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Gary Lipton Media Relations Manager Phone: 1-(800)-222-5551 Fax: 1-(800)-990-4329 Web site: www. napsnet .com e-mail: printmedia@napsnet.com #2657 North American Precis Syndicate, Inc., 415 Madison Avenue, New York, N.Y. 10017 Quick Lunchbox Ideas Medical Imaging: For The Picture Of Health (NAPSA)—Advances in medical imaging science and technology help people in two ways: One, doctors can now diagnose and treat many more conditions. Two, they make the process easier— and less expensive—for patients because they’re noninvasive. “Medical imaging saves lives,” says George S. Bisset III, M.D., a pediatric radiologist and president of the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA), “as well as resources and time. Imaging exams generally cost less than the invasive surgeries that they replace and can be used to diagnose illnesses early, when they can be treated most effectively and inexpensively.” For example, the breast cancer death rate has dropped more than 30 percent since mammography use became widespread. Ongoing radiologic research is working toward similar successes and technological advances in other conditions. “Millions of people worldwide are alive and many more are enjoying a greater quality of life today because of advances in radiation therapy to treat many of the world’s deadliest cancers,” says Paul H. Ellenbogen, M.D., FACR, a radiologist and chair of the American College of Radiology (ACR) Board of Chancellors. Dr. Ellenbogen calls radiology “one of the most successful technological and professional advancements in the history of modern health care.” He’s not alone in this opinion. The New England Journal of Medicine named imaging among the top 10 medical advances of the past 1,000 years, while the National Bureau of Economic Research directly linked access to medical imaging to greater life expectancy. To help more people realize the (NAPSA)—Parents looking for a sweet choice for school lunches should consider pears. Grown in Oregon and Washington, USA Pears are an excellent source of fiber and a good source of vitamin C. They also make a smart snack. To ripen fresh pears, leave them at room temperature. When a pear gives to gentle pressure near the stem, it’s ripe, juicy and ready to enjoy. Imaging scans can eliminate exploratory surgeries, reduce unnecessary hospital admissions and shorten hospital stays. benefits of radiology, the first International Day of Radiology, November 8, 2012, is sponsored by the RSNA, the ACR and the European Society of Radiology. The RSNA and ACR also cosponsor www.RadiologyInfo.org, a website where you can learn about radiology procedures, treatments, patient safety, benefits, risks and more. Patients can find out about imaging exams, how to prepare for a scan, relative dose levels used in various types of radiology procedures and other helpful information. The site can help answer such questions as: Is it safe for my child to have X-rays? What are contrast materials and how do they work? Which imaging studies use anesthesia? How will the scan improve care? At the website, you can type in a condition or symptom, get a brief, simple description and read how imaging is used. To ensure accuracy, the site is reviewed by radiology professionals every year. A glossary of medical terms explained in easy-to-understand language, a Patient Safety section with information and videos on radiation, pediatric-specific content indicated with teddy bear icons, videos and much more can also be found there. For a quick midday or afterschool treat, try these fresh ideas: •Slide pear slices into a peanut butter and jelly sandwich or quesadilla •Roll up pear slices, turkey, cheese and lettuce in a whole wheat tortilla •Stir chopped pears into yogurt and top with granola •Sprinkle diced fresh pears into a green or fruit salad •Try this mixed fruit salsa with graham cracker “dippers”: Student’s Pear Salsa Combine 1 of each: finely chopped, cored USA Pear, apple, orange and 2 finely chopped kiwi fruit in medium bowl. Gently toss fruit with 2 tablespoons honey and 1 teaspoon lemon juice. Scoop up bites of salsa using cinnamon graham crackers. Or pack a serving of salsa in an airtight container and place graham crackers in a separate baggie for a delicious lunch addition. Makes 4 servings. For more brown-bag ideas and recipes, visit www.usapears.org. Go With The Grain For Your Good Health (NAPSA)—Here’s food for thought: According to the USDA MyPlate healthy eating recommendations, it’s a good idea to “Make at Least Half Your Grains Whole,” and a great way to do so is with 100 percent whole-grain, U.S.-grown brown and wild rice. Consider these facts: •A half cup of brown or wild rice equals one of three recommended daily whole-grain servings. •Wild rice provides many nutrients, protein and fiber, it’s fat free, low in sodium and has a delicious nutty flavor and chewy texture. •Both brown and wild rice add texture, crunch and color to any dish. Recent research suggests that eating rice helps improve diet and manage weight and other risk factors for disease. Rice eaters consume a lower percentage of calories from fat and saturated fat compared to those who do not eat rice. One way to enjoy brown and wild rice is in a hearty, gluten-free stuffing. Apple-Sage Rice Stuffing Makes 6 cups total Serves 12; 1⁄2 cup per serving 4 ounces chopped pecans 1 tablespoon and 1 teaspoon canola oil, divided use 11⁄2 cups diced celery 11⁄2 cups diced onions 1 medium red apple, such as Jonathan or Gala, halved, cored and diced (about 11⁄2 cups total) 2 cups hot cooked brown rice 1 cup hot cooked wild rice 1 ⁄2 cup dried cranberries Nutritionists say it’s smart to enjoy wild and brown rice in dishes such as this apple-sage stuffing. 1 medium jalapeo pepper, seeded (if desired) and finely chopped OR 1⁄4 tsp. dried pepper flakes 11⁄2 tablespoons chopped fresh sage or 11⁄2 teaspoons dried rubbed sage 3 ⁄4 teaspoon salt Heat a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the pecans and cook 2–3 minutes or until beginning to brown, stirring frequently. Set aside on separate plate. Heat 1 teaspoon of the oil over medium heat. Cook the celery and onions 8 minutes or until beginning to lightly brown on edges, stirring occasionally. Add the apples and cook 4 minutes or until tender crisp. Stir in the pecans and the remaining ingredients and cook 3–4 minutes or until the rice mixture is heated, stirring occasionally. For more rice recipes and information, visit the USA Rice Federation at www.usarice.com and the California Wild Rice Advisory Board at www.cawildrice.com.