Health Tip: Reading Food Labels
Reading and understanding the nutrition facts label on food products can help you maintain a well-balanced diet that contains healthy amounts of fat and calories.
Here are guidelines to help you interpret food labels, courtesy of the American Academy of Family Physicians:
* Pay attention to the serving size -- usually the first line on the label. The serving size is the manufacturer's estimate of how much a person is likely to eat at one time. If you eat more than the serving size, be sure to increase the label's other values accordingly.
* The percent daily value shows, for each ingredient, how much of that ingredient's recommended daily amount you are getting in each serving.
* Limit foods with unhealthy amounts of saturated fat, trans fat and cholesterol.
* Favor foods with healthy fiber, vitamins and minerals.
Health Tip: Have a Healthy Trip
If you're heading to a foreign country, some basic precautions can help reduce your risk of getting sick.
The American Academy of Family Physicians offers these suggestions to help keep you healthy while you travel:
* Always eat meals that are very hot and have been cooked thoroughly in a restaurant. Avoid foods from street vendors, especially in countries where visitors are prone to diarrhea.
* Don't drink water from the tap, and don't use ice, brush your teeth or wash foods with tap water. Use only bottled water for these activities.
* Get shots that are appropriate for the country you are visiting. Ask your doctor how far in advance you should get them to get the highest amount of protection.
* Don't forget a repellent that contains DEET, to help ward off diseases carried by mosquitoes and other insects.
* Don't swim in freshwater lakes or streams.
* Avoid using crowded forms of public transportation.
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