The articles found within Thrive! are designed to promote health and well-being for oneself and the environment.

from the safety experts at CableOrganizer.com

What is carbon monoxide, and where does it come from? 

It’s no surprise that carbon monoxide (CO) has been given the nickname “the Silent Killer.” It’s an odorless, invisible, highly-toxic and deadly gas that is produced from the incomplete combustion of wood and fossil fuels like oil, natural gas, charcoal, kerosene, and gasoline. Unfortunately, CO has become a very real threat within our own homes, since it can accumulate when everyday appliances like water heaters, furnaces, ranges, ovens, clothes dryers and space heaters don’t work the way they’re supposed to. But malfunctioning appliances aren’t the only culprits for increased CO levels around the house. Poor ventilation can also cause buildups of the poisonous gas if chimney flues or exhaust vents become blocked; grills, wood-burning stoves or fireplaces aren’t properly vented; or a vehicle is left running inside a garage. 

Is there such a thing as a “safe” level of carbon monoxide? At what point does carbon monoxide put my family and me at risk? 

There’s really no agreed-upon safe level of carbon monoxide exposure. Factors like age, body mass and pre-existing health conditions can affect a person’s tolerance, and what amounts to mild or moderate CO risk for one person could equal a deadly dose for another. While carbon monoxide is dangerous to everyone, the people most at risk for CO poisoning are unborn babies, infants, children, senior citizens, and those with cardiac and respiratory disorders. 

How can I tell if I have carbon monoxide poisoning? 

Depending on the level and length of exposure, carbon monoxide poisoning symptoms can vary. Mild exposure can lead to symptoms like fatigue, light headache, flu-like symptoms, nausea, and vomiting. Medium-exposure symptoms can intensify to include elevated heart rate, severe throbbing headache, drowsiness, and confusion or disorientation. The most severe symptoms, associated with the highest levels of CO exposure, are unconsciousness, convulsions, and failure of the heart and lungs, which can ultimately result in brain damage and death.  

If you ever suspect that either you or someone you’re with is suffering from CO poisoning, it’s extremely important that you promptly move yourself or the other individual outdoors, which is the safest option, or at the very least into a well-ventilated area. As soon as you’re breathing fresh air, call local emergency response services.  

How does carbon monoxide poisoning work? 

Carbon monoxide poisoning works by preventing vital oxygen from entering your bloodstream. Hemoglobin, the iron-rich protein that gives blood its red color, is responsible for carrying oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body’s cells; oxygen bonds to the hemoglobin, and is then transported via the bloodstream. However, when one breathes carbon monoxide, the CO begins bonding to hemoglobin instead of the much needed oxygen, and it then forms a toxin called Carboxyhemoglobin, which causes the physical symptoms of CO poisoning.  

How can carbon monoxide detectors protect me? 

Carbon monoxide detectors protect us by sensing what our eyes and noses can’t. Because CO is undetectable to the human senses, people are generally never aware of its presence until it’s too late and carbon monoxide poisoning has already occurred. In many tragic cases, people have been asleep during the onset of symptoms, and actually died without ever having known they were in danger. Instances like these are what have made CO alarms the difference between life and death. By detecting the presence of carbon monoxide in a living space and sounding an alarm that’s loud enough to wake even the soundest of sleepers, CO detectors provide us with the chance to escape safely, with our lives and health intact. 

Where in my home should I install carbon monoxide alarms? 

Because sleep inhibits one’s awareness of carbon monoxide poisoning symptoms, the most critical places to install CO alarms are in and near each sleeping area in your home. As a matter of fact, many states have mandated that a CO detector be placed in each bedroom. If your home has more than one level, be sure that each story is equipped with at least one CO detector. It’s also recommended that an extra CO detector be placed in the vicinity of any heat source that burns fuel (such as a fireplace, gas stove or oven, water heater, furnace), but no closer than 15-20 feet, since too-near proximity can lead to false alarms. Keep in mind that cooking appliances and bathrooms, which generate steam, can also trigger false CO readings, so carbon monoxide detectors should be installed at least 10 feet away from them. 

What should I do if my carbon monoxide alarm ever goes off? 

In the event that your carbon monoxide alarm ever sounds, immediately evacuate all members of your household outdoors into fresh air, then dial emergency services. Because they’re able to safely enter homes wearing protective gas masks, members of the local fire department typically respond to carbon monoxide-related emergencies. The fire personnel will use highly sensitive, handheld CO detection units to obtain an accurate reading of the carbon monoxide levels in your home, and will then advise you in the safest course of action to follow. 

How long does a carbon monoxide detector last for? 

