The human body naturally produces vitamin D when it is exposed to sunlight. It is most commonly known for contributing to the function of the immune system (EFSA, 2010). If you wish to know more about vitamin D or want to ensure you are getting enough into your daily life, this guide will reveal all. Read on to discover absolutely everything worth knowing about vitamin D.

How does the body produce Vitamin D?

Vitamin D is a nutrient derived from food sources, but it’s also a hormone that the body produces. When released into the body, it helps the healthy absorption and retention of calcium, which is essential for building bone strength.

Besides aiding with proper bone and muscle mass, Vitamin D has shown great importance in supporting the function of the immune system.

So, how does the body produce this fat-soluble vitamin? Through the body first. The human body has Vitamin D receptors, which ensures that the production of this vitamin is triggered through the food we eat, or the sunlight the skin absorbs.

However, here is the sad truth; not many foods contain Vitamin D. This doesn’t mean that there are no healthy food options that are naturally fortified with Vitamin D. However, relying solely on such foods may trigger efficiency if the body is not making the recommended amounts. That’s why Vitamin D tablets are highly essential.

Vitamin D tablets are usually available as Vitamin D2 which is ergocalciferol and Vitamin D3 also known as cholecalciferol. The former is a pre-vitamin D form produced in plants and fungi while D3 naturally forms in humans and animals. Both D2 and D3 are also naturally produced when the body is exposed to sunlight. To be specific, only ultraviolet-b (UVB) rays produce this essential vitamin.

Vitamin D production via skin absorption is one of the most natural ways the body stocks up on this sunshine vitamin. However, for people who live in colder climates, or places where sunshine is limited, insufficient levels of vitamin D are imminent. People who spend most of their time indoors are equally at risk of Vitamin D deficiencies.

To boost vitamin D production, it’s essential to eat foods like oily fish; salmon, sardines, herring, and mackerel. Eating red meat, eggs, vitamin D fortified cereal non-dairy milk, and fat spreads can also help boost the production of vitamin D in the body. However, the amount of vitamin D these foods can give is limited. When coupled with inadequate exposure to UVB rays, it’s very important that most people take a vitamin D supplement.

We find that most manufacturers of infant formulas, milk, cereals and fat spreads are mandated to include vitamin D by law.

How long should you stay in the sun?

Absorption of Vitamin D via UVB rays is one of the most natural ways the body benefits from this nutrient. Many people can develop Vitamin D when exposed to the sun every day for just a short period. When the arms, legs, and hands are uncovered without any topical protection (sunscreen) this allows easy absorption of Vitamin D.

The best time to benefit from healthy amounts of UVB rays is between 11 am to 3 pm in the daytime. Plus, the best months to bask in the sun are usually from April to September when the sun actually comes out more often. However, there’s a challenge to this theory, as scientists have not agreed on the adequate amount of time each person should safely stay under the sun. In other words, there’s no exact time limit that can be used to measure the adequate amounts of vitamin D the body receives.

The reason is simple, there are different factors that influence how vitamin D is produced. For one, your skin colour may be a major reason for vitamin D deficiencies. People with darker skin, especially those from Africa, Asia, Africa-Caribbean regions, tend to have lower blood levels of vitamin D. That is because the melanin pigment is like a shade; it protects the skin by preventing normal absorption of sunlight. This is an advantage when reducing the effects of damage due to exposure to sun rays.

However, this means that vitamin D production will equally be hindered because of this fact. So, someone who has more melanin will have to spend a longer period in the sun compared to a lighter person who has less melanin. Here’s the tricky part, staying under the sun for too long can cause sunburns or reddening.

So it’s best to cover up and go indoors after a while, especially if the sun becomes too hot. Plus, the dangerous effects of the sun vary from person to person. Cancer Research UK gives more insight into which category of people are more susceptible to sunburns and skin cancer. Just remember, the longer the skin is exposed to the sun, the more damage it’s likely to cause.

Plus, the damage doesn’t end right after you have found shade or gone indoors. There’s still the aftermath of that exposure even hours after you have left the sun. So, it’s better to step out with the right protective products. SPF sunscreen, long but light clothing, and wrap-around sunglasses are some of the things everyone should have all through the day.

Is it possible to take too much vitamin D?

