Have a happy and healthy holiday season with a few tips from Wayne Health

It’s the holiday season – the time of the year when many people are traveling to see loved ones, eating yummy holiday food and enjoying the giving of the season. While the holiday season has people stepping out of their everyday routine, it’s important to still prioritize the health and safety of yourself and your loved ones.

Continue following COVID-19 safety protocol

No matter the celebration or event, it’s important to remain vigilant by following COVID-19 safety protocols. When visiting family, especially if you’re from out-of-town, make sure to get a COVID-19 test to ensure your and your family’s safety. Social distance when you can, wear a face mask and make sure to always wash your hands. It’s especially important to wash your hands before preparing and consuming food. With Michigan’s hospitals filling up to maximum capacity, it’s more important than ever to remain aware of and to follow COVID-19 safety measures.

Be safe while traveling

According to the National Safety Council, traveling by car during the holidays has the highest fatality rate of any major form of transportation based on fatalities per passenger mile. The NSC offers the following tips for staying safe on the roads during the holiday season:

• Prepare your car for winter and keep an emergency kit with you
• Get a good night’s sleep before departing and avoid drowsy driving
• Leave early, planning ahead for heavy traffic
• Make sure every person in the vehicle is properly buckled up no matter how long or short the distance traveled
• Put your cell phone away; many distractions occur while driving, but cell phones are the main culprit
• Practice defensive driving
• Designate a sober driver to ensure guests make it home safely after a holiday party; alcohol or over-the-counter, prescription and illegal drugs can cause impairment

Prevent holiday fires

It’s the time of year when holiday decorations are up, fireplaces are lit and the scent of holiday candles is in the air. All of this can bring joy to those around, but it’s important to continue practicing fire safety measures to prevent injury. The National Fire Protection Association offers the following tips to prevent fire injuries:

• Test your smoke alarms and tell guests about your home fire escape plan
• Be careful with holiday decorations, choosing ones that are flame resistant or flame retardant
• Keep lit candles away from decorations and other things that can burn
• Keep children and pets away from lit candles
• Keep matches and lighters up high in a locked cabinet
• Stay in the kitchen when cooking on the stovetop
• Ask smokers to smoke outside, and remind them to keep their smoking materials with them so young children cannot access them

Following these safety precautions can help to ensure healthy and happy holidays for you and your loved ones.

Season’s greetings to all from everyone at Wayne Health!