Facts about Stroke

By Rose Kreller of Medi-Waste Disposal 

Stroke kill almost 130,000 Americans each year.  On average, one American dies from stroke every 4 minutes.  Every year, more than 795,000 people in the US have a stroke.  Although stroke risk increases with age, strokes can occur at any age.  During a stroke, 32,000 brain cells die each second.

Knowing the warning signs and symptoms of stroke are key to acting fast if you or someone you know might be having a stroke.  The chances of survival are greater when emergency treatment begins quickly.

Patients who arrive at the emergency room within 3 hours of their first symptoms tend to have less disability after a stroke than those who received delayed care.

High blood pressure, high cholesterol and smoking are major risk factors for stroke.  Other medical conditions, unhealthy lifestyle choices and ethnicity also increase your risk for stroke.

Remember this regarding stroke signs:

B.E.F.A.S.T.

Balance, Eyes, Face, Arms, Speech, Timing

• Sudden loss of balance or coordination
• Sudden change in vision
• Sudden weakness or drooping of the face
• Sudden weakness of an arm or leg
• Sudden difficulty speaking
• Note the time the symptoms started
• Call 911

Midwest Medical Waste, Inc.

PO Box 416
Manhattan, KS 66505

medimidwest.com
Office: 785-539-MEDI (6334)
Toll Free: 855-631-MEDI (6334)
info@medimidwest.com

Tai What?

By Rose Kreller of Medi-Waste Disposal 

Tai Chi (TIE-CHEE), originally developed in ancient China for self-defense, has evolved into a graceful form of exercise that is now used for stress reduction and other health conditions.  It is often described as meditation in motion, and promotes serenity through gentle, flowing movements.

Tai chi helps reduce stress and anxiety while helping to increase flexibility and balance.  Tai chi involves a series of movements performed in a slow, focused manner and accompanied by deep breathing.  It is noncompetitive and self-paced with each posture flowing into the next without pause.  This ensures that the body is in constant motion.

There are different styles of tai chi, each emphasizing various principles and methods. 

Almost anyone can do tai chi.  It is low impact and puts minimal stress on muscles and joints making it safe for all ages and fitness levels.  You may also find it appealing because it’s inexpensive and requires no special equipment.  You can do tai chi anywhere, including indoors or outside. 

When learned correctly and performed regularly, tai chi can be a positive part of an overall approach to improving your health.  The benefits of tai chi may include:

• Decreased stress, anxiety and depression
• Improved mood
• Improved aerobic capacity
• Increased energy and stamina
• Improved flexibility and balance

Some evidence indicates that tai chi also may help:

• Enhance quality of sleep
• Enhance the immune system
• Help lower blood pressure
• Diminish joint pain
• Improve overall well-being
• Reduce risk of falls in older adults

Although you can buy videos and books on tai chi, consider seeking guidance from a qualified tai chi instructor to gain the full benefits and learn proper techniques.  Many communities have instructors that can teach you specific positions and breathing techniques. 

While you gain some benefit from a few weeks of tai chi, you may enjoy greater benefits if you continue tai chi for the long term and become more skilled.  

Midwest Medical Waste, Inc.

PO Box 416
Manhattan, KS 66505

medimidwest.com
Office: 785-539-MEDI (6334)
Toll Free: 855-631-MEDI (6334)
info@medimidwest.com

Safe Cooking at Christmas

By Rose Kreller of Medi-Waste Disposal 

The holidays provide the perfect opportunity to create a family feast.  But cooking a big meal comes with some risks.  If you are not careful, bacteria and other organisms may contaminate your meal.  This can lead to food poisoning and other food-related illnesses.

Fortunately, there are simple precautions you can take to protect yourself and your family.  Many of the common food-related illness organisms (e. coli, salmonella, listeria) can be killed by following basic food safety practices. 

Here are four tips for healthy food handling:

CLEAN

This may seem obvious, but it is easy to forget the importance of keeping your kitchen clean.  Before you start, clean counter surfaces with hot, soapy water and wipe them down with paper towels or clean cloths.  If using cloth towels, make sure to wash them regularly on your washing machine’s hot cycle. 