Vitamin D is one major supplement/nutrient that is recommended for everyone, regardless of age. However, what’s more important is taking the right dose. Vitamin D supplements that contain up to 10 micrograms should be adequate for most people. Taking more than this recommended amount could be dangerous to the body. Just like any food or drug, taking adequate amounts is the best way to reap the benefits of this vitamin.

The same dosage applies to pregnant women, nursing mothers, children from 11-17, and the elderly.

Children from one to ten should not be given more than 50 micrograms per day while babies should have not more than 25 micrograms. It’s equally important to check with your doctor before taking a vitamin D supplement. People with certain medical conditions may be advised to take lower amounts of this supplement to avoid any adverse effects.

How is the dosage measured?

The quantity of vitamin D in supplements may be expressed differently. A brand may choose to express the measurements in international units (IU). In this case, 40 international units are equal to 1 microgram of vitamin D.

Who should take vitamin D?

People of different ages need vitamin D to lead a healthy and strong life. However, various people require different amounts. Taking too much or too little can cause adverse health conditions.

First of all, children who are below 6 months should not be placed in open environments in exposure to direct sunlight. Their skin is still too delicate. When the sun starts shining more from March to October, it’s advisable that all children wear comfortable yet suitable clothing. This involves wearing wrap-around glasses, hats, and clothing that protects the skin from burns.

It’s also important to encourage such kids to stay under the shade, especially around noon and just before it gets dark. Infants and children should take vitamin D supplements whether they play out in the sun or not.

Infants that are up to a year old that don’t take up to 550ml of formula should be given a vitamin D supplement.

Kids that are aged 1-4 years old should also take a high-quality supplement for healthy growth of the bones. And lastly, people who don’t get enough sunlight due to weather conditions or the nature of their work need to supplement with vitamin D tablets. This also includes people who are being hospitalized for long periods, housebound, institutionalized, or those that constantly wear protective clothes that cover almost the entire body when outside.

Regardless of these categories, everyone over the age of 5 should take a daily supplement that contains up to 10 micrograms of this vital vitamin. Even pregnant women and nursing mothers are encouraged to take supplements containing vitamin D as this benefits both mother and child. You can choose to order vitamin D from a reliable brand or get vitamin drops (for infants) from a trusted pharmacy/store.

It’s also important to remember that using sunbeds as a way to absorb or produce vitamin D is not safe or recommendable.

Winter sunlight

In countries where there’s not much sunlight in the winter, the skin may not be able to produce enough vitamin D. This is because winter sunlight does not have adequate UVB for absorption. From October when the weather starts getting extra chilly to March when the rain ushers spring in, it’s best to supplement. It’s crucial to eat vitamin D-rich or fortified foods to ensure you are getting adequate meals daily.

There you have it – everything worth knowing about the powerful vitamin D. We hope you found this guide helpful and now have everything you need to safeguard your intake!

 

What Is Acrylic and What Does It Do?

Acrylic is a transparent thermoplastic homopolymer known as “plexiglass” by the trade name. It is a polycarbonate-like material that may be used as an impact-resistant alternative to glass (particularly when the high impact strength of PC isn’t required). It was first produced in 1928 and debuted on the market five years later. It is regarded as one of the most transparent plastics available. In the Second World War, acrylic was used for submarine periscopes as well as aeroplane windows, turrets, and canopies. Airmen who were wounded by broken acrylic shards fared considerably better than those who had injuries from shattered glass.

Acrylic is nowadays utilised in a wide range of applications, many of which take advantage of its natural transparency and the impact resistance provided by various types. Acrylic nails, paint, security barriers, medical devices, LCD displays, and furniture are just a few examples of its many applications. It’s also commonly utilized for windows, tanks, and enclosures surrounding exhibits due to its clarity.

Why is acrylic utilised so often?

