Fun Facts: December 2024


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Fun Facts: December 2024

Wellness Wisdom: Activities for Building Happy, Healthy Families

Food Safety

The human eye may tell you that your food is done but without verifying that your food is done, you may be putting yourself or family at risk of a food borne illness (food poisoning). A food thermometer is the only way to make sure your food is properly cooked to the right temperature.

 

Symptoms of food poisoning include diarrhea, stomach pains, nausea, vomiting, and fever. Things none of us like to experience!

 

Here’s how to avoid it!

The temperature danger zone for foods is 40°F and 140°F. Each type of food has a different safe minimum cooking temperature. Here are a few:

  • 145°F = whole cut beef, veal, lamb, steaks, roasts and fish 
  • 160°F = pork and ground meats, eggs and egg dishes 
  • 165°F = turkey, chicken, duck, leftovers, casseroles

Use a clean food thermometer and measure the internal temperature of the food. Insert the stem at least 2 inches into the thickest part of the food without touching fat or bone. The temperature should register in about 15-20 seconds. With thinner foods such as hamburger or chicken breast insert the thermometer sideways.  

Read more here!

Breastfed From the Start: Helpful Tips for Mastering Breastfeeding

More Support

Breastfeeding takes time for both mom and baby to learn, even on baby number 3, 4 or more! Each breastfeeding experience is different and requires different support. Never shy away from asking for help!

South Dakota WIC offers breastfeeding support in many ways:

  1. Ask the WIC staff for help either in person or virtually.
  2. Join our Breastfeeding Peer Counseling program to get guidance from mom’s just like you! Connect with our virtual community to engage in conversations and share advice with other moms.
  3. Visit the HUG Your Baby Parent Resource page for videos, newsletters, and more.

All of these people and resources are here to help you. You can do this mama!

Delicious & Nutritious Recipes: Simple, Kid Approved Dishes to Try at Home

Best Beef Meatballs

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound lean ground beef 
  • ½ cup dry bread crumbs (or cracker crumbs, or instant oat-meal) 
  • ¼ cup milk 
  • ½ tsp salt 
  • ½ tsp Worcestershire sauce 
  • ¼ tsp pepper 
  • 1 small onion, chopped (about ¼ cup) 
  • 1 large egg 
  • Optional: to boost healthy flavor, add ½ cup grated zucchini and ½ cup grated carrots to meatballs before baking. 

Directions:

  1. Wash prep area, your hands and vegetables. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
  2. Mix all ingredients together.
  3. Shape mixture into 20, 1.5 inch meatballs.
  4. Place in an ungreased baking pan (9”x13”) or on a rack in a broiler pan.
  5. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until an internal thermometer reads 160 degrees F.

Tip: Great in spaghetti, served over rice or noodles, or in a meatball sub sandwich!