

"As part of our reopening planning, we have been listening to you and our employees, and we have worked closely with UK and Irish governments and trade bodies to help ensure we do this responsibly. We have deliberately taken our time, we want to get this right.

"We sought the views of our employees as we worked through our reopening planning, to give us all confidence in the measures we are introducing to keep them safe.

"We understand everyone has been affected by this global crisis differently and therefore when it comes to returning to work, our people will be encouraged to make the right decision, based on their personal circumstances."

Controlled tests carried out

Mr Pomroy added: "This week we have been running controlled tests to explore the safest way to reopen our restaurants.

"To give us all confidence in the new operational measures we are introducing to keep you and our employees safe, we asked our employees for their thoughts, have incorporated much of their feedback and will continue to listen and learn.

"The tests have proven successful and I will outline the ways in which we will slowly, but safely, begin to resume serving McDonalds customers again."

When will McDonald's begin to reopen stores?

On Wednesday, May 13, 2020 - McDonald's will reopen 15 of their restaurants in the UK - bosses have stressed thatthis will be in a limited capacity with delivery only.

The restaurants involved will be announced next week (week commencing May 4).

New safety measures in place

Mr Pomroy added: "As you know, McDonalds already has high standards for cleanliness and routine cleaning of our restaurants has always been in place.

"We will increase how often these procedures are completed and provide all employees with updated trainingon restaurant cleanliness and sanitisation. All restaurants will be deep cleaned before reopening."

McDonald'swill introduce the following measuresto help keep people safe:

What is on the limited menu?

McDonald's will return witha limited menu, this includes:

Main Menu:

Sides & Desserts:

Drinks:

Happy Meal Variants:

'No breakfast'

To reduce the complexities in our kitchens at menu changeover, McDonald's will temporarily not be serving breakfast. As they reopen, the chain say they will explore the ways in which to help our employees safely change over menus and they will reintroduce their breakfast menu as soon as we can.

McDelivery

Mr Pomroy added: "We are working with our delivery partners in Uber Eats and Just Eat to ensure the wellbeing of our delivery drivers as well as our employees.

"Perspex screens, sanitising stations and new social distancing procedures will be introduced as we continue the contact free collections and drop offs we closed with back in March."

Message to customers

Mr Pomroy added: "The last few weeks have been difficult for all of us and I hope you, your friends and your families are staying safe.

"We are very grateful to those of you who have taken a moment to share messages and stay in touch.

"When we return it will be different as we all adjust to this new normal. I want to apologise in advance if our first wave of reopened restaurants does not serve your area.

"Rest assured, we are working hard to reopen more restaurants, but I am adamant this must be at the right pace with the wellbeing of our employees, suppliers and customers front of mind. Thank you for your patience.

"Slowly, but safely we will return to towns and cities across the UK and Ireland and thank you for your continued support as we work through this crisis.

"In the meantime, stay safe and we will see you soon."

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McDonald's confirms when it will begin to re-open branches across the UK - Oxford Mail

Did you know that we have about 120,000 to 150,000 hair follicles on our scalp when we are born? Each of these hair follicles are able to produce hair for an average of 25 cycles through our entire life when the hair follicles are kept healthy and not damaged.

For example, some hair fall when youre shampooing your hair or combing your locks is to be expected. In fact, losing about 50-100 strands of hair per day is totally normal and no cause for alarm.

However, a change in hormones, improper diet, stress, genetics, vitamin deficiencies, illness, and even bleaching or perming can cause hair thinning.

Diseases more common to women, such as thyroid disease, autoimmune illness, iron deficiency and lupus, are culprits that contribute to hair loss.

Oral contraceptives can also contribute to hair loss as the hormones in birth control that suppress ovulation can cause thinning hair and hair loss. But when is it actually time to worry? Here are the topsigns of thinning hair and what you can do about it:

If your hair falls in strands, then chances are, you have nothing to worry about. However, if you notice that your hair is falling off in clumps when you run your fingers through your hair or brush your hair, its likely a sign of thinning hair.

Keep a lookout for any bald patches on your scalp as these two are usually related. Other signs includean increased amount of hairin the shower after shampooingor even on your pillow case.

As hair thinning occurs gradually and not overnight,a decrease in hair volumeis generally tricky to spot because we regularly touch our hair each time we shampoo.

