We didn’t expect the “lights to still be on” after Superstorm Sandy passed through our area, but we are among the fortunate ones and so far we haven’t lost power. Since the Superstorm already played enough tricks, it is time now for some little Halloween treats!

So for those of you also living in an area with power and passable streets in the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy…here are some ideas if you and yours celebrate Halloween with any Trick-or-Treat activities.

(Image ©2012 courtesy of Joan H. used with permission showing celebration of Halloween set up for tourists in the “Haute-Terre” area of Quebec City which we both visited in Oct 2012).

Encourage children to attend community center type Halloween parties and celebrations, where there can be less emphasis on concentrated sweets and more emphasis on activity to celebrate the occasion. Children can still enjoy dressing up in costumes and playing games and having fun with their peer group and still compete for costume prizes.

Be aware that if candy is given out in any neighborhood, sometimes there might be a dentist registered with the Halloween Candy Buyback Program where dentists et al “buyback” pounds of Halloween candy from the children. The candy is collected and then given to Operation Gratitude or a comparable program, which then encloses same in any Holiday Care Packages for the military. Operation Gratitude expects to send out 60,000 Holiday Care Packages (including their Milestone Packages in December), figuring soldiers might find a use for the sweets. BTW, Operation Gratitude also sends out toothbrush&toothpaste sets along with the candy;)

If children come around trick-or-treating in your neighborhood and if you hand out anything, make sure the piece size is appropriate for the general age of the child receiving same to avoid choking hazards.

For the younger children, you could give out non-candy items such as glow type bracelets, glow sticks that bend, stickers, mini rubber duckies, mini slinkys, mini cans of “Play Doh” or mini packs of crayons, etc., and for the little bit older children you could give out colorful pencils and erasers, small puzzles, rubber stamps, Mardi Gras beads, etc. (Be sure not to give out actual “Play-Doh” cans to any younger child who you know is gluten-sensitive).

Try to limit the amount of concentrated sweets children collect by offering appropriate size smaller wrapped candy pieces instead of larger candy bars. Hopefully children will have to do more walking around to obtain them.

If a lot of children come around, consider handing out smaller size candy items such as various wrapped miniatures of plain or dark chocolate with rice or nut pieces in them (as opposed to anything with caramel, etc., that is more likely to stick to teeth longer).

You could also consider handing out shelf stable mini-boxes of raisins or other dried fruit pieces. (We avoid giving out bags of perishable items such as petite baby carrots or apple slices, etc., because of potential food safety/spoilage issues).

If only a limited number of children come around, consider handing out intact clementines (mandarin oranges), sold in many “club” type warehouse stores that so many consumers shop in today, such as BJs Wholesale Club, Costco, Sam’s Club, etc. A dietetic colleague has fun putting stickers on them to create faces so that they look like Jack-O’-Lanterns.

Possibly you could give out mini bags of specialty prezels (without the added salt pieces on them) available shaped like bats or Jack-O’-Lanterns or other Halloween theme shapes possibly available in your area through a warehouse club such as Costco.

If you know the children and there are only a limited number and they are not the younger age ones (so not prone to choking), you could don food preparation gloves and make up homemade treats from simple popped popcorn that is the hot air type and placed in baggies. If you know there are no allergy issues, you can make up simple trail mix or granola mix treat baggies.

You could also consider giving out other types of little treat bags that you make up yourself. You might purchase options such as mini-size animal and mini-size graham crackers, or you might bake something yourself to fill such treat bags.

If you know the children who are trick-or-treating and there are a limited number, you can make simple lower fat and lower sugar unfrosted mini carrot cupcakes, or mini sweet potato cupcakes, or mini spice or gingerbread cupcakes, or even mini wacky cocoa flavor cupcakes (based on a milk-free and egg-free wacky cake recipe). You could also consider giving out mini cookies along the same flavor themes. We’ve made a modified version of a carrot cake recipe from Evelyn Tribole available via the Frontier™ Natural Products Co-op store site and found on the www for years now–a “lite” modified carrot cake recipe–we often even skip the nuts, skip the frosting, and skip the pineapple–the recipe is still both delicious & fairly nutritious.

For even more ideas, you can check out blog posts of other dietetic professional colleagues who try to promote sensible eating messages through sites such as AroundthePlate.org, DietitiansOnline.com, or NutritionBlogNetwork.com

For a “How to Have a Healthy Halloween” theme, one of those networked blog sites, AroundthePlate.org, is featuring some additional specific blogs from Run Eat Play, Oatmeal With a Fork, Good Food Tastes Good, and Nutrition4Life.

Stay safe everyone!

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In Part 1 of 2 in this series, we mentioned some sites to check for emergency information for storm preparedness, including for downloading apps to a smart phone, and some water and food considerations to stock in advance of any emergency storm situation.

In this Part 2 of 2 of this series, we’ll mention various other considerations, including clothing; paperwork pointers including having handy paper versions of emergency contact info for your own family and then for local services; other equipment and supplies to consider and some ideas of what to possibly have handy for the various human family members; and as well supplies to have handy for any family pets.

