A 1998 study that attempted to link the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine with autism in children has been retracted from the published record by the medical journal, The Lancet. To explain the decision to retract the controversial study, The Lancet stated the following: “It has become clear that several elements of the 1998 study by Wakefield, et al are incorrect, contrary to the findings of an earlier investigation.” Read more.
The Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals recently launched http://www.healthfinderla.gov, a comprehensive online resource that allows users to compare cost and quality of services offered by hospitals, nursing homes, and public and private health care plans. The site also helps you compare retail prices for the 100 most commonly prescribed drugs. Visit the site.
More and more, there is growing recognition that the built environment has an impact on our health. Studies show that poorly built neighborhoods, outdoor spaces and buildings can contribute to obesity and chronic diseases like diabetes and heart disease. The New York City Department of Design and Construction has partnered with experts from multiple industries to publish strategies for architects and urban designers that could improve the health of communities. Click here to read more.
A new study reveals that kids with access to a health center at school not only receive quality health services, but they may also be less likely to engage in behaviors that put their health at risk including drug use, risky sexual activity, violence, smoking, unhealthy eating habits and lack of exercise. Read more.
The Louisiana Campaign for Tobacco-Free Living is looking for supporters of smoke-free air to come out and be a part of its next statewide mass media campaign. Film crews will be on site in Lafayette, Baton Rouge and New Orleans this week to conduct on-camera interviews with volunteers who want to speak up in support of a smoke-free Louisiana. Some footage from the interviews will be used for a new statewide television ad campaign, while others will be featured in a documentary. Get details of the film shoot. You can also show your support at www.LetsBeTotallyClear.org.
Toyota recently issued a massive recall and sales suspension of eight vehicle models due to accelerator pedals getting stuck. Models named in the recall include: 2009-2010 RAV4, 2009-2010 Corolla, 2009-2010 Matrix, 2005-2010 Avalon, certain 2007-2010 Camry, 2010 Highlander, 2007-2010 Tundra, and 2008-2010 Sequoia. Consumers who encounter such problems can report them to the National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration by calling their safety hotline at 1-888-DASH-2-DOT. Here’s another helpful website that explains how car recalls actually work.
A new study conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reveals a risky past time is more popular than previously thought. More than a third of kids have heard of the “choking game,” in which a high is achieved by depriving the brain of oxygen through brief strangulation. Public health officials warn that this extremely dangerous “game” can lead to brain damage, long-term neurological disability and even death. Read more.
Serves 10
Recipe: Chef Elizabeth Hales, Compass Group
Ingredients
Tomatillo Salsa:
10.5 ounce Tomatillo, green whole canned
½ cup Onions, diced
2 Tbsp Jalapeno Peppers, chopped
3 Tbsp Cilantro, Fresh, chopped
Enchilada:
3 ¾ cups Red Enchilada Sauce, canned
¾ cup Cilantro, Fresh, chopped
1 Tbsp Cumin, ground
20 Corn Tortillas, 6″
1 cup Canola Oil
10 each Black Bean Meatless Burger, 4.25 oz each
7 ½ ounce Red Onions, small diced
15 ounces Black Beans, cooked
10 ounces Pepper Jack Cheese
10 ounces Iceberg Lettuce, shredded
1 ¼ cup Guacamole
Method
Tomatillo Salsa:
In a food processor, combine the onion, tomatillos, and jalapeno. Pulse a few times until the ingredients are well blended. Add the cilantro and pulse the food processor again. Refrigerate until needed.
Enchilada:
Preheat oven to 350F. Combine enchilada sauce, cilantro and ground cumin. Place half of the enchilada sauce mixture on the bottom of a large baking dish. Heat 1 cup of oil in a large skillet to 350F degree and carefully submerge the tortillas (individually) for 15 seconds. (This helps them hold their integrity through the rolling and baking processes). In a pan, saute the diced burger and onions until slightly browned. Add black beans and remaining half of the enchilada sauce.
