Words on Wellness

Guest Column
By: 
Rachel Wall
Nutrition & Health Specialist, ISU Extension & Outreach

Have a Happy Food-safe Holiday Season

     Holiday season is right around the corner. Finding timesaving ways to have home-cooked meals is important when our schedules are full. Slow cookers help us save time but also offer home-cooked meals. Follow these slow-cooker food safety tips:

     • Use slow-cooker recipes that include a liquid.

     • Ensure that internal temperature of the food prepared reaches 160°F.

     • Thaw ingredients like meat and poultry before cooking them in the slow cooker.

     • Vegetables take longer to cook, so give them a head start before adding the meat.

     • If reheating, the contents must reach a temperature of 165°F, then they can be kept warm in the slow cooker at 140°F for serving.

Fall into Physical Activity

     Fall is upon us. Out with the humid scorchers and in with the crisp fall air. Fall is the perfect time to get outside and enjoy the weather with some fun seasonal activities. Being active increases your ability to prevent simple infections, just in time for cold and flu season! As you enjoy fall and prepare for winter, give these seasonal fitness activities a try:

     • Plan a backyard holiday football game.

     • Sign up for a 5K walk or run.

     •Grab a friend or family member and go for a brisk walk.

     Don’t like the cold? Explore some inside activity options like a spine (cycling) class or a new aerobics class at your local fitness center.

     For more information, visit healthyforgood.heart.org/Move-more/Articles/How-to-Stay-Active-in-Cold-Weather.

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