|
|
| The Invisible
Power
by Marjorie Ann Williams Visitacion Valley residents! You got the power! This column is written to validate your importance...You got the hidden power!... To get your street paved, street lights fixed, and regularity of bus service. Officials look at the voting strength of Visitacion Valley, which is relatively low. Your vote means something. I want to thank all my Valley neighbors for allowing me to represent you at the table of the San Francisco Democratic Committee. Since my election in June, I have found that the political arena can be fierce and takes no prisoners. The upcoming election in November proves to be a battleground in itself...with the want-to-be's, the used to be's and the already's. The supervisor race is on, with the candidates running in full force...ready or not! I am not going
to try and persuade or tell you who to cast your vote for...I just say
vote...vote...vote...That
is your own personal power at election time...but it can also affect
your quality of life, and your family's life for years to come.
Now, on voting for elected representatives, namely U.S. senators, U.S. congress members, state senators, state assembly members, or whatever...the groups we rarely hear from except at election time...Sound familiar?? Start checking past track records, that is: a) How officials voted previously on certain issues; b) How many time they are excused from voting on issues that concern you; c) Ask newly established Democratic clubs that are geared toward people oriented issues such as health care, child care, employment, rehabilitation, homelessness, affordable housing, etc.; and d) How accessible are they to you, and if you call them, will they respond back to you? Do not buy into high financed slate calls, mail-outs, paid-off organizations, or persons that do not have a stake in Visitacion Valley! Remember, you will be overwhelmed with persons that are able to buy their way in, but my Valley People...We are on the move and moving on up...Vis Valley! Second Chance Week and the Benefits of Reuse by David Assmann,
Senior Administrator
Preserving resources isn't only achieved by recycling. In fact, creating less waste in the first place and reusing products preserves more resources than recycling. In an effort to promote reuse, the second annual Second Chance Week will be celebrated statewide between October 17th and 25th. Reuse involves taking an item destined for disposal and reusing it without altering the item. Reuse has a long history and is supported by a large number of retail outlets, including thrift stores, used book stores, and repair shops. Yard sales, flea markets and rummage sales also support reuse. In order the promote reuse during Second Chance Week, the San Francisco Recycling Program is encouraging residents to set up garage sales, or to visit garage sales on Saturday, Oct. 24. For a listing of garage sales, call 554-RECYcle (to have your garage sale listed call 554-3404 before Oct. 10. Over the past
few years, a number of organizations have been established in San Francisco
to promote the reuse of specialized materials. Building Resources, at 701
Amador Street, buys and sells quality reusable building materials. The
Scrounger's Center for Reusable Art Parts, at Pier 80, takes leftover materials
from businesses and distributes them to teachers to use in art projects.
The RACORSE Network collects reusable healthcare equipment (such as wheelchairs)
for redistribution. The Children's Book Project collects books from individuals,
organizations and publishers and distributes the books to schools, shelters
and day care facilities
In addition, a
study by the Institute for Local Self-Reliance found that, if only half
the durable goods (such as used appliances, furniture, clothing and machinery)
now being discarded annually were reused, more than 110,000 jobs could
be created.
A second way to promote reuse is to find new uses for common household items. For example, glass jars can be used for storing leftovers, coffee cans with lids can double as cookie jars and plastic containers are great for storing small, loose items like nails and buttons. Seeking out durable products can not only reduce your impact on the environment, but also save you money. Before making a major purchase, such as appliances, check Consumer Reports magazine or Bay Area Checkbook for the best quality and most energy-efficient brands. When you purchase tires, buy high-mileage tires. They usually cost less per mile traveled. Shop for items that can be repaired rather than disposed of when they break. Remember to maintain these products. Buy well-made clothing. It may cost more initially, but will save money over the long run. You can also purchase energy-efficient, long-lasting light bulbs. Compact fluorescent light bulbs last up to ten times as long as incandescent bulbs and use less than one quarter the energy. And using solar powered or manually operated products instead of those that require batteries also saves resources. When you no longer
need an item, arrange to have it reused. Some stores encourage their customers
to return containers for refills--and will give you a discount if you do.
