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East Oregonian
EASTERN OREGON MARKETPLACE
Tuesday, March, 27, 2018
How to Safely Dispose
Needles and Medical Sharps
(Family Features)
If you’re one of the millions of Americans who suffers from a chronic illness that
requires using needles or sharps outside of the doctor’s office, you may question how
to dispose of them safely. There is plenty of information available, but the proper
disposal method may be different depending on where you live, work or travel.
To help ensure people who use needles and sharps at home or on-the-go know how
to dispose of them easily and safely, NeedyMeds, a national non-profit organization
that provides health care information to consumers, developed tools at SafeNeedle-
Disposal.org.
“Most people want to do the right thing, but they need specific, succinct information
on safe sharps disposal,” said Richard J. Sagall, MD, president of NeedyMeds. “For
local guidance presented in a way that is easy to follow, our website is a one-stop-
shop.”
According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, sharps that are not disposed
of properly may cause injury. In order to increase awareness and minimize risk,
people who use sharps are encouraged to learn more about local regulations and
disposal options.
In many states and communities, people who use sharps may dispose of them by
following these three simple steps:
1. Place used sharps in a strong, plastic container like a laundry detergent or bleach
bottle.
“Some locations have different disposal regulations, which may require people in
those areas to take used sharps to special collection points,” Sagall said. “SafeNeedle-
Disposal.org helps people learn how to get rid of used sharps safely, wherever they
happen to be.”
To learn more about disposing used needles and sharps safely, visit SafeNeedleDis-
posal.org.
#14159
Source: NeedyMeds
2. Seal the container with duct tape and label “do not recycle.”
3. Place the sealed container in the trash, never the recycling.
Simple, Healthy Snacks
and Sandwiches
(Family Features)
Q
uick and easy meals can be hard to come by, especially ones that don’t sacrifice
flavor. You don’t have to eat bland foods to provide your family a healthy and
hearty, nutrient-filled diet. During National Nutrition Month, it’s the perfect time to
refresh your routine with some creative and convenient options that can serve as the
starting point for an on-the-go snack or a full-blown meal.
2
1-2
4
1/2
4
slices bread, toasted
leaves lettuce
slices tomato
avocado, thickly sliced
slices maple bacon, fried
To make Chipotle-Mayonnaise Sauce: In small bowl, mix mayonnaise, adobo sauce
and lime juice. Season, to taste, with salt and pepper.
Sandwiches, like this recipe for a BALCMT Sandwich, can be one of the easiest ways
to incorporate grains, which deliver shortfall nutrients like dietary fiber, iron and
folate into your diet. Research from the Grain Foods Foundation shows about 95
percent of Americans do not meet dietary fiber intake recommendations. Whole
grain foods, like bread, buns, rolls, pita and tortillas, can help supply your dietary
fiber needs and aid in maintaining a healthy weight and lower cholesterol.
Additionally, enriched grains can play a key role in metabolism by helping the
body release energy from protein, fat and carbohydrates, and are also essential for a
healthy nervous system, productivity and cognitive development. The vitamins and
minerals in enriched grains like folic acid are also critical for reducing the incidence
of some birth defects while also promoting cell function and tissue growth.
Some healthier ways to build a snack include using leaner meats and lower sodium
cheeses for a sandwich or adding more vegetables to your overall snacking habits.
Another nutritious option, Baked Pita Crisps accompanied by Southwest Bean Dip,
can help you curb hunger without blowing past your daily calorie count.
Find more recipes and tips for quick and flavorful meals at grainfoodsfoundation.org
Add layer of sauce to slice of bread and top with lettuce, tomato, avocado, bacon and
second slice of bread.
Baked Pita Crisps
Recipe courtesy of the Grain Foods Foundation
Prep time: 30 minutes
Yields: 24 crisps
Crisps:
1/4
1 1/2
1 1/2
3
cup olive oil
teaspoons ground cumin
teaspoons paprika
pita breads (6 inches each) with pockets
kosher salt, to taste
Southwest Bean Dip:
2
tablespoons vegetable oil
2
cloves garlic, minced
1/2 large red bell pepper, finely chopped
1/2 medium onion, finely chopped
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
1/8-1/4
teaspoon cayenne pepper
2
cans (15 ounces each) pinto beans, rinsed and drained
2-3 tablespoons fresh lime juice
1/4 cup packed fresh coriander sprigs, washed and spun dry
1/2 teaspoon salt
2
tablespoons water, plus additional (optional)
To make Crisps: Heat oven to 400 F. In small bowl, mix olive oil with cumin and pa-
prika. Split each pita bread horizontally into two rounds and brush rough sides with
equal amounts of oil mixture. Cut rounds into small triangles and arrange in flat
layer on large baking sheet. Bake until golden and crisp, about 5 minutes. Sprinkle
with salt just out of oven.
To make Southwest Bean Dip: In large skillet over high heat, heat vegetable oil until
hot. Add garlic, bell pepper and onion; turn heat to low and cook until vegetables are
softened, about 5 minutes. Add cumin and cayenne; cook, stirring, 1 minute.
BALCMT Sandwich
Recipe courtesy of Franz Bakery on behalf of the Grain Foods Foundation
Prep time: 10 minutes
Servings: 1
Chipotle-Mayonnaise Sauce:
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1/4 tablespoon adobo sauce
1
teaspoon lime juice
salt, to taste
fresh ground pepper, to taste
In food processor, blend beans, lime juice, coriander, salt and water until smooth,
adding more water, if necessary, to achieve desired consistency. Add vegetable mix-
ture and pulse until just combined. Serve with Baked Pita Crisps.
Photo courtesy of Getty Images
#14168
Source: Grain Foods Foundation