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KCHD offers tips for a safe holiday season

Montgomery Herald (WV) - 11/25/2015

With the holidays fast approaching, the Kanawha-Charleston Health Department offers the following tips on staying healthy throughout the season:

Get a flu shot

? Everybody older than six months of age should get a flu shot.

? The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has a website to provide information about the flu and the importance of getting a flu shot.

? Flu shots are available at the Kanawha-Charleston Health Department at 108 Lee St., in Charleston and the Putnam County Health Department at 11878 Winfield Road in Winfield.

Review tips on food safety

Check out the CDC's website on It's Turkey Time: Safely Prepare Your Holiday Meal. The website contains information on safely thawing, preparing, stuffing and cooking a turkey.

Some key tips:

? There are three safe ways to thaw food: In the refrigerator, in cold water and in a microwave oven.

? After working with raw poultry, always wash your hands, utensils and work surfaces before they touch other foods.

? For optimal safety and uniform doneness, cook dressing or stuffing outside the turkey in a casserole dish. If you place dressing or stuffing inside the turkey, do so just before cooking.

? Check the internal temperature at the center of the dressing or stuffing and meaty portion of the breast, thigh and wing joint using a food thermometer. Cooking times will vary. The food thermometer must reach an internal temperature of 165°F with or without dressing.

Learn your family history

? National Family History Day is observed on Thanksgiving Day. Over the holiday or at another family gathering, talk about and write down the health conditions that run in your family.