For most Williams students, the first week of the semester was fresh and exciting, with new classes, new rooms, and new freedoms after a year-plus of COVID restrictions. For me, it was hell on earth. Every night for a week, I woke up in unimaginable pain: burning in my chest, cramping in my abdomen, and intense nausea. I barely slept, and I was terrified to eat. The cause of my condition wasnt COVID or the flu it was the dining hall.

I have celiac disease, an autoimmune disorder that causes hypersensitivity to even the smallest amounts of gluten. When I eat wheat, barley, or rye, my body produces antibodies that attack my small intestine, destroying the finger-like protrusions called microvilli that absorb nutrients. There is no cure, and, left untreated, the condition can lead to multiple sclerosis (MS), osteoporosis, infertility, malnutrition, and even certain types of cancer. To manage celiac disease, I have to maintain a strict gluten-free diet. There is no room for error; cross-contamination is a chief concern. Food that is technically gluten-free can be just as dangerous to celiacs if prepared using equipment that has trace amounts of gluten on it, or if the person preparing the food has touched gluten at any point in the process.

Williams students with dietary restrictions are encouraged to adhere to a Designated Meal Plan. These meals are specially made to meet each students needs and can be picked up in takeout containers at many dining locations. Students work with a nutritionist to coordinate where and when they receive these meals. I have been on and off the Designated Meal Plan in the past for various reasons, but this year I elected to receive all of my designated meals at Whitmans Dining Hall after I was informed it was the safest option.

When I started having severe celiac reactions, I was told that the designated meals were safe. Unfortunately, this was not the case. When something goes wrong with designated meals, students with severe dietary concerns have nowhere to turn. Although there are gluten-free options at Lee Snack Bar and 82 Grill, neither establishment can ensure a lack of cross-contamination with gluten-containing items. Driscoll and Mission Dining Halls do not have dedicated areas in their kitchens where gluten-free foods are prepared. Eco Cafe and Goodrich are similarly unable to provide safe options. Even the buffet line at Whitmans is dangerous; the shared serving utensils create opportunities for cross-contamination at the dedicated gluten-free and vegan station. Long lines and gates at the entrances and exits make it difficult to request changes to meals if something is wrong or missing. The only way celiacs can eat at Williams is by praying their food is made correctly and safely every time, which has not been my experience in the past.

Students with dietary restrictions are just like everyone else. They want the flexibility to order their own meals; they want a variety of safe, palatable options; they want a backup plan in case their designated meal is a failure. Think of how many times youve ordered a pizza from 82 Grill or a sandwich from Lee when the dining hall menus looked questionable. Students with celiac disease never have that choice about what or where they eat; the College simply does not provide us with that kind of support. The dedicated gluten-free kitchen space at Whitmans doesnt even have its own oven.

In many cases, students on special diets cant choose their own designated menus. Before I got sick, my meals consisted of a portion of whatever was at the gluten-free and vegan station at Whitmans that day. I am not vegan, and I have no desire to be. While my friends ate French toast, ravioli, and chicken wings, I ate baked avocado with hummus and lentil stew. I requested the ability to customize my own menu, but I was informed that, due to the high volume of students with special diets served at Whitmans, that would not be possible. Unfortunately, celiacs cant eat safely at any dining location except Whitmans, so I believed I had no choice but to stomach vegan food for the year. After I was consistently sick for a week, an exception was made, but the fact remains: Celiac students are people with unique food needs and desires, and they should not have to adhere to an even more restrictive diet because the College cannot accommodate them.

To be clear, none of this is the fault of the dining staff. Every member of Dining Services I have met with to discuss my situation has been kind, concerned, and willing to do anything in their power to get me safe, appetizing meals. Unfortunately, the lack of supportive infrastructure for special diets means that their power is limited. With many projects that would expand access for diet-restricted students either pushed back or put on hold including the aforementioned gluten-free oven, as well as the formal separation of gluten-free and vegan stations and a dedicated free-from station at Whitmans containing allergen-free options its difficult to see the situation improving for at least several years. The College needs to put more resources into creating safe, flexible, and palatable options for students with dietary needs, so that the Dining staff can better support the students they want to serve.

Happily, I am no longer getting sick from dining hall food, and my meals are more consistent and of a higher quality than in the past. Im grateful to all of the Dining staff who have tried their best to help me and other celiacs, but its time for the College to prioritize its most vulnerable students and work to provide them with expanded, equitable dining options. We do not deserve the stress, disappointment, and physiological harm that we so often experience. We just want to eat.

Isabel Williams 24 is from Mill Valley, Calif.

