Live Well Polk Health tips for the holiday season
connect socially and get plenty of sleep.
4. Don’t drink and The holiday season, and drive or let others drink particularly Christmas, offers and drive. Whenever us a chance to celebrate life, anyone drives drunk, they be thankful, enjoy family and put everyone on the road in friends and reflect on what danger. Choose not to drink is truly important. It’s also a and drive and help others great time to appreciate the do the same. gift of good health. 5. Be smoke-free.
TheCentersforDisease Avoid smoking and Control and Prevention offer secondhand smoke. Smokers some excellent tips to help have greater health risks us stay happy and healthy because of their tobacco throughout the holidays and use, but nonsmokers also all year round: are at risk when exposed to tobacco smoke.
6. Fasten seat belts while driving or riding in a motor vehicle. 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.
7. Get exams and screenings. Ask your health care provider what exams you need and when to get them. Update your personal and family history.
8. G e t y o u r vaccinations. Vaccinations help prevent diseases and save lives. Everyone 6
1. Wash hands often to help prevent the spread of germs. It’s flu season. Wash your hands with soap and clean running water for at least 20 seconds. A festive way to keep the time is to sing through the chorus of Jingle Bells twice as you wash up.
2. Bundle up to stay dry and warm. Wear appropriate outdoor clothing: light, warm layers, gloves, hats, scarves and waterproof boots.
3. Manage stress. 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, months and older should get a flu vaccine each year.
9. 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.
10. 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.
11. Prepare food safely. Remember these simple steps: Wash hands and surfaces often, avoid crosscontamination, cook foods to proper temperatures and refrigerate foods promptly.
12. 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.
Daniel Bevels is Public Relations MAnager for Floyd Medical Center.