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Health Unit shares tips for safer, healthier holiday season

December 15, 2022   ·   0 Comments

By Brian Lockhart

The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit is reminding everyone to enjoy the holidays by offering some tips to ensure a safe and healthy festive season.

During the holidays, many people overindulge because of traditions and special foods that are served. Canada’s Food Guide offers some ideas to help you make nutritious choices and ideas that incorporate plenty of fruit, vegetables, and whole grains.

When you buy, prepare, and store food over the holidays, you can reduce the risk of illness by following some simple food safety precautions. Always wash your hands and food preparation surfaces with warm soapy water. Make sure to separate your raw foods, such as meat and eggs, from cooked foods and vegetables to avoid cross-contamination.

Be sure to cook food to safe internal temperatures. You can check this by using a digital food thermometer.

Staying active during the holidays is good for your overall health. Physical activity can help lower stress and releases feel-good hormones. Consider creating holiday traditions that emphasize being active with the whole family.

During the holidays, some people may choose to consume alcohol and cannabis. While the safest option is not to consume these substances at all, you can reduce the risk of potential harm by using them in moderation and understanding the health and safety risks.

You can check out Canada’s Low-Risk Alcohol Drinking Guidelines, and Canada’s Lower-Risk Cannabis Use Guidelines for information to help you decide when and where to use them.

If you drink alcohol and/or use drugs, designate a sober driver, call a taxi or a ride-share service to protect yourself and others on the road. Never drive when you are impaired by alcohol or drugs and do not allow your family members or friends to drive while impaired.

Also, remember there is an ongoing spread of COVID-19 infection.

The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit strongly recommends using multiple layers of protection such as being vaccinated, staying home when sick, wearing a mask, and cleaning high-touch surfaces.

By following these guidelines you can lower your risk of accident or illness during the holiday season.

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