Showing posts with label food. Show all posts
Showing posts with label food. Show all posts

Friday, March 1, 2024

Washington Post: "Ultra-processed foods linked to 32 health problems"

"A review of research involving almost 10 million people has found a direct association between eating too many ultra-processed foods — those breads, cereals, snacks and frozen meals that have been industrially manufactured with flavors and additives to make them more palatable — and more than 30 health conditions, including heart disease, anxiety and early death.

The facts
  • In recent years, dozens of studies have found that people who consume a lot of ultra-processed foods have higher rates of weight gain, obesity, cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes and other chronic diseases.
  • Now, a team of international researchers has undertaken a comprehensive review of the evidence on adverse health outcomes to date — examining 45 “pooled meta-analyses” from 14 review articles involving nearly 10 million people. All were published in the past three years, and none was funded by companies making ultra-processed food.
  • The researchers’ findings, published in the British medical journal BMJ, “show that diets high in ultra-processed food may be harmful to many body systems.”

Direct link to research study -> https://www.bmj.com/content/384/bmj-2023-077310

Washington Post: "Ultra-processed foods linked to 32 health problems"
Washington Post: "Ultra-processed foods linked to 32 health problems"

Sunday, May 7, 2023

Looking ahead to Franklin's 4th of July Celebration

The schedule for the 4th of July Celebration in Franklin, MA is ready. Mark your calendars! 

Check out all the details on the 4th of July Celebration page ->    https://www.franklin4th.com/

The volunteers organizing this event can use your help in person or with a financial contribution:
When are the wrist band days?  https://www.franklin4th.com/schedule-1
When are the wrist band days?  https://www.franklin4th.com/schedule-1

Is the Blues Festival back? Yes -> https://www.franklin4th.com/blues-festival
Is the Blues Festival back? Yes -> https://www.franklin4th.com/blues-festival

Friday, November 4, 2022

Board Of Health hears from Curry House representatives among the normal monthly Health Dept activities (audio)

FM #872 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 872 in the series. 


This session of the radio show shares the Town of Franklin Board of Health Meeting held on Wednesday, November 2, 2022. All three board members were present. All Health Dept staff present were in the 3rd floor training room. 


Representatives from Curry House were present at the start of the meeting and left when their portion of the discussion was completed.


The meeting runs about 45 minutes. Let’s listen to the Board of Health meeting Nov 2, 2022.


Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-872-franklin-ma-board-of-health-mtg-11-02-22


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Agenda document ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/11-2-22_2.pdf  


My notes collected in a Twitter thread PDF ->

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1smRk0DIgOilk62lbiyZzHYVY9faPWjE-/view?usp=share_link 


Some background on the reflexology discussion provided by the Franklin Observer -> https://franklinobserver.town.news/g/franklin-town-ma/n/129652/making-sure-its-just-right-touch-and-nothing-more


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We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial.  


This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.


How can you help?

  • If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors

  • If you don't like something here, please let me know


Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.


For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/ or www.franklin.news/


If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com


The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana"  c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.


I hope you enjoy!

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You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"


Monday, October 17, 2022

The Guardian: "how ultra-processed meals are unhealthier than you think"

"As the UK is estimated to draw more than 50% of its calorie intake from UPF, this is no passing health scare but an issue that goes to the very heart of our culinary lifestyle. But before looking deeper into the issue there is an obvious question: what is a UPF?

NOVA (not an acronym) is a widely used food classification system that separates foods into four categories based upon their level of processing. Almost all foods, aside from fresh fruit and raw vegetables, undergo some degree of process. Cooking is a process, and it usually involves added ingredients such as oil and salt.

In NOVA’s first category, Group 1 is unprocessed or minimally processed foods (fruit, vegetables, meat, eggs, milk). Group 2 is made up of processed culinary ingredients such as sugars, oils and butter. Group 3 is processed foods (canned vegetables and fish, bread, jam). Group 4 is ultra-high processed foods, which are mostly low in protein and fibre, and high in salt, sugar and fat, and have undergone industrial interventions such as extrusion, moulding and milling."
Continue reading The Guardian article online (subscription may be required)
The Guardian: "how ultra-processed meals are unhealthier than you think"
The Guardian: "how ultra-processed meals are unhealthier than you think"

Monday, July 4, 2022

4th of July Celebration - schedule for Monday, July 4, 2022

Monday, July 4 = Independence Day

12:00pm - 4th July: Rides and food booths open (WRIST BANDS 12-5 - save $ buy the wristband/card online -> https://www.franklin4th.com/)

12:00pm - 4th July: Jamie Barrett (solo acoustic)

1:30pm - 4th July: Granite Brass

4:00pm - 4th July: Jesse Liam Band (Their deep catalog of cover songs spans popular music)


