Light eating for families: Experts suggest seafood

(ARA) – Health experts recommend young families, especially expecting moms, should aim to eat a variety of nutrient-rich foods — those that are bursting with vitamins and minerals in every bite. A serving of seafood, for instance, packs nutrients like protein and omega-3s into only about 100 calories.  For this reason, eating fish and shellfish two to three times a week is linked to healthy hearts among adults and a brain boost in babies.

Warm weather is the perfect time to learn light, delicious ways to make fish your family’s new favorite.

Healthy eating made simple with seafood

Instead of deli meat sandwiches, try a tuna, crab or salmon salad with one of these creative mix-in combinations to help get to your weekly recommended servings of seafood:
* Plain yogurt, slivered almonds, diced apples and dried cranberries.
* Olive oil, capers, diced red onion and basil.
* Cottage cheese, diced celery and a splash of lemon juice.

Place on a whole wheat roll or eat as a dip with crackers for a simple and nutritious picnic lunch.

As an alternative to traditional summer barbecue items like hot dogs and brats, which are higher in calories and fat, fire up the barbecue for one of these fish dishes:

* Kebabs with shrimp, scallops, peppers and pineapple.
* Fillets of salmon or cod grilled on a wood plank.
* Grilled pizza with mozzarella, tomatoes and canned tuna (full recipe below).

Seafood matters most for moms-to-be

Fish and seafood is packed with nutrients that are especially important for the health of pregnant women and growing babies, yet 80 percent of women don’t eat the recommended amount. During your pregnancy, official guidelines from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration say:

* Eat seafood two to three times each week.
* Eat a variety of fish.
* As much as half (6 ounces) of fish each week can be albacore tuna.
* The only fish to avoid completely are shark, swordfish, king mackerel and tilefish.

“Seafood contains a package of powerhouse nutrients needed for a healthy pregnancy – omega-3s, calcium, vitamin D and iron,” says Dr. Ashley Roman, an obstetrician and mother of two. “Most expecting moms don’t get enough nutrient-rich fish in their diet and are missing out on a brain development boost for their babies.”

More expert information and recipes

A new guide created with registered dietitians and doctors is now available to help expecting and new moms eat plenty of fish. “A Seafood Lover’s Guide to Eating During Pregnancy,” explains why eating seafood is important, how much to eat, and how to eat it with delicious and nutritious recipes and snack ideas. Download a free copy of “A Seafood Lover’s Guide to Eating During Pregnancy” at www.healthytuna.com.

Grilled Tuna Italiano Pizza

During the hot summer months, skip the oven and go for the grill. This easy and delicious pizza is a great way to enjoy a variety of nutritious foods with your whole family without heating up the whole house.

Serves two.

Ingredients
1 (6-ounce) pre-baked individual whole-wheat pizza crust
1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/3 cup diced roma tomatoes
1 teaspoon minced shallots
1/2 teaspoon red wine vinegar
2 teaspoons fresh-chopped basil
1/4 teaspoon fresh-crushed garlic
1 (5-ounce) can tonno tuna in olive oil

Directions
1. Preheat grill to 350 F.
2. Place pizza crust on pizza pan or directly on grill rack.
3. Sprinkle cheese over crust; grill with lid closed until cheese is melted (about seven minutes).
4. Meanwhile, in bowl, combine tomatoes, shallots, red wine vinegar and garlic; set aside.
5. Flake tonno tuna evenly over pizza.
6. Spoon tomato mixture over tuna; sprinkle basil over pizza.
7. Grill five minutes longer. Serve immediately.

Source: ChickenoftheSea.com

Courtesy of ARAcontent

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Tips for a healthier you at middle age

(ARA) – With the popularity of movies like Sex and the City and the revival of the 50-year-old fashionista, the 42.9 million baby boomer women in America are approaching aging with confidence and style. While talking about many sensitive topics is no longer off-limits to this vocal group, there still remain several embarrassing health topics that many women will not even discuss with their doctors, let alone with their girlfriends. As a result, they suffer through these manageable health issues in silence rather than finding the solutions they need.

