In today’s supermarket, it’s normal to see the same produce available year-round. However, that doesn’t mean the quality always remains the same. Eating seasonally means you are simply taking advantage of the harvest schedule and enjoying fully mature produce at the peak of its growing season. Seasonal eating can also help encourage you to eat more fruits and vegetables daily.

The 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends 2 cups of fruit and 2½ cups of vegetables daily.

• Staying Safe in the Summer Sun
• Sunscreen labels must follow specific guidelines.
• U.S. Drug Overdoses Hit Record High in 2021
• Banana Berry Muffins

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Every year, the Environmental Working Group (EWG) releases a report ranking pesticide residue levels of fruits and vegetables based on samples taken by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Food and Drug Administration. This report is designed to help consumers make healthy and informed choices and reduce their exposure to toxic pesticides.

More than 70% of non-organic produce sold in the United States contains potentially harmful pesticide residue, according to the EWG.

The report includes a list of the most pesticide-tainted produce, known as the “Dirty Dozen.” Here’s the 2022 list:

• Strawberries
• Spinach
• Kale, collard and mustard greens
• Nectarines
• Apples
• Grapes
• Bell and hot peppers
• Cherries
• Peaches
• Pears
• Celery
• Tomatoes

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If you use powdered infant formula, be aware certain Similac, Alimentum and EleCare products have been recalled and should not be used.

The FDA has published a full list of recalled brands. Recalled products should no longer be available for sale; however, check the packaging if you have them in your home to determine if they are included in the recall.

Which powdered infant formula products have been recalled?

Abbott Nutrition has recalled certain powdered infant formula products produced at its Sturgis, Michigan, facility. Products from that facility can be found across the United States, and some were exported to other countries. Here’s how you can tell if you have any of those products.

The FDA recommends consumers look at the lot code, a multidigit number on the bottom of a container of Similac, Alimentum and EleCare powdered infant formula. Do not use the product if all of the following are present:

• The first two digits of the code are 22-37
• The container code contains K8, SH or Z2
• The expiration date is 4-1-2022 or later

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To address the infant formula shortage amid medical device and health care company Abbott Nutrition’s voluntary recall of certain powdered infant formulas, the Biden administration is working to ensure that formula is safe and available for families across the country. President Biden spoke with several retailers and manufacturers—including Walmart, Target, Reckitt and Gerber—to discuss ways to get formula quickly and safely onto store shelves. He also announced a series of actions to make formula more accessible, including cutting red tape on the types of formula parents can buy, calling on the Federal Trade Commission and state attorneys general to crack down on price gouging and unfair market practices, and increasing formula supply through increased imports.

If you cannot readily find formula, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) suggests consulting the following resources.

Manufacturer Hotlines

• Gerber’s MyGerber Baby Expert—Reach a certified nutrition or lactation consultant by phone, text, Facebook Messenger, web chat or video call who can help you identify a similar formula that may be more readily available.
• Abbott’s Consumer Hotline—Call 1-800-986- 8540.
• Abbott’s urgent product request line—Ask your OB-GYN or your infant’s pediatrician to submit an urgent product request by downloading and completing this form.
• Reckitt’s Customer Service line—Call 1-800 BABY-123 (222-9123).

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Psychological resilience refers to the ability to mentally withstand or adapt to uncertainty and adversity. Building resilience to life’s inevitable changes and challenges can help you cope with and manage stressors. Resilience can also help protect you from various mental health symptoms. As the pandemic rolls into year three, health care professionals are noticing stress and anxiety developing into greater mental health concerns. Mental Health Awareness Month, observed annually in May, is a great time to check in on your feelings and thoughts.

Psychological resilience can help positively stabilize mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Protecting Your Vision

• Get a regular exam.
• Wear protective eyewear.
• Put your shades on.
• Don’t smoke.
• Give your eyes a break.

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