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October March2015 2016 Lead and Healthy Diets There has been quite a bit in the news lately about lead in the water in Flint. Lead is a heavy metal that is found throughout our world. It is in the soil and air and often times found in older homes where lead based paints were used. Ingesting lead can have detrimental effects on all organs and systems of the human body. The dangers are greater from the ingestion of lead for young children, but elderly and those with impaired immune systems are also at risk for the harmful effects of lead. Diets that contain calcium, iron and vitamin C can help protect the human body from the ill effects of lead. Calcium rich foods include dairy and green leafy vegetables. We all need to consume calcium rich foods throughout our lifetimes. Milk, cheese and yogurt are all excellent sources of calcium which also help to keep our bones and teeth strong. Calcium also plays an import role in many bodily functions including muscle contraction. This includes the big muscle in our chest, the heart. Green leafy vegetables are a good source of calcium such as spinach, kale and Swiss chard. Vitamin C has many different functions in the human body. One very important one is the form collagen. Collagen is important in bone formation, and acts as cement to hold cells together. This is especially important in our vascular system as our veins and arteries must contract and expand with each beat of the heart without breaking apart. This is why one of the signs of vitamin C deficiency is bruising easily as the tiny capillaries under the skin break when there is not sufficient vitamin C to produce adequate collagen. Gums may bleed and healing of wounds may also be impaired when there is not an adequate consumption of vitamin C. Vitamin C is also important in other bodily functions like producing adrenal and thyroid hormones and depositing calcium into the bones and teeth. Good dietary sources of vitamin C include citrus fruits such as oranges and grapefruits, strawberries, kiwi, tomatoes and peppers. Foods rich in iron include red meats, organ meats like liver, oysters, iron enriched cereals and some dried fruits such as prunes. Iron is very important in the human body and because of this, the body “recycles” iron to reuse in producing new red blood cells. Small amounts of iron are lost however, through shedding of skin, urine and sweat. When blood is lost through wounds, menstruation or the donation of blood, iron must be replaced to be able to produce red blood cells which are necessary to move oxygen throughout the body. The Environment Protection Agency (EPA) has a pamphlet that explains the dangers of lead exposure and how to protect yourself from these dangers. This pamphlet can be accessed on line at http:// www2.epa.gov/lead/protect-your-family-lead-yourhome. What is Zika virus? Simple Salmon Burgers 1 14 ½ ounce can of pink or red salmon (or leftover cooked salmon) 2 Tablespoons lemon juice 1 Tablespoon Dijon mustard 1 cup dry whole grain breadcrumbs ¼ cup chopped yellow onions 2 eggs 1 Tablespoon canola oil Mosquitos can be worse than just an annoyance. They carry diseases-West Nile, Dengue Fever and now Zika virus. The Zika virus is transmitted through the bite of a mosquito. Most people with the virus actually show no symptoms while some may have a rash, muscle pain and a mild fever. Other possible symptoms include headache, red eyes and a feeling of general illness. In more severe cases, the Zika virus can bring on a neurologic disorder, Guillian-Barre syndrome which can have long lasting effects. Drain and flake the salmon if using canned salmon. In a small bowl, combine the lemon juice and Dijon mustard. In a separate bowl, mix the salmon and bread crumbs. Add the onion and combine, then add the lemon juice mustard mixture. Add the eggs and mix well. Form into 4 patties and let set for about ten minutes to soften the bread crumbs. Heat the oil over medium high heat in a large skillet. Sauté the patties until golden brown on each side. Serve immediately. Makes 4 servings. Zika is very dangerous for pregnant women or women looking to conceive. It can cause a potentially deadly condition called microcephaly, where the brain of a newborn infant is abnormally small. Nutritional Value per serving: Calories 200 Fat 9 grams Sodium 620 milligrams (this is with canned salmon, it will be less for fresh cooked salmon) The Zika virus is carried by a species of mosquito known as Aedes. This mosquito is not native to Michigan. It was originally identified in the Zika Valley of Africa in 1947. Outbreaks have recently been reported in southeastern and southern Asia, South America, and the Pacific Islands. Since May of 2015, over 650 cases have been reported in Brazil alone. Once a person is infected, the disease may be spread through sexual contact or blood contact, including transfusions. The virus appears to live for a long period in the human body. If you are traveling to areas where there have been outbreaks of Zika virus, take precautions. Use insect repellents containing DEET or picaridin. Wear long pants and sleeves and stay indoors or in screened in areas whenever possible. Carbohydrate 8 grams Fiber 2 grams Protein 24 grams Food Safety or Nutrition questions?? Call the Oakland County Food Safety and Nutrition Hotline at 248-858-0904 MSU is an affirmative-action, equal-opportunity employer. Michigan State University Extension programs and materials are open to all without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, family status or veteran status. Senior Health Line written and edited by: Robin Danto, Michigan State University Extension—Oakland County, 248/858-0904 E-mail—[email protected] Web address—www.oakgov.com/msu