Wash hands, utensils, dishes and cutting boards with hot, soapy water.  Be sure to do this before and after you prepare each item of your meal.  Be sure to wash all fruits and vegetables before cutting them.  Simply hold the items under running water for at least 10 seconds, you do not need to use soap or chemicals, and dry with a paper towel.  You don’t need to wash raw meat or poultry, since washing these items may actually spread bacteria to the rest of your kitchen.

SEPARATE

Bacteria found on raw meat, poultry, seafood and eggs can spread bacteria to other foods.  This s called cross-contamination, and you can only avoid it by keeping food separated.  Use separate cutting boards to keep foods apart: one for meat another for poultry and another for fruits and veggies.  Only combine foods once you are ready to cook them.  Remember to wash hands after handling raw meats.

COOK

Even though certain food might “look” done, it is important to test the temperature before you serve them.  The CDC recommends cooking these meats to a specific temperature:

·         Whole meats should reach an internal temperature of at least 145 degrees F

·         Ground meats must be cooked to an internal temperature of at least 160 degrees F

·         Poultry must be cooked to an internal temperature of at least 165 degrees F

It is also important to take are as to how you thaw meat.  Never leave frozen meat sitting on a counter to thaw at room temperature, since this increases bacteria production.  Meat can be safely thawed in cold water, in the refrigerator or in the microwave.

CHILL

If you are making a large meal, you will likely need to store various items in your refrigerator.  To keep foods safe, make sure that your refrigerator is at 40 degrees F and that all items are stored with a lid or plastic wrap over openings.  Bacteria can start multiplying on unrefrigerated food in as little as 2 hours, place items that need to be kept cold, promptly in the refrigerator.

Midwest Medical Waste, Inc.

PO Box 416
Manhattan, KS 66505

medimidwest.com
Office: 785-539-MEDI (6334)
Toll Free: 855-631-MEDI (6334)
info@medimidwest.com

How to Pack Smart for Travel

By Rose Kreller of Medi-Waste Disposal 

Here are some “best-ever” packing tips from www.tripadvisor.com

• Pack light to travel light.  If you can manage with a carry-on, do so.  Trying taking half of the things you need and twice the money.  You can make buying a few new items a fun part of the adventure!
• Capitalize on empty suitcase space.  Roll your clothes, instead of folding them.  Stuff socks, underwear and accessories inside of shoes.  Leave no space unused.
• Bag it.  Kitchen sandwich bags can be used to hold your accessories, vacuum pack bags can be space savers, and trash bags have multiple uses (laundry bag, shoe cover).
• Create compartments.  Two words: packing cube.  If you are visiting more than one city during your trip, packing cubes will keep your suitcase organized and save you from having to pack and unpack.
• Pack a sleep mask or ear plugs.  These can come in handy on a plane, train or hotel room.
• Keep a sarong or scarf in your carry-on.  They can be used as a blanket on the plane, or on a chilly evening out.
• Skip airport snacks and bring your own.  You can save yourself a bit of money and keep your hunger at bay if you have a delayed flight.
• Share packing space.  Traveling as a couple? Split your clothes between two suitcases on the off chance one of them gets lost during the flight.
• Make copies before leaving home.  If you are traveling out of the country, make two photocopies of your passport.  Use your smartphone to take pictures of your car in the airport’s parking garage and do the same for your luggage and its contents in case it gets lost. 

Midwest Medical Waste, Inc.

PO Box 416
Manhattan, KS 66505

medimidwest.com
Office: 785-539-MEDI (6334)
Toll Free: 855-631-MEDI (6334)
info@medimidwest.com

Tips for Keeping Floors Clean during the Winter

By Rose Kreller of Medi-Waste Disposal 

Snow and ice are often a part of winter.  Slush that comes along into your home on shoes and boots can damage the floors in your home. 

Here are some tips for slush-free floors.

