Category Archives: Diet And Food

Erie Times-News

Q: My dog is sick, and he has lost his appetite. Do you have any tips on how we can get him to start eating again?

A: It's distressing when our pets are sick and don't want to eat, especially since we can't explain to them that eating is an important part of their return to health. Fortunately, there are a few tricks that can encourage your dog (or cat) to start eating again.

Try baby food. Giving your pet the pureed meat in those tiny jars on its own, or mixed with some rice or his regular food may help to jump-start his appetite. It's not a long-term solution, but rather a strategy for getting him to eat again until he's starting to feel better. Then you can slowly transition him back to his regular diet. Before trying this, read the baby food's label to make sure it doesn't contain onion powder, which has health risks for dogs and cats.

Warm the food. Heating your pet's food on the stove, or briefly in the microwave, can increase its smell. If your dog can't smell it, he won't be inspired to eat it. Serve it just above human body temperature about 99 degrees Fahrenheit so that it's warm, but not hot. Stir it first to eliminate any hot spots. It can also help to use a damp washcloth to gently wipe away any mucus accumulation from your dog's nose so he can better smell what you're offering.

Offer small meals several times a day. Your dog might not feel like eating his normal amount of food all at once.

Ask your veterinarian about medication that can help. If your dog has an upset stomach, your veterinarian can prescribe nausea-relief medication or an appetite stimulant.

THE BUZZ

Heart disease, diet link still unclear

Veterinary researchers and the U.S. Food & Drug Administration have been investigating causes of nonhereditary dilated cardiomyopathy,which has been seen increasingly since 2014, with more than 1,100 case reports over a six-year period. The disease of the heart muscle, which results in an enlarged heart, is primarily linked to a genetic predisposition, but it is now occurring more frequently in dogs in which the disease is not commonly seen.

Increasingly, the nonhereditary form is thought to be a complex interaction of multiple factors such as genetics, underlying medical conditionsand diet. Potential dietary links include the use of ingredients such as potatoes (including sweet potatoes and red potatoes), peas and lentils in both grain-free and grain-containing diets. Those types of ingredients aren't new in pet foods, but their proportions may have changed over the years. Dry, canned, raw and home-cooked formulations have been named in the reports.

The FDA met in September with veterinary, academic and industry experts at Kansas State University, which hosted the scientific forum,to review current research and discuss findings. Veterinary cardiologists reported that veterinary treatment and dietary changes brought some good results in improving heart function when DCM was caught early. Among the areas for further exploration are ingredient levels and sourcing, bioavailability of nutrients, and diet processing, with the goal of finding common factors that may play a role. Pet food manufacturers have been asked to share diet formulation information to aid understanding of diet's role.

No recalls have been made of pet foods associated with nonhereditary DCM because the FDA does not believe it has substantive evidence that the diets are unsafe. Pet owners and veterinarians can check the FDA's website (fda.gov) for updates as research continues. Signs of DCM and other heart diseases include decreased energy, coughing, difficulty breathing, rapid respirations and collapse.

Pet Connection is produced by a team of pet-care experts headed by veterinarian Marty Becker and journalist Kim Campbell Thornton of Vetstreet.com. Joining them is dog trainer and behavior consultant Mikkel Becker. Send pet questions toaskpetconnection@gmail.com.

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Getting enough vitamins and minerals is essential for any healthy diet. And for vegans, its especially important to get adequate amounts of nutrients like vitamin D and B12. But those who are vegan also need to ensure that theyre consuming enough of another important mineral: iodine. But what exactly is iodine? Why is it so important? And what are the best vegan sources of iodine?

Julieanna Hever, MS RD CPT, known as the Plant-Based Dietitian, is the author of The Healthspan Solution and Plant-Based Nutrition (Idiots Guide). She tells LIVEKINDLY that because the body doesnt produce iodine naturally, its an important part of any diet.

Iodine is an essential trace mineral that needs to come from diet, fortified foods, or supplementation, she says.

Its a crucial component of thyroid hormones, which regulate metabolism in the body, and play roles in neurological function, protein synthesis, and immune function, she adds.

The body requires iodine in order to produce these thyroid hormones. In addition to regulating the bodys metabolism, thyroid hormones control digestive, heart, and muscle functions. Iodine is also important during pregnancy and infancy because the mineral promotes brain and bone development.

