| How to Help Tornado Victims Posted: 01 Jul 2019 01:00 AM PDT Tornadoes are devastating storms that can have long-lasting consequences for victims and their communities. While tornadoes can happen almost anywhere in the world, they are most common in the central U.S., where they tend to peak during the early summer months.[1] Help tornado victims and their communities by donating to disaster relief organizations in their area, or look for ways to volunteer with the relief effort. You can also help individual friends or family members by offering financial, practical, and emotional support. EditWorking with Disaster Relief Organizations - Focus on working with local organizations to help most directly. One of the most effective ways to help tornado victims is to donate to local disaster relief organizations. Local organizations are familiar with the community and what resources are already available locally. They are also motivated to help their local community by making sure that any resources donated to them are put to good use. Do a search online for relief organizations in the affected area.
- For example, if you're interested in helping victims of the recent tornado in Moore, Oklahoma, you might contact the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma or Oklahoma Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD).[2]
- Check with other types of organizations in the area that may be helping. In the wake of a disaster like a tornado, many different kinds of local organizations will often step up to help. Check with non-disaster-relief organizations in the area, such as schools, libraries, homeless shelters, animal shelters, food banks, churches, and social service organizations to find out what they are doing and how you can get involved.
- For example, in the wake of the recent Lee County tornado in Alabama, churches, grocery stores, schools, and animal shelters in the area gathered donations of supplies and money for the community.[3]
- Check the websites of local news outlets to find out where you can donate.
- Look for national disaster relief networks that offer local aid. Many national disaster relief organizations have local branches that can provide direct help on the community level. Research reputable national disaster relief networks and see if there are any local branches in the affected area.
- For example, Direct Relief, an organization that focuses on providing medical assistance to communities in need, works with local groups to provide critical supplies after tornadoes and other disasters.[4]
- Feeding America works with community food banks across the U.S.
- The Red Cross also has local branches in communities all over the world.
- Research charities before you work with them. Before you donate to any charitable or relief organization, look them up through a watchdog organization to find out if they are reputable. Do a search for the organization you're interested in online and look for reviews and ratings from groups such as:[5]
- CharityNavigator
- CharityWatch
- GuideStar
- The Better Business Bureau Wise Giving Alliance
- Give money if you can. In the wake of a disaster, people need a wide variety of different types of assistance. They may need goods, shelter, medical care, or food. When you donate money to disaster relief organizations or charities, they can figure out how to use your contribution in the most effective and efficient way possible. If possible, donate money rather than goods unless an organization is specifically asking for material donations.[6]
- Monetary donations allow rescue organizations to purchase goods locally without having to worry about shipping costs and quality control checks. They can also tailor their purchases to the exact needs of members of the community.
- For example, after the tornado that recently hit El Reno, Oklahoma, the local Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) branch is looking for donations of cash and gift cards to help residents purchase food, gas, and other necessities.[7]
- The Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma also reached out for cash donations (as opposed to donations of food or supplies) after the Moore tornado.[8]
- Donate items only if they are needed. Donating goods, such as clothing and canned foods, can also be helpful in the wake of a tornado. However, first check with the organization(s) you're working with to find out exactly what is needed. Otherwise, aid organizations can end up overwhelmed with material donations that they are unable to use.[9]
- Call the organization you'd like to donate to or check their website to find out what kinds of donations they are taking.
- Ask about ways to volunteer. As an alternative to donating money or goods, you may also be able to volunteer your time. Contact rescue organizations in the affected area and find out what kinds of help they need. You can also reach out to National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (NVOAD) at https://www.nvoad.org/ to find volunteer opportunities.[10]
- Don't jump in and try to help with search and rescue efforts or other potentially dangerous activities on your own. It's important to work with an existing volunteer organization that has already identified safe and effective ways to help out.[11]
- Ways to volunteer may include making calls for donations, cooking meals for survivors, delivering supplies, or getting involved in search and rescue operations.
EditSupporting Individual Tornado Victims - Try to contact friends and family affected by the tornado. If you know someone who's been affected by a tornado, try to get in touch with them as soon as possible to find out if they are okay and what they need. You may be able to contact them by phone or over their social media accounts, but if not, there are a variety of resources that can help:[12]
- Give financial support if you can. In addition to dealing with the immediate trauma and damage caused by the tornado, many victims find themselves in severe financial difficulty long after the disaster is over. If you want to help someone affected by a tornado, consider helping them out with a little money if you are able to do so.
- If you can't give much money yourself, look into starting a crowdfunding campaign to help your loved one meet their needs.