NOTE: Please remember that the following is for infotainment purposes only and is NOT meant to be all inclusive and is NOT meant to replace information available in your own unique location. You are URGED to make yourself aware of information available in your own locale from emergency management services there as they are most familiar with the location where you live and how you should prepare for any emergency in your area.

Clothing:

• Any water resistant clothing should be stored in waterproof containers so it can be easily accessed as needed– the space-saving type bags (which allow you to remove any extra air) can be especially useful for this purpose.
• Depending upon your climate, that could mean extra outerwear and other items such as water resistant shoes and/or water resistant boots, jackets with hoods, ponchos, gloves, hats, wraps/blankets, etc.

 Appropriate Fire Extinguishers:

• Remind yourself where you keep your A-B-C or other type fire extinguisher(s) in case you need to reach same in the dark with only flashlights to guide you. Especially keep these near by if you plan to use a camp stove to heat up any food and/or water.

Paperwork:

• All important papers for you and your family including copies of credit cards and passports should be stored in a water-proof and fire-proof safe.

Available on you, in water resistant pouches should be:

• drivers license
• medical insurance cards
• credit cards
• passport if you live near a border crossing and might be considering crossing over into another country, along with some
• paper money in various denominations (we’ll mention this again later as well, since during a power outage in an area your credit cards might not be useful to you initially, whereas cash and/or traveller’s checks depending upon where your location is and where else you may be going may be king)
• contact number for insurance of all sorts

Emergency Information including Health & Medical Information; other Contact Information:

• Any child needs emergency contact info in waterproof packaging to be kept with the child at all times–and make sure any medical condition alert, including any allergy or intolerance information is FIRST on the listing, and make sure a picture of the child with the child’s name on it is also there, plus a picture of the child with the family in case family members get separated.
• Each member of the family should have emergency contact information with them as unfortunately in emergencies sometimes family members may become separated. If possible, include contact information for any family members or close friends who live in an area not anticipated to be affected by the storm system and could provide support if they can be reached and might even be able to provide shelter later on if need be.
• Medical Alert Bracelet, etc.: Make sure any family members who have a medical alert bracelet, etc., are wearing the bracelet, etc.

UPDATE your List of Emergency Contact Info for Local Services:

• Local Emergency Management Agency if run by your county
• Local Community Red Cross Including for area shelters
• Other Local Shelters (besides Red Cross) such as at schools, Salvation Army, etc.
• Police & Fire Depts if any number other than 911 is used in your area
• Public Health Department services your family might need to access
• Rescue services in your area if any are private
• Area Emergency Rooms and
• Area Urgent Care Centers

Other Equipment & Supplies:

• Portable radio(s) with fresh batteries and we actually like also having the emergency type radio(s) that you hand crank as backups –especially any one that has NOAA frequency setting, etc; make a note of the local AM and FM radio stations that provide updated information pertinent to your locale during an emergency in your area as well).
• At least one working flashlight with fresh batteries per person of appropriate size for the individual plus a couple of extra flashlights for the entire family unit that are of a larger size.
• Make sure you have refilled any medications and store them in easy enough to open containers inside resealable plastic bags and keep them with you at all times.
• Personal hygiene items of all types–include disposable special pads as needed, any needed disposable diapers for babies even if you usually use cloth diapers, disposable personal wipes, hand sanitizer)
• Emergency first aid kit with alcohol wipes and ointments and bandages, etc., including ace-type wrap bandages to deal with sprains that might occur
• Space-saving type (removal of excess air) stored washable blankets and sleeping bags (they are more portable if enclosed in the space-saving type bags), packaged tarp (to put under sleeping bags to help keep them dry), etc.
• Backup prescription glasses (better than contacts d/t dirty hands issues, wind issues, etc.–plus contacts need special cleaner solutions, etc.)
• Disposable dust masks sometimes can come in handy in windstorms; also bring scarf type wraps with you
• Check battery supplies including for specialty batteries such as hearing aid batteries, etc.
• Fill up the gas tanks on any cars
• Have gas can(s) filled up in case they are needed for refueling a vehicle (gas becomes scarce in many a storm situation)
• Area map should be kept in water-proof packaging
• Walking sticks should be available for older family members
• Evacuation travel bag packed with appropriate level of warmth clothing in case you somehow wind up at an emergency shelter; extra set of house keys and car keys with each adult or teen licensed to drive
• Cash of various denominations in water proof bags inside water proof container
• Emergency medical form for each family member inside water proof bag
• Fully charged cell phone inside waterproof bag; portable charger inside waterproof bag
• Waterproof matches
• Light sticks (which are considered safer than candles) for each family member
• *Manual safety-type can opener (that is actually a can lid uncrimper) as noted on our Pinterest site under Kitchen Gadget Favorites (the type of can opener that unseals cans, rather than cutting them is always best to use, especially in a storm crisis when the last thing anyone needs is a cut from a can lid, but a can opener that cuts off can lids could be used if there is no other option) for whoever will be opening canned food supplies as needed. Uncrimping style safety can openers really are much safer to use under low lighting conditions.
• Adults or children old enough to use them should each have their own multi-purpose tool, again because during an emergency sometimes family members become separated
• Walkie-talkie type two way radios if available
• If you have to leave your home, you may choose to use a wrench to shut off the main water supply and also the main gas supply to your house prior to leaving (this can help when it comes to gas main/water main emergencies)

Pet Supplies:

Pet supplies for your pet including adequate water & food/snacks (keep all pet food & snacks in waterproof containers) & appropriate bowls, medications, extra leashes, extra pet towels, cleanup bags and more, proof of rabies vaccination (in case you have to go to a shelter), records of microchip information, and photos and descriptions of pet(s) (should pet(s) become separated from you), emergency contact info that includes for their veterinarian, etc.

