Archbold Medical Center| Archives Magazine | Spring 2019

6 ARCHBOLD MEDICAL CENTER Clean out the fridge It is so easy for con- diments and smaller food items to get lost in the fridge. “Most condiments, once opened, should be refrigerated,” said Jeana Smith, RDN at Archbold Memorial Hospital. “This includes salad dressings, mayonnaise, ketchup, sauces, jam, jelly, mustard, garlic in oil, relish, pickles, and lemon and lime juice.” However, after these items are opened and refrigerated, their shelf lives range from one to two months. clean your “Things like oil, vinegar, brown sugar, honey, peanut butter, syrup, shortening, flavoring extracts and cooking wine do not need to be refrigerated,” said Smith. “But they do need to be discarded after a certain period of time.” Other refrigeration food safety tips include: •  Store ready-to-eat and cooked food above raw food. Raw foods like eggs and uncooked meat should be stored on the lowest shelf in the refrigerator. •  Label and date foods that are removed from their original packaging. •  Periodically, check the temperature setting of your fridge. Use a refrigerator thermometer to be sure the temperature is at 40 degrees Fahrenheit or below, WINTER IS a time for comfort food, warm clothes and staying out of the cold. It can be difficult to stay healthy during the cold season. However, with spring finally here, it is time to shed the cold-weather clothes and get back into a healthy routine. Here are a few ways to jump- start your spring health. health Spring Jeana Smith Registered Dietitian