- For example, you might start a fund on GoFundMe.com or GiveForward.com to raise money for a loved one's medical expenses if they were injured in the tornado.[13]
- You can also help connect them with disaster-related financial assistance resources, like the U.S. government's disaster relief program at DisasterAssistance.gov.
- Offer shelter if you're able to. Tornadoes can cause devastating damage to people's property, destroying homes, leaving large areas flooded or without power or water, or creating hazards such as downed powerlines and structural instability.[14] If you know someone who's been left homeless after a tornado or needs a place to stay while repairs are being done, consider taking them in for a while.
- If you can't provide shelter yourself, you may be able to help connect survivors with temporary shelter options in their area. For example, in the U.S., you can text SHELTER and the person's zip code to 43362 (4FEMA) to find nearby options.[15]
- Help them replace lost items. After a tornado, your friends or loved ones may be faced with the task of replacing some or all of their furniture and appliances. Ask them which items they need and whether you can help by purchasing some of those items for them.
- Work with them to create an online wish list so that you and other friends or relatives can purchase the specific items they need based on the list.
- Be emotionally supportive. The emotional aftermath of a tornado or other natural disaster can be devastating. In addition to needing practical help, many tornado victims will need emotional support to help them cope with the stress of what they've been through.[16] Reach out to loved ones affected by the tornado and let them know you are there if they need to talk.
- Common signs of disaster-related distress include feelings of anxiety, fear, disbelief, or emotional numbness, difficulty concentrating, changes in energy or activity levels, and difficulty sleeping. Some people also have physical symptoms such as headaches, body pains, and indigestion.
- If someone you know is experiencing an emotional or mental health crisis after a tornado, call the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's Disaster Distress hotline at 1-800-985-5990 or text TalkWithUs to 66746.
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| How to Season Turkey Burgers Posted: 30 Jun 2019 05:00 PM PDT Substituting poultry without the skin for red meat is good way to reduce the amount of saturated fat in your meal and can be part of a heart-healthy diet. [1] For example, you can use ground turkey in place of ground beef when making burgers. Keep in mind that because turkey has less fat than beef, an unseasoned turkey burger will be bland and dry. Season your turkey burgers with dry seasonings or additional ingredients for a delicious, juicy burger. EditUsing Dry Seasonings to Add Flavor - Mix cumin with turkey before forming patties for a smoky flavor. Cumin works well with Mexican, North African, Indian, and Middle Eastern flavor profiles.[2] Use 1 teaspoon (2.5 grams) dried cumin for of ground turkey.[3]
- Combine chili powder with turkey before forming patties to add heat. Chili powder pairs best with Latin American flavors. Mix ½ teaspoon (1.5 grams) chili powder with of ground turkey.[4]
- Chile powder is a blend of spices including ancho chile powder, paprika, cumin, and Mexican oregano.[5]
- Mix thyme into turkey before forming patties for a bright taste. Turkey's neutral taste means that it can allow other flavors to shine, and thyme pairs well with a Mediterranean flavor profile. Use 1 teaspoon (1.5 grams) of dried thyme for of ground turkey.[6]
- Add salt and pepper to turkey before forming patties. A simple seasoning of salt and pepper works with any flavor profile and is the best choice if you want the burger toppings to be the focus. Use ½ teaspoon (3 grams) and ½ teaspoon of pepper (1 gram) for of ground turkey.[7]
- Use seasoning salt or lemon pepper for extra flavor.[8]
EditAdding Other Foods to Improve Flavor and Texture - Mix eggplant with turkey before preparing patties for a meaty flavor. To prepare the eggplant, roast it at for 30 minutes. Allow to cool and scrape the flesh from the skin, and then chop finely to make a puree.[9]
- Use one small eggplant, about , for each of turkey.[10]
- Mix ricotta cheese with turkey before forming patties. Ricotta cheese will add a mild flavor and moisture without a lot of extra fat.[11] Use ½ cup (124 grams) whole-milk ricotta cheese for of ground turkey.[12]
- Combine ketchup and turkey before forming patties for a classic flavor. This works best if you are planning to add toppings like onions, lettuce, mustard, and more ketchup. Use 2 tablespoons (34 grams) of ketchup for of ground turkey.[13]
- Mix Dijon mustard with turkey before forming patties for a bold flavor. Since Dijon is sharper and spicier than yellow mustard, its flavor will hold up better when cooked.[14]. Use 1 tablespoon (18 grams) mustard for of ground turkey.[15]
- Add onion to turkey before forming patties for a diner-style burger. This is best if you're planning to serve the burgers with toppings like ketchup, mustard, and pickles. For of ground turkey, grate half of a medium onion.[16]
- Mix shredded cheese with turkey before forming patties. The pockets of cheese in the burger patty give it a juicier interior and a crunchy crust. Use of a mild cheese like Monterey Jack per of ground turkey.[17]
- For a bolder, cheese-forward burger, try stronger cheeses like sharp cheddar and pepper jack.