Current refillable items include lotions, detergents, shampoos, coffee
bags, and of course, grocery bags. Remember to return hangers to dry cleaners.
Finally, buying used items can often give you unique, high quality items at a fraction of the cost of buying new products. Many items, from appliances to wedding clothing, can be purchased in the more than 80 secondhand, thrift and consignment stores in San Francisco. Here are some of the "previously-owned" items you can buy: appliances, books, CDs and tapes, children's furnishings, clothing, collectibles, electronics, furniture, household goods, jewelry, picture frames, tools, toys, wedding items and clothing. In order to help you find places to purchase, and sell, these items, the San Francisco Recycling Program has added a reuse section to its web page. If you have access to the Internet, check it out at www.sfrecycle.org, or visit the Second Chance Week website at www.secondhand.com. And, if you don't have Internet access, call our 24-hour recycling hotline at 554-RECYcle for a free copy of our reuse directory. Food Allergies Go Back to School If you are a parent of one of the 5-8 percent of American children who has a food allergy, preparing your child for going back to school was an exhilarating, yet cautious proposition. A peanut butter and jelly sandwich and a glass of cold milk can be the perfect kid's school snack. But for a child with a specific allergy to one of those foods, this snack, which has potential food allergens, can produce life-threatening reactions. There is documentation of allergies to many foods and food ingredients, but the most common food allergens are peanuts, tree nuts (such as walnuts and almonds), milk, eggs, soy, wheat, fish and shellfish. "These foods are responsible for over 90 percent of serious allergic reactions to food," according to Susan L. Hefle, Ph.D., co-director of the Food Allergy Research and Resource Program at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. "Onset of food allergy in infants and children can depend of genetics and how early potentially allergenic foods are introduced into children's diets." Hugh Sampson, M.D., director of pediatric allergy and immunology at Mt. Sinai Medical Center, New York, reports, "If both parents have allergies, a child may be at greater risk to develop a food allergy. For such children, it is helpful to withhold introduction of food items such as peanut and nut products until after 3 or 4 years of age." FOOD ALLERGY BASICS A Food allergy,
or "food hypersensitivity," is a reaction of the body's immune system to
a protein in a food or an ingredient. It is a serious condition involving
the immune system, and should be diagnosed by a board-certified allergist.
The most severe reactions lead to a rare but potentially fatal condition called anaphylaxis, which requires immediate medical attention. This is characterized by rapid onset of simultaneous reactions--itching, hives, swelling of the throat, difficulty breathing, lowered blood pressure and sometimes unconsciousness. Standard emergency treatment often includes an injection of epinephrine (adrenaline) to open up the airway and blood vessels. Individuals with severe food allergy reactions should set up a response plan with their doctor and learn how to self-administer epinephrine. Anyone who believes they have a food allergy should obtain a diagnosis from a board-certified allergist. A registered dietitian can work with the patient, family and allergist to help food-allergic patients manage diet issues without sacrificing nutrition or the pleasure of eating. UNDERSTANDING
FOOD ALLERGY
At a recent annual meeting of the American School Food Service Association of New Orleans, a panel of science and communication experts discussed the basics of food allergy, myths about food allergens, management of food allergy in day care and schools, and good sources of educational materials. Living with and managing a food allergy for a child is very similar to some other health conditions that need to be controlled through diet. Children with food allergies need to make management and emergency preparedness part of their daily routine. For children or adults with food allergy, strict elimination of the problem food is the only way to avoid an allergic reaction. Reading food labels and understanding the names of food ingredients made from the top eight food allergens is essential. As food manufacturers continuously refine and improve food products, food labels must be read for every product each time it is purchased. In the school or day care cafeteria, personnel should know their products and ingredients by carefully reading labels. School managers, cooks, food service personnel and teachers should understand the symptoms of food allergy and have a plan if a child has a reaction. When preparing
and serving food, it is critical to make sure that food preparation and
serving utensils are not exposed to allergens and then used for another
food.
