Hot Topic: The Gift of Health
The holiday season is officially in full swing and it’s time to spread some healthy holiday cheer. We sometimes need to be reminded to take care of ourselves amidst all the hustle and bustle of the holidays.
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has come up with an easy way to remember to stay safe and healthy during the holiday season with the 12 Days to Health Holiday Song.
The first way to health, said the CDC to me:
Wash hands to be safe and healthy.
(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 clean running water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and clean water are not available, use an alcohol-based product).
The second way to health, said the CDC to me:
Bundle up for warmth, and wash hands to be safe and healthy.
(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).
The third way to health, said the CDC to me:
Manage stress, bundle up for warmth, and wash hands to be safe and healthy.
(The holidays don’t need to take a toll on your health. Keep a check on over-commitment and over-spending. Balance work, home, and play. Get support from family and friends. Practice time management. Keep a relaxed and positive outlook).
The fourth way to health, said the CDC to me:
Don't drink and drive, manage stress, bundle up for warmth, and wash hands to be safe and healthy.
(Alcohol-related motor vehicle crashes kill someone every 31 minutes and non-fatally injure someone every two minutes. Don’t drink and drive, and don’t let someone else drink and drive).
The fifth way to health, said the CDC to me:
BE SMOKE-FREE, don't drink and drive, manage stress, bundle up for warmth, and wash hands to be safe and healthy.
(Avoid smoking and breathing other people's smoke. If you smoke, quit today! Call 1-800-QUIT-NOW or talk to your health care provider for help).
The sixth way to health, said the CDC to me:
Fasten belts while driving, BE SMOKE-FREE, don't drink and drive, manage stress, bundle up for warmth, and wash hands to be safe and healthy.
(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).
The seventh way to health, said the CDC to me:
Get exams and screenings, fasten belts while driving, BE SMOKE-FREE, don't drink and drive, manage stress, bundle up for warmth, and wash hands to be safe and healthy.
(Schedule a visit with your health care provider for a yearly exam. Ask what tests you should get based on your age, lifestyle, medical history, and family health history).
The eighth way to health, said the CDC to me:
Get your vaccinations, get exams and screenings, fasten belts while driving, BE SMOKE-FREE, don't drink and drive, manage stress, bundle up for warmth, and wash hands to be safe and healthy.
(Vaccinations help prevent diseases and save lives. Ask your health care provider what vaccinations you should get based on your age, lifestyle, travel plans, and medical history).
The ninth way to health, said the CDC to me:
Monitor the children, get your vaccinations, get exams and screenings, fasten belts while driving, BE SMOKE-FREE, don't drink and drive, manage stress, bundle up for warmth, and wash hands to be safe and healthy.
(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, choking hazards (like coins and hard candy), household items, and other objects out of kids' reach. Learn how to provide early treatment for children who are choking. Make sure toys are used properly).
The tenth way to health, said the CDC to me:
Practice fire safety, monitor the children, get your vaccinations, get exams and screenings, fasten belts while driving, BE SMOKE-FREE, don't drink and drive, manage stress, bundle up for warmth, and wash hands to be safe and healthy.
(Most residential fires occur during the winter months. Keep candles away from children, pets, walkways, trees, and curtains. Never leave fireplaces, stoves, or candles unattended. Don't use generators, grills, or other gasoline- or charcoal-burning devices inside your home or garage. Install a smoke detector and carbon monoxide detector in your home. Test them once a month, and replace batteries twice a year. Leave the fireworks to the professionals).
The eleventh way to health, said the CDC to me:
Prepare dinner safely, practice fire safety, monitor the children, get your vaccinations, get exams and screenings, fasten belts while driving, BE SMOKE-FREE, don't drink and drive, manage stress, bundle up for warmth, and wash hands to be safe and healthy.
(As you prepare holiday meals, keep you and your family safe from food-related illness. Wash hands and surfaces often. Avoid cross contamination by keeping raw meat, poultry, seafood, and eggs (including their juices) away from ready-to-eat foods and eating surfaces. Cook foods to the proper temperature. Refrigerate promptly. Do not leave perishable foods out for more than two hours).
The twelfth way to health, said the CDC to me:
*Eat well and get moving, prepare dinner safely, practice fire safety, monitor the children, get your vaccinations, get exams and screenings, fasten belts while driving, BE SMOKE-FREE, don't drink and drive, manage stress, bundle up for warmth, and wash hands to be safe and healthy.
*(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 one hour a day).
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