Food Safety

• Thaw meat in the refrigerator or in a sink filled with cold water before cooking. The water needs to be changed every 30 minutes. Do not thaw it on the counter, as foodborne bacteria can quickly grow.
• Keep raw foods separate from cooked foods and wash your hands, utensils, and surfaces frequently to avoid cross contamination.
• Do not consume raw batter or dough that is made with flour or eggs to avoid harmful bacteria like E. coli and salmonella. 
• Use a food thermometer to ensure foods are cooked to proper internal temperatures.
• Once the food is prepared, keep hot foods above 140 degrees Fahrenheit and cold items below 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Hot and cold leftovers need to be refrigerated within two hours of being served.
• Keep hot foods insulated and place cold foods on ice or gel packs while in the car. 

Physical Health and Mental Well-Being

The holiday season often comes with busier schedules, making it extra important to take care of mental well-being and physical health.

• Find ways to be physically active. This can be as simple as walking for an extra 10 minutes during your holiday shopping.
• Schedule time to unwind and take part in activities you enjoy.
• Use healthy ingredients in your traditional dishes by opting for less sodium and healthy fats.
• Reach out and check in on one another. The holidays can heighten feelings of loss or grief. Connecting with your community can help, especially for those struggling.

Decoration and Travel Safety

• Avoid placing poisonous plants in areas accessible to children and pets. Holly berries, mistletoe, amaryllis, and English ivy are a few poisonous plants that are popular around the holidays.
• Secure and cover extension cords to prevent trips and falls.
• Be cautious when using spray-on artificial snow. Inhalation can cause irritation to the lungs.
• Make sure car seats are properly installed and children are in the right seats for their age and size. Set up a car seat safety inspection.
• Be well rested before getting behind the wheel.
• Designate a sober driver.

The post DOH-Lake Wishes Residents A Healthy And Safe Holiday appeared first on South Lake Tablet.

With the holiday season fast approaching, the Florida Department of Health in Lake County (DOH-Lake) is encouraging Floridians to keep food safe by practicing basic food safety measures while preparing meals this Thanksgiving.

Many of the reported cases of foodborne illness are caused by bacteria or by the toxins produced by bacteria. Bacteria multiply extremely fast when food is kept at an unsafe temperature (above 41 and below 140 degrees Fahrenheit).

The department recommends the following for reducing the chances of food contamination.

• Clean. Wash hands, utensils and surfaces before and after food preparation, especially after preparing meat, poultry, eggs or seafood. Be sure to keep all countertops and work areas clean with hot, soapy water;
• Cook to Proper Temperature. Read the cooking directions on packaging before preparing. The safest thawing method is in the refrigerator at 40 degrees. Make sure the food is cooked at the proper internal temperature and check for doneness with a food thermometer;
• Chill – Refrigerate Properly. Refrigerate or freeze perishables, prepared food and leftovers within two hours. Make sure the refrigerator is set at no higher than 40 degrees and the freezer is set at 0 degrees; and
• Separate – Don’t cross contaminate. Keep raw meats, poultry, eggs and seafood and their juices away from ready to eat food. It is recommended that leftovers be heated to 165 degrees.

For more information on how to keep your family safe from foodborne-illness this holiday season, visit http://www.foodsafety.gov/.

The post This Holiday Season Prevent Illness By Implementing Good Food Handling And Storage Practices appeared first on South Lake Tablet.