The holiday season is finally upon us, and planning your home cooked meals may be at the top of your to-do list. When getting together with friends and family, memories are made through enjoying a shared meal. However, with all of the fun awaiting you this holiday season, don’t forget to prioritize your family’s health and safety. People of all ages are vulnerable to foodborne germs, even inside the home. Learning how to practice food safety can help families avoid the risk of food poisoning. Follow these tips to stay healthy this winter, and plan a visit to the walk-in clinic at AFC Urgent Care North Bergen for comprehensive food poisoning treatment and more food safety advice.
Prep and Clean Your Kitchen
Foodborne illness commonly originates in restaurants and diners, but it can also affect families within the home. One of the most important aspects of food safety is knowing how to properly clean and sanitize the space where you store and handle food. When preparing for the holidays, it’s even more critical to prep your kitchen, as some of us may be handling ingredients we don’t often use. Additionally, having your extended family over to share meals also creates an environment where illnesses can spike. Being in close proximity to others that may be infected with either the cold or flu can increase the risk of getting sick yourself. To best avoid illness altogether, a clean space can go a long way.
Be Smart When Grocery Shopping
Another essential aspect to practicing food safety is how you grocery shop and store food. When perusing the aisles looking for your ingredients, make sure to keep meat separate from other items in your cart. It’s also recommended to shop for your perishable items, including meat and produce, after you have secured all of your non-perishable products. When you get home, refrigerate your perishable foods as quickly as possible.
Cooking a Holiday Meal
One of the biggest traditions of the holiday season is to share delicious meals with your friends and family. This Thanksgiving, thaw your turkey in the refrigerator to avoid the risk for bacteria. More tips include not eating raw dough or cookie batter made with eggs, and to cook foods thoroughly to safe internal temperatures.
What Are the Symptoms of Food Poisoning?
Food poisoning symptoms vary based on what germ you have consumed. Overall, the symptoms can cause serious discomfort and a general feeling of nausea. In some cases, you may need to seek medical treatment to prevent any potential food poisoning complications. Your symptoms depend on what bacteria, virus or parasite you ate, as well as your medical history and overall health.
Some common symptoms of food poisoning include:
- Nausea / Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Stomach cramps
- Loss of Appetite
- Fever
- Dehydration
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, you can visit the walk-in clinic at AFC Urgent Care North Bergen for food poisoning treatment.
Visit AFC North Bergen for Food Safety Support
There are treatment options available for food poisoning at AFC Urgent Care North Bergen. Our medical providers specialize in treating various general illnesses, including food poisoning. We can also help families learn more about food safety and offer support for the holidays. The clinic is open extended hours seven days a week. Visit AFC North Bergen for preventive health services with no appointment necessary. For more information on food safety, or other urgent care services we provide, call us directly at (201) 588-1300.