If you start to notice that your scalp is becoming more visible at the hairline around your face or at your hair parting, that could also indicate that your hair might be thinning.

A number of reasons could lead to this, including frequent combing which can result in accelerated hair fall, as well as excessive pressure on your scalp along your hair parting from long hours of tying your hair up into a tight ponytail or hair bun.

For those with longer hair, pay attention to the thickness of your ponytail or hair bun if your ponytail is getting thinner or the size of your hair bun is getting smaller, you might be facing thinning hair.

How tight your ponytail is fastened and how heavy your hair weighscan also contribute to hair thinning. So if you notice that your ponytail feels thinner or that it takes more twists of your hair elastic to fasten your hair, you might have thinning hair.

ALSO READ:9 everyday habits that will help prevent hair loss

Another tell-tale sign is if your forehead starts to look wider as your hairline recedes further backwards. Look back on old photos taken at a few months interval.

As most thinning hair occurs first around the crown of your head, if youre facing thinning hair, you might notice a receding hairline based on how much larger your forehead appears to be.

On average, it is totally normal and healthy if you shed anywhere between 50 to 100 strands of hair daily, like mentioned earlier.

Of course, we wont be counting each individual strands that fall off our scalp over the course of the day, but if your hair falls in strands, then chances are, you have nothing to worry about.

However, if you notice that your hair falls off in clumps when you run your fingers through your hair or brush your hair, or even on your pillow case from tossing and turning, its likely that you are showing signs of thinning hair.

You can also keep a lookout for any bald patches on your scalp as these two are usually related.

There are many lifestyle changes you can make and bad habits you can kick to avoid hair loss thats not caused by hormonal changes or hereditary factors.

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Avoidtight hairstyles such as braids, buns or ponytails. These stylestug at the hair follicles over long periods of time and gradually weakenand damagethem.

You can alsouse a wide-toothed detangling comb as it is less likely to yank at your hair and cause breakage and damage to hair follicles.

Keep heat stylingand harsh chemical processes to a minimum. These can affect the health of your scalp and hair follicles and cause premature hair thinning.

Lastly, protect your scalp like you would your skin. Use an umbrellawhen youre outdoors and if possible,apply a UV-protecting mist on your hair and scalpto shield it from harmful UV rays and free radicals.

There are many topical products as well as clinical treatments that are designed to restore scalp health for fuller, healthier hair. Here are some to try:

Specially formulated to cater to women above the age of 40, caffeine is the key ingredient of this scalp tonic as it instantly boosts micro-circulation in the scalp so that hair follicles receive more nutrients and oxygen.

At the same time, niacin and zinc also help thicken hair growth so your hair becomes fuller and more voluminous over time.

ALSO READ:TCM remedies for premature balding

At the heart of this formula is Minoxidil, a powerful ingredient thats clinically proven to offer visible results for those who are facing hair loss. All you have to do is apply twice daily onto scalp and massage to boost absorption and stimulate micro-circulation.

When absorbed into the scalp, it works by rejuvenating hair follicles and helping them function optimally again. Its mess-free spray pump helps reduce wastage and enables you to apply precisely on areas needed effortlessly.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B1IYuORH1AG/

PHS Hairscience products are developed to deliver essential nutrients to hair and scalp for accelerated repair and regeneration of hair cells for denser and healthier hair growth.

Made of Korean botanical essences, this is a gentle, hypoallergenic cleanser that restores hair thickness and resilience with its key ingredient, pea protein.

This is a topical serum for your scalp. Itcontains active ingredients like 5 per centMinoxidil, Gingko Biloba and Vitamin B6 to strengthen damaged hair and stimulate hair follicles for healthier, thicker hair growth.

Designed to be applied directly onto your scalp once or twice a day as directed by your doctor, the lightweight serum doesnt leave behind any sticky or greasy residue so you can proceed to hair styling as per usual. Avoid rinsing hair and scalp for six hours after application for optimal efficacy.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B4l_ZeOHOrV/

After showering, reach for this and spritz it directly onto scalp any time of the day to stimulate hair follicles. It is suitable to use on dry or wet scalp, as long as its clean.

Containing a powerful trio of ingredients, including quinine, caffeine and arginine, it has a triple action on those dealing with chronic hair fall, as each ingredient provides hair follicles with nutrients and energy essential for fuller and thicker hair regrowth.

