| Will the drought increase food prices? Aug 1st 2012, 05:00  - With Mayo Clinic nutritionists
Jennifer Nelson, M.S., R.D. and Katherine Zeratsky, R.D. read biography
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Nutrition-wise blog -
Aug. 1, 2012 Will the drought increase food prices? By Jennifer Nelson, M.S., R.D. and Katherine Zeratsky, R.D.
It's been a long, dry summer. And the effects are expected to persist into next year. The U.S. Department of Agriculture predicts that drought conditions in the U.S. are likely to push up food prices: - Beef, pork, poultry and dairy retail prices will increase in the next few months and into next year. This is due to the increase in the price of feed (corn). At first prices for meat may decrease as farmers sell off animals. However, as the supply lessens the prices will rebound.
- Packaged or processed foods, such as grains, cereals and bakery products, will cost more, but the increase may take 10 to 12 months to appear.
- Vegetable and fruit prices aren't expected to increase. Most of these are irrigated crops.
This news is scary. Scary for those with failing crops and farm animals. Scary for those on a tight food budget. Scary for those with food-related jobs who may see their businesses fail. If there is a silver lining to this, it may be that we have a window of time to take stock of what we have on hand, make the most of it and hopefully lessen the impact: - Take stock of staples. Check your canned goods and nonperishables such as rice, beans, lentils and flour. How do you currently use them? How should you use them? Do you need more?
- Cook wisely. Prepare only what you're sure you will eat. Keep peelings, bones and scraps to make your own soup stock. If you have leftovers, make them over into salads, soups and sandwiches.
- Put up produce. Take advantage of summer produce. Learn how to preserve foods for later.
- Plan ahead. Make plans now to have a garden or patio plot to grow some of your own food next year.
- Don't forget those in need. Remember to give to food pantries.
Another important step is to adjust your eating habits. Here's how: - "Right size" portion sizes. When you eat less, you save more — and there will be more for others and less demand to drive prices up. Remember that the serving size of meat or poultry is about the size of a deck of cards. For fish it is about the size of a checkbook.
- Don't buy unhealthy grain-based snacks. Instead purchase whole-grain cereals and bread. Don't throw ends away — make stuffing for a side dish.
- Eat more dried beans and lentils. Use those staples and canned products. Same is true for what you have in your refrigerator and freezer. Don't let items expire — don't feed food to your garbage can.
Many people are doing these things already. If many more join in, the impact of the drought may not be as scary. What are your thoughts? Share your ideas about what more we can do. - Jennifer blog index References - Food price outlook: Summary findings. U.S. Department of Agriculture. http://www.ers.usda.gov/data-products/food-price-outlook/summary-findings.aspx . Accessed July 30, 2012.
- Food price outlook: Highlights. U.S. Department of Agriculture. http://www.ers.usda.gov/data-products/food-price-outlook/highlights.aspx. Accessed July 30, 2012.
- Karnowski S. USDA says drought will push up food prices in 2013. BusinessWeek.com. http://www.businessweek.com/ap/2012-07-25/usda-says-drought-will-push-up-food-prices-in-2013. Accessed July 31, 2012.
 | | Take steps to protect your health Aug 1st 2012, 05:00 Free E-newsletter Subscribe to Housecall Our weekly general interest
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Stress blog -
Aug. 1, 2012 Take steps to protect your health By Edward T. Creagan, M.D.
Medical ailments are magnified by stress, by lack of access to health care, and by economic pressures and insurance realities. And all the technology and all the medications can't solve every problem. So what can you do? | Need more help? | | If the stress in your life is more than you can cope with, get help right away. - National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
1-800-273-TALK (8255) - Go to the nearest hospital or emergency room
- Call your physician, health provider or clergy
- National Alliance on Mental Illness
www.nami.org
1-800-950-NAMI (6264)
|
A best-selling book several years ago started with the statement that went something like this, "Life is hard. Once we accept this fact, it is easier to move forward." Likewise, there are some difficult and challenging medical problems for which there are no good solutions. Some people suffer with chronic pain, and despite multiple injections, patches and medications, the pain continues. This reflects the bewildering complexity of the human condition. But you aren't powerless. Ask yourself what you can do to protect your health. Some reasonable suggestions for taking care of yourself include: - Follow a plant-based diet with an emphasis on green, leafy vegetables and whole grains.
- Acknowledge the importance of a support group, whether it's family, friends or a faith community.
- Make it a priority to get a decent night's sleep.
- Have realistic goals.
Also realize that you are your own best advocate. When you seek health care, know the medications that you are taking, what they're for and when they were started. And equally important, have a very specific and targeted discussion with your provider. Don't become distracted by family issues, the economy or political problems that don't impact your care. Simple guidelines? No, but they are at least a step in the right direction. Follow me on Twitter at @EdwardCreagan. Join the discussion at #Stress. blog index | |
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