fbpx

The I-70 Scout & Eastern Colorado News

Category: Health & Food Recalls

  • Food Safety Tips for your Holiday Season

    Food Safety Tips for your Holiday Season

    Clean, Separate, Cook and Chill

    The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment reminds Coloradans to keep their families and friends safe from foodborne illness this holiday season by using proper food handling and preparation tips.

    The holidays are a wonderful opportunity to spend time with family, and food is typically a major part of the celebration. However, foodborne illness is the one unwelcome guest to avoid during the holidays. – said Troy Huffman of the department’s Division of Environmental Health and Sustainability

    Here are 4 rules of food safety:

    Clean

    • Wash hands with warm water and soap for 20 seconds before and after handling any food.
    • Wash fruits and vegetables, but not meat, poultry or eggs.
    • Wash cutting boards, dishes, utensils and countertops with hot, soapy water after preparing each food item and before going on to the next item.

    Separate

    • Avoid cross contamination by keeping raw eggs, meat, poultry, seafood and their juices away from all other foods. This applies to shopping, storing, preparing and serving food.
    • Use one cutting board for meat, poultry, seafood and eggs and a different one for fresh produce.
    • Use separate plates and utensils for cooked and raw foods.

    Cook

    • Use a food thermometer to ensure meat, poultry and fish are cooked to a safe internal temperature. Color is not a reliable indicator of doneness.
      • For turkeys, insert a food thermometer into the innermost part of the thigh or wing or the thickest part of the breast. The turkey is safe when the temperature reaches 165 F. If the turkey is stuffed, the stuffing also should be 165 F.
    • Bring sauces, soups and gravies to a rolling boil when reheating. Heat other leftovers thoroughly to 165°F.
    • Cook eggs until the yolk and white are firm. When making your own eggnog or other recipe calling for raw eggs, use pasteurized shell eggs, liquid or frozen pasteurized egg products, or powdered egg products.

    Chill

    • Refrigerate perishable food within two hours.
    • Never defrost food at room temperature. Defrost food safely in the refrigerator, under cold running water, or in the microwave. Cook food immediately after thawing in cold water or in the microwave.
      • Plan ahead to allow enough time to thaw the turkey in the refrigerator. You will need a day for every 4-5 pounds.
    • Don’t taste food that looks or smells questionable. When in doubt, throw it out.
    • Use leftovers within three to four days.

    Finally, handle and prepare food for others only if you are healthy. If you’re sick, you can transmit viruses and bacteria to food and those who eat it. Older adults, infants and young children, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems all are at higher risk for foodborne illness.

    SPREAD THE NEWS

    COMMENT, Like, Follow & SHARE @I70Scout

    CURRENT EDITION

    WEATHER & TRAFFIC    PUZZLES    RECENT NEWS    ADVERTISE WITH US

     

  • Flu researchers discover new immune mechanism for battling influenza

    Flu researchers discover new immune mechanism for battling influenza

    University of Colorado Boulder Announces Breakthrough In Flu Research

    Just as flu season swings into full gear, researchers from the University of Colorado Boulder and University of Texas at Austin have uncovered a previously unknown mechanism by which the human immune system tries to battle the influenza A virus. The discovery sheds new light on how the virus — which kills 12,000 to 56,000 people in the United States annually — often wins, and it could ultimately lead to new treatments.

    “We’ve solved a mystery, revealing a new aspect of our innate immune system and what flu has to do to get around it,” says Nicholas Meyerson, a postdoctoral researcher in the BioFrontiers Institute and lead author of a paper published in the Nov. 8 issue of Cell Host and Microbe.

    The findings, several years in the making, could lead to a better understanding of how the seasonal flu virus, which typically originates in birds, makes its way to humans. They could also inform development of next-generation antivirals able to combat a broad spectrum of influenza strains, says co-senior author Robert Krug, a leading influenza researcher and professor at the University of Texas at Austin.

    The x-ray structure of the effector domain of influenza virus NS1 protein. Each monomer subunit of the dimeric structure is depicted in rainbow colors from blue (N-terminus) to red (C-terminus).

    The paper focuses on two key molecular players in the story of influenza infection: a human protein called TRIM25, which was recently discovered to play an important role in the human immune response to flu infection; and a protein called NS1 present in all strains of the influenza A virus and shown to bind TRIM25 to keep it from doing its job.

    “We were basically trying to find out what TRIM25 was doing that flu did not want it to be doing and the role NS1 was playing in blocking that function,” Krug said.

    Through a series of laboratory tests, the team revealed two main findings:

    TRIM25 acts earlier than previously believed, latching on to a critical and unique flu virus structure like a “molecular clamp” to keep the virus from replicating as soon as TRIM25 detects this unique structure.

    NS1 produced by the flu virus can block this function of TRIM25, enabling flu to circumvent the immune response and cause infection.

    Previous research had suggested that TRIM25 fought off flu by switching on what is known as the “interferon response” — a complex signaling pathway that arms cells through the body to fight off pathogens. But not all strains of influenza block this interferon signaling pathway, which led Meyerson to suspect another mechanism was at play in helping TRIM25 fight flu.

    The paper reveals that TRIM25 is also a “restriction factor,” a special protein present in the fastest-acting arm of the immune system, before spreading infection occurs.

    “Restriction factors lie in wait, and should a virus be detected in one of your cells, they have immediate destructive ability,” explains co-senior author Sara Sawyer, an associate professor of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology (MCDB) at CU Boulder.

    Flu uses its NS1 protein to evade TRIM25’s early flu-fighting response, the researchers found.

    To do the study, the researchers first infected transgenic cell lines loaded with nonhuman primate versions of TRIM25 with the human influenza A virus. They found that the cells fought off the virus far better than human versions of the TRIM25 protein.

    “This told us that TRIM25 has the capacity to crush influenza, but that its human form was less active,” Meyerson said.

    To find out how it crushes influenza, the researchers combined purified TRIM25 with purified viral ribonucleoproteins (vRNPs) — eight-piece protein chains that house the influenza genome — and used state-of-the-art electron microscopy to take pictures of what happened.

    They found that TRIM25 appears to swiftly recognize the unique structure of vRNPs and clamps down on them to keep them from replicating inside the cell.

    Other experiments confirmed that the NS1 protein in flu virus inhibits this function.

    They also found that TRIM25 (previously believed to be present only in the cell cytoplasm) is also present in the cell nucleus, which is the same cellular location where flu replication occurs.

    Sawyer and Meyerson are now looking to further investigate the role TRIM25 plays in cross-species transmission of influenza.

    More studies are needed, but Krug believes new therapeutics could be designed to block the NS1 protein produced by the flu virus, hobbling its ability to evade the human immune system.

    “If you could somehow block NS1 from acting, you could block all strains of the virus,” he says.

  • Whole Foods & Amazon recalls organic Raisin Bran

    Whole Foods & Amazon recalls organic Raisin Bran

    365 Everyday Value Organic Raisin Bran

    — Recalled —

    Due to undeclared peanuts

    Whole Foods Market has issued a recall for 365 Everyday Value Organic Raisin Bran because the product contains undeclared peanuts, a known allergen.

    “The issue was discovered after Whole Foods Market determined the packaging contained Peanut Butter Cocoa Balls instead of Organic Raisin Bran,” the U.S. Food and Drug Administration said.

    The recalled cereal was sold in stores across the United States and online through Amazon.

    Company name:  Whole Foods Market & Amazon online

    Product name:  365 Everyday Value Organic Raisin Bran, 15-ounce boxes, UPC code 9948243903, “best by” June 4, 2018 

    Reason for recall: Undeclared peanuts

    Distribution: Whole Foods Market stores in the U.S. and online at Amazon online

    Link to more information

      

     

     

    SPREAD THE NEWS

    COMMENT, Like, Follow & SHARE  @I70Scout

     

    CURRENT EDITION

    WEATHER & TRAFFIC    PUZZLES    RECENT NEWS    ADVERTISE WITH US

     

  • Homeland Security Tests Presence of Biological Agents In Air

    Homeland Security Tests Presence of Biological Agents In Air

    A New Program

    “BioWatch”

    Initiates Full Scale Exercises

    DENVER – Emergency planners in the Denver metro area will be participating in a two-day, full-scale BioWatch exercise Oct. 4 and 5 designed to test a response to a biological agent release.