According to the World Health Organization, the recommended dietary allowance for iodine for the average person is 150 micrograms (mcg). For pregnant and lactating people, the recommended amount is 250 mcg. Children up to the age of six require 90 mcg per day, and children between the ages of six and 12 need 120 mcg per day.

The American Thyroid Association (ATA) indicates that prior to 1920, iodine deficiency was prevalent in much of Canada and many parts of the U.S., including the Great Lakes, Appalachian, and Northwest regions. The Association now estimates that approximately 30 percent of the global population is at risk of iodine deficiency. But how do vegans fare in regards to their iodine intake?

A recent study out of the Federal Institute for Risk Assessment in Berlin found that one-third of the vegans assessed were iodine deficient. However, the cross-sectional study only included a sample size of 72 adults. The blood and urine samples of thirty-six people following a plant-based were compared to the remaining 36 adults, who were omnivores.

But is this indicative of a vegan diet as a whole? Hever says vegans do need to ensure theyre getting enough iodine in their diet.

Iodine remains a public health concern around the globe. And vegans are one of the groups at an increased risk for iodine deficiency, she explains.

According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), not getting enough iodine can impede the bodys ability to produce adequate amounts of thyroid hormones.

The health issues that arise as a result of this are called iodine deficiency disorders. Examples of these disorders include endemic goiter, learning disabilities, and hypothyroidism. The latter condition, which results in an underactive thyroid, is caused by severe and prolonged iodine deficiency.

Iodine deficiency does require a medical diagnosis. Symptoms of iodine deficiency include a lump or swelling of the neck, fatigue, sensitivity to the cold, and constipation. However, getting too much iodine in the diet can also result in similar symptoms. The NIH indicates that high iodine intakes may cause thyroid gland inflammation and even thyroid cancer.

Iodine is commonly found in non-vegan foods, such as fish, eggs, and dairy products like cheese, yogurt, and milk. But there are a number of plant-based foods that are rich in iodine. Here are seven of the best vegan sources of iodine that may help you get more of the mineral in your diet.

Sea vegetables are one of the best sources of iodine, Hever says. And according to the NIH, seaweed like nori, wakame, and kombu kelp contains some of the most iodine compared to other foods. Ten grams of dried norithe type of seaweed commonly used to make sushicontains 232 mcg of iodine. This is well above the 150 mcg recommended dietary allowance for iodine.

You can thank iodized salt for eliminating much of the iodine deficiencies found in the U.S. in the early 1900s, according to the ATA. Although it resembles plain salt, iodized salt is table salt that is mixed with small amounts of various salts of the iodine. But a little sure does go a long way! Approximately a quarter of a teaspoonor 1.5 gramsof iodized table salt contains 76 mcg of iodine. Stock up on iodized salt here.

Dont get too excited: Not all bread is high in iodine. But if you needed a good excuse to snack on breadthis is it! Certain kinds of whole-wheat and white bread are made with an iodate dough conditioner. Just one slice of these types of bread contains 198 and 185 mcg of iodine, respectively.

In addition to being a good source of vitamins and minerals like vitamin K, iron, and potassium, pruneswhich are dried plumsare another great source of iodine. Consuming just five dried prunes provides about nine percent of the recommended daily value, which is about 13 mcg. Snag a bag of dried prunes here.

Although pasta on its own isnt a good source of iodinewhen boiled in water with iodized salt, you can get 36 mcg of iodine per serving. If youre looking for tasty pasta recipes to make to up your iodine intake, try making this vegan pasta featuring a creamy cashew sauce with mushrooms and asparagus.

Granted, canned fruit cocktails rank relatively low on the iodine content scale. Although the canning process reduces some of their vitamin content, half a cup of canned fruit cocktail in light syrup contains six mcg.

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From Good Housekeeping

New research suggests a "green" Mediterranean diet plan may help boost your cardiovascular health, and weight loss goals, more effectively.

A study found that those who made four tweaks to the classic diet plan lost more weight and improved blood pressure and cholesterol levels while also curtailing their calorie intake.

A nutrition expert explains why any form of the Mediterranean diet can help you improve your health, and how to get started.