It is important for women to be direct with their doctors when talking about all health issues, even those that may embarrass them. Anne Abernathy, a six-time Olympic luger who now serves as an advocate for women’s health, shares tips for being tenacious when it comes to your health:

Talk to your doctor: You may be embarrassed by a change in your body, but when you talk about it with a friend, family member or doctor, you can find helpful ways to deal with it. You may even be able to provide helpful advice to others experiencing the same thing. Facing your health condition head-on and learning how to manage it will help you to move on and live your best life.

Educate yourself: Learn about the kinds of changes you can expect as you age and take some preventative measures to help you avoid or lessen the symptoms of some of them. There are a lot of great sources online where you can learn from experts, as well as others who have first-hand knowledge of the issues. Information is the best tool you can have as your own health advocate.

Navigate your options and solutions: There are a lot of options available to help you manage and prevent certain conditions and ailments. For instance, vitamins to help prevent bone loss or discreet thin pads or underwear for women who have bladder control issues. Talk with your doctor to find out what supplements or products might be right for you.

Achieve a healthy life:  In the end, you just want to get on with living your life and achieving your goals. No health issue should keep you from doing that. When you follow these tips and learn how to manage your condition, you will find yourself with more options, less limitations and more confidence to do what you love most.

Many of these health problems are extremely common, like bladder-control issues, which affect more than 25 percent of women older than 40.  According to a survey conducted by Harris Interactive and SCA, makers of TENA, the number one brand of bladder protection products worldwide, nearly 40 percent of women with bladder-control issues have never discussed the condition with anyone. As a result, nearly a third of all women who experience leaks do not know how to deal with the problem.

“Throughout my life, I have not been afraid to tackle the many obstacles that have stood in my way,” says Anne Abernathy. “Having  experienced embarrassing health conditions such as bladder-control issues first hand, I know that for many women, the thought of admitting to the condition can be more stressful than racing down a luge track at 90 mph. That’s why I teamed with TENA and Healthy Women to launch the ‘Be TENAcious’ program to help women start the conversation, beginning online at www.betenacious.net. Many women experience the same issues in their lifetime, but we cannot benefit from each other’s experiences if no one is talking about them.”

Registered nurse Beth Battaglino Cahill, executive director of HealthyWomen  agrees. “As a nurse, I often have to coax information out of patients about health issues they find embarrassing. When women are candid about their health, they often find the problem they have is very common and managing the issue becomes a lot easier.”

Courtesy of ARAcontent

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Avoid ‘lost’ signs by tagging your cat

(ARA) – You’ve seen the posters decorating mailboxes, telephone poles and trees in your neighborhood. The picture of a cat – usually curled up in the sun or giving a curious look to the camera – with “LOST” in bold, capital letters and a contact number underneath. Sadly, less than 5 percent of lost cats make it home.

Many of these lost cats end up in animal shelters, some are adopted by new families and others unfortunately, aren’t so lucky. An estimated 70 percent of all animals euthanized each year are cats who enter shelters without identification tags, according to the North Shore Animal League America (NSALA), the world’s largest no-kill animal rescue and adoption organization. Many shelters are full, and can only hold cats for a few days or less, giving grieving owners limited time to locate their lost pet.

Cat owner and author of “Oh My Dog,” Beth Ostrosky Stern is passionate about saving the lives of animals and providing them to loving families. “Through my work with North Shore Animal League America, I have seen firsthand how many cats enter the shelters. I’m a firm supporter of cat tagging to help ensure a safe return home. I would be completely devastated if my cat, Apple, were lost. Having her wear an identification tag is a simple step, but gives me peace of mind that if she were to be lost she can be identified and returned home.”

Whether your cat stays inside or roams the outdoors, tagging is the best way to keep him safe. Even indoor cats may sometimes slip through an open door or window for some fresh air so it’s important to remember they need identification tags as well. Special cat collars are available also, so that your cat won’t get caught on any objects when he’s playing inside the home or exploring the great outdoors.

Many cat owners may not know how simple it is to get a tag for their cat. The maker of ARM & HAMMER Super Scoop and Multi-Cat litter products is even offering cat owners the opportunity to receive customized identification tags via mail with the purchase of two ARM & HAMMER cat litters. Visit www.pettagoffer.com for more information.

