Every child should be able to experience the joy and tradition of trick-or-treating on Halloween. But kids with food allergies are often left out of the fun since most candy is off-limits. Beware of small items a child can choke on.
Food Allergy Research & Education's (FARE) Teal Pumpkin Project helps make sure all children will come home on Halloween night with something they can enjoy. It just takes one simple act: offering non-food treats, such as glow sticks or small toys, as an alternative to candy.
Stroke happens when the blood supply to part of the brain is cut off. Without blood, brain cells can be damaged or die. Depending on which part of the brain is affected and how quickly the person is treated, the effects of stroke on survivors can be devastating to a person’s body, mobility and speech, as well as how they think and feel.
Stroke is a leading cause of death and disability globally. It can happen to anyone at any age, and impacts everyone: survivors, family and friends, workplaces and communities. From making individual changes, to advocating globally and locally for policies that will deliver healthier communities, we can all do something to prevent stroke.
This year the focus of the World Stroke Campaign is Prevention. On the 29th October 2017, World Stroke Day, we are calling on our members, partners and stroke stakeholders to do what they can to improve community and individual awareness of stroke risk and take action to prevent stroke at individual and population level.
Stroke Warning Signs
If you notice one or more of these signs, don't wait. Stroke is a medical emergency.
Call your emergency medical services and get to a hospital right away!
Learn the warning signs of stroke
Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body
Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding
Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes
Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination
Sudden, severe headache with no known cause
Take action in an emergency
Not all the warning signs occur in every stroke. Don't ignore signs of stroke, even if they go away!
Check the time. When did the first warning sign or symptom start? You'll be asked this important question later.
If you have one or more stroke symptoms that last more than a few minutes, don't delay! Seek immediate medical attention!
If you're with someone who may be having stroke symptoms, immediately call one of the emergency rescue service numbers. Expect the person to protest — denial is common. Don't take "no" for an answer. Insist on taking prompt action.
The FAST test
Facial weakness, arm weakness and speech difficulties are common signs of stroke. You can use the FAST test to remember the signs of stroke
The FAST test involves asking three simple questions:
Face – Can the person smile, has their mouth drooped?
Arms – Can the person raise both arms?
Speech – Can the person speak clearly and understand what you say?
Time – Act FAST!
If you answer yes to any of these questions, act FAST and call for medical emergency help immediately.
Stroke is always a medical emergency. Remembering the signs of stroke and acting FAST could mean saving a life.
What causes stroke
High blood pressure (Hypertension is the most common and treatable risk factor in stroke)
Smoking
High cholesterol
Diabetes mellitus
Obesity
Sedentary life style
Atrial fibrillation
Stroke warning signs
Heart disease
Carotid artery disease
Alcohol
It is possible to prevent stroke
Good control of blood pressure
Good control of diabetes
Lower cholesterol
Regular exercise
Quit smoking
Lose weight
Never ignore a small stroke
Nutrition Tips for Stroke Survivors
Healthy food habits can help reduce risk factors for stroke — poor cholesterol levels, high blood pressure and excess weight. Diets high in saturated fat and trans fat can raise blood cholesterol levels. Diets high in sodium can contribute to increased blood pressure, and high-calorie diets can contribute to obesity. A diet with five or more servings of fruits and vegetables per day may reduce the risk of stroke.
The American Heart Association/American Stroke Association offers these recommendations for a healthy diet:
1. Eat a diet rich in vegetables and fruits.
2. Choose whole-grain, high-fiber foods.
3. Eat fish at least twice a week.
4. Limit saturated fat and trans fat. Avoiding partially hydrogenated oils will reduce trans fats.
5. Choose lean meats and poultry, and prepare them without using saturated or trans fats.
6. Select low-fat dairy products.
7. Cut back on drinks and foods with added sugars. The AHA recommends that no more than half of your discretionary calories should come from added sugars. For most American women, the discretionary calorie allowance is no more than 100 calories and no more than 150 calories for men.
8. Choose and prepare foods with little salt (sodium). The AHA recommends consuming less than 1500 mg of sodium a day.
9. If you drink alcohol, do so in moderation. Limit yourself to one drink per day if you’re a non-pregnant woman or two drinks if you’re a man. To Get the Nutrition You Need
Some stroke survivors have a loss of appetite. For others, eating may be difficult due to swallowing problems or limited hand or arm movement. In any case, talk to your healthcare team to make sure you’re getting the nutrition you need. To make eating a little easier again, try these steps:
Choose healthy foods with stronger flavors, such as broiled fish and citrus fruits. Also, spices add flavor to food and serve as a good substitute for salt.