There's a reason why Mediterranean diet plans are consistently ranked the healthiest for people wishing to not only lose weight, but revolutionize their health entirely. At the Good Housekeeping Institute, our registered dietitian crowned the Mediterranean diet this year's best as the diet's staples lean proteins, seafood, crunchy vegetables, and plenty of healthy fats lead to immense cardiovascular benefits and fights inflammation. Plus, it promotes sustainable weight loss for people who aren't willing to sacrifice entire food groups (ahem, keto)! So imagine our delight when a new study, published this month in BMJ's Heart, claimed that a few small tweaks to the diet may accelerate its effects on heart health.

Researchers behind the study call it the "green" Mediterranean diet, a refined version of the diet plan that supercharges your daily meals by asking you to reach for more fiber and less red meat. What is the diet, exactly? The updated version requires people to cut red meat almost entirely out of their diet for best results, making more room for fiber and healthy fats sourced from lean protein. To make up for any deficiency, dieters are asked to consume what's known as Wolffia globosa, or a byproduct of duckweed, an aquatic plant. Plus, you'll need to incorporate 28g of walnuts per day into your snacking, and consume at least 3 cups of green tea (if not more).

Scientists arrived at this conclusion after splitting nearly 300 men and women into three groups, asking them to follow different diets over the course of 18 months. The first group simply received advice for upping their fitness and eating a healthier diet; the second group, however, was instructed to follow a regular Mediterranean diet and were placed on a calorie-based plan, as well as the same fitness advice. But the third group followed the "green" Mediterranean diet, eating the same amount of calories as the other Med group, albeit with the duckweed protein shake served at dinnertime, green tea throughout the day, added walnuts, and advice to avoid red meat entirely.

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Those on the green version of the diet saw the best, most substantial changes to their health six months later; they had the biggest drop in cholesterol and blood pressure. Plus, this group lost roughly 14 pounds in just six months.

Here's the catch, though all of the groups saw beneficial results, explains Brierley Horton, MS, RD, a registered dietitian and nutritionist who has reviewed Mediterranean diet plans for years. All groups lost weight, including those on the regular Mediterranean diet (around 12 pounds!), and waist sizes slimmed down amid all participants. The same trend was true for cholesterol levels. "Yes, the 'green' Med diet group had better results but the Mediterranean diet still provided improvement for the other group in the study," she explains.

Below, Horton walks us through what you need to know about the study's updated guidelines for Mediterranean diets, plus how you can incorporate a Med-diet-friendly protein shake into your routine.

If you haven't heard of it, you're not alone. Horton says research published in 2017 put this edible plant-protein, also known as Asian watermeal, on the map for most. A MentalFloss report claims duckweed, which has a flavor profile similar to watercress, is the smallest fruit in the world, but Horton explains that it manages to pack in a lot of protein nonetheless. Researchers have previously found that the protein counts in duckweed can be equal to "40% of [its] dry weight" in some conditions. "It's water-based, which is probably the reason why duckweed also manages to be a significant source of omega-3 fatty acids," Horton adds.

But you've probably never seen a duckweed supplement in the health aisle or even at a

specialty store, as this protein is often mixed in with other sources to make "plant-based" supplements on the market today. The study indicates that dieters were given a specific frozen product made by Mankai, but Horton says it's unclear if the study's sponsors had any input on including this particular brand.

Don't fret if you can't find pure duckweed supplement: Horton says you can still pack in extra protein and omega 3s into your routine with a protein shake made with hemp, chia, or flax seeds. "Without getting into a nitty-gritty comparison to duckweed, all three of those seeds have high sources of omega 3s in them, and they're great sources of protein, and they're widely available to all of us right now."

While more research needs to be done in order to understand why this version of the Mediterranean diet prompts better results, it's clear that cutting out any amount of fatty, processed red meats will lead to better health. "People who tend to dip into vegetarian and vegan lifestyles, they're just healthier overall, right? They have better markers for cardiometabolic risk, and less chronic inflammation," Horton explains. "Since the green Mediterranean diet is supplementing meat with plant-based protein in duckweed and other staples, it's not surprising that health is improving and then you also consider walnuts, which also have high amounts of omega 3s just like duckweed. Individually, these staples are good, and now they work together."

