Tuesday, April 28, 2009

The (Swine) H1N1 Flu and You

Just an FYI.

FACT SHEET FROM THE CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTION:

Swine Influenza and You

SOURCE: http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/swineflu_you.htm

What is swine flu?

Swine Influenza (swine flu) is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A influenza viruses that causes regular outbreaks in pigs. People do not normally get swine flu, but human infections can and do happen. Swine flu viruses have been reported to spread from person-to-person, but in the past, this transmission was limited and not sustained beyond three people.

Are there human infections with swine flu in the U.S.?

In late March and early April 2009, cases of human infection with swine influenza A (H1N1) viruses were first reported in Southern California and near San Antonio, Texas. Other U.S. states have reported cases of swine flu infection in humans and cases have been reported internationally as well. An updated case count of confirmed swine flu infections in the United States is kept at http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/investigation.htm CDC and local and state health agencies are working together to investigate this situation.

Is this swine flu virus contagious?

CDC has determined that this swine influenza A (H1N1) virus is contagious and is spreading from human to human. However, at this time, it not known how easily the virus spreads between people.

What are the signs and symptoms of swine flu in people?

The symptoms of swine flu in people are similar to the symptoms of regular human flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people have reported diarrhea and vomiting associated with swine flu. In the past, severe illness (pneumonia and respiratory failure) and deaths have been reported with swine flu infection in people. Like seasonal flu, swine flu may cause a worsening of underlying chronic medical conditions.

How does swine flu spread?

Spread of this swine influenza A (H1N1) virus is thought to be happening in the same way that seasonal flu spreads. Flu viruses are spread mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing of people with influenza. Sometimes people may become infected by touching something with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose.

How can someone with the flu infect someone else?

Infected people may be able to infect others beginning 1 day before symptoms develop and up to 7 or more days after becoming sick. That means that you may be able to pass on the flu to someone else before you know you are sick, as well as while you are sick.

What should I do to keep from getting the flu?

First and most important: wash your hands. Try to stay in good general health. Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food. Try not touch surfaces that may be contaminated with the flu virus. Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

Are there medicines to treat swine flu?

Yes. CDC recommends the use of oseltamivir or zanamivir for the treatment and/or prevention of infection with these swine influenza viruses. Antiviral drugs are prescription medicines (pills, liquid or an inhaler) that fight against the flu by keeping flu viruses from reproducing in your body. If you get sick, antiviral drugs can make your illness milder and make you feel better faster. They may also prevent serious flu complications. For treatment, antiviral drugs work best if started soon after getting sick (within 2 days of symptoms).

How long can an infected person spread swine flu to others?

People with swine influenza virus infection should be considered potentially contagious as long as they are symptomatic and possible for up to 7 days following illness onset. Children, especially younger children, might potentially be contagious for longer periods.

What surfaces are most likely to be sources of contamination?

Germs can be spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth. Droplets from a cough or sneeze of an infected person move through the air. Germs can be spread when a person touches respiratory droplets from another person on a surface like a desk and then touches their own eyes, mouth or nose before washing their hands.

How long can viruses live outside the body?

We know that some viruses and bacteria can live 2 hours or longer on surfaces like cafeteria tables, doorknobs, and desks. Frequent handwashing will help you reduce the chance of getting contamination from these common surfaces.

What can I do to protect myself from getting sick?

There is no vaccine available right now to protect against swine flu. There are everyday actions that can help prevent the spread of germs that cause respiratory illnesses like influenza. Take these everyday steps to protect your health:

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.

• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.

• Try to avoid close contact with sick people.

• If you get sick with influenza, CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.

What is the best way to keep from spreading the virus through coughing or sneezing?

If you are sick, limit your contact with other people as much as possible. Do not go to work or school if ill. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those around you from getting sick. Put your used tissue in the waste basket. Cover your cough or sneeze if you do not have a tissue. Then, clean your hands, and do so every time you cough or sneeze.

What is the best way to keep from spreading the virus through coughing or sneezing?