Just like the rest of our skin, dead skin cells, dirt and grime also accumulate on our scalp. This leads to clogged hair follicles, which eventually restricts healthy hair growth.

Taking a two-pronged approach to encourage fuller hair, this scalp serum clears away debris on our scalp while stimulating hair bulbs.

Thanks to a blend of AHA, niacin and caffeine, scalp is purged and more nutrients are delivered to the hair follicles. Instantly, your hair and scalp will feel lighter and more refreshed. Your hair should also start to feel thicker over time.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B_wOLiajCqj/

Specially formulated to cater to women above the age of 40, caffeine is the key ingredient of this scalp tonic as it instantly boosts micro-circulation in the scalp so that hair follicles receive more nutrients and oxygen.

At the same time, niacin and zinc also help thicken hair growth so your hair becomes fuller and more voluminous over time.

You can consult a trichologistif you are still facing thinning hair issues. Other treatments that can help are laser scalp treatments that stimulate and regenerate hair follicles.

One of the most popular treatments available at aesthetic clinics is theRevage Laser Hair Growth System.

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This FDA-approved treatment involves 30 laser diodes rotating 180 degrees around the scalp while emitting low-level laser energy to stimulate blood flow to the weakened hair follicles.

At 670nm, the wavelength of this laser treatment effectively and safely targets hair follicles without any pain or downtime so you can resume your daily activities immediately after your session.

While the treatment course for each individual might vary, a series of 24 weekly 30-minute sessions is usually recommended for optimal results.

Over time, hair follicles are activated and hair growth is healthier, stronger and thicker.Revage Laser Hair Growth Systemis available atFreia Medical.

In your 20s, everyone praises you about your luscious locks. But you take that for granted by straightening, braiding, perming and even bleaching it - not once, twice but thrice.

In your 30s, you stop receiving compliments about your hair. You start spending more time getting hair out of your hair brush.

In your 40s, you start examining your scalp more closely in the mirror.

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Ladies, we feel you.

But take heart to know that everyone - regardless of age - experiences hair shedding to a certain degree. We lose about 80 strands of hair every day.

So there's nothing hair-raising about seeing a couple of strands of hair strewn over pillowcases, the floor and in the shower.

If you do, however, begin to lose more hair than usual or if you notice that your hair isn't growing back the way it should, it might be a cause for concern.

It is difficult to pinpoint the exact cause for thinning hair as hair fall can be triggered by a myriad of reasons.

Genes, stress, poor nutrition, hormonal changes and environmental pollutants are just some of the possible factors behind those panicking hair strands in the brush.

Now that you know what triggers hair loss, here are some tips to prevent and deal with thinning hair to regain your crowning glory.

Hair is made of protein so be sure to include an adequate amount of protein rich foods in your diet. As a rule of thumb, try to have at least a palm sized portion of protein at breakfast and lunch. Examples of protein packed foods include eggs, meat, lentils and nuts.

Crash diets could in turn result in a deficiency in vital nutrients like Vitamin A, B12, E and minerals like iron which are essential for hair growth. This lack of nutrients can cause your hair to grow at a slower pace and put a halt in the growth of new hairs.

Additionally, when you deprive your body of fat, sebum production is affected. Without this protective layer of oil, the skin and hair becomes dry and prone to damage.

When the scalp gets damaged, hair loss occurs. Similarly, dryness and damage to the hair strand can cause the hair to fall out. If you want to go on a diet, ensure that you are achieving a healthy nutritional intake.

ALSO READ:Tasty tips for healthy locks

Before you get in the shower, use a detangler brush or wide toothed comb to comb through your hair to get rid of tangles. Combing your hair when it is wet will cause clumps of hair to get entangled in the hair brush.

If you are a hair chameleon who loves to change your hair colour, this seemingly innocuous habit could be the reason behind your hair loss. Most permanent colourants, be it salon products or box dyes contain hydrogen peroxide.

This chemical lightens hair by breaking down the melanin in the hair shaft. Regular use of hydrogen peroxide could cause damage your hair follicle and lead to hair breakage and loss. Space out your hair colouring and colour your hair until you've let it 'rest' for at least 7-9 weeks.

