It’s the most wonderful time of year when families and
friends gather round to give thanks and appreciation as well as spend quality
time together. This quality time usually includes delicious food! But this food
could also make you terribly sick if it isn’t cooked or stored properly. The
Texas Poison Center Network has compiled some tips to make sure your holiday
season- and food- is most enjoyable!
ü Make
sure you always wash your hands before and after handling food. The Center for
Disease Control and Prevention says the best way to wash hands is with these
five easy steps: wet, lather, scrub, rinse, and dry!
ü Protect
yourself and others from food poisoning by being cautious about how you cook
and how long you leave food out of the refrigerator. When handling uncooked
meat, you should not only wash your hands before but also after handling. The
same goes for any utensils or countertops where the uncooked meat is prepared.
And remember to reheat leftovers to at least 165 degrees. Avoid leaving food
unrefrigerated for more than two hours.
ü Watch
out for potentially poisonous plants. Keep mistletoe, holly berry and Jerusalem
cherry out of reach of children and pets. If you think your child might have
gotten into any of these plants, please call the Texas Poison Center Network at
1-800-222-1222.
ü Make
sure toys are age appropriate. Toys designated above a child’s age level could
be hazardous to their health. For example, avoid giving small children toys
with button batteries. If swallowed, they can cause serious damage. See which toys have been recalled.
ü “Angel
hair”, a Christmas decoration usually made of spun glass, can irritate the skin
and eyes. Be sure to always wear gloves when handling and keep out of reach of
children.
The Texas Poison Center Network wishes you and your loved
ones a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. And if you ever find yourself
in a poison emergency, please do not hesitate to contact us any time at 1-800-222-1222.
