Posts Tagged ‘Melissa Carlone’

Thanksgiving is a special holiday that brings family and friends together to give thanks. There is one thing that everyone is thankful for on Thanksgiving day… Turkey! Here are a few tips on how to safely prepare your turkey and store your leftovers.

Safe Thawing:

Once you arrive home with your frozen turkey, immediately store it in the freezer until you are ready to use it. Frozen turkey is preserved indefinitely, but is best used within 12 months. When it comes time to thaw it, use one of the three safe methods recommended by the Food Safety and Inspection Service.

Refrigerator Thawing:

This is the best way to thaw your turkey. This requires planning ahead. Allow 24 hours for every 4 to 5 lbs. Place the turkey on a pan on the lowest shelf to prevent juices from contaminating other foods. After thawing, it is good for 1 to 2 days before cooking.

• 4 to 12 pounds………Thaw for 1 to 3 days.
• 12 to 16 pounds…… Thaw for 3 to 4 days.
• 16 to 20 pounds…….Thaw for 4 to 5 days.
• 20 to 24 pounds…….Thaw for 5 to 6 days.

Cold Water Thawing:

Allow 30 minutes for every pound. Keep the turkey in original packaging to prevent contamination with bacteria and absorption of water. Change the water every 30 minutes to aid in thawing. Cook immediately after thawing.

• 4 to 12 pounds……..Thaw 2 to 6 hours.
• 12 to 16 pounds……Thaw 6 to 8 hours.
• 16 to 20 pounds……Thaw 8 to 10 hours.
• 20 to 24 pounds……Thaw 10 to 12 hours.

*View the Turkey Thawing Chart.

Microwave Thawing:

Refer to the instructions provided by your microwave’s manufacturer. This is the least preferred method, since some parts of the turkey may actually be cooked during the thawing process. Cook immediately after thawing.

Safe Cooking:

Use a food thermometer to ensure that the turkey reaches at least 165°F to prevent foodborne illness. Check the temperature in the innermost part of the thigh and wing and the thickest part of the breast.

Once the food is cooked or reheated, it should be held hot, at or above 140°F.

For more information on safely preparing your Thanksgiving meal, visit: Safe Cooking.

Storage and Leftovers:

Refrigeration (40°F or below):

Cooked turkey, other cooked dishes, and gravy are good for up to 4 days.

Freezer (0°F or below):

Plain turkey meat is good for 4 months.

If the turkey is covered with broth or gravy, it is good for 6 months.

Other cooked dishes are best if used within 6 months.

*Foods are good indefinitely in the freezer, but these guidelines are recommended to preserve quality.

If food is not going to be used within 4 days, freeze it! Once it is in the refrigerator, you can reheat the leftovers to 165 °F, but return any unused portion to the refrigerator within two hours. Bacteria rapidly multiply between 40-140°F, which is why it is important to avoid thawing frozen food on the counter and leaving leftovers out longer than 2 hours.

Hopefully, you find these turkey tips helpful when it comes to preparing your Thanksgiving meal and deciding when to freeze or abandon your leftovers. Now go out and be thankful for the many blessings in your life and have a Happy Thanksgiving!

For more information, visit:

http://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/food-safety-education/featured-campaign

As the beauty of fall radiates at it’s brightest and you enjoy a warm and comforting cup of hot chocolate near the fireplace, life seems pretty darn good! While fall can be a calming and festive season, it also means that winter is not too far away. This is the time when the common cold makes it’s way around town. Here are a few tips about the common cold including: causes, symptoms, treatment, prevention, and when to make a visit to the doctor.

What causes the common cold?

• Contrary to what you may think, the common cold is caused by viruses and not bacteria.
• There are over 200 different viruses that can cause cold symptoms.
• 30-50% are called rhinoviruses that typically do not progress to serious illness.
• Viruses survive better in dry, cold environments.
• As the weather gets colder, people spend more time indoors, which allows for the viruses to be more easily passed from person to person.
• The cold, dry air can also make the lining of your nose dry, putting you at more risk for viral infection.
• Cold temperature itself has not been shown to increase your chance of getting a cold!

