Tips for a cracking christmas and summer season

The festive and holiday season is here! But just because it’s the season to be jolly, don’t forget to keep safe while you enjoy your summer.

ACC received more than 13,000 injury claims from people who were moderately or seriously injured away from work during last December and January. “Keeping fit and healthy reduces your chances of being injured and having an unscheduled trip to the hospital,” says Katie Sadleir, ACC’s head of Injury Prevention. “There’s so much about this time of year to be enjoyed, so here are some tips to stay safe and have a very merry festive season.”

1. Get active with your family: Get your kids outside in the sunshine and have some physical fun as a family. Of course there are the old family favourites like beach cricket and hide and seek, but www.sparc.org.nz has plenty of other ideas. And don’t forget to be sunsmart!
2. Planning a party? Of course you are! It’s the party season! Offer your guests plenty of tasty, filling food. Bowls of chips and peanuts are not good idea. They’re not filling and the salt makes us want to drink more. Make sure low-alcohol or non-alcoholic drinks are available, and don’t over-cater on the booze. Have some entertainment, even if it’s just music to dance to. And offer your guests a bed for the night or safe transport options.
3. Christmas dinner and BBQ tips: With so much poultry cooked during the summer season, don’t forget food hygiene. Always wash your hands thoroughly after touching raw meat, and make sure it’s cooked through – the juices should run clear. Also, serve up plenty of veges with your main meal. Health guidelines say at least half of what’s on your plate should be vegetables.
4. Don't let sparks fly: Christmas trees and electronics can have a fiery relationship, so check Christmas tree lights carefully before putting them up. As pretty as they look, never leave Christmas tree lights on when you go to bed or leave the house, and never use candles near the Christmas tree or as tree decorations.
5. Out on the town: Match your alcohol intake with water, so drink one glass of water for every glass of what you fancy. Tell someone where you’re going and how you’re getting home. And don’t walk home alone! Take a licensed taxi or get a ride with a sober friend.
6. And if you do overindulge: Despite our best intentions, we do sometimes over do it. If you know you’ve made a bit too much merriment, drink plenty of water before bedtime and the next day to ease dehydration. Try to get some fresh air and eat healthy food if you can manage it. Importantly, don’t drive with a hangover – your judgement will be impaired.
7. Make a New Year’s resolution to get fit: There’s no time like the present to get serious about getting into shape. Go to www.activesmart.co.nz for heaps of ideas about getting physical and a tailored plan to help you avoid injury as you get fit.