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Bread, lettuce, tomato, mayo, mustard, onions, slice of cheese, ground beef and ketchup. These usually are the only ingredients in your hamburger. But before you take your first bite, you might want to follow a few simple steps to make sure you don’t get a mouthful of E. coli, giardia lamblia, shigella or staphylococcus aureus.

Various bacteria, viruses and parasites, or their toxins, are the most common causes of food poisoning. Food can be contaminated anywhere along the production process, from growing or harvesting, to processing and shipping, to preparing and storing. Some common culprits for contamination include raw meat and poultry, seafood, eggs, spinach, lettuce, tomatoes, sprouts, melons, unpasteurized apple cider, prepared salads, cream filled pastries, hot dogs and luncheon meats.

Illness resulting from food poisoning usually lasts from one to 10 days. Signs of food poisoning will vary in severity and according to the source of the contamination, amount of exposure to the infectious organism, and the person’s age and overall health. Food poisoning generally causes nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, stomach cramps, fever, fatigue and loss of appetite.

Food poisoning can be prevented through proper handling and cooking of food to kill bacteria.

  • Wash hands after handling or preparing food.
  • Prevent cross-contamination by keeping raw foods away from ready-to-eat foods.
  • Cook food to the appropriate internal temperature.
  • Promptly refrigerate or freeze leftover food that is perishable.
  • Defrost foods in the refrigerator, not at room temperature.
  • Rinse produce thoroughly.
  • Throw away food that may be contaminated.
  • Keep utensils and food preparation areas clean.
  • Marinate food in the refrigerator.
  • Keep hot food hot and cold food cold. 

To learn more about food poisoning, take the free, online Food Poisoning Quiz on the Doctors Hospital at White Rock Lake website at DoctorsHospitalDallas.com/FoodPoisoningQuiz.

Doctors Hospital at White Rock Lake

9400 Poppy Drive
Dallas, TX 75218

214-324-6100
www.doctorshospitaldallas.com

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A healthy diet is essential to meet an athletic child’s energy needs. All children, regardless of athletic ability, should eat a balanced diet. However, those with a higher level of activity need the right combination and amount of food to perform at their best levels.

Game-day meal content and timing can directly impact a young athlete’s performance on the field. A full stomach requires energy to digest, so it is important to stop eating two hours before activity to save energy levels for the event. Although high-fiber foods are nutritious, they also may cause stomach upset and should not be eaten before activity. High-fat foods take longer to digest and should also be avoided up to three hours before a game or event. Instead, kids should eat an ample amount of carbohydrates, found in fruits, vegetables and whole grains, along with a moderate amount of proteins, such as those found in meat, eggs and dairy.

Fluids are critical in preventing dehydration during activity and should be consistently consumed before, during and after exercise. Experts recommend athletes drink water or other fluids in 15 to 20-minute intervals as well as after the activity to replenish fluid levels lost through sweat. The body depletes its readily available energy supply after one hour of exercise, so sports drinks are a good option for kids who are active for 60 to 90 minutes.

For optimal performance, young athletes need a variety of vitamins, protein and carbohydrates. Athletic kids especially need calcium and iron in their diets to build strong bones and sustain energy. These nutrients can be found in dairy products, green leafy vegetables, meat, dried beans and fortified cereals. To learn more about nutrients for kids, visit the free, online health library on the Doctors Hospital at White Rock Lake website at DoctorsHospitalDallas.com/KidsNutrients.

Doctors Hospital at White Rock Lake

9400 Poppy Drive
Dallas, TX 75218

214-324-6100
www.doctorshospitaldallas.com

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Stroke accounts for the fourth largest number of deaths in the United States annually and is a leading cause of disability. But there is good news; there are about 7 million stroke survivors alive today, and the death rate from stroke has actually declined over recent years.

Do you want some more good news? You can control some risk factors and potentially prevent a stroke.

Manage high blood pressure, heart disease and diabetes.
High blood pressure can damage blood vessels, including the ones that provide vital blood flow to the brain. Diabetes, which affects how the body processes sugars and fats, should be controlled to reduce complications if you do have a stroke.

Stop smoking.
The nicotine and carbon monoxide in cigarette smoke can damage the cardiovascular system, causing narrowed blood vessels and blood clots.

Eat healthy foods.
Eat five or more servings of fruits and vegetables daily to help reduce the risk of stroke. Choose low-calorie, low-fat snacks and bake, boil or broil rather than frying. Avoid adding salt and opt for canola, safflower or olive oils when cooking. Select skinless chicken, lean red meat, turkey and fish.

Maintain a healthy weight.
Being overweight can cause your body to convert excess fat and cholesterol into plaque, potentially reducing blood flow to the brain and making your heart work harder. Losing just 10 pounds can help lower your cholesterol level and blood pressure.

Exercise regularly.
Moderate exercise of at least 30 minutes most days can not only lower your risk of stroke, but also help improve your heart health, lose weight, control diabetes and reduce stress.

To learn about your personal risk factors for stroke attend a free screening at Doctors Hospital at White Rock Lake on Saturday, June 15 from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. Call 877-647-1109 today to make your reservation.

Doctors Hospital at White Rock Lake

9400 Poppy Drive
Dallas, TX 75218

214-324-6100
www.doctorshospitaldallas.com