Tips on How To Clean A Microwave With Vinegar And Steam!

Have you ever exploded pizza sauce in the microwave? Here’s a quick and easy way to clean a microwave using only water, vinegar, and steam! It’s easy to do, only takes about five minutes, and it works great!

I was able to clean off dirt and grime I didn’t even realize was there! Mostly what I saw when I looked at the microwave were the big red pizza sauce spills, but after I was done cleaning I realized the entire thing had gone five shades whiter! Don’t just assume your microwave is yellow. It’s not; microwaves are white.

I love simple cleaning solutions like this. I made a homemade grout cleaner with just baking soda and bleach and it worked WONDERS! And this tip for cleaning a microwave is just as simple; it only requires water, vinegar, and about one minute of elbow grease to get a sparkling clean microwave!

How To Clean A Microwave With Vinegar

Here’s what you need:

• vinegar
• water
• a bowl
• a toothpick (optional)

Fill a microwaveable bowl with 1-2 cups of water and add 1-2 tablespoons of vinegar.
CAUTION: Liquids can get superheated in a microwave and explode. It isn’t common, but it can happen if you microwave liquids in a perfectly smooth container. Bubbles can’t form on a smooth surface, so the liquid won’t boil until it is jostled. 

This can cause it to “explode” into boiling when you open the microwave or try to remove the bowl. But don’t freak out! Most consumer bowls and cups are not perfectly smooth, and a microwave with a turntable jostles the liquid enough to allow it to boil. But, if you are worried about it, float a toothpick in your bowl. Bubbles will be able to form on the wood, causing the water to boil without exploding.

Put the bowl in the microwave and shut the door. Microwave the water and vinegar for 5 minutes.
If your microwave is REALLY dirty, don’t open the microwave right away when the timer goes off. Leave the door shut for about two more minutes to let the steam continue to work. The steam will help loosen up caked on bits of food, and the vinegar will help eliminate any odors.

When you open the door, be careful pulling the bowl out; it will be very hot! Remove the turntable tray (carefully, it will be hot as well) and wash it in the sink.
Now just take a cloth or sponge and wipe down the inside of the microwave. The dirt and food will come right off!

If you don’t want to microwave a bowl of water and vinegar, you can also get a sponge soaking wet, pour about a teaspoon of vinegar on it, and then microwave the sponge. This doesn’t create as much steam though, so if your microwave is really dirty like mine was, use the bowl instead.

Do you have any other tips for cleaning a microwave? I was thrilled with how easy this was! What other kitchen cleaning tips have you tried?

If Attitude Is a Choice. Then Choose Wisely.

Recently I’ve had several situations arise which have reminded me yet again that attitude shapes the outcome of everyday dealings in huge ways. Because of this, I decided to visit this idea in this month’s column.

Some days my schedule involves marathon radio interviews beginning at 4 a.m. As you can imagine, getting up at an hour when roosters haven’t even begun to think about warming up their vocal chords is not the most enticing of tasks. 

However, as the founder and chairman of an international organization, I agree to do these interviews at such an outrageous hour because it is my responsibility to do whatever needs to be done to network for the organization.

Now, can you imagine what would happen if I answered the interviewer’s first question –which is always “How are you doing today, Dr. Misner?”– by grumbling about how I had stubbed my toe, how tired I was, or how I wished I was back in my warm bed?  What would happen is that people would be immediately turned off by my negative attitude and nobody would listen to me.

This brings me to my point: In order to be a master net-worker, you must always maintain a positive attitude no matter what.  With almost three decades of professional networking experience, one thing I’ve learned is how important it is to have a positive attitude in order to successfully network.  

And if I’m going to go around telling other people how to discipline and train themselves to network effectively, then I darn well better be walking the talk (or at least limping along, stubbed toe and all) and maintaining the positive attitude of a master net-worker.

Now that I’ve shared one of the most important traits of a master net-worker, I figure I might as well give you another eight as well. Choosing to do these will most definitely make you more successful…

1. Being enthusiastic/motivated This is similar to number 2 just above, but it also has to do with your own internal motivation and drive to succeed.

2. Following up on referrals If you don’t take the time to follow up on the referrals you get from others, not only are you losing potential business – you are also losing the trust of those who referred you (and probably also any future referrals from them as well).