Remember: the "green" Mediterranean diet requires you to cut down on red meat for best results, to snack on a few handfuls of walnuts each day, to make a protein shake (either with duckweed protein or a similar substitute), and to drink 3 or 4 cups of green tea as well (which is healthier than soda or coffee). Cutting down or eliminating red meat looks different for everyone, Horton says: if you can slowly reduce the frequency that you're eating red meat, that's a good start.

You'll also be able to enjoy these staples:

Produce: Everything under the sun, basically, from tomatoes to cauliflower and spinach to kale. Nearly all fruits (as long as they are unprocessed) are on the menu, too.

Whole Grains: Items like farro, barley, whole oats, brown rice, and even whole-grain breads and pastas in moderation.

Lean protein: Chicken and turkey included, as well as plant-based options like tofu.

Seafood: Salmon, tuna, trout, mackerel, and herring, all prepared as simple as possible (grilled or sauted, not fried!).

Unsaturated fats: Olive oil and yogurt rather than butter and milk.

Nuts and seeds: Your favorites included!

If giving meat up entirely is a challenge for you, you can take a few steps to enjoy it without derailing your diet. First, select a cut of meat that is physically lean: "Go for a filet rather than a large ribeye," Horton advises. Second, make sure you're choosing fresh meat rather than processed products: "Avoid things like processed pork or deli meats," she adds. Lastly, if you have a hankering for bacon or a processed meat, Horton says try incorporating a smaller amount into an otherwise healthy dish. "It's about using it as a garnish or in the same style as a condiment, right? Put a dash of bacon or ham into what you're cooking, to add the flavor and enjoy it, without actually eating an entire plate of it on its own."

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Everyone Is Talking About the New 'Green' Mediterranean Diet Here's What You Need to Know - Yahoo Lifestyle

Cats in the U.K. who happened to be on a raw meat diet may have passed tuberculosis to their human counterparts, according to an investigation conducted by veterinary medicine expert Conor OHalloran of the University of Edinburgh and his colleagues.

The investigation was launched after 47 cats presented with suspected or definite infection with Mycobacterium bovis, the bacteria responsible for bovine TB, the Daily Mail reports.

Mycobacterium bovis was found to have caused skin lesions, swollen lymph nodes, respiratory problems, lethargy, lost appetite and weight loss, in the cats.The common denominator in the study was the raw meat diet, which was reportedly traced back to a single British supplier, who has since removed products from the shelves in a recall.

The investigation also said that latent tuberculosis was found in four of the animal's owners and a veterinarian, the Daily Mail reported. They also said that one owner required treatment to address the infection.

The investigation suggested that the human cases could represent zoonotic transmission from these cats, or infection from handling the contaminated food.

Our results provide compelling evidence that the commercial raw diet of these cats was the likely route of infection in this outbreak of cases, the researchers wrote. Investigations revealed affected cats were mainly indooronly, and had been fed the same commercial raw food as at least part of their diet. This diet was recalled by the manufacturer due to failure of statutory meat inspection of the component venison.

The Daily Mail reported that there were only been six documented cases of humans catching tuberculosis from cats prior to this study, and Public Health England has reported that the risk of transmission from cats to humans is low.

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Cats on Raw Meat Diet May Have Passed Tuberculosis to Humans, Study Finds - Inside Edition

For quite some time, the Mediterranean diet has maintained its popularity all over the world. One reason is due to the numerous perks you can get by following this meal plan. But, what are the eating habits involve in this regimen? Aside from that, what are the health benefits of the Mediterranean diet?

Basically, the Mediterranean diet has no specific meal plan because of the cultural differences of the countries in this region. However, this regimen emphasizes the following eating habits:

One of the most well-known health benefits of the Mediterranean diet is its ability to promote a healthy heart. This effect is due to the various food products included in this meal plan.

Take olive oil as an example. This healthy fat is rich in alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), a fatty substance that can help decrease your risk of cardiac death. Moreover, consuming extra-virgin olive oil regularly may also help maintain a healthy blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

Aside from olive oil, the Mediterranean diet includes numerous heart-friendly foods such as nuts, veggies, and whole grains. Despite its alcohol contents, red wine is another excellent product for your heart, especially if consumed in moderation.

In addition to a strong heart, the Mediterranean diet also promotes a healthy skin. This benefit is primarily due to the various anti-inflammatory foods in this regimen.

