Bethpage-Tribune_2002-07-19

              VOL. 40 NO. 29
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SERVING BETHPAGE, ISLAND TREES, OLD BETHPAGE, PLAINVIEW, SEAFORDAND PLAINEDGE FORTY CENTS
Central Park Association of Girl
Scouts Receive Citation
Hot Weather Warnings
Oyster Bay Town Councilman Joe Muscarella presents Town
citations to Central Park Association of Girl Scouts members in
recognition of receiving the Silver Girl Scout Award, the highest award
you can receive as a Cadette Girl Scout. Silver Award winners (left to
right) were Elizabeth Stea of Bethpage, Kimberly Bukucuyan and
Jennifer Krekel of Plainview, and Megan Conway and Breanna Fred of
Bethpage. Also on hand was Tanya Bukucuyan.
Barbecue Food Safety Tips
Many residents enjoy outdoor
cooking in the summer months. Food
poisoning can be caused by germs
which either survive cooking, grow
too quickly in the heat or cross
contaminate from raw meats to
cooked or ready-to-eat foods. To
avoid these possible problems, the
Nassau County Department of
Health offers the following food
safety tips:
Cooking: Undercooked meats
can contain dangerous bacteria such
as E. Coli 0157:H7 and Salmonella
that can lead to serious illness and
even death, especially in young
children and the elderly. These
bacteria cannot be seen, smelled or
tasted. To destroy the bacteria,
hamburgers should be cooked until
they are brown in the middle, with no
pink juices, or to 160F in the middle
when tested with meat
thermometers. Chicken should be
cooked to 165F, or until no pink
remains.
Wash hands and surfaces. Wash
hands thoroughly before preparing
or serving food and after touching
raw meat.
Do Not Cross Contaminate. Use
utensils to handle cooked food and
remember not to place cooked meat
on surfaces that held raw meat.
Never re-use plates before washing,
especially plates used to hold raw
meats or eggs.
Serving. Serve the first-cooked
meats first and within two hours of
cooking. Keep cold foods cold in a
refrigerator (at 40F or stored in
coolers with sufficient ice until ready
to eat.) Refrigerate any leftovers
immediately. Never leave food at
room temperature for more than two
hours.
Additional Tips: Use a separate
cutting board or plates for foods that
will not be cooked such as salad.
Marinate food in the refrigerator and
do not taste it or re-use the marinade
after the raw meat has been added.
For more information about food
safety, call the Nassau County
Department of Health weekdays
from 9:00 a.m. - 4:45 p.m. at 571-
3680.
With temperatures and humidity
rising, the Nassau County
Department of Health alerts
residents to the dangers of possible
heat stroke or heat exhaustion.
According to the Centers for
Disease Control (CDC), "a major
heat wave during the summer
months can cause thousands of
deaths in the United States. A 50%
increase in the death rate has been
frequently observed, with deaths
from heat stroke, increasing, as well
as deaths from other causes such as
cardiovascular disease and
respiratory disease."
To protect ourselves and others
during high temperatures:
° Check on relatives and friends,
especially the elderly.
• Increase time spent in an air-conditioned
environment.
• Increase non-alcoholic fluid
intake.
• Take cool baths.
• Individuals especially at risk,
such as the elderly or those with
chronic illnesses should refrain from
physical activity, avoid being alone,
keep their sleeping area well
ventilated, and avoid falling asleep
in a hot room.
• Eat light, but nutritious foods.
• Avoid the sun at the hottest
times of the day.
• Wear a hat and light, loose-fitting
clothing.
• Elderly people, infants, and
many individuals with chronic
medical conditions are at high risk
for heat-related problems and should
be very cautious about exposure.
If any person experiences heat
stroke or exhaustion, get medical
help immediately.
Symptoms of heat-related
illnesses may include: headache,
dizziness, fatigue, anxiety, nausea,
vomiting, diarrhea, low pulse rate,
disorientation, unconsciousness or
convulsion. Other symptoms may
include cold pale and clammy skin or
hot, flushed dry skin.
Bethpage Senior Citizen Club
President Commended
Oyster Bay Town Councilman ne Muscarella (right) commends
outgoing President of the Bethr' Senior Citizen Club Arnold
Piellucci (center) on his dedici. :nd hard work to the club and the
community. Also on hand (left fa j icjht) were incoming President Phil
Boccia, County Legislator Edward Mangano, and outgoing Treasurer
Helen Lomuscio.
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