3. Having good listening skills As I’ve always said, you have two ears and only one mouth for a reason. Those who choose to use their ears more than their mouth usually gain more valuable information than those who don’t.

4. Being trustworthy It’s a proven fact that it’s much harder to re-gain trust after it is lost – choose the path of trustworthiness.

5. Always networking The strongest net-workers I’ve met are those who don’t turn their networking efforts “on” and “off” according to pre-determined hours. Networking is not a “punch the clock” activity.

6. Thanking people This sounds so simple and obvious, but I continue to be surprised at the number of people I see not doing this!

7. Being sincere Another trait that is pretty easily seen through if it’s not really meant. No one wants to do business with a snake-oil salesman.

8. Enjoying being someone who helps people This trait is very difficult to fake. A sincere love of helping others is an unbeatable complement to a hard and focused business drive.

Starting this week, try making a conscious effort to be aware of your attitude at all times and if it could stand some improvement think about three simple things you could choose to do to change your attitude for the better on a daily basis.  If you’ve already got a great handle on maintaining a positive attitude, take this week to focus on one or more of the other traits of a master net-worker and think of three ways you can build your effectiveness in these areas.   

The Public Health, Science & Research

Harmful and Potentially Harmful Constituents (HPHCs)

Harmful and potentially harmful constituents (HPHCs) are chemicals or chemical compounds in a tobacco product or tobacco smoke that cause, or could cause, harm to smokers or non-smokers.
The Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act requires tobacco product manufacturers and importers to report quantities of HPHCs found in tobacco products or tobacco smoke by brand and sub-brand.

While there are more than 7,000 chemicals in tobacco and tobacco smoke, FDA established a list of 93 HPHCs that tobacco companies will be required to report for every regulated tobacco product sold in the U.S.  All HPHCs included on the list cause or may cause serious health problems including cancer, lung disease, and addiction to tobacco products.  

Menthol Cigarettes

Menthol is a flavor additive widely used in consumer and medicinal products; however, its use in tobacco products is not currently regulated. It has a minty taste and aroma, and may have cooling or painkilling properties – which can reduce the irritation and harshness of smoking when used in cigarettes. 
 

Inviting Public Input on Menthol in Cigarettes

Menthol cigarettes raise critical public health questions. The FDA issued an Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPRM) to take public input on menthol in cigarettes. Specifically, the FDA is requesting information to inform its thinking about potential regulatory options such as:

• tobacco product standards;
• sale and distribution restrictions; and
• other regulatory actions and considerations.

The FDA also conducted a preliminary independent scientific evaluation of existing data and research on menthol cigarettes. The Preliminary Scientific Evaluation of the Possible Public Health Effects of Menthol Versus Nonmenthol Cigarettes addresses the association between menthol cigarettes and various outcomes, including: 

• initiation;
• addiction; and
• cessation.

The preliminary scientific evaluation, along with other relevant scientific information on the topic of menthol, is included in the docket for the ANPRM to give all interested parties an opportunity to comment on these materials. The ANPRM will be available for public comment for 60 days.

 

 

Modified Risk Tobacco Products (MRTPs)

Modified risk tobacco products are tobacco products that are sold, distributed, or marketed with a claim to reduce harm or the risk of tobacco-related disease.
The Tobacco Control Act establishes rigorous scientific criteria an applicant’s tobacco product must meet before FDA can allow the applicant to sell that product with a claim to reduce harm.
 
 The draft guidance for MRTPs provides details for those who seek to market a tobacco product as modified or lower risk including how to organize and submit an MRTP application, what scientific studies and analyses should be submitted, and what information should be collected through post-market surveillance and studies.
 

Mercury Fishes And Its Facts

The Facts

Fish and shellfish are an important part of a healthy diet. Fish and shellfish contain high-quality protein and other essential nutrients, are low in saturated fat, and contain omega-3 fatty acids. A well-balanced diet that includes a variety of fish and shellfish can contribute to heart health and children's proper growth and development. So, women and young children in particular should include fish or shellfish in their diets due to the many nutritional benefits.

However, nearly all fish and shellfish contain traces of mercury. For most people, the risk from mercury by eating fish and shellfish is not a health concern. Yet, some fish and shellfish contain higher levels of mercury that may harm an unborn baby or young child's developing nervous system. The risks from mercury in fish and shellfish depend on the amount of fish and shellfish eaten and the levels of mercury in the fish and shellfish. Therefore, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) are advising women who may become pregnant, pregnant women, nursing mothers, and young children to avoid some types of fish and eat fish and shellfish that are lower in mercury.