Portioning dry pet food into sealed plastic bags or having some canned product you can open with a safety can opener* can be particularly helpful (some pets only take certain meds with canned food, etc., so bring what your animal(s) are used to). Some pets actually are used to having a travel bag on their back and if so, bring that, also if possible, pet blanket/pad and at least one sturdy toy. (Image of pet dog with travel bag ©2012 courtesy of webmaster)

Make sure any dog and/or cat, etc., wears the collar and tags you have for the animal.

Hopefully you, your family and friends, and any pet family members will be able to make the best of a difficult situation by being better prepared for it. Sharing your own tips for coping with storms with family and friends may also benefit them as well.

If you are safe and sound and able, consider checking on those around you in your area, including any with various physical or intellectual challenges. Don’t forget to check on any elderly persons you know of, especially those who are frail and/or may live alone. Hopefully they will be able to find some support before the brunt of the storm hits, but be sure to check on them at least afterwards to see if they need any additional help.

Also consider contributing to any of the relief agencies that help those who experience the worst brunt of the storms to get through them. Your contribution might be of your time, and/or your talent, and/or your money.

Anyone who has gone through and survived a bad storm knows there’s no feeling comparable to being safe and sound after a storm. The aftermath of a storm can seem to last forever sometimes and any help is always welcome in the days, weeks, and sometimes months of cleanup & rebuilding of lives afterwards.

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There have been many kinds of storms including hurricanes, tornadoes, nor’easters & more over the years & such storm activity will continue in the future. One can’t stress enough how important it is to have an emergency plan of preparedness that includes a checklist for supplies & be ready at a moment’s notice to actually implement any such plan.

Dietitians who operate feeding centers have to be prepared to serve thousands of meals, even if there is no power available and limited water supplies.

We have personally experienced 11 days without power after a microburst storm hit our area back in 1998 around Labor Day that year. Farther north of us earlier that same year many people experienced microburst storm activity to a much greater extent with freezing rain/ice.  Just two years prior that area had experienced similar microburst winter ice storm activity and been without power for at least 17 days (and in many instances for several weeks) during the height of freezing cold winter.

Many people have experienced much worse storm damage and much longer periods without power, so know that being prepared really is essential.

(Image of potential disasters striking from 1993 Federal Emergency Management Agency aka FEMA materials developed in conjunction with the American Red Cross)

Disaster preparedness includes much more than just having adequate water and food supplies.

This two-part blog series is a compilation of some advisements put out by various emergency preparedness agencies and other sources to encourage readers to implement any emergency planning should you be in the path of any storm system at any given time.

Read the rest of this entry >

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As Fall heads into Winter, many people become more concerned about themselves or a family member or close friend succumbing to a cold virus, or worse yet a strain of flu virus.

Besides following vaccination recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), along with their recommendations for hand washing, covering your nose and mouth when sneezing, etc., they are eager to know if there is anything else they can do to boost their own defenses and those of their loved ones and friends against a  viral illness this Winter.

Image of vitamin pills (and bottle) courtesy of http://www.stockfreeimages.com/ and © 2008 Fotoplanner

Some may wonder if “tweaking” their diet and/or taking nutrient supplements might have any potential to improve their level of resistance to assault by viruses as Winter approaches.

Are you perhaps curious about how nutrients impact immunity in a normally healthy person?

Might you be looking for authoritative advice when it comes to the question of should you consider purchasing nutrient supplements and if so, which ones and from where?

Read on for potential sources of reliable & helpful information when it comes to nutrient supplementation issues. Please keep in mind that the following is offered as infotainment only, as is always the case for any pieces of information mentioned on this site. You are encouraged to seek personal advice for your individual health situation status from your own state licensed, nationally and/or state registered and/or certified health care practitioner(s).

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Even on days when almost every last bit of energy seems to be used up, you can still nuke a cup of water, right?

Well, we’re here to tell you that if you can nuke a cup of water, you can make at home a no-kneading-required pizza! No kidding!

We’ll share a single rise crust, fun to top and super simple to bake pizza recipe that our webmaster has kindly agreed to share with our readers. It is adapted from the Pizza Dough I recipe which can be found at the allrecipes.com website, so full credit goes to that source for their original recipe.

Note that the webmaster puts this pizza together and bakes it off in less time than a delivery service would take to deliver a pizza to your doorstep on a busy evening in most locations around the country. You can easily customize this pizza to your liking and that of your family and/or friends. No special skills are required to prepare the dough or bake the pizza. You really can break the cycle of ordering delivery pizza! Just follow our © 2012 photographs, description information, and recipe method. 

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