The best way to clean up slush is to not have to clean it in the first place!  Prevention is key.  Here are some ideas to help:

Doormats are very effective.  Simply wiping shoes off on a doormat drastically reduces the amount of slush on floors.

Boot trays simply hold shoes in a tray while the ice and snow drain off your shoes.  There are several out there on the market or some ‘do it yourself’ ideas.

Entering through an attached garage is also a great way to avoid slush or drastically reduce the amount of snow you bring into the house. 

Have folks remove their shoes at the door.  When it is snowy outside, it is not a bad idea to make sure no shoes are allowed to be worn in your home.

Shoveling snow also reduces snow in the house.  Clear sidewalks that lead to the entrances to your home.  Using ‘ice melt’ or salt helps, but it is still good to remove shoes before walking through the house with those chemicals on shoes.

Rugs are great for high traffic walkways in the home if you are not wanting to take shoes off. 

If you do get some wet slushy floors, cleaning up the mess as quickly as possibly also helps minimize damage.  

Midwest Medical Waste, Inc.

PO Box 416
Manhattan, KS 66505

medimidwest.com
Office: 785-539-MEDI (6334)
Toll Free: 855-631-MEDI (6334)
info@medimidwest.com

Tips to Selecting the Best Fruit

By Rose Kreller of Medi-Waste Disposal 

Tis the season for local markets and lots of fresh fruit at the store.  There is nothing like the perfect strawberry, a nice crisp apple or a juicy watermelon. There also is nothing more frustrating than getting home and finding the fruit you chose is less than tasty.  

Here are some things to look for when choosing fruit to purchase, and all you need are your senses!

Apples – choose fruits that are deeply colored, firm, naturally shiny and heavy for their size.

Apricots – Choose fruits that are fragrant and slightly soft but not mushy.

Blueberries – Choose berries that are firm, dry and blue.  A white sheen is natural.  Check the bottom of the basket to make sure there are not crushed or spoiled berries.

Cantaloupe – Choose fruits that are fragrant and cream or golden in color (not green).  Avoid ones with soft spots.

Cherries – Choose berries that are plump, shiny and darker in color.  Cherries with stems have a longer shelf life.

Grapefruit – Choose fruits that have smooth think skin and are heaviest for their size.  They should feel firm but slightly springy to the touch. Don’t worry about color.

Kiwi- Choose fruits that give slightly when pressed.  Avoid fruits that are either rock hard or mushy.

Oranges – Choose fruits that are heaviest for their size and have firm, smooth skins.  Don’t worry about color.  Avoid oranges with shriveled skin.

Peaches – choose fragrant, deeply colored fruit that is firm but slightly soft to the touch.

Pears – Pears are usually picked before they are fully ripe, but choose fruits that are free of bruises and softness below the stem.  Ripen them at room temperature; placing them in a paper bag speeds up the process.

Pineapples – Choose fruits that smell sweet at the stem end and have fresh looking leaves.

Strawberries – Choose berries that are fragrant, uniformly red and shiny with fresh green tops. 

Watermelons – Choose fruits that are firm and heavy and sound hollow when thumped.  A properly ripened watermelon should have a yellow spot on one side where it sat on the ground.

Midwest Medical Waste, Inc.

PO Box 416
Manhattan, KS 66505

medimidwest.com
Office: 785-539-MEDI (6334)
Toll Free: 855-631-MEDI (6334)
info@medimidwest.com

Tips to Selecting the Best Vegetables

By Rose Kreller of Medi-Waste Disposal 

Being able to choose the freshest and tastiest vegetables takes just a bit of knowledge.  Don’t hesitate to ask farmers and shop owners for advice and use your senses!  Here are some tips for choosing fresh produce:

Asparagus – Choose firm, smooth and brightly colored stalks with compact tips.  Avoid limp stalks.  Choose stalks of equal thickness to ensure even cooking times.

Avocados – Choose ones that feel slightly soft to the touch.  Firmer avocados may be ripened at home, but avoid rock hard ones.

