Tips from St. Luke's for a Healthy New Year

St. Luke’s Hospital at the Vintage wishes residents a Happy 2012! Here are their top four tips for a healthy year:

1. Wash your hands often. Keeping hands clean is one of the most important steps you can take to avoid getting sick and spreading germs to others. Wash your hands with soap and clean running water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and clean water are not available, use an alcohol-based product.
2. Get check-ups and vaccinations. Exams and screenings can help find problems before they start. They also can help find problems early, when the chances for treatment and cure are improved.  Vaccinations help prevent diseases and save lives.
3. Handle and prepare food safely. As you prepare holiday meals, keep you and your family safe from food-related illness. Wash hands and surfaces often. Avoid cross-contamination by keeping raw meat, poultry, seafood and eggs (including their juices) away from ready-to-eat foods and eating surfaces. Cook foods to the proper temperature. Refrigerate promptly. Do not leave perishable foods out for more than two hours.
4. Eat healthy, and be active. With balance and moderation, you can enjoy the holidays in a healthy way. Choose fresh fruit as a festive and sweet substitute for candy. Select just one or two of your favorites from the host of tempting foods. Find fun ways to stay active, such as dancing to your favorite holiday music. Be active for at least 2½ hours a week. Help kids and teens be active for at least one hour a day.

For more healthy tips visit St Luke’s at the Vintage homepage.