The International Food Information Council (IFIC) Foundation has produced a poster to assist food service personnel in identifying the most common food allergens, recognizing allergic reactions and responding appropriately. The poster is written in English and Spanish and illustrates food allergens, lists symptoms and provides tips. In the classroom,
parents should work closely with teachers, school nurses and other staff
to understand the needs of children with food allergy and ensure measures
are in place to prevent allergic reactions and be prepared if a reaction
occurs.
"Banning food
eliminates numerous food choices and can limit balanced nutrition for non-allergic
children," noted Robert Earl, M.P.H., R.D., IFIC's director of public health.
"It also goes against the central message in the Dietary Guidelines for
Americans--eat a wide variety of foods in moderation."
"As a parent of a child that outgrew severe food allergies, I started the FAN to spread the word and empower parents with information that was lacking when I was first faced with managing food allergy," noted Anne Munoz-Furlong, president and founder, The Food Allergy Network. "With proper information, education and support, all those affected with food allergy can be prepared for emergencies and enjoy life to its fullest." The good news is that many children outgrow food allergies. However, for those with lifelong allergies, learning about allergy management and making it part of your daily activities will provide for enhanced safety and a lifetime of food enjoyment. International Food Information Council Twelve Tips
to Help Plants
Winter's on the way and it's wise to know what actions you should take to ensure plant survival. OUTDOOR PLANTS Make sure plants are healthy going into winter. Some varieties benefit from one last feeding. Consult a nursery professional to determine which plants in your landscape need this type of attention. Check for pests. Many insects like aphids and lacewings feed until the first hard freeze. Pest infestations can force plants into an early dormancy that decreases winter survival. Mulching protects roots and conserves moisture. One to two inches of bark, or three inches of pinestraw or leaves under the canopy of a plant protect it from sudden changes in temperature and soil moisture. Continue watering if necessary. Outdoor plants need water, even when they aren't actively growing. Periods of extended drought make plants more susceptible to cold injury. Watering up to one inch per week is recommended during dry months (before the ground freezes) with no snowfall. Avoid pruning
within six weeks of the first frost date. Late fall pruning can result
in new growth that does not have time to harden off before winter.
Take a wait-and-see approach with plants that seem to have died from a freeze. They may return to life in spring. If so, prune any dead tips or branches back to just above the new growth. CONTAINER PLANTS Again, make sure plants are healthy going into winter. Check for pests and treat if necessary. Reduce the frequency
and strength of fertilization during winter for plants that are not actively
growing. Water-soluble or slow releasing fertilizers are preferable.
Take it easy when reintroducing plants to the great outdoors. Sunburn of foliage commonly occurs when plants are brought into intense light too quickly. After all danger of frost has passed, acclimate overwintered plants gradually. Give them a few days in an intermediate zone, like a covered porch or under a tree canopy, before moving into full sun. Spring is a good time to see if plants are potbound. Are plants wilting, do they have poor color, are leaves dropping? Lay the pot on its side and gently tap it out of its pot. Are the roots crowded or even growing through drainage holes? If so, it's time to repot. Your garden center is a great source of colorful and practical containers, as well as potting soil mixes and fertilizers. Those items, and these overwintering suggestions, are about all your plant needs to look great going into spring. For a lit of ANLA member garden centers near you, visit www.growzone.com/gardencenter/index.html. American Nursery
and Landscape Association
Myths and Realities About Sugar Nearly everyone enjoys the taste of sugar, from the sweet memory of birthday cake to the soothing comfort of hot cocoa. But, recent news reports may raise questions about sugars' impact on health. Following are common myths and realities. Do you know the facts? Myth: "Naturally occurring" sugars are better for you. Fact: Contrary to popular belief, there are no nutritional differences among sugars. Our bodies use all types of sugars in the same way. During digestion, sugars such as sucrose (table sugar) and lactose (milk sugar) and other carbohydrates such as starches break down into simple (or single) sugars. Simple sugars then travel through the blood stream to body cells where they provide energy, are stored for future use and help form proteins. Myth: Children who eat sugars become hyperactive. Fact: Numerous
well-controlled studies have searched for a link between behavior and sugars
consumption in children, and the results have consistently shown that sugars
intake does not negatively affect behavior in the majority of children.