Read the original here:
The struggles of following a special diet at the College - The Williams record

THIS weed will get you high on nutrition and health  |  Photo Credit: iStock Images

New Delhi: Have you ever observed certain scenes in Asian movies or anime and wondered what that green, leaf-like food is? Well, you certainly cannot ignore it because it is a part of almost every East Asian dish. Be it Onigiri in Japan, Gimbap in Korea, or kelp salad in China, edible seaweed is one of the most popular foods in Asian countries and is widely used in Japanese, Korean, and Chinese cuisines. There are a variety of edible seaweeds and some common varieties include wakame, nori, umibudo, hijiki, kombu, kelp, and ogonori. This food is packed with nutrition and is a rich source of fibre, protein, antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and more. With the growing intrigue in Asian cultures as a consequence of globalization, media, and entertainment, the use of seaweed is slowly gaining prominence in other parts of the world. Thisinterest might be driven by trends in the current scenario, but is it worth analyzing the benefits of this ingredientand working towards retaining its prominence so it does not die out with the trend?

Here are some health benefits offered by seaweed:

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

View original post here:
THIS weed will get you high on nutrition and health - Times Now

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) In early October, it was announced that a tiger at the Great Plains Zoo (GPZ) in Sioux Falls had tested positive for COVID-19. Prior to this, zoo officials had also that some of the cats were exhibiting symptoms of respiratory illness. At that time, two other tigers as well as a pair of Snow Leopards were also exhibiting signs of the disease.

Just one day later, it was announced that one of those leopards, Baya, had died.

Today, GPZ veterinarian Louden Wright gave an update on the situation, telling KELOLAND News that as of now they are in the midst of a presumed COVID-19 outbreak in their large cat facility.

We havent confirmed the COVID status of most of the cats yet, said Wright. Weve got tests that are out and pending on them, but theyre all showing similar clinical signs and we do have one confirmed positive.

Wright also gave an update on the conditions of the affected cats. The two female tigers who were kind of the first two to show signs seem to be recovering pretty well. Theyre both looking pretty darn good, he said. The two remaining leopards and our other male tiger are still showing clinical signs, but none of them seem to be severely affected at this point.

Beyond the large cat facility, Wright said the zoo has not had any other animals showing signs of infection.

GPZ President and CEO Becky DeWitz praised the response by the zoos veterinary staff. As soon as we did have the indication that their health was being affected by some type of respiratory disease, Louden and his team did implement measures immediately.

DeWitz said that some of these measures include broad-spectrum antibiotics and steroids, as well as oxygen.

Wright elaborated on some of these measures. There is a vaccine that is just starting to roll out, he said. Were working on getting some of that, but its still in the early stages of its rollout, so its not widely available yet.

Beyond that, he went on to outline some of the direct treatments. A lot of our treatment medically goes into supportive care the goal of [antibiotics] is if you know you have a cat that already has compromised lung function, you want to prevent them from getting a secondary infection a bacterial infection on top of that viral one.

Wright also lists anti-nausea medication to keep them eating and drinking as important tools and steroids to keep the inflammation of the cats lungs down.

Wright said that all the zookeepers who work with the big cats are vaccinated, and that appropriate PPE, including masks, gloves and booties are all worn while in the facility. Since the outbreak has begun, the masks have been stepped up to N-95 masks rather than basic surgical masks.

Testing for big cats is not as simple as it is for humans, for obvious reasons. Wright says that the zoo is using PCR tests, which are sent to the National Veterinary Service Laboratory in Ames, Iowa. He says the main mode of testing is actually done via fecal testing, AKA testing cat poop, which allows for the samples to be taken without fully anesthetizing the animal.

DeWitz spoke next to the impact behind the loss of Baya the Snow Leopard. She points out that due to conservation work over the course of years, these leopards have been moved from the IUCN red list to a status of threatened, which is an improvement. Nonetheless, they are an endangered species, so speaking to the species itself, its hard.

DeWitz says they have felt a large measure of support from the community since the death of Baya. Weve received an outpouring of support helping us through this difficult time. We even had some young children stop on Saturday and write some cards that they drew and just lend their support to the animal care team specifically. That matters so much, and we have those cards on display for all of our staff to see.

Read more from the original source:
Keeping cats safe at the Great Plains Zoo - KELOLAND.com

Its that time of year when people are making plans for the holidays, and much has changed since last November when health officials urged everyone to limit social activities as COVID-19 cases spread like wildfire.

So is it safe to gather at grandmas again for your Thanksgiving feast?