If you are sick, limit your contact with other people as much as possible. Do not go to work or school if ill. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those around you from getting sick. Put your used tissue in the waste basket. Cover your cough or sneeze if you do not have a tissue. Then, clean your hands, and do so every time you cough or sneeze.

What is the best technique for washing my hands to avoid getting the flu?

Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs. Wash with soap and water. or clean with alcohol-based hand cleaner. we recommend that when you wash your hands -- with soap and warm water -- that you wash for 15 to 20 seconds. When soap and water are not available, alcohol-based disposable hand wipes or gel sanitizers may be used. You can find them in most supermarkets and drugstores. If using gel, rub your hands until the gel is dry. The gel doesn't need water to work; the alcohol in it kills the germs on your hands.

What should I do if I get sick?

If you live in areas where swine influenza cases have been identified and become ill with influenza-like symptoms, including fever, body aches, runny nose, sore throat, nausea, or vomiting or diarrhea, you may want to contact their health care provider, particularly if you are worried about your symptoms. Your health care provider will determine whether influenza testing or treatment is needed.

If you are sick, you should stay home and avoid contact with other people as much as possible to keep from spreading your illness to others.

If you become ill and experience any of the following warning signs, seek emergency medical care.

In children emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:

• Fast breathing or trouble breathing

• Bluish skin color

• Not drinking enough fluids

• Not waking up or not interacting

• Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held

• Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough

• Fever with a rash

In adults, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:

• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath

• Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen

• Sudden dizziness

• Confusion

• Severe or persistent vomiting

How serious is swine flu infection?

Like seasonal flu, swine flu in humans can vary in severity from mild to severe. Between 2005 until January 2009, 12 human cases of swine flu were detected in the U.S. with no deaths occurring. However, swine flu infection can be serious. In September 1988, a previously healthy 32-year-old pregnant woman in Wisconsin was hospitalized for pneumonia after being infected with swine flu and died 8 days later. A swine flu outbreak in Fort Dix, New Jersey occurred in 1976 that caused more than 200 cases with serious illness in several people and one death.

Can I get swine influenza from eating or preparing pork?

No. Swine influenza viruses are not spread by food. You cannot get swine influenza from eating pork or pork products. Eating properly handled and cooked pork products is safe.

Monday, April 27, 2009

Menu Plan April 27, 2009



Here's my menu plan for the week.

Monday - Dutch Rice (family recipe - Cooked Rice, topped with butter, sugar and cinnamon) *Note, we had a ton of protein for breakfast and lunch, so carbs for dinner it was

Tuesday - Chicken Noodle Soup (DD1 bday - this is what she wants for dinner... we'll be making the noodles)

Wednesday - Sausage Mozzarella Casserole (WAY scaled down...)

Thursday - Tator Tot Casserole

Friday - Pizza

Saturday - Leftovers or Grill (depending on the weather)

Sunday - Crockpot Roast

So, what are you eating this week?

Saturday, April 25, 2009

Grocery Sales Week of April 27, 2009


Scholastic Book Warehouse Sale -- Next warehouse sale is May 8-22.  Check out www.scholastic.com/bookfairs/warehouse for more info and sign up for a Fast-Cart Pass (and a $10 off $50 coupon)

Kroger (www.kroger.com) must use plus card to get sale price
----------------------------------------------------------------
Comforts diapers jumbo pk $6.49 (buy $15 in Comforts baby stuff get $3 off at register)
Colgate Wave or total toothbrush $1.50 +c*
Colgate toothpaste $1.50 +c*
** Kroger milk $1.75
** Kroger cheese 16 oz bar or shredded $2.49
Bounty Basic paper towels 8 rolls $4.98 +c
Charmin basic tp 12 big rolls $4.98 +c
Kroger cereal select varieties $1.67
KoolAid 10/$1
Ground chuck (probably 73% or 80% lean) $1.68
* Oscar Mayer weiners $1.50
sweet corn $0.19

Meijer (www.meijer.com)
------------------------------
Buy 10 Kellogg's cereals, poptarts or snacks 5.5oz or larger get coupon at register for 2 free movie tickets (see ad for more details)

