Dining al fresco is one of the joys of summer...cookouts, picnics and pool parties. But as the temperature rises, so does your chance of geting sick from contaminated food. Bacteria love warmer conditions, and people are often cooking out- doors, away from sinks, refrigerators and kitchen thermometers. To avoid the unpleasant prospect of food poisoning this summer, follow a few smart tips for proper food handling. Properly marinate Food should always marinate in the refrigerator. If you plan to use marinade as a sauce for cooked food, save some prior to adding in raw meat. If the marinade is used on the raw meat, as long as it is boiled to kill any bacteria, it can still be used. Transport food safely Health Notes When bringing food to a pitch-in or party, keep it cold to prevent bacterial Picnics, Pot Lucks, and Pool Parties The key to eating al fresco safely growth. Pack a cooler with ice or ice packs to keep the food at 40 °F or below. It will also be easier to transport and can prevent a spill in the car. Chill cold food Keep meat in the refrigerator until you’re ready to grill it. If you’re using a cooler, keep it in the shade and don’t open the lid too much. Pack perishables in one cooler and drinks in another for safety. Keep it clean Never use the same plater and utensils for both raw and cooked meats. This is a simple but huge precautionary step in keeping food-borne illnesses away from you and your guests. Clean everything after it has been used with raw meats. Cook thoroughly To kill harmful bacteria, cook food to a safe minimum internal temperature. Use a food thermometer to ensure the Gastroenterology of <strong>Southern</strong> <strong>Indiana</strong> tem- perature is perfect for your guests. Safe minimum temperatures are as follows: Whole poultry: 165 °F; Poultry breasts: 165 °F; Ground poultry: 165 °F; Ground meats: 160 °F; Beef, pork, lamb, and veal (steaks, roasts and chops): 145 °F and allow to rest at least 3 minutes. Keep hot food hot Dr. Stuart H. Coleman, MD After grilling meat, keep it hot until served — at 140 °F or warmer. Set your cooked meats to the side of the grill rack, not directly over the coals to prevent them from overcooking. If you’re at home or a friend’s house, keep the cooked meat in a 200 °F oven or a slow cooker set on warm. In hot weather (above 90 °F), food should never sit out for more than an hour. Following these steps will reduce the risk of food-borne illness this summer and keep everyone happy and healthy. • Easing the Hot Weather Woes Simple ways expectant moms can cool off in the summer heat Christopher S. Grady, MD WomanCare (woman-care.org) When you fnd out you’re pregnant in the middle of winter, it’s hard to imagine going through a summer pregnancy. Moms-to-be can get overheated, due to extra blood fow causing higher-than-normal body temperatures, in addition to the extra baby weight. Add 90-degree temperatures and a heat wave to that, and the thought is almost unbearable. But there are simple ways expectant moms can cool of — aside from turning on the air conditioner. Drink Fluids Geting enough fuids is especially tough in the hot summer months. Ordinarily, you should try to drink two liters of clear liquids every day, but in the summer, you need to add eight ounces for every hour you spend in the heat. Sipping July/August <strong>2015</strong> • 40 orange juice, milk and sports drinks will help replace electrolytes that you sweat away in the summer sun. Since you’ll be constantly sipping, make your drink a fun one. Try a chilled selter with a splash of mango juice and lime. The mango is loaded with vitamin C and iron. Remove Your Rings Fingers are one of the frst places a mom-to-be swells and heat doesn’t help maters. At the frst signs of swelling, remove your rings so they don’t have to be cut of. To reduce swelling, try munching on watercress, celery or citrus fruits which may act as natural diuretics. Breathable Clothing Keep your maternity wardrobe light-colored, lightweight and made from breathable fabrics like coton and linen. This will keep sweat stains to a minimum and prevent heat rashes that can develop under the breasts and abdomen. Go For a Swim Water is a mom-to-be’s best friend, so don’t shy away from the pool. A dip in the pool will not only lower your body temperature, but it takes some of the pressure of of the sciatic nerve and allows you to feel weightless. The buoyancy will also ease the stress on your squished organs, and splashing around provides a great low-impact workout. While it’s true that a summer pregnancy isn’t easy, these tricks can ease your hot weather pregnant woes. •
S A Wpr he hig in 90 to ab mo on Dr 812-739-4264 • Only 3 miles from I-64 at Exit 92 Summer Hours Monday - Thursday: 11:00 am - 8:00 pm Friday: 11:00 am - 9:00 pm Saturday: 8:00 am - 9:00 pm Sunday: 8:00 am - 8:00 pm Check out our website: www.theoverlook.com Follow us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/TheOverlookRestaurant Alstott’s Hometown Hardware Store Established in 1943 “Your Old-Fashioned Hardware Store” 65 of years of Helpful Service Marvin and Louise Alstott 200 South Capitol Corydon, IN 47112 812-738-2266 July/August <strong>2015</strong> • 41 tou na of me ery
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