As you know, inflammation can cause various skin problems such as acne, eczema, and dermatitis. But, thats not all. Inflammation may also release enzymes that can break down collagen and elastin, resulting in premature aging. Because of these negative effects, the highly recommended diet hacks for radiant skin is to consume healthy fats and avoid refined products- eating habits encouraged in the Mediterranean diet.

Another great perk in this list of health benefits of the Mediterranean diet is preventing diabetes. As you know, a lot of people are at risk of developing diabetes because of our fondness for simple carbohydrates like pasta, white bread, and sugary products. Fortunately, you can do various healthy lifestyle choices like regular exercise to prevent or manage diabetes. Another good option is to try the Mediterranean diet.

Although most people living in the Mediterranean region frequently eat small portions of pasta and bread, most of them have an active lifestyle, which can prevent insulin resistance. Furthermore, most plant-based products specifically whole grains are rich in fiber, a substance that can help balance your blood sugar levels. Lastly, the healthy fats and anti-inflammatory foods in this diet plan can also help prevent or manage diabetes.

Aside from antioxidants, healthy fats are also essential nutrients for optimum brain health. For this reason, health experts recommend including foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids to your daily meals. Thankfully, the Mediterranean diet is rich in these kinds of products. If you prefer a plant-based diet, the best sources of beneficial fats are nuts, seeds, legumes, and olive oil.

An added benefit is that most of the products in this regimen can uplift your mood and energy due to the various essential nutrients such as magnesium, iron, and vitamin B.

Aside from those mentioned health benefits of the Mediterranean diet, this meal plan can also help you achieve or maintain your ideal weight.

As you know, most weight loss programs recommend eating more plant-based foods, avoiding products with empty calories (highly processed products), and exercising regularly . common practices in the Mediterranean lifestyle. But, theres more. Various substances included in this regimen can also increase your satiety and reduce food cravings such as the healthy fats in olive oil, proteins in legumes, and fiber in whole grains. By including these foods in your diet, you can lower your total calorie intake without feeling tired all the time.

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All About the Mediterranean Diet and Its Benefits - VIVA GLAM MAGAZINE - vivaglammagazine.com

The inclusion of phytase enzymes in the feed can have a positive effect on wooden breast development.

Potential modulation of breast muscle fatty acid profiles reduces the severity of the myopathy which often leads to meat condemnation. In 2014, the first publications appeared which described woody breast, a condition of broiler breast muscle characterised by visually hard, outwardly bulging and pale areas on the ventral surface of the pectoralis major muscle. Woody breast is now one of the most important myopathies challenging the poultry industry. It is of global concern, with incidences reported to affect 30-50% of broilers growing for 8 weeks to a live body weight of over 4.2kg. The myopathy constitutes a major animal health, welfare and economic concern causing enormous financial losses to the industry due to on-farm culling and mortality, downgrading, and condemnation at processing, as well as rejection from human consumption.

Wooden breast syndrome is of global concern with incidences reported to affect 30-50% of broilers growing for 8 weeks to a live body weight of over 4.2 kg. Photo: Hans Prinsen

The aetiology of the myopathy is still unknown, however, histological evidence of the haemorrhagic lesions indicates multifocal degeneration and necrosis of muscle tissue with infiltration of inflammatory cells, connective tissues and fat. Evidence is provided in the literature that woody breast myopathy is associated with systemic and local breast muscle hypoxia. Dietary supplementation with phytase reduced its severity. Dietary phytase enzyme is accepted in practice for the intestinal degradation of plant phytate and improvement of phosphorus digestibility and feed efficiency, but has also been shown to modulate oxygen-homeostasis-related pathways. Hypoxic conditions have been reported to limit the regenerative capacity of muscle fibres by favouring the replacement of degenerated muscle fibres with lipid and fibrotic tissues.

It has been suggested that woody breast is associated with lipid dysmetabolism, The present study was undertaken to determine the effect of dietary phytase on woody breast and breast muscle fatty acid profiles. The experiments involved male broilers subjected to 6 treatments, including 3 levels of dietary phytase supplementation (500, 1000, 2000 FTU).