California saw its worst outbreaks of the pandemic after Turkey Day in 2020. The vaccines that arrived too late to save last holiday season were supposed to give everyone something to celebrate this time around. But then came the super-contagious delta variant, breakthrough infections and another awful summer of COVID-19.

For now, public health officials and medical experts are holding off on official holiday guidance, anxiously eyeing case rates for signs that the viruss current retreat might reverse like it did last fall. They say people should assess their own risk tolerance and follow health guidance to celebrate as safely as possible.

I think the stage were at in the pandemic is that hunkering down forever is not a viable strategy, said Dr. Bob Wachter, chair of the medical department at UC San Francisco.

And there is one essential ingredient to make every Thanksgiving get-together safer, he said. If youre fully vaccinated, you already did most of what you need do to keep yourself safe.

The California Department of Public Health had nothing to say about the upcoming holidays other than that everyone eligible should get vaccinated against COVID-19. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention actually offered holiday guidance on its website last weekend, indicating the safest way to celebrate remains virtually or outside, but then curiously removed the advice, saying it was an accidental post and would be updated later.

Last year, Bay Area health officials urged people to limit gatherings to no more than three households and no more than two hours and to celebrate outdoors.

The safest gathering is one that is a small, stable group that meets outdoors for a short duration and uses face coverings, distance and other safety measures, they advised in November. Any activity outside of your household increases chances of exposure to the virus.

Santa Clara County Health Officer Dr. Sara Cody had Thanksgiving dinner with her mother in her backyard, seated 10 feet away wrapped in blankets. Cody hasnt made her personal Thanksgiving plans this year yet, but echoing Wachter, doesnt see the counties telling people how to celebrate.

Its kind of an individual choice about your risk tolerance, Cody said. Were sort of moving away from mandates and telling people exactly what they have to do and how they have to do it. Were almost two years into this, right and just reminding you that youve got these five layers: vaccination, testing, masking, ventilation and distancing. You can kind of toggle them back and forth, depending on your risk tolerance and the situation.

Airlines, whose business has been rocked by repeated waves of COVID-19 since early 2020, are already anticipating more robust holiday travel than a year ago. United Airlines announced Oct. 7 thatholiday travel flight searches on the airlines website and mobile app are up 16% compared to 2019, and the airline plans to offer more than 3,500 daily domestic flights in December, representing 91% of its domestic capacity compared to 2019.

Were seeing a lot of pent-up demand, said Ankit Gupta, Uniteds vice president of network planning and scheduling, in a statement. We know families and friends are eager to reunite this holiday season, which is why were thrilled to add new flights that will help them connect and celebrate together.

How safe is flying? Despite occasional reports of sick people aboard aircraft spreading the virus to others, Wachter said theyre generally safe, though he advises a high-quality mask and keeping it on when others are eating.

Its hard to find an example in 2021 of someone who had a good mask and kept it on the entire flight and got infected from the flight itself, Wachter said. It doesnt seem that air travel is a dominant mode of transmission, in part because everyone is masked for the bulk of the flight, and airlines have as good an indoor ventilation system as any place you go into. Im now going on trips that six months or so ago I would have said no to, for work or pleasure.

For the first of the upcoming popular celebrations Halloween state and local health officials have not recommended avoiding trick-or-treating or handing out candies to crowds of visiting school-aged ghosts and goblins. Wachter saw no need for concern, given that much of the activity is outdoors and the virus isnt believed to spread from surfaces such as candy wrappers.

We know the spread from touching things is almost unheard of, Wachter said. If you want to be super safe, put the candy aside for a couple hours before you open it. But I think most of us stopped cleaning our groceries and mail about a year ago.

Wachter said he plans to celebrate the other holidays with local family, but saw little need for others to avoid traveling to celebrate with extended family. Despite the more contagious delta variant, he said, vaccines, COVID-19 tests, surgical or N95 face masks and other measures can minimize the threat.

We have the tools to create a safe set of encounters with loved ones that we didnt have a year ago, Wachter said. You can create a microenvironment that makes things sufficiently safe that its not a reckless thing to do. Two years into this, the benefits of family gatherings are high, and the risks are risks you have to be comfortable with for the next few years.

Staff writer Julia Prodis Sulek contributed to this report.

See the rest here:
COVID and the holidays: Is it finally safe to gather for Thanksgiving? - San Bernardino County Sun

Nuts are an integral part of a healthy diet. Almonds, cashews and walnuts are loaded with healthy fats, proteins and essential vitamins.

