HealthyLife Articles

Tag: hygiene

  • Arm Yourself With A Vegetable Scrubber

    HEALTHY EATING

    Image of vegetables being washed in a scrubber.

    A University of Nebraska-Lincoln food safety specialist said it is important to properly wash fresh produce before eating to reduce harmful microorganisms that could cause foodborne illness.

    Wash produce with running water and then let that water go down the drain. Do not just soak the produce, said Julie Albrecht, UNL Extension food safety specialist at the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources.

    If there is something on the outside of a food, soaking it could allow the microorganisms to spread to other parts of the food or to other produce in the same sink. Running water washes the microorganisms down the drain.

    “It’s really just about preventing cross contamination,” Albrecht said. “Always use a colander or strainer so the water goes through the produce instead of just letting produce sit in water.”

    It is important to wash all fresh produce, even ones with rinds that are not eaten, Albrecht said. Bacteria could be living on the surface and then spread to the inside of the fruit when the rind is cut.

    Scrub foods with tough surfaces, such as melons and potatoes, with a vegetable scrubber.

    Immediately refrigerate fresh produce after cutting it. Most fruits and vegetables can be stored at 40ºF or below, which is cold enough to prevent microorganisms from growing.

    “Once you cut something or peel it, keep it cold, refrigerate it. Do not let it sit out at room temperature because microorganisms grow best around temperatures of 80 to 100. Plus, your food will be crisper and of a better quality,” Albrecht said.

    Leafy vegetables and tomatoes have been linked to foodborne illness outbreaks in recent years, so take extra care to wash them and keep them cold, Albrecht said.

    Be sure to also wash hands, surfaces, and utensils before handling raw produce.

    While shopping, only buy the best-looking produce that will stay fresh the longest. “Pick high-quality produce with no bumps or scratches at the peak of ripeness or maybe a little under ripe,” Albrecht said. “And make sure there is no mold, especially on berries.”

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Foot Health Tips For Summer

    WELL-BEING

    Image of bare feet on grass.

    When warm weather arrives, many people break out the flip-flops, sandals or forego shoes altogether. But the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons says this can be harmful to your feet if you’re not careful.

    Many flip-flops and summer shoes contain little to no support or protection. This increases your chances for foot injuries. They can also aggravate conditions such as plantar fasciitis, bunions, and other painful foot problems.

    You can still enjoy summer and keep your hard-working feet healthy by following these tips:

    *  Don’t go barefoot in public bathrooms. If you have a cut on your foot, it can get infected. You could also get a foot fungus or plantar wart. Use flip-flops in these cases to protect your feet.

    *  If you have diabetes or neuropathy, never go barefoot – even indoors.

    *  Don’t rely on flip-flops for daily wear. Use them in place of going barefoot around the pool, or in public bathrooms. Instead, choose sandals or lightweight shoes that have good arch support and are designed for comfort.

    *  Use sunscreen on the tops and bottoms of your feet any time they are exposed.

    *  Wear closed-toed shoes to mow the lawn or do yard work.

    *  If sandals are rubbing or causing blisters, don’t wear them. Don’t pop blisters. This leaves the foot open to an infection.

    *  Wear proper walking shoes and socks to the airport when traveling for summer vacation. Never try out new shoes on vacation. Pack shoes that you know are comfortable and won’t rub or cause blisters or pain.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Germs: Just Don’T Share Them

    WORK LIFE

    Image of hands being wash with soap and water.

    If you must go to work or do necessary errands with a minor illness, follow these tips from the CDC to help prevent the spread of germs:

    *  Wash your hands often with soap and running water. Wash your hands after blowing your nose and using the bathroom.

    *  Cough or sneeze into a tissue and throw it away. If you do not have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your elbow, not your hand.

    *  Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • How Not To Get Sick When Traveling

    SELF-CARE CORNER

    Illustration of different city landmarks.

    Nothing can ruin a vacation faster than someone getting sick. Whether you’re planning a trip just an hour away or across the ocean, there are many things you can do to stay healthy while away from home.

    See your doctor before you go

    Get a checkup before you go on vacation. Ask the doctor if you need any vaccines or preventive medicines. Some countries require vaccines that you wouldn’t normally need in the U.S. Make plans to get everyone vaccinated at least six weeks before you leave.

    If you take any medicines regularly, make sure you have enough to last throughout your trip. Running out of a prescription medicine can be inconvenient – or even dangerous –  if you’re not near your doctor or pharmacy. If possible, keep your medicine with you in a carry-on bag so you have it with you at all times.

    Avoid traveler’s diarrhea

    Traveler’s diarrhea is the most common travel-related illness. It can happen nearly anywhere if you eat contaminated food or drink contaminated water. Lower your risk of getting it with these guidelines:

    *  Eat only cooked food served hot.

    *  Avoid eating food from street vendors, if possible.

    *  Don’t eat or drink unpasteurized milk or dairy products.

    *  Avoid eating raw seafood or undercooked meats.

    *  Avoid tap water and ice on airplanes and in places where water may not be safe. Drink only commercially-bottled water and beverages.

    *  Use bottled water to brush your teeth when traveling abroad. Don’t get shower water in your mouth.

    *  Wash your hands thoroughly and often. Be especially careful about washing hands after using the bathroom and before eating.

    *  Consider bringing some anti-diarrhea medicine with you in case you get sick. Make sure you stay hydrated with water, electrolyte drinks, and/or sports drinks.

    Tell bugs to buzz off

    Mosquitoes can spread disease, both in the U.S. and abroad. Protect yourself by wearing repellents with DEET. Use bed nets for international travel in areas where bugs are a problem. If you’re traveling to a country with a higher risk of malaria, ask your doctor about preventive medicine to take before you go on your trip. Be sure to also pack lightweight clothing that covers the arms and legs to keep bugs off.

    A few simple precautions can ensure you have a safe and healthy summer vacation.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine