INSURANCE. Especially if you're traveling, check out your insurance situation -- what do they define as an emergency, do you need to be preauthorized and if so are they open 24/7. Be sure and carry your insurance cards with you at all times, and have an idea of where the nearest hospital is.
HAZARDS. Common causes of accidents and illness are fires, falls and overdoing. Keep your home walks and pathways clear, inside and out. Watch out for ice, sleet, snow, toys, and suitcases impeding pathways.
FALLS. If you're having houseguests or have rearranged your furniture because of holiday decorations, take precautions such as night-lights, and reminding people. Remember that people who wear bifocals have trouble judging steps, so alert your guests of step-ups in your house. You can also provide your houseguest with a flashlight in their room.
FIRE. Watch out for fire hazards like faulty lights, overloaded sockets, and candles. Extinguish all candles before you go to bed, and watch them while they're burning. Keep your live tree well watered, and make sure you have a fire extinguisher that works. Turn off the indoor decorations when you aren't at home.
CHILDREN. Take precautions to protect your children. Don't get too busy to buckle up and bundle up. It's cold and flu season, and letting your children get off their schedule and eat wrong, throws fatigue and malnutrition into the picture. Make sure they can't be injured by holiday decorations and keep a special eye on them when you have guests. Many people carry medication in their purses and suitcases and leave them lying around where children can get into trouble.
MALL SAFETY. Shopping is a big part of the holidays. When you go to the mall, drive with caution because others may be preoccupied, in a hurry, or intoxicated. Park in safe, well-lit places, and lock your car doors. When you're inside shopping, keep your purse closed and with you, and know where your wallet is.
ALCOHOL. Alcohol is the number one cause of accidents this time of year, so don't drink and do anything. Save the cocktails till after you've strung the outdoor lights and finished cooking and gotten home safe from the party.
WEATHER. Know what to do in weather conditions. Snow, sleet and rain make driving hazardous, but can also cause falls and broken bones.
LIFTING. If it's too heavy for you to lift or push, don't do it. Bend and lift correctly, and wait for help before you move heavy objects.
HOLIDAY HEART SYNDROME. real phenomenon that shows up in emergency rooms. If you have heart trouble, too much alcohol can cause heart palpitations and shortness of breath. If this occurs, get to an ER immediately.
OVER-EATING. Another common ER complaint is caused by overeating. Eating too much too fast, and also eating strange things your digestive tract isn't used to can cause severe abdominal pain and bloating. If this starts, stop eating, and just drink water.
TRAVELING. Traveling presents its own hazards. If you anticipate a car trip, have your car checked before you go -- brakes, tires, antifreeze, wiper fluid, lights, battery, and wipers. Pack some warm blankets in the trunk, carry ample drinking water, flares, and a flashlight with fresh batteries. Be rested when you travel and don't drink or take sedating medications. Plan enough time so you don't have to rush, and pull over and rest if you need to.
FIRST-AID KIT. You also should have a first-aid kit in the car containing aspirin, bandages, safety pins, sharp scissors, elastic wraps, gauze and adhesive tape, antiseptic wipes, hydrogen peroxide, antibiotic ointment, tweezers, disposable cold packs, and change for a pay phone even if you carry a cell phone.
TOYS. Select age-appropriate toys for your children and keep an eye on the kids as they roam around the house amidst the chaos of family gatherings.
MENTAL HEALTH. Guard your mental health as well as your physical health. If you're vulnerable because of the recent death of a loved one, or depression, allow for this. Stay on your medication, and get help if you need it.
FUN. Last but not least, get plenty of rest, eat right, keep to your exercise program, and have fun!