 

Broccoli – Choose broccoli with firm stalks, tight florets and crisp green leaves.  Avoid yellowed or flowering florets.

Cabbages – choose firm compact heats that feel heavy for their size.  Check that the stems are also fresh and compact.

Cauliflower – Choose heads with tightly packed, creamy white florets.  Avoid yellow, spotted or flowering florets.

Corn – Choose corn with bright green husks and moist but not slimy silk.  Peel back the husk to ensure the kernels are plump and not dry.

Eggplants – Choose eggplants that have smooth, naturally shiny skin and feel heavy for their size.  When gently pressed, flesh that gives slightly and the bounces back indicates ripeness.  Unripe flesh will not give, while overripe flesh will remain indented.  Also, smaller eggplants tend to have fewer seeds and be less bitter.

Green Beans – Choose slender beans that snap rather than bend.  Avoid bulging or dried pods.

Kale – Choose crisp, deeply colored leaves.  Avoid yellowed leaves.  Smaller leaves tend to be more tender.

Onions and shallots – Choose dry, firm bulbs that feel heavy for their size.  Avoid any with soft spots or green sprouts.

Peppers – Choose firm, naturally shiny peppers that feel heavy for their size.

Potatoes – Choose firm, smooth potatoes.  Avoid bruises, green spots and sprouts.

Rhubarb – Choose firm pink or red stalks.  Green stalks tend to be stringy and sour.

Scallions – Choose scallions with crisp, green tops and firm white bulbs.

Summer Squash – Choose squash with naturally shiny, taught, unblemished skin.  Avoid squash that appear dull or have soft spots.

Tomatoes – Choose tomatoes what are fragrant, smell earthy at the stem end and feel heavy for their size.  Avoid wrinkled skins.

Midwest Medical Waste, Inc.

PO Box 416
Manhattan, KS 66505

medimidwest.com
Office: 785-539-MEDI (6334)
Toll Free: 855-631-MEDI (6334)
info@medimidwest.com

Easy Tips for Cleaning Any Time of the Year - Part 2

By Rose Kreller of Medi-Waste Disposal  

Continuing on our cleaning throughout the house, here are some more tips.

Bedroom

Bed.  If your bed is made, the room looks neat.  When you wake up, pull the covers up to your chin, then scissor-kick your way out of bed so it’ll be half made already! 

Drawers.  Go through drawers and get rid of things you have not worn at least twice yearly.  Put away clean laundry each week.

Miscellaneous

Timing:

Most of us dread household cleaning chores.  Actually look at the clock and time yourself.  Believe it or not, more chores only take 10 minutes.  Knowing this makes it less of a dreaded task.

Multitask:

Make tasks go faster by doing two things at once.  Start laundry then go clean the kitchen.  If you get interrupted with a phone call, fold laundry, fluff pillows, straighten magazines or dust while on the phone.

Vacuuming:

Begin vacuuming in the farthest corner and work toward the door using slow, repetitive motions in overlapping sequence. 

Make a Lost & Found Box:

Every house needs one.  Use a cute vintage lunch box or lidded storage container to stash lost game pieces, stray screw and buttons and such.  When you need the item, you’ll know where to look first.

Quick Rescue:

Take the laundry basket and do a quick walk through of each room.  Place in it anything that doesn’t belong in that room.  Then go back and put away items in their proper place.

Sweeping:

Cleaning should always be done top to bottom.  That way, any crumbs or dust that fall to the floor get picked up last.

Pick the right broom:

For indoors, choose on with finer bristles to pick up smaller particles.  For outdoors, go for stronger, stiffer bristles which work better to clear porous surfaces.

Midwest Medical Waste, Inc.

PO Box 416
Manhattan, KS 66505

medimidwest.com
Office: 785-539-MEDI (6334)
Toll Free: 855-631-MEDI (6334)
info@medimidwest.com

Easy Tips for Cleaning Any Time of the Year - Part 1

By Rose Kreller of Medi-Waste Disposal

Let go room to room and learn some helpful cleaning tips.

