Tip Tuesday on Wednesday: Gearing Up for a Safe & Healthy Holiday Season

First, I'd like to apologize for not posting our Tip Tuesday yesterday. I was attending a Leadership Ocala/Marion session on government and the environment. Now onto our Tip Tuesday on Wednesday...

With the Thanksgiving holiday upon us, the anticipation of friends, family and turkey seems to be on everyone's mind. However, I can't help but stew about the implications of traveling this year. With H1N1 still gaining ground and claiming countless victims, it seems to me that taking precautions need be on everyone's to-do list.

I recently came across some great tips for travelers courtesy of American Red Cross.

Before Traveling

• If sick, stay home. It's disappointing not to be able to join in the family celebration, but act responsibly and stay home to avoid spreading the flu.
• It's possible to spread the flu virus one day before actually showing symptoms. Those who have been in close contact with a sick individual should be extra careful about using good hand hygiene and cough etiquette and stay very aware of what might be flu symptoms.

While Traveling

• Wash hands with soap and water as often as possible. If soap and water aren't available, use hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol.
• Use sanitizing wipes to disinfect hard surfaces such as airplane tray tables, luggage handles, cell phones, door handles and seat armrests.
• Remember to wash hands or use a hand sanitizer before eating any meals or snacks. It's important to remember that you are touching a lot of surfaces that others are touching as well. Make sure your hands are clean before you put anything into your mouth.
• Bring personal blankets, pillows and earphones to avoid using something which may have been in contact with the flu virus.
• After washing hands in a public restroom, turn off the faucet with a paper towel. Then use another paper towel to dry hands and open the door when exiting the restroom.

Have a Safe Celebration

• Avoid the usual kisses and handshakes when greeting friends and family.
• If hosting the holiday dinner and someone in the household becomes ill, make sure that they can be isolated into a separate area for care, or ask another family member to host dinner to avoid spreading the flu.
• Wash hands frequently, before preparing food, while cooking, and especially before eating.
• Keep plenty of hand soap in the bathroom, preferably in a pump container. Skip the pretty hand towels this year and instead use disposable hand towels or a roll of paper towels.
• Consider putting the glasses away this year and using plastic cups, or provide a way for guests to identify their drinks. Don't drink out of anyone else's glass.
• Put serving utensils in every dish, including snacks like nuts, pretzels, etc. This allows people to spoon out their portion instead of reaching in with their hands.

Here's to a safe & wonderful Thanksgiving,

Michelle D.