Caution Using Topical Anesthetics Prior to Mammography

FDA is alerting patients and healthcare professionals about the potential danger of using topical anesthetics to relieve pain before having mammography or other medical procedures. The concern is that patients may apply these drugs improperly, which could cause excessive absorption of the drug. This could result in seizures, cardiac arrhythmias, respiratory failure, coma, and even death.

National Do not Call List!
Your registration will not expire. Telephone numbers placed on the National Do Not Call Registry will remain on it permanently due to the Do-Not-Call Improvement Act of 2007, which became law in February 2008. Read more about it at http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2008/04/dncfyi.shtm.

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUTTHE NATIONAL DO NOT CALL REGISTRY
The National Do Not Call Registry gives you a choice about whether to receive telemarketing calls at home. Most telemarketers should not call your number once it has been on the registry for 31 days. If they do, you can file a complaint at this Website. You can register your home or mobile phone for free.
Register Now
Attention sellers and telemarketers: Go to https://telemarketing.donotcall.gov to subscribe to the National Do Not Call Registry.
If you are an exempt organization, and you wish to scrub your call lists, you may subscribe, but are not required to do so.

Food Safety
September is National Food Safety Education Month®
Salmonella Santpaul Outbreak Update August 28, 2008 (FDA)
Hurricanes, Power Outages & Floods (FDA)(including information for food industry and retailers)
Summer Food Safety
Consumer Advice — Store: Keep It Safe
Food Safety Hub (NAL)
Food Safety at Home Podcasts (USDA) USDA
Gives Advice for Safely Preparing Your Thanksgiving Meal November
14, 2007

FDA Food Protection Plan
Food Safety Training Videos (FDA)
Food Safety News from CDC / EPA / FSIS / FDA Recent Additions to the
FoodSafety.gov web site

Partnership for Food Safety Education (Fight BAC!) Food Safety Training and Education
Alliance

International

Be Safe Food

The Core Four Practices
Right now, there may be an invisible enemy ready to strike. He's called BAC (bacteria) and he can make people sick. In fact, even though consumers can't see BAC - or smell him, or feel him - he and millions more like him may already be invading food products, kitchen surfaces, knives and other utensils.
But consumers have the power to Fight BAC!® and to keep food safe from harmful bacteria. It's as easy as following these four simple steps:
CLEAN: Wash hands and surfaces often
SEPARATE: Don't cross-contaminate!
COOK: Cook to proper temperature
CHILL: Refrigerate promptly
Download the Be Food Safe Brochures for all the lessons and for a chart of safe cooking temperatures.

Be Food Safe is a joint program of the USDA and the Partnership for Food Safety Education.


Introducing: Be Food Safe
Research findings by the Partnership for Food Safety Education reveal that despite the fact that a majority of adults feel confident they understand and follow food handling procedures, a sizeable number do not consistently follow certain safe food handling practices.
Some examples:
Only about 15% of people consistently use a food thermometer. Using a food thermometer is important — you can't tell food is cooked safely by how it looks.
Suppliers
As a food or consumer products company you should consider joining with the more than 40 leading retailers that have already licensed Be Food Safe for in-store programming.
In Partnership testing of the platform, 70% of people surveyed said seeing the Be Food Safe logo on food products and in-store makes them feel more positive about the manufacturer or store.
Retailers
Over 75% of shoppers believe food-related illness is a serious threat to their health. Many believe the threat is greater today than in the past.
In a recent survey by the Food Marketing Institute (FMI), shoppers saying they were mostly or completely confident in the food safety provided by the industry dropped 16 percentage points from 2006 to 2007.
The non-profit Partnership for Food Safety Education creates consumer and retailer tools that teach basic safe food handling and prevention of foodborne illness in the home. members



Be Food Safe Retail Produce Icon 6
For BE FOOD SAFE Licensees Only!
Activity Sheets 20
Here you will find coloring pages for kids and one-page downloadable activity sheets for young people developed by the University of Georgia Cooperative Extension, College of Family and Consumer Sciences.
Brochures and Flyers 19
Find and download the "greatest hits" Fight BAC!® documents here: the Fight BAC!® basic brochure (b&w or color); Ten Least Wanted Pathogens; Consumer Guide on Ground Meat and Poultry and many others.
E-cards 8
Are you a BAC Fighter? BAC Fighters teach that cook, clean, chill and separate are the first line of defense in fighting foodborne illness at home, work and school. When you sign up to be a BAC Fighter you will receive monthly e-cards like these. Cut and paste these e-cards into your emails or publications.
Graphics 0
Fact Sheets 10
Find the popular Fight BAC!® color and b&w fact sheets here: Clean, Separate, Cook and Chill are your first line of defense against foodborne illness!
Logos 7
Fight BAC!® campaign logos and graphics for use in your efforts to educate consumers about the importance of safe food handling.
Newsletters 1
Presentations 8
These PowerPoint presentations were developed by the Partnership for use by food safety educators, retailers, and others who need an off-the-shelf tool to teach about the importance of safe handling of fresh fruits and vegetables.
Audio 2
Video 6
Fight BAC!® public service announcements and television clips.
Spanish Resources 15

***Sumner County Board of Education MEETING****

The Sumner County Board of Education will resume their September 16th meeting on Tuesday, September 23rd at 7:00 PM, in the District Office Board Room, 695 E. Main Street, Gallatin. This meeting will be followed by a non-voting study session.

Topics on the unfinished Sep 16th agenda to be addressed:

o Discussion and/or action concerning District technology needs

o Consideration of negotiated Memorandum of Understanding with SCEA on salaries

o Consideration of final approval of purchase of the Fleetwood property and a request for $4.8 million in funding from the county commission (for new transportation/maintenance facility)

o Consideration of change order for Gene Brown and Nannie Berry elementaries

o Consideration of a request from Westmoreland High School to request funds from the County Commission

o Consideration of a request from Station Camp High School for a concession stand/restroom facility

o Consideration of Policy AA (School Board Legal Status and Authority)

Topics for the study session:

o Discussion of naming school facilities
o Report on Portland rezoning
o Report on Modified Calendar study

These are important issues that affect students and teachers across Sumner County and the public is encouraged to attend.

FDA ALERTS

FDA informed consumers not to use or purchase Mommy's Bliss Nipple Cream, marketed by MOM Enterprises, Inc., because the product contains potentially harmful ingredients that may cause respiratory distress or vomiting and diarrhea in infants. The product is promoted to nursing mothers to help soothe and heal dry or cracked nipples. Potentially harmful ingredients in the product are chlorphenesin and phenoxyethanol. Chlorphenesin relaxes skeletal muscle and can depress the central nervous system and cause slow or shallow breathing in infants. Phenoxyenthanol, a preservative that is primarily used in cosmetics and medications, can also depress the central nervous system and may cause vomiting and diarrhea, which can lead to dehydration in infants. Mothers and caregivers should seek immediate medical attention if their child shows signs and symptoms of a decrease in appetite, difficulty in awakening, limpness of extremities or a decrease in an infant's strength of grip and a change in skin color. Read the entire 2008 MedWatch Safety Summary, including a link to the FDA News Release regarding this issue at: http://www.fda.gov/medwatch/safety/2008/safety08.htm#Bliss

FDA RECALL

Chattem, Inc. and FDA informed consumers and healthcare professionals of a voluntary nationwide recall of its Icy Hot Heat Therapy products, including consumer "samples" that were included on a limited promotional basis in cartons of its 3 oz Aspercreme product. The products were recalled because of consumer reports of first, second and third degree burns as well as skin irritation. All lots and sizes of the following Icy Hot Heat Therapy products were recalled:

Icy Hot Heat Therapy Air Activated Heat - Back
Icy Hot Heat Therapy Air Activated Heat - Arm, Neck, and Leg
Icy Hot Heat Therapy Air Activated Heal - Arm, Neck, and Leg single consumer use "samples" on a limited promotional basis in cartons of 3 oz. Aspercreme Pain Relieving Cream

Consumers who have the Icy Hot Heat Therapy products under this recall should immediately stop using the products, discard them, and /or return them to the manufacturer.

