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Reheating of Foods
Care in Containers success depends upon reheating of foods from cold storage. Foods may have been safely cooked, but bacteria from the air or people's hands can contaminate the Care In Containers menu items. Always reheat foods thoroughly in a conventional or microwave oven or on the stovetop. It is important to follow some very simple guidelines. Properly Reheating Foods is designed for you to give the older adult you are preparing food for.
  • Heat leftovers and precooked food to at lest 165°F. Food should be hot to the touch and steaming.
  • Cover foods to hold in moisture and provide even heating.
  • Serve reheated foods immediately
  • Reheat foods as rapidly as possible.
  • Rotate or stir foods once or twice during cooking.
  • Never reheat foods more than once.

Special Reheating NOTE:
When food is packed for cold storage, please make sure the proper containers are used. If the food is to be reheated in the microwave, make sure the container certified “microwave safe”. Many containers are not made for the microwave and may melt in the reheating process. If using plastic wrap, make sure it is also safe for microwave use. Likewise if the food is to be reheated in a conventional oven, then it needs to be stored in a ovenproof container.

Links for Reheating Details
Microwave Food Safety

NSF Guidelines for Proper Cooking

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Nutritional Risk Assessment
Definitions
Chronic Disease & Nutrition
Physical Activity
Personal Pyramid
Sample Meal Plans
Food Groups
Each Groups Nutrients
Eating From Each Group
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Storage Hints
Reheating Hints
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Barriers to good nutrition
Single—Social isolation. 85 percent of widowed persons report a weight change during the two years following the death of a spouse. Women report cooking is chore now that there is no one to enjoy their cooking. Many men don’t know how to cook or prepare meals.
Special Diet—Because of chronic medical problems, many require special diets. Special diets require extra effort and special knowledge.
Physical Problems—Chewing difficulties and gastrointestinal disturbances cause older people to restrict foods important to their health. Adverse reactions to medications can cause problems with certain foods. Other problems such as arthritis, stroke or Alzheimer’s disease can interfere with good nutrition.
Money—Lack of money causes people to scrimp on important foods. Financial issues may cause delays in getting medical or dental attention.
For more detailed information go to Growing Older, Eating Better

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Why Be Concerned About Nutrition?
Nutrition remains important throughout life. Good nutrition in the later years still can help lessen the effects of diseases prevalent among older Americans or improve the quality of life in people who have such diseases: osteoporosis, obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, certain cancers, gastrointestinal problems, and chronic under nutrition. Good nutrition in later years helps both in reducing the risk of these diseases and in managing the diseases signs and symptoms. It contributes to a higher quality of life. For more detailed information go to Growing Older, Eating Better