Page 2 - Quarterly Newsletter - December 2016
P. 2
Family & Consumer Science — Jamie Rathbun
Gift Idea: Kitchen Thermometers Holiday Safety and Health Tips
Looking for a gift idea for almost anyone on your list? To enjoy the holidays it is important to practice safety
Give a thermometer! and make healthy decisions. The Centers for Disease
Control (CDC) suggests the following:
Kitchen thermometers are useful year-round to protect
your food investment and prevent foodborne illness. Wash Your Hands- Keeping hands clean is one of the
Here are two examples. Find them for less than $10 in most important steps you can take to avoid getting sick
discount, hardware, and kitchen stores. and spreading germs to others. Wash your hands with
soap and clean running water, and rub them together for
Instant Read Dial Thermometers- the probe is inserted at least 20 seconds. Cover your mouth and nose with a
in the thickest part of the food and reads the temperature tissue when you cough or sneeze. If you don’t have a
in 15-20 seconds. Used to check the temperature of food tissue, cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve or elbow,
at the end of the cooking process; not designed to stay in not your hands.
food during cooking.
Manage Stress- The holidays don’t need to take a toll
Refrigerator/Freezer Thermometers- an appliance on your health and pocket book. Keep your commitments
thermometer should be kept in both the refrigerator and and spending in check. Balance work, home and play.
freezer to monitor the temperature of stored food. This Get support from family and friends. Keep a relaxed and
can be critical in the event of a power outage. Also great positive outlook. Make sure to get proper sleep. (See
for renters who have older and/or unfamiliar appliances. Managing the Holidays…)
Make a Healthy Food Donation Travel Safe- Whether you’re traveling across town or
around the world, help ensure your trip is safe. Don’t
When donating food for a food drive at holiday time – drink and drive, and don’t let someone else drink and
or anytime – choose foods that provide maximum drive. Wear a seatbelt very time you drive or ride in a
nutrition from each food group of MyPlate. Consider motor vehicle. Always buckle your child in the car using
dried or evaporated milk; canned chicken, tuna, salmon, a child safety seat, booster seat or seat belt appropriate
and beans; canned fruits and vegetables – especially dark for his/her height, weight, and age.
green and deep orange varieties;, tomatoes and tomato
sauces; whole grain cereals; peanut butter; and 100% Watch the Kids- Children are at high risk for injuries.
fruit juices. Keep a watchful eye on your kids when they’re eating
and playing. Keep potentially dangerous toys, food,
drinks, household items, choking hazards (like coins and
hard candy) and other objects out of kids’ reach.
Learn how to provide early treatment for children who
are choking. Make sure toys are used properly. Develop
rules about acceptable and safe behaviors, including
using electronic media.
Prevent Injuries- Injuries can happen anywhere and
some often occur around the holidays. Use step stools
instead of climbing on furniture when hanging
decorations. Wear a helmet when riding a bicycle or
skateboarding to help prevent head injuries. Keep
vaccinations up-to-date.
Eat Healthy and Be Active- With balance and
moderation, you can enjoy the holidays the healthy way.
Choose fresh fruit as a festive and sweet substitute for
candy. Limit fats, salt and sugary foods. Find fun ways to
stay active, such as dancing to your favorite holiday
music. Be active for at least 2½ hours a week. Help kids
and teens be active for at least 1 hour a day.