ALSO READ:Medically-proven treatments for hair loss

For long lustrous locks, use shampoos that are free of parabens, synthetic fragrances and sodium laurel sulphates (SLS). Chemicals like SLS strips away natural oils from the scalp and cause hair fall.

Aside from hair fall, when your scalp is stripped off its natural oils, your hair follicles gets clogged, in turn leading to other icky problems like itching and lice. When looking for a shampoo, look for something that will get rid of environmental pollutants, perspiration and styling products but at the same time hydrate your scalp.

We recommend using the Briogeo Scalp Revival Charcoal + Coconut Oil Micro-exfoliating shampoo that detoxifies, soothes and balances the scalp.

Hair fall can also be brought on by extreme stress. When you are under pressure, your body gets flooded with the hormone, cortisol.

When this happens, other hormone levels fluctuate in response, leading to hair fall. Thankfully, hair will usually grow back after the stressful event has occurred. To manage your stress, consider meditating or taking up a sport like yoga.

ALSO READ:Hair Loss: A new female woe

Do you typically pull your hair into a tight top knot or ponytail? You might want to consider switching up your go-to look if you are experiencing hair loss. To prevent your hair from falling out, avoid hairstyles that place stress on your follicles and damage the hair shaft. Also, steer clear of heavy styling creams and serums that may weigh down the hair.

You know what they say, you are what you eat. If you want gorgeous locks, you might want to skip out on that donut. Some studies have discovered a correlation between sugar and hair loss.

The body processes sugary treats by producing more insulin, giving rise to higher androgen levels. Androgen is a hormone that can cause the hair follicles to shrink, speeding up the hair loss process.

ALSO READ: It's time to talk about women and hair loss

Every now and then, take a break from your heat styling tools. Heat weakens the hair proteins and causes hair to fall out. If you do need to use a blow dryer or a flat iron, always remember to use a heat protectant before styling your hair.

This is one bad habit most of us are guilty of. When you run your fingers through your hair or twirl your locks around your fingers, you might accidentally snap or damage your hair from the friction. Additionally, by playing with your hair, you are stripping your scalp off its natural oils, leading to dry, fragile and weak hair.

This article was first published in Her World Online.

Read more from the original source:
Having hair loss or thinning hair? Here's what to do about it - AsiaOne

May 02, 2020

WILKES-BARRE The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is encouraging all Pennsylvanians to only flush toilet paper and human waste, not disinfecting wipes or other non-flushable items that should be disposed of in the trash.

Sewage treatment facilities have been dealing with an increase in non-flushable materials clogging filters and equipment since the beginning of the stay-at-home orders in March.

Flushing things that arent meant to be flushed can damage your own sewer pipes as well as the sewer treatment facilities that we all depend on, said DEP Secretary Patrick McDonnell. Even so-called flushable wipes shouldnt be put in the toilet.

Tissues, paper towels, and single-use wipes, including cleansing and diaper wipes, cannot be safely flushed, even if they are labeled as flushable or biodegradable. Other non-flushable items include things like diapers, feminine hygiene products, disposable toilet brushes, disposable gloves, cotton swabs, dental floss, and kitty litter.

Flushing or dumping the wrong things down the drain can cause blockages in your own home or business, as well as problems in the local sewer system. These products do not break down like toilet paper and can clog systems very quickly. Many sewer blockages occur between your house or business and the sewer main, where the property owner is responsible for correcting and paying for the repair.

Blockages can also lead to sewage overflows that can have adverse effects on the environment, especially if the overflow enters local rivers, lakes, and streams.

Flushing only toilet paper and human waste helps ensure that the toilets, plumbing, sewer systems, and septic systems will continue working properly to safely manage wastewater in Pennsylvania.

DEP also encourages residents and businesses to refrain from disposing of food scraps, grease, fat, or oil down the drain. These should also be disposed of in the trash to help keep wastewater pipes clear.

Grease, fat, and oil can solidify and adhere to the insides of the pipes that carry wastewater from homes and businesses to the wastewater treatment plant. Over time, these buildups can restrict the flow of wastewater.

Garbage disposals do not prevent grease from washing down the drain. Detergents that claim to dissolve grease may pass it down the line and cause problems in other parts of the wastewater system.

Food scraps, grease, fat, and oil should be removed from cookware, plates, utensils, and cooking surfaces, placed in a sealed container, and disposed of in the trash. Baskets/strainers can also be installed in sink drains to catch food scraps.

