Tainted Food Can Cause Arthritis
Arthritis that can result from foodborne illness is called reactive arthritis. Research indicates that foodborne illness from Salmonella, Campylobacter and other bacteria can lead to chronic arthritis and related conditions in about 2 percent of those affected. Researchers are not sure why this happens, but it is another reason to kill bacteria in food.

Fat City: New Orleans
According to the University of California at Berkeley Wellness Letter, New Orleans, famous for high-fat dishes and large portions, has the highest percentage (37 percent) of obese citizens of the 33 largest U.S. metropolitan areas surveyed. This information was reported in a recent National Weight Report. The rest of the top ten cities all topped 28 percent, in descending order: Norfolk, San Antonio, Kansas City, Cleveland, Detroit, Columbus, Cincinnati, Pittsburgh and Houston. The large cities with the lowest obesity rates are Denver, Minneapolis and San Diego.

Did You Know . . .

• scientists have developed a way to pasteurize eggs still in the shell? The pasteurization process reduces the risk of contamination from bacteria such as salmonella, which can cause foodborne illness.

• that exercise is the best stress management tool? Even if you think you do not have time for it, 20 to 30 minutes of vigorous exercise can reduce stress and increase energy and focus.

• espresso contains less caffeine than regular American coffee? A two-ounce serving of espresso has about 100 milligrams (mg) of caffeine compared to 115 mg in a six ounce cup of American coffee.

• Americans are eating more sugar? American sugar consumption for 1996/97 is forecast at 9.8 million short tons, raw value, an increase from 9.6 million tons the previous year. If the forecast is accurate, U.S. sugar consumption will have risen by one million tons in six years, or by 1.5 pounds per person.

Early Summer 1997
Watering Lawns Properly | 1997 Perennial Plant of the Year - Salvia 'May Night' | Shrub of the Month - Butterfly Bush | Garden Myths | Basics of Fertilizing Houseplants | Cybergarden Sites | Bug Bites | Lawn Care Calendar | Hort Shorts | Hort Tips | Food Safety: The Summertime Rules | Healthy Cooking: All Vegetables Are Not Created Equal | Locally Grown: The Best Is Yet to Come | Health Update: First Aid Kit To Go | Health & Household Tips | Did You Know?

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