    The BioWatch program, led by the Department of Homeland Security, is designed to detect the presence of biological agents that have been intentionally released into the air. This early warning system could ensure potential victims receive life-saving treatment as quickly as possible.

    This exercise will use established air quality monitoring sites to simulate a biological agent release event. Exercises are a safe way for emergency planners to test the effectiveness of plans and collaborate. Responders from Denver, Arapahoe, Adams, Douglas, Jefferson and Boulder counties, as well as the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, will be participating.

    BioWatch monitors the air for biological agents likely to be used in a bioterrorism attack. If a detection occurs, public health and other local, state and federal officials use the information to coordinate emergency response, including prompt medical care and other actions to protect public health and safety. This combination of early warning and rapid response may potentially reduce the impact of a bioterrorism attack.

    Coloradans can be assured there is no immediate threat of a biological agent release. We are mobilizing to prepare for an emergency scenario so we can be as ready as possible. This exercise is one of many drills we have been conducting around the state to practice and test our response. – Dane Matthew, director of the state health department’s Office of Emergency Preparedness and Response.

    [ngg_images source=”galleries” container_ids=”182″ exclusions=”4060″ sortorder=”4063,4059,4062,4061,4060″ display_type=”photocrati-nextgen_basic_thumbnails” override_thumbnail_settings=”0″ thumbnail_width=”240″ thumbnail_height=”160″ thumbnail_crop=”1″ images_per_page=”20″ number_of_columns=”0″ ajax_pagination=”0″ show_all_in_lightbox=”0″ use_imagebrowser_effect=”0″ show_slideshow_link=”1″ slideshow_link_text=”Click to view slideshow” order_by=”sortorder” order_direction=”ASC” returns=”included” maximum_entity_count=”500″]

    Visit the official Homeland Security page for more info. Follow @COhealth for exercise updates and information.

     

    SPREAD THE NEWS

    COMMENT, Like, Follow & SHARE @I70Scout

    CURRENT EDITION

    WEATHER & TRAFFIC    PUZZLES    RECENT NEWS    ADVERTISE WITH US

     

  • “Fight Flu Colorado” Campaign Kickoff Event

    “Fight Flu Colorado” Campaign Kickoff Event

    Colorado Leaders Promote “Fight Flu Colorado” Campaign  

    DENVER — Gov. John Hickenlooper, Lt. Gov. Donna Lynne, and Department of Public Health and Environment Exec. Dir. Larry Wolk will roll up their sleeves to receive their annual flu shots as part of the State’s “Fight Flu Colorado” campaign.

    Since August, 20 Coloradans have been hospitalized with the flu, roughly double the number of cases usually seen at this time of year. In 2016, more than 3,000 Coloradans were hospitalized from the illness. Flu vaccinations are your best protection against this common but dangerous virus.

    WHO:       Gov. John Hickenlooper, Lt. Gov. Donna Lynne, Larry Wolk, Executive Director, Department of Public Health and Environment

    WHERE:  Governor’s office, State Capitol, 200 E. Colfax Ave., Denver

    WHEN:     Friday, Sept. 29, 2017, 9:00 a.m.

    SPREAD THE NEWS

    COMMENT, Like, Follow & SHARE  @I70Scout

     

    CURRENT EDITION

    WEATHER & TRAFFIC    PUZZLES    RECENT NEWS    ADVERTISE WITH US

     

  • Cannabis Industry Experts —Attend Public Discussion @ Anythink— Sept 27

    Cannabis Industry Experts —Attend Public Discussion @ Anythink— Sept 27

    Anythink Libraries Hosts

    Careers in Cannabis Event

    for Anythink Startup Month

    WHAT:      A panel of experts and leaders in the cannabis field will discuss entrepreneurial opportunities created by the industry during the Careers in Cannabis panel, part of Anythink Startup Month. The speakers will discuss trends and ways that the cannabis industry intersects with everything from agriculture and chemistry to marketing and entrepreneurship.

