• 🧠 Trivia Challenge: Spotlight Hook
• 💪 Wellness News: Who Should Get the Updated COVID Vaccine This Fall?
• ⚠️ Health Alert: Weekly U.S. Food Recall & Safety Roundup
• 😄 Meme of the Day: Laughter is the Best Medicine
• ❤️ Communities need strong connections: Show Your Support
• 📅 Events: Upcoming Events (Top Picks)

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Question: What is scolionophobia?

(Answer at the bottom of the newsletter.)

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Updated COVID-19 vaccines targeting the JN.1 strain are arriving as the fall respiratory virus season begins. Medical organizations are placing the strongest emphasis on vaccination for people at greater risk of severe COVID-19, including adults 65 and older, pregnant people and adults with certain underlying health conditions.

Young children ages 6 months through 23 months are also recommended to receive the vaccine, as are older children with health conditions that increase their risk. Healthy adults under 65 can also get vaccinated, although the benefit may be more modest for people who already have substantial immunity.

Doctors generally point to September and early October as a practical time to get the updated shot. People who recently had COVID-19 can consider waiting about three months, while others can receive the vaccine as soon as it is available. COVID and flu vaccines can be administered at the same appointment.

Expected side effects remain similar to previous COVID shots, including temporary arm soreness, fever, chills and muscle aches. Anyone with questions about their individual circumstances should consult a health care provider. Read Full Report

Today’s wellness story is brought to you by Dr. Estelle Tsalik

“This month's theme is Self-care September.

I've always loved the expression "you can't pour from an empty cup." But lately I've been thinking that sometimes our cups aren't empty so much as just a little cracked. We may be in a busy season of life that's continually draining us, so it's important to find ways to top up our cups with goodness, so that when those inevitable bumps come our way, goodness can spill from them instead.

That's really what this month's calendar is about. Each prompt offers a simple way to be a little kinder to yourself, whether that's permitting yourself to rest, letting go of a should, or simply remembering that you're allowed to take up space.

I encourage you to pick one or two prompts each week that resonate and let go of the rest.

If you find this calendar especially meaningful, share it with someone who might appreciate it too. “ — Dr. Estelle Tsalik

Estelle Tsalik is a Doctor of Physical Therapy, Certified Nutrition Coach, and Wellness Consultant based in Cary, NC. As the founder of Living Well with Estelle.

If you are ready to be more intentional about your wellness and would like a knowledgeable guide to support you, I would love to connect.

It's a relaxed, focused conversation about what you're doing, what's working, and where the gaps might be. No pressure, no pitch. Just clarity.” -Estelle

Work with Estelle or explore her resources at linkmate.one/EstelleTsalik

Bottom line upfront: The frozen-berry outbreak is the most consequential U.S. food-safety development this week. The E. coli O145:H28 outbreak has reached 17 illnesses, 6 hospitalizations and no deaths, and the recall has expanded to include Great Value Organic Triple Berry Blend sold at Walmart in 16 states, alongside previously recalled GreenWise frozen berries. The long freezer life makes this especially important because consumers may still have affected products at home.

The biggest development this week is the expansion of the E. coli outbreak linked to frozen berries, while new FDA and USDA actions involving Listeria-contaminated deli products, Salmonella in moringa powder, and potentially contaminated ready-to-eat pork guanciale were also reported.

Products: Newly recalled Great Value Frozen Organic Triple Berry Blend, 10 oz., lot 6040 01-6, Best By February 9, 2028, along with previously recalled GreenWise frozen blueberry products.

Hazard: Shiga toxin-producing E. coli O145:H28.

Major update: The outbreak has reached 17 illnesses, 6 hospitalizations and no deaths. The Great Value product was added to the investigation after the outbreak expanded beyond the previously recalled GreenWise products.

Distribution: The Great Value product was sold at Walmart stores in 16 states. Previously recalled GreenWise products were distributed in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia.

Consumer guidance: Check your freezer. Do not eat recalled berries, even if they have been frozen for months. Discard or return them and clean containers and surfaces that came into contact with the fruit.

Products: All ready-to-eat deli-style salads and cream cheese products produced by Made Fresh Salads/Northside, including products with expiration dates ranging from September 3–18.

