Spiced Applesauce Bread

(serves 12)

Ingredients

1 1/4 cups applesauce

1 cup white sugar

1/2 cup vegetable oil

2 eggs

3 tablespoons milk

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground allspice

1/4 teaspoon salt

 1/2 cup chopped pecans

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan.

 2.In a large bowl, combine the applesauce, sugar, oil, eggs and milk; beat well. Sift in the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice and salt; stir until smooth. Fold in the pecans. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan.

3.Bake in preheated oven for 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into center of the loaf comes out clean.

Nutrition per serving: Calories 280, Fat 13g, Saturated fat 2.4g, Sodium 190mg, Carbohydrates 37g, Fiber 1.5g, Protein 3.8g

Source:  allrecipes.com

Probiotics are the bacteria added to some foods including certain yogurts, milk and juices because they are thought to potentially promote health in humans. Research on whether or not probiotics are actually helpful is still underway, but a new report from the American Academy of Pediatrics says there's some evidence that probiotics may have some benefits for certain illnesses in children. The report says probiotics taken early during diarrhea from a viral infection may shorten the illness in otherwise healthy children. And probiotics may also prevent diarrhea in children who are taking antibiotics.

We have millions of naturally occurring good bacteria in our large intestines. When we are ill or are on antibiotics, the good bacteria can get wiped out, leaving space for invasive bacteria that can make us sick. The idea is that probiotics help to "hold down the fort," preventing the bad bacteria from taking over when illness or antibiotics wipe out our naturally occurring good bacteria.

Bottom Line: Speak to you pediatrician about whether probiotics are recommended for your little one next time you're visiting for an intestinal illness. However, it is important to note that children with compromised immune systems or who use intravenous catheters should not receive probiotics because serious infections have been reported.

Source: American Academy of Pediatrics:http://www.aap.org

Every ten years for the past 30 years the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has published a report called Healthy People including public health goals to guide policy and action for the next decade. The goal of Healthy People 2020 is to improve the quality of our Nation's health by producing a framework for public health prevention priorities and actions.

Chronic diseases, such as heart disease, cancer and diabetes, are responsible for seven out of every ten deaths among Americans each year and account for 75 percent of the nation's health spending.  Many of the risk factors that contribute to the development of these diseases are preventable.

Healthy People 2020 is the product of an extensive stakeholder feedback process that is unparalleled in government and health. It integrates input from public health and prevention experts, a wide range of federal, state and local government officials, a consortium of more than 2,000 organizations, and perhaps most importantly, the public. More than 8,000 comments were considered in drafting a comprehensive set of Healthy People 2020 objectives. Based on this input, a number of new priority topics are included in the report, including: Adolescent Health, Dementia, including Alzheimer's disease, Older Adults and Sleep Health. It will be interesting to see what advances are made in these and other important health areas.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is also launching a newly redesigned Healthy People web site that allows users to tailor information to their needs and explore evidence-based resources for implementation: www.healthypeople.gov.  

Bottom Line: The health of the nation affects all of us. You can do your part by becoming educated about the health disparities in your neighborhood and in your demographic. What you find may surprise you and spur you to work toward a healthier you and a healthier community!

Source: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services