dangerous microorganisms like salmonella and E. coli. Similarly, soft cheeses such as feta, Brie and Camembert are often made from unpasteurized milk and can be a source of listeria. There are still many debates regarding the safety of unpasteurized products versus pasteurized products. Nevertheless, if you fall into any of the groups previously listed, be sure to play it safe and check the label to determine whether the dairy product has been pasteurized or not.

MeatMake sure that the meat you select at the market is properly chilled. Meat should be kept in closed coolers with enough ice to maintain a cool temperature. Always remember to bring an insulated bag or cooler to the market with you in order to keep any meat at a cool temperature for the drive home. Also be sure to keep meat separate from your market produce, as juices and runoff from raw meat can contain bacteria and can be harmful if spread onto other foods.

Shop Locally, Shop SafeShopping at our local farmers markets is an annual tradition of food and fun. The Ada Farmers’ Market takes place on Wednesdays and Saturdays near 12th and Stockton in Ada. The Medical Center Farmers’ Market will return this summer and check with Ada Nutrition Services for updated times and dates. Whether at home or in the office, by properly washing all produce, verifying that all dairy products are pasteurized and keeping your meat separated at cool temperatures, you and your coworkers can enjoy locally grown food that is fresh, tasty and safe.

As spring is in bloom and the weather starts warming up again, many of us are looking forward to our local farmers markets. There are several throughout the Chickasaw Nation,

including the Ada Farmers’ Market and the popular Chickasaw Nation Medical Center Farmers’ Market, which will be returning in 2016 after a hiatus last year. Yet with all produce and foods, there are some important safety measures to consider in order to keep your fruits and vegetables fresh, tasty and safe to eat.

ProduceMany of us incorporate fresh fruits and vegetables into our daily lunches at work. So despite how hungry we are or how busy are schedules become, it is all the more important to take a few extra moments to maintain food safety by washing produce, even at the workplace. As a general rule, wash your hands for 20 seconds with warm water and soap before and after preparing fresh produce. Also wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly under running water before cutting, cooking and eating. Even if you plan to peel the produce before consumption, it is still important to wash all produce first. Any bacteria outside of items like melons can be still transferred to the inside when you cut into or peel them. It also suggested to not wash fruits and vegetables with any soap or detergents as these may leave residue and chemicals that could impact the taste and edibility of the produce. Finally, be sure to refrigerate any cut or peeled produce within two hours of preparation.

Juices and CiderJuices, and especially ciders, are becoming more popular at farmers markets. Be sure to identify whether the juice or cider you purchase has been pasteurized to kill harmful bacteria. Pregnant women, children, elderly adults and people with weakened immune systems should only drink pasteurized juices.

Dairy ProductsAs with juices and ciders, unpasteurized dairy products like milk and cheese can also cause health concerns for children, pregnant women, older adults and individuals with abnormal immune systems. Raw milk can harbor

May 2016EHS Newsletter

April Puzzle Winners

Barinda Barrett Holly Smith

Sandra Flanagan Ella DeShazer

Let’s All Go to the Market: Food Safety for Fresh Produce

What Can I Do to Help Maintain IAQ?While there isn’t one specific test to measure indoor air quality, there are some specific factors that can be monitored, maintained or prevented. Maintenance staff and property managers should always monitor the humidity and airflow of all buildings. Similarly, property management should also consistently schedule annual inspections and testing of ventilation, heating and air conditioning systems. In some cases, specific testing for radon or asbestos may be required in some areas due to building occupancy and capacity.Individual employees can help by reporting any unusual odors and keeping an eye out for water damage, leaks or mold. Likewise, employees can also help maintain indoor air quality by limiting excessive use of aerosol sprays such as deodorants, hair spray, carpet cleaners and air fresheners. When it is required to use strong chemicals indoors, be sure to follow the directions in using an appropriate amount and only where dedicated ventilation is provided.

Breath Easy At WorkWith good workspace manners, it is easy to maintain a healthy level of indoor air quality in your office and work environment. By reporting odors, property damage and ventilation issues, you can give your office a breath of fresh air. By limiting excessive personal use of fragrances, scented cosmetics and fresheners in your workspace, your coworkers will also breathfree and be all the more grateful for it.

Plants That Can Improve IAQ1. English Ivy2. Aloe vera3. Boston Fern4. Dracaena5. Peace Lily6. Dwarf Palm

What is Indoor Air Quality?Indoor air quality (IAQ) helps determine how the air in our work environment impacts our health, comfort and safety. Such factors that negatively affect indoor air quality include temperature, humidity, poor ventilation and mold. While there aren’t many ways to accurately measure or rate indoor air quality, there are specific things you can do to help maintain the indoor air quality of your office and workspace.

What is Considered “Good” Air Quality?For starters, its important to understand what good air quality is or should be in regards to an office or indoor workspace. Proper indoor air quality should include a comfortable temperature and humidity, adequate supply of fresh air and precautions from potential pollutants from both inside and outside a building.

What Are Potential IAQ Problems? The most common problems that impact IAQ are:

• Lack of access to outdoor air• Poor ventilation• Faulty heating or air-conditioning systems• Dampness and moisture due to leaks or flooding• Maintenance activities such as construction or

remodeling.

Are There Any Symptoms?Employees working in buildings with poor IAQ may notice musty odors or feel that the building is constantly hot or stuffy. Some people may experience symptoms similar to coughing, runny nose, headaches or feeling nauseous. If these symptoms persist, they could be signs of more serious health issues, such as asthma or bronchitis. Regardless of whether the air quality in your work environment improves, talk to your doctor if these symptoms persist.

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GIVING YOUR OFFICE A BREATH OF FRESH AIR

E B S P R O D U C E C OT O N E E S E E H C H MOWO S T E C C V H O KN O I T A L I T N E V MI R T L E B F Y R M P SO K C H M A F R U I T SA S E T I T O I R C E KE P P P L E D A M A K AC A S R S G O D M L R EA C N M P E R C I S A LT E I E E V U D L O M ET E E L R E N V K A N A

ventilationfruitsmoldvegetablesofficeproduceworkspacemeatodordairyinspectionsmilkleakscheesechemicalsmarket

Fill-In the Blanks

1. Proper IAQ should include a comfortable temperature and ___________.2. Employees in buildings with poor IAQ may feel that the building is constantly hot or __________.3. Property management should consistently schedule annual ____________ and ___________ ofventilation, heating and air conditioning systems. 4. Employees can help maintain IAQ by limiting excess use of __________ _____________ such asdeodorants, hair spray and air fresheners. 5. Wash your hands for _____ seconds with warm water and soap before and after preparing freshproduce. 6. Do not wash fruits or vegetables with any __________ or _______________, as these may leaveresidue and chemicals. 7. Pregnant women, children and elderly adults should only drink juices that are _________________.8. Raw milk can harbor dangerous microorganisms like _______________ and___________________. 9. Be sure to keep meat separate from your market ______________.10. Juices and runoff from raw meat can contain __________________ and can be harmful if spreadonto other foods.

Please email completed puzzles to Rebecca.Campbell@chickasaw.net in an effort to go green! This PDF is enabled for you to complete it without printing. Please submit by Friday, May 20th, in order to be eligible for the monthly prize drawing!

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