Make your holiday bright this year by making your health and safety a priority. This time of the year is filled with spending time around your friends and family and eating delicious food. It can also create stress and expose you to those who may be sick.
This holiday season, take the time to take care of yourself and those around you with the following holiday health tips:
Wash your hands. Wash your hands with soap and running water for at least 20 seconds.
Bundle up. Wear appropriate outdoor clothing: light, warm layers, gloves, hats, scarves, and waterproof boots.
Don’t stress about it. Give yourself a break if you feel stressed out, overwhelmed, and out of control. Some of the best ways to manage stress are to find support, connect socially, and get plenty of sleep.
Don’t drink and drive. Whenever anyone drives drunk, they put everyone on the road in danger. Choose not to drink and drive and help others do the same.
Be smoke-free. Avoid smoking and secondhand smoke. Smokers have greater health risks because of their tobacco use, but nonsmokers also are at risk when exposed to tobacco smoke.
Wear your seatbelt. Always buckle your children in the car using a child safety seat, booster seat, or seat belt according to their height, weight, and age. Buckle up every time, no matter how short the trip and encourage passengers to do the same.
Get exams and screenings. Ask your health care provider what exams you need and when to get them. Update your personal and family history.
Get vaccinated. Vaccinations help prevent diseases and save lives.
Monitor children. Keep potentially dangerous toys, food, drinks, household items, and other objects out of children’s reach. Protect them from drowning, burns, falls, and other potential accidents.
Practice fire safety. Most residential fires occur during the winter months, so don’t leave fireplaces, space heaters, food cooking on stoves, or candles unattended. Have an emergency plan and practice it regularly.
Prepare food safely. Remember these simple steps: Wash hands and surfaces often, avoid cross-contamination, cook foods to proper temperatures and refrigerate foods promptly.
Eat healthy, stay active. Eat fruits and vegetables which pack nutrients and help lower the risk for certain diseases. Limit your portion sizes and foods high in fat, salt, and sugar. Also, be active for at least 2½ hours a week and help kids and teens be active for at least 1 hour a day.