- When choosing a cheese, consider what toppings you will be adding to the burger. For example, cheddar would pair well with classic cheeseburger toppings like lettuce and tomato.
EditUsing Different Cooking Techniques to Create Additional Flavor - Sear the burgers to make a flavorful crust. This will also give you a crisp exterior texture. Burgers can be cooked in a skillet on medium-high heat until a crust forms on the bottom, about 3 minutes, and then baked at for 5 to 7 minutes.[18]
- Use a cast iron or oven-safe skillet.[19]
- Only handle the burgers when flipping in order to keep them from drying out.[20]
- Grill the burgers for a smoky taste. Using a charcoal grill will give you the best flavor. Cook over medium-high heat for 3 to 4 minutes per side. [21]
- Don't press the burgers down, because you'll lose the juices and end up with a drier burger.[22]
- Cook the burgers over a campfire to add complex flavors. Different types of wood will add different taste notes. For example, apple wood gives meat a light, sweet flavor and hickory adds a hearty taste.[23]
- To efficiently cook several burgers at once, use a hinged grill basket. They can be purchased online or from a local outdoors supply store.[24]
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| How to Use Activated Charcoal for Teeth Whitening Posted: 30 Jun 2019 09:00 AM PDT You may have seen activated charcoal touted as the way to get a bright set of pearly whites – and there are a lot of toothpaste and natural health companies jumping on the bandwagon with activated charcoal toothpastes and whitening pastes. The traditional way to use activated charcoal for teeth whitening is to crush a charcoal tablet in water to form a paste you rub or brush on your teeth. Before you take the leap, be aware that the American Dental Association (ADA) warns that activated charcoal may damage the enamel of your teeth if used incorrectly, leading to increased tooth sensitivity.[1] EditChoosing an Appropriate Product - Consult your dentist for recommendations and advice. Before you start using activated charcoal, schedule an appointment with your dentist. Let them know that you're interested in using activated charcoal to whiten your teeth. They may have products they can recommend.[2]
- Your dentist can also properly evaluate your oral health and let you know if activated charcoal could possibly harm your teeth or gums.
- Try a toothpaste with activated charcoal added first. An activated charcoal toothpaste will be less abrasive than an activated charcoal paste, as well as easier to clean off your teeth. If you've never tried activated charcoal before, you may want to start with a toothpaste first.[3]
- While activated charcoal may be good at removing surface stains, toothpastes are largely ineffective at whitening your teeth because they don't stay in contact with your teeth long enough. However, if you smoke or drink coffee, your teeth may seem whiter after using an activated charcoal toothpaste.[4]
- Make your own paste with tablets if you have healthy teeth and gums. Making your own activated charcoal paste is typically less expensive than pre-made branded products. Additionally, you avoid other ingredients in pre-made products that may lessen the effectiveness of the activated charcoal.[5]
- Activated charcoal tablets are available online and at some natural food or health and beauty stores. Activated charcoal is also available in capsule form. You would need to break open the capsule to use the charcoal on your teeth.
- Read the information on the package carefully and make sure the tablets you buy are okay to use in your mouth.
- Although paste made with tablets is typically more abrasive than branded activated charcoal products, you can control the abrasiveness depending on how finely you crush up the charcoal.
EditUsing Activated Charcoal Properly - Crush a tablet of activated charcoal into a cup or bowl. Take a single tablet of activated charcoal out of the bottle and drop it into a small cup or bowl. You may want to use the back of a spoon to crush it up a little bit.[6]
- The finer the consistency of the activated charcoal, the less abrasive your paste will be. Try not to leave any large or jagged pieces of charcoal, as these could damage your teeth or gums.
- Pour about 1 teaspoon (5 mL) of water over the charcoal to form a paste. Once you've sufficiently crushed up the activated charcoal tablet, mix it with water to until it has a consistent paste-like consistency.[7]
- Adding more water and crushing the charcoal more will make your paste less abrasive. However, you should only add a few drops of water at a time. If the paste becomes too watery, it won't adhere to your teeth.