Acrylic is a wonderful material for applications that need transparency and resistance to high impact. Comparing clear plastics, Acrylic is much more scratch-resistant. It’s a less heavy and more durable option than glass, as well as a cost-effective alternative to polycarbonate in situations where strength isn’t particularly important. The material vaporizes when hit with concentrated laser energy, making it possible to cut into extremely tiny forms using laser cutting technology. Acrylic is a popular choice for 3D printing because of its brittle failure and poor strength. Instead, we generally utilize PC or PETG. Despite the fact that PC and PETG aren’t as transparent as Acrylic, they are typically “clear enough.” Acrylic is the clear choice if crystal clarity is critical. We’ve machined acrylic on the CNC and hand-formed it as well. The components must generally be polished after machining to remove tool impressions and restore optical clarity. A few examples include the following:

• as a lens
• as a general replacement for glass
• display products
• fashion accessories

What Are The Different Types of Acrylic?

Acrylic plastic, the material of choice for many aquariums, was first produced in 1843 by adding formaldehyde to a solution of polyethene. In 1933, German chemist Otto Rohm applied for the trade name “plexiglass,” which he had created. It’s produced by a large number of businesses, each with its own manufacturing process and proprietary recipe. Trade names include well-known variations like Perspex, Plexiglas® by ELF Atochem or Lucite® by DuPont.

How is Acrylic made?

Acrylic plastic polymers are produced by combining a monomer, such as methyl methacrylate, with a catalyst. An organic peroxide is a typical catalyst. The catalyst starts the reaction and participates in it to keep it going, but does not become part of the final polymer.

Acrylic plastic sheets are manufactured by bulk polymerization. The monomer and catalyst are mixed in a mould where the reaction occurs, after which the mixture is poured into the mould. Bulk polymerization may be done in two ways: batch cell or continuous operation. The most popular type is the batch cell, which can make acrylic sheets in thicknesses ranging from 0.06 to 6 inches (0.16-15 cm) and widths ranging from 3 feet up to several hundred feet. Rods and tubes may also be manufactured using this technique. The continuous technique is more efficient and less time-consuming. It’s used to make thinner sheets of a lesser width and thickness than those made with the batch cell method.

No matter where you are in the world now you will see football. It truly is a worldwide game and has reached every country in the world. It’s accessible and inclusive. Millions play the game every year and even more watch but where did it all begin? We are going to find out who invented football and look into a brief history of the game.

Roots

It’s hard to know exactly where the game originally came from at its very basic level but many historians point towards China as the first real players of ‘football’. There are reports from as early as the Han Dynasty playing a game called Tsu’ Chu in the third century BC. This game involved kicking a leather ball made out of feathers into a goal area.

Development of football

The modern game of football would start to be played in England throughout the 13th and 14th century. During this time people would be in the street kicking balls about into goals. So much so the Kings outlawed the game they were playing as it was causing chaos and these men should be instead turning their focus towards being a soldier.

Time would pass and the game became outlawed but people still played. The games would be a set of localised games that worked on a village by village basis and different rules were played from village to village. As the playing continued, the rules developed with the Cambridge rules coming into place in 1848 before the Sheffield rules in 1858 laid the groundwork for the FA.

Establishment of rules and FA

The governing body of football and the first time the game would be organised into the game as we know it was in 1863 when the English Football Association was created. The creation of this body organised the game into one set of rules and laws. By combining the rules into one handbook the game could become structured and more professional. The ball would become standardised, minutes in a game decided upon whilst the number of players and specific rules over fouls and cards were established.

Development as an actual game

Following this establishment of rules the game would only continue to grow in popularity throughout the globe. It started with the first international fixture between Scotland and England in 1870, the creation of the FA cup in 1872 and football started getting played in schools. The FIFA governing body would start with 7 main countries in 1904 before quickly expanding and having around 73 members after WWII.

The Modern Game

The popularity of football has exponentially continued to grow throughout the decades. The second half of the 20th century saw the game explode with fans, matches and teams. Club football has hundreds of thousands of teams and there are now 208 teams in the FIFA rankings. The rules have changed with the times and the game to incorporate goal line technology and VAR now too.

It is not just on the pitch the game has changed. The game now utilises huge backing from bookies which allow money and wealth to reach the teams and create even better footballing moments. Nowadays you can bet on anything from match results to both teams to score bets. Not only this but there is countless merchandise and fans have finally – following covid – been allowed back into the stadiums in their thousands.

 

Getting a CPA certification brings some sense of accomplishment and achievement. It is about the prestige, respect and reputation you gain as an accountant. The certification leads to more job opportunities, security and opens doors for career development.