4th of July Coalition home page   https://www.franklin4th.com/

Franklin July 4th Coalition

c/o Dean Bank

P.O. Box 307

Franklin, MA 02038


Download a copy of the recent Franklin 4th July mailer with the complete schedule of events  ->   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1sALIW_iu5PT84eQ_p3kUCncZaUnJB0NM/view?usp=sharing


an annual favorite returns
an annual favorite returns


Food -> https://www.franklin4th.com/food
Food -> https://www.franklin4th.com/food 

Sunday, July 3, 2022

4th of July Celebration - schedule for Sunday, July 3, 2022

Sunday, July 3

1:00pm - 4th July: Rides and food booths open (WRIST BANDS FROM 12‐5 - save $ buy the wristband/card online -> https://www.franklin4th.com/)

1:00pm - Franklin Historical Museum (always free)

1:00pm - 4th July: Attleboro School of Rock

3:00pm - 4th July: Michael Ravelis

4:30pm - 4th July: Matt Zajac

7:00pm - 4th July: Backyard Swagger (high energy country rock show covering hits by top artists)


4th of July Coalition home page   https://www.franklin4th.com/

Franklin July 4th Coalition

c/o Dean Bank

P.O. Box 307

Franklin, MA 02038


Download a copy of the recent Franklin 4th July mailer with the complete schedule of events  ->   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1sALIW_iu5PT84eQ_p3kUCncZaUnJB0NM/view?usp=sharing

one of several rides for smaller folks
one of several rides for smaller folks

the nonprofit food tent lineup
the nonprofit food tent lineup


Saturday, July 2, 2022

4th of July Celebration - schedule for Saturday, July 2, 2022 - 2nd Annual Blues Festival - No fireworks

Saturday, July 2

10:00am - Franklin Historical Museum (always free)

12:00pm - 4th July: Rides and food booths open (WRIST BANDS 12-5 - save $ buy the wristband/card online -> https://www.franklin4th.com/)

12:00pm - 4th July: Padula Trio Plus One (2nd Annual Franklin Blues Festival)

2:00pm - 4th July: Neal & The Vipers (2nd Annual Franklin Blues Festival)

4:00pm - 4th July: Ed Peabody and the Big Blue Thang (2nd Annual Franklin Blues Festival)

6:00pm - 4th July: Mike Crandall Bandblues (2nd Annual Franklin Blues Festival)

8:00pm - 4th July: Sugar Ray & The Bluetones (2nd Annual Franklin Blues Festival)

10:00pm - 4th July: fireworks CANCELED DUE TO INCLEMENT WEATHER



4th of July Coalition home page   https://www.franklin4th.com/

Franklin July 4th Coalition

c/o Dean Bank

P.O. Box 307

Franklin, MA 02038


Download a copy of the recent Franklin 4th July mailer with the complete schedule of events  ->   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1sALIW_iu5PT84eQ_p3kUCncZaUnJB0NM/view?usp=sharing

"Pharaoh's Fury" returns
"Pharaoh's Fury" returns



Friday, July 1, 2022

4th of July Celebration - schedule for Friday, July 1, 2022

Friday, July 1

6:00pm - 4th July: Rides and food booths open

7:00pm - 4th July: Duppy Conquerors (the quintessential testimonial to Bob Marley's spirit and his music)



4th of July Coalition home page   https://www.franklin4th.com/

Franklin July 4th Coalition

c/o Dean Bank

P.O. Box 307

Franklin, MA 02038


Download a copy of the recent Franklin 4th July mailer with the complete schedule of events  ->   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1sALIW_iu5PT84eQ_p3kUCncZaUnJB0NM/view?usp=sharing

yes, a Ferris wheel
yes, a Ferris wheel


Thursday, June 30, 2022

4th July Celebration - schedule for Thursday, June 30, 2022

Thursday, June 30

6:00pm - 4th July: Rides and food booths open (WRIST BANDS 6-10 - save $ buy the wristband/card online -> https://www.franklin4th.com/)

7:00pm - 4th July: Mo Bounce (Boston's uncut Funk, Soul and R&B party band)



4th of July Coalition home page   https://www.franklin4th.com/

Franklin July 4th Coalition

c/o Dean Bank

P.O. Box 307

Franklin, MA 02038


Download a copy of the recent Franklin 4th July mailer with the complete schedule of events  ->   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1sALIW_iu5PT84eQ_p3kUCncZaUnJB0NM/view?usp=sharing

the Fun Slide is back
the Fun Slide is back


Saturday, May 21, 2022

"We urgently need to diversify global food production"

"For the past few years, scientists have been frantically sounding an alarm that governments refuse to hear: the global food system is beginning to look like the global financial system in the run-up to 2008.

While financial collapse would have been devastating to human welfare, food system collapse doesn’t bear thinking about. Yet the evidence that something is going badly wrong has been escalating rapidly. The current surge in food prices looks like the latest sign of systemic instability.

