Hospital Underscores Safety this Holiday Season
By: SweetwaterReporter.com
Updated: December 20, 2012
The winter holiday season is an exciting time when many people spend more time with family and friends, shop for holiday gifts, and begin to wrap up their year. With the hustle and bustle, health and safety can often take the back-burner.
This year, Rolling Plains Memorial Hospital (RPMH) in Sweetwater is sending out tips for keeping yourself and loved ones safe during this joyous time of year.
RPMH has compiled a list of some of the things you should look out for this holiday season.
Check in with your physician:
Health exams and screenings can help you identify and prevent complications before they begin. Now is a great time to talk with your physician to ensure all essential health exams and vaccinations have been performed and administered this year.
According to public health officials, the 2012 flu season has started early. As previously seen, influenza, A H3N2 strain, - the dominant strain so far this flu season - appeared to be a good match for the current vaccine.
While the flu vaccine is not 100 percent effective in preventing the flu, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) encourages everyone age 6 and older to get vaccinated.
Manage your stress levels:
Stress can easily increase throughout December for various reasons. While at work, try to save the easier tasks for the end of the day to allow yourself to relax before heading home.
Returning calls, emails, and previewing the next day's schedule allows your body and mindset to relax, leaving you more at ease when you get home. Most importantly, you are encouraged to leave work at the office, and avoid bringing it home.
It is also important to make time for yourself each day. Stretching, short walks, naps, exercises, and hobbies can be extremely therapeutic for your physical and mental wellbeing.
Be aware of the foods you eat:
The holiday season is a notorious time of year for weight gain among Americans. With this knowledge, it is important to observe serving sizes and frequency of meals.
Many people also overlook the health risks associated with the foods they consume. This year, keep in mind the ingredients of the foods you eat as they could be harmful in terms of allergic risks.
According to Brenda Hollis, dietician at RPMH, when preparing meals, always thaw meats in the refrigerator and never on countertops. Foods that require refrigeration should also never be left at room temperature longer than two hours.
Be mindful of the toys you gift to children:
Millions of toys continue to be recalled each year because of defects and safety concerns. According to Boatright, everyone is encouraged to do their research before making your purchase for possible unsafe features that could injure your child or loved one.
Selecting toys that are suitable for the age, abilities, skills, and interest of the child can help reduce harm. For example, a stuffed animal with plastic eyes or small buttons is inappropriate for babies and small toddlers as they could be a choking hazard.
If assembly is required for toys, it is important that you read all instruction manuals and warning labels before allowing your child to play with their new toy. This practice can help reduce uncertainty on the appropriateness of the gift.
Drive safe during the winter:
While it has been relatively warm in recent weeks, Texas weather is known to change in a heartbeat. Always be prepared by making sure your vehicle is up-to-date on all regular maintenance and inspections.
According to Boatright, getting your vehicle serviced regularly and making sure your tires are appropriate to handle winter weather conditions are essential for road warriors traveling during the holidays. In addition, planning your trip, knowing the weather conditions, and researching the safest way to reach your destination can help save time, stress, and money.
If attending holiday parties, remember to have a designated driver if you will be consuming alcohol. Know your limits, and consider making alternate travel arrangements if necessary.
From the holiday music to quality time with family and friends, this is the season to slow down and be thankful for the life around us. Make sure you do all that you can to ensure you and your loved ones remain safe throughout the coming winter season.
This year, Rolling Plains Memorial Hospital (RPMH) in Sweetwater is sending out tips for keeping yourself and loved ones safe during this joyous time of year.
RPMH has compiled a list of some of the things you should look out for this holiday season.
Check in with your physician:
Health exams and screenings can help you identify and prevent complications before they begin. Now is a great time to talk with your physician to ensure all essential health exams and vaccinations have been performed and administered this year.
According to public health officials, the 2012 flu season has started early. As previously seen, influenza, A H3N2 strain, - the dominant strain so far this flu season - appeared to be a good match for the current vaccine.
While the flu vaccine is not 100 percent effective in preventing the flu, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) encourages everyone age 6 and older to get vaccinated.
Manage your stress levels:
Stress can easily increase throughout December for various reasons. While at work, try to save the easier tasks for the end of the day to allow yourself to relax before heading home.
Returning calls, emails, and previewing the next day's schedule allows your body and mindset to relax, leaving you more at ease when you get home. Most importantly, you are encouraged to leave work at the office, and avoid bringing it home.
It is also important to make time for yourself each day. Stretching, short walks, naps, exercises, and hobbies can be extremely therapeutic for your physical and mental wellbeing.
Be aware of the foods you eat:
The holiday season is a notorious time of year for weight gain among Americans. With this knowledge, it is important to observe serving sizes and frequency of meals.
Many people also overlook the health risks associated with the foods they consume. This year, keep in mind the ingredients of the foods you eat as they could be harmful in terms of allergic risks.
According to Brenda Hollis, dietician at RPMH, when preparing meals, always thaw meats in the refrigerator and never on countertops. Foods that require refrigeration should also never be left at room temperature longer than two hours.
Be mindful of the toys you gift to children:
Millions of toys continue to be recalled each year because of defects and safety concerns. According to Boatright, everyone is encouraged to do their research before making your purchase for possible unsafe features that could injure your child or loved one.
Selecting toys that are suitable for the age, abilities, skills, and interest of the child can help reduce harm. For example, a stuffed animal with plastic eyes or small buttons is inappropriate for babies and small toddlers as they could be a choking hazard.
If assembly is required for toys, it is important that you read all instruction manuals and warning labels before allowing your child to play with their new toy. This practice can help reduce uncertainty on the appropriateness of the gift.
Drive safe during the winter:
While it has been relatively warm in recent weeks, Texas weather is known to change in a heartbeat. Always be prepared by making sure your vehicle is up-to-date on all regular maintenance and inspections.
According to Boatright, getting your vehicle serviced regularly and making sure your tires are appropriate to handle winter weather conditions are essential for road warriors traveling during the holidays. In addition, planning your trip, knowing the weather conditions, and researching the safest way to reach your destination can help save time, stress, and money.
If attending holiday parties, remember to have a designated driver if you will be consuming alcohol. Know your limits, and consider making alternate travel arrangements if necessary.
From the holiday music to quality time with family and friends, this is the season to slow down and be thankful for the life around us. Make sure you do all that you can to ensure you and your loved ones remain safe throughout the coming winter season.
