DadTalk

Old Light Bulbs Redesigned

Could good news be coming to the world of light bulbs? As you may know, energy efficient compact fluorescents have a nasty problem: they contain small amounts of the neurotoxin mercury. And while LED lights are more efficient than CFLs, they are generally too expensive. Aesthetically speaking, both types of light bulbs emit odd color tones that seriously complicate taking indoor pictures and make my wife’s skin appear green.

So it came as a surprise to me that manufacturers are working hard to make energy efficient incandescent light bulbs, reports The New York Times. While these new bulbs don’t save quite as much energy as the two competitors, there seems to be room for significant improvement.

Philip’s is already selling Halogena Energy Savers at Home Depot and on Amazon. The bulbs go for about $5 a piece, but it takes time for new products to come down in price. But researchers are working on a variety of improvements that may soon find their way into homes.

Just the thought of an efficient bulb that doesn’t use mercury and puts off decent light brightens my day.

Handy Safe Fish Guide

Not sure what fish is safe for your family? Even less sure which is eco-friendly? Check out this cool, easy-to-read chart from oceanographer Neil Banas.

Food Recall Dry Milk Products

Food sellers are recalling milk products because of possible salmonella contamination, reports the Food and Drug Administration. The voluntary effort is an extension of an earlier recall, which includes flavored whey proteins, instant nonfat dried milk, fruit stabilizers and thickeners from the Minnesota-based Plainview Milk Products Cooperative.

The recall was sparked after the USDA found salmonella in Dairyshake powder. The FDA subsequently found food equipment at the Plainview plant contaminated with salmonella.

In response to the recalls, Dunkin’ Donuts announced it would stop serving hot chocolate and Dunkaccino drinks because it received the mixes from the Plainview Coop, reports WebMD. Contamination was not found in Dunkin’ Donut prod ducts.

Additional

Companies Recall Products Linked to Milk Processor

FDA Panel Wants Lower Acetaminophen Doses

Almost two years ago to the date, I wrote about how acetaminophen (the primary ingredient in Tylenol) nearly killed me. I was suffering from something known as rhabdomyolysis, which is the breakdown of muscle tissue. In my case, the condition was probably triggered by flu, dehydration and extreme physical activity.

While in the hospital, the doctors offered me a painkiller laced with acetaminophen to help me sleep. My symptoms worsened throughout the night.

I complained to the medical crew about the reaction, and they told me it was simply not possible. Although my hospitalization occurred on 2003, I didn’t write about the incident until 2006 because that’s when reports of high doses of acetaminophen causing liver damage finally came out.

Fast forward two years: a panel of health advisers are asking the Food and Drug Administration to “lower the maximum dose of over-the-counter acetaminophen,” reports HealthDay. The panel recommends dropping the 1,000-milligram pill in favor of a 650 milligram maximum.

The health panel also recommends a ban on far more potent prescription drugs Percocet and Vicodin, reports The New York Times. The drugs combine a narcotic with the acetaminophen.

The reason for the recommendation? High doses of acetaminophen can cause severe liver damage and even death. Besides repeatedly popping more of the pills in their mouths than they should, Americans often don’t realize cold remedies and other products contain acetaminophen. This can result in accidental overdoses.

Whether the FDA will follow the panel’s recommendation is anyone’s guess.

Why You Must Eat That Chocolate Chip Cookie

Food scientists have known for years that they can create food junkies simply by combining a little fat, sugar and salt. Add another addictive ingredient such as chocolate and you have the namesake cookie that is almost impossible to resist.

The cookie is so potent that former Food and Drug Administration chief Dr. David Kessler decided to write “The End of Overeating: Taking Control of the Insatiable American Appetite,” which is reviewed in The New York Times.

Restaurants and food makers long have been taking advantage of our human weaknesses. Writes The Times:

Children Trade in Chicken Nuggets for Soup and Carrots, Study Finds

Children are drinking less cola and eating fewer chicken nuggets, French fires and hot dogs at restaurants, reports The New York Times. Consumption of soup, grilled chicken sandwiches, yogurt and carrots is, amazingly, up.

