Kupuna News A Magazine For And About Hawai`i's Seniors (October - December 2015)

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Health and Safety Tips for the Holidays The holidays are quickly approaching, here are some holiday safety and health reminders and tips from the Center for Disease Control and the National Safety Council: * Wash your hands: frequently to help avoid getting sick/spreading germs; wash your hands with soap and clean, running water for at least 20 seconds. * Manage stress: Keep your commitments and spending to a manageable level. * Travel safely: Don’t drink and drive nor let someone else drink and drive. Wear a seat belt when you ride/drive a vehicle. * Get check-ups: Prevention and early detection via physical exams and screening can catch possible problems at an early stage. * Vaccinations: Center for Disease Control recommends an annual flu vaccination. People should get vaccinated soon after the vaccine is available; it takes about two weeks after the vaccination for antibodies to develop. * Fire safety: (a) Keep candles away from children, pets, curtains, trees, and walk ways. Keep matches and lighters out of the reach of children. (b) Never leave your stove, fireplace, or candle unattended. (c) Install smoke detectors and test them monthly, replace the batteries twice a year. * Decorating Safety: Position your tree away from fireplaces, and other heat sources. Use a step stool or ladder when hanging decoration (do not climb on furniture). * Avoid using breakable, and/or small ornaments on lower branches where toddlers and pets can touch them. If you are using an artificial tree, choose one that is tested and labeled as fire resistant; if the tree has a built-in electrical wiring, it should have the Underwriters Laboratory label (UL). Use no more than three light sets on one extension cord. To avoid tripping, run the extension cord against the wall. Check lights for broken sockets, frayed/bare wires; replace damaged light sets. * Handle and prepare food safely: when preparing meals, wash your hands and preparation surfaces frequently. Avoid cross contamination, keep raw meats away from ready-to-eat foods and surfaces. Do not defrost food at room temperature; thaw in the refrigerator, in cold water, or the microwave. Cook foods to the proper temperature. Do not leave perishable foods out for more than two hours. * Eat healthy: Limit fat, salt, and sugar intake. Choose fresh fruit instead of candy and pastries. * Be active: Be active for at least 2 1/2 hours per week. For more tips on holiday safety you can visit: The National Safety Council website at http://www.nsc.org/NSCDocuments/Holiday-Safety-Tips.pdf Center for Disease Control website at: www.cdc.gov/family/holiday/ and/or www.cdc.gov/flu/about/season/flu-season-2015-2016.htm Kupuna News 4 Information and Assistance (808) 961-8777