                 The event is appropriate for adults ages 21 and up. It is free and open to the public. 

    WHO:        This panel includes Jesse Burns of Sweet Grass Kitchen, Alex Levine of Green Dragon and Ricardo Baca, the country’s first marijuana editor for a major newspaper and current founder of Grassands, a cannabis content agency. Baca was listed by Fortune Magazine as one of the most powerful people in the marijuana industry. 

          To arrange interviews with the panelists, please contact Stacie Ledden at 303-405-3286

    WHEN:     Wednesday, Sept. 27, 6:30-8 pm

    WHERE:  Anythink Wright Farms, 5877 E. 120th Ave., Thornton, CO 80602, 303-405-3200

    About Anythink

    Anythink is a new style of library – a place of unlimited imagination, where play inspires creativity and lifelong learning. Rangeview Library District serves the residents of Adams County with seven Anythink libraries and Anythink in Motion – the district’s mobile library – and is one of the recipients of the 2010 National Medal of Museum and Library Service from the Institute of Museum and Library Services. For more information, go to anythinklibraries.org.
     

    SPREAD THE NEWS

    COMMENT, Like, Follow & SHARE @I70Scout

     

    RELATED NEWS              CURRENT EDITION

    WEATHER & TRAFFIC    PUZZLES    RECENT NEWS    ADVERTISE WITH US

     

  • Congress Mike Coffman to Co-Sponsor extension of The Community Health Center Fund

    Congress Mike Coffman to Co-Sponsor extension of The Community Health Center Fund

    The Community Health Investment, Modernization and Excellence Act of 2017

    Congress Mike Coffman (R-CO 6th District) Announces Co-Sponsorship

    Community Health Centers are the primary care medical home for more than 25 million Americans throughout the United States.  With bipartisan support from Congress, the more than 1,400 Community Health Centers (CHCs) nationwide provide access to high-quality integrated primary care, oral health, behavioral health, and wraparound services and supports for patients who need to access services the most.  CHCs save $24 billion annually, through reduction in ER utilization, and are proven to save 24% in total Medicaid spending, when compared to other providers. 

    What is CHCF?

    The Health Center Program, which is administered by the Health Resources and Services Administration within the Department of Health and Human Services, awards grants to outpatient health care facilities that provide care to medically underserved populations. CHCF funds have been used for a range of health center activities including funding new health centers, increasing services provided at existing health centers, and implementing care coordination initiatives. CHCF funds have also been used to fund health centers in need of immediate funding such as those in Flint, MI, which had immediate health service needs due to the discovery of lead in its water supply, and those in Puerto Rico and other territories, which had additional health service needs related to the Zika virus. The CHCF represents more than 70% of the Health Center Program’s Fiscal Year 2016 funding. Funding for the CHCF was extended in the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act of 2015.

    Total funding for the Health Centers program is $5.1 billion annually.  Of this total, $3.6 billion comes from the Community Health Centers Fund (CHCF), a dedicated source of funding that was extended for two years in 2015.  Without action by Congress by September 30th, this funding will expire.  The CHIME Act would extend the funding for an additional five years.  Modest amounts of it would be available in future years to address national priorities, to include access to mental health, substance abuse, and oral health services.

    Metro Community Provider Network (MCPN) and Salud Family Health Centers are two of 20 CHCs across Colorado and provide healthcare services to patients living in Colorado’s 6th Congressional District.  In 2016, Colorado CHCs provided services to 740,000 Coloradans, 93% of whom were below 200% Federal Poverty Level ($49,200 for a family of 4) and more than 90% were uninsured or enrolled in public insurance programs- Medicaid, Medicare, and CHP+.  MCPN and Salud served more than 126,000 patients (17% of all CHC patients served) across their respective service areas, including Adams, Arapahoe, and Jefferson Counties in the 6th Congressional District.  

    On Monday, September 25th, Congressman Coffman, a champion of the Community Health Center Movement, co-sponsored the CHIME Act, joining 64 members of the House, including Representative Diana DeGette (D-CO 1st District). 

    Community Health Centers have done an extraordinary job in providing care to the uninsured and the underinsured in this country and should be recognized as the foundation that we build upon whenever we talk about health care reform. — Coffman.

