Thursday, September 7, 2023

Research Expired COVID Tests Before You Toss Them

 











I ordered every free COVID test I could when the government was
offering them. I used a few tests, but I have a lot left. The FDA has
extended some of the expiration dates, so don't get rid of your ex-
pired tests until you look at the FDA's website to see if your tests 
are still good.

I have a box that says the test expired in 2022, but on the inside the
test liquid says it expires in 2024! So, open up the box and read the
actual product to see if it's still usable.

If you're sick, even if it feels like a cold, go ahead and test yourself.
You need to know if it's COVID in case you begin to feel worse, and
you need to stay away from others, so you won't make them ill too.

Monday, April 3, 2023

Tag and Box Obsession Poem

 












Tag and Box Obsession Poem

I can't help it...I have an obsession with tags
I also keep boxes and fabric bags
Plastic containers and bubble wrap
And the thing shower curtains come in with the plastic snap
And every ribbon wrapped around anything
I could use this again...I could make a sling!
I read every box, and even the fine print
Did you know they put chemicals in this mint?
This clear zip-up pouch is really neat
I can use it again...it will be a treat
Deodorant containers are interesting to read
And food labels tell you how many they'll feed
You probably think my fascination is strange
But it's something I don't expect I'll ever change.

Thursday, October 27, 2022

Why is Xanthan Gum in A Lot of Food?

 










Over the past two years, I've noticed xanthan gum is in a lot of food
products. I've seen it in salad dressing, potato salad, barbeque sauce,
and even Manwich Sloppy Joe Sauce. 

According to webmd.com, xanthan gum is made by fermenting
simple sugars. It's also used for conditions such as diabetes, consti-
pation, and dry eye. In manufacturing, xanthan gum is used as a 
thickening agent and stabilizing agent in foods. Webmd.com also
mentions that xanthan gum can cause intestinal gas and bloating.

So, if you've been feeling extra bloated and gassy lately, it's a good
idea to read your food labels to find out if xanthan gum is listed in
the ingredients. 

Thursday, October 20, 2022

Human Food and Dog Food Together in the Freezer










On a recent visit to the grocery store, I was confused and surprised to 
see Michelina's TACO BITES beside Bil-Jac FROZEN DOG FOOD. 
This world keeps on getting stranger and stranger... 

If I had a dog, I wouldn't want my dog's food taking up my valuable 
freezer space. Do pet parents who buy frozen dog food have a separate
freezer for their precious dog? I went to Bil-Jac's website to find out
more about this dog food. The descriptions are kind of amusing: They
say it's "gently cooked", "delicious", and "easy to chew soft bites".

Maybe the Michelina's TACO BITES are beside the dog food, because
they're also gently cooked, delicious, and easy to chew soft bites.

Monday, August 15, 2022

Are You Eating Acrylamide?










If it wasn't for a coworker of mine giving me Better Made Potato
Sticks, I don't know when I would've learned about acrylamide. After 
reading the WARNING on the back of the package, I almost didn't
want to eat the potato sticks. But when I looked up acrylamide, I read
that it's in a lot of food that I eat every day. 

According to fda.gov, acrylamide is a substance that forms through a 
natural chemical reaction between sugars and asparagine, an amino
acid, in plant-based foods, including potato and cereal-grain-foods. I
remember learning about the four food groups in school, but then 
schools starting teaching kids about the food pyramid. On en.wikipe-
dia.org, notice how bread, cereal, rice and pasta were recommended as 
the largest food group you should consume. It's no wonder that people 
have become unhealthier. Their website also says that on June 2, 2011,
MyPlate replaced the food pyramid. Here's another page from fda.gov
where you can see their Survey Data on Acrylamide in Food.