June 2008
Monthly Newsletter; Issue Number 6-08

Upcoming Programs Exploring Clothes from Cultures Around the World Wednesday, July 30, 1:00 - 4:00 p.m. Northwest Tri-County Intermediate Unit, Edinboro Cost: $17 per person Qualifies for Act 48 Hours Home Canning Update Thursday, August 14, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. Caplan's, Rt. 19, Waterford Cost: $5.00 per person

STAYING HEALTHY . . . STAYING SAFE

Fruits and vegetables are an important part of a healthy diet. Local markets carry an amazing variety of fresh fruits and vegetables that are both nutritious and delicious. As you enjoy fresh produce, it's important to handle these products safely in order to reduce the risks of foodborne illness.

Harmful bacteria may be in the soil or water where produce grows and may come in contact with the fruits and vegetables and contaminate them. Or, fresh produce may become contaminated after it is harvested, such as during storage and preparation. It's easy to help protect yourself and your family by following these safe handling tips!

Buying Tips:

• Purchase produce that is not bruised or damaged.
  
• When selecting fresh cut produce, such half a watermelon, choose only those items that are refrigerated or surrounded by ice.
  
• Bag fresh fruits and vegetables separately from meat, poultry and seafood.

Storage tips:

• Refrigerate all pre-cut or peeled produce.
  
• Separate produce from raw meat, poultry or seafood in the refrigerator.
  
• Wash produce just before eating, not before storing in the refrigerator.

Preparation:

• Wash fruits and vegetables under running water just before eating, cutting or cooking. Wash it even if you plan to peel the produce before eating.
  
• Washing produce with soap or detergent or using commercial produce washes is not recommended.
  
• If precut, bagged produce has been pre-washed (look on the package), it can be used without further washing.
  If the produce is in an open bag, wash it again before using.
  
• Scrub firm produce, such as melons and cucumbers, with a clean produce brush.
  
• Use a clean cutting board and other utensils.
  

Source: US Food and Drug Administration, Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition.

CLEANING UP AFTER A DISASTER

The destruction left in the wake of Hurricane Katrina was devastating and far-reaching.
The importance of cleaning to health and recovery after a natural disaster was one of many lessons learned. These lessons are helpful whether cleaning up after a natural disaster such as a hurricane or tornado or after a flooded basement. The Soap and Detergent Association offers some advice.

Food Safety: Just because a food item looks "okay," that's no guarantee it is safe to eat. Discard any food that has come in contact with floodwaters. Also discard beverage containers with screw-caps, snap lids, crimped caps, twist caps, flip tops and home canned foods. These containers cannot be disinfected. Undamaged, commercially-prepared food in all-metal cans or retort pouches can be saved. However, the contaminated labels must be removed. Then the outside of the containers should be thoroughly washed, rinsed and sanitized with a solution of one Tablespoon of bleach per gallon of safe-to-drink water. Relabel them with a marker or new label. Include the expiration date.

Essential Cleaning Supplies: The basics to get you started are soap, hand dishwashing detergent, laundry detergent, unscented chlorine bleach, rubber gloves (and other protective clothing, depending on the extent of
the damage) and clean water (such as bottled water). The latter is particularly important for hand cleaning dishes, utensils, pots and pans, and personal items. If you plan to use the dishwasher, run it empty through three complete cycles to flush the water lines and make sure they are cleaned internally.

GROWING WITH YOUR TEEN

According to research, teens say that the beliefs, values and actions of their parents or close adults sink in. These are the values teens come back to as they grow and develop. As you and your teen grow together, here are some values you can demonstrate to them:

	Love them no matter what and let them know it.
	When they mess up, teach them how to do better next time.
	Tell your kids what's good about them and tell them often
	Show them you respect them and that you respect yourself.
	Help teens belong by becoming involved in your community.
	Don't give up. It takes time to build solid relationships.
	Keep your sense of humor. Being able to laugh together at your mistakes really builds a family.

Enjoy your teen and remember what is important in their life and in your own.
Source: Karin Ihnen, University of Minnesota Extension.

Fast food doesn't always have to be high-fat, high-calorie and high-guilt. Look up nutrition information about your usual choices at your favorite fast-food restaurants. All of the major chains have that information online on their official Web sites, and often have it posted in the restau-rant and available in a brochure you can take home. You can also find generalized information about nearly 150 fast-food items in the U.S. Department of Agriculture's National Nutrient Database, online at http://www.nal.usda.gov/fnic/foodcomp/search/. Just put the words "fast food" in the site's keyword search engine and then choose which item you're interested in.

In the meantime, use these general guidelines to make your fast-food meals as healthful as possible:

• Choose smaller sandwiches, and say "no" to cheese, special sauces or spreads. Also, beware of added fat and calories from mayonnaise or bacon on the sand-wich. Instead, ask for extra lettuce, tomatoes, pickles and onions.
  
• Avoid breaded and fried chicken, fish or other sandwich options. Opt for grilled or broiled instead.
  
• For a side dish, choose fruit, when available, or a side salad instead of french fries or other high-calorie side. Entree salads are also often good choices instead of sandwiches, but it's best to double-check the calories in them. You might be surprised. Always ask for fat-free or reduced-calorie dressings for your salad.
  
• Save money and calories by asking for ice water instead of a high-sugar beverage. Or, spend the money and save the calories by ordering a diet soft drink, low-cal lemonade or unsweetened iced tea. Yet another healthful option is to get a calcium boost by ordering a carton of milk as your beverage.
  
• It's not hard to make smart choices at most fast-food restaurants. But, it can be easy to make lousy choices. In fact, ordering a large sandwich with cheese, bacon, sauce or other high-calorie add-ons, an order of fries and a large high-sugar beverage could easily add up to (or exceed) the total number of calories you should be consuming in an entire day!
  
• While it's OK to indulge on rare occasions, the health consequences can add up if you make the same poor choices over and over again.
  

Source: Chow Line, Ohio State University Extension and the Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center.

Sincerely,

 

Janice M. Ronan	Holly K. Hedstrom
Extension Educator - Family Living/4-H	County Extension Director
Lynn B. Clint		tlv
Extension Educator - Family and Consumer Sciences		6/6/08

Penn State encourages persons with disabilities to participate in its programs and activities. If you anticipate needing any type of accommodation or have questions about the physical access provided, please contact Janice M. Ronan or Holly K. Hedstrom at 814-825-0900 in advance of your participation or visit.

This publication is available in alternative media on request.

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201 Willard Building, University Park, PA 16802-2801,
Tel 814-865-4700/V, 814-863-1150/TTY.