Hazard: Potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes.

Distribution: Products were delivered to retailers and distributors in Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx and other parts of New York City.

Consumer guidance: Do not eat recalled products. Discard or return them and clean refrigerator surfaces or containers they may have contacted. Listeria poses an especially serious risk to pregnant people, adults 65 and older and people with weakened immune systems.

Product: Foods Alive Organic Moringa Leaf Powder, 8-oz pouches, Freshest By 110127, code 02726.

Hazard: Potential Salmonella contamination.

Distribution: Sold nationwide through retail stores and online sellers.

Illnesses: None reported.

Consumer guidance: Consumers should not use the affected powder and should return it to the place of purchase for a refund.

Agency: USDA FSIS.

Products: Ready-to-eat pork guanciale products imported into the United States and associated with Ferrarini/Prime Line.

Hazard: Potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes.

Recall announced: September 6.

Consumer guidance: Consumers should check refrigerators for affected products and should not eat recalled guanciale. Follow USDA FSIS instructions for disposal or return of affected packages.

Products: Previously recalled Everything Sprouts alfalfa sprouts and mixed sprout products, along with the subsequently recalled Robust Radish Sprout Mix.

Hazard: Multiple strains of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) and Salmonella Agona.

Outbreak: The investigation has involved illnesses across multiple states, including an unusual finding in which two patients were infected with both pathogens.

Consumer guidance: Do not eat recalled sprouts. Discard or return them and thoroughly clean and sanitize refrigerators, containers and food-preparation surfaces that came into contact with them.

FDA reported that an outbreak of Salmonella Newport involving an unidentified food increased from 84 to 97 illnesses. Traceback investigations are underway, but officials have not identified a specific food, brand or product, so there is currently no product-specific action for consumers to take.

Another outbreak involving Salmonella I 4,[5],12:i:- increased from 41 to 43 illnesses. The food source also remains unidentified.

FDA and CDC also closed the Salmonella Enteritidis outbreak linked to Midwest Poultry Services shell eggs. The final outbreak involved 134 illnesses across 18 states, 34 hospitalizations and no deaths. The affected eggs had previously been recalled, and federal officials say they should no longer be available for sale.

References:
FDA Recall Dashboard
USDA FSIS Recall Alerts
CDC Foodborne Outbreak Investigations

What’s faster than word of mouth? Cary Spotlight! Keeps you updated on what is going on locally and connects businesses to our vibrant community.

Outdoor events may be changed due to weather, so click the links to see latest event information. Here are a few ideas for the week, so plan ahead:

• Wednesday: Beyond the Booths: 50 Years of Lazy Daze All Day
• Wednesday: Birds and Bloomers 8AM-9AM
• Wednesday: Tai Chi: Downtown Cary Park 6:30PM-7:30PM
• Thursday: Beyond the Booths: 50 Years of Lazy Daze All Day
• Thursday: Town Council Regular Meeting 6:30PM-8:30PM
• Thursday: Zumba 7PM-8PM
• Friday: Beyond the Booths: 50 Years of Lazy Daze All Day
• Friday: BEYOND Film Festival Workshop 10AM-11:15AM
• Friday: BEYOND Film Festival Workshop 12PM-1PM
• Friday: Fire Station 3 Garden Workday 3:30PM-5PM
• Friday: Teen Art Cart 6PM-8PM
• Saturday: Beyond the Booths: 50 Years of Lazy Daze All Day
• Saturday: Cary Farmers Market 8AM-12PM
• Saturday: Yoga 9AM-10AM
• Saturday: Carolina Circus Festival: The Greatest Show 3PM-10PM
• Saturday: Whiskey, Wine & Fire 4PM-9PM
• Sunday: Beyond the Booths: 50 Years of Lazy Daze All Day
• Sunday: Healing Colors & Sounds Art Exhibition 12PM-5PM
• Monday: Drop-in Puzzling and Puzzle Swap Meet 1PM-7PM

But wait! There’s more. To save space in your inbox, we’ve moved the full list of events online — now you can plan ahead: See Full 2-Week Calendar