CPA exams are the keys to gaining certification. However, the exams are pretty tough, and without adequate preparation, there is a high chance of failure. Candidates need to engage the test prep resources to excel in the examinations.

Finding the right CPA exam provider enhances your chances of passing the exams. Here is what to look for during test prep.

Learning Techniques

People have different understanding levels based on the teaching techniques applied. While some have good book memories, others tend to be more visual. There is no single way that can satisfy the various learning methods.

Select a CPA preparation course that offers many options for learning. Choices may include self-study, online lectures, chats, video tutorials, audio lectures, flashcards, or completing practice tests.

Settle on a method that makes complicated topics easy to understand and offers sample tests. A fun and engaging CPA exam review course will help candidates retain the information faster. Such material will contribute immensely to the overall performance of the candidates during the actual exam.

Areas of Emphasis

The exam preparation materials should cover all aspects per the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA). Nonetheless, it is essential to understand the strengths of the candidates. Some begin preparations from independent reading, college coursework, or with significant work experience.

Exam providers who offer materials that highlight the weak testing areas will allow candidates to choose what is best for them. Such resources enable candidates to avoid selecting study materials they have already mastered.

Targeting weak test areas gives candidates a chance to improve on their weaknesses. It ensures time spent on revision bears much fruit instead of just focusing on what they know. Balancing all test exam areas gives candidates enough courage to face their papers.

Qualified Instructors

Educators play a vital role in the process of learning, determining the overall performance of candidates. It is the reason everyone wants to learn from the best in the field. Lessons from lecturers with pedagogical knowledge of making challenging concepts easy are the best.

A good CPA Exam Provider has a track record of many successful students in the same exam. The reputation of the trainer in the industry is beyond doubt.

The portfolio of a good educator shows deep comprehension of concepts, practical experience and a thorough understanding of training materials. Good communication, accessibility and support are essential traits for a good instructor

d. Realistic Simulations

A true reflection of the exam experience is necessary to build the confidence levels of the candidates. It helps to gauge the level of preparation by the candidates for the CPA exams. A good CPA Exam provider should offer a CPA test prep course that simulates the exam experience.

It allows candidates to cover all topics within the syllabus in a short period. Candidates familiarize themselves with the different styles and scope of the exam papers.

Test simulations help the students to practice the best techniques to handle their exam papers. Time management is vital to excelling in the CPA exams. Realistic simulations allow you to enhance your speed and accuracy during the exam. Finishing simulation test practice on time increases the belief that CPA exams are doable.

Price

The cost of the resources is a significant factor to consider based on your income levels. However, price should not be the final aspect of your decision. The greater the quality of the material, the more money you require.

Nonetheless, a good provider will have a reasonable payment plan. With different payment options, it is easy for candidates to select what fits their budget.

Expensive materials will have many features to justify the cost. Online notes, study planners, supplementary reading materials, interactive video games and webinars are familiar with expensive resources.

Conclusion

CPA exam providers play a crucial role in the overall success of CPA candidates. However, you may end up spending lots of dollars and lose time by selecting the wrong provider. It is therefore vital for candidates to consider the factors above before settling for any provider. Look for a provider who combines hard work and smart methods for excellent performance in forthcoming exams.

Weddings are a custom around the globe. When people marry, they enter a legal union. For some, the significance also involves a spiritual union.

In the United States, over 2,015,000 marriages occurred in 2019. Marriages have a significant economic impact. Nerdwallet reports an average cost of $19,000 for weddings in the United States in 2020, and that figure doesn’t include the cost of gifts people give the happy couple on their big day. Anyone planning a wedding should make a wedding registry to simplify the gift-giving process for guests. Adding the appliances listed here can ensure you have everything you need when starting your marriage.

Why should you have a gift registry?

Wedding planning involves multiple steps. While you may be focused on choosing a dress and making a guest list, you also need to prepare a wedding registry. Your registry simplifies gift-giving for your guests by identifying things you need and want. Registering with department stores is a great way to prevent gift duplication because items are removed from your list when people purchase them for you. Once you get engaged, use a planner to make a checklist of tasks you need to perform and make a list of items to put on your registry to ensure you don’t forget items you need or want.

Ice makers come in handy.

