Public Health Tips to Enjoy Healthy Thanksgiving

Laura

Nov. 15, 2022 (Astoria, OR) — Clatsop County has put together tips to keep yourself and loved ones healthy this Thanksgiving season.

“We want to ensure you and your loved ones are safe, happy, and healthy during the holiday season,” said Lucas Marshall, environmental health supervisor.

Prevent Food Poisoning During the Holidays

Enjoying food with family and friends is one of the highlights of the holiday season. Easy, safe food handling practices help protect everyone from getting sick while enjoying meals.

Follow these tips to help prevent food poisoning during the holidays.

  • Wash your hands.
  • Meat, chicken, turkey, seafood, and eggs can carry bacteria such as Salmonella and E Coli.  Use a food thermometer to ensure these foods have been cooked to a safe internal temperature.
  • Bacteria can grow rapidly in the “danger zone” between 40°F and 140°F.  Keep hot food hot and cold food cold. Refrigerate or freeze any perishable food within 2 hours.
  • Many holiday favorites contain raw eggs, including eggnog, tiramisu and hollandaise sauce.  Always use pasteurized eggs when making foods with raw eggs.
  • Do not taste or eat raw dough or batter that is meant to be baked or cooked.
  • Thaw turkey in the refrigerator, in a sink of cold water (change the water every 30 minutes) or in the microwave. Avoid thawing foods on the counter.

 

Hot tub safety tips

People often travel during the holidays and take time to relax. If spending time in a hot tub is part of your plans, there are some things for you to know.

Illness from treated pools and hot tubs was linked to more than 27,000 infections and eight deaths in the United States between 2000-2014.

When hot tubs are not maintained well, their moist environment is the perfect breeding ground for bacteria. Hot tub users can take extra steps to help in protecting themselves and their families.

Hot tub rules for safe and healthy use.

  • Do not enter a hot tub when you have diarrhea or are sick.
  • Do not swallow hot tub water or even get it into your mouth. If you do, spit it out.
  • Shower or bathe with soap before entering the hot tub.
  • Don’t let children less than 5 years of age use hot tubs.
  • If pregnant, consult a physician before hot tub use.

 

Before Getting into a hot tub, check the following:

  • A well-chlorinated hot tub has very little odor. A strong chemical smell indicates a maintenance problem.
  • Hot tub equipment makes noise and you should hear pumps and filters running.
  • Hot tub water temperature should not exceed 104°F.
  • Test for hot tub water quality using hot tub test strips.

 

Clatsop County Environmental Health recommends checking local pool/spa inspection reports prior to your visit.

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