Kitchen Sink:

Your kitchen sink has more bacterial than your toilet seat!  To disinfect, clean sink with soap and water first then spray a mist of vinegar followed by a mist of hydrogen peroxide and let dry. (Do not mix the two together, use separately).  If your sink is stainless steel, put a few drops of mineral oil on a soft cloth and buff to make it sparkle and prevent water buildup.

Dishwasher:

Once a week, shake baking soda on a damp sponge and wipe around the edges.  To clean the inside, run an empty cycle with Dishwasher Magic or a similar product designed to kill bacteria.  During cold and flu season you can also add ¼ cup bleach to the regular dish cycle.  The dishes will be safe and sanitized after the rinse cycle is finished.

Oven:

Clean regularly or add a nonstick oven liner that can be wiped with a paper towel.

Disposal:

To get rid of odors, drop in a cut up lemon, some table salt and a few ice cubes.  The lemon deodorizes, and the ice and salt clean away residue.

Clean as you go. When cooking, fill you sink with hot soapy water as you start.  Place used dishes and pans in the sink, so they can soak.  Wipe up spills immediately.

Sponges:

We all know sponges are breeding grounds for bacteria.  Disinfect it every night by squeezing it out and microwaving it on high for a minute.

Bathroom Shower Door:

Rub a teaspoon of lemon oil on glass shower doors twice a month to cause water to bead up and roll off.

Toilet:

Drop a teaspoon of Tang Drink Mix in the bool.  The citric acid acts like a scrubber and is nontoxic. 

Shower liner:

Throw your shower curtain liner in the wash with a few towels, which will help scrub it clean, then hang it back up to dry.

Bedtime Cleaning Time:

While the kids are washing up at night, wipe down the tub, toilet and mirrors and toss out clutter.  When the kids are finished, quickly wipe down the sink and floor.

Stay Tuned for Part 2!

Midwest Medical Waste, Inc.

PO Box 416
Manhattan, KS 66505

medimidwest.com
Office: 785-539-MEDI (6334)
Toll Free: 855-631-MEDI (6334)
info@medimidwest.com

Healthy Halloween Treats

By Rose Kreller of Medi-Waste Disposal

All children anticipate Halloween.  The costumes, parties and candy!  Rethinking the Halloween menu can add to the nutritional value of food and avoid risk of cavities and obesity, while still having fun.

HalloweenParty Treats

Halloween parties are an ideal way to keep kids safe, get to know your kids’ friends and control the amount of sugar dis consume.  Serve sweets such as cupcakes and candy in moderation.  Add in healthy snacks such as fruit and veggie trays and popcorn. 

Some fun homemade treats include:

•          Spider Web Pizza – use whole grain English muffins, tomato sauce, string cheese and strips of peppers
•          Apple Jack-O-Lanterns – Older children can carve out faces in apples
•          Mummy Dogs – Wrap turkey hot dogs in pop biscuits
•          Witches Brew – Serve 100% juice with seltze4r water.  Serve with a gummy worm wrapped around a straw.

Store Bought Treats

Use only prepackaged treats for those coming to your door.  Individually wrapped packages of pretzels, sugar free gum, juice boxes or snack crackers are a better option.  Also try nonfood items such as pencils, stickers or temporary tattoos.

Midwest Medical Waste, Inc.

PO Box 416
Manhattan, KS 66505

medimidwest.com
Office: 785-539-MEDI (6334)
Toll Free: 855-631-MEDI (6334)
info@medimidwest.com

Is My Hotel Room Clean?

By Rose Kreller of Medi-Waste Disposal

While traveling, the hotel is your home away from home.  It’s nice to have someone cleaning your room, adding linens and making your bed while you are out and about, but a neatly made bed and fresh towels does not always equal a germ free room.

The uncleanliness of a hotel room may not put your life in danger, yet it could affect your health, and state of mind while traveling.  Studies show that germs lurk in places like light switches, remotes and telephone key pads.  Here are a few tips to help you sleep moresoundly on your next adventure.

