Holiday Safety Tips
Here at Southwest Orlando Family Medicine, we hope your holiday activities are healthy and safe! For health tips, check out our Holiday Health Tips article. Here are some safety tips for the holidays.
1. Prevent Injuries
Between decorating and cooking, you’re bound to be reaching tall spaces and working more actively around the house and while running errands. Be safe and use ladders, step stools, and materials appropriately. If you get injured, be sure to seek appropriate assistance from your Primary Care Provider, Urgent Care Center, or in case of serious injury, the closest Emergency Room. If you are feeling ill or in need of non-emergency medical assistance, you can Book An Appointment with us. Remember that we have Same-Day Appointments and Saturday Hours, so you can be seen when you need to be.
2. Pay careful attention to electricity use.
Decorations and food are some of the most festive parts of the holidays! Strings of lights, animatronic decor, and kitchen use skyrocket around this time of year. Inspect every decoration and plug for damages and wattage to avoid overloading electrical outlets. Keep electrical pieces and plants (such as wreaths or trees) away from heat sources and switch out battery-operated lights for candles to avoid fires. Stay alert and present whenever cooking and shut everything off when the household goes to sleep. Staying aware protects the entire family, especially children.
3. Prepare food carefully
People get adventurous when it comes to holiday family dinners so be sure to keep health and safety in mind. Be wary of touching pots and pans that are too hot and under cooking food. Wash your hands, surfaces, and ingredients well to ensure that all meals are clean. Once the cooking is completed, be careful not to leave perishable food out for more than two hours. Grab the kids or other family members to help tidy up the kitchen after dinner!
4. Travel safely.
If you are traveling this holiday season, be aware of your surroundings and follow any provided guidelines. No matter how exciting your holiday music playlist may be, stay alert on the road and be wary of drivers that are distracted or under the influence. If flying, give yourself plenty of time to avoid stress, rushing, or missing your flight. Because you’ll be around large groups of people, wash your hands frequently and keep track of your belongings.
Enjoy your holidays and contact us if you have any questions or concerns by accessing the Patient Portal. Happy Holidays from all of us at Southwest Orlando Family Medicine!
Sources: Holiday Health and Safety Tips, Top 10 Holiday Safety Tips, Holiday Safety Tips