The economic downturn and new offerings by restaurants were cited in a new study as reasons for the sudden change in childhood eating habits, which coincides with childhood obesity levels reaching a plateau, according to another study. At the same time, it’s important to note that children are still eating plenty of fast junk food.

While eating habits may be changing somewhat, living close to fast food chains does not seem to contribute to childhood obesity, reports Inside Indiana Business on an Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis study.

While living near a McDonald’s had little effect on weight, living near recreational amenities does seem to lower body mass indexes in children:

The IUPUI researchers also report that residing near certain recreational amenities – fitness areas, kickball diamonds, and volleyball courts – lowers children’s body mass indexes (adjusted for normal childhood growth). The researchers estimated that locating one of these facilities near the home of an overweight 8-year-old boy could lower his weight by three to six pounds.

We Love San Diego

Despite Seth’s burns, we decided to go ahead with our San Diego/La Jolla vacation, even though the doctor said Seth was not allowed to get ocean water or sun on his injuries. Plus, I had to change his dressings each night.

Because the air was pleasantly cool and the water relatively cold, Seth’s injuries did not pose much of a distraction. Even Lael didn’t get her upper body all that wet because the sea was too bracing.

While there, we did the usual touristy things: eating out at overly expensive restaurants, frolicking at the beach, spending a day at the fabulous San Diego Zoo (more on that in another post) and touring the Air & Flight Museum.

The day after the trip, the doctor told us Seth’s burns, which were a pleasant pink color, no longer needed to be dressed. (We still need to apply lotion several times a day.)

In the top photo, Seth and Lael play at different beaches. Below, Seth and Lael at the Air and Space Museum. Below this text, a crab guards its little crevice. In the bottom photo, a happily exhausted Lael fell asleep after her sturdy little body finally gave out.

Healing After a Burn

Part I

During the drive home from the Burn Center at Maricopa Medical Center, Seth is awake and talkative despite the morphine floating around his system.

Considering it is hours past bed time, I marvel that my boy is still awake. Anne greets us as I carry Seth, who is now wearing green hospital pajamas, into the house.

After hugs, Seth and I prowl for food. After all, this adventure started after my boy spilled scalding soup on his chest, arm, fingers and lap. The only food we had while at the hospital were some graham crackers and potato chips.

As Seth eats, my wife and I discuss next day plans, which include Seth’s expected school musical solo. Seth indicates a desire to perform.

Food Safety Let the Eater Beware

Did you know that one big food maker wants you to stop using the microwave for frozen meals and instead use a conventional oven? Why, you ask? Because some big food makers are now relying on customers to make prepared food safe now that they cannot, reports The New York Times.

The concern isn’t about raw meat. Instead, the big food makers can’t guarantee vegetables and seasonings aren’t contaminated with salmonella, E. coli and other pathogens.

Consider ConAgra’s problems with “frozen pot pies that sickened an estimated 15,000 people with salmonella in 2007:”

The Little Girl Who Bounced

I wake up to a bird flinging itself at our upstairs window. It repeatedly hurls its little body into the glass. Clank. Clank. Clank.

With everyone else still in bed, I drive over to the homeowner’s association office to pick up a blue balloon. I tie it to a junk-laden table placed at the front of our driveway.

You see, our neighborhood only allows garage sales twice a year. While being at the HOA’s mercy might be annoying to some, homeowners benefit from citywide advertising that guarantees a fantastic turnout for the 100+ families that choose to get rid of unneeded junk.

My goal was not to make money. My goal was to de-clutter. Besides the usual pile of toys and outgrown children’s clothing, we’ve lived in three states in as many years. In fact, for two years our stuff was spread across three coasts: Connecticut, California and Chicago. The need to move quickly while working while parenting while coping with a dying relative has taken a toll on our ability to keep up. We also have a surfeit of books from my wife’s reviewing days.

I could donate a lot of the stuff. In fact, that’s what we usually do. But the garage sale is so convenient. Drag your stuff from the garage to the driveway and people give you money.