Choose colorful, visually appealing foods, such as salmon, carrots and dark green vegetables.
Cut foods into small pieces to make them easier to chew.
Pick softer, easier-to-chew foods, such as yogurt, bananas, whole-grain hot cereals, and low sodium soups.
If you have trouble swallowing, talk to your speech therapist or doctor. This condition can be treated.
If weakness in arms or hands is a problem, you might try adaptive eating utensils. Some types of flatware have thicker handles that are easier to hold, and “rocker knives” make it possible to cut food using one hand.
Making Mealtime Easier
When stroke survivors have lost their appetites, caregivers can help by:
Sharing meals with the survivor at regular times during the day.
Setting a leisurely pace for the meal.
Serving foods that the survivor wants.
Encouraging healthy snacks or small meals throughout the day.
Reducing distractions during meals.
Watching for any problems the survivor may have with chewing or swallowing.
Oatmeal is a warm, comforting dish made from oats — a whole grain known for its high fiber and nutrient content. It’s typically prepared by boiling oats in water or milk until they reach a smooth, creamy consistency.
Oatmeal can also refer to ground oats, steel-cut oats, crushed oats, or rolled oats, depending on how the grain is processed.
🌾 Types of Oatmeal
Whole Oat Groats: The least processed form; slow to cook but rich in texture and nutrients.
Steel-Cut Oats: Oat groats chopped into small pieces. They’re hearty and chewy with a nutty flavor.
Rolled Oats (Old-Fashioned Oats): Steamed and flattened; cook quickly and are common in traditional oatmeal bowls and baking.
Quick or Instant Oats: Pre-cooked, dried, and rolled thinner for fast preparation.
Oat Flour or Ground Oats: Finely milled oats used in baking, smoothies, or as a thickener in soups.
💪 Health Benefits of Oatmeal
Supports Heart Health:
Oats are rich in beta-glucan, a soluble fiber that helps lower LDL (“bad”) cholesterol and supports healthy blood pressure.
Aids Digestion:
The soluble and insoluble fibers in oats promote regularity and feed beneficial gut bacteria.
Stabilizes Blood Sugar:
Oatmeal’s complex carbohydrates provide steady energy and may improve insulin sensitivity.
Weight Management:
Oats keep you fuller longer, reducing the urge to snack on high-calorie foods.
Nutrient Powerhouse:
Oats are naturally high in manganese, phosphorus, magnesium, iron, and B vitamins.
🍓 Creative Ways to Enjoy Oatmeal
Classic: With milk, honey, and cinnamon.
Savory: Add eggs, spinach, and avocado.
Baked: Mix with fruit and nuts for baked oatmeal squares.
Overnight Oats: Combine rolled oats with yogurt or milk and chill overnight for a ready-to-eat breakfast.
Smoothie Boost: Blend oat flour or soaked oats into smoothies for extra fiber.
🍓 Nutrition Profile - National Oatmeal and Cat Day
Oatmeal is one of the most versatile and nourishing foods you can enjoy. Whether steel-cut, rolled, or ground, oats offer sustained energy, heart protection, and digestive benefits — all in a bowl.
Nutritional Analysis Services
Ensure accurate, cost-effective nutritional analysis and food nutrition facts labels for your recipes and menus, using an extensive research database. An excellent service for the Media, Cookbook Publishers, Writers, Chefs, Recipe Websites, and Blogs. Your readers will enjoy and benefit from the Nutrition information.
For thousands of years, people have been eating foods grown in the wild; such as wild greens, mushrooms, roots, fruits, berries, vegetables, and flowers.
How to identify and eat wild plants and
how to cook Fish over an open fire.
Today, the gathering of wild foods has become increasingly popular. People consider wild foods healthier and eco-friendly.
Resources: 1. Edible Wild Food 2. How to Find Wild Edible Plants
Pumpkins are thought to have originated in North America. The oldest evidence, pumpkin-related seeds dating to 7000-5500 BC, was found in Mexico.