& buy 10 for $10 (mix or match) get 11th one free

allergy meds (fake zyrtec and claritin) 50% off
Meijer diapers $5.99
& Meijer cresent rolls $1
Meijer shredded cheese $1.50
Meijer chunk cheese 16oz $2.99
Meijer butter $1.79
Meijer yogurt $0.40
Meijer cream cheese $0.99
Meijer OJ 1/2 gallon $1.50
Meijer ricotta 15oz $2
Meijer plates, napkins $1.33
& Meijer plastic silverware 48ct $1
Dixie plates, bowls, cups $2 +c*
Meijer jump fabric softener sheets $2.50
Meijer oil, shortening or cooking spray 25% off
Meijer marshmallows $0.89
Meijer mac 'n cheese $0.40
&& Meijer pasta (spaghetti, or elbow macaroni) 16oz $0.50
& Meijer salad dressing $1
& Meijer fruit 15oz can $1
& Meijer applesauce 24oz $1
Meijer pudding snacks $0.80
Meijer cereal (assorted) $1.75
& Meijer pretzels $1
** Meijer boneless chicken breasts $1.79/# (family packs)
& Meijer frozen veggies 16oz $1
Meijer ice cream $2.50
& Meijer water bottles 6pk $1
sweet corn $0.19
& blackberries 5oz $1
Earthbound organic romaine 3pk $2
cilantro $0.50
mangos $0.50

Bigg's (www.biggs.com)
--------------------------
Buy 10 Kellogg's cereals, poptarts or snacks 5.5oz or larger get coupon at register for 2 free movie tickets (see ad for more details)
Crystal Farms shredded cheese 8oz $1.50

Jungle Jim's (www.junglejims.com)
-----------------------------------------
Tomatoes $0.59/#
Arm & Hammer liquid detergent $2.89 +c lim 4 per family w/$10 purchase
green peppers $0.79/#
bananas $0.38/#
milk $1.99 lim 6 per family
Quilted Northern tp 12pk dbl roll  $4.99 +c
Velvet ice cream $3.33
celery $0.79
Dairy Fresh cream cheese $1
bagels $1
Domino sugar 5# $1.99 +c lim 2 per family with $10 purchase
Hunt's ketchup 24oz $0.89
Bounty basic paper towel $0.69 +c


Monroe IGA (on Cin-Day just north of Summerlin)
-----------------------------------------------------------
milk 1/2 gallon $1
ground chuck 3#pkgs or larger $1.69/#
sweet corn 4/$1
Thurs/Fri/Sat ONLY (April 30-May 2nd)
Bob Evans sausage roll $2 +c
russet potatoes 10# $1.98
7-up, A&W 2L bottles 11/$10 (90cents)
breaded chicken breast tenders 10# box $10

Discount Drug Mart (in Mason)
-----------------------------
Sale from April 23-April 29 (Thurs-Wed)
digital prints 10/$1 MON ONLY
7-up 6pk 500ml (about 16oz bottles) $2
Snuggle fabric softener 40sheets $1.50
ACT flouride rinse 18oz $3.49; 33oz $4.49 +c
Clearasil Ultra cream, pads, or face wash $4.99 +c
BIC comfort 3; Mens, or Soleil shaver $3.99 +c
Advil PM $2.49 +c

WalMart
------------
Nestle Pure Life water 24pk $3.68 +c
whole chicken fryer $0.78/#
Banquet frozen meal $0.88
Kraft salad dressing 16oz $1.58 +c
Chef Boyardee canned pasta $0.88 +c
Speed Stick and Lady Speed Stick $1 +c
Pillsbury brownies $1 +c

Codes:
+c means there was recently a coupon in the paper for this item
+c* means there's a coupon for it and I think it's a good deal ONLY if you use the coupon
M-R monday through thursday sale dates only
B1G1F (buy one get one free)
** super deal -- seriously think about stocking up at this price if this is an item you use
w/c means with in-ad coupon
lim tells you what the limit is

Disclaimer: This list is generated by a human.  I never intend to make a typo, but sometimes they happen.  See the store and/or the ad for clarification if you're unsure about a product.  This list was generated using ads in the Cincinnati metro area.  Stores outside this market may offer different pricing or promotions.