Talking about Brazilian nuts, which is the lesser talked about, it's densely rich in selenium, which is required for the proper functioning of the immune and reproductive system. Selenium helps in preventing any damage that can be caused to cells and tissues. But too much Brazilian nuts can provide your body with an excess of selenium, which can be dangerous for your health.

As per the National Institute of Health, too much selenium in the body can lead to side effects like nausea, diarrhoea, skin rashes, mood fluctuations, hair loss, brittle nails, discolouration of teeth and problems with the nervous system.

In some extreme cases, it can also lead to heart attacks, heart failure, tremors and difficulty in breathing.

Read the rest here:
Too much of this superfood can backfire on your health - Times of India

As COVID-19 casesand hospitalizations continue to risein children due to the delta variant, one questions looms as we get closer to a holiday that is a fall favorite amongst kids: Is it safe to go trick-or-treating this year?

According to theCenters for Disease Control and Prevention, the answer is yes. The agencyhas given a green light for children nationwide to trick-or-treat this Halloween, USA Today reported.

Rochelle Walensky, director of the CDC, told CBS News last month,"I wouldn't necessarily go to a crowded Halloween party, but I think we should be able to let our kids go trick-or-treating in small groups."

The government's top infectious disease expert, Dr. Anthony Fauci, also saidthatit is safe for children to partake in thepopular activity during an interview Sunday on CNN's "State of the Union."He cited the low risk of spreading the virus outside and the ability for parents to get vaccinated. Fauci suggestedkids and teens are who ages 12 and older should get the vaccine for an "extra degree of protection."

"It's a good time to reflect on why it's important to get vaccinated," hesaid. "Go out there and enjoy Halloween as well as the other holidays that will be coming up."

In Greater Columbus, most communities arehosting designated trick-or-treating nights Oct. 28. This is the recommended date from the Mid-Ohio Regional PlanningCommission, which works tocreate aunified trick-or-treat date for the region.When Halloween falls on a Friday, Saturday, or Sunday, trick-or-treat is held the Thursday prior.

More: Here's when Greater Columbus cities are planning trick-or-treating

More: Top candy for trick-or-treaters in Ohio is Blow Pops, according to survey

Experts say it's still best to take precautionary measures for Halloweengiven that most trick-or-treaters are under 11 years old and some are likely to still be unvaccinated.

According to Columbus Public Health,here are some ways that treat-or-treaters and those giving out candycan stay safe while still having fun:

Trick-or-treaters

Treat givers

mwalker@dispatch.com

@micah_walker701

Follow this link:
Follow these Halloween tips to keep kids safe while trick-or-treating - The Columbus Dispatch

Pre-workout refers to dietary supplements that people can take before a workout to help maximize their training. Available as premixed drinks, powders, pills, and snack bars, manufacturers formulate these products to boost energy levels and focus. While pre-workout supplements can provide some benefits, they may also cause side effects, such as nausea and heart abnormalities.

To help improve athletic performance, people may consider taking pre-workout supplements. Pre-workout ingredients and their quantities may vary, but they often contain a mixture of ingredients that some evidence suggests may boost energy and focus. Common ingredients might include:

While most of these ingredients are unlikely to cause harm if people follow the correct dosage guidance, individuals may experience some side effects. However, most are likely to be relatively mild and only cause short-term discomfort. People can also take some precautions to try and reduce any potential side effects.

This article explores the possible risks and benefits of pre-workout. It also discusses what to consider when purchasing these supplements.

Evidence suggests that for healthy people, consuming pre-workout is generally safe and does not appear to lead to any medical issues. However, some individuals may still experience side effects.

A 2019 study into people who regularly consume pre-workout found that 54% of participants reported side effects, including nausea, skin reactions, and heart abnormalities. However, the research adds that these side effects are likely more common in those who consume more than the recommended serving size.

Caffeine is a popular ingredient in many pre-workouts. The substance prevents adenosine from binding with certain brain receptors, leading to greater nerve activity and making a person feel more alert and energetic. However, consuming caffeine in the late afternoon or evening may lead to sleep problems for some individuals, particularly those who metabolize caffeine slowly.

Too much caffeine may also cause people to experience anxiety, a faster heart rate, and headaches. As a result, it is not advisable for those sensitive to caffeine to consume pre-workout containing this ingredient.

Pre-workout supplements can also contain several ingredients that may cause gastrointestinal distress. Caffeine may cause stomach upset by increasing the release of stomach acid, which may result in acid reflux. Although less common than caffeine, some pre-workout may contain sodium bicarbonate, which can cause bloating, nausea, and abdominal pain. However, evidence suggests that this is not particularly common.