    “MCPN applauds Representative Coffman for his unwavering support of Community Health Centers and his acknowledgement of the impact we have on our community through high quality, low cost, person-centered care,” stated Ben Wiederholt, President and CEO at MCPN.   

    John Santistevan, President and CEO of Salud Family Health Centers shared in Mr. Wiederholt’s sentiments.  “I’d like to thank Representative Coffman for his efforts to assure his constituents have access to quality health care by strongly supporting Community Health Centers.  We look forward to continued work with Representative Coffman to improve and expand health care services throughout Colorado. 

     

     — credit of Public Health Post Org

     

    SPREAD THE NEWS

    COMMENT, Like, Follow & SHARE @I70Scout

     

    RELATED NEWS              CURRENT EDITION

    WEATHER & TRAFFIC    PUZZLES    RECENT NEWS    ADVERTISE WITH US

     

  • DENVER NUGGET KENNETH FARIED & LUPUS RESEARCH ALLIANCE HOSTED A SLAM DUNK EVENT — SEPT 23

    DENVER NUGGET KENNETH FARIED & LUPUS RESEARCH ALLIANCE HOSTED A SLAM DUNK EVENT — SEPT 23

    DENVER— The Lupus Research Alliance, the world’s largest private funder of innovative lupus research, partnered with Denver Nuggets forward Kenneth Faried for the inaugural Slam Dunk Against Lupus (SDAL) event held on Saturday, Sept. 23,  at the University of Denver’s Magness Arena inside the Ritchie Center.

    Faried, whose mother is afflicted with lupus, will host the event with 100% of the proceeds going directly to the Lupus Research Alliance to help fund scientific discoveries to better treat, prevent and cure lupus. Lupus is a challenging autoimmune disease in which the immune system mistakenly attacks instead of protects the body’s own tissues and organs.

    Ticket holders joined Faried, other professional athletes, and celebrities for an afternoon filled with sports, entertainment, prizes, philanthropy, and fun, with 100% of proceeds going to Lupus research.

    The event raised $49,550.00, almost half of its $125,000 goal

    The events included Kids slam dunk contest with NBA players serving as judges, a Performance by Denver Nuggets Elevation Dunk Squad & Drumline, Half-court shooting contest for a grand prize, Nuggets mascot Rocky and other interactive entertainment, Drawings throughout the day for special prizes and unique, fun activities, and Three-point shooting contests with students.

    Because the Lupus Research Alliance’s Board of Directors fund all administrative and fundraising costs, 100% of all donations goes to support lupus research programs.

    JOIN THE CAUSE — DONATE NOW

    HELP US SPREAD THE NEWS

    COMMENT, Like, Follow & SHARE to get your daily dose of Tips, Tricks, News and Events! @I70Scout

     

    RELATED NEWS              CURRENT EDITION

    WEATHER & TRAFFIC    PUZZLES    RECENT NEWS    ADVERTISE WITH US

     

  • Free to Breathe 5K Run/Walk Set for Sunday, October 1 — Funds Lung Cancer Research

    Free to Breathe 5K Run/Walk Set for Sunday, October 1 — Funds Lung Cancer Research

    Denver Locals Rally to Support Innovative Research and Double Survival

    Denver, CO – Hundreds of local residents are joining forces to fight lung cancer, united in the belief that surviving lung cancer should be the expectation, not the exception. The Denver Free to Breathe 5K Run/Walk will take place Sunday, October 1 at Washington Park (701 South Franklin Street, Denver, CO 80209). All proceeds from the event support Free to Breathe, a lung cancer research and advocacy organization dedicated to increasing lung cancer survival.  

    By fundraising and joining us on event day, you are bringing hope to those affected by the disease and their families. Lung cancer claims more lives each year than breast, colon and prostate cancer combined, yet these three cancers receive more research funding. More treatment options are needed, and the innovative research we’re funding through the fundraising efforts of our community can help ensure everyone diagnosed with the disease has a fighting chance. — volunteer Leanna Whitcher of Castle Pines

    The Free to Breathe events community has raised over $16 million to support groundbreaking research and educational programs since 2005. Funds raised support life saving lung cancer research, promote access to clinical trials while building and empowering the lung cancer community. 