Woody breast and white striping scores were recorded, and fatty acid profiles were determined using gas liquid chromatography. The fatty acid profile in the breast tissue of woody breast-affected birds had a significantly higher percentage of saturated fatty acids and a lower content of polyunsaturated fatty acids. Dietary phytase in high doses (1000 and 2000 FTU) significantly reduced the percentage of saturated fatty acids and increased that of polyunsaturated fatty acids compared with the control group. As woody breast myopathy seems to be associated with an imbalance of the fatty acid profiles, the supplementation of dietary phytase ameliorates its severity through modulation of saturated fatty acids and polysaturated fatty acid content.

Authors: Reagan Cauble, Elizabeth Greene, Sara Orlowski, Carrie Walk, Mike Bedford, Jason Apple, Michael T. Kidd, and Sami Dridi, Poultry Science

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Dietary phytase reduces broiler woody breast severity - Poultry World

Turns out, COVID bubbles aren't just for professional athletes. When Santa Claus visited kids at the Tractor Swing in Collegedale over the weekend, he was safely ensconced inside a life-size snow globe.

"I knew we were going to need something outside the box," said Traci Bennett-Hobek, parks and recreation director for the city of Collegedale, which co-sponsored the Christmas-themed salute to farmers. "The bubble solved a lot of problems."

Keeping Santa safe has put many an elf on desperate missions this year. With COVID-19 rates rising and Santa at increased risk of infection thanks to his age and cookie diet, his helpers have scrambled to find ways to keep Santa front and center while safe and secluded for his photo-ops.

In many cases, Santa is hearing wish lists and even posing for photos virtually. Santas at Bass Pro Shop and Northgate and Hamilton Place malls are separated from visitors by clear acrylic shields. At Rock City, they're trying social distancing at an extra-large desk.

It's just one of several changes Rock City has made this year to safeguard guests, employees and its main emissary from the North Pole.

"We do not have live entertainment. We don't have the plethora of elves and other costumed characters. The things that rely on that very close, interpersonal exchange are not things that make sense for us this year from a safety perspective," said Susan Harris, president and CEO of the Lookout Mountain attraction.

Yet, Santa Claus found a way to be present. This year he greets children inside his workshop, "a really big, airy space," Harris said. "And with the volume of children that Santa keeps up with, he needs a really large desk for the naughty and nice lists."

At Bass Pro in East Ridge, general manager Bill Van Kampen said the two Santas that swap out photo duties appreciate having the acrylic shield as a safety measure because it allows this revered tradition to continue. For photos, children are seated in front of Santa, instead of on his lap, and Santa can hear what's on their wish lists.

"It's important, especially for kids," Van Kampen said. "With everything going on, there needs to be a sense of normalcy somewhere."

A spokesman for Cherry Hill Programs, which supplies the Santa setup at Northgate and Hamilton Place, said organizers are strictly adhering to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines, including the wearing of masks by Santa, staff and guests throughout the visit.

"Children will still be able to have a magical visit with Santa and share their wish list, but the experience will be contactless, and children will not sit on Santa's lap," said Matt Windt, chief marketing officer for the New Jersey-based company.

Mike Anderson, a Santa from LaFayette, Georgia, said he and his wife, Mary (a.k.a. Mrs. Claus), "canceled everything" they had on their schedule this year, including two parades, soon after the pandemic emerged. They have selectively agreed to a couple of events, including appearances for the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum's Polar Express train rides.

"We stand about 50 feet from the train when it pulls into the North Pole," Anderson said. "We're waving and greeting the kids, but that's as close as we get."

Anderson, 68, said he's dressed as Santa the past 17 years, the last seven professionally, and knows that parents don't let a child's cough or runny nose stand in the way of the prized annual photo.

"It was rare that I went through a season without at least catching a cold," he said.

Anderson said he fears his age and past health issues, including a heart attack, stroke and open-heart surgery, put him at increased risk of coronavirus complications, so he opted for caution this season.

"Most years we've done between 120 and 130 visits," he said. "We're kind of enjoying the slowdown this year."

Gordon Hewes, who portrayed Santa in Collegedale, said this was his first time donning the red suit. He hadn't even considered it until Bennett-Hobek and a colleague approached him in a Dollar Tree store and asked if he'd be willing to climb inside an inflatable snow globe in a Santa suit and pose for photos.

Bennett-Hobek had tried that same conversation starter with a couple of other candidates and gotten nowhere.

