Stay Safe this Festive Season
Christmas 2020 is shaping up to be very different than any other year, however some things will remain the same. A focus on family and friends be that in person or virtually, gratitude for all we have and celebrating with some well earned time off the dreaded work zoom calls.
When celebrating we want to help you remain safe and well over the festive season so we have put together these tips on how to stay safe and sound this season.
Stay Hydrated
A combination of festive cocktails, after dinner baileys and even too much tea and coffee are enough to cause severe dehydration. Negate the effects of the Christmas treats by getting into the habit of drinking a glass of water every morning before doing anything else, also set reminders to drink water throughout the day. If you are drinking alcohol make sure and have one water for every alcoholic drink you enjoy.
Take time to enjoy the food.
When indulging over Christmas keep in mind that us humans cannot effectively digest foods in a sympathetic state i.e. stressed. This means when we are rushing around, multitasking or highly stressed our body simply doesn’t absorb as many nutrients and our mind forgets we’ve even eaten, resulting in consuming empty calories and increasing cravings. So sit down, relax and enjoy, you deserve it!
Aid your body’s detox system
Your lymphatic system does an excellent job at removing harmful toxins from the body, if it slows down it can result in the toxins being reabsorbed and you feeling sluggish. Exercise boosts the lymphatic system so a brisk walk, short bursts of dancing or jumping will also help. So get the Christmas tunes on and move your body. Other ways to move your lymphatic system include dry skin brushing, massage and relaxing in an Epsom salt bath for 10-20 minutes.
Know how to handle an emergency.
If your family were able to get together this Christmas and there are more people at home there may be more chances of accidents happening. Below we have put together some simple first aid tips for when the planned happens:
Cuts and bleeding wounds: Using disposable gloves, apply and maintain pressure with a pad or dressing until the bleeding stops. Bandage the wound firmly with a clean dressing. If the bleeding continues through the pad, add another one, and keep applying pressure until the bleeding stops. If it is a hand or arm keep elevated. Apply a sterile dressing when bleeding stops. If the bleeding is severe call 999
Burns: If you or a loved one receives a burn when cooking, hold the affected area under cold running water for at least 10 minutes. Apply a sterile burns dressing or spray where possible. Seek medical advice when necessary.
For strains and sprains: If you do suspect a sprain or strain, be sure to follow the RICE treatment:
Rest – Rest the injury and discontinue the activity that caused it. Protect it from further harm.
Ice – Applying an ice pack can reduce pain and swelling. Place a damp tea towel or triangular bandage between the skin and the ice to prevent frostbite. Apply for a maximum of 10 minutes and allow the skin to return to normal temperature before repeating.
Compression– Apply a firm (not constructive) bandage to the injured area. This helps to reduce swelling. The bandage can be applied over a crushed ice pack for the first 10 minutes.
Elevate – Elevate the injury. This also reduces swelling.
Covid 19 Symptoms:
In the event that you or one of your loved ones start to experience symptoms of covid 19
- a fever (high temperature - 38 degrees Celsius or above)
- a new cough - this can be any kind of cough, not just dry
- shortness of breath or breathing difficulties
- loss or change to your sense of smell or taste – this means you've noticed you cannot smell or taste anything, or things smell or taste different to normal
do not leave your home, self isolate and call your GP. You can treat your symptoms with paracetamol or ibuprofen at home and follow the advice on the HSE website.
From all of us here in Meaghers a very happy Christmas and please stay safe.