Monday, April 20, 2009

Grocery Sales Week of April 20, 2009

Here's a sampling of this week's grocery deals.


Scholastic Book Warehouse Sale -- Next warehouse sale is May 8-22.  Check out www.scholastic.com/bookfairs/warehouse for more info and sign up for a Fast-Cart Pass (and a $10 off $50 coupon)

Kroger (www.kroger.com) must use plus card to get sale price
----------------------------------------------------------------
Softsoap $1 +c*
Kroger diapers $6.49 (spend $15 on Comforts brand and get $3 off at register)
7-up or pepsi brand soft drinks 2L $1
Powerade 32oz $1 +c*
Ice Mountain water 3L $1
Kroger bagels $1
Kroger milk or OJ 1/2 gallon $1
Parkay or Fleischmann's margarine $1 +c*
Kroger sour cream, cottage cheese, or dip $1
Kroger cream cheese $1
Kroger cheese 16oz $2.49 (that's $1.25 for 8oz, nearly the same great price as last week)
AngelSoft 4pk $1 +c*
Kraft bbq sauce $1
Lawry's marinades $1 +c
McCormick Grill mates or grinders $1 +c
Kroger cooking spray 6-8oz $1
Goldfish crackers $1 (limited to stock on hand)
Kroger lunchmeat 7-9oz tub $2.50
Tyson boneless skinless chicken breasts $1.78/#
Kroger buns 8ct $1
strawberries $1.28
black grapes $0.99
green beans $0.77/#
cameo apples $0.79/#

Meijer (www.meijer.com)
------------------------------
Meijer allergy meds (certizine) 50% off
Huggies jumbo pk $8.99 +c
milk $1.98 (new low price)
Yoplait yogrut $0.50 +c
Dannon Activia $2 +c*
Yoplait YoPlus or kids $2 +c*
eggs $0.98 (new low price)
smarll steps bath tissues or paper towels $2 +c*
Electrasol $3 +c ($2.50 coupon in Sunday's paper)
Betty Crocker frosting $1.50 +c*
Meijer pasta sauce $1
Nature Valley granola bars, chex bars, etc $2 +c*
General Mills cereals (small boxes) $2 +c*
Chex Mix $1 +c*
Goldfish $1
Hillshire Farms deli lunchmeat 8-9oz $2.50 +c
Hillshire Farms rope or link sausage, or brats $1.99 +c
Meijer spring water 24pk $3.50
Dean's or Trauth ice cream 1/2 price
Mrs T Pierogies 1/2 price +c
Rosetto filled pasta frozen 1/2 price
Aunt Millie's buns or bread assorted $1.29 +c*
strawberries $0.99
apples $1/#

Jungle Jim's (www.junglejims.com)
-----------------------------------------
Trauth milk $1.99 lim 6 per family
Post cereal assorted $2.19 +c lim 3 per family w/ $10 purchase
Sparkle paper towels 8 roll pk $4.99 +c lim 2 per family w/$10 purchase
Pillsbury brownies $1.05 +c
Dole pineapple $0.89 +c
Skippy peanut butter $1.69 +c
Hunt's tomato ketchup 24oz $0.89
Domino sugar 5# $2.19 +c*
Idaho potatoes 10# bag $1.97
Scott bath tissue 4pk $0.79 +c lim 4 per family w/$10 purchase
bananas $0.39/#
green peppers $0.99/#
tomatoes $0.88/#
green beans $0.99/#

Monroe IGA (on Cin-Day just north of Summerlin)
-----------------------------------------------------------
IGA spring water $3.50
IGA milk 1 gallon $1.99
Totino's pizza rolls $0.78 +c
yoplait yogurt $0.50 +c


Codes:
+c means there was recently a coupon in the paper for this item
+c* means there's a coupon for it and I think it's a good deal ONLY if you use the coupon
M-R monday through thursday sale dates only
B1G1F (buy one get one free)
** super deal -- seriously think about stocking up at this price if this is an item you use
w/c means with in-ad coupon
lim tells you what the limit is

Disclaimer: This list is generated by a human.  I never intend to make a typo, but sometimes they happen.  See the store and/or the ad for clarification if you're unsure about a product.  This list was generated using ads in the Cincinnati metro area.  Stores outside this market may offer different pricing or promotions.