    Last year, community members, teams, and companies across the region supported the Denver Free to Breathe 5K Run/Walk by raising over $75,000. Event chairs hope to surpass that total in 2017, which will go a long way in supporting programs specifically designed to ensure that more patients become survivors. Every dollar counts to the more than 224,000 people diagnosed in the U.S with lung cancer each year. People who have never smoked account for between 20,000 and 30,000 of lung cancer diagnoses every year. In Colorado alone, an estimated 2,420 residents will be diagnosed with lung cancer in 2017.

    This year’s event will feature a 5K Run/Walk. The day will also include music from a local DJ, a variety of kids’ activities and fun for the whole family. Special recognition will be given to top finishers and fundraisers. Gather your squad, and join us for an inspiring day focused on doubling lung cancer survival. To register and begin fundraising, visit www.freetobreathe.org/denver.

    WHAT: Free to Breathe 5K Run/Walk

    WHEN: Sunday, October 1

    WHERE: Washington Park (701 South Franklin Street, Denver, CO 80209)

    HOW: Register and begin fundraising @ www.freetobreathe.org/denver

    Who is Free to Breathe

    Free to Breathe, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, is a partnership of lung cancer survivors, advocates, researchers, healthcare professionals and industry leaders dedicated to doubling lung cancer survival by 2022. For more information, visit www.freetobreathe.org.

     

      

    SPREAD THE NEWS

    COMMENT, Like, Follow & SHARE to get your daily dose of Tips, Tricks, News and Events! @I70Scout

     

     CURRENT EDITION

    WEATHER & TRAFFIC    PUZZLES    RECENT NEWS    ADVERTISE WITH US

     

  • Hepatitis A cases more than double in 2017; if you’re at risk, get vaccinated

    Hepatitis A cases more than double in 2017; if you’re at risk, get vaccinated

    DENVER — Hepatitis A cases continue to rise in Colorado, climbing to 54 so far in 2017, which is more than double the number of cases typically seen in an entire year. One Coloradan has died from the illness. The state health department urges all people at risk, especially men who have sexual contact with men, to get vaccinated to prevent hepatitis A.

    “Colorado’s hepatitis A outbreak mirrors similar outbreaks across the country,” said State Epidemiologist Dr. Rachel Herlihy. “We’re seeing more cases among gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with unvaccinated men. We want to get the word out: A safe and effective vaccine will protect you.”

    Hepatitis A is a vaccine-preventable disease that can damage the liver. Infected people have the virus in their stool and often carry it on poorly washed hands. It spreads to others when they swallow invisible amounts of the virus through food, drink, sexual activity or after touching contaminated objects. While proper handwashing can prevent spread of infection, vaccination provides long-term protection against the virus.

    Hepatitis A vaccine is readily available at doctor’s offices and many retail outlets. People who need help paying for vaccinations should contact their local public health department.

    The hepatitis A vaccine routinely is recommended for children, but most adults have not been vaccinated. Any person wishing to obtain immunity can get vaccinated. Two doses of the vaccine, given six months apart are recommended for:

    • All children at age 1, as a routine childhood immunization.

    • Previously unvaccinated children and adolescents ages 2-18, as a catch-up vaccine.

    • Men who have sexual contact with men.

    • People who use injection and non-injection street drugs.

    • People with chronic liver disease, such as cirrhosis, alcoholic liver disease, hepatitis B or hepatitis C.

    • People who are homeless.

    • People who are traveling to countries where hepatitis A is common.

    • Family members or caregivers of a recent adoptee from countries where hepatitis A is common.

    • People who are treated with blood clotting-factor concentrates.

    Hepatitis A symptoms include jaundice, fatigue, severe stomach pain, nausea and diarrhea. People can be contagious for two weeks before symptoms appear, and unknowingly spread the virus. Rarely, the virus can cause liver failure and death. A blood test is the only way to confirm hepatitis A, so people who think they may have the virus should consult a health care provider.

    For more information, visit the CDC hepatitis A web page or the department’s  prevent hep A web page.