A tabletop ice maker ensures you have enough ice on hand for any occasion. Fill your cooler with ice cubes when you’re heading to the beach, or make nugget ice before hosting friends or family members for dinner. Although some refrigerators have ice makers, those ice makers take up valuable freezer space. Countertop ice makers produce pounds of ice in minutes and can be easily stored. A bonus is that you can move your portable ice maker outside or to a different room in your house for easy access.

You might need a coffee maker after your honeymoon.

Almost two-thirds of Americans drink coffee regularly, with 44% consuming between two and three cups daily. When you return from your honeymoon and settle into a routine, you may appreciate kick-starting your day with a good cup of coffee. A new coffee maker is an ideal gift you’ll regularly use if you or your spouse drink this popular beverage.

Why not ask for a waffle iron?

Appliances are practical items that make it easy to produce food or beverages or perform household tasks. A waffle iron’s an affordable gift option you can enjoy. You can look forward to those lazy Saturday mornings when you can make a batch of homemade waffles to go with your coffee.

Pressure cookers are very popular.

A decade ago, this slot would have been claimed by slow cookers. Today, pressure cookers have prompted people to put their crockpots in storage. Pressure cookers are airtight and cook foods quickly. You can boil eggs in a few minutes or serve up a roast and vegetables in approximately half an hour. People are busier than ever, and pressure cookers make it easy to enjoy home-cooked meals without using many dishes or spending a lot of time in the kitchen.

Microwaves are practical.

Microwaves make it easy to serve up leftovers or take advantage of microwavable meals. They’re a convenience item that’s been around since the 1960s and has increased in popularity since.

Don’t overlook the benefits of a toaster oven.

Toaster ovens produce more than just toast. You can use a toaster oven as an actual oven and bake items such as pizza or chicken. Yes, you can use your regular oven to prepare those foods. Still, toaster ovens are smaller and more energy-efficient than standard ovens, enabling you to save money on your electric bill when preparing small meals.

Creating a wedding registry is an essential item that should be on your wedding checklist. Great household appliances you should add to your registry include a portable ice maker, coffee maker, waffle iron, pressure cooker, and toaster oven.

 

There are many occasions where jewelry might be a great way to celebrate someone or show them how much you care. If you are looking for a perfect gift for someone special in your life, you could consider a nice necklace, pendant, or bracelet. A classic piece of jewelry is something that can be treasured forever. For an even more unique and timeless piece, an initial necklace could be an elegant gift for occasions such as birthdays, graduations, holidays, or anniversaries.

You will need to consider the personality and preferences of the person receiving the gift, however, an initial piece should be beautiful, versatile, and simple. An important part of gifting any kind of jewelry is selecting a design that symbolizes the milestone of the event. An initial necklace can come with dainty polished metal letters in cursive, or you can pick initials that are studded with precious stones. There are many options when you shop initial necklaces. Let’s take a look at why initial necklaces are such a good gift choice.

Personalized Option

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The origins of initial jewelry can be traced back to 14th and 15th-century collections. Today monogrammed pieces are meaningful and interesting pieces of jewelry. The trend of personalized jewelry has become a classic and timeless style.

Customized monogram necklaces are some of the most sought-after looks in the fashion world today. From supermodels to top celebrities from Hollywood, monogram necklaces and initial pieces have become a hot new trend. A personalized piece is a way to express individuality and personal style. An initial necklace can be a great personalized gift.

Numerous Materials

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A monogram necklace can be the perfect gift whether you’re shopping for graduation, a wedding, a baby shower, Mother’s Day, or another occasion. If you are searching for the perfect monogram necklace, you could consider one in classic gold or silver. Gold is a timeless material and can be the right choice if you want something simple and elegant.

Silver is another timeless material that can also maintain its quality for decades. A silver initial necklace can also be perfect for any occasion and won’t go out of style. From white gold to sterling silver there are several options that will go great with any outfit.

While a simple initial gold piece will look attractive and can make a bold statement. Some options include precious stones like diamonds. A diamond piece is an iconic gift that will bring class and elegance to any style. You can go with an over-the-top piece that makes a statement with bling or you can select a more simplified style with an accent diamond or gem. Whatever option you choose, a necklace studded with gems is perfect for any occasion.

