Family Health
How to Avoid Getting a Foodborne Illness


Published
11 months agoon
By
Anna SmithFoodborne illnesses happen more often than you might think. There is an abundance of foodborne illnesses, but some of the most common include salmonella and botulism. Despite the problem they pose, there are plenty of ways to prevent them. Here’s how to avoid getting a foodborne illness.
Handle Your Food Properly
The first step to keeping foodborne illnesses away is to make sure all food is handled properly. Specifically, any food that is considered perishable must be properly handled. This is because perishable foods will eventually rot, which produces extremely harmful bacteria. Food that’s not handled properly can cause a myriad of unpleasant symptoms, which range from mild gastrointestinal upset to acute food poisoning.
In addition, not cleaning and refrigerating your food properly can lead to the growth of dangerous bacteria. Always make sure to wash any vegetables and fruit you consume. Set your refrigerator to the right temperature so any perishables stay fresh.
Cook Thoroughly
Proper storage isn’t the only way to keep foodborne illnesses at bay. This is a no-brainer, but ensuring the food is fully cooked before eating it also plays a key role. Another common mistake that occurs is serving or consuming food that wasn’t fully cooked.
Fully cooking the food does a lot more than simply guarantee freshness. Not only does it eliminate the harmful bacteria, but cooked food also is easier to digest and it provides the body with more energy.
Be on Alert for Recalls
Food recalls occur every so often, so it’s important to always be on the lookout for them. You may be wondering what to do if you bought a product that was recalled. You have two options: Cut your losses and throw it away or take it back to where you purchased it from. Some stores may be open to giving you a full refund or an even exchange. But if not, then simply toss it out.
If you have already consumed a recalled product, a trip to the doctor can help relieve your fears. A foodborne illness can strike quickly and turn into an infection, so it should not be taken lightly.
It goes without saying that you can never be too careful, especially with foodborne illnesses. There are plenty of methods to help you avoid them, but the three listed here are a good start. If you start feeling queasy or nauseous after consuming a certain food, seek medical attention.
Read this next: What You Need to Know About Food Recalls
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Family Health
A Parent’s Guide For Breaking Out The Pool Toys


Published
9 months agoon
May 14, 2020By
Anna Smith

A pool is one of the greatest places to go in the summer. As a parent, you can relax in the sun, or jump in and play with the kids. Kids can find endless entertainment if you have the right toys. As fun as the pool can be, it is important to remember that pools can be dangerous. It’s your responsibility as a parent to keep an eye on your kids and make sure they stay safe.
Keep Them Clean and in Good Condition
Not only can dirty toys get the pool dirty, no one wants to play with them. If the toys are in bad condition, they can even be dangerous. Poolside basketball hoops need to be safely secured. A loose hoop could tip over and hit someone’s head. Floats should be checked for leaks. If a float pops and begins to sink a child can get tangled and dragged to the bottom of the pool. None of this should be a problem if you check the toys before tossing them in the pool.
Floating Toys vs Life Jackets
For some children, wearing a life jacket can be embarrassing. They see their friends without them and want to do the same. If your child is an adequate swimmer, this may be okay. If they are a beginner, you should not allow them into the pool without a lifejacket. They may ask if they can use a floating toy instead, don’t allow this.
Floating toys can be dangerous and should not be thought of as adequate substitutes for life jackets. Floating toys can be slippery. A tired and panicked child will have a difficult time holding on to one when they are struggling to stay above the water. A poor swimmer can also get stuck underneath floating toys, unable to come up for air.
Before letting your children swim without a jacket, you should make them demonstrate that they can swim the length of the pool under supervision. This should show you if they are strong enough swimmers to be safe.
Play Safe Games
Make sure the games that your children play are safe. Don’t let poor swimmers dive for toys in the deep end of the pool. Don’t let them run on the edges of the pool. Don’t let them jump onto each other, or onto floating toys. This can quickly lead to injury and an end to your pool trip.
When you go to the pool, make sure your children understand the safety rules. Take the time to explain the reasons behind these rules. This will help your children understand why they need to obey them.
Read this next: How to Get the Most Out of Your Pool for You and Your Family
Family Health
How to Develop a Healthy Routine to Prevent Tooth Decay