Read Reviews.  There are no international standards for hotel cleanliness.  Price, location or brand name will not guarantee a sanitary room.  Find out what fellow travelers are saying on web reviews.  TripAdvisor, Expedia, AAA are all resources to look at prior to booking a hotel.  If you specific concerns, call the hotel management and solicit information about their sanitation standards and if they belong to International Housekeeper’s Association. 

Upon arrival, assess the appearance of the hotel.  Groomed landscaping, trash free walkways, shiny mopped floors, clean carpets and organized brochure shelves indicate cleanliness is a priority.  Examine your room for mold, hair and grime in the bathroom.  Check glassware for fingerprints, soap residue or lipstick remnants.  Check refrigerators and drawers for other guests left behind items, indicating poor cleaning.

Washing hands might sound trivial, but it has been proven to reduce the transfer of cold and flu viruses, and prevent the spread of bacteria from whatever you are touching.

Fling off the bedspread, as they are often not laundered after each guest like towels and sheets.  

Examine under the mattress for reddish brown spots indicating bug infestation.  Call the front desk immediately if you have concerns.

It is not a bad idea to rinse glassware with hot water before using, just to be sure it is clean.  Also, bringing along a spray sanitizer or disinfectant and spraying a few frequently touched surfaces and greatly enhance cleanliness.  Sanitizing wipes are good for remotes, phones and doorknobs. 

It is always good to bring along hand sanitizer and sanitizing wipes when traveling.  If you still have concerns about cleanliness and germs, travel with your own sheets, towels and blankets.

Midwest Medical Waste, Inc.

PO Box 416
Manhattan, KS 66505

medimidwest.com
Office: 785-539-MEDI (6334)
Toll Free: 855-631-MEDI (6334)
info@medimidwest.com

Laundry Tips Everyone Should Know

By Rose Kreller of Medi-Waste Disposal 

Everyone knows someone in your life who just seems to know all the tricks and hints to make laundry and clothing care easier.  Lots of articles exist on stain removal, detergent selection etc.  Here are some tips that are just little nuggets of wisdom that will amaze you and impress your friends, maybe even your mom!

•  Before wearing/washing a new garment, put a little clear nail polish on the front and back of the button where it is stitched.  Buttons will stay on longer when their threads are sealed.
•  Zippers are less likely to stick if you rub them with the edge of a bar of soap.
•  To remove a crease in a garment or hem, sponge the material wit distilled white vinegar and press with a warm iron.
•  When laundering, add detergent to the washer first.  Pouring detergent on clothing can cause fabrics to fade.
•  Avoid getting perfume, aftershave or hair spray on leather.  It may ruin the finish or color.
•  Wash nylon clothing after every wearing.  Nylon is very hard to clean once it becomes heavily soiled.  Rinse off any oily stains immediately after they happen.
•  Knit garments are best stored folded on a shelf or in a drawer.  Hanging knits can cause them to stretch out of shape.
•  If adding bleach to wash, wait about 5 minutes into agitation.  This gives detergent time to remove soil then bleach can do the whitening.
•  Turn clothes inside out before laundering to keep the right side looking its best.
•  A yard of nylon net or some shower net scrubbing balls will act as a lint catcher in the dryer.  Just add with the wet clothes.
•  Forgot to add fabric softener to the wash, and you’re out of dryer sheet??  Make your own dryer sheet by pouring a bit of fabric softener into a bowl of water.  Swish a washcloth in the solution.  Wring it out and toss in the dryer with wet clothes.
•  If you don’t have a mesh laundry bag for washing delicates, place them in a pillowcase and fasten the loose end with a bag tie or shoelace.
•  To speed up the ironing process, place a strip of heavy duty aluminum foil over the length of the ironing board.  Cover with ironing pad.  The heat will reflect through the underside of your garment and help you finish more quickly.
•  To reduce wrinkles in clothing, thoroughly wet a hand towel with water.  Wring out excess water and toss in the dryer with wrinkled items.  Dry on high for about 5 minutes.  Removed clothes and hand to dry.
•  Most everything can be washed in cold water, but use the hottest water possible for sheets, towels and underwear.  Take special care with undergarments, putting them in the dryer as soon as possible to stop bacteria growth while they sit camp in the washer. 