Generally speaking, carbon monoxide detectors are good for five years of use (that’s the length of time that most manufacturers warranty them for), and we suggest that you change them at regular five-year intervals to ensure that you’re well protected. In between unit replacements, it’s recommended that you keep CO alarms at their best by testing them monthly (if you suspect that they’re not working properly, replace immediately), and changing their batteries on a yearly basis.

by Eric J. Hall

They are women and men with many titles, addressed differently by each member of the household. Throughout the course of one day, they are mother and father, daughter and son, granddaughter and grandson, and with each role they patiently care for the many household members who require their love and attention. Today, they are known as “sandwich caregivers,” or those who are caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease while also caring for children under 21.  

Berna Dobson, of Salem, OR, is no exception. In fact, she can be considered a double-decker sandwich caregiver; in her home, she cares for two grandparents, a grandmother who has Alzheimer’s disease and a grandfather who has Parkinson’s disease, in addition to two teenage boys and a husband.  

Dobson is one of many sandwich caregivers caught in a juggling act: Do I pick up the kids from soccer practice or drop off Grandma’s prescriptions? How do I find someone to care for my loved one while I attend teachers’ conferences? Day in and day out, challenges arise as sandwich caregivers try to balance providing for children and aging relatives, while often handling job responsibilities as well.  

The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA) regularly responds to phone calls and e-mails from caregivers across the country who are trying to make it all work. When a loved one has Alzheimer’s disease, and especially when he or she lives with you, it helps to know about the disease and how to handle various situations for all generations involved. While each situation differs, here are some suggestions on how to successfully juggle care-giving responsibilities: 

Educate yourself and your children. Learn about Alzheimer’s disease and caring for those suffering Alzheimer’s, via workshops, e-newsletters and Web sites. The more you know, the better you will be able to explain the disease to your children. Use simple terms; be honest about current and future symptoms and provide reassurance. Always keep lines of communication open and stress that the disease is not contagious. When the disease progresses, behavioral changes, such as mood swings and hallucinations, may especially scare your child or hurt his or her feelings. Perhaps the most helpful explanation of all it: “It is the disease talking.”  

Communicate. Plan a family meeting so that you can raise concerns, while also giving children, other relatives and the person with the disease the opportunity to express their thoughts. This is also a good time to ask family members to share some responsibilities. Create a task list and discuss your expectations.  

Don’t be hesitant to get children involved. This can be a valuable and positive experience for children, and lots of caregivers are doing this. A recent AFA survey found that three in five sandwich caregivers of loved ones with Alzheimer’s disease say their children handle care-giving duties, such as driving to doctors’ appointments and assisting with feeding and dressing. The key is for the responsibilities to be age-appropriate. For example, a younger child can help with simpler tasks such as bringing Grandma a towel, while an older child could take a walk with Grandpa. 

Seek support. Numerous resources are available, including AFA’s toll-free hot line, 866-AFA-8484, and your local Area Agency on Aging. Taking advantage of other community services, such as counseling, workshops and caregiver support groups, can provide additional information and help reduce stress and isolation. Find out about specific programs for teens and younger children as well. AFA, for example, has an AFA Teens division: www.afateens.org.  

Discuss your situation with your employer. Consider speaking with your employer about your care-giving role if you feel you need some flexibility to take your loved one to the doctor or to handle other responsibilities, or if you require family leave time.  

Practice time management skills. Select a calendar that will fit your personality and help you navigate your responsibilities. Analyze the best use of your time and break larger tasks into smaller steps. Try to plan ahead.  

Take some time for yourself. While you may think it is an indulgence, it is important that you take time for yourself so that you can continue being a caregiver without hurting your own physical and mental wellbeing. Consider respite care and/or alternating care-giving with a trusted individual. Squeeze in time for relaxing or creative activities, such as exercise, listening to music and journaling. And, remember to speak to your own doctor if you feel stressed or experience other health issues.

Sandwich care-giving can be a challenging and tireless job, but, as in Dobson’s case, it often keeps families strong and connected.  

“It’s the biggest commitment ever—just like raising children again,” Dobson said. “The best advice is to get all the support you can get…and a lot of knowledge too.” 

Eric J. Hall is president and chief executive officer of the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America, a New York-based national nonprofit organization focused on providing optimal care to individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and related illnesses. Contact AFA at www.alzfdn.org or 866-232-8484. 

by Elizabeth Pivonka

November is here and, as the calendar pages turn, so do the leaves. Bright shades of yellow, orange and red fill the trees. In the morning, as we hurry out of the house to begin the day, we notice frost on the ground. Surely we must be finished with the growing season. Not so! Plenty of delicious fruits and vegetables are still being harvested right now; and just in time too with autumn entertaining on the way.  

