| Human_olfactory_receptor_repertoire Olfactory receptor sequences that represent essentially the complete repertoire of functional human odorant receptors. |
| Monell_Chemical_Senses_Center A scientific institute for multidisciplinary research on taste, smell and chemosensory irritation. |
| Nasal_Dysfunction_Clinic Located at the University of California, San Diego. |
| Olfaction Current understanding of the physiological basis for olfaction (sense of smell) and the possible molecular interactions that specify odorant signaling. |
| Olfaction__From_Genome_Mining_to_Molecular_Recognition_Statistics Lecture on olfaction by Doron Lancet at UCSB |
| Representations_of_Olfactory_Information_in_the_Brain Research article on olfaction (sense of smell). |
| Rocky_Mountain_Taste_and_Smell_Center_(RMTSC)_ The Department of Otolaryngology, University of Colorado School of Medicine. |
| The_Sense_of_Scents,_the_Sense_of_Self Smell and its interaction with the brain, and in particular the relationship between smell and memory. |
| The_Sense_of_Taste Answers questions about the sense of taste. |
| SenseLab Database devoted to olfactory receptors. |
| Smell_and_Taste_Disorders Provides an overview about how smell and taste work, the main causes of disorders of these senses, and the diagnoses and treatments of them. |
| Smell_and_Taste_Disorders The Merck Manual takes an extensive look at discussion on diagnosis and treatment. |
| The_Smell_and_Taste_Treatment_and_Research_Foundation,_Ltd_ Focused on working to better the understanding of and proactively utilize the body's senses. (Chicago, IL) |
| Smell_Research_by_Tim_Jacob A Professor at Cardiff University, Wales, this site lists information on his research and teaching interests. It includes information on brain activity related to smell, which may be of interest to a |
| Taste_&_Smell_Disorders_Clinic,_Texas Assessment and treatment of taste and smell disorders. |
| The_Taste_and_Smell_Clinic Located in Washington, D.C. Information about the clinic, diagnosis, treatment, FAQs, research and contact details. |
| UConn Taste_and_Smell_Center Our Taste and Smell Clinic uses a multidisciplinary approach to determine the etiology of a patient's taste and smell disorder. University of Connecticut Health Center. |
| Advance_News_Magazines Offering specialized magazines for professionals in all branches. |
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| Cattails Health news and information for patients and visitors of Marshfield Clinic. |
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| Explore_Publications Magazines providing reliable information on holistic medicine, nutritional therapies, energy medicine, homeopathy and physics. |
| FDA_Consumer_Magazine US government publication covering a variety of health topics, with a particular focus on medications, medical devices, and consumer protection. Searchable archives cover 1995 to present. |
| Good_Medicine Health ezine with articles, information and forums. |
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| Healthcare_Review Healthcare trade publication in New England serving decision makers across the entire continuum of care. |
| Healthcare_Review_Online A monthly magazine which reviews healthcare developments in Australia and New Zealand. |
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| Hopkins_Medicine_Magazine An online magazine featuring articles about Hopkins' personalities, breakthroughs in the diagnosis and treatment of disease, and cutting-edge medical research. |
| Hyperbaric_Medicine_Today News and articles for providers and users. Includes information on therapy centres, courses and meetings across the United States. |
| Imagine_Your_Health_Magazine Monthly cover stories, Ask Dr. Carolle, health and fitness, entertainment, health care news. |
| International_Health_News Sample issue of International Health News. |
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Seniors and Food Safety
Preventing Foodborne Illness
Contents
Introduction
What is Foodborne Illness?
Why are Seniors At-Risk for Foodborne Illness?
What's a Senior to Eat?
To Market, To Market
Four Simple Steps to Preparing Food at Home
Eating Out & Bringing Food Home
Taking Care of Infants and Young Children
Can Your Kitchen Pass the Food Safety Test?
Why Are Seniors At-risk for Foodborne
Illness?
Dr. James L. Smith, a microbiologist with the U.S. Department of
Agriculture, wanted to find out the answer to the question of why
seniors are more at risk for fooborne illness.
So he reviewed data from foodborne outbreaks at nursing homes,
and compared the immune and digestive systems of seniors and younger
individuals as well as evaluating the overall physical well being of
seniors. What he found is most interesting.
The Immune System and Aging
As we age, the ability of our immune system to function at normal
levels decreases. The immune system is one of the most important
mechanisms for fighting disease and preserving health, so a decrease
in the level of disease-fighting cells is a significant factor in the
number of infections that may occur.
In addition to the normal decrease in the function of the immune
system as part of the aging process, undergoing major surgery also
affects the body's ability to fight off infections.
To counteract the affects of aging on the immune system, long-term
regular exercise is important.
The Gastrointestinal Tract and Aging
As we age, inflammation of the lining of the stomach and
a decrease in stomach acid occur. Because the stomach plays an important
role in limiting the number of bacteria that enter the small intestine,
a decrease or loss of stomach acidity increases the likelihood of
infection if a pathogen is ingested with food or water.
Also adding to the problem is the slow down of the digestive
process, allowing for the rapid growth of pathogens in the gut
and the possible formation of toxins.
Malnutrition and Aging
You maybe wondering what malnutrition has to do with foodborne illness.
There is a connection. Malnutrition leads to increased incidence
of infections, including those that result from foodborne bacteria.
There are many reasons why malnutrition occurs in seniors. There may
be a decrease in the pleasure of eating. Medication, digestive
disorders, chronic illnesses, physical disabilities or depression may
result in a loss of appetite.
Good nutrition is an important factor in maintaining a healthy
immune system.
Symptoms of Foodborne Illness
Common symptoms of foodborne illness include diarrhea, abdominal
cramping, fever, sometimes blood or pus in the stools, headache,
vomiting, and severe exhaustion. However, symptoms will vary according
to the type of bacteria and by the amount of contaminants eaten.
Symptoms may come on as early as half-hour after eating the
contaminated food or they may not develop for several days or weeks.
They usually last only a day or two, but in some cases can persist a
week to 10 days. For most healthy people, foodborne illnesses are
neither long lasting nor life threatening. However, they can be severe
in seniors.
In Case of Foodborne Illness
If you suspect that you or a family member has foodborne
illness follow these general guidelines:
Preserve the evidence. If a portion of the suspect food is
available, wrap it securely, mark "DANGER" and refrigerate it.
Save all the packaging materials, such as cans or cartons.
Write down the food type, the date, and time consumed, and when the
symptoms started. Save any identical unopened products.
Seek treatment immediately.
Call the local health department if the suspect food was
served at a large gathering, from a restaurant or other food service
facility, or if it is a commercial product.
Call the FDA Consumer Food Information Line
at 1 (800-FDA-4010) if you have questions.
Next: What's a Senior to Eat?
Additional information on
Foodborne Illness
or Reporting
Illnesses
Clean
Separate
Cook
Chill
FDA/Center for Food Safety and Applied
Nutrition, May 1999
Developed in cooperation with AARP
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Hypertext updated by dms 1999-SEP-16
