A chip imitation
Veggie chips. They sound like the perfect health snack, don’t they? Not so fast, says a report in the January issue of Consumer Reports on Health. It has found that the main ingredient in most veggie chips is potato or corn flour, with a little vegetable powder or puree mixed in.
They’re not likely to add anything to your daily health quota of vegetables, but they will provide calories, fat and salt. That’s because when whole vegetables are converted to powder or puree and fried, many of the nutrients are destroyed.
There is one exception: Terra Exotic Vegetable Chips, which include a small amount of vitamins A and C because they’re made from vegetable slices. Terra chips also include 3 grams of fiber per serving. In general, though, researchers found that most veggie chips “contain more sodium, nearly as many calories and just a little less fat than standard potato chips.”
For a snack with fewer calories and a lot less fat than regular chips, select baked chips. For somewhat more nutrients and fiber, try the Terra chips.
Anti-germ silver
Silver has long been popular for its ability to kill germs. Since the time of ancient Greece and Rome, silver wraps were used for wounds, and silver vessels helped purify water.
Today, silver bandages are useful for those with diabetes who are at high risk of infection, says Simon Silver, professor of microbiology at the University of Illinois in the January UC Berkeley Wellness Letter. The bandages also help in treating severe burns or wounds.
However, be wary of claims that other silver gadgets and devices will help kill micro-organisms, he says, because there is no proof that they work. Silver is not necessary in deodorants for shoes and clothing. Soap and water are still the best way to get rid of germs.
Urgency on suicide
When someone has thoughts of suicide, getting help is critical. Suicide is the leading cause of death for people ages 10 to 24 and the second leading cause of death among American college students. In addition, the elderly make up 18 percent of the nation’s suicide victims, according to the Suicide Prevention Action Network USA, based in Washington, D.C.
The suicide-prevention organization offers a Web site at spanusa.org that contains detailed information to help those with suicidal thoughts, those who have attempted suicide and those who have lost someone to suicide. Additional support can be found through the National Suicide Hotline, 800-273-8255.
Musical scares
A wind instrument purchased for your child online or at a neighborhood yard sale may harbor dangerous germs. A reliable company called MaestroMD, begun by a Massachusetts dentist and accomplished musician, offers a safe way to sterilize such instruments before use.
Lab studies show that bacteria causing strep and staph infections, sore throats and even meningitis and tuberculosis can grow inside wind instruments for weeks, even after a thorough standard cleaning. One study showed that 30 percent of bacteria survived after 21 days in a wind instrument.
For information on sterilization of such instruments, go to maestromd.com. The cost ranges from $49.99 to $89.99, including standard ground shipping.
