Baby Food Tips
Correctly storing and heating your baby’s food promotes safe feeding and can save on costs. Here are some essential tips about baby food and how you and your baby can enjoy feeding time together.
How Long Can Baby Food Stay in the Fridge?
You can store baby food containing fruits and vegetables in the fridge for up to two days and refrigerate food containing meat or poultry for up to one day. Baby food contains essential building blocks necessary for your baby’s health. You can help preserve vitamins and minerals by serving their food fresh and handling it correctly.
Knowing how to reheat baby food is important for food safety. You can reheat baby food in a pan or the microwave until it’s steaming hot to kill off any bacteria. Don’t let the food cool down too long, as bacteria start growing within two hours.
How Many Baby Food Pouches a Day Are Appropriate?
The number of baby food pouches you give your baby a day depends on their contents. Stick to a maximum of two pouches a day, and always read the labels before buying them.
When choosing baby food pouches, quality over quantity is always best, as some offer more health benefits than others. Feeding your baby with pouches high in fiber and low in sugar is ideal.
How Long Is Homemade Baby Food Good For?
Homemade baby food can stay fresh for up to two days in the fridge and one month if you freeze it. Reheat the food in a new container every time. Homemade baby food is a great alternative to store-bought varieties, and you can save money by keeping it simple.
It’s best to prepare your baby’s food daily or every other day. Store it in a clean container covered with a tight lid. Avoid feeding your baby out of the storage container, as saliva and other bacteria can contaminate the food.
Contact Hamilton Health for the Pediatric Support You Need
Navigating the choices you have when feeding your baby can be overwhelming, as you want to give your little one the best. Having a solid support structure to assist you can significantly relieve the burden.
Hamilton Health is a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC). We have a Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Program for those on Medicaid or who cannot afford private care. You can also have a look at our pediatric services and call us at (717) 232-9971 or contact us through our other channels today.
What Are the Most Common STDs?
Knowledge is power when it comes to your health, especially your sexual health. One of the best ways to keep yourself and your partner healthy is to understand the signs and symptoms of STDs or STIs. Hamilton Health Center offers STD testing on a walk-in basis to help members of the Harrisburg community stay safe and healthy.
What Are the Most Common STDs in Women?
Some of the more common STDs for women are:
- Human papillomavirus (HPV)
- Gonorrhea
- Chlamydia
- Genital herpes
If you experience the following symptoms, it is wise to undergo testing for one of the STIs above:
- Pain or burning during urination
- Changes in the look or consistency of vaginal discharge
- Itching in the vaginal area
- Pain during sex
- Abnormal bleeding
- Rashes or sores
What Are the Most Common STDs in Men?
While men can experience a wide range of STDs, some more common diagnoses include:
- Hepatitis A
- Hepatitis B
- Herpes
- Syphilis
If you experience the following symptoms, it is wise to undergo testing for one of the STDs above as soon as possible:
- Diarrhea
- Fever
- Joint and muscle pain
- Loss of appetite
- Itching, burning or tingling sensation
- Blisters or warts on the genital areas or mouth
What Age Are STDs Most Common?
Anyone who has unprotected sex can get an STD regardless of their age. While most cases are in men and women under 25, there has been a rise in infections in people over 65. Part of this increase in the older population is that older adults often underestimate their risk and do not take proper precautions.
STDs are also easier to miss in older adults as many symptoms mimic other common health issues. Depending on the STI, the individual may present no symptoms at all. Regardless of your age, it is essential to undergo screening for STIs before engaging in sexual activity and to keep your health care provider informed about any new partners or symptoms you are experiencing.
When Can I Get an STD Test?
Most STDs do not have noticeable symptoms, which makes testing essential to determine if you have an STD. Every STD has a different incubation and window period, which is the time between exposure and when a test can accurately detect the organism. If you know you were exposed to an STI, you will want to consult your doctor about when to undergo testing to ensure you have the most accurate results.
If you are unsure whether you were exposed to an STD and would still like to undergo testing, you can consult with your doctor about an accurate testing timeline.
Keep Yourself and Your Partner Safe With STD Testing From Hamilton Health Center
Give yourself and your partner the gift of peace of mind when you schedule STI Testing at Hamilton Health Center. Our adult STI clinic is a safe and judgment-free zone operated by knowledgeable providers who are happy to answer any questions. We also provide risk reduction tools like condoms at no cost to help you stay safe in future sexual encounters. Visit our clinic or call 717-232-9971 to learn more today.