Sunday, April 19, 2009

Menu Plan Week of April 20, 2009



Here's my menu plan for the week.

Monday - Tandoori Chicken

Tuesday - Enchiladas

Wednesday - Homemade Chipotle

Thursday - Lentil Tacos (I'll probably cook it in the rice cooker too...)

Friday - Pizza (We are finally enjoying pizza after 2 years of being gluten free! I grew up eating pizza every Friday night, and since we have all the ingredients on hand, all the time, we're making it a tradition at our house now).

Saturday - Leftovers or Grill (depending on the weather)

So, what are you eating this week?

Wednesday, April 15, 2009

Menu Plan Week of April 13, 2009



As you can tell, I'm a little bit slow this week... We survived our Spring Break, but I just haven't gotten caught up the way I had hoped to...

My menu plan changed a bunch for this week -- so now that the week is half over, I think I've finally committed to what we're eating the rest of this week.

Monday - Green Bean Casserole (1 can (or homemade) cream of mushroom soup, 1 lb cooked ground beef, 1 can green beans (we prefer french cut) - all mixed together in a casserole dish, topped with mashed potatoes and cheddar cheese -- cooked at 350 for 20-30 minutes)

Tuesday - Black Bean and Spinach Lasagna

Wednesday - Chicken Noodle Soup

Thursday - Broccoli Cheesy Rice (I made something similar for the missionaries a few months ago, but I can't find the recipe... so we keep trying to find something similar...)

Friday - Pizza

Saturday - Hawaiian Haystacks - scroll to bottom - we're feeding the missionaries - yum!

Sunday - Crockpot Roast

Monday, April 13, 2009

Grocery Sales Week of April 13, 2009

Scholastic Book Warehouse Sale -- Next warehouse sale is May 8-22.  Check out www.scholastic.com/bookfairs/warehouse for more info and sign up for a Fast-Cart Pass (and a $10 off $50 coupon)

Kroger (www.kroger.com) must use plus card to get sale price
----------------------------------------------------------------
Suave deoderant $1 +c
Sopftsoap $1 +c*
Kroger toothbrush 2ct $1
Powerade $1 +c
milk or OJ 1/2 gallon $1
Kroger yogurt $0.33
** Kroger cheese 8oz chunk or shredded $1.29
Kellogg's cereal assorted 17-25oz $2.18 +c
ground beef 73% lean $1.57/#
Kroger deluxe ice cream 48oz $1.99
green giant frozen veggies $1 +c
grapes $0.97/#
lunchbox apples $0.25

Meijer (www.meijer.com)
------------------------------
coupon in ad -- spend $50, get $5 off next order
& = buy 10 for $10 (mix or match) and get the 11th one free

Meijer allergy/sinus meds $3 off
Softsoap $1 +c*
digital prints next day $0.10
Meijer batteries 12pk AA or AAA; 6pk C or D; 3pk 9v $3
Dannon yogurt $0.50 +c
Dannon danimals or crush cups $2 +c*
Smart Balance buttery spreads $2 +c*
& Minute Maid lemonade, limeade or punch 64oz $1
& Meijer sour cream $1
Meijer spaghetti noodles 2# $1.50
Ragu $1.25 +c*
Kellogg's cereal $2 +c*
Meijer pretzels $1
Meijer chicken breasts family pack $2/#
Meijer boneless chicken breast tenders 64oz frozen IQF $8
Green Giant frozen veggies $1 +c*
Meijer bacon $2
Meijer ground chuck 3# chub $5
Jimmy Dean sausage roll $2.50 +c
& Aunt Millie's breads or buns assorted $1 +c
& leaf spinach $1
cantaloupe $1.33
grapes $1/#
carrots 3# $1.50
Green peppers $1/#
& broccoli $1
& organic baby carrots $1

