HealthyLife Articles

Tag: color

  • What To Know About Rainbow Fentanyl

    WELL-BEING

    Image of rainbow fentanyl.

    Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid, 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine. Doctors prescribe pharmaceutical fentanyl to treat severe pain. However, illegal fentanyl is often mixed with other illicit drugs, such as heroin and cocaine.

    Rainbow fentanyl is an illegally manufactured drug dyed in bright colors and shaped to mimic legitimate medication. It only takes a small amount of fentanyl to overdose.

    *  It’s impossible to know how much fentanyl may be present in a rainbow fentanyl pill.

    *  Fentanyl-laced drugs are among the most common drugs implicated in overdose deaths.

    *  The bright colors of rainbow fentanyl may increase the appeal among teens and young adults.

    *  Rainbow fentanyl is extremely dangerous. All it takes is one to be at risk for overdose.

    *  Signs of an overdose include pinpoint pupils, limp body, choking or gurgling sounds, loss of consciousness, and slow or weak breathing.

    *  Call 911 at the first sign of overdose.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Reach For A Rainbow Of Fruits & Veggies

    Nutrition

    Image of various fruits and veggies.

    Pick, buy, and eat nature’s healthy foods.

    Fruits and veggies contain essential vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fiber that may help protect you from chronic health problems, including stroke, certain cancers, and heart diseases. Health experts agree that half your daily intake of food should be fruits and veggies. Sadly, studies show that most people don’t eat enough colorful foods from nature.

    Put some color into your meals and snacks.

    Fruits and veggies are nature’s art, but their real beauty comes from what’s inside. The more colorful the foods on your plate, the more beneficial nutrients you will receive. For example:

    *  Lentils, artichokes, and chick peas are high in fiber.

    *  Spinach and asparagus have folate, a B vitamin.

    *  Sweet potatoes, pumpkin, and carrots are rich with Vitamin A.

    *  Strawberries, oranges and tomatoes are high in Vitamin C.

    *  Potatoes, bananas, prunes, dried peaches, and apricots are high in potassium.

    Grab and go tips:

    *  Keep a bowl of fresh fruits on the counter.

    *  Keep cut and ready-to-eat veggies front and center in the fridge. Examples are avocados, bell peppers, broccoli, carrots, cauliflower, celery, cucumbers, and grape or cherry tomatoes.

    *  Buy fresh fruits in season.

    *  Stock fruits that are dried, frozen, and canned (in water or 100% fruit juice).

    *  Choose packaged fruits without added sugars.

    *  Include a tangerine, banana or grapes with lunch.

    *  Add cut-up fruit to tossed salads.

    *  Keep packages of dried fruit in your desk drawer – pineapple, bananas, cherries, figs, dates, cranberries, blueberries, raisins, etc.

    *  Stock the freezer with frozen juice bars (100% juice).

    *   Experiment with different textures, such as crunchy apples, creamy bananas, and juicy oranges.

    Action Step

    Under clean, running water, gently rub fruits to remove dirt, bacteria and chemicals. Produce with nooks and crannies – broccoli, cauliflower, and lettuce – should be soaked for 1 to 2 minutes in clean water.

    Page from Ways to Well-Being book by the American Institute for Preventive Medicine. www.HealthyLife.com. All rights reserved.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Fruits & Vegetables

    Healthylife® Weigh

    Part 2

    A variety of vegerables.

    Fruits & vegetables make up the biggest part of MyPlate.

    Why should I eat fruits & vegetables?

    1. Fruits & vegetables are packed with nutrients. They provide essential vitamins and minerals, fiber, and a variety of phytochemicals (plant chemicals) that may play a role in preventing certain diseases.

    2. Fruits & vegetables contain water that helps you stay hydrated.

    3. Fruits & vegetables are high in fiber, which improves digestion and helps you feel full. Fiber also helps you use the energy from your food for a longer period of time, reducing feelings of hunger.

    4. Fruits & vegetables are tasty and can be prepared in many ways. They can add color, crunch, and flavor to your meals and snacks!

    Aim for variety

    Fruit: Choose a variety of whole fruits. The skin contains many unique nutrients and a lot of heart-healthy fiber. Choose fresh, frozen, canned (in juice to avoid added sugars), or dried fruits. ½ cup of fruit counts as:

    *  ½ cup raw or cooked fruit

    *  1 small banana, peach, or orange

    *  1 large plum or 16 seedless grapes

    *  ½ cup of chopped, cooked, or canned fruit

    *  4 tablespoons or 1/4 cup of raisins, prunes or dates

    *  ½ cup 100% fruit juice

    Vegetables: Include a variety of choices during your day. Choices can be fresh, frozen, or canned (choose low-sodium options). 1 cup of vegetables counts as:

    *  2 cups raw leafy vegetables

    *  1 cup of other vegetables; cooked or chopped raw

    *  1 cup 100% vegetable juice (choose juices less often)

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Fruits & Vegetables 2

    Healthylife® Weigh

    Menus & Recipes

    A variety of vegerables.

    Choose a wide variety of whole fruits and vegetables for a huge assortment of vitamins, minerals, phytochemicals, and fiber. Select fresh, frozen, dried, or canned. Choose canned fruit packed in juice to avoid added sugar. Choose canned vegetables with reduced or low sodium levels. Try to include a fruit or vegetable with most snacks and all meals.

    ½ cup of fruit counts as:

    *  ½ cup raw, chopped, cooked, or canned fruit

    *  1 small banana, peach, or orange

    *  1 large plum or 16 seedless grapes

    *  ½ cup 100% fruit juice

    *  ¼ cup dried fruit

    1 cup of vegetables counts as:

    *  2 cups raw leafy vegetables

    * 1 cup of other vegetables, cooked or chopped raw

    * 1 cup 100% vegetable juice (choose less often)

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine