(Family Features) Natural and plant-based remedies have been around for centuries, and for everyday treatments like minor cuts, scrapes and rashes, they can have real benefits. In fact, the global herbal medicine market is expected to reach $342 billion by 2030, according to a forecast by Research and Markets.

In North America, a green movement is spurring a large share of this growth, with consumers more inclined toward natural and plant-based medicines. Concerns about side effects, long-term impact and safety also affect the choices people are making when it comes to treating their medical concerns.

“Natural and plant-based remedies have been around for centuries, treating everything from common cold symptoms to dressing wounds and caring for injuries,” said Dr. Billy Goldberg, a New York Times’ bestselling author and emergency room physician. “As people increasingly turn to more natural tried-and-true ingredients, some companies are taking note and beginning to incorporate them into products that provide the healing power of nature.”

Goldberg and the first-aid experts at CURAD, which have made adhesive bandages since 1951, offer these suggestions for natural common ingredients that can help protect your health:

Vitamin E – Studies by the National Institute on Health have shown that vitamin E helps soothe and support skin during the healing process. Vitamin E may also help promote immunity and prevent arterial blood clots.

Aloe Vera – Few things soothe sunburn like aloe vera. With analgesic, anti-inflammatory and soothing properties, aloe vera gel helps reduce pain and inflammation. Also helpful in the healing process of cuts and scrapes, the CURAD Naturals line of adhesive bandages are infused with aloe vera in the wound pad and surface of the bandage, which is enriched with the antioxidant vitamin E to help soothe and moisturize skin.

Garlic – Used for centuries for wound healing, garlic extract has been found to improve healing time and decrease rate of infection. Ingesting garlic may also head off symptoms of the common cold and help reduce blood pressure.

Baking Soda – Bicarbonate of soda, commonly known as baking soda, can be used for more than baking. From removing stains to cleaning teeth and more, it can also be used to help treat a variety of wounds. In addition to being an odor absorber, it can be applied to insect stings and bites, such as those from bees or mosquitoes.

Whether making a paste using baking soda and water then applying to the bite or using an option like CURAD Naturals adhesive bandages featuring baking soda, the chemical compound can help soothe skin. In addition to absorbing wound odor, the bandages provide skin-friendly comfort and stretch with a four-sided seal to keep dirt and germs out.

Honey – Sweet and highly acidic, honey’s antioxidant, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties make it a good choice for dressing wounds since it encourages healing and prevents infections. Honey may also help soothe coughs.

Charcoal – Activated charcoal may have an antibacterial effect by absorbing harmful microbes from wounds. Similarly, it can be used to treat poisoning or drug overdose and may help with digestive problems. It’s also thought to play a role in lowering cholesterol and improving kidney function, and some dental care products use it as a whitening agent.

Learn more about natural health care and first-aid products at CURAD.com.

Photos courtesy of Getty Images

SOURCE:
CURAD

SEATTLE /PRNewswire/ — Specialty outdoor retailer REI Co-op is doubling down on its bold commitment to Opt Outside by calling a time out when life feels like it is on autopilot. REI will host 300+ free classes and day tours on Saturday, June 15 to highlight how the co-op supports its members and broader outdoor community with resources, expertise and inspiration. Registration opens today at REI.com/OptOutsideFreeDay.

“Opt Outside is much bigger than one day of the year—it’s the way we live. It’s the clearest expression of what REI is all about,” says Ben Steele, REI executive vice president and chief customer officer. “Simply put, time outside is fundamental to the health and happiness of individuals and communities. Today, too many people feel like their time isn’t their own and all of us know we spend too much of our time indoors. We can make a different choice. From our incredible store staff to our professional guides and much more, the co-op is here to be a resource for everyone to have a healthy, active life outside.”

On June 15, REI will host a free curated collection of its most popular in-store workshops and local guided hiking and paddling tours with retail staff, the co-op’s experiences guides and community partners. In a single day, nearly 6,000 people will get outside and learn new outdoor skills and activities. At select stores, REI will be joined by body positivity influencer and yoga instructor Adina Crawford, Adaptive Adventures, All Bodies on Bikes, Black Girls Do Bike, Black Girls RUN!, Latino Outdoors, and The Venture Out Project.

REI’s Opt Outside landing page, REI.com/opt-outside, serves as an easy-to-access tool to learn more about virtual and in-person resources offered year-round by the co-op. For example:

• More than 38,200 enthusiasts participated in 4,800 day experiences programs across 14 communities last year. REI teaches more people how to ride bikes every year than any other outfitter.
• REI offers 150 adventure travel trips throughout North America, including three new itineraries launched in partnership with Outdoor Afro, Inc. that celebrate Black joy in nature. 
• Stores regularly host introductory classes on a wide range of activities for hiking, camping, cycling and more.

REI is also amplifying its partnerships with Hipcamp and Strava to broaden awareness of meaningful ways to prioritize time outside. The world’s leading campsite booking brand and the co-op launched the “Summer of Magic Campout Series” to surprise thousands of people with free campouts during peak weekends throughout the summer. The co-op will also continue to team with Strava, the leading subscription platform at the center of connected fitness, through new challenges that will be announced in the weeks ahead.

As the co-op has done since 2015, REI will continue to pause operations on Thanksgiving and Black Friday so that all employees can spend the day outside. This holiday season marks 10 years of REI calling on the broader community to join the co-op in its action. Over the years, Opt Outside has evolved to a movement that advocates for causes important to the co-op, including environmental welfare, inclusivity in the outdoor industry and responsible recreation. Since its inception, hundreds of organizations, state and local parks, and businesses have joined the co-op in opting outside on Black Friday. 

