by kelsey | May 18, 2011 | Food
Contaminated food causes millions of Americans to get sick every year. Symptoms of food poisoning vary from mild to severe and can include, upset stomach and cramps, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration, and fever. With graduation parties in May and summer picnics approaching, it’s important to review the basics of food safety to avoid any potential problems with food poisoning.
The basics of food safety include four concepts:
Clean: wash hands and surfaces often
Separate: don’t cross contaminate
Cook: cook to the proper temperature
Chill: refridgerate promtly
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Today, we will focus on the first two:
Clean: Avoid the spread of bacteria
- Wash your hands with hot, soapy water for at least 20 seconds
- Before handling food
- After handling raw meats or poultry
- Using the bathroom
- Changing diapers
- Touching pets.
- When camping, or going on a picnic
- For preparation and cleaning use a clean water source
- Pack disposable wipes or sanitizing lotions
- Paper towels.
- Store leftover food in clean plastic bags or containers.
- Use clean water when washing raw fruits and vegetables.
Separate: Keep foods separate to avoid cross-contamination
- When you pack a cooler for an trip or outdoor activity
- Wrap raw meats and poultry securely and safely
- Place on the bottom to prevent the juices from dripping onto other foods
- Wash any item that comes in contact with raw meat before using them with cooked food
Tomorrow we will discuss proper cooking temperatures and storing recommendations. Have a great day!
-Kelsey
by kelsey | May 17, 2011 | Eating Out, Food, Weight Management
May brings out the best of graduation parties. Which in turn brings out the best food spreads! This last weekend, I had 3 parties in a row which made me remember the importance of mindful eating at times like these. When making the rounds to all of your parties, you will want to try a little something from each party so here are a few tips to help you get through these parties without needing to move that belt notch over another hole!
*Survey the entire food spread before taking any food. Decide what foods are worth eating and what can be ignored…why waste calories on food that don’t bring any pleasure!
*Eat your calories instead of drinking them. Watch out for the high sugar punch, mixed drinks, and regular pop.
*Try not to hang out by the food…find a comfortable spot across the room and focus on people rather than food.
*Watch your portions! Use a napkin or small plate rather than a big plate.
*Eat slowly and savor the taste!
In the next few posts I am also going to discuss food safety as this is essential when hosting parties. Have a great day and enjoy the sunshine!
-Kelsey
by Dan | May 16, 2011 | Exercise, Motivation, Weather, Wellness/Health
I was not the only one happy with having some sunny weather, even if the temperature is still cooler than usual. I got to spend the day outside, went for a run, bike ride, and then some yard work. Here, Buddy is relaxing, catching some rays, but he got to go for a walk earlier with Sarah….
…and then he got to run around the yard the rest of the day. It is amazing what sunshine can do to your mood, and overall attitude. This kind of weather is long overdue, and hopefully, the trend continues. After such a long winter, we all deserve some great weather. Enjoy everybody!
Dr. Dan
Consecutive Exercise Day #: 1329
by Dan | May 14, 2011 | Equipment, Exercise, weight lifting, Wellness/Health
Lunges: Rest your back leg on a ball and just bend and straighten your front knee. This is also great for balance. Either do repetitions, or hold for up to 1 minute, or what you are able to do.
Back Extensions: Do these exercises if you do not have any back problems. Rest your body on the ball and put your toes on the floor. Your hands can be behind your head, or straight at your side, and then lean forward, then straighten your back. Hold for 10-20 seconds. Relax, and then repeat.
Dr. Dan
Consecutive Exercise Day #: 1327
by kelsey | May 11, 2011 | Diabetes
Thank you Dr. Kimaku and Dr. Likness for helping us out! Our patients and community members appreciated having the doctors there to answer all of their diabetic questions!
Medtronic was one of our 9 vendors that was present at the diabetes fair. Here are a few of our patients checking out the insulin pump products.
We are looking forward to doing another one in the fall with featured speaker(s)….stay tuned for details then!
-Kelsey