"My regular Santa was unavailable, and I'd already asked two other men," she said. "At this point, I was getting desperate. I turned a corner to go down this aisle, and there he was. He looked like Santa."

Hewes, 70, said he had about three months to grow his beard longer, and the Parks and Recreation Department supplied the suit. There was a settee where he could sit, scoop up snow and interact with kids on the other side of the plastic bubble.

"The blower that kept the plastic up was fairly loud, so it was hard to talk to them," he said. "That's why I got into 'Give me five.' I knew they'd understand that."

Email Lisa Denton at ldenton@timefreepress.com.

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From acrylic shields to plastic bubbles, how Santa is staying safe in the Chattanooga area - Chattanooga Times Free Press

All exams in Scotland have been cancelled because of the disproportionate impact of coronavirus on pupils, the country's Education Secretary John Swinney has announced.

Mr Swinney told the Scottish Parliament on Tuesday that Higher and Advanced Higher exams are being cancelled for the second year in a row after an earlier decision to scrap tests at National 5.

He explained the level of disruption to learners has not been equal, with pupils from poorer backgrounds more likely to miss school to self-isolate.

Mr Swinney said: I will not stake the future of our Higher pupils whether they get a place at college, university, training or work on a lottery of whether their school was hit by Covid.

Exams cannot account for differential loss of learning and could lead to unfair results for our poorest pupils.

This could lead to pupils futures being blighted through no fault of their own. That is simply not fair.

The question is less whether we can hold the exams safely in the spring and more whether we can do so fairly

He added: While we hope that public health will improve in the coming months, we cannot guarantee that there will be no further disruption to pupils learning.

In light of this, the question is less whether we can hold the exams safely in the spring and more whether we can do so fairly.

However, there is no getting around the fact that a significant percentage of our poorest pupils have lost significantly more teaching time than other pupils.

Changing the exams for all does not and cannot address that. Instead, we need a model that is more flexible to the specific circumstances of the individual pupil.

Mr Swinney previously announced the National 5 exam diet, which was due to take place in the spring of 2021, was being cancelled as a result of Covid-19, with grades to be decided by teacher judgment supported by assessment.

No algorithm will be used to adjust results after the backlash at this years moderation process that disproportionately downgraded pupils from poorer backgrounds, Mr Swinney said.

He added: We will adopt the new model that has been developed and base awards on teacher judgement of evidence of learner attainment.

This is safe. It is fair. And it better recognises the reality of the disruption so many pupils have already had to their learning.

The decision follows a similar move by the Welsh Government to cancel its exam diet for 2021 in November. The UK Government has confirmed exams in England will go ahead in May.

Scottish Conservative education spokesman Jamie Greene criticised the governments months of dither and delay before making the announcement, which he described as an admission of complete failure .

Scottish Labours education spokesman Iain Gray said: These decisions make sense, but yet again, they are made very, very late."

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Coronavirus restrictions to be eased for majority...

Scottish Green MSP Ross Greer said the announcement is overdue but welcome, adding: It provides the clarity that teachers, parents and, most importantly, pupils had demanded."

EIS teaching union general secretary Larry Flanagan, said: The EIS has every confidence in the ability of teachers to make professional judgments based on pupil evidence and in the circumstances believes that cancelling the exam diet in favour of an alternative model is the correct decision, one which could have been made earlier."

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All school exams in Scotland cancelled next year - BreakingNews.ie

This was such a drastic and abrupt change to everyones daily life that we needed to see what was going on, said Dr. Flanagan. We wanted to put some data to the anecdotal behaviors we were seeing.

From April through early May, about 7,750 people, most of them from the United States but also from countries such as Canada, Australia and Britain, completed the survey. The average age of the respondents was 51, and a majority were women. Based on their body mass indexes, about a third of the people were overweight, a third were obese, and a third were considered normal weight.

The researchers found that most people became more sedentary, which they said was probably related to less daily commuting and more time spent indoors. But even when people did engage in structured exercise, it tended to be at lower intensity levels compared to before the pandemic. Many people also said they had given in to their food cravings: Consumption of sugar sweetened beverages and other sugary snack foods, for example, went up.

That might explain another finding: About 27 percent of people said they had gained weight after the initial lockdowns went into effect. The figure was even higher among people classified as obese: About 33 percent said that they had gained weight, compared to 24.7 percent of people considered normal weight. People who gained weight also had the largest declines in physical activity.