Tagging cats is just one safety tip. Other tips from NSALA to keep cats healthy, especially during the summer months include:

* Never leave a cat in a car – cats can quickly overheat and die from heatstroke.

* Keep cats inside during a thunderstorm – cats are easily frightened by loud noises and are more at risk of being struck by lightning.

* Check cats daily for fleas and ticks, and talk with a veterinarian about prevention products to keep cats safe.

* Change litter regularly to maintain a fresh and healthy litter box for cats.

* Watch for signs of heat stress, including glazed eyes, a rapid heartbeat, excessive thirst, restlessness, lack of coordination, unconsciousness, deep red or purple tongue and vomiting.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Eye care advice for aging eyes

(ARA) – Growing older and getting reading glasses seem to go hand in hand, just like getting gray hair or wrinkles as you age. But that doesn’t have to be the case if you take steps to care for your eyes as you age.

Presbyopia, a natural effect of aging, happens to just about everyone around the age of 40, even if you have had laser eye surgery. As you age, the lens in each of your eyes begins to lose its ability to change focus quickly on an object or page of text, causing blurred vision at reading distance.  Chances are that you know several people who have this condition, and you may develop it yourself, now or in the future.  

Some simple, yet often overlooked steps can help you take care of your eyesight as you age:

* During prolonged intervals in front of a TV, computer or other electronic device, try blinking more often than you might normally.  Every so often, look away from the device and focus on a distant object.

* Be sure to have adequate light while reading; a simple lamp may not do the trick, causing you to strain your eyes.

* Maintain a healthy diet. Contrary to popular belief, carrots are not the best vegetable for your eyes: spinach and other dark, leafy greens contain high amounts of lutein and zeaxanthin, beneficial antioxidants for vision.

* Visit your eye care professional regularly.

Beyond a healthy lifestyle, there are solutions to common age-related vision problems. With presbyopia, bifocals or reading glasses (for contact lens wearers) are a common solution.  However, reading glasses can be cumbersome and easily misplaced, and bifocals require you to use a magnification lens intended for reading anytime you look down, which can make mundane tasks as simple as walking down stairs unnecessarily difficult.

Bausch + Lomb’s Multi-Focal contact lenses are designed with All-Distance Optics, a technology that delivers sharp, clear vision wherever you choose to focus.  By using a gradual power shift across the entire lens, your eyes effortlessly adjust from up-close reading to mid-range computer work to distance vision while driving.  There’s no need to reach for glasses to accommodate a quick change in distance.

Multi-Focal contact lenses mean you don’t have to sacrifice convenience for clear, crisp vision.  Ask your eye care professional about how Multi-Focal contact lenses can help you say goodbye to your readers today, or log on to www.goodbyereaders.com to learn more.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Make your home your summer getaway

(ARA) – Summer is a time to take long weekends, enjoy the pleasant weather and make new memories with family and friends. It’s also a time to take a moment for yourself and find ways to savor that relaxing vacation feeling.

With just a few quick and affordable changes to your decor, you can transform your home into a calming and restful place to spend the summer:

* Roll up the rugs and clean and store them for the summer
* Put light-colored canvas slipcovers on dark upholstered furniture
* Change throw pillows to summery patterns/colors
* Put away knick-knacks for a lighter, more minimalist feeling
* Place Scentsy wickless candles in living areas to add a fresh, summer scent without the heat and open flame of traditional candles

“Summer scents allow us to draw upon wonderful memories and emotions, like the first time you dipped your toes in the ocean and felt the sand, or the smell of wonderful summer desserts like peach cobbler being served at a picnic,” says Heidi Thompson, co-owner of Scentsy. “Your home should be your retreat, and with different summer scents, every day can feel like a summer vacation.”

Some scents that evoke a summer feel according to Thompson are:

* A light floral fragrance is great way to keep your home smelling fresh and clean every day.
* A citrusy scent that features hints of oranges, lemons, limes and grapefruit helps bring a tropical feel to any living room, even in the most humid environments.
* The scent of a fruity tart treat fills your home with fragrance without the added calories or need to turn on the hot oven.

