Guide to a Safe and Healthy Holiday

Thanksgiving and this year’s holiday season are upon us. But as we get ready to fill ourselves with holiday cheer, give thanks, sing carols and celebrate with food and festivities, let us remember that holiday preparations are not without some unintended health consequences.

Traveling

Overcrowded airports and congested highways are just a few reasons why traveling for the holidays can be stressful. According to AAA travel, more than 55 million people will be traveling over the long Thanksgiving weekend this year, so it is important to remain safe and healthy while making your journey by plane, train or automobile. Don’t let your health succumb to the chaos of holiday travel by remembering these tips:

1. Plan Ahead. Planning your route ahead of time allows you to consider the length of your drive, how many times you must stop to refuel or rest, and potential traffic delays so that you can leave ample time for travel. Leave early in the morning or late at night to avoid peak congestion. A solid plan will reduce travel anxiety and ensure that you do not have to speed or practice unsafe driving behaviors.
2. Wash your Hands. Traveling in an airplane means sitting in recycled air which increases the potential for exposure to infections. Washing one’s hands diligently and often is the best defense when traveling in close quarters as 80 percent of all infections are spread by hands.
3. Stay Hydrated. Staying hydrated when traveling will strengthen your immune system by oxygenating your blood and flushing out toxins. If you are prone to motion sickness, combat the symptoms by hydrating, eating beforehand and keeping your head up and eyes forward. Proper hydration also helps your organs like your eyes and mouth retain moisture and repel bacteria.

Following these tips will ensure you have a safe and pleasant trip.

Meal Preparation

Arriving at your intended destination means food and celebration are in your immediate future. But preparing the perfect holiday meal takes precision and a certain degree of cautiousness. The kitchen is the heart of the home but during the holiday season it can be one of the more hazardous areas of your house. Here are a few potential dangers to consider as well as practices that can keep everyone safe:

1. Keep children away from cooking surfaces. Kids love to be helpful, but they also can cause some unintended damage. Keep them away from the stove and other surfaces that may lead to burns or scalds. Also, turn pot handles away from the stove’s edge so that curiosity doesn’t lead you to seek medical attention at the local ER or urgent care facility.
2. Avoid cooking fires. More home fires occur on Thanksgiving than any other day of the year, and cooking is often to blame. When preparing any holiday meal, it is important to stay in the kitchen when broiling, frying or boiling and use timers when baking or roasting. Chefs should be mindful of their sleeves and never leave the kitchen when cooking. Respond to fires by immediately turning off the heat, putting lids on stovetops and keeping oven doors closed.
3. Practice Knife Safety. If using large knives to portion out your feast this year, it is best to do so in the kitchen, not on the dining table. Lacerations from carving and kitchen knives are a common injury during the holidays that put a damper on the festivities. When slicing and serving, be sure to do so on a level surface with bright lighting. Make sure to sharpen your knives beforehand so that you do not have to apply severe pressure when cutting. Keep your knife handles dry to avoid slips and never cut toward yourself. Place your free hand opposite of your cutting direction and never underneath the blade to catch the slice of food.

Holiday Injuries

Despite awareness and preparation, accidents happen. If you find yourself with an infection, cold, burn or cut this holiday season, your local CareWell Urgent Care centers can provide the quick and quality care you need so you can return to the celebration and merriment.