What are the symptoms?

• Symptoms usually begin 2 to 3 days after infection and include:
  • Cough
  • Sneezing
  • Sore throat
  • Stuffy nose and/or swelling of your sinuses
  • Headache
  • Tiredness
  • These symptoms usually last 7-10 days and will go away on their own.
  • Fever is uncommon, but may be more common in children.

I don’t feel good, what should I do?

• There is no cure, but there are a few things you can do to help manage your symptoms:
  • REST!! You can never get enough rest when your body is under stress and trying to fight an infection.
  • Drink plenty of fluids.
  • Gargle with warm salt water for a scratchy or sore throat.
  • Use Vaseline to soothe a dry nose.
  • Over-the-counter medications can also be used to manage symptoms.
    • Stop by the pharmacy counter if you ever have questions about which medication to choose. We are here for YOU!
    • Decongestants or saline nasal sprays can help a stuffy nose.
    • Antihistamines can help a runny nose and some can be used at night to help you sleep.
    • Pain relievers, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil), can help relieve headaches, aches, and pains and they also work to lower fevers.
    • Cough suppressants are available, as well, such as dextromethorphan or cough drops.
    • For information on choosing cold products, visit: http://www.webmd.com/cold-and-flu/cold-guide/cold-medicine-treatment-when-what-how

How can I prevent transmission of the common cold?

• Wash your hands often with soap and water (alcohol-based products can be used as well).
• The virus can live up to 3 hours on objects in your home, so make sure to keep your surfaces clean!
• Cover your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze.

When should I call my doctor?

• If your cold is lasting longer than 2 weeks.
• If you have a fever over 100.4°F
• If you have a fever that lasts longer than 3 days.
• If you are coughing up mucus, especially if it is a dark brown color.
• If you are having trouble breathing.

The common cold is not called “common” because it is rare, so make sure to take the proper precautions to stay safe and healthy this winter. Don’t forget to enjoy the snow as it makes itself more plentiful, pick up a good book, check out some new movies, or get a head start on the holiday season!

For more information visit:

http://www.cdc.gov/getsmart/antibiotic-use/symptom-relief.html

http://www.niaid.nih.gov/topics/commoncold/Pages/overview.aspx

We have a new pharmacy student for the month of November. Her name is Melissa Carlone and she is finishing up her fourth year of pharmacy school at The Ohio State University. Please make her feel welcome this month when you are in the store.

Here is what Melissa has to say about herself:

“My name is Melissa Carlone and I am a student pharmacist in my last year of training before venturing out into the field of pharmacy as a pharmacist.

“I am originally from Mayfield Heights, OH and I have always been interested in medicine. I spent much of my time shadowing doctors and volunteering in hospitals.

“Eventually, I ended up at the University of Dayton where I completed a degree in biochemistry. About halfway through my time in Dayton, I was introduced to the world of pharmacy through the Dayton Children’s Medical Center. I fell in love with pharmacy and the impact that it has on the community and set my goals to one day be a part of it.

“Through my journey at The Ohio State University, I have met amazing pharmacists who show passion for the services they provide. My experience, thus far, ranges from working in community pharmacies, working in hosptial pharmacies, and volunteering in free clinics throughout Columbus, OH. I enjoy talking to patients, helping them understand their medications, and being a resource to answer any questions they have.

“After exploring many areas of pharmacy, I have decided to pursue a career in hospital pharmacy to promote medication safety.

“Even though I spend most of my time learning and practicing pharmacy, I still try to make time for fun. My favorite pastime is dancing! I have been dancing since I was three and it still brings just as much joy as it did when I was little. I also enjoy yoga, softball, and volleyball in my free time. Basically, anything that keeps me active is fine by me!

“This month I will be working with Plain City Druggist to learn about independent community pharmacy and how they are involved in the care of their patients. I look forward to getting to know the Plain City community and hope to be of service in any way that I can.”