To fill your home with these summer scents, all you have to do is select one of Scentsy’s decorative ceramic warmers, place some of the specially formulated scented wax into the dish, plug it in and turn it on. A low watt light bulb melts the wax at low temperatures to release the candle fragrance into the air.

In just a few minutes and for just a few dollars, you can create a summer retreat at home. Now sit back, relax and let your worries disappear as you enjoy a tall, cool drink and an exciting new novel.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Understanding your credit opens the door to home-buying success

(ARA) – With many signs pointing to the beginnings of a recovery in the housing market, potential home buyers can still find plenty of selection, low prices and low interest rates. If you’re thinking of buying a home, now might be the right time, but before you contact a real estate agent or apply for a mortgage, your top priority should be checking your credit report to see if your credit is in good shape.

Credit – specifically misuse and misunderstanding of credit – spurred the housing crisis, many experts agree. The consequences have included tighter standards from lenders and the need for borrowers to better understand how to use credit wisely.

Interest rates remain low and those with good credit will be better positioned to take advantage of the opportunities currently available in this unique housing market. A good credit report and score can open doors for you in the real estate world, and empower you to secure the best loan and terms possible before you ever tour a single house. Being preapproved for an affordable mortgage can help you move quickly to secure a deal when you find the home of your dreams.

If you’ve already assessed your finances to determine how much mortgage you can afford, you’re ready for the next step – making sure your credit is in top shape to help you get the best possible loan.

Understanding your score and what it means

Lenders consider your credit score and your current credit report when deciding whether or not you’re a good credit risk. Your credit score is a number generated by using statistical models that factor in elements from your credit report. The number can change when information on your credit report changes and it’s calculated at the time a lender requests a copy of your credit report. Different lenders may use different scoring methods, so your score may vary from lender to lender.

Because credit scores are objective and are based on the information in your credit report, they are fairer than the old opinion-based ways of determining a person’s risk level. Your score is a prediction of your likelihood to repay debt responsibly, based on your past credit history and current credit status.

Before you begin contacting potential lenders, check out your credit report, which can be accessed online at Web sites like FreeCreditReport.com.

Know what’s on your credit report

Your credit report is the other major piece of information a lender will consider when deciding whether or not to give you a mortgage loan. Your credit report is basically a summary of your financial behavior, including how you’ve used credit in the past and how well you manage repaying debt. The information on your report comes from creditors, public records and other reliable sources, which report it to the credit bureaus through automated processes.

Credit reports generally include personal data such as variations on your name, your driver’s license number, Social Security number, birth date, current and past employers, and current and past addresses. You’ll also find a listing of your credit accounts, when each account was opened and your payment history for each. If you’ve been involved in court action like bankruptcy or monetary judgments, this information will likely appear on your report as well.

Your report will also show past requests for your credit reports (inquiries) that might come from lenders, insurers, employers or stores. Too many inquiries on your report might make potential lenders think you are trying to overspend, so think carefully before applying for new credit; inquiries stay on your report for two years.

Because your credit report changes every time you use credit, it pays to enroll in a credit monitoring product. Web sites like FreeCreditReport.com make it easy to track both your score over time and monitor your credit report, ensuring you know what’s on your report before a potential lender looks at it.

Buying a home is likely the largest investment you’ll ever make – one that will impact your credit for many years to come. Before you jump into the process of applying for a loan to buy a home, it pays to understand credit, review your report and know your score.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Tips to help you save money and the environment

(ARA) – Spring is here, and after the long winter many people are taking the opportunity to do some much-needed maintenance to their homes, lawns and gardens. While you are pulling together your “honey-do” list, consider making some eco-conscious or green changes, which will help you shrink your carbon footprint and save money.

According to the experts, a few easy do-it-yourself projects can make a big difference. “Now more than ever, homeowners can take simple steps to go green while saving some green,” says Lou Manfredini, Ace Hardware’s home expert.