Preventable toilet and sewer backups can pose a threat to human health and present an extra challenge to wastewater utilities and staff. Flushing anything other than toilet paper can damage internal plumbing, local sewer systems, and septic systems. Fixing these backups is costly and takes time and resources away from ensuring that wastewater management systems are otherwise working properly.

Having fully operational wastewater services is critical to containing COVID-19 and protecting Pennsylvanians from other public health risks. DEP thanks wastewater staff and utilities for their dedication, courage, and continuing efforts at a time when resources may be stretched thin. Pennsylvanias wastewater employees are local heroes on the front line of protecting human health and the environment every single day.

For more information on COVID-19, please visit the PA Department of Health page. For more information on DEP-related COVID-19 matters, please visit the PA DEP Alerts page.

Farmers markets prepare

to safely serve consumers

Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding this week reminded Pennsylvanians that with spring and warm weather comes farmers market season in the commonwealth.

Farmers markets, like grocery stores, offer life-sustaining food and essentials and have been provided guidance from the department for how to continue operations safely and with minimal risk amid the COVID-19 public health crisis.

While farmers work hard year-round to push food to grocery stores, many are also working hard to stock their own market shelves and feed their local community, said Secretary Redding. Farmers markets are a fundamental piece of Pennsylvanias supply chain; something many Pennsylvanians have become acutely aware of in recent weeks.

When Gov. Tom Wolf first designated agriculture and the supply chain as life sustaining, the Department of Agriculture issued guidance for Farmers Markets and On-Farm Markets with recommendations on how to continue operations safely and minimize contact for shoppers and employees. The guidance includes:

Offer delivery or pick up options and online or phone ordering if possible.

Pre-package bags of fruit, vegetables, and other items to limit shoppers handling food and keep customers moving quickly.

Offer designated times for high-risk and elderly persons to shop at least once a week.

Communicate with consumers via website or social media to explain changes, delivery options, or other extra precautions to mitigate against COVID-19.

Separate stands to limit crowds and consider limiting the number of customers in the market at one time.

If possible, have a different person handle products and handle money, or wash hands and sanitize between tasks.

Remove tablecloths and eliminate samples and eating areas.

The guidance also offers farms the opportunity to open an on-farm stand to sell raw produce, eggs, or shelf stable packaged foods such as jams, jellies, or baked goods without additional food safety licenses.

In addition to the above recommendations, markets are advised to adhere to Department of Health Secretary Dr. Rachel Levines worker safety order and the Department of Agricultures guidance for Sanitization and Diagnosed Employees. Market operators are also encouraged to take advantage of free resources and webinars provided by Penn State Extension for farmers market managers to maintain safe operations during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Because the Department of Agriculture worked so quickly to create guidelines for farmers markets and on-farm markets, Penn State Extension and our partners were able to develop fact sheets, articles, webinars and open forums around these guidelines to help the more than 1,000 essential farmers markets in the commonwealth to operate in a safe manner and continue to feed their communities, said PA Farm Markets Director and Penn State Extension Education Program Associate Brian Moyer.

Pennsylvanians interested in supporting local can find a market by visiting pafarm.com or by looking for the PA Preferred logo when shopping in a grocery store for a guarantee that youre supporting a Pennsylvania farmer.

This pandemic does not limit our need for food. In fact, its quite the opposite, added Redding. So lets remember where that food comes from, and make intentional choices to directly support local farmers. Pennsylvanias farmers markets and farm stands offer the essentials you need and theyre working harder than ever to provide a safe, reliable service.

For a complete list of guidance documents and information as it relates to agriculture during COVID-19 mitigation in Pennsylvania visit agriculture.pa.gov/COVID. For the most accurate, timely information related to Health in Pennsylvania, visit on.pa.gov/coronavirus.

AG to audit COVID-19

business shutdown waivers

Auditor General Eugene DePasquale this week announced he will audit how the Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) has managed the waiver process for businesses that appealed Gov. Tom Wolfs COVID-19 shutdown order.

Some business owners complained that the departments waiver process was too slow and not transparent enough, DePasquale said. My audit is intended to help make sure that the waiver process is managed more smoothly should it be necessary to use it again in the future.