The color of pumpkins derives from orange carotenoid pigments, including beta-cryptoxanthin, alpha and beta-carotene, all of which are provitamin A compounds converted to vitamin A in the body.
Pumpkins Is anything more fall-like than a pumpkin? These orange winter squashes are chock-full of vitamin A and deliver 3 grams of fiber per ½-cup serving of cooked sugar pumpkin, plus potassium. Note that the pumpkins you carve into jack-o’-lanterns are not the same type of pumpkins you eat. Try pumpkin puree mixed with mac-and-cheese or with hummus for a seasonal spread. Looking for more options? Add pumpkin to pancake batter, oatmeal, smoothies, or your kid's favorite chili.
Nutritional Profile
And don't forget about roasting the seeds! Pumpkin seeds are a delicious and healthy snack and a good source of several nutrients, including zinc, which is essential for many body processes, including immune function.
To toast your pumpkin seeds, first, rinse to remove pulp and strings. Spread seeds on a baking sheet that has been coated with cooking spray or drizzle a small amount of olive oil over seeds. Bake at 325°F for about 30 minutes or until lightly toasted. Stir occasionally during cooking. Take a look at your spice rack and try a seasoning on your toasted seeds, such as garlic powder or Cajun seasoning.
There are healthy Halloween snacks to choose from at the market. Read the label—make sure fruit snacks are made with 100 percent real fruit; choose treats without trans fats; and look for items with whole grains.
The following items are available in snack-size packages: 1. Whole-grain cheddar-flavored crackers 2. Fruit snacks made with 100% fruit with added vitamin C 3. Fruit leathers made with 100 percent fruit
4. Animal-shaped graham crackers made without trans fat 5. Raisins 6. Individual fruit cups 7. Low-fat pudding cups 8. Baked, unsalted pretzels 9. Popcorn
Welcome to Our Food Day Celebration! From Our Garden to Our Table
Food Day inspires Americans to change their diets and our food policies. Every October 24, thousands of events across the country bring Americans together to celebrate real food, enjoy it, and push for improved food policies.
6 FOOD DAY PRINCIPLES
1. Reduce diet-related diseases by promoting safe, healthy foods.
2. Support sustainable farms and limit subsidies to big agribusiness.
3. Expand access to food and alleviate hunger.
4. Protect the environment and animals by reforming factory farms.
5. Promote health by curbing junk-food marketing to kids.
6. Support fair conditions for food and farmworkers.
Planning Our Food Day Meal
Every family is unique. When planning our meal, we considered foods from our garden, finances, physical abilities, including finger foods that are easy to chew and swallow, and color—the theme for our dinner. Our family and friends come from diverse backgrounds with physical and emotional challenges or chronic illnesses, such as Cerebral Palsy, Autism, and Heart Disease.
Our Meal
The main course is tri-color pasta with various toppings. Our garden provided us with tomatoes, onions, broccoli, cucumbers, and basil. We purchased spinach, pasta sauce, locally grown fruits, and part-skim mozzarella. For the meat-eaters, we had ground turkey meatballs and shredded chicken.
In addition, we prepared a red, white, and green grilled cheese sandwich from the US Department of Health and Human Services cookbook “Keep the Beat Recipes. " A free copy of the cookbook is available on their website. The dessert was a big hit. We made fruit kabobs using locally grown fruits and paired them with low-fat ice cream, and for Jake, we prepared a smoothie using the same ingredients.
Adaptations and Individual Preferences
My son Jake was born with Cerebral Palsy and is quadriplegic. He is unable to hold utensils and requires a straw to drink fluids. Finger foods and a weighted cup with a flexi straw usually provide him the most independence.
Taking medication is a normal part of life for many people. However, it’s important to recognize that medicines don’t act alone — what you eat and drink, your age, weight, sex, health conditions, and even your supplements can change how medications work.
Some drugs perform best on an empty stomach, while others can cause discomfort without food. Alcohol adds another layer of complexity — consuming alcohol before, during, or after taking medication can dramatically alter how the drug works in your body.
What Is a Food–Drug Interaction?
When food affects how a medication works in your body, it’s called a food–drug interaction.
