As thousands of students return home this holiday weekend for turkey, pie and other treats, an expanding waistline isn't the only health-related thing people should keep in mind.

Last week, the Michigan Department of Community Health released a list of tips to prevent foodborne illnesses during the holiday season and raise awareness about healthy kitchen practices.

"Whenever you're preparing food for massive groups of people, you have to be very mindful of what you're doing," said T.J. Bucholz, spokesman for the Michigan Department of Community Health.

Although foodborne illnesses, such as salmonellosis and E. coli, occur most often in the summer, the holidays pose certain food-safety concerns.

The report cautioned against seasonal drinks containing raw eggs, such as homemade eggnog. The drink could cause food poisoning if bacteria is prevalent. A safe alternative, the report suggests, is a store-bought pasteurized eggnog.

Even the Thanksgiving bird can create holiday disaster if prepared wrong.

"If you're going to have a turkey, make sure it's cooked thoroughly," Bucholz said. The turkey, and the stuffing inside, must reach a hot enough temperature to kill off bacteria found in the food, he said.

If the gravy is left out at room temperature for four or five hours, it can accumulate 10 million bacteria per gram.

But not all problems are associated with the meal. Some involve the preparation.

"You have to think about it almost like you're in a surgical room," said James Pestka, a professor in MSU's department of food science and human nutrition that specializes in food safety. "Juices will be dripping out of raw meats, and if you lay a salad or loaf of bread or something you don't cook on it, it can spread bacteria, and people could get really sick."

Olin Health Center advocate Dennis Martell said the biggest concern people should have is using proper kitchen procedures.

"Microwaving sponges for 30 seconds or cutting blocks for five minutes will kill most of the bacteria," Martell said. "All food has some bacteria, and if the food is handled poorly, bacteria can multiply."

According to the Department of Community Health, sending food gifts - such as a traditional holiday fruitcake - could be a safety concern if the gift isn't kept cool enough.

Frank Konkel said he's excited to get back home and enjoy the Thanksgiving festivities, including the food.

The journalism sophomore said he enjoys eating raw cookie dough.

"It just tastes good," Konkel said. "I grew up on a farm, and I never get sick."

But the report advises against eating uncooked dough, even the store-bought variety.

Simple steps can be taken to ensure the holidays are healthy for everyone, Bucholz said.

"It's the basic kind of common sense that can prevent a miserable holiday experience," he said.