On March 19, Gov. Wolf ordered that businesses that were not categorized as life-sustaining must close their physical locations to help slow the spread of COVID-19, which has so far claimed the lives of nearly 2,200 Pennsylvanians and rising.

More than 40,000 businesses sought a waiver from the governors closure order through a process managed by DCED. The waiver application period ended April 3.

Im pleased that Gov. Wolf agrees that performing this audit is both appropriate and necessary, DePasquale said. Im also pleased that DCED Secretary Dennis Davin has pledged to fully cooperate with my audit team.

DePasquale said he is pleased by the bipartisan interest in the audit; Senate Republicans requested it earlier in the week. The audit process will begin immediately and results will be made public upon conclusion.

Continue reading here:
Coping with Corona: Inclined to recline - Wilkes Barre Times-Leader

Many cultures use the fruit and its juices as a traditional folk remedy to treat or prevent various ailments.

Modern research has linked pineapple juice and its compounds to health benefits, such as improved digestion and heart health, reduced inflammation, and perhaps even some protection against cancer. However, not all evidence has been conclusive.

Here are 7 science-based benefits of pineapple juice, based on the current research.

1. Rich in Nutrients

Pineapple juice provides a concentrated dose of various nutrients. One cup (240 mL) contains around:

• Calories: 132
• Protein: less than 1 gram
• Fat: less than 1 gram
• Carbs: 33 grams
• Sugars: 25 grams
• Fiber: less than 1 gram
• Manganese: 55% of the Daily Value (DV)
• Copper: 19% of the DV
• Vitamin B6: 15% of the DV
• Vitamin C: 14% of the DV
• Thiamine: 12% of the DV
• Folate: 11% of the DV
• Potassium: 7% of the DV
• Magnesium: 7% of the DV

Pineapple juice is particularly rich in manganese, copper, and vitamins B6 and C. These nutrients play an important role in bone health, immunity, wound healing, energy production, and tissue synthesis.

It also contains trace amounts of iron, calcium, phosphorus, zinc, choline, and vitamin K, as well as various B vitamins.

Summary

Pineapple juice is rich in a variety of vitamins and minerals. It's especially packed with manganese, copper, vitamin B6, and vitamin C all of which play important roles in the proper functioning of your body.

2. Contains Additional Beneficial Compounds

In addition to being rich in vitamins and minerals, pineapple juice is a good source of antioxidants, which are beneficial plant compounds that help keep your body healthy.

Antioxidants help neutralize unstable compounds known as free radicals, which can build up in your body due to factors like pollution, stress, or an unhealthy diet and cause cell damage.

Experts believe that the antioxidants in pineapple juice, particularly vitamin C, beta carotene, and various flavonoids, are in large part to thank for its potential beneficial effects.

Pineapple juice also contains bromelain, a group of enzymes linked to health benefits, such as reduced inflammation, improved digestion, and stronger immunity.

Summary

Pineapple juice is rich in antioxidants, which help protect your body from damage and disease. It also contains bromelain, a group of enzymes that may reduce inflammation, improve digestion, and boost immunity.

3. May Suppress Inflammation

Pineapple juice may help reduce inflammation, which is believed to be the root cause of many chronic diseases.

This may largely be due to its bromelain content. Some research suggests that this compound may be as effective as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) but with fewer side effects.

In Europe, bromelain is approved for use to reduce inflammation caused by trauma or surgery, as well as to treat surgical wounds or deep burns.

In addition, there's evidence that ingesting bromelain before surgery may help reduce the level of inflammation and pain caused by surgery.

Some studies further suggest that bromelain may help reduce pain and inflammation caused by a sports injury, rheumatoid arthritis, or osteoarthritis of the knee.

That said, research has yet to test the direct effects of pineapple juice on inflammation.

Therefore, it's unclear whether the bromelain intakes achieved through drinking small to moderate amounts of pineapple juice would provide the same anti-inflammatory benefits as those observed in these studies.

Summary

Pineapple juice contains bromelain, a group of enzymes that may help reduce inflammation caused by trauma, injuries, surgery, rheumatoid arthritis, or osteoarthritis. However, more juice-specific studies are needed.

4. May Boost Your Immunity

Pineapple juice may contribute to a stronger immune system.

Test-tube studies suggest that bromelain, a mixture of enzymes naturally found in pineapple juice, may activate the immune system.

