The holidays are a great opportunity to enjoy time with family and friends. The holidays are also a time to appreciate the gift of health. Here are some holiday tips from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to support your efforts for health and safety this season:
- Wash your hands often. Keeping hands clean is one of the most important steps you can take to avoid getting sick and spreading germs to others.
- Stay warm. Cold temperatures can cause serious health problems, especially in infants and older adults. Stay dry, and dress warmly in several layers.
- Manage stress. Keep your commitments and spending in check. Balance work, home, and play. Get support from family and friends. Keep a relaxed and positive outlook. Make sure to get proper sleep.
- Travel safely. Don’t drink and drive, and don’t let someone else drink and drive. Make sure everyone is wearing a seat belt every time you drive or ride in a motor vehicle.
- Be smoke-free. Avoid smoking and breathing other people’s smoke.
- Get check-ups and vaccinations. Schedule a visit with your health care provider for needed exams and screenings. Ask what vaccinations and tests you should get based on your age, lifestyle, travel plans, medical history, and family health history.
- Watch the kids. Keep potentially dangerous toys, food, drinks, household items, choking hazards (like coins and hard candy), and other objects out of kids’ reach. Make sure toys are used properly. Develop rules about acceptable and safe behaviors.
- Prevent injuries. Use step stools instead of climbing on furniture when hanging decorations. Most residential fires occur during the winter months. Keep candles away from children, pets, walkways, trees, and curtains. Never leave fireplaces, stoves, or candles unattended.
- Handle and prepare food safely. Wash hands and surfaces often. Avoid cross-contamination by keeping raw meat, poultry, seafood, and eggs (including their juices) away from ready-to-eat foods and eating surfaces. Cook foods to the proper temperature. Refrigerate promptly. Do not leave perishable foods out for more than two hours.
- Eat healthy, and be active. With balance and moderation, you can enjoy the holidays the healthy way. Choose fresh fruit as a festive and sweet substitute for candy. Limit fats, salt, and sugary foods. Find fun ways to stay active, such as dancing to your favorite holiday music.
Source:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention