The halls are decked with boughs of holly and there's a special sense of cheer in the air. It's easy to get distracted with all of the excitement. So now is the perfect time to remember some health and safety tips to get you through the season without harm.
7 Tips For Staying Safe and Healthy This Holiday Season
1. Avoid overtime burnout
Spending around the holidays can skyrocket, with lots of gifts to purchase and extra mouths to feed. But don't overdo those overtime shifts. They can leave you exhausted and run down, making you more susceptible to illness, medical errors and burnout.
2. Stay awake at the wheel
The stress of the holidays makes all of us more tired than usual. So make sure you're alert enough to drive after a long shift. A brief nap before you head home will make a safer driving experience for you and those around you.
3. Practice parking garage safety
Find a buddy to walk to the garage or parking lot with you on your way to the car, then drive them to theirs. If you choose to go it alone, be on the lookout for any suspicious activity. You also can ask hospital security to escort you to your car if you feel unsafe.
4. Practice fire safety
Cooking mishaps are among the leading cause of house fires. Stay focused while in the kitchen and don't leave the stove unattended. Christmas trees and candles also are common causes of house fires. Use caution and make sure your smoke alarms are functioning.
5. Wash Hands
Of course nurses know this better than most, but it never hurts to have a reminder. Hand washing is the #1 prevention method for the transmission of infection. Be vigilant in your hand hygiene practices and remind others to do the same. It's no fun being sick during the holidays!
6. Prepare food safely
Review some basic food safety principles to decrease your risk of contracting a food-borne illness. Rinse your produce well, avoid cross contamination with raw meat products and wash hands frequently in the kitchen. For more information, check out the CDC's Be Food Safe page.
7. Manage stress
Although the holidays are a joyous time of year, they also cause increased stress for many. Take some time for self-care throughout the season. It's OK to say no to one too many party invitations. If you're hosting a gathering, ask guests to bring something so that you're not overwhelmed with preparation. Take a nap if you can. Find small ways to quiet yourself, to get back to center, multiple times a day. You'll be able to enjoy more if you stress less.
YOUR TURN:
What other tips do you have for staying safe during the holiday season?
