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4 Steps to Making Sense, Safely, of Turkey and "All the Fixin's"
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) encourages consumers to pay special attention to holiday food handling and preparation. Most at risk from food borne illnesses are the elderly, people with weakened immune systems from cancer and other causes, pregnant women, and children. To reduce the risk, the FDA advises the following steps:
Keep Clean: Frequently wash hands and all surfaces touching food. Bacteria can spread throughout the kitchen onto cutting boards, knives, counter tops, sponges, and brushes.
Separate Foods: Don't cross-contaminate by letting bacteria spread from one food to another. Especially keep raw meat, poultry, seafood, and their juices away from fresh vegetables, such as carrots, and other foods that are ready to eat.
Cook Thoroughly: Food is properly cooked when it is brought to an internal temperature long enough to kill the harmful bacteria which cause food borne illness. Use a food thermometer to measure internal temperature of foods.
Chill Properly: Refrigerate foods promptly to prevent most harmful bacteria from multiplying. Refrigerators should be set at 37 degrees Fahrenheit, freezers at 0 degrees Fahrenheit. Occasionally check settings with a thermometer.
"But Baby It's Cold Outside…"
At holiday time, when the weather outside may be frightful and the fire inside so delightful, it's hard not to overindulge: in everything except exercise! The newest research shows people of all ages and physical conditions benefit from exercise and physical activity.
Photo: Getty Images
8 "Greats" for Seniors from Regular Exercise
Older people become sick or disabled more often from not exercising, so staying active and exercising regularly can:
Improve mood and relieve depression
Help prevent or delay many diseases and disabilities, including some types of cancer, heart disease, and diabetes
Improve health in the frail or those with diseases that accompany aging
Increase strength—carry groceries, climb stairs
Improve balance—prevent falls
Restore flexibility—speed recovery from injury
Build endurance—walk farther, dance longer
Improve quality of life
Children Benefit, Too!
Most children need at least an hour of physical activity every day.
Regular exercise helps them to:
Feel less stressed
Feel better about themselves
Feel more ready to learn in school
Keep a healthy weight
Build sturdy muscles, bones, and joints
Sleep better at night
As kids spend more time watching TV, they spend less time running and playing. Parents should limit TV, video game, and computer time. Parents can set a good example by being active themselves. Exercising together can be fun for everyone. Competitive sports can help kids stay fit. Walking or biking to school, dancing, bowling, and yoga are some other ways for kids to get exercise.