Aside from material, there are also options such as font and size. Initial necklaces come in various fonts that include cursive and print. You can also choose from a variety of letter sizes. These options allow for even more personalization as you can choose a size and font that perfectly matches the person receiving the gift. You can keep things simple by selecting one letter or create a monogram necklace with multiple initials.

Gift-giving can be a science and finding the perfect gift will take some time and consideration. If you are looking for the perfect gift for a loved one, friend, or special someone, you might consider purchasing an initial necklace for a personalized option. An initial necklace can make an individual statement and comes in various materials and styles to go with any personality or taste. If you are looking for a gift that can be as simple or as flashy as you want, a beautiful initial necklace can be a perfect gift choice.

 

Funeral rituals are with us as far back in history. It has been a longstanding tradition that is not going anytime soon. Like other rituals, funerals are of symbolic importance to humankind. It is a traditional means of expressing thoughts and feelings and beliefs about losing someone we love to death.

The funeral traditions may differ across cultures. They have also evolved since time immemorial. But their purpose, meaning, and intentionality remain untouched.

A funeral helps acknowledge the reality of death

The basic purpose of holding a funeral is to confirm the reality of death. Everyone needs to know that someone has died. That is why funerals are made public. Announcements are usually put out in newspapers to let people know, especially those who know the deceased, that they have passed.

More importantly, a funeral is held to acknowledge the finality of one’s life, so the people closest to the deceased will have their first step to healing. As the funeral pros of carrollandcarrollfunerals.co.uk believe, those who lost a loved one need this celebration of life as a fitting remembrance so they can fully embrace the idea of life after death.

A funeral as a celebration of a life well-lived

Another key component that makes the funeral an important tradition to live by is remembering the life well-lived. In this celebration, eulogies and tributes are shared. People who have known the deceased pay a visit, offer sympathy to the family, and share their fondest memories.

A funeral service also features readings and songs, chosen to recall the personality and life celebrated. It helps people get through their grief journeys by moving their relationship with the dead to one of memory.

A funeral offers a vehicle to express grief and activate support

With a funeral service comes a climate of mourning. It serves as a safe place for people who lost a loved one to express the deep sorrow and grief that are taking over them. The bereaved could heal better if they can embrace the pain of their loss. It is through funeral ceremonies that they can liberally express their thoughts and feelings.

It is also through funeral ceremonies that people gather to offer support. People who knew the deceased come over to sympathise with the family, share their memories, and offer caring statements to help make the grief more bearable. Every warm hug shared, and every listening ear offered means a lot to people in mourning.

When a loved one dies, a lot of questions and confusion begin to surface. Through a well-thought, well-planned funeral, grieving families can find their way to answers that will give them peace. That is why holding a meaningful funeral for the deceased is an important ritual not to be missed. It is meant to address the reality of death, celebrate life, and reconcile with grief. People who lost a loved one need funeral ceremonies to find continued meaning in life and living, no matter the pain they are going through.

Although moving can be a big ordeal, a lot of the moving of your belongings can be done on your own, especially if you’re only moving yourself and one or two other people. However, to make the most of the space you have to move with, like in your moving truck, it’s vital that you know the best ways to pack and load.

To help you with this, here are three tips for loading a moving truck on your own.

Break Everything Down To Its Smallest Form

While it may seem more convenient to just load everything into the truck as-is, this usually won’t work for having the best use of your space.

Knowing this, Marian White, a contributor to Moving.com, recommends that you break everything down to its smallest possible form, including all of your furniture. Not only will this make it easier for you to pack everything into your moving truck and not take up unnecessary space, but it will also help make it easier to carry items that otherwise might have been too heavy for you to move on your own. And since you’ll likely be carrying a lot of heavy loads throughout your move, you’ll want to save your strength for when you really need it.

Load Biggest And Heaviest To Lightest And Smallest

As you’re getting ready to load all of your belongings into your truck, Diane Schmidt, a contributor to The Spruce, recommends that you start by loading the biggest and heaviest items into the truck first. The closer to the cab of the truck and the further down you keep these big, heavy items, the better balanced your moving truck will be as you’re driving down the road. Balance can also be achieved by putting heavier items on opposite sides of the truck from each other.

Once you have all the big, heavy items in place, you should then start filling in space with the lighter and smaller items until everything is stored in the truck.