Midwest Medical Waste, Inc.

PO Box 416
Manhattan, KS 66505

medimidwest.com
Office: 785-539-MEDI (6334)
Toll Free: 855-631-MEDI (6334)
info@medimidwest.com

Finding The Fountain of Youth

By Rose Kreller of Medi-Waste Disposal 

There are lots of wrinkle creams, eye serums and other anti-aging skin care products available to help reduce the signs of aging.  To create a truly effective anti-aging skin care plan, however, it helps to start with healthy skin care habits.

Healthy skin care habits can help:

    *prevent a blotchy complexion

    *retains skin’s youthful firmness longer

    *reduce fine lines and wrinkles

    *avoid leathery skin

    *reduce the risk of skin cancer

Anti-aging skin care tips include:

•   Apply moisturizer every day.  As we age, the skin becomes drier.  Fine lines and wrinkle appear.  Moisturizer traps water in our skin giving it a more youthful appearance. 
•  Cleanse daily.  Washing your face with a gentle cleanser improves appearance.  Avoid scrubbing the skin though.
• Stop smoking.  Tobacco smoke contains toxins and continuous exposure to it results in a dull and dry complexion.  Skin also loses its firmness forming premature lines and wrinkles.
• Eat healthy.  A healthy diet promotes healthy skin, this includes fruits, vegetables, lean protein and healthy fats.
•  Get enough sleep.  It’s called ‘beauty rest’ for a reason.  Sleep gives your body time to refresh and renew itself. Protecting skin from the sun.  Sun protection is the foundation of every anti-aging skin care plan.  The sun’s rays make our skin age more quickly.  There is lots of evidence that sun prematurely ages our skin; we call this photoaging.  To avoid this, seek shade and avoid the sun between 10am and 4pm, cover up with hats, long sleeves and sunglasses, and be sure to wear sunscreen every day with an SPF of 30 or higher.
• Avoid indoor tanning with sun lamps or tanning beds. 

Midwest Medical Waste, Inc.

PO Box 416
Manhattan, KS 66505

medimidwest.com
Office: 785-539-MEDI (6334)
Toll Free: 855-631-MEDI (6334)
info@medimidwest.com

The West Nile Virus

By Rose Kreller of Medi-Waste Disposal 

West Nile virus is an arthropod-borne virus (arbovirus) most commonly spread by infected mosquitoes.  West Nile virus can cause febrile illness, encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) or meningitis (inflammation of the lining of the brain and spinal cord). 

Most people who get West Nile virus are infected by the bite of an infected mosquito.  Mosquitoes become infected when they feed on infected birds.  Infected mosquitoes can then spread the virus to humans and other animals.

Typically people get infected with West Nile virus from June through September.

West Nile virus disease cases have been reported from all 48 lower states.  The only states that have not reported cases are Alaska and Hawaii.  The weather, numbers of birds that maintain the virus, numbers of mosquitoes that spread the virus and human behavior are all factors that an influence when and where outbreaks occur.

Avoiding exposure to mosquitoes is the best way to avoid getting West Nile virus.  The CDC also recommends doing the following to reduce your risk of mosquito bites:

• Use repellents with Deet, Picardin, IR3535 oroil of lemon eucalyptus
• Take extra care during peak mosquito biting hours.  Use repellent and wear protective clothing from dusk to dawn.
• Install or repair screens on windows and doors to keep mosquitoes outside.
• Help reduce the number of mosquitoes around your home by emptying standing water from flowerpots, utters, buckets, pool covers, pet water dishes, discarded tires and birdbaths on a regular basis.

Midwest Medical Waste, Inc.

