Controlling and Preventing Disease
-
C 1323-03
Glycemic Index and Glycemic Load
Glycemic index you how carbohydrate foods raise blood glucose compared to either glucose alone or white bread. Research is mixed on whether or not choosing foods based on glycemic index helps control your blood sugar over time. Speak with your healthcare provider to determine if and how you should use glycemic index to manage your blood glucose.
Elizabeth Kindamo and Alison Berg
|
-
C 1323-04
Understanding the Nutrition Facts Label
The U.S. FDA regulates the Nutrition Facts label on most packaged foods and beverages. This label is a tool that can help you make informed decisions and healthier food choices. Nutrient content claims may describe the amount of a nutrient in a food product or compare it to that of another food product.
Elizabeth Kindamo and Alison Berg
|
-
C 1323-05
Portion Control
Choosing foods in the right portions for your health and energy needs is an important part of any healthy eating plan. The American Diabetes Association recommends people with diabetes choose nutrient-dense foods in appropriate portion sizes to help meet your blood glucose, blood pressure, cholesterol, and triglyceride goals; prevent or delay diabetes complications; and achieve and maintain the body weight that is right for you.
Terri Black, Elizabeth Kindamo, and Alison Berg
|
-
Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of more than 9,000 manmade chemicals that have been in use worldwide since 1940, primarily in industry and numerous commercial and consumer products. The widespread use of PFAS for the past several decades has raised concerns due to their persistence, bioaccumulative nature, and potential adverse health effects. This publication provides information about the background, uses, and environmental and human health consequences of PFAS chemicals, as well as the EPA’s primary drinking water regulation standards and water treatment systems for removal/reduction of these chemicals from drinking water. Testing options and PFAS monitoring efforts by the Georgia EPD are included along with references for further reading.
Gary Hawkins, Pamela Turner, and Uttam Saha
|
-
Pregnancy is a time of change, and moms-to-be have a lot to think about, for themselves and for their babies. Food safety and preventing foodborne illness (sickness caused by contaminated foods) is very important during this time. There are four easy steps that pregnant women and their families can take to protect themselves and their babies and prevent foodborne illness.
Sarah Henes
|
-
Making homemade infused cooking oils comes with food safety risks, particularly for those infused with garlic and herbs. Infused oils can enhance flavor and food presentation, but the combination of oil, garlic, and herbs creates an anaerobic (low-oxygen) environment, which is ideal for the growth of the bacteria that causes botulism, which can produce a deadly neurotoxin. The publication provides essential safety tips, such as sterilizing containers and thoroughly washing and drying ingredients, to prevent contamination and ensure safe oil infusion. By following these guidelines, home food preservers can create flavorful infused oils without compromising safety.
Carla Schwan
|
-
This section of the Home & Garden Edition covers pests of public health concern such as mosquitoes, bed bugs, gnats, fleas and ticks, house flies, lice, and more. Beginning in 2022, the Home & Garden Edition has been updated biennially. When purchasing a product based on a first-year recommendation of the Handbook, check the current product label before purchase to be sure it is still labeled for the use for which you are buying it. For pesticide products you have on hand from earlier purchases, you are allowed to use them until they are depleted without penalty under the law. Always follow label instructions before use. Contact the product’s manufacturer for the most up-to-date label.
Elmer Gray and Allison Johnson
|
-
C 1301
Building Radon Safe
How Radon-Resistant New Construction can Make Homes Safer and Save Money. Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that forms when uranium breaks down in soil, rock, and water. This naturally occurring radioactive gas is the leading cause of lung cancer in nonsmokers and the second leading cause of lung cancer overall. The Benefits of Building a Radon Resistant Home are that it reduces a family’s risk of lung cancer; it’s easier and less costly to include features during construction; features are incorporated into the home design and improve aesthetics compared to installing a radon mitigation system after construction; it will improve the indoor air quality and reduce moisture levels; a passive system is easy to activate if needed; it may add to the resale value of your home.
Pamela Turner, Uttam Saha, and Derek Cooper
|
-
Radon may be found in one out of every 15 homes and is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States. This gas can enter your home through cracks and holes in the foundation, or even underground well water. This publication provides information on radon-induced lung cancer and ways to reduce elevated radon inside your home. For more information on radon, visit ugaradon.edu.
Pamela Turner, Uttam Saha, and Derek Cooper
|