Media Relations

The holidays are a time to celebrate, give thanks, and reflect. Give the gift of health and safety to yourself and others this holiday season by paying special attention to your health. To get started on your new year’s resolution early; follow these holiday tips and start living a healthier lifestyle.

• Make healthy food choices and prepare food safely. Remember these simple steps: wash hands and surfaces often, avoid cross-contamination, cook foods to proper temperatures, and refrigerate promptly.
• Don't drink and drive or let others drink and drive. Holiday cheer can raise many glasses, but remember, whenever anyone drives drunk, they put everyone on the road in danger.
• Ensure your travel is healthy and safe. Whether you're traveling across town or around the world, pack a travel health kit and talk with your doctor about how to stay healthy and safe before, during, and after your trip.

Nobody likes to be sick during the holidays, so be sure to wash hands often to keep germs from spreading. Take a few minutes to make a healthy lifestyle part of your holiday and New Year’s resolution.
Learn more about healthy living.

“During the holidays, we’re often cooking bigger meals for more people than we’re used to. That’s why it’s particularly important to remember and follow the food safety steps: cook, separate, clean and chill during this time of year. Foodborne illnesses are at the very least unpleasant, but they can also be dangerous.”
- Dr. Barbara Mahon, Deputy Chief, Enteric Diseases Epidemiology Branch, US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

“This a wonderful time of year where friends, family, and co-workers come together to celebrate. Unfortunately, alcohol is often involved, and drinking and driving may occur. Drinking and driving is a public health concern with far–reaching effects. Be safe on the roads, don't drink and drive or let others drink and drive.”
- Linda C. Degutis, Dr.P.H., M.S.N., director of CDC’s National Center for Injury Prevention and Control

“Airports can be especially busy during the holiday season with travelers flying home to see loved ones. This often involves close contact in crowded surroundings, which may lead to illness or injury that can ruin your trip. CDC wants your holiday travel experience to be healthy, safe, and memorable. Talk with your doctor about how to stay healthy and safe before, during, and after your trip.”
- Captain Gary Brunette, MD, MS, Branch Chief, Travelers' Health, National Center for Emerging Zoonotic and Infectious Diseases

CDC works 24/7 saving lives and protecting people from health threats to have a more secure nation. Whether these threats are chronic or acute, manmade or natural, human error or deliberate attack, global or domestic, CDC is the U.S. health protection agency.