Myth: Sugars cause diabetes. Fact: Diabetes
is a disorder in the way the body handles sugars. Researchers do not know
why diabetes occurs, but they know sugar intake does not cause it. People
with diabetes either do not make enough insulin, a hormone needed to use
most sugars. or they cannot use the insulin their bodies make.
Myth: Sugars cause weight gain. Fact: Sugars themselves do not cause weight gain. Excessive body fat results when a person eats more calories than are needed. Extra calories may come from any caloric nutrient (proteins, fats, alcohol and carbohydrates). Lack of physical activity also plays a significant role in obesity. Myth: Sugars are responsible for cavities. Fact: Tooth decay is the result of many factors, including heredity, lack of fluoride and the make-up and flow of saliva. Sugars and other carbohydrates such as starchy foods also play a part. Bacteria on the teeth (dental plaque) feed on carbohydrates and make acids. The acids then break down tooth enamel to form a cavity. Frequent snacks of foods that contain carbohydrates, especially those that stick to the teeth, may increase chances of decay. Myth: The amount of sugars in the diet affects the nutritional quality. Fact: Because sugars contain essentially no micronutrients, it is often assumed that the amount of sugar in the diet affects nutritional adequacy. Diet quality in both the United States and Europe was measured at various sugars intakes using data from food intake surveys. No significant variation in micronutrient intakes existed at a wide range of sugars intakes. However, like other nutrients, extremes in intake are likely to affect overall nutrient balance. More information on sugars is available via the IFIC Foundation On-Line at http://ificinfo.health.org. International Food Information Council Five Years Ago in the Grapeine OCTOBER 1993 *Mayor Frank Jordan stopped by Visitacion Valley Community Center to visit with the community. *Officer Jaime Ongpin won an award as the Valley's favorite policeman. *Unknown fumes on Sept. 22 caused classes to be canceled at Wilson High School. *Cassandra Brown of VVCC displayed her singing talent when City College's Summer Opera Program held its presentation of Lost in Stars at the Bayview Opera House. *Construction continued in Little Hollywood on a sound wall along the Bayshore Freeway. *Consultants to Muni presented their recommendations for transit along the Bayshore Corridor. *Valley neighbors gave outgoing VVCC member Janell Phillips, affectionately known as "Mom," a farewell party on Sept. 24. *More than 100 volunteers from 10 different companies did volunteer work at VVCC in September as part of United Way's Week of Caring. Nearly 30 youth from local middle and high schools also participated at VVCC. *A Halloween Haunted House Party was planned at VVCC for Oct. 30. *Local rap artist La Creea was scheduled to perform Oct. 27 at the Valley Branch Library.
Historic Proportions Match clues to answers. 1965 1. As of Aug.
31, it was now a crime to burn this.
A. Minnesota Twins
Answers: 1-F;
2-M; 3-J; 4-P; 5-D; 6-A; 7-B; 8-L; 9-N; 10-R; 11-C; 12-E; 13-G; 14-Q; 15-I;
16-K; 17-O; 18-H.
Sez Who? Match quotes to speakers. 1. "Life is what
happens while you are making other plans."
A. Shelley Winters
Answers: 1-G; 2-A; 3-E; 4-C; 5-H; 6-I; 7-F; 8-B; 9-D. |