Long-Term Effects of Food Poisoning:  
Brain & Nerve Damage  

Food poisoning not only sends more than 100,000 Americans to the hospital each year, it can also have long-term health consequences.  

• Listeria infection can lead to meningitis, an inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain.  
• If a newborn baby is infected with Listeria, consequences may include mental retardation, seizures, paralysis, blindness, or deafness.
• Campylobacter infection triggers up to 40% of cases of Guillain-Barré syndrome, a disorder that affects the nerves of the body. The immune system attacks the body's own nerves. It can result in paralysis that lasts several weeks. 

Do what you can to keep your family safer from food poisoning.

CLEAN: Wash hands and surfaces often
SEPARATE: Don’t cross-contaminate
COOK: Cook to safe temperatures
CHILL: Refrigerate promptly

 

Holidays and Eggs

Traditional eggnog made with raw eggs is a common risk.

Fresh eggs may contain bacteria that can cause an intestinal infection called salmonellosis.  Cooking can destroy the bacteria.  Safe alternatives are the pasteurized eggnog beverages sold in grocery dairy cases, although they, too, should be kept refrigerated.

The risk of illness from raw eggs is associated with another favorite holiday activity-baking.  Eating cookie dough or batters with raw eggs carries the same risk as eggnog made with raw eggs. Commercial dough does not carry the same risk because it is made with pasteurized eggs-that is, eggs that have been heated sufficiently to kill bacteria.  It also may contain an acidifying agent that kills bacteria.  However, it is best to not eat raw cookie dough; instead enjoy your cookies after they have been properly cooked in the oven.

Food Safety of Turkey

 

Food Safety Mythbusters

The Verde Valley Senior Center Joins Partnership for Food Safety Education  to Debunk Common Myths During National Food Safety Education Month

September is National Food Safety Education Month and the Verde Valley Senior Center is joining with the non-profit Partnership for Food Safety Education (PFSE) to introduce “Food Safety Mythbusters”.

It’s a question more than a few of us have faced.  We snag a forgotten container of leftovers from the back of the refrigerator, stick our faces into it, and inhale deeply.

“This smells fine, so is it safe to eat?”

Storing leftovers is the basis for one of this year’s four featured myths.

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Myth: Leftovers are safe to eat until they smell bad.

Fact: Most people would not choose to eat spoiled, smelly food.  However, if they did, they would not necessarily get sick.  This is because there are different types of bacteria, some of which cause illness in people and others that don’t.  The types of bacteria that do cause illness do not affect the taste, smell, or appearance of food.  For this reason it is important to freeze or toss refrigerated leftovers within 3-4 days.  If you are unsure of how long your leftovers have been sitting in the refrigerator, don’t take the risk – when in doubt, throw it out!

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Myth: I use bleach and water to sanitize my countertops and the more bleach I use the more bacteria I kill.

Fact: There is no advantage to using more bleach.  In fact, overuse of bleach can be harmful because it is not safe to consume.  To create a sanitizing solution it is recommended that you use 1 tablespoon of unscented liquid bleach per gallon of water or, for a smaller amount of solution, ¾ teaspoon liquid bleach to 1 quart of water.  Flood the countertop with the solution, allow it to sit for a few minutes, then pat with clean, dry paper towels or allow to air dry.  Any leftover sanitizing solution can be stored, tightly covered, for up to one week.  After that, the bleach has lost its effectiveness.

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Myth: I don’t need to wash my produce if I am going to peel it.

Fact: You should wash fresh fruits and vegetables under running tap water just before eating, cutting or cooking.  Harmful bacteria could be on the outside of the produce.  If you peel or cut it without first washing it the bacteria could be transferred to the part you eat.  Wash delicate produce such as grapes or lettuce under cool running water.  Blot dry with a clean cloth towel or paper towel.  Rub firm-skin fruits and vegetables under running tap water or scrub with a clean produce brush.  Never use detergent or bleach to wash fresh fruits or vegetables.  These products are not intended for consumption.

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Myth: The stand time recommended for microwaveable foods is optional, it’s just so you don’t burn yourself.

Fact: Stand time is not about cooling the microwaved food, but rather is an important part of the cooking process.  Stand times are usually just a few minutes and the time is necessary to bring the food to a safe internal temperature as measured with a food thermometer. To ensure safety with microwave cooking, always read and follow package instructions, know your microwave’s wattage, and use a food thermometer to ensure food has reached a safe internal temperature.

Egg Handling & Storage

How should eggs be refrigerated?

Refrigerate raw shell eggs in their cartons on the middle or lower inside shelf, not on the door, and away from any meat that might drip juices or any raw produce that might contact eggshells. Cover or wrap well any egg mixtures or leftover cooked egg dishes. For all perishable foods, including eggs and dishes containing eggs, allow no more than 2 hours at room temperature for preparation and serving, 30 minutes to 1 hour when it’s 85°F or hotter without refrigeration.

How long are eggs that have been refrigerated, safe to eat?

Raw eggs maintain their freshness for 4-5 weeks after purchase if kept refrigerated continuously.

How long are hard cooked eggs that have been refrigerated, safe to eat?

A hard cooked egg, if keep in its shell, can be safely refrigerated for up to one week.

I just realized I left the egg carton on the kitchen counter overnight. Are the eggs safe to use?

Temperature fluctuation is critical to safety. After eggs are refrigerated, it is important that they stay that way. A cold egg left out at room temperature can sweat, facilitating the growth of bacteria. Refrigerated eggs should not be left out more than 2 hours.

READING LABELS AND PURCHASING

What should you consider when purchasing eggs?

Always buy eggs from a refrigerated case. Choose eggs with clean, uncracked shells. Don’t buy out of date eggs. The USDA grade shield on the carton means that the eggs were graded for quality and checked for weight under the supervision of a trained USDA grader. State agencies monitor compliance for egg packers who do not use the USDA grading service.

What does the date on the egg carton mean?

Egg cartons with the USDA grademark must display a “Julian date”*, the date the eggs were packed. Although not required, they may also carry an expiration date beyond which the eggs should not be sold, but are still safe to eat. On cartons with the USDA grademark, this date cannot exceed 30 days after the eggs were packed in the carton. Depending on the retailer, the expiration date may be less than 30 days. Eggs packed in cartons without the USDA grademark are governed by the laws of their states.

*Julian date: usually on the short side of the carton, represents the consecutive days of the year with the number 001 as January 1 and December 31 as 365.

Eating Right for a Healthy Weight

FOOD, NUTRITION AND HEALTH TIPS FROM THE AMERICAN DIETETIC ASSOCIATION

Achieving and maintaining a healthier weight will contribute to your overall health and well being.  The following tips are for adults who want to make changes in their lifestyle and maintain a healthy weight.

Start with a Plan
Develop a plan for lifelong health, not just short-term.  Don’t lose sight of the big picture: achieving overall good health.  By putting more emphasis on your health, experts agree that you can raise your overall self-esteem, resulting in healthy eating and improved health.

Healthy Eating Tips
Eat at least three meals a day and plan your meals ahead of time.  Whether you’re eating at home, packing a lunch or eating out, an overall eating plan for the day will help keep you on track.

Balance your plate with the right portions of a variety of foods.  Half your plate should be filled with vegetables, one fourth with lean meat, poultry or fish and one fourth with grains.  To round out your meal, add a glass of fat-free or low-fat milk and a serving of fruit for dessert.

Top Summer Health Risks For Seniors

FOOD, NUTRITION AND HEALTH TIPS FROM THE AMERICAN DIETETIC ASSOCIATION

Everyone looks forward to summer because there is so much to do, but they can be dangerous for seniors if proper precautions are not taken.  These tips will help seniors enjoy the summer, even though it is hot out.

 1.     Heat
Just like you would dress for a night out, make sure you dress for the heat.  Make sure your clothing is loose fitting and breathes well, such as cotton.

 2.     Dehydration
It is necessary to drink at least 8 glasses of fluid every day.  Drink your fluid periodically throughout the day.  This will help to keep your body hydrated and working properly.

3.     Sun
If you are going to be outside, wear light colored clothing to reflect the sun and not dark colors that seem to attract the sun’s heat.  Wearing a hat when outdoors will help to protect your head from the sun and heat.  Sunglasses will help to protect your eyes from the sun’s harmful rays.  For exposed skin, use a good sunscreen with a protection level of at least SPF 30.

4.     Medication
Some medications make the body more sensitive to the effects of the sun.  If you are taking medications, ask your doctor or pharmacist if any of your medications make it necessary for you to stay out of the sun.

5.     Fatigue
The days are longer during the summer months so make sure to take plenty of rest breaks during the heat of the day.

6.     Exercise
If you like to garden or go on walks for exercise, do it either first thing in the morning or in the evening when the sun is not so hot.  It will help to keep you from getting too fatigued.

7.     Falls
Because activity levels increase during the summer months, so does the potential for falls.  Wear good, supportive shoes when out walking around.

8.     Stay Indoors
If possible avoid going outside when it is extremely hot.  Make sure that you have good air circulation; it will certainly make the heat more bearable.

It’s Hydration Time

Summer will be here soon.  However, regardless of the time of year, appropriate hydration is important.  The following will give some tips on proper hydration, signs of dehydration, and hydration in the children, athletes, and the elderly.

Water is the largest component of the human body, accounting for nearly 60% of total body mass.  It is important for digestion, joint function, healthy skin, and removal of waste products.  Water is lost from the body via a number of different routes including loss from urine, loss from humidity, and perspiration.  The total daily water loss is approximately 2500ml per day. It is recommended that adults drink eight 8-ounce glasses of water each day, but this recommendation depends on age and type of activity. Adults need about 20 oz. of fluid before beginning activity, as well as an additional 10 oz every 15 minutes during activity.  Children need about 8 oz. of fluid before outdoor activity, as well as an additional 10 oz. every 20 minutes during activity. Everyone needs to replenish fluid after an activity to prevent symptoms of dehydration.

Dehydration occurs when more fluid is lost from the body than is taken in.  This causes an imbalance of minerals, sodium, and potassium, which are all needed for muscle and nerve function.  There are many things that cause dehydration including: malnutrition, vomiting, diarrhea, blood loss, and failure to replenish liquids by not drinking enough water.  Dehydration can be mild, moderate, or severe and each category has its own symptoms.

Symptoms of mild dehydration include dry mouth, fatigue, chills, head rush, dry skin, dark colored urine, and thirst. Moderate dehydration will have similar symptoms along with increased heart rate, respiration, and body temperature.  One will also sweat less and complain of tingling in the limbs, headaches, nausea, muscle cramps, and extreme fatigue.  If the body continues on its current path, individuals can reach 10% fluid loss and they need to be helped immediately.  Individuals experiencing a racing pulse, difficulty breathing, muscle spasms, dim vision, confusion, and unconsciousness should be sent to the emergency room immediately.

Other factors that may affect fluid loss in individuals is high temperature, high altitudes, people who sweat excessively, increased exercise duration, and increased exercise intensity.

Water hydrates better than any other liquid and is inexpensive, but people find the taste not appealing after a while and stop drinking it.  Sports drinks don’t necessarily hydrate better than water, but people will drink it in larger volumes because they prefer the taste. You have to drink more, but you also get the additional electrolytes lost during exercise.   Caffeinated soft drinks may give you a quick energy boost, but are not good for the body as a whole and do not rehydrate the body.  Finally, drinks such as coffee, tea, and alcohol cause dehydration and act as a diuretic by pulling water out of your body.

Populations at higher risk of dehydration include the very young and the elderly. There has been evidence that dehydration has a significant negative effect on brain function in the elderly and may impair cognitive states leading to confusion and agitation.  Dehydration cannot only lead to detrimental physical and cardiovascular effects, but also detrimental cognitive effects.