Many will take a well-deserved break this December.
Make your health and safety a priority by picking up habits that are good for you.
Here are 10 tips from Affinity Health, a leading provider of high-quality health care.
“Between Christmas and New Year’s Day, there’s a minefield of food, festivities, and alcohol that can throw you off track, but there are easy ways to ensure you and your family stay healthy,” says Murray Hewlett, CEO of Affinity Health.
“You’ll have many obligations and commitments over the holiday but try to ensure your health and well-being are among those commitments.”
1. Control your stress: If you’re feeling stressed, overwhelmed or out of control, take a break. Finding support, connecting socially, and getting plenty of sleep are some of the best ways to manage stress.
2. Don’t drink and drive: When someone drives drunk, they endanger everyone else on the road. Decide not to drink and drive, and encourage others to do the same.
3. Avoid smoking: Smoking and secondhand smoke should be avoided. Now is the time to speak to your doctor about ways to break this unhealthy habit once and for all.
4. Ensure everyone wears their seat belt: Seat belts must be worn while driving or riding in a motor vehicle. Always buckle your children into a child car safety seat, booster seat, or seat belt appropriate for their height, weight, and age. Buckle up at all times, regardless of the trip’s length, and encourage passengers to do the same.
5. Get your exams and health screenings before the end-of-year break: Enquire with your doctor or health care provider about the medical exams and screenings you require and when they should be performed.
6. Keep a close eye on your children: The festive season can pose unforeseen dangers for small children. Keep potentially hazardous toys, food, drinks, household items, and other items out of reach of children. Keep them safe from drowning, burns falls, and other potential hazards.
7. Exercise fire safety: Because most veld fires occur during the summer, never throw lit cigarette butts out the window while driving. Create an emergency plan should a fire start inside your home and practise it regularly.
8. Safely prepare food: Remember these easy steps: Avoid cross-contamination by washing hands and surfaces frequently, cook foods to proper temperatures, and refrigerate foods promptly.
9. Eat well: Consume fruits and vegetables, which are high in nutrients and help lower the risk of certain diseases. Limit your fat, salt, and sugar intake, as well as your portion sizes.
10. Stay active: Commit to being active for at least 2 hours per week and assist children and teenagers in being active for at least one hour per day, whether it be walking the dog or playing with a ball outside.
