Ounce of Prevention ...and a Pound of Sausage

Last Updated on June 27, 2024 by Lisa Keys

I wonder how William would feel about my mission taking on the Naval Safety Center.  As one who never needed anything "fixed" by his mother he'd probably encourage me "to get over it and let it go". However, finding a cause that celebrates one's child and may benefit others helps to give some positive meaning to the tragic situation. Maybe one can make a difference, so another doesn't find themselves here. Maybe change is possible. It's about an ounce of prevention. Choose a cause.

For the last two years my mission has to do with educating those in command of the Naval Safety Center. Not that these folks need educating about sleep deprivation, but they sure could use some impetus to implement some common sense rules related to its risks. Isn't an ounce of prevention worth a pound of grief?

My goodness the military has rules about everything--where to go, how to dress, what to do and what to eat.....how about a rule to protect those who at a given moment really can't protect themselves?

Most are well aware of the scientific evidence that cognitive deficits of sleep deprivation kick in early and linger and that the incidence of motor vehicle fatalities is higher among those military that have been deployed. Our government spends millions of our hard earned tax dollars on educational safety programs for enlisted young men and women seemingly committed to the goal of zero preventable losses.  Sailors and marines are required to take classes on everything from personal protective equipment to travel risk planning throughout their careers. Hmmm--with all this education these young sailors and marines should be able to take care of themselves.

The Facts On Sleep Deprivation

Oops-we forgot about the facts on sleep deprivation.

• the cognitive impairment
• the poor reaction time
• the slowing of the reflexes
• the impairment which is like being drunk

Don't they get it? All the education in the world doesn't matter when one can't think for oneself. It's common sense that a commander would never turn over the car keys to a sailor who had been drinking. So, why doesn't the same rule apply for those who have been sleep deprived due to a course of special training? It's an easy rule: Go to sleep. No liberty for 48 hours. I'll keep you posted when I hear back from Naval Safety Command on my latest suggestion. An ounce of prevention...

In the meantime, here is a super easy recipe that is a family favorite. There are no hard and fast rules to the recipe, so feel free to experiment with it. Only 4 ingredients, so buy the very best products available. Delicious on a crusty Italian roll or over some cheesy soft polenta.

Sausage and Peppers

Lisa Keys

such an easy crowd pleasing recipe

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr 10 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 20 minutes mins

Course main dish

Cuisine Italian

Servings 8

Calories 230 kcal

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• 1 pound Italian sausage links hot or sweet or combination of both
• 3 bell peppers red, green, seeded and sliced
• 1 large onion sliced
• 1 can (28 oz.) can crushed tomatoes (splurge on the San Marzano)

Instructions

 

• Heat oven 400F.
• Place sausage in a roasting pan. Roast about 20 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides.
• Add peppers and onions, roast for 10 minutes.
• Add tomatoes and cover tightly with aluminum foil. Bake for about 30 to 40 minutes or until bubbling.
• Remove foil and bake for another 10 to reduce some of the liquid.

Nutrition

Serving: 1 servingCalories: 230kcalCarbohydrates: 8gProtein: 10gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 43mgSodium: 485mgPotassium: 408mgFiber: 2gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 1.508IUVitamin C: 64mgCalcium: 34mgIron: 2mg

Keyword casserole, easy dinner, Italian sausage

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