The holidays are time to celebrate, enjoy family and friends, reflect, and give thanks.  Give yourself and loved ones the gift of health and safety by consciously taking measures to prevent illness, accident and injury.  The Center for Disease Control provides some holiday health guidelines for us to consider as we enter the season (the website is linked below).   If you are interested, visit their website and see the full list of guidelines and pamphlets available.  They have a wealth of information that can help make the holidays safe and happy!  Here is sampling of some of the things they suggest we consider during the holidays.

Hygiene              

Getting together with family and friends is an important part of our holiday activities.  You can help prevent the spread of illness with the following measures.  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 warm water for at least 20 seconds. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. If you don’t have tissue, cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve or elbow, not your hands.
 

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.  Winter storms and cold temperatures can be hazardous, but if you plan ahead, you can stay safe and healthy. Prepare your home and cars. Keep emergency kits stocked. Be ready for power outages. Wear appropriate clothing. Check on children, the elderly and pets.

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.

Watch the kids

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. Develop and reinforce rules about acceptable and safe behaviors, including electronic media.

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. 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.

The health and safety of us and our families is truly one of the great gifts to be benefit from in life.  Through thoughtful action we can prevent needless injury and ensure that this gift is one we and our loved ones continue to enjoy.

_________________

Center for Disease Control.  Family Health (December 13, 2011).  http://www.cdc.gov/family/holiday/