US CDC offers 12 simple
tips for staying health this holiday season and all year long:
- 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.
- 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,
connect socially and get plenty of sleep.
- Don't drink and drive or let others drink and drive. Whenever anyone drives drunk, they put everyone
on the road in danger. Choose not to drink and drive and help others do
the same.
- Bundle up to stay dry and warm. Wear appropriate outdoor clothing: light, warm
layers, gloves, hats, scarves and waterproof boots.
- Be smoke-free. Avoid
smoking and secondhand smoke. Smokers have greater health risks because of
their tobacco use, but nonsmokers also are at risk when exposed to tobacco
smoke.
- 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.
- Get exams and screenings. Ask your health care provider what exams you need
and when to get them. Update your personal and family history. Get
insurance from the Health Insurance Marketplace if you are not insured.
- Get your vaccinations. Vaccinations help prevent diseases and save lives.
Everyone 6 months and older should get a flu vaccine each year.
- 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.
- 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.
- Prepare food safely. Remember
these simple steps: Wash hands and surfaces often, avoid
cross-contamination, cook foods to proper temperatures and refrigerate
foods promptly.
- 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.
For more information, go
to: http://www.cdc.gov/features/healthytips/index.html
