CNJ+ July 2023

When to Ditch Water Bottle FIND ECO-FRIENDLY, HEALTHY ALTERNATIVES TO BOTTLED WATER

Can eating Cake Cause Hives? By Brianna Siciliano L ike all other foods, cake is made up of many ingredients. Depending on what was put in the dessert and what was spread on top of the dessert, a slice of cake can be harmful to a child’s immune system. Hives are pinkish reddish bumps that can appear anywhere on a person’s body. They vary in size and shape (they can be as small as a mosquito bite or as large as a shoe), and unfortunately, hives can cluster together into one large irritation on the body or change locations to a different part of the body. Sometimes hives burn, sometimes hives itch, and sometimes there is no burning or itching sensation at all. Hives can be caused by exposure to something cold (like jumping into the ocean or a pool), sun exposure, stress, virus infections, exercise, or the most common reason: allergic reactions. There are eight common foods that cause about 90% of allergy reactions: eggs, peanuts, milk, tree nuts, soy, wheat, fish, and shellfish. Almost every food can trigger allergies, and sometimes a person can have a certain food hundreds––even thousands––of times in their lifetime before a reaction from the allergy occurs. If your daughter has enjoyed the chocolate cake multiple times, do not assume that it is impossible for her to be allergic to an ingredient in the cake.

S taying hydrated is incredibly important. Most Americans are aware of the problems caused by dehydration, and as a result over the years we have developed a new love: bottled water. It’s clean, safe and relatively inexpensive — and according to some it tastes better than tap water.

But, unfortunately, there is nothing green or sustainable about bottled water. Americans drink more than 30 billion bottles of water each year. That is a pretty hairy figure.

Even scarier is the fact that all of those bottles create around 1.5 billion tons of waste each year.

15 So, become educated and do your part in helping keep our water safe for us and the rest of the planet. By making these changes you can help become part of the sustainable solution to our waste production problem. Can eating Cake Cause Hives? By Brianna Siciliano VitaMins & pregnanCy M aintaining maximum health during pregnancy is crucial to both mom and baby, and your diet can make this happen. Pregnant women should have a diet that consists of a variety foods including proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals Publishing Enterprises, Inc. GUNTHER www.TheMonmouthFamilyTimes.com What is green about that? And there is no evidence that bottled water is safer or healthier than tap water, especially when it is combined with a water filtration system. So, if you want to live a sustainable lifestyle, what are your options? 1. Buy larger containers of bottled water. If you absolutely must drink bottled water, use five-gallon jugs or larger. That way, you’re still reducing the amount of plastic waste you create. 2. Use a reusable water bottle. Reusable bottles are made from a variety of materials, including stainless steel and BPA-free plastic. They are also available in many colors and styles. Attach a water filter to your sink if you’re worried about the water quality. 3. Become more educated. What we’re doing to our water sources is just as frightening as the amount of waste we create. Pollution is causing many of our water sources — and those that supply water to bottling companies — to become contaminated with bacteria, pollutants and even pharmaceutical residue. Although hives can go away over time without medical attention, it is in your child’s best interest to get the hives checked out by a doctor immediately. Hives can be a sign of a serious allergy, which could lead to a much more serious issue, like having trouble breathing. n

GUNTHERPUBLICATIONS.COM VitaMins & pregnanCy M aintaining maximum health during pregnancy is crucial to both mom and baby, and your diet can make this happen. Pregnant women should have a diet that consists of a variety foods including proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals L ike all other foods, cake is made up of many ingredients. Depending on what was put in the dessert and what was spread on top of the dessert, a slice of cake can be harmful to a child’s immune system. Hives are pinkish reddish bumps that can appear anywhere on a person’s body. They vary in size and shape (they can be as small as a mosquito bite or as large as a shoe), and unfortunately, hives can cluster together into one large irritation on the body or change locations to a different part of the body. Sometimes hives burn, sometimes hives itch, and sometimes there is no burning or itching sensation at all. Hives can be caused by exposure to something cold (like jumping into the ocean or a pool), sun exposure, stress, virus infections, exercise, or the most common reason: allergic reactions. There are eight common foods that cause about 90% of allergy reactions: eggs, peanuts, milk, tree nuts, soy, wheat, fish, and shellfish. Almost every food can trigger allergies, and sometimes a person can have a certain food hundreds––even thousands––of times in their lifetime before a reaction from the allergy occurs. If your daughter has enjoyed the chocolate cake multiple times, do not assume that it is impossible for her to be allergic to an ingredient in the cake. Although hives can go away over time without medical attention, it is in your child’s best interest to get the hives checked out by a doctor immediately. Hives can be a sign of a serious allergy, which could lead to a much more serious issue, like having trouble breathing. n

122 Prof Vitamin C An antioxidant that protects tissues from damage and helps the body absorb iron, Vitamin C is found in citrus fruits, bell peppers, green beans, strawberries and tomatoes. B1 Whole grain, fortified cereals, eggs, rice, pasta and pork all provide a healthy dose of B1, which raises energy levels and regulates the nervous system. Folic Acid Crucial to supporting and fats, according to the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). This mix can ensure you take in the right nutrients and vitamins for pregnancy health and your baby’s development. A balanced diet is the best way to receive nutrients, but vitamin supplements also can be beneficial when used as part of a healthy diet. If you are considering adding vitamins to your daily intake, consult your health-care provider first. Here is a brief rundown of different vitamins that are crucial to ensuring a healthy pregnancy, from the ACOG: Vitamin D This vitamin helps bones and teeth grow and can be found in liver, milk, eggs, carrots, spinach, broccoli, potatoes and yellow fruits. Vitamin E Present in vegetable oil, wheat germ, nuts and fortified spinach, Vitamin E boosts the body’s ability to form and use red blood cells and muscles.

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the placenta and preventing neural tube defects, you can find folic acid in oranges, orange juice, strawberries, green leafy vegetables, beets, peas, pasta and nuts. Iron Iron helps in the production of hemoglobin and prevents low birth weight. It is contained within beef, pork, dried beans, spinach, oatmeal and grains fortified with iron. n

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