The holidays are a great opportunity to enjoy time with family and friends, celebrate life, to be grateful, and reflect on what’s important. They are also a time to appreciate the gift of health. Here are some holiday tips to support your efforts for health and safety this season from your friends at WaylandCares.
1. Eat Healthy, and be Active.
With balance and moderation, you can enjoy the holidays the healthy way. Choose fresh fruit as a festive and sweet substitute for candy. Limit fats, salt, and sugary 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 1 hour a day.
2. Watch the Kids.
Children are at high risk for injuries. Keep a watchful eye on your kids when they’re eating and playing. Keep potentially dangerous toys, food, drinks, household items, choking hazards (like coins and hard candy), and other objects out of kids’ reach. Learn how to provide early treatment for children who are choking. Make sure toys are used properly. Develop rules about acceptable and safe behaviors, including using electronic media.
3. Alcohol Storage
The holidays are a time to celebrate with friends and family. Be aware where alcohol is kept and stored in your home and who has access to it. We trust our children and their friends, but it is always safer to lock up your alcohol and prevent the temptation for being available.
4. Manage Stress
Sometimes the holidays can be stressful! Let’s work together to promote healthy stress reduction and activities to help make your days better and healthier. Balance work, home, and play. Get support from family and friends. Keep a relaxed and positive outlook. Make time to do the things that make you happy, avoid turning to alcohol and/or other substances to reduce stress and help keep the holidays healthy for you and yours.
5. Responsible Entertaining – Hosting a Holiday Party?
Tis the season for holiday parties and festive get togethers! Be sure you have plenty of nonalcoholic beverages and plenty of food when serving alcohol to guests. If you are serving alcohol make sure all your guests are over 21 and has a safe and sober ride home. Adults and parents please be aware of your consumption and be a good role model for the youth in your family.
6. Travel Safely
Whether you’re traveling across town or around the world, help ensure your trip is safe. Don’t drink and drive, and don’t let someone else drink and drive. Wear a seatbelt every time you drive or ride in a motor vehicle.
7. Internet Safety
When using your computer to purchase gifts this holiday season, make sure to remember the importance of protecting your safety, security and privacy while online.
8. Starting an active holiday traditions.
Go for a neighborhood walk with friends and family. If there is snow – go sledding, skiing. Get some fresh air. Have fun!
9. Stay Local
When shopping for your holiday presents and last minute gifts. Avoid traffic, avoid the mall crowds and keep it local. Support local businesses and keep your stress level in check this holiday season!
10. Donate
Give the gift of time and have the family join in. Donate your time at a local shelter, food pantry, religious organization or any other organization that you feel is a good fit. It’s always important to give back, and what better time to get started!
11. Start a Project
A lot of us will have time off from work this month. Take a minute to start a new project, pick up an old hobby, or try something you have always wanted to do.
12. Have Fun!
Above all else, have fun, smile, hug your family and friends, enjoy the moment and remember what the holiday season is all about!
We wish you all a happy and healthy holiday season!