Some of the season’s best, like parsnips, turnips, and winter squash, work well in the hearty dishes we crave as the weather turns cooler. These veggies are prefect additions to stews, soups and roasts. Other in-season items, like sweet potatoes, cranberries and pumpkin, are traditionally associated with the celebratory meals of the season. What Thanksgiving table would be complete without them? Even more seasonal inspiration can be found online at www.fruitsandveggiesmorematters.org. See a list of in season fruits & veggies there, and then search through the recipes to find innovative uses for your old favorites or inspiration to try something new.  

Even if your families’ favorite fruits & veggies aren’t in season right now, you can still enjoy them because all forms count! Canned, frozen and dried fruits and vegetables can be less expensive than their fresh counterparts and are just as nutritious because they are processed immediately after harvest. Don’t forget about 100 percent fruit and vegetable juice, too! Lots of nutrition can be found in every four-ounce serving. 

Many in-season fruits and vegetables enjoyed at that very first Thanksgiving celebration were native to North America, like sweet corn, cranberries, pumpkins and other winter squash. Sweet potatoes are also native to the Americas, but were not a familiar food far north enough to be included on that first Thanksgiving table. While venison was a familiar food to the Pilgrim settlers and a welcome addition to the feast, turkey was a truly American bird, not native to Europe or England. That’s why Benjamin Franklin lobbied for the turkey over the bald eagle as the symbol for the new country, because it was exclusively our own. 

While most consider the turkey to be the star of the meal, for many, the great abundance and variety of fruit and veggie side dishes is really what makes Thanksgiving dinner the stand-out meal of the year. Everyone can benefit from eating more fruits and vegetables, so fill at least half of your plate with them! Fruits and vegetables may help reduce the risk of many diseases, including heart disease, high blood pressure, and some cancers. They are naturally low in calories and they provide fiber that helps keep your digestive system working well. Fruits and veggies are rich in vitamins and minerals that your body needs to feel healthy and energized; they’re just what you’ll need before that game of flag football with all the relatives.  

There are many wonderful recipes calling for autumn produce that make an appearance on the holiday table. Pear and Cranberry Crisp makes a great alternative to pumpkin pie, while Sweet Potatoes with Maple Syrup is a great seasonal side dish. Sweet Potato and Pear Soup makes a delicious starter for the Thanksgiving meal and is a welcome taste anytime the weather turns chilly. Once you and the family are tired of leftovers, try Southwestern Pork Stew, it’s another great way to incorporate the flavors of the season. 

If you’re in search of help for hosting that big meal, look at our autumn entertaining hints, and check out our other recipes online at www.fruitsandveggiesmorematters.org too!

Elizabeth Pivonka is President and CEO of the Produce for Better Health Foundation; a nonprofit 501(c)(3) foundation devoted to increasing Americans consumption of fruits and vegetables for their better health. The Foundation is the nonprofit entity behind the Fruits & Veggies—More Matters  national public health initiative.

by Chef Carmen I. Jones, CCP 

These potatoes go well with grilled or roasted meats. 

Preparation time: 45 minutes or less 

5 medium sweet potatoes

2 tablespoons maple syrup

½ teaspoon salt

Black pepper, to taste

½ teaspoon ground cardamom (or ground nutmeg)

1 tablespoon salted butter

Preheat oven to 375° F and place oven rack in middle position. Scrub sweet potatoes well, place on baking sheet and bake for 35 to 45 minutes until very soft to the squeeze. Baking time will differ depending on freshness and size of the sweet potatoes. Remove potatoes from oven; cool briefly to handling temperature. Cut both ends off each potato and carefully peel each potato. Place in a deep bowl and mash with potato masher, large fork, or back of a large spoon. Season with maple syrup, salt, black pepper, and ground cardamom or nutmeg, mixing well. If necessary, reheat briefly in microwave. Scoop into serving bowl and top with butter.  

Serves: 4 

1 Cup of Vegetables per Serving 

Fruit and/or Veggie Colors: Orange 

Nutrition Information per Serving: calories:228, total fat:3.0g, saturated fat:1.9g, % of calories from fat:12%, % of calories from saturated fat:8%, protein:3g, carbohydrates:47g, cholesterol:8mg, dietary fiber:5g, sodium:368mg  

Each serving provides: An excellent source of vitamins A and C, and a good source of potassium and fiber. 

This recipe was developed for Produce for Better Health Foundation (PBH) by Chef Carmen I. Jones, CCP. This recipe meets PBH and Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) nutrition standards that maintain fruits and vegetables as healthy foods.