Give Yourself the Gift of Health and Safety this Holiday Season

The holidays are an exciting and festive time of the year. It’s a time to enjoy family, friends and to be thankful for what’s important. Despite the hustle and bustle, don’t neglect your health.

Below are six tips to help ensure you have a safe and happy holiday season. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers the following:

Wash your hands often. Keeping hands clean is one of the most essential 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.

Stay 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. Check on children, the elderly and pets.

Get check-ups and vaccinations. Exams and screenings can help detect problems early or before they start. 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.

Manage stress. 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. Keep a relaxed and positive outlook. Get enough sleep.

Eat healthy, and be active. With balance and moderation, you can enjoy a healthy holiday. Choose more vegetables and fruit. Select one or two of your favorites from the variety 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.

Travel safely. 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. Get vaccinations if traveling out of the country.

Speak to your physician if you are having health issues. Visit www.chsli.org to find a doctor near you.




Retrieved from: http://www.cdc.gov/features/healthytips/index.html