Bigg's (www.biggs.com)
--------------------------
Quaker granola bars $1.88 +c
Cap'n crunch; life cereal $1.88 +c
kiwi fruit $0.10
rubbing alcohol or peroxide $0.99
fuji apples $0.69/# (sold in a 5# bag)

Jungle Jim's (www.junglejims.com)
-----------------------------------------
bananas $0.19/# lim 6#
Angel soft tp 12ct dbl roll $4.99 +c lim 2 per family w/$10 purchase
Trauth chocolate milk 1/2 gallon $1
rump roast $1.99/#
tomatos $0.79/#
green peppers $0.99/#
General Mills cereals (small boxes 8-14oz) $1.59 +c* lim 4 per family w/$10 puchase
UDF Olde Style Ice cream 56oz $2.50
milk $1.99 lim 6
Rosetto frozen pasta $2.50 +c
Birdseye veggies 12oz $1
ReddiWhip 7oz $1.25
Hunt's tomato ketchup 24oz $0.89
Kraft mac 'n cheese $0.50
Spring water bottles 24pk $2.99
Empress pineapple 20oz $0.89
Domino sugar 5# $2.19 +c*
Smucker's grape jelly 32oz $1.29

Monroe IGA (on Cin-Day just north of Summerlin)
-----------------------------------------------------------
chicken leg quarters $0.39/# sold in a 10# bag
bananas $0.38/#
head lettuce $0.69
banquet meals $0.88
Powerade $1 (coupon in ad for buy 10 get 5 free)
green pepper $1
Pillsbury brownie mix $1.25 +c*
IQF chicken breasts 3# $4.99


Codes:
+c means there was recently a coupon in the paper for this item
+c* means there's a coupon for it and I think it's a good deal ONLY if you use the coupon
M-R monday through thursday sale dates only
B1G1F (buy one get one free)
** super deal -- seriously think about stocking up at this price if this is an item you use
w/c means with in-ad coupon
lim tells you what the limit is

Disclaimer: This list is generated by a human.  I never intend to make a typo, but sometimes they happen.  See the store and/or the ad for clarification if you're unsure about a product.  This list was generated using ads in the Cincinnati metro area.  Stores outside this market may offer different pricing or promotions.

Sunday, April 5, 2009

Menu Plan Week of April 4, 2009



This week is a little bit different... We're on Spring Break. We're eating out of a cooler and crockpot for most of this week.

Here is our plan for the week:

Sunday: Crockpot Black Bean Salsa Chicken

Monday: Sloppy Joes (premade and reheated) with Frito Scoops

Tuesday: Enchilada Casserole

Wednesday: Pineapple Salsa Chicken (Serving with Minute Rice made in the microwave)

Thursday: Eating out at Outback Steakhouse (DH's bday)

Friday: Pizza from Kinnickinnick's crust -- at my sister's house!

Saturday: Driving home - haven't planned this one yet... it might be Wendy's (Chili and Baked Potato), or I might have some inspiration before then...

Sunday: Easter... I really should think of something good... ideas?

So, what are you eating this week?

Wednesday, April 1, 2009

April - Today While the Sun Shines... ...we'll learn to cook using food storage basics

Here are the details for this month's theme:

1. Plan to cook with food storage items.
2. Modify “easy” foods such as soups.
3. Search out new recipes and try them.
4. Don’t tell your family they are eating food storage.
5. Just do it.

More information available at:
http://www.BePreparedCincinnati.com (Cinci North Food Storage)
http://www.byub.org/livingessentials/episodes/files/133Additional
Resources.pdf

http://providentliving.org/pfw/multimedia/files/pfw/pdf/104587_0
6600_000_RecipesBrchr_pdf.pdf

http://dianagrayministries.net/recipes/index.html
http://www.bevscountrycottage.com/food-storage.html
http://www.getpreparedworld.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderfil
es/allrecipes1.pdf


*You can also check back each Monday for my Menu Plan Monday. I try to use food storage items each week, mostly because I do a monthly menu plan and I don't shop at the store for dinner items each week.