Many people assume that the food crisis was caused by a combination of the pandemic and the invasion of Ukraine. While these are important factors, they aggravate an underlying problem. For years, it looked as if hunger was heading for extinction. The number of undernourished people fell from 811 million in 2005 to 607 million in 2014. But in 2015, the trend began to turn. Hunger has been rising ever since: to 650 million in 2019, and back to 811 million in 2020. This year is likely to be much worse. "

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)


Illustration: Eva Bee/The Guardian
Illustration: Eva Bee/The Guardian

Monday, February 21, 2022

Geography Night - Mar 1, 2022 from 5 to 8 PM in the FHS cafeteria

The Franklin High School Diversity Awareness Club is holding a cultural fund raising night on March 1, 2022 in the cafeteria.
"Community members can immerse themselves in different cultures as they experience music, art, and try foods from all around the world!" 


Geography Night - Mar 1, 2022 from 5 to 8 PM in the FHS cafeteria
Geography Night - Mar 1, 2022 from 5 to 8 PM in the FHS cafeteria

Saturday, August 28, 2021

Study gives pause for consideration of the foods we eat

If you consider a 'balanced diet' as offsetting a hotdog with nuts, why should you put your body through the trouble?

"Eating a hot dog could cost you 36 minutes of healthy life, while choosing to eat a serving of nuts instead could help you gain 26 minutes of extra healthy life, according to a University of Michigan study.

The study, published in the journal Nature Food, evaluated more than 5,800 foods, ranking them by their nutritional disease burden to humans and their impact on the environment. It found that substituting 10% of daily caloric intake from beef and processed meats for a mix of fruits, vegetables, nuts, legumes and select seafood could reduce your dietary carbon footprint by one-third and allow people to gain 48 minutes of healthy minutes per day.

“Generally, dietary recommendations lack specific and actionable direction to motivate people to change their behavior, and rarely do dietary recommendations address environmental impacts,” said Katerina Stylianou, who did the research as a doctoral candidate and postdoctoral fellow in the the Department of Environmental Health Sciences at U-M’s School of Public Health. She currently works as the Director of Public Health Information and Data Strategy at the Detroit Health Department.

... 

Based on their findings, the researchers suggest:

  • Decreasing foods with the most negative health and environmental impacts including high processed meat, beef, shrimp, followed by pork, lamb and greenhouse-grown vegetables.
  • Increasing the most nutritionally beneficial foods, including field-grown fruits and vegetables, legumes, nuts and low-environmental impact seafood."


Continue reading the article


The radar picked this up via Twitter: "New study finds one food can actually take 36 minutes off your life each time you eat it"    https://t.co/KPVmHMabza  https://t.co/JEveLz1jlL


Study gives pause for consideration of the foods we eat
Study gives pause for consideration of the foods we eat

Saturday, July 17, 2021

"The total health and climate consequences of the American food system cost three times as much as the food itself"

"The true cost of food is even higher than you think, a new report out Thursday says.

The U.S. spends $1.1 trillion a year on food. But when the impacts of the food system on different parts of our society — including rising health care costs, climate change and biodiversity loss — are factored in, the bill is around three times that, according to a report by the Rockefeller Foundation, a private charity that funds medical and agricultural research.

Using government statistics, scientific literature and insights from experts across the food system, the researchers quantified things like the share of direct medical costs attributable to diet and food, as well as the productivity loss associated with those health problems. They also looked at how crop cultivation and ranching, and other aspects of U.S. food production impacted the environment. Focusing on the production, processing, distribution, retail and consumption stages of the food system (not including food service), they evaluated what it would cost to restore people’s health, wealth or environment back to an undamaged state, as well as the cost of preventing a recurrence of the problems."
Continue reading the article online (subscription maybe required)
The Rockefeller Foundation report can be downloaded 

The Rockefeller Foundation report
The Rockefeller Foundation report



Thursday, July 15, 2021

The Guardian: "only 15 cents of every dollar we spend in the supermarket goes to farmers"

"A handful of powerful companies control the majority market share of almost 80% of dozens of grocery items bought regularly by ordinary Americans, new analysis reveals.

A joint investigation by the Guardian and Food and Water Watch found that consumer choice is largely an illusion – despite supermarket shelves and fridges brimming with different brands.

In fact, a few powerful transnational companies dominate every link of the food supply chain: from seeds and fertilizers to slaughterhouses and supermarkets to cereals and beers.

The size, power and profits of these mega companies have expanded thanks to political lobbying and weak regulation which enabled a wave of unchecked mergers and acquisitions. This matters because the size and influence of these mega-companies enables them to largely dictate what America’s 2 million farmers grow and how much they are paid, as well as what consumers eat and how much our groceries cost"
Continue reading the article online (subscription maybe required)