Bromelain may also improve recovery from infections, such as pneumonia, sinusitis, and bronchitis, especially when used in combination with antibiotics.

However, most of these studies are dated, and none have examined the immunity-boosting effects of pineapple juice in humans. Therefore, more research is needed to confirm these results.

Summary

Some research suggests that pineapple juice may contribute to a stronger immune system. It may also help increase the effectiveness of antibiotics. However, more studies are needed before strong conclusions can be made.

5. May Help Your Digestion

The enzymes in pineapple juice function as proteases. Proteases help break down protein into smaller subunits, such as amino acids and small peptides, which can then be more easily absorbed in your gut.

Bromelain, a group of enzymes in pineapple juice, may particularly help improve digestion in people whose pancreas cannot make enough digestive enzymes a medical condition known as pancreatic insufficiency.

Animal research suggests that bromelain may also help protect your gut from harmful, diarrhea-causing bacteria, such as E. coli and V. cholera.

Moreover, according to some test-tube research, bromelain may help reduce gut inflammation in people with inflammatory bowel disorders, such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis.

That said, most studies have investigated the effect of concentrated doses of bromelain, rather than that of pineapple juice, and very few were conducted in humans. Therefore, more research is needed.

Summary

The bromelain in pineapple juice may aid digestion, guard against harmful, diarrhea-causing bacteria, and reduce inflammation in people with inflammatory bowel disorders. However, more research is needed.

6. May Promote Heart Health

The bromelain naturally found in pineapple juice may also benefit your heart.

Test-tube and animal studies suggest that bromelain may help reduce high blood pressure, prevent the formation of blood clots, and minimize the severity of angina pectoris and transient ischemic attacks two health conditions caused by heart disease.

However, the number of studies is limited, and none are specific to pineapple juice. Therefore, more research is needed before strong conclusions can be made.

Summary

Some research links the bromelain naturally found in pineapple juice to markers of improved heart health. However, more pineapple-juice-specific studies are needed.

7. May Help Fight Certain Types of Cancer

Pineapple juice may have potential cancer-fighting effects. Again, this is likely in large part due to its bromelain content.

Some studies suggest that bromelain may help prevent the formation of tumors, reduce their size, or even cause the death of cancerous cells.

However, these were test-tube studies using concentrated amounts of bromelain that were much higher than those you'd ingest from drinking a glass of pineapple juice. This makes it difficult to project their results to humans.

Therefore, more research is needed before strong conclusions can be made.

Summary

Test-tube studies suggest that concentrated amounts of bromelain may help protect against cancer. However, it's currently unclear whether pineapple juice offers similar benefits in humans.

Possible Precautions

Pineapple juice is generally considered safe for most people.

That said, bromelain, a group of enzymes naturally found in pineapple juice, may enhance the absorption of certain drugs, especially antibiotics and blood thinners.

As such, if you are taking medications, consult your physician or registered dietitian to make sure it's safe to consume pineapple juice.

This beverage's acidity may also trigger heartburn or reflux in some people. Specifically, those with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) may want to avoid consuming large amounts of this beverage.

Despite its potential benefits, it's important to remember that pineapple juice remains low in fiber yet high in sugar.

This means it's unlikely to fill you up as much as eating the same quantity of raw pineapple would. Therefore, it may promote weight gain in some people.

What's more, while drinking small amounts of juice has been linked to a lower risk of type 2 diabetes and heart disease, drinking more than 5 ounces (150 mL) per day may have the opposite effect.

Therefore, it's likely best to avoid drinking too much pineapple juice, and when you do, stick to 100% pure varieties that are free of added sugars.

Summary

Pineapple juice is low in fiber yet rich in sugar, and drinking too much may lead to weight gain or disease. This beverage may also interact with medications and trigger heartburn or reflux in some people.

The Bottom Line

Pineapple juice contains a variety of vitamins, minerals, and beneficial plant compounds that may protect you from disease.

Studies link this beverage to improved digestion, heart health, and immunity. Pineapple juice or its compounds may also help reduce inflammation and perhaps even offer some protection against certain types of cancer.

However, human studies are limited, and it's unclear whether the effects observed in test tubes or animals can be achieved by small daily intakes of pineapple juice.

Moreover, this beverage remains low in fiber and rich in sugar, so drinking large quantities each day is not recommended.

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