The holidays are a time of decorating, eating, shopping and sometimes stressing. Make sure you don’t put a damper on the joy of the season by getting sick or hurt . Accidents can happen at any time of year, but the holidays can bring their share of accidents waiting to happen .
Eat, Drink and Be Merry
When people think of the holidays, they picture friends and family gathered around a table sharing a meal. But even that can have its dangers . Make sure the meal you share is a safe one.
When cooking:
- wash your hands
- pay attention when cutting – don't slice a finger
- keep children and pets away from the stove so they don't accidentally get hurt or burned
- keep raw meat, poultry, seafood, and eggs separate so you don't cross contaminate
- use a meat thermometer to make sure food is cooked to the right temperature
- make sure nothing flammable is touching the stove
While eating and drinking:
- remember healthy eating habits and try not to overeat
- try eating smaller portions when presented with a lot of different foods
- drink in moderation
- plan ahead for how you'll get home if you drink
- don't get behind the wheel if you've been drinking
If a friend or family member has too much to drink, take their keys and don't let them get behind the wheel. Find them a sober way home.
Dashing Through the Snow
The weather can be unpredictable during this time of year. Stay aware of the weather conditions where you are and where you're going. To prepare:
- Bundle up if it's cold. Wear layers, hats and gloves.
- Watch out for icy conditions on road s including bridges and overpasses that are the first to freeze.
- Watch for icy sidewalks and driveways and step carefully.
- If making fires inside or out , make sure the location is appropriate and keep all flammable items away from the flame .
- Get your fireplace and chimney checked regularly to make sure you can make a fire safely. Talk to your chimney sweep or other fireplace expert on how often that should be.
- If the power goes out, don't use gasoline or charcoal burning devices inside, like generators or grills. That puts you at risk for carbon monoxide poisoning
Santa Claus is Coming to Town
A good Santa's helper gives gifts that won't cause injury . Make sure you:
- give a helmet with a bicycle or skateboard and make sure the rider knows how to wear it properly
- follow age guidance on toys you give to keep children safe and match their interests and abilities
- prevent choking hazards by keeping small balls and parts away from children under three
- throw away plastic packaging immediately to prevent them from being a dangerous toy
Deck the Halls
On average, there are 160 decorating-related injuries each day during the holiday season. Many of those involve fires. To prevent a fire make sure:
- your live tree has plenty of water
- your artificial tree is fire resistant
- you plug only three strings of lights together and never overload an electrical outlet
- the lights you use were tested for safety
- you don't use sets with broken sockets or frayed cords
- burning candles aren't unattended
- your smoke alarm is working properly
- Falls account for 40% of holiday decorating injuries
- cords are secured to the floor to prevent a tripping hazard
- ladders are on level ground and that you don't lean too far when decorating
- you use ladders and step stools when putting decorations up high
Don’t Be a Grinch
No one wants to be sick and become the Grinch over the holidays. There are a few simple things you can do to keep yourself and others well:
- Wash your hands with soap and water regularly. Alcohol-based cleaners, like hand sanitizers and wet wipes, are good substitutes if you don't have access to a sink.
- Stay up to date on vaccinations like flu and COVID-19 shots to help you and everyone around you stay healthy.
- Cover sneezes and coughs in your arm or with a tissue. Wash your hands as soon as you can.
- If you get sick, stay home. Help protect the people around you by keeping your distance.
- Exercise. Physical activity keeps your body healthy and helps to improve lung capacity.
- Get plenty of rest. A rested body can help fight off an infection.
Resources for TRS-ActiveCare and TRS-Care Standard
Provider Finder®
If you do get sick or have an accident over the holidays, know where to go for care .
Resources for TRS-Care Medicare
Find a Provider
Call UnitedHealthcare at 1-866-347-9507, TTY 711, 7 a.m.–6 p.m. CT, Monday–Friday, and they can help you find a provider. To see if your provider is part of the UnitedHealthcare network, you can call UnitedHealthcare or sign in or register on your member website at TRS-Care Medicare Advantage by UnitedHealthcare and click on Find a provider.
SilverSneakers®
SilverSneakers is more than a fitness program. It's an opportunity to improve your health, gain confidence and connect with your community. Plus, it's included at no added cost in your TRS-Care Medicare Advantage plan. Get started today at SilverSneakers.