Sacred Heart - Inspiring Health

4 6 12 15 AH, THE REFRESHMENTS TABLE. It can be found at almost every Christmas, New Year's, and Super Bowl celebration, offering a variety of hors d'oeuvres, dips, drinks, and desserts. Unfortunately, it can also contain harmful bacteria. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 48 million Americans get sick from food-borne illnesses every year—many cases of which are the result of improper food preparation and storage. In an effort to keep your guests safe, Thomas Sahr, Division Director of Nutrition Services at HSHS Sacred Heart Hospital, offers the following dos and don'ts when it comes to party food. DO: KEEP CLEAN Washing your hands is the most important way to prevent food-borne illnesses, Sahr says. Utensils, platters, and cutting boards should also be frequently replaced and cleaned throughout the evening. DON'T: LEAVE FOOD OUT Chips and crackers are not a concern, but foods with ingredients that promote pathogen growth—such as dips, cheeses, and meats—should not sit in temperatures between 40 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit for more than two hours at a time. To ensure your food remains at a safe temperature, consider keeping it in the refrigerator and serving it in small batches. This includes fruits and vegetables, Sahr says. Although they are relatively stable in their whole state, once they have been cut or sliced, you should follow the two-hour rule. DO: PLAY IT SAFE "When in doubt, throw it out," Sahr says. "The risk just isn't worth it." FOOD SAFETY ADVICE THAT WILL KEEP THE PARTY GOING. For more information about health and nutrition, visit sacredhearteauclaire.org. DON'T THE SPOIL 6 8 12 15 Tab le o f Contents 2 DON'T SPOIL THE FUN 3 SPARE SOME TIME A HUB FOR GOOD HEALTH 4 A COALITION FOR A HEALTHIER COMMUNITY 6 ADDRESSING THE NEEDS OF OUR YOUTH 7 TELL US WHAT YOU REALLY THINK WHY PEOPLE SHOULD TAKE LOCAL HEALTH SURVEYS 8 FOCUSING ON THE PRESENT FOR AN ADDICTION-FREE FUTURE 9 DOES YOUR HEART NEED MORE POTASSIUM? A HEALTHY NIGHT OUT 10 PARTNERS ON THE PATH TO WEIGHT LOSS 1 1 A DIETARY GAME PLAN FOR YOUNG ATHLETES EASE YOUR CHILD'S GROWING PAINS 12 A NEW STRAIN ON THE TREATMENT OF INFECTIONS 13 BRIGHT IDEAS FOR WINTER WELLNESS WEATHERPROOF YOUR SKIN 14 THE FRUGAL PHILANTHROPIST 15 MAKE GOOD HEALTH YOUR PET PROJECT 16 THIS IS WHY WE SERVE Fun 2 I N S P I R I N G H E A LT H

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