Simmer for 5 minutes. To build the enchiladas, evenly spoon 1/2 cup of burger mixture onto the center of each tortilla. Roll tortillas up and place seam-side down in baking pan. Repeat with remaining tortillas. Spoon tomatillo salsa and cheese evenly over the top of the rolled tortillas. Bake at 350F until bubbling, about 15 minutes and internal temperature reaches 165F. Serve 2 enchiladas per serving. To serve, place two enchiladas on a plate and garnish with shredded lettuce and 1 ounce guacamole.
With over one-third of America’s children overweight or obese, the federal government is pooling resources and partnering with state and local leaders to fight the battle of the bulge. First lady Michelle Obama is set to spearhead efforts to make healthy living easier for American families by creating healthy school lunch programs, allowing kids more opportunities to be physically active and providing communities with access to healthy food options. Read the whole story.
A new survey conducted by the Commonwealth Fund finds that patients receiving medical care from New Orleans community clinics report better access to affordable, quality healthcare than the rest of the nation. Read the full story. To find a quality community health clinic in the New Orleans metro area, visit www.GNOCommunity.org or call (504) 872-0750.
More than 600,000 infant cribs sold at popular stores, like Wal-Mart, Sears and K-mart have been recalled following the recent death of a 6-month old baby. Click here to get more detail on the recall or to see all recalled models.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has announced the availability of $25 million in grants to help schools operating a National School Lunch Program replace outdated equipment with new, energy efficient appliances including refrigerators, ovens, and other food service related equipment to help improve the quality of meals. Close to $500,000 of funding is available to Louisiana schools. Click here for more information. Photo from: iparenting
Conditions in Port Au Prince remain extremely hazardous due to collapsed infrastructure, lack of resources and medical care and the imminent threat of infectious disease. The Centers for Disease Control has provided a checklist that could be crucial to survival for any relief workers who may be heading to Haiti, now or in the near future.
Currently, bars and casinos in Louisiana are not required by law to be smoke-free, but several bar owners in Lafayette who have made their businesses smoke-free voluntarily have nothing but good things to say. Read the full story. To learn more about supporting stronger smoke-free laws in Louisiana, visit LetsBeTotallyClear.org. Graphic from: California Department of Health Services, ad campaign
America’s children are facing a health crisis. Few meet recommended dietary guidelines and many eat poorly and don’t exercise at all. In the last 20 years, the percentage of overweight children has tripled, resulting in earlier onset and increased prevalence of disease. In response, the USDA has established nutrition standards for its school meals programs and is now working to help increase physical activity and nutrition education in schools. Find out how your child’s school can get involved in the USDA’s Team Nutrition project. Graphic logo from: USDA Food and Nutrition Service
Barred from using lead in children’s jewelry, some manufacturers in China are substituting the more dangerous metal cadmium in charm bracelets and pendants being sold across the U.S. Many of the toxic pieces are sold in popular stores like Wal-Mart, Claire’s and dollar stores. Read more about the harmful effects of cadmium and get a list of recalled jewelry related to this story. Photo by: GeekMom Heather
There are more benefits of adding more vegetables to your diet and eating less meat than you think. Vegetarianism may be too hard for some, but reducing your intake of animal products and replacing them with a diet high in vegetables proves to be beneficial in many ways. Let us introduce you to flexitarianism or join the Be a Flexitarian Facebook group to connect with other other flexitarians and get tips on great recipes. Graphic image by: WML Brown
Watch the video and also read about the science behind the benefits of yoga.
Just in time for National Influenza Week (January 10-16), the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals has expanded H1N1 vaccine availability to the general public. Until recently, the vaccine has been available only to high risk populations. Now, anyone interested in receiving the H1N1 vaccine may contact his or her healthcare provider, or any provider listed on the H1N1 flu shot locator at www.fighttheflula.com.