Words on Wellness

Healthy Camping Foods

     Summer is the time to get out the camping gear and head outdoors. In addition to the hot dogs and s’mores, consider packing some of the following choices to balance out meals and snacks.

     • Fruits and veggies. Sturdier fresh produce that holds up well includes apples, carrots, snap peas, and oranges. Dried fruits also make a great snack.

     • Whole grains. Popcorn is a whole grain and is an easy snack to take along. For cereal bars, check the nutrition label and choose those made with whole grain and that have a lower sugar content.

     • Dairy. If you have adequate refrigeration, hard cheeses, cheese sticks and yogurt tubes are much easier to pack than a carton of milk.

Hot Dogs and Food Safety

     The same general food safety guidelines apply to hot dogs as to all perishable foods: keep hot dogs and cold foods cold. When you buy hot dogs, refrigerate or freeze them promptly. Never leave a hot dogs at room temperature for more than two hours or one hour if it is 90 degrees or higher.

     Although hot dogs are fully cooked, those at higher risk for foodborne illness–including pregnant women, preschoolers, older adults, and anyone with a weakened immune system–should reheat hot dogs until steaming hot because of the risk of listeriosis. Listeria monocytogenes, the bacteria that causes listeriosis, may also be found in other food like luncheon meat, cold cuts, soft cheese, and unpasteurized milk. Symptoms may include fever, chills, headaches, backache, upset stomach, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. It may also cause miscarriages.

     Call your healthcare provider if you have any of these symptoms. If you have listeriosis, your provider can treat you.