about AIDS "Eat, Drink, and Make Merry -- With Caution"

The Holidays are a time when many of us feast on, prepare, and donate foods for traditional holiday meals. For persons with HIV disease, their families and friends -- it is also a time to keep in mind the dietary needs of people living with compromised immune systems and to pay strict attention to food selection, handling, preparation, and storage.

Holiday meals that emphasize carbohydrates (potatoes, rice, squash, bread stuffings), include servings of protein (turkey, ham, fish, beans) and limit high-fat/high-sugar foods will help ensure that calorie needs are met through nutrient-dense foods. Also, such a menu will avoid problems like diarrhea and bloating associated with the poor digestion of fat that often affects people with HIV disease.

Proper food selection, and especially careful handling, preparation, and storage can eliminate the risk of food-borne organisms. Severe diarrhea is the most frequent symptom of these illnesses which account for 20 million cases in the U.S. population yearly. People with HIV disease are at increased risk for diarrhea that can lead to weight loss and dehydration. The following are food safety guidelines for avoiding the organisms that grow in improperly managed food.

Food selection: Avoid dented cans. Pay attention to "sell by" dates.

Food handling/preparation: Cook meats (turkey, pork, beef) and fish until well-done (to an internal temperature of 180 degrees). There should be no sign of pink. Thaw frozen food in refrigerator or microwave ONLY. Wash fruits and vegetables well. Wash hands well and frequently. Wash cutting boards and utensils between uses for cutting meats and vegetables. Use clean husks and very well cooked meats for tamales. Avoid foods prepared with raw eggs (such as homemade eggnog).

Food storage: Keep hot food hot and cold food cold. Cooked food should be eaten immediately, refrigerated, or frozen. Avoid keeping foods at room temperature. Cooked foods stored in the refrigerator are safe for three days -- so freeze smaller portions for later meals. Reheat food to 165 degrees or until hot to the touch throughout.

Adequate nutrition means eating nutrient-dense foods -- properly handled and stored -- in meals and snacks spaced throughout the day at regular intervals.

For people with HIV disease, healthy eating is critical to well-being. Holiday meals can provide an opportunity for enjoying good food with good friends -- wherever you find them -- at home, the workplace, your church or temple, your support group, or at community-sponsored events. It's all part of supporting health of body, mind, and spirit. n