Secure Items As You Go

When you’re storing items in your moving truck, Bill Gassett, a contributor to Realty Times, shares that it’s best if you secure items as you do rather than trying to just strap everything from falling out at the end.

Although you might have the best of intentions to be a safe and slow driver so your items don’t move around or shift too much, there’s no guarantee that this will happen. So to keep things safe inside the truck, it’s best to strap things down throughout the truck as you pack them in.

If you’re going to be packing your own moving truck soon, consider using the tips mentioned above to help you learn how to do so safely and efficiently.

People should eat safe and nutritious food to stay healthy and live longer. However, some viruses and bacteria can invade food, making it unfit for human consumption. Experts use food microbiology testing to ensure that food processing industries supply clean and safe food to the public. This way, they prevent major foodborne illnesses and deaths. Below are essential things about food preservation, safety, and shelf life extension.

Food Preservation

This method involves storing food in a nature that prevents microbial activities and invasion by microorganisms. Various ingredients that are clean and of high quality are used in food preservation. However, different products require different methods of preservation to ensure safety and hygiene. Some common forms of food preservation include;

Drying: This method involves the removal of excess moisture from food to prevent microbial growth. Then food is packaged and stored.

Canning: Here, food is packed in a container. This container is then subjected to heat enough to kill any pathogens present. Each product requires a unique process approved by FDA or USDA.

Smoking: traditionally, this food preservation method was used to preserve meat by killing bacteria using smoke. However, today, this method is used to add flavor. Smoke dips or injections make this method easier.

Salt: Though salt is a cheap method of food preservation, it would be best if one used a salt concentration of less than 10%. It helps to prevent the growth of Clostridium botulinum which causes food spoilage.

Sugar: This method is effective in preserving confections. It’s also to manufacture jelly and jam. However, each product requires a specific concentration of sugar to limit microbial growth.

Pickling: Salt pickles such as salami and sauerkraut are mostly used on acidified foods. Foods are packed using hot, acid brine to ensure they stay longer on the shelves.

Food Safety

Eating unsafe food leads to malnutrition and diarrhea, which causes thousands of deaths each year. The most affected are infants, kids, the elderly, pregnant women, and those living with underlying conditions. That’s why several organizations, including The International Conference on Food Safety and International Forum on Food Safety and Trade, aim at achieving Sustainable Development Goals.

Food production companies have the main responsibility of ensuring healthy production and distribution. However, those handling foods in the markets and at home cause more food contamination. That’s why people should learn about the hygiene practices needed to handle food, including those selling in the market and those preparing meals at home.

Hence, policymakers ensure a safe food chain from the processing companies to the consumers. They test these foods in labs to ensure no contaminated food is distributed. They also collaborate with various sectors such as public health and agriculture, integrate food safety into multiple programs and ensure that even food imported globally is safe.

Food handlers and consumers should familiarize themselves with what they cook and eat. Again, they should practice WHO five keys to safer food and use WHO five keys to growing safer vegetables and fruits to reduce microbial contamination.

Shelf Life Extension

This involves using certain storage conditions to prevent microbial growth. Some common methods of shelf life extension include;

Freezing: The small sizes of ice crystals formed on preserved foods extend the shelf life for several years. There are several methods of freezing, including blast freezing, plate freezing, scraped surface heat exchangers. All these methods are used on different products.

Vacuum-packing and shrink wrapping: These methods extend the food shelf life by two weeks at most. It’s used mostly on meat and fish products. However, due to the risk of pathogens in anaerobic bacteria, refrigeration is crucial.

Chilling: This method of shelf-life extension is done in a blast chiller cabinet. However, large production industries can use spiral chillers. Cooling of liquids is either done using the plate and scraped surface heat exchangers.

Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP) and Controlled Atmosphere Packaging (CAP):

These methods are used to extend shelf lives of dairy, poultry, fish, and chilled meat. The atmosphere inside the packaging of these products is packaged to prevent spoilage. Machinery setup is an expensive method used to help in the process. However, a different gas flushing version is preferred because it’s cheaper.

Food safety during processing, distribution, and consumption is vital to prevent diseases. During food packaging and preservation, those responsible should be careful to avoid contamination. Again, shelf life extension methods should be carried out as required.