What You Can Do While Preparing the Turkey to Reduce Thanksgiving Foodborne Infection Risk 

Thanksgiving is nearly here, which means that most families are starting to think about that quintessential centerpiece of the holiday table -- the turkey. A Thanksgiving turkey is a treasured tradition and something many people look forward to all year, but it represents a major undertaking. While you are getting ready to cook the holiday bird this year, keep in mind food safety issues that can put your family, particularly your senior, at risk. Unfortunately, there are many risks while preparing a turkey that can cause illness. But with a few simple tricks you can avoid these dangers and enjoy your thanksgiving meal with peace of mind.

Steps you can talk while preparing the turkey to reduce Thanksgiving foodborne infection risk include:

• Never thaw a turkey on the counter or in the sink. Thaw in the refrigerator or in a cool water bath that you closely monitor
• Do not wash the turkey prior to cooking. This greatly increases the risk for spreading germs throughout the kitchen
• Wear gloves when working with the turkey and do not touch utensils, surfaces, or other foods with the gloves
• Work with the raw turkey in as small an area as possible, and carefully wash that area after the turkey is in the oven
• Make sure no other foods are near the area where the turkey will be to prevent spreading of germs
• Use a thermometer while the turkey is in the refrigerator to ensure it remains at a safe temperature throughout the entire process. It should be no warmer than 40 degrees at any given point prior to cooking. This thermometer should not be the same one used during the cooking process

The holiday season is a fantastic time to start or increase home care for your elderly parent. The holidays are a busy and stressful time, and you might feel as though you aren't able to give your parent all the care they need while also managing your other needs and obligations effectively. When this happens, home care may be the solution. An in-home senior care services provider can step in to fill care gaps and provide extra support for your loved one so they can live their highest quality of life throughout the season, and even byond. This can include helping them manage germ control to prevent illness, supporting good lifestyle choices such as eating a healthy diet, encouraging physical activity, and even increasing their sense of independence and autonomy by helping them handle errands and other tasks without your help.

IF YOU OR AN AGING LOVED ONE ARE CONSIDERING HIRING ELDER CARE IN DEARBORN PARK, IL, PLEASE CONTACT THE CARING STAFF AT BRIGHTSTAR CARE CHICAGO. CALL TODAY: 312.382.8888.