HOW TO EXTEND THE LIFE OF YOUR NONSTICK COOKWARE
The nonstick pan is a kitchen staple. It’s useful, convenient, and easy to clean. But after a few months of use, it always seems like food starts to stick to it and “easy to clean” becomes a thing of the past. The life span of nonstick cookware is generally supposed to be about five years, depending on use, but as many can attest, that rarely seems to be the case under real- world conditions. However, there are steps that you can take to significantly extend the life of your nonstick cookware. If your nonstick cookware is starting to show signs of wear, you can repair existing damage — as long as that damage is minor, such as small scratches or blemishes. Using a 50/50 mix of baking soda and water, gently scrub the surface of the pan with a cloth or sponge. This helps even out imperfections. Rinse and dry. Then, wipe a small amount of cooking oil over the surface of the pan, wiping away any excess. Repeat this seasoning process regularly for even better results! If your nonstick cookware is flaking or chipping, it’s time to replace it. Those flakes and particles will get into your food and your body. While modern nonstick surfaces, such as Teflon, are technically considered safe, Teflon flakes are, of course, unappetizing in all situations.
Another way to extend the life of nonstick
cookware is to avoid using cooking spray. These sprays often contain additives that cling to nonstick surfaces, even after washing. Instead, use a purer form of fat, such as butter or coconut oil — or don’t use anything at all! And during cooking, always use soft utensils, such as wood, plastic, or silicone. Never use metal utensils, which will scratch nonstick surfaces. Another tip is to keep nonstick cookware off of high heat. High heat shortens the life span of nonstick surfaces. Save this cookware for low and medium heat only. For high-heat cooking, rely on stainless steel or cast iron. When it comes to cleaning your nonstick cookware, skip the dishwasher. While many nonstick pots and pans are labeled “dishwasher safe,”regular exposure to scalding hot water and detergent will shorten the life of the cookware. To keep your pans in good shape, hand wash them using dish soap, warm water, and a soft brush or sponge. Following these simple steps will keep your nonstick cookware looking great for years to come!
GEORGE ‘UNCLE BENNY’ D.
You know, there are people you just can’t get rid of — and wouldn’t want to!
The combination of daily debilitating headaches,
George “Uncle Benny”D. has been a client, off and on, for as long as I’ve been in practice. An over-the-road driver by profession, Benny’s first injury was with the now-defunct Signal Delivery. He had three injuries with them (1979, 1981, and 1982), was treated, recovered, and returned to work for several years before settling those claims, changing employers, and then getting hurt twice more within nine months! Although it’s debatable whether certain people are merely accident-prone, it is clear some work is just inherently dangerous, and this is undoubtedly the case with truck driving. In 1995, Benny was getting out of his rig when his foot caught on the fuel tank, and he fell. As he grabbed onto the tank to break his fall, his foot remained caught, breaking his right ankle and snapping his ligaments. Following surgery and several months of painful recovery, Benny returned to work. In September, as he was on the exit curve from I-71 onto I-270, his load shifted, and his tractor-trailer flipped over. He was pinned in the wreckage and lost consciousness. He awoke in the Grant Trauma Center, having been life-flighted from the accident. The most significant of his various wounds, eventually, were his closed head injury and post-concussion syndrome. These left Benny with seizures and black-out spells, both of which occur without warning.
occasional double vision, sensitivity to light and sound, and the ongoing breakdown of his foot and ankle (which required several more surgeries) caused Benny to develop significant
depression. Benny attempted vocational rehabilitation often, but his memory and concentration worsened. Formerly an avid pool player and bowler who loved entertaining family and friends, Benny lost interest in many activities he used to enjoy. Oddly enough, one activity he seemed to enjoy was attending hearings in his claim! Perhaps this was because it compelled him to get out of the house and permitted him to dress up. Benny has always been one of the most stylish men I’ve ever known — and it still makes me smile remembering how the ladies in the Industrial Commission hearing area noticed this sharply dressed man! Benny’s psychologist ultimately convinced him to file for permanent total disability. We had this awarded to him without the need for a hearing. I’m honored to know this man and humbled to have helped him secure his financial future.
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