Be Healthy and Safe This Holiday Season

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Healthy and Safe
Healthy and Safe

The holiday season is in our midst. And this time of the year means parties and celebrations with friends and family, wonderful decorations and food, and cold temperatures, especially during the months of December and January. But unexpected emergencies can also arise through these merry days. Always ensure your health and safety during the holiday season.

If you are planning to decorate your home, think safety first. Many winter injuries and accidents arise from holiday decorations. Choose a safe location to display your tree – it should be away from doorways or heat sources. Make sure that any ornaments are out of children’s reach and that the water is watered. Remember that a dry tree can be a fire hazard, so tuck it away immediately after the holiday.

Tree lights are a fire hazard. Check to see that the tree lights you use are fire-proof, especially if they are not new. Always turn off tree lights before going to bed or when leaving the house.

Use extension cords safely. Do not run them under the carpet, and do not use more than three lights in one extension cord.

When igniting a fire in the fireplace, burn only appropriate wood products, make sure the flue is open. Use a screen in front of the fireplace to prevent the sparks from getting out and children’s hands from reaching over the fire. Be sure there are no flammable materials near the fireplace. Remove any hanging stockings, usually in front of the fireplace. If using candles, make sure they are away from paper and decorations. Before leaving the room or sleeping, extinguish the fire in the fireplace and blow out candles.

The risk of house fires is ever present during holiday season. Health and safety of your family and friends should always be top priority.

You do not want to spoil your kids’ excitement during the holidays. Food allergies are a common holiday emergencies that you want to avoid. So be aware of your kid’s allergy and check the menu for possible allergens. Also, beware of foods and small toy pieces that can cause a child to choke. Do not leave young children unsupervised while eating or playing. Choose age-appropriate toy gifts for your child.

When going out into the snow, wear appropriate winter clothing to prevent frostbite. Frostbite can have subtle presenting symptoms such as pain or redness in a skin area, numbness, yellow-grayish skin, unusually waxy or firm skin. Do not stay out in winter weather for long hours.

Remember to stay safe and healthy this holiday season. Better yet, you can take a first aid training course this holiday season. The skills you gain will come handy not just this holiday season but throughout the year. In fact, it’s the perfect gift you can give your loved ones.

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