About the REI Co-op
REI is a specialty outdoor retailer, headquartered near Seattle. The nation’s largest consumer co-op, REI is a growing community of 24 million members who expect and love the best quality gear, inspiring expert classes and trips, and outstanding customer service. If you can’t visit one of our many stores, you can shop at REI.com, REI Outlet or the REI shopping app. Everyone is welcome to shop REI, but members who join the co-op enjoy a range of benefits. More than a retailer, REI is a purpose-driven and values-led company dedicated to enabling life outside for all. 

SOURCE REI Co-op

https://stmdailynews.com/category/lifestyle

In a recent public health alert, Classic Delight LLC, a food company based in St. Mary’s, Ohio, has announced a voluntary recall of certain individually wrapped sandwiches due to potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes. This organism can result in severe infections, especially among vulnerable individuals. While no illness or adverse reactions have been reported thus far, the company is taking proactive measures to ensure consumer safety.

Details of the Recall:
The affected products, produced between May 11, 2023, and June 6, 2024, were distributed to several states, including Arkansas, California, Maryland, Missouri, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Texas. These sandwiches may have made their way into food service distribution, convenience stores, and vending machines. To assist in identifying the recalled items, here is a list of the specific products:

• 7060 Classic Delight Twin Chili Cheese Dog
• 514713 Wakefield Charbroiled Cheeseburger
• 311 Classic Delight Turkey Ham and Cheese Sub
• 551697 Wakefield Ham Cheddar Pretzel Croissant
• 314 Classic Delight Turkey Cheese Sub
• 648899 Wakefield Chorizo Egg Ciabatta
• 6731 Classic Delight Turkey Cheese Round
• 806604 Wakefield Ham Egg Cheese Muffin
• 6757 Classic Delight Twin Breaded Chicken Sliders
• 806612 Wakefield Ham Egg Cheese Croissant
• 7626 Classic Delight Breaded Chicken Waffle
• 806620 Wakefield Bacon Egg and Cheese Bagel
• 73131 Nutrisystem Turkey Sausage and Egg Muffin
• 806638 Wakefield Sausage Egg and Cheese Biscuit
• 176586 Wakefield Pretzel Bacon Angus Cheeseburger
• 806646 Wakefield Sausage Egg and Cheese Muffin
• 176594 Wakefield Southern Chicken Biscuit
• 806653 Wakefield Bacon Cheeseburger
• 195263 Wakefield Spicy Hawaiian Sliders
• 806661 Wakefield Blazin Chicken
• 514711 Wakefield Bacon Egg and Cheese Bagel
• 806679 Wakefield Charbroiled Cheeseburger
• 514712 Wakefield Sausage Egg and Cheese Biscuit
• 806687 Wakefield Chicken and Cheese
• 942821 Wakefield Sausage Egg Pancake

Reasons for Recall:
Classic Delight initiated the recall after routine environmental testing revealed the presence of Listeria monocytogenes. The company is actively collaborating with the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) to investigate the origin of the issue. As a precautionary measure, production of the affected products has been halted until the source of contamination is identified and resolved.

Action Steps for Consumers:
If you have purchased any of the recalled Classic Delight sandwiches, it is crucial to take immediate action to safeguard your health and well-being. Here’s what you need to do:

1. Discard the affected products if they are still in your possession.
2. For a full refund, return the recalled items to the place of purchase.
3. Any concerns or queries can be directed to the Classic Delight Consumer Hotline at (419)-300-3202, Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 3:00 pm Pacific Time. Alternatively, you may contact them via email at info@classicdelight.com.

Health and Safety Measures:
While there have been no reported cases of illness linked to these products thus far, it’s important to remain vigilant. Should you experience any symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain, or diarrhea after consuming these sandwiches, contact your healthcare provider immediately.

Classic Delight’s voluntary recall underscores their commitment to ensuring the safety of consumers. By swiftly addressing the potential risk of Listeria monocytogenes contamination, Classic Delight is taking proactive steps to protect public health. Remember to check your refrigerators or storage areas for the listed products and follow the recommended actions to minimize any potential harm. Always prioritize your well-being and stay informed about food recalls to make educated choices about the food you consume.

Company Contact Information

Consumers:Classic Delight Consumer Hotline (419)-300-3202 info@classicdelight.com

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts

Press Release: https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/classic-delight-llc-issues-public-health-alert-due-possible-health-risk

https://stmdailynews.com/category/lifestyle/health-and-wellness

About the FDA?

The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA or US FDA) is a federal agency of the Department of Health and Human Services. The FDA is responsible for protecting and promoting public health by overseeing food safety, tobacco products, caffeine products, dietary supplements, pharmaceutical drugs, vaccines, biopharmaceuticals, blood transfusions, medical devices, electromagnetic radiation emitting devices (ERED), cosmetics, animal foods & feed, and veterinary products.

The FDA primarily enforces the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FD&C) but also enforces other laws like Section 361 of the Public Health Service Act. This includes regulating lasers, cellular phones, and condoms, and controlling diseases in household pets and human sperm for assisted reproduction.

The FDA is led by the Commissioner of Food and Drugs, appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate, reporting to the Secretary of Health and Human Services. Robert Califf is the current Commissioner as of 17 February 2022.

The FDA’s headquarters is in White Oak, Maryland, with 223 field offices and 13 laboratories across the US, including the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico. Since 2008, the FDA has posted employees to various foreign countries like China, India, Costa Rica, Chile, Belgium, and the United Kingdom. (Wikipedia)

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