Safety and health for the holidays and the new year
December 2008

 
As the new year is approaching we often think of what happened during the year that is going away and at the same time we start planning for new goals in order to improve our lives. Many people aim at becoming more successful professionally and economically, to pay off their debts, save money, lose weight, quit smoking, reduce stress and get more happy.  

At this time of the year during the holiday season, we should pay attention to our health and safety. The holidays are a time to celebrate, give thanks, and reflect. They are also a time to pay special attention to your health.

Give the gift of health and safety to yourself and others. The tips provided by the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention of the United States constitute a practical way to cover and remember the basic steps you can take in order to achieve this fundamental aim.

1. Wash hands often to keep yourself from spreading germs and getting sick.

Keeping hands clean is one of the most important steps you can take to avoid getting sick and spreading germs to others. Wash your hands with soap and clean running water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and clean water are not available, use an alcohol-based product. Clean hands save lives.

2. Bundle up and stay dry to keep warm.

Cold temperatures can cause serious health problems, especially in infants and older adults. Stay dry, and dress warmly in several layers of loose-fitting, tightly woven clothing.

3. Manage stress. Keep a check on over-commitment and over-spending.

The holidays don’t need to take a toll on your health. Keep a check on over-commitment and over-spending. Balance work, home, and play. Get support from family and friends. Practice time management. Keep a relaxed and positive outlook.

4. Travel safely. Don't drink and drive. Don't let anyone else drink and drive.

Whether you're traveling across town or around the world, help ensure your trip is safe. Don’t drink and drive, and don’t let someone else drink and drive.

Wear a seat belt every time you drive or ride in a motor vehicle. Always buckle your child in the car using a child safety seat, booster seat, or seat belt according to his/her height, weight, and age.

5. Be smoke-free. Avoid smoking and breathing other people’s smoke.

Avoid smoking and breathing other people's smoke. If you smoke, quit today! If you think you cannot do it alone seek help, talk to your health care provider or contact support groups who can provide you with valuable assistance in your efforts against smoking.

6. Get check-ups and vaccinations. Get exams and screenings.

Ask your health care provider what exams and tests you need and when to get them.
Exams and screenings can help find problems before they start. They can also help find problems early, when the chances for treatment and cure are better.

Vaccinations help prevent diseases and save lives. Schedule a visit with your health care provider for a yearly exam. Ask what vaccinations and tests you should get based on your age, lifestyle, travel plans, medical history, and family health history.

Control your blood pressure and cholesterol. Protect yourself and he children from too much sun.

7. Watch the kids. Monitor the children.

Children are at high risk for injuries that can lead to death or disability. Keep a watchful eye on your kids when they’re eating and playing.

Keep potentially dangerous toys, food, drinks, household items, choking hazards (like coins and hard candy), and other objects out of kids' reach. Learn how to provide early treatment for children who are choking. Make sure toys are used properly.

8. Prevent injuries. Practice fire safety.

Most residential fires occur during the winter months. Never leave fireplaces, stoves, or candles unattended. Have an emergency plan.

Injuries from falls and fireworks often occur around the holidays. Use step stools instead of furniture when hanging decorations. Leave the fireworks to the professionals.

Keep candles away from children, pets, walkways, trees, and curtains. Don't use generators, grills, or other gasoline- or charcoal-burning devices inside your home or garage.

Install a smoke detector and carbon monoxide detector in your home. Test them once a month, and replace batteries twice a year.

9. Handle and prepare food safely. Prepare food safely.

Remember four simple steps: wash hands and surfaces often, avoid cross-contamination, cook foods to proper temperatures, and refrigerate promptly.

As you prepare holiday meals, keep you and your family safe from food-related illness. 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.

10. Eat healthy, and be active.

Eat healthy, and get moving. Limit your portion sizes and foods high in fat and sugar. Be active for at least 2½ hours a week. Help kids and teens be active for at least 1 hour a day.

With balance and moderation, you can enjoy the holidays the healthy way. Choose fresh fruit as a festive and sweet substitute for candy. Select just one or two of your favorites from the host of tempting foods.

Find fun ways to stay active, such as dancing to your favorite holiday music. Be active for at least 2½ hours a week. Help kids and teens be active for at least 1 hour a day.

Taking care of your health and safety should be a priority for the new year. Talk about these issues with your family and decide together for taking action together. Your combined efforts in this field will offer you long-term benefits.

Bibliography

1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
2. Food and Drug Administration
3. American Academy of Pediatrics
4. National Safety Council