Take an inventory

Most homeowners have no idea how much energy they consume, so the first step is to take an inventory and find out where the energy in your home is going. Power meters, such as the P3 Kill A Watt EZ Power Meter, can be used to give an accurate read-out on the operating cost of your household appliances. Some models even break those costs down by the week, month and year.

“Studies have shown that once families know how much energy they are using, they are more likely to make changes that will bring that amount down,” Manfredini says. “Power meters can help show the importance of making simple changes like turning off the lights when you leave a room or even opting not to turn on the TV.”

Shedding light on your lighting

“The easiest way that people can save on their energy bills is by updating their current lighting with low energy light bulbs,” Manfredini says. “Today, there are two options on the market, CFL bulbs and LED bulbs, and it’s important to know the difference so you can choose the light that’s right for you.

Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs (CFLs) have been on the market for a few years. They use fluorescent light, which is about the same degree of brightness as traditional bulbs, but consume a fraction of the energy while also lasting eight to 15 times longer. Products like the GE Spiral CFL Bulb are Energy Star rated and give off an attractive, soft, white light.

Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) were created to be used in indicator lights in cars and airplanes. Today, LED bulbs are making their way into households across the country, with GE’s Energy Smart LED Flood Light leading the pack. LED bulbs aren’t as advanced as CFL bulbs yet, and their light often isn’t as bright, but they use less energy than CFL bulbs, have a longer life span and don’t contain mercury – leading many experts to claim that LED bulbs are the light bulbs of the future.

Conserve water in your washroom

“If you think about it, it’s no surprise that toilets can be one of the biggest culprits of wasting water,” says Manfredini. There are several different efficient models on the market today, but replacing your toilet can be a costly – and time intensive – project.

Instead of replacing your toilet, simply install the Hydroright Dual Flush Converter. This converter will turn your standard toilet into a dual flush model in minutes without the use of tools. Dual flush toilets allow users to select the amount of water that will be released into the bowl depending on the amount of waste, using on average 70 percent less water than standard models.

Let Mother Nature water your lawn

Now that you’ve taken care of the interior of your home, it’s time to focus on the outside, specifically your lawn and garden. “Good lawn care means making sure your lawn receives around an inch of water a month,” Manfredini says. “In the warmer months, you may want to increase this to two inches to make up for evaporation.”

Instead of turning on the hose, many homeowners are now collecting rainwater and recycling it to keep their grass green. When choosing a rain barrel, select one that holds around 60 gallons of water, has a spigot on the exterior and is easy to install, like Fiskars Salsa Rain Barrel.

For more tips and advice on how to go green and save money, visit www.acehardware.com/helpfulearthchoices or stop by your neighborhood Ace Hardware store.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Make a resolution to cut automotive costs in the new year

(ARA) – An annual tradition, Americans have their minds on resolutions for the New Year. While most hope to loosen their pants, others try to tighten their belt. Whether it is through eating out less, shopping less or traveling less, most try to cut costs in their life, timed to the change in the calendar.

Your vehicle can be a great “vehicle” to save money in 2010. By implementing some simple tips, you can save some serious cash in the New Year by paying attention to your vehicle’s health.

After their homes, most Americans’ second-largest financial investment is their vehicle, so helping it stay in good working order for as long as possible should be a top priority. But, since money is often tight in the given economy, you may be reluctant to spend on services or maintenance that you think can be put off at least for the short term. Such decisions, however, could potentially shorten the life of a vehicle, decrease its fuel efficiency or even put you and your family at risk.

To be prepared for the winter months ahead, here’s a simple checklist of tips you should perform to help keep your vehicle running longer, safer and more cost-effectively:

* Check that tread: The economy has forced many to postpone tire purchases, but with the current winter conditions and unpredictable wet spring weather ahead, now is not the time to have low tread on your tires. The lower the tread depth, the less traction you will have on wet roads, and the greater the distance you will need to stop. Advances in tire technology are helping deliver a new generation of moderately priced tires that offer the all-season traction and long tread wear consumers have come to expect, but with enhanced rolling resistance to help save money on gas. For example, the proprietary tread compound used in Goodyear’s new Assurance Fuel Max tires helps save 2,600 miles worth of gas over the life of a set of tires.

* Watch for inflation: As temperatures change, so can tire pressure. Proper tire inflation is essential for increased automotive safety, optimum driving performance and significant cost savings, including better fuel mileage. Tires should be inflated to the vehicle manufacturer recommendations printed on the vehicle door placard or in the glove box and should be checked monthly. Over-inflation can lead to premature or irregular tire wear and under-inflation reduces a vehicle’s fuel efficiency by an average of 3.3 percent.

* Breathe free: Replacing a dirty air filter can increase a vehicle’s life expectancy and fuel efficiency by reducing the strain on the engine, especially during warmer months. Over the winter months, salt, sand and other impurities may build up in a vehicle’s air filtration system and could be robbing it of as much as 10 percent in fuel efficiency.

* Keep it clean: Consumers’ cars, trucks or SUVs are likely weathering the harsh conditions and corrosive elements associated with winter, including freezing rain, snow, ice, sand and salt. Keeping vehicles clean will help protect them from the chemicals and dirt that may attack the car’s finish and undercarriage. Be sure to use quality cleaners and waxes specifically designed for handling a car’s finish as regular dish soap will actually break down your wax and could harm the underlying paint.

* Keep it flowing: Oil is the lifeblood of the engine, helping to keep it running efficiently and effectively. Not sure what oil to use? Defer to a professional or use the grade of motor oil recommended by the vehicle manufacturer to achieve optimum engine protection and fuel efficiency.

For more helpful car care advice or information on tires for cars, light trucks, SUVs and more, visit your local Goodyear retailer or go online to www.goodyeartires.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Flu bug not the only health concern for students this year

(ARA) –  The H1N1 flu virus may be the newest concern this season, but it’s not the only health threat for children at school worthy of serious attention. Threats like cockroaches, stinging insects and other types of common pests like rodents are very real, affecting classrooms, cafeterias and school grounds across the country. Controlling pests like these is a daily challenge for school systems at all levels, and to do it effectively, they need access to the right tools to fight, prevent and eliminate these persistent problems.

The best way to safeguard schools against the threats and health risks posed by common, everyday pests is to use an integrated pest management (IPM) approach. IPM is defined by the federal government as a sustainable approach to pest management that combines biological, cultural, physical and chemical tools in a way that minimizes economic, health and environmental risks.

Following IPM means using a variety of control methods, not just one. When schools limit the tools available to keep pests at bay, they are limiting the overall effectiveness of pest control programs. Decisions to ban or limit products like pesticides can come at a significant cost to health and safety, as experts agree that the most effective programs are those that include the responsible use of chemical pest control products where necessary.

“There are many different kinds of pests that can show up in a classroom, cafeteria or a schoolyard, and there are usually several options available to deal with these pest problems,” says Allen James, president of Responsible Industry for a Sound Environment, also known as RISE, a national organization representing the manufacturers, formulators and distributors of pesticide and fertilizer products. “The responsible use of pesticides is one of the options needed to keep pests out of the classroom and schoolyards safe, and when applied as part of a broader IPM approach, pesticides are very effective.

“These products are thoroughly tested, regulated and registered through the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency,” James says. “They are specifically designed to target the bugs and poisonous plants that can spread disease and pose serious health threats, and they need to be available to school systems for situations where they’re the best option available.”

Sometimes, pesticides are simply the most practical solution to reduce the risk of injury or illness related to pest infestations, and the control of cockroaches is generally one such case. The presence of cockroaches has been shown to cause significant health problems, especially for young children, and cockroach populations are extremely difficult to manage without the right tools for the job.

In 2005, the National Institute of Environmental Health Science, a federal agency funded through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, published a report identifying cockroach allergens as the primary contributor to childhood asthma in inner-city homes. These allergens – which include roach saliva, fecal matter, secretions, cast skins and dead bodies – were found to foster the development and onset of childhood asthma.

“Cockroaches are a difficult pest to fight without the proper use of pesticides,” James explains. “When there are several people in a relatively small space, any contact with roach allergens and bacteria is going to affect more people. That kind of situation arises frequently in homes and also in schools when you get 20 or more kids in the same room for several hours each day. In that type of environment, any kind of exposure to roaches and other causes is going to get magnified.”

