By Gina Horan
Staying Safe and Healthy During the Holidays
The Florida Department of Health in Lake County encourages residents and visitors to enjoy a healthy and safe holiday season by following a few key tips that support food safety, mental well-being and safe celebrations.
The holidays bring celebrations, travel and long to-do lists, but they also bring an increased need for awareness.
Holiday Eats
Food preparation starts long before the meal. Meat should be thawed in the refrigerator or in a sink filled with cold water that is changed every 30 minutes. Letting it sit on the counter creates the perfect environment for foodborne bacteria.
Raw foods should always stay separate from cooked items and hands, utensils and surfaces need frequent washing to avoid cross contamination. Although yummy, it’s also important to skip raw dough or batter made with eggs or flour to prevent exposure to harmful bacteria like E. coli and salmonella.
Using a food thermometer ensures meats and casseroles reach safe internal temperatures. Once the meal is ready, hot foods should stay above 140 degrees Fahrenheit and cold foods should remain below 40