New Year's Resolutions to Keep You Healthy in 2018

 Posted on December 24, 2017 in Food poisoning attorney

Make 2018 a year about focusing on your health. There is more to a healthy lifestyle than simply eating a balanced diet and exercising; being in tune with your body to determine when something is wrong can make it easier and faster for you to get the medical care you need when you need it.

One way to protect your health and your family's health is to educate yourself about food poisoning, its symptoms, its treatment, and its prevention. Incorporate the following guidelines into your day-to-day life this year to make it one of your healthiest yet.

Practice Safe Food Handling Procedures

One of the key tenets of safe food handling is keeping food out of the danger zone, 40 to 140 degrees Fahrenheit. It is important that foods be kept out of this temperature range because it is where harmful bacteria can develop. Ways to keep food out of the danger zone include:

• Cooking all foods to their recommended internal temperatures;
• Packing food up and putting it in the refrigerator shortly after serving it; and
• Keeping food cold until it is cooked or served by keeping it in a refrigerator or cooler.

Take the time to store your food properly and to avoid cross-contamination by using new cutting boards and utensils for each course. It can be more time-consuming and create more dishes to wash than reusing utensils and cutting boards, but it can also keep you and your family safe from bacteria that can cause food poisoning.

Keep Yourself Up to Date on Outbreaks in Your Area

Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website regularly to stay aware of any outbreaks in your area. You can also find this information on your city or state's Health Department website. Knowing which foods and distributors are linked to outbreaks can help you make healthier choices and avoid exposure to harmful bacteria.

Listen to Your Body and Take Appropriate Actions for Your Symptoms

Familiarize yourself with the symptoms of various types of food poisoning, such as Salmonella, Listeria, and Botulism. Often, they include vomiting and nausea. When you are experiencing food poisoning symptoms, it is important that you keep yourself hydrated and that you avoid foods that can potentially worsen your condition. Know when to seek medical attention for your illness – if your symptoms do not subside on their own within a few days, if you are pregnant or have a weakened immune system, or if your symptoms are severe, see a doctor.

Work with an Experienced Itasca Food Poisoning Attorney

Suffering from food poisoning is no way to start the new year. If you are ill after consuming food that another party should reasonably have taken care not to serve or sell to you, you could have grounds for a food poisoning claim. To learn more, contact Newland & Newland, LLP today to set up your initial consultation with an experienced personal injury attorney at our firm. We serve clients in the Arlington Heights, Palatine, Rolling Meadows, Libertyville, Mundelein, Buffalo Grove, Schaumburg, Elk Grove, and Itasca areas.

(image courtesy of Brooke Lark)