Published
10 months agoon
April 7, 2020By
Anna Smith

Maintaining a strong set of teeth will be easier if you follow the rules necessary to keep a healthy body. Eat a diet rich in calcium and fresh produce. Take care to keep your teeth clean and free of bacteria. Finally, drink plenty of water. Read on to find out how these steps affect your oral health.
Follow Standard Dental Hygiene
With daily brushing after meals and flossing before bed, you can protect yourself from a lot of dental damage. Never go to bed without flossing and brushing your teeth first. Make regular visits to your dentist to clean and protect your teeth. With regular dental care, any cavities that do form will be caught and addressed early. Minor cavities, such as those that are very shallow, can be treated without anesthetics. If you catch them soon enough, this will save you a lot of money.
Pay Attention to Your Diet
Processed sugars offer little in the way of nutritional value and may cling to your teeth and promote decay. You can grow strong teeth with a focus on dietary calcium. Quench your craving for processed sugars by snacking on fresh fruit instead of candy. Drink water instead of soda. Be aware that acidic foods and beverages, such as citrus fruits and coffee, can be hard on your tooth enamel. Brush after consuming these foods if you can. If you can’t brush, rinse out your mouth. Try to limit your food intake to three meals and one or two snacks each day. Brush or rinse each time you eat.
Avoid Tobacco Products
Tobacco products attack your dental health in several ways. Tobacco will discolor your teeth and cause heavy plaque build-up. The use of tobacco on a regular basis will damage the ability of your body to heal itself. Gum tissue will not stay healthy and protect the roots of your teeth. Any tears or cuts to gum tissue will not heal efficiently if your circulation is being threatened by tobacco products, providing space for destructive bacteria to live and damage your tooth enamel. There are many tools and products that will make quitting smoking easier to manage. Every aspect of your health can be improved by breaking a tobacco habit.
Caring for your teeth is a habit that will serve you well for years into the future. The habit of brushing and flossing before bed will become so ingrained that you may struggle to fall asleep if forced to skip brushing and flossing. Keeping your teeth strong and healthy can be managed with regular cleaning habits at home and consistent visits to your dentist for check-ups.
Have a hard time getting your family to eat healthy? Click here for meals that will suit even the pickiest eaters!
Allergy
How to Reduce Allergens in Your Home


Published
10 months agoon
March 31, 2020By
Anna SmithIf you suffer from allergies your life can be limited in ways that people who don’t have allergies will never understand. Some triggers can bring about debilitating symptoms that can be legitimately categorized as a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Keep It Clean
The first barrier to attack is cleanliness. Vacuum, mop, wipe down and anything that will keep dust and pollen at bay. Inasmuch as rugs can hold allergens, it is better to have uncarpeted floors with rugs throughout your home than to have wall to wall carpet. Rugs can trap dust and other allergens in your home so they aren’t floating around the air. Wear a mask when vacuuming and cleaning the house. Use a vacuum with a bag to cut down on dust flying when you empty your vacuum.
Wash all bedding frequently, and replace your pillows often or use pillowcases that are antiallergen. You might change your pillowcases more often than your sheets since your face is directly on them, and you are breathing in whatever is being held in their fibers. Taking a shower or at least washing your hair at night will cut down on pollution that has taken up residence in your hair during the day so that it will not be transferred to your pillowcase when you sleep.
Keep Windows Closed
Fresh air is not always a good thing. Keep those windows shut, especially when pollen count is high. For some people, air flowing through open windows can wreak havoc regardless of the level of pollen and any poses a threat. A HEPA air purifier may help cut down on allergens inside your house.
No Furry Friends Allowed
Pet dander is one of the biggest causes of allergy exacerbation. It can be heartbreaking to have to get rid of a much-loved pet, but sometimes it is the only way for you to stay healthy. If you absolutely must have a pooch in residence, keep him brushed and shampooed frequently. If your beloved is a feline, she can be brushed as well. If you do it yourself, wear a mask, do the pet grooming outside, put your clothes in the washer immediately afterward and preferably take a shower. Even low dander animals have some.
Whether yours only crop up once or twice a year, or you need allergy shots on a regular basis, there are ways to get relief, though not always as quickly as you would like. Discuss new options with your doctor and be open to new ways to alleviate your symptoms.
Increase your health by getting to know your body! Click here for some essential lifestyle tips.


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