Holiday Safety

Holiday Safety

In this post:

• Happy Holidays!
• Holiday Risks
• Resources

Happy Holidays from our family to yours!

No matter what you celebrate, we want you and your loved ones to have a safe, healthy, and happy holiday! December is a difficult time for a lot of people, between the cold weather, the long hours of darkness, the ice and snow, the holiday stress, and the holiday temptations. This December as the year comes to a close, take a moment to reflect on safe and healthy practices for the winter, and take precautions to ensure this year is a positive one!

Holiday Risks

Here are some of the risks that come with the holiday season. Are you and your loved ones prepared?

Cold Weather

Cold weather comes with all kinds of safety concerns, including frostbite and hypothermia. Be sure that you and your loved ones have appropriate cold weather gear, like thick gloves or mittens, heavy socks, a good hat, and some extra layers to ensure you stay warm no matter where you go. Be sure also to keep extra cold weather gear in your vehicle in case of an accident or a break down! And if you’re checking out any of our local outdoor events, make sure you have the right gear and you keep dry while outside, especially your feet.

Slips & Falls

Falls are a common source of injury and hospitalization, especially for seniors. In Alaska, slips and falls due to ice are extra common, so be sure to clear your walkways, make sure you have adequate footwear including snow chains if you need them, and make sure you have handholds and rails on outdoor steps and walkways. If you use a walking aid, be sure it has a proper attachment for the ice. Take small steps, and take your time walking through (or better yet, around!) icy areas.

Mood disorders

Wintertime is a tough time for people with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), which is a type of mood disorder that causes depressive symptoms during the winter season. Winter can also be difficult for people with other types of depression or mood disorders, so be sure to check on your loved ones. It’s important to have plenty of contact with people who care about you around the holidays, and to find reasons and ways to leave the house despite the cold and dark.

Impaired Driving

December is also National Impaired Driving Prevention Month, so we would be remiss if we didn’t mention the risks associated with driving under the influence. A lot of people indulge over the holidays, and it’s tempting to get into a vehicle afterward. It’s important to remember to only drive when you are safe to do so, and below legal limits of alcohol or any other drug influence. Alcohol, recreational drugs and even a lot of prescription drugs can impair your ability to drive safely, so be sure to reflect before you imbibe. Take precautions, like having a designated driver, taking a cab or an Uber, or asking the host to confiscate your keys and planning to stay overnight if you are going to drink or use drugs during your holiday celebrations. This will help keep you, your loved ones, and other people in your community safe so that you and they can enjoy the holidays without tragedy for years to come.

Community Resources

If you need cold weather gear but can’t afford it, there are lots of community resources that can help! Sometimes these resources change with available funding, so we recommend you ask to talk to one of our case managers next time you see your doctor at ICHC. Tell them what you need and they will help link you up with the current resources!

Slips and falls can also be prevented with proper gear, but you can ask a case manager about other resources if you need help clearing the snow and ice at home or need major changes made to your home’s walkways for safety. Funding for these things also comes and goes, but it never hurts to ask and see if anything is available in your area now. Seniors and people with disabilities can also contact the Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) for more information.

You can always talk to your primary care doctor about your mood to see if you might benefit from treatment such as medication or talk therapy. At ICHC, we screen for depression and other mood disorders, and we’re happy to help start you on a conversation about your mental health needs. We also screen for alcohol and substance use disorders, and can help you find resources in the community if you need it. Not sure if you need help? Go here for more information about alcohol use disorder.

To reach out to a primary care doctor or a counselor in your area, call 907-455-4567. We offer a sliding fee schedule based on your household size and income, so you can afford care no matter what.  

Author

The Quality Team @ ICHC The Quality department at ICHC brings you helpful information about your healthcare in Fairbanks and Healy, AK. We are proudly committed to ensuring high-quality "healthcare with a heart!"