Twelve Health and Safety Tips for the Holidays

Pay special attention to your health and be safe this holiday season.

Give the gift of health and safety to yourself and others by following these holiday tips. You can sing along to The 12 Ways to Health Holiday Song, listen to a holiday health podcast, and send the song to your friends and family in a holiday health-e-card!

1. Wash hands often to keep yourself from spreading germs and getting sick. Wash your hands with soap and clean running water for at least 20 seconds.
2. Bundle up to stay dry and warm. Wear appropriate outdoor clothing: layers of light, warm clothing; mittens; hats; scarves; and waterproof boots.
3. Manage stress. Don't over-commit yourself and prevent holiday anxiety and pressure. Get enough sleep.
4. Don't drink and drive or let others drink and drive. Whenever anyone drives drunk, they put everyone on the road in danger.
5. Be smoke-free. Avoid smoking and second-hand smoke. There is NO safe amount of tobacco or secondhand smoke. Breathing even a little secondhand smoke can be dangerous.
6. Fasten seat belts while driving or riding 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. Use a seat belt on every trip, no matter how short the trip.
7. Get exams and screenings. Ask what exams you need and when to get them. Update your personal and family history.
8. Get your vaccinations, which help prevent diseases and save lives.
9. Monitor the children. Keep potentially dangerous toys, food, drinks, household items, and other objects out of kids' reach. Dress warmly for outdoor activities. Develop and reinforce rules about acceptable and safe behaviors including electronic media.
10. Practice fire safety. Most residential fires occur during the winter months, so be careful to never leave fireplaces, space heaters, 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 cross-contamination, cook foods to proper temperatures, and refrigerate promptly.
12. Eat healthy, and get moving. Eat fruits and vegetables. Limit your portion sizes and foods high in fat and sugar. Be active for at least 2½ hours a week and help kids and teens be active for at least 1 hour a day.

Send a holiday health-e-card to show someone you care about their health!

More Information

• The 12 Ways to Health Holiday Song
• The 12 Ways to Health Holiday Health-e-Card
• Twelve Holiday Health and Safety Tips Podcast (2007) [PODCAST - 3:40 minutes]
• Holiday Health and Safety Tips
• Holiday Health-e-Cards
• Holiday Food Safety During Pregnancy
• Get Your Flu Vaccine: Stay Healthy This Flu Season!
• Managing Diabetes During the Holidays
• Pregnancy and Flu
• Save Energy and Resources This Holiday Season
• Winter Weather