Sept. 11 Public Health Update

REFRIGERATOR FOOD SAFETY

Each year, one in six Americans gets
sick by consuming contaminated foods or beverages.
Keeping your refrigerator safe for
food can reduce your chances of getting a foodborne illness.
Use a thermometer to ensure your food
is cold enough. Your refrigerator should be at or below 40°F to slow bacteria
growth. The dial you use to adjust the temperature is not a thermometer.

As many as 43 percent of home
refrigerators have been found to be at temps above 40°F, putting food in the
danger zone where harmful bacteria can multiply.

Refrigerate food after two hours of
cooking or purchasing. If it’s a hot day, refrigerate within one hour.
Avoid cross-contamination and clean
your refrigerator regularly.

Raw meat, poultry, seafood and eggs
should be kept separate from and below fresh fruits and veggies.
Clean up food and beverage spills
immediately. Clean your fridge regularly with hot water and liquid soap. Don’t
forget to clean the refrigerator walls and undersides of shelves.

Keep your refrigerator safe, avoid
getting sick. Visit www.foodsafety.gov/keep/index.html
for other food safety tips.

MARIJUANA LAWS – GOOD TO KNOW

Recreational marijuana has been legal
in Colorado since 2012 and licensed dispensaries can be found throughout the
state. Be sure to know, and to follow, the law to avoid consequence.
You must have a valid ID proving
you’re 21 or older to buy, have or use retail marijuana.
It’s a felony for anyone to give or sell to, or share marijuana with,
anyone under 21.
Colorado
residents 21 and older can buy and
possess up to one ounce of marijuana at a time. Adults 21 and older with an out-of-state ID can purchase up to a
quarter-ounce at a time.
Only licensed retailers can sell marijuana and marijuana can only be
purchased from those retailers.
Public use of marijuana is illegal.

Smoking, eating or vaping marijuana
isn’t allowed in public places including, but not limited to sidewalks, parks
and amusement parks, ski resorts, concert venues, businesses, restaurants,
cafes or bars and common areas of apartment buildings or condominiums.
You cannot use marijuana on federal
land, including national parks and national forests, since marijuana is still
illegal under federal law.

If you rent, you may not be allowed to
use marijuana in your home.
Hotel owners can also ban the use and
possession of marijuana on their properties.

It
is illegal to drive while under the influence of marijuana products.
Employers
can still test for marijuana and make employment decisions based on drug
test results. Know your workplace policies before you use.
It’s important to know that marijuana use can affect your health.

Physical effects include breathing
problems, increased heart rate and problems with child development during and
after pregnancy.
Mental effects include depression,
anxiety, suicidal thoughts among teens and temporary paranoia and/or
hallucinations.

Visit www.colorado.gov/pacific/marijuana
for more information on recreational marijuana laws and safety tips.

For more
information, visit health.mesacounty.us and mesacountyhealth.com.