Safety During the Holidays

(CARLSBAD, CA) – It’s that time of year again. Family gatherings, exchanging of gifts, singing carols, and hanging the ornaments. You’ve completed your shopping list, made a plan for the holiday meal, and invited the guests. But, have you checked your holiday environment for safety?

That’s right! A safety check should be at the top of your list this holiday season. Everything from your de-icing methods to food safety should be taken into consideration. Here’s a short safety checklist as you celebrate this winter.

• Fanning the Flames – A wood fireplace is toasty and warm for the holidays. But, be careful what you toss into the fire. Metallic wrapping paper can be toxic when burned. And speaking of fire, be careful where you place that Christmas tree. Christmas trees are the culprits in 300 fires each year, so keep them away from heating vents or direct sunlight to prevent drying out.

• Safe Decorating – Take caution when hanging the twinkling lights or placing the angel on the top of your Christmas tree. According to the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission, more than 12,500 people are treated in hospital emergency rooms for burns, shocks, falls, or other injuries related to holiday lights and decorating gone wrong.

• Avoid Rock Salt – Rock salt may be your standard means to de-ice, but its plant-killing runoff can pollute and destroy your lawn, not to mention corrode your concrete and contaminate your water supply. Try sand instead. It still offers traction, so you won’t slip on the ice, but it doesn’t pollute your habitat.

• Skip the Mistletoe – Or at least keep it out of reach for children and pets. Mistletoe may carry a romantic tradition, but it’s poisonous if ingested.

• A Frosty Solution – Avoid harsh chemical cleaners or sharp scrapers, and use a natural frost prevention technique instead. Rub the inside of your car and home windows with a sponge that has been soaked in salt water, then dry it with a clean rag. The salt residue, which will not be visible, will keep the frost away.

Check your home for safety and you’ll be able to rest easy as you celebrate the holidays with family and friends. As well as staying safe, try to get a little bit of exercise each day. Judi Sheppard Missett, founder and CEO of Jazzercise, Inc, recommends at least 30 minutes of physical activity each day. So, whether it’s shoveling snow, following an exercise video, or driving to a nearby indoor pool, just make an effort to avoid couch potato syndrome this holiday season.

Jazzercise, created by Judi Sheppard Missett, is the world's leading dance-fitness program with more than 7,500 instructors teaching 32,000 classes weekly in the U.S. and around the globe. Since 1969, millions of people of all ages and fitness levels have reaped the benefits of this comprehensive program, designed to enhance cardiovascular endurance, strength, and flexibility. For more information on Jazzercise go to jazzercise.com or call (800)FIT-IS-IT or (760)476-1750.

Courtesy of Jazzercise, Inc. - jazzercise.com