Safety Tips

By following these 3 recommendations for selecting and eating fish or shellfish, women and young children will receive the benefits of eating fish and shellfish and be confident that they have reduced their exposure to the harmful effects of mercury.

1. Do not eat
   • Swordfish
   • King Mackerel
   • Shark
   • Tile-fish
   They contain high levels of mercury.
   
2. Eat up to 12 ounces (2 average meals) a week of a variety of fish and shellfish that are lower in mercury.
   
   
   • Five of the most commonly eaten fish that are low in mercury are shrimp, canned light tuna, salmon, pollock, and catfish.
   • Another commonly eaten fish, albacore ("white") tuna has more mercury than canned light tuna. So, when choosing your two meals of fish and shellfish, you may eat up to 6 ounces (one average meal) of albacore tuna per week.
   
    
3.  Check local advisories about the safety of fish caught by family and friends in your local lakes, rivers, and coastal areas.
   If no advice is available, eat up to 6 ounces (one average meal) per week of fish you catch from local waters, but don't consume any other fish during that week.

Follow these same recommendations when feeding fish and shellfish to your young child, but serve smaller portions.

Frequently Asked Questions about Mercury in Fish and Shellfish:

Note:
If you have questions or think you've been exposed to large amounts of methylmercury, see your doctor or health care provider immediately.

1. What is mercury and methylmercury?
    
2. Mercury occurs naturally in the environment and can also be released into the air through industrial pollution. Mercury falls from the air and can accumulate in streams and oceans and is turned into methyl-mercury in the water. It is this type of mercury that can be harmful to your unborn baby and young child. Fish absorb the methyl-mercury as they feed in these waters and so it builds up in them. It builds up more in some types of fish and shellfish than others, depending on what the fish eat, which is why the levels vary.
3.  
4.  
5. I'm a woman who could have children but I'm not pregnant - so why should I be concerned about methyl-mercury?
    
6. If you regularly eat types of fish that are high in methyl-mercury, it can accumulate in your blood stream over time. Methyl-mercury is removed from the body naturally, but it may take over a year for the levels to drop significantly. Thus, it may be present in a woman even before she becomes pregnant. This is the reason why women who are trying to become pregnant should also avoid eating certain types of fish.
7.  
8.  
9. Is there methyl-mercury in all fish and shellfish?
   Nearly all fish and shellfish contain traces of methyl-mercury. However, larger fish that have lived longer have the highest levels of methyl-mercury because they've had more time to accumulate it. These large fish (swordfish, shark, king mackerel and tile-fish) pose the greatest risk. Other types of fish and shellfish may be eaten in the amounts recommended by FDA and EPA.
10.  
11.  
12. I don't see the fish I eat in the advisory. What should I do?
    If you want more information about the levels in the various types of fish you eat, see the FDA food safety website or the EPA website at www.epa.gov/ost/fish.
13.  
14.  
15. What about fish sticks and fast food sandwiches?
    Fish sticks and "fast-food" sandwiches are commonly made from fish that are low in mercury.
16.  
17.  
18. The advice about canned tuna is in the advisory, but what's the advice about tuna steaks?
    Because tuna steak generally contains higher levels of mercury than canned light tuna, when choosing your two meals of fish and shellfish, you may eat up to 6 ounces (one average meal) of tuna steak per week.
19.  
20.  
21. What if I eat more than the recommended amount of fish and shellfish in a week?
    One week's consumption of fish does not change the level of methyl-mercury in the body much at all. If you eat a lot of fish one week, you can cut back for the next week or two. Just make sure you average the recommended amount per week.
22.  
23.  
24. Where do I get information about the safety of fish caught recreational by family or friends?
    Before you go fishing, check your Fishing Regulations Booklet for information about recreational caught fish. You can also contact your local health department for information about local advisories. 
25.  
26. You need to check local advisories because some kinds of fish and shellfish caught in your local waters may have higher or much lower than average levels of mercury. This depends on the levels of mercury in the water in which the fish are caught. Those fish with much lower levels may be eaten more frequently and in larger amounts.