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When preparing for an emergency there are a number of things that should be considered as it relates to Food security, supply and storage.

Food safety is paramount during the hurricane season and families; large or small need safe foods to consume during and after a disaster. There are many ways to store and prepare food for the family and it is important to have a family disaster plan which outlines food safety mechanisms for all members of the family.

When planning and storing foods for a disaster it is important to have foods stored on a short-term and long-term basis; these are foods that can be stored and consumed safely for up to three days post-disaster and also foods that are suitable to be stored for up to two weeks or more post-disaster.

Store foods that are easy to prepare such as canned and packaged that do not require cold storage, Thin ahead and plan menus to include a variety of food groups so that the family can have at least one well-balanced meal each day post-disaster. Buy items like flour, grains, seeds, and peas in bulk and if possible, keep fresh fruits and vegetables on hand for use in the short term and replace them if available after the event. Store an adequate amount of water for the family; at least 1 gallon of water per day for each person and each pet, more water is needed for pregnant women and for people who are sick.

Store opened packages of cereal, crackers, sugar, pasta, rice, and others in plastic bags or Ziplock bags and place them in airtight storage buckets or containers to protect them from rodents and insects. Powdered milk should be stored in an air-tight container. Add vitamin, mineral, and protein supplements to your food storage list to ensure adequate nutrition for the long term. Check the expiration dates for all foods before storing them and ensure they are three months or more before expiration. Ensure that canned foods are free of dents or rust since this can make them unsafe to consume.

If the electricity goes out after the disaster, perishable foods should be used before using your emergency supply. Minimize the number of times cold storage equipment is open to keep foods safe a little longer; grouping foods in the freezer will help them stay cold longer and can prevent cross-contamination, especially when thawing begins. Check out our social media pages for healthy recipes and food and nutrition tips.

Mangoes not only delicious but they are very nutritious and there is a flavour and type for everyone as it they come in a wide variety. Mango is a super fruit that contains dietary fiber, natural sugar, and 20 vitamins and minerals that include vitamins C, A, B, K, and E, minerals like magnesium, potassium, manganese, potassium, and copper, and nutrients like carbohydrates, and a small amount of protein and fat. The fruit is not only beneficial to men but is great for everyone regardless of age because it has many health benefits for the body, including heart health, skin health, and eye health, and boosts the digestive and immune systems.

Mangoes are low in calories and may help to control blood sugar spikes among people with diabetes due to their fiber content and low impact on blood sugar when eaten in moderation. Mangoes are also rich in polyphenols, an antioxidant that reduces oxidative stress. Oxidative stress is associated with many diseases, including cancer. Mangoes can help prevent certain types of cancers in collaboration with a healthy balanced diet. The nutrient properties in mangoes can also help boost brain health and reduce the risk of cognitive decline caused by Alzheimer’s.

Mangoes are very versatile and can be used to make many dishes, such as salads, juices and smoothies, chow with other fruits and vegetables, cakes and pastries and the skin and flesh can be eaten raw.

The fruit and leaves of the guava plant are both filled with nutritional compounds that can be used to alleviate many health conditions in men.

Research suggests that the guava which contains high levels of the plant pigment lycopene, which is also found in tomatoes and watermelon, has strong antioxidant properties, and has been shown to lower the risk of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia or enlarged prostate; additionally, high levels of lycopene have been associated with reduced the risk and the potential to suppress the progression of prostate cancer. This fruit may also be used to support fertility and heart, and bone health. The fruit is also rich in vitamin C, potassium, and fiber.

Apart from its benefits in alleviating the effects of prostate cancer, guavas when eaten can also aid in alleviating other illnesses which affects men such as the common cold, supports heart health, supports eye health, improves digestion and skin conditions. It is important to note that too much guava should not be consumed if you have digestive problems, that include constipation, bloating, cramps, or watery stools.  The leaves of the guava plant are also great for balancing blood glucose levels, lowering blood pressure, and preventing tooth decay by destroying harmful germs in the mouth. It can also help in weight loss and can be a great treatment for diarrhea.

Guavas are most commonly eaten raw but do make delicious juices and drinks. It can be made into jams and marmalades and added to baked goods. The leaves can also be eaten raw as well or steeped in hot water and consumed as a tea.

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Our focus for today is Diabetes which as we know can have a number of effects on the human body.  Men who are predisposed to diabetes can practice proper nutrition and lifestyles changes which can assist in improving their overall health and lowering their risk of developing and avoid complications of the disease.

Most people suffer from type 2 Diabetes which develops in the body over time due to decreased insulin sensitivity of muscle and fat cells and the liver, or a decrease in the body’s ability to produce insulin that causes the blood glucose to become too high. Men who suffer from type 2 diabetes can be affected by additional effects which include Urologic issues caused by diabetic nerve damage. The effects of urologic issues are an overactive bladder, leaking urine or the inability to control urination and trouble urinating at times, and frequent Urinary Tract Infections.

Diabetes in men can also result in Retrograde ejaculation which causes the release of semen into the bladder rather than the urethra. Symptoms may include noticeably less or the absence of semen released during ejaculation. Some males may also experience Erectile dysfunction which is the inability to achieve or maintain an erection. This is caused by diabetes-induced damage to the autonomic nervous system which controls the widening or constricting of the blood vessels, this can cause damage to the blood vessels and nerves in the penis. Erectile dysfunction can also be caused by other diseases and problems in the body such as high blood pressure or hypertension, kidney disease, circulatory conditions, and obesity or being overweight.

A person is at risk of diabetes if they have family members who have type 2 diabetes, have high cholesterol, high triglycerides, low HDL or “good” cholesterol and high LDL or “bad” cholesterol, have high blood pressure, do not exercise enough and eat a diet that is filled with refined and processed sugars and refined carbohydrates and is of African descent.

If you are pre-diabetic or predisposed to diabetes, you can manage your blood sugar levels by eating a wide range of foods in moderation, including fruits, vegetables, and some starchy foods like whole grains and whole wheat pasta, rice, root crops like sweet potatoes, tannia, yam, dasheen and green bananas, plantains, and minimize consumption of added sugar and foods that contain added sugars, fat, and salt. Avoid missing meals, especially if you take medicines for your condition. Speak to a nutritionist or dietitian for advice on ways you can manage your condition through diet and exercise.

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