There were some bright spots in the findings. About 17 percent of the study population actually lost weight during the pandemic; perhaps not surprisingly, they tended to be people who increased their physical activity levels and improved their diets. And despite snacking on more junk foods, many people showed an increase in their healthy eating scores, a measure of their overall diet quality, which includes things like eating more fruits and fewer fried foods. The researchers said that the overall improvements in diet appeared to be driven by the fact that the lockdowns prompted people to cook, bake and prepare more food at home. Other recent surveys have also shown a sharp rise in home cooking and baking this year, with many people saying they are discovering new ingredients and looking for ways to make healthier foods.

But social isolation can take a toll on mental wellness, and that was evident in the findings. On average, people reported significantly higher anxiety levels. About 20 percent said that their symptoms, such as experiencing dread and not being able to control or stop their worrying, were severe enough to interfere with their daily activities. About 44 percent of people said that their sleep had also worsened during the pandemic. People on average reported going to bed about an hour later than usual and waking up roughly an hour later than usual. Only 10 percent of people said that their sleep had improved since the pandemic began.

The greatest spikes in anxiety occurred among people who are obese. It was unclear why exactly, but one reason may have been concerns about the virus. The survey took place at a time when studies were first beginning to show that excess weight puts people at a much higher risk of being hospitalized with Covid-19. We dont have data to back this up, but our hypothesis is there was a lot more anxiety about their own health, Dr. Flanagan said. A heightened fear of the virus would most certainly increase their anxiety levels.

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Weight Gain and Stress Eating Are Downside of Pandemic Life - The New York Times

Zinc can help reduce acne and inflammation, says expert

Acne is one of the most common skin issues which can affect both male and females. What you eat affects your skin in multiple ways. Several nutrients work together in helping you achieve healthy and glowing skin. Zinc is one of the essential nutrients that your body requires to perform multiple body functions efficiently. It is also beneficial for your skin as well as hair. Zinc can also help in fighting against acne. Studies also suggest that zinc decreases oil production and reduces the chances of bacterial infections and inflammation. It can be added to your diet in prescribed quantity and can be used for topical as well. To understand how zinc works in controlling acne and how to use it safely, we spoke to Dr. Monica Bambroo who is the head of Dermatology and Cosmetology department at Artemis Hospitals. Keeping reading to know the wonders this mineral can do to your skin

Dr. Bambroo explains, "Zinc is known to be effective not only against inflammatory disorders like acne but also other skin disorders such as infective diseases like warts and pigmentary disorders like melasma. Zinc prevents excessive oil production and treats bacterial inflammation in the skin. Zinc oxide is an effective physical sunblock while calamine is a time-tested soothing agent. Zinc pyrithione is an important ingredient of anti-dandruff shampoos, and we all know that the treatment of acne is incomplete without treating dandruff."

Also read: Here's how you can fix dry skin this winter

Zinc helps control extra oil productionPhoto Credit: iStock

Zinc can be added to your diet as well as a part of topical treatment. The human body requires a small amount of zinc that is about 11 mg for men and 8 mg for women. Eggs, nuts, legumes, meat, and fish are good sources of zinc. Though cereals and legumes do contain zinc but are only partially absorbed by your gut. A balanced diet with abstention from junk, high carbohydrates, sugars, and processed foods, plays an important part in the prevention of acne and maintaining good skin health.

Also read:Skincare Tips: 7 Ways To Take Care Of The Delicate Skin Around Your Eyes

Nuts are power packed with essential nutrients including zincPhoto Credit: iStock

It is highly recommended to take consultation from a certified medical practitioner before taking any supplement. The consumption of excessive zinc can lead to a deficiency of copper. Excessive zinc can also lead to abdominal pain, stomach disorder, nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite. It also interferes with healthy cholesterol levels.

Also read:Prepare Try These Homemade Masks According To Your Skin Type For A Natural Glow

Also, many zinc products contain cadmium in a chemical combination that can damage kidneys if consumed in large concentrations. Therefore, it is always advisable to consult a dermatologist before for adequate intake and proper treatment for any skin problem.

Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.

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Zinc For Acne: Here's How It Can Do Wonders To Your Skin; Know How To Use It Safely From Expert - NDTV