Food can:
Prevent medicine from working properly
Make side effects worse or create new ones
Change how your body absorbs or breaks down a drug
Likewise, medications can influence how your body processes nutrients. These interactions can occur with prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
Examples in Everyday Life
Green leafy vegetables (rich in Vitamin K) can reduce the effectiveness of aspirin or warfarin in thinning the blood. Keeping your intake steady each day minimizes this effect.
Grapefruit juice increases the absorption of statins like Lipitor, potentially leading to dangerous side effects.
Calcium channel blockers (for high blood pressure) are also affected by grapefruit juice — levels in the blood can rise too high.
Dairy products can block absorption of antibiotics; take these medications one to two hours before or after consuming milk, yogurt, or cheese.
Alcohol can prolong the effects of insulin or diabetes pills, leading to low blood sugar.
Mixing alcohol with pain relievers containing acetaminophen increases the risk of severe liver damage.
Combining alcohol and antihistamines, like Benadryl, can cause extreme drowsiness.
Tips for Safe Medication Use
✅ Always read the label and follow directions carefully.
✅ Take most medications with water unless instructed otherwise.
✅ Keep a list of all medications, vitamins, and supplements you take.
✅ Ask your pharmacist or doctor before changing your diet.
✅ Avoid mixing alcohol with medication unless cleared by a professional.
Final Thoughts
Food–drug interaction education is an essential part of preventive healthcare. By understanding how your diet affects your medication, you can reduce side effects, improve effectiveness, and take charge of your health.
Doctors, dietitians, and pharmacists are always ready to help. Don’t hesitate to ask questions — your health depends on it.
Music: The Wonderful World of Color, Walt Disney and Disney World.
Eat Right with Colors explores the health benefits associated with eating foods of many colors. Including color diversity in your meals and food choices enhances your intake of a wide range of nutrients.
Red and Pink Foods
Apples, Beets, Cayenne, Cherries, Cranberries, Guava, Kidney Beans, Papaya, Pink Beans, Pink/Red Grapefruit, Pomegranates, Radicchio, Radishes, Raspberries, Red Bell Peppers, Red Cabbages, Red Chili Peppers, Red Corn, Red Currants, Red Grapes, Red Onions, Red Pears, Red Peppers, Red Plums, Red Potatoes, Red Tomatoes, Rhubarb, Strawberries, Tomatoes, Watermelons
Green Foods
Alfalfa, Artichokes, Arugula, Asparagus, Avocado, Bok Choy, Broccoli, Broccoli rabe, Brussels Sprouts, Celery, Chives, Collard Greens, Cucumbers, Dandelion Greens, Edamame, Endive, Fennel, Green apples, Green Beans, Green cabbage, Green Grapes, Green Olives, Green Onion, Green Pears, Green Peas, Green Pepper, Green Tomatoes, Honeydew, Kale, Kiwi, Leeks, Lettuce, Limes, Mint, Okra, Oregano, Parsley, Pistachios, Snow Peas, Spinach, Sugar snap peas, Swiss Chard, Tarragon, Tomatillo, Wasabi, Watercress, Zucchini
Blue and Purple Foods
Blue Grapes, Blue and Purple Potatoes, Blueberries, Dried Plums, Plums, Eggplant, Pomegranates, Elderberries, Juniper Berries, Kelp (Seaweed), Purple Belgian Endive, Purple Cabbage, Purple Figs
White: Cauliflower, Coconut, Garlic, Ginger, Green Onions, Scallions, Horseradish, Jicama, Kohlrabi, Leeks, Millet, Mushrooms, Onions, Parsnips, Quinoa, Shallots, Soy Products, Sunflower Seeds, Tofu, Turnips, White Beans, White Corn, White Sesame Seeds
Black: Black Beans, Black Cherries, Black Currants, Black Mushrooms, Black Olives, Black Quinoa, Black Raspberry, Black Rice, Black Sesame Seeds, Black Soybeans, Blackberries, Boysenberries, Prunes, Raisins, Seaweeds, Tamari (Soy Sauce)
Wellness News employs adults with "Special Needs" (Cerebral Palsy, Autism, Down Syndrome, Muscular Dystrophy). Many of the photographs are available for purchase, with the proceeds going to special needs adults. Contact Dr. Sandra Frank for additional information (recipenews@gmail.com).
Prepared by
Sandra Frank, Ed.D, RD, LDN Jake Frank Michelle Canazaro John Gargiullo
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