According to data from the American Lung Association, asthma is the leading serious chronic illness among children under the age of 18 in the United States, affecting approximately 6.8 million children nationwide. Reducing exposure to known allergens is the best way to prevent asthma development and asthma attacks, and prevention starts with the elimination of unnecessary allergens in places where children are going to be for hours on end, like schools and classrooms.

While most of the national conversation might be centered on protecting children from the H1N1 flu virus, the new bug in town is not the only one worthy of attention. With the constant risks of asthma and other pest-related health threats, schools need to carefully consider what pest control tactics make the most sense for their specific situation. Having all of the tools available is the first step toward implementing a successful pest control program that provides the best possible protection each day for children at school – both inside and outside of the classroom.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Flip Burgers with Mother Nature — Grill Green This Summer

(ARA) – Each spring, millions of grilling enthusiasts dust off the grill in anticipation of another fun-filled summer of backyard barbecues. But at what cost to the environment? According to Sierra magazine, the estimated 60 million barbecues held on the Fourth of July alone in the U.S. consume enough energy — in the forms of charcoal, lighter fluid, gas and electricity — to power 20,000 households for a year.

If this statistic has your grilling outlook going from sunny to overcast, don’t panic. It’s quite easy to minimize your environmental impact while grilling by taking a few simple steps that won’t diminish your grilling experience. Yes, you too can grill green, and these simple tips will help you get your grill on while keeping Mother Earth on your good side. After all, charcoal has been in use since the days of Henry Ford, but you’re not still driving a Model T, are you?

One of the biggest factors in grilling green is the fuel source used to grill. All grilling fuels use natural resources and emit pollutants into the environment, but some do so at a much greater cost than others. Charcoal grills and lighter fluid contribute more to ground-level ozone, which is produced when nitrogen oxides and volatile organic chemicals combine in hot weather conditions. In addition, charcoal produces more carbon monoxide and particulates than other grilling options.

Though gas grills offer one of the quickest ways to barbecue, the grills can be expensive to purchase, liquid propane gas is a non-renewable fossil fuel and many a barbecue have been put on hold due to empty propane tank syndrome. But charcoal and gas aren’t the only fuel sources to consider when grilling. Recent innovations in the industry have opened the door to a greener grilling experience.

One such innovation is the FlameDisk — a charcoal alternative made from solid ethanol, a renewable biofuel. Food grilled on the FlameDisk tastes just like it was grilled over charcoal, but using this eco-friendly grill fuel emits 99 percent less carbon monoxide and 91 percent fewer VOCs than grilling with charcoal. Plus the by-products created when ethanol is burned include only water and a modest amount of carbon dioxide.

And unlike lighter fluid and propane gas, the FlameDisk is not derived from non-renewable petroleum. Wood is another green grill fuel option, but like charcoal it burns dirty, producing tiny soot particles that pollute the air and can cause health problems. However, unlike charcoal, the ash from wood can be disposed of in your garden, and is a greener option when obtained from a sustainable source like hickory or mesquite.

Your selection of grilling accessories also determines how much impact your grilling experience has on the environment. Not only can using real plates and silverware add some class to your next cookout, you’ll be reducing your waste by steering clear of the paper and plastic. In addition, many highly biodegradable disposable options have recently become available on the market. If you’re wrapping food in aluminum foil, consider using 100 percent recycled aluminum. Cleanup can be both easy and green when you use natural cleaners, many of which you can make safely and affordably in your own kitchen using common ingredients like vinegar, baking soda, lemon juice and water.

While charcoal reigned supreme in the days of Henry Ford, there’s no reason the modern day barbecue can’t save the earth one burger or tofu dog at a time. While no one expects you to cook your next turkey with a solar oven, it’s just good sense to consider grilling green as an eco-friendly barbecue option in the 21st century. While it might not be as green as switching over to a hybrid car, any reduction in your carbon footprint can make a difference over time. So move over charcoal, here comes something greener!

For more information on the FlameDisk and how you can grill green this summer, go to www.FlameDisk.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent