FOOD SAFETY
An estimated one in seven home kitchens would fail a health inspection.
When it comes to food safety, how does your kitchen score?
101
If food is not prepared or stored properly, you could be at risk for food-borne illness. Consider these safety tips.
TAKE ITS TEMPERATURE
WASH, RINSE, REPEAT
TRACK STORAGE TIMES
Leftovers, foods warmed in a microwave
and poultry should reach an internal
temperature of 165 degrees before
serving. Steaks and pork should
reach 145 degrees, and ground meat
should reach 160 degrees. Set your
refrigerator's thermometer to a chilly
40 degrees or less.
According to www.FoodSafety.gov, you
should wash your cutting board and
utensils with hot, soapy water between
each use during food preparation and
rinse all fruits and vegetables—even those
you peel—with cool water. Do not rinse
raw meat after thawing, as this can spread
bacteria to kitchen surfaces.
Contrary to popular belief, bacteria
growing on food do not affect taste
or smell. Freeze meat if you don't
cook it within one to two days, and
eat leftovers within four days of
preparation.
Expanding Surgical Care
IN THE HUDSON VALLEY
Mid-Hudson Valley residents' local options for surgical care recently expanded.
This past September, the practice welcomed Sanjay Thomas, MD, General
Surgeon, to Vassar Brothers Medical Center.
"We are excited Dr. Thomas joined our team," says James A. Wing, MD, FACS,
Chief of General Surgery at Health Quest Medical Practice. "He performs a variety
of elective and emergency procedures from head to toe; these include some of
the most important procedures patients need, such as appendectomies."
BELLY ACHING?
Appendectomy is the generally recommended treatment for appendicitis, or
swelling of the appendix. The first sign of the condition is usually mild pain
around the belly button that gradually becomes more severe.
14 Health Quest
"Pain typically migrates to the lower right portion of the abdomen
shortly after appearing," Dr. Thomas says. "Later, it may be joined by other
symptoms, including fever, nausea and vomiting."
If you experience symptoms of appendicitis, seek medical help
immediately. Left untreated, a swollen appendix may rupture,
and individuals who have the appendix removed before it bursts
typically recover faster than those who have an appendectomy
post-rupture.
FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE SURGICAL TEAM AT HEALTH QUEST
MEDICAL PRACTICE, VISIT WWW.HEALTH-QUEST.ORG/HQSURGERY.