Read the complete 2008 MedWatch Safety Summary including a link to the manufacturer's press release regarding this issue at: http://www.fda.gov/medwatch/safety/2008/safety08.htm#Chattem

Recall Information
We are dedicated to alerting our customers to unsafe, hazardous or defective products -- and take this responsibility very seriously. Please see below for a list of current product recalls:
Active Recalls

INTERMATIC DIGITAL SELF - ADJUSTING TIMER, MODEL DT27 - affected in Smith's and Fred Meyer Stores.
Due to a potential health hazard any customer purchasing the above product(s) should not use the product. The timer could pose an electrical shock hazard. Please return the product to this store for a full refund. More Information

SCOTT PETERSEN CHUNK BRAUNSCHWEIGER, 16 OZ. CHUB - affected in Food4Less Midwest Stores and Great Lakes Store #884 Only.
Due to a potential health hazard any customer purchasing the above product(s) should not drink the product. Product may contain undeclared nonfat dry milk, which is a known allergen. Please return the product to this store for a full refund.

FOSTER GRANT KIDS SUN GLASSES, BOND , FOSTER GRANT KIDS SUN GLASS, ICEMAN - affected in Kroger Great Lakes, Kroger Mid-South, Kroger Mid-Atlantic, Kroger Southwest, Dillions, Smith's, Fry's and Ralphs Stores.
Due to a potential health hazard any customer purchasing the above product(s) should not use the product. The surface paint on the children's sunglasses may contain levels of lead exceeding federal standards. Please return the product to this store for a full refund. See affected styles.


CEDARLANE LOW FAT BEAN / RICE / CHEESE BURRITO, 6 OZ.- affected in Kroger Atlanta, Kroger Cincinnati, Kroger Great Lakes, Kroger Central, Jay C, Mid-South, Delta, Mid-Atlantic, Southwest, Dillon, King Soopers, Fry's, Fred Meyer,Ralph's, Food 4 Less-Calif, QFC and Smith's Stores.
Due to a potential health hazard any customer sensitive to MILK purchasing the above product should not eat the product. The product may contain MILK and, if eaten, could result in severe allergic reactions in persons sensitive to MILK. Please return the product to this store for a full refund.

Consumers with questions or concerns may call Cedarlane Natural Foods at 1-800-826-3322.
For more recall information please visit http://www.recalls.gov/, http://www.usda.com/, http://www.fda.com/, and http://www.cpsc.com/.

Sumner County News

YUM YUM!! They look delectible!




Christmas cookies are delicious part of season
By Sherry MitchellSumner A.M. staff

Read article on Christmas Cookies in the Star News

FCE Holiday Sampler

Portland FCE Club members attending the Holiday sampler at the civic center in Gallatin was Dianne Blocker, Rhonda Eakes, Sandra Graham, Kathryn Hamm, Robyn Collins,Diane Dorris, Elaine Graham, Juandel Lane and Brynna Reed (Mable McReynolds/The News Examiner)

Remember This event is held every year in the Star News/News Examiner!

Family Goes all Out for Christmas Decorating!

Tyler, 13, Taylor, 9, and Tanner, 6, of the McDaniel household in Hendersonville enjoy putting up the family decorations each year. Tyler is holding a Santa decoration that his father gave to his mother before his father passed away eight years ago. It is Tyler's favorite family decoration, because it keeps the memory of his father alive during the holidays. (Photo by Candy Webb/ For the Star News)

Read more @ the Star News

Tennessee Poison Control Center offers holiday safety advice

Poisonous plants, holiday decorations and unsafe toys are just a few of the potential hazards children face during the holidays.

The Tennessee Poison Control Center (TPCC) is asking people to be alert for potential holiday hazards including recalled toys and poisons around the home. During the holidays seasonal poisoning possibilities include: prescription medications, lamp oil, potpourri, Christmas tree ornaments that may resemble candy or other food items, bubbling tree lights, artificial snow, and plants such as mistletoe or holly berry.

