Make Holiday Health and Safety a Priority
There’s a lot of reasons to love the holiday season. We get the chance to take time off and enjoy time with family and friends, celebrate life, and of course there’s always the reason for the season: take time to reflect and remember all the reasons why we have to be grateful in our lives.
Another reason to be grateful over the holidays is for gift of health. Every day and every way this December, the New Mexico Department of Health and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) say there are things you can do to assure you stay healthy and safe this season:
- Wash your hands. Washing your hands is, hands down (Sorry, I couldn’t resist.), one of the most important things you can do to avoid getting sick and spreading germs to others. Wash your hands with soap and clean running water, and rub them together for at least 20 seconds.
- Stay warm. Cold temperatures can cause serious health problems, especially in infants and older adults. Stay dry, and dress warmly in several layers.
- Manage your stress. Easier said than done. Believe me, I know, but if you keep your holiday commitments and spending in check, keep a relaxed and positive outlook and make sure to get proper sleep you’ll be doing a world of good for your health.
- Travel safely. Whether you're traveling to the other side of town or another country you can do your part to keep your and your family safe in several ways, from remembering to wear your seatbelt to not drinking and driving.
- Be smoke free. Avoid smoking and breathing other people's smoke. For help in quitting, call 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669) or in Spanish 1-855-DEJELO-YA (1-855-335-3569).
- Get check-ups and vaccinations. Exams and screenings can lead to early detection and improve chances for treatment and, when necessary, a cure. Vaccinations help prevent everything from flu to diseases. They can even save lives.
- Keep an eye on your kids. Especially 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.
- Handle and prepare food safely. Wash hands and surfaces often. Avoid cross-contamination by keeping raw meat, poultry, seafood, and eggs 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.
- Eat healthy and be active. Our warm climate often gives us reason to wear shorts outside in December – and get out for a walk, a hike, a bike ride, anything really; and with balance and moderation, you can enjoy the holidays the healthy way. Choose fresh fruit is always a sweet substitute for candy. Limit fats, salt, and sugary foods. Be active for at least 2½ hours a week. Help kids and teens be active for at least 1 hour a day.
For more information on holiday safety, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.
Media Contact
We would be happy to provide additional information about this press release. Simply contact David Morgan at 575-528-5197 (Office) or 575-649-0754 (Mobile) with your questions.
Versión en Español
En un esfuerzo para hacer que nuestros comunicados de prensa sean más accesibles, también tenemos disponibles una versión en español. Por favor presione el enlace de abajo para acceder a la traducción.
Haga de su Salud y su Seguridad una Prioridad Durante las Vacaciones