PO Box 416
Manhattan, KS 66505

medimidwest.com
Office: 785-539-MEDI (6334)
Toll Free: 855-631-MEDI (6334)
info@medimidwest.com

How to Stop Eating Junk Food

By Rose Kreller of Medi-Waste Disposal 

Junk food is tempting but can have dangerous consequences. Here are some tips on how to quit snacking on the junk.

1.  Plan ahead.  There is no better way to handle cravings than to plan your meals and snacks ahead of time.  If you eat healthy throughout the day, you are less likely to grab some junk food.  Try to plan your week’s meals on Sunday, or at least the day before you busy week starts.  Use food storage containers to pack serving sizes that you can grab in the morning
2. Shop the perimeter.  The perimeter of the grocery store typically includes the produce, dairy, meat and fish sections.  This is where you find the “real” foods rather than processed foods.  Eating from these foods will give your body the nutrients it needs, so your cravings for other foods decreases.
3. Eat healthy fats.  Your body needs fat.  However, there are many types of fats.  Avoid trans-fat and limit the amount of saturated fat.  Nuts and avocados are heart healthy fats that help you feel full and reduce cravings.
4. Eat enough protein.  Protein makes you feel full.  Look for healthy sources of protein including fish, beans, nuts, lean meats or cheese.  If you feel full, there is less desire for junk food.
5. Try fruit.  Fruit does have sugar, but it also has vitamins, antioxidants, water and fiber.  These tend to help balance your blood sugar.  If you are craving something sweet, grab a bowl of berries.
6. Taste the rainbow.  Add new and different foods to your diet.  The more varied your diet, the less likely you will get bored and crave junk food.
7. Think about junk food differently.  A 2013 study showed that when people were trained to look at and interpret one of their most craved junk foods in negative light, their desire for it lessened.  Tell yourself you are full, save the item for later, think of the negative consequences of eating the food (weight gain, etc.).  The mind is more powerful than you might think!
8. Focus on adding healthy foods.  Focusing on the positive side of eating healthy is more effective than focusing on the need to remove junk food.  The more healthy foods you eat, the easier it will be to crowd out the unhealthy ones.
9. Work on stress management.  There is almost always an emotional component behind cravings.  Consider how you may be eating as a way to alter feelings, procrastinate or distract yourself.  Practice redirecting yourself when you feel the urge to reach for food instead of what needs to be done.
10. Get more sleep.  Lack of sleep can has effects on your mood and energy level, but it also plays a role in junk food cravings.  Studies show that sleep restriction resulted in more hunger and less ability to control intake of snacks.  

Midwest Medical Waste, Inc.

PO Box 416
Manhattan, KS 66505

medimidwest.com
Office: 785-539-MEDI (6334)
Toll Free: 855-631-MEDI (6334)
info@medimidwest.com

Tips for Better Flips

By Rose Kreller of Medi-Waste Disposal

Wow!  Look At All The Benefits of Gymnastics

We have all watched Olympic gymnasts and been amazed at their strength, flexibility, balance and control. 

Gymnastics at all levels has health benefits for kids.

•  Flexibility.  Flexibility is a key factor in gymnastics.  Increasing your flexibility can be effective to reduce injury and gain greater control of the body.
• Disease prevention.  Gymnastics can help prevent health conditions such as obesity, heart disease and diabetes.  It helps encourage a healthy lifestyle.
• Gymnastics is a weight bearing activity, and that can help to develop strong bones.
• Several studies show that children who participate in physical activity, like gymnastics are likely to have better self-esteem
• The American Heart Association suggests children participate in 60 minutes of physical activity each day. Participating in gymnastics helps meet this recommendation.
• Gymnastics not only offers physical gain, but also improves concentration and mental focus.  Gymnasts also gain improved coordination to be better equipped to avoid falls.
•  In children, gymnastics also provides an opportunity to develop social skills and instill self-discipline. 

Midwest Medical Waste, Inc.

PO Box 416
Manhattan, KS 66505

medimidwest.com
Office: 785-539-MEDI (6334)
Toll Free: 855-631-MEDI (6334)
info@medimidwest.com