Outdoor activities abound this time of year. However, buying, storing and serving large amounts of food, if not properly handled and cooked, may result in food poisoning. "Most common food-borne illnesses are caused by Norovirus, salmonella and campylobacteri," said Kenneth Palestrant, M.D., of Physicians Immediate Care, one of the region's premier providers of ambulatory and urgent health care. "Take the following precautions when preparing food so that you can fully enjoy the best summer has to offer."

*Store raw meat and poultry well wrapped in the refrigerator to avoid cross contamination.

*Keep raw and cooked foods separate.

*Wash hands before preparing food and in between handling raw and cooked foods.

*Use clean or disposable cloths. One square inch of cloth can contain 10 million bacteria!

*Cook meat or poultry not more than two days after purchasing it. Be sure to check expiration dates.

*If the meat is frozen, the safest way to defrost it is in the refrigerator. Allow 24 hours defrosting time for every four to five pounds of weight. Never cook directly from frozen meat.

*Proper cooking destroys bacteria. Juices run clear when poultry is fully cooked.

*When serving buffet style, don't leave food out for more than two hours because bacteria can double every 20 minutes.

*Once refrigerated, meat should be consumed within three days. Be sure that reheated food is steaming hot.

*Reheat food only once, since lukewarm food creates an ideal environment for fast growing bacteria.

*Don't overfill your refrigerator. Air must circulate to keep foods fresh.

"If you incorporate and keep these tips in mind when cooking indoors or grilling outdoors, you'll avoid the potential to gastrointestinal illness," said Dr. Palestrant.

Physicians Immediate Care measures its success through patient satisfaction and extraordinary care. Physicians Immediate Care also offers employers professional services for workers compensation, routine exams, and drug testing. Physicians Immediate Care provides a convenient, cost effective alternative to emergency rooms and doctor's offices from their original facilities at 1900 SE Port Saint Lucie Boulevard and at 4007 SW Port Saint Lucie Boulevard in the Paar Center. For additional information call (772) 398-1588.