Michelle Grant, RN, MSN, CSPI, a poison specialist with the TPCC, said that recent recalls of several toys have prompted parents to raise questions regarding the safety of toys this holiday season.

Grant says many of the recalled toys have been removed from store shelves due to high concentrations of lead being detected in these toys.

“The risk of lead toxicity is considered very low, occurring through chronic or excessive exposure to lead,” she said. “You should discuss any further concerns about possible unsafe lead exposure with your child’s pediatrician.”

Grant adds that lead poisoning is just one concern with toys. She cautions that the biggest ongoing safety concern with toys is the hazard of choking.

“The No. 1 safety concern still remains choking. Toys should be chosen based on the recommended age of the child, which should be labeled on the package,” she said. “Parents should consider the age of the youngest child in the house and not necessarily the child the toy is intended for, since small parts often end up in the hands of younger siblings. Accidents from ride-on toys (such as scooters and tricycles) also pose risks to children of all ages.”

There are other holiday poisoning hazards the TPCC is asking parents to be aware of.

“This time of year, we receive several calls from parents when their child has just eaten a holiday decoration, artificial snow, poinsettia leaf or mistletoe,” said Grant.

Potential for exposures to these items can increase during the holidays due to distractions parents may face when decorating, cooking and celebrating.

Grant says to also remember to “childproof” your home if children are visiting over the holidays. She said the TPCC receives many calls about children getting into adult medications that are within easy reach.

“We have a lot of calls about children getting into medicines that grandparents are not used to keeping out of the reach of little ones, either when the grandchildren are visiting them or when they bring their medicines when they visit during the holiday,” Grant explained.

“Remember to place anything that is harmful out of the reach of children.”

Some common topics the TPCC receives calls about each holiday season include:

Poinsettia

Grant says poinsettias are non-toxic, but present a choking hazard. “Poinsettias are not toxic and do not pose a health threat,” she explained. “But like many houseplants, poinsettia leaves and stems can cause a minor upset stomach (nausea, vomiting and diarrhea) if swallowed by young children or pets.”

Mistletoe and holly berries

Mistletoe can be extremely toxic to children and pets. Mistletoe berries, and to a lesser extent the leaves and stems, contain poisonous substances that slow the heart. Other toxins in mistletoe induce nausea and vomiting. In fact, swallowing just a few mistletoe berries can cause serious problems for a toddler.

Holly berries can contain ilex acid, which irritates the stomach and causes nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. A child usually must swallow several holly berries before serious problems develop.

Jerusalem cherry plant

One of the more toxic plants sometimes displayed at Christmas is the Jerusalem cherry plant. Its bright yellow-to-red berries contain solanine. When ingested, solanine causes vomiting and diarrhea, slows the heart, lowers blood pressure, depresses breathing and induces coma.

Christmas lights

Keep "bubbling" lights away from children. These lights with their bright colors and bubbling movement can tempt curious children to break candle-shaped glass, which can cut, and attempt to drink the liquid, which contains a hazardous chemical.

Artificial snow

Children can choke if they try to eat the fake plastic snow that is often used in holiday decorations. Artificial snow sprays can irritate lungs if inhaled. To avoid injury, read container labels and follow directions carefully.

Glass ornaments

Be sure to place ornaments out of reach of children. The TPCC receives frequent calls about children breaking and eating the pieces.

Carbon Monoxide

Another common seasonal hazard around the home is carbon monoxide from a fireplace. Make sure the chimney has been recently inspected by a professional. Carbon monoxide, which is a colorless, odorless gas, is a silent killer. Get carbon monoxide detectors for your home, and never bring any products designed to be used outside into your home to assist with heating.

For further information regarding recalled toys, please visit www.cpsc.gov.

If you have questions about potential poisons in your home, contact the Tennessee Poison Control Center at (800) 222-1222, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Your call will put you in touch with medical professionals who can help in a poison emergency, or answer any poison-related question. All calls to the poison hotline are free. The center gives advice and makes medical referrals to people who may have come in contact with poison or other dangerous substances, or who have overdosed on drugs.