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Listeriosis in Hispanic Pregnant Women

Posted on by Karen Blakeslee
Pregnant Woman
Cooking and pasteurization can destroy Listeria, thus reducing food safety risks.

While all pregnant women are at risk in getting listeriosis, Hispanic women are at an increased risk due to consuming certain Hispanic foods.

Pregnant women have an altered immune system which also impacts their unborn babies. Many Hispanic dairy products are made with unpasteurized milk. These dairy foods include Mexican soft cheeses like Queso Fresco, Panela, Asadero, and Queso Blanco. When made with unpasteurized milk, Listeria may survive and cause illness. In some cases, the mother may abort their baby.

The Food and Drug Administration has put together a community educator’s guide to help educate pregnant Hispanic women of the risks. The program has many tools and materials in English and Spanish.

Learn more about this program at www.fda.gov/Food/FoodborneIllnessContaminants/PeopleAtRisk/ucm062993.htm.

National Women’s Health Week

Posted on by Karen Blakeslee

National Women's Health WeekMay 14-20, 2017 is designated as National Women’s Health Week led by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office on Women’s Health. The purpose of this celebration is to empower women to make their health a priority and take steps to improve their health.

The theme for this event is “Your health at every age.” At any age, the basics to improve your health include well-woman checkups; preventive health screenings; being physically active; eating a healthful diet; being mindful of mental health; and avoiding unhealthy behaviors.

Learn how to participate in National Women’s Health Week at www.womenshealth.gov/nwhw.

 

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