- Apply the paste to your teeth with a soft-bristled toothbrush. Dip a soft toothbrush into the paste and brush it gently on the exposed surfaces of your teeth. Use light pressure to keep from scrubbing too hard – you might damage your teeth's enamel.[8]
- Be sure to use a different toothbrush than the one you regularly use to brush your teeth – small bits of charcoal will get trapped in the bristles, and the bristles themselves will become stained.
- Get a toothbrush with the softest bristles you can find to minimize the abrasiveness. You might try a child's toothbrush, which typically has softer bristles than an adult toothbrush.
- Leave the paste on your teeth for 3 minutes, then rinse. Once you've covered your teeth in the activated charcoal paste, wait for 3 minutes to allow the charcoal to do its work. Rinse your mouth with cool water repeatedly until you are no longer spitting any charcoal fragments.[9]
- After rinsing with water, you may want to follow up with a regular mouth rinse so your mouth doesn't taste like charcoal.
- When you first start, you may have a hard time leaving the activated charcoal in your mouth for 3 minutes. Start with 1 minute and work your way up.
- Brush and floss like normal after using activated charcoal. Using activated charcoal is not the same as brushing and flossing your teeth, and doesn't take the place of regular dental hygiene. Even while using activated charcoal, follow a normal routine of brushing your teeth at least twice a day.[10]
- Monitor your teeth and gums carefully when you brush your teeth after using activated charcoal. Discontinue your activated charcoal treatments if you notice your gums bleeding, or if your teeth feel rough or more sensitive than usual.
- Treat your teeth with activated charcoal at most once every 2 weeks. Activated charcoal is abrasive, and repeated treatments will damage your enamel. Once you lose enamel there's no way to get it back. Using activated charcoal sparingly minimizes cumulative damage.[11]
- The primary benefit of activated charcoal is the removal of surface stains from your teeth. Waiting a couple of weeks will allow a buildup of stains so the charcoal doesn't start eating away at your enamel.
EditExploring Whitening Alternatives - Make your own whitening toothpaste with natural ingredients. A mixture of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide is actually proven to whiten your teeth. Dip your toothbrush in hydrogen peroxide, then dip it in baking soda. Brush your teeth for 2 minutes, then rinse well.[12]
- While baking soda is less abrasive than activated charcoal, it's still abrasive. Use this treatment no more than 2 or 3 times a week, and don't use it as a substitute for regular brushing and flossing.
- Drink water with dark foods and drinks to minimize staining. Coffee, red wine, pomegranates, and other dark foods and drinks are known to stain your teeth. If you drink water while eating or drinking, the water helps to rinse the stains away, keeping your mouth clean.[13]
- Smoking can also stain your teeth. If you're a smoker, consider cutting back or making a plan to quit if you want a whiter smile. In the meantime, consider using a smoker's toothpaste that is designed to fight tobacco stains.
- Eat foods that help keep your teeth clean. The types of food that you eat can help naturally brighten your smile without having to resort to harsh treatments. Fill up on crunchy raw foods that naturally brush the surface of your teeth, such as celery and apples.[14]
- These foods also help remove bacteria from your mouth and teeth, which can help prevent cavities and gum disease.
- Try oil pulling to remove bacteria from your teeth. Swish 1 tablespoon (15 mL) of coconut, sunflower, or sesame oil for 1 minute after brushing and flossing. Rinse your mouth out thoroughly after spitting out the oil.[15]
- Oil pulling is an ancient treatment that may help remove surface stains from your teeth to give you a brighter smile.
- There aren't any scientific studies that prove oil pulling is actually beneficial for your oral health or will help whiten your teeth. Although oil pulling isn't abrasive and won't harm the enamel of your teeth, you should still consult your dentist before trying this treatment.
- Talk to your dentist about in-office whitening treatments. Whitening treatments at your dentist's office are the only guaranteed way to get a whiter smile. There are a number of different methods available, some of which may even be covered by your dental insurance.[16]
- Your dentist will also be able to talk to you about why your teeth are discolored. Some discoloration is genetic, and no whitening treatments will help.
- Activated charcoal may damage any fillings, crowns, or other dental work. If you've had damaged or broken teeth repaired, talk to your dentist before trying activated charcoal toothpaste or tablets.
- Do not attempt to use activated charcoal to whiten your teeth if you have gum disease, or if your gums typically bleed when you brush your teeth normally.
- Consult your dentist before trying any at-home whitening methods to be sure that the method is safe for your teeth.
EditThings You'll Need EditUsing Activated Charcoal Properly - Activated charcoal tablets
- Bowl or cup
- Water
- Soft-bristled toothbrush
EditExploring Whitening Alternatives - Baking soda
- Hydrogen peroxide
- Coconut, sunflower, or sesame oil
EditReferences
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