Some pre-workouts contain niacin, also known as vitamin B3. Consuming it can lead to small blood vessel dilation, which may cause flushing of the skin, normally on a persons face, chest, or arms.

Beta-alanine is an amino acid that may cause paraesthesia, a tingling sensation that people commonly feel in the face, neck, and back of the hands. However, this neurological effect is unlikely to be harmful and normally stops 6090 minutes after consumption.

Creatine may cause water retention and bloating. This occurs because creatine carries water into the muscles, and sometimes the body cannot absorb all the extra water. However, studies suggest this only occurs over the first few days of consuming creatine and is unlikely to continue long term.

A 2018 study focusing on the effects of multi-ingredient pre-workout supplements (MIPS) on recreationally active females noticed that MIPS did not significantly raise heart rate and systolic blood pressure but did raise diastolic blood pressure in participants.

Diastolic blood pressure measures the pressure in a persons arteries between heartbeats. Although findings suggest consuming MIPs is generally safe, those with conditions that may lead to higher diastolic blood pressure may wish to be cautious when consuming such products.

Pre-workouts are often a blend of many different ingredients that researchers have investigated for their potential athletic performance benefits.

Creatine is one such popular and heavily-researched supplement for athletic performance. The International Society of Sports Nutrition (ISSN) states the substance is the most effective nutritional supplement for increasing performance in high-intensity exercise and gaining lean body mass. ISSN research suggests creatine may also enhance recovery after a workout, reduce muscle damage, and potentially help rehabilitation after injury.

Many people may attribute some benefits of pre-workout supplements to caffeine. It can help improve focus and alertness, and it works quickly, peaking in the bloodstream within 60 minutes. A 2018 review looking at the athletic benefits of caffeine consumption concluded that it may significantly benefit muscle strength and power. The research also stated that caffeines most noticeable athletic effect is improving upper body strength.

Other common ingredients in MIPs may also have potential benefits. Another ISSN study found beta-alanine supplementation had links with endurance and strength benefits in doses of 46 grams per day.

While several common ingredients on their own may provide some athletic benefit, recent research focuses on the effects of combined ingredients within pre-workout supplements. A 2018 paper concluded that although further research is necessary, consuming MIPs can improve athletic performance and increase strength and endurance.

Some pre-workouts may list ingredients as a proprietary blend and not state the exact amounts. People interested in taking pre-workouts may wish to find products that list exact amounts, as well as ones that feature verification from a trusted source, to avoid consuming an unhealthy amount of a certain ingredient.

Some ingredients in pre-workout supplements may also interact with certain medications. Before taking them, seek advice from a medical professional to fully understand how their pre-workout may affect their medication.

Many pre-workouts also contain caffeine, which some people may have difficulting tolerating. Everyone metabolizes caffeine at a different rate, and some may be more sensitive to its effects. Those who are more caffeine sensitive, even in lower doses, may experience symptoms such as nausea, anxiety and jitteriness, and insomnia.

Additionally, people with health conditions, such as diabetes, insomnia, anxiety, or heart conditions, may wish to consider how the ingredients of pre-workouts may affect them and seek medical advice before taking these products.

People can reduce the potential side effects of pre-workouts by following the recommended dosage on the product label or packaging.

Research into consumer habits around pre-workout supplements found that 14% of people reported consuming two or more doses, while 18% of individuals consumed them more than once a day. To reduce some side effects, people can either lower the dose or split the dose into several smaller amounts.

If a person is experiencing digestive issues when starting a pre-workout, they may wish to find a product that does not include potential triggers, such as caffeine and sodium bicarbonate. They could also try lowering the dosage.

To avoid potential sleep problems, a person can take pre-workouts, including caffeine earlier in the day, to ensure the stimulant has worn off before going to bed.

If an individual wants to avoid pre-workouts altogether, they can find common ingredients, including creatine and beta-alanine, in foods such as red meat, fish, and poultry. A person may also improve their workout without pre-workout supplements by focusing on their diet before and after exercising. Health experts suggest:

While it is unnecessary to consume pre-workout supplements to improve athletic performance, some evidence suggests they may provide some benefits, including increased strength, endurance, and focus. However, some people may be sensitive to certain ingredients in pre-workout and experience some side effects, including nausea, headaches, and jitters.

To try and reduce potential side effects, individuals should take no more than the recommended dosage and consider a lower dosage. It may also be advisable to avoid certain ingredients.

People with pre-existing medical conditions, those who take medications, or those experiencing side effects from pre-workout should seek advice from a medical professional to find the right supplement for them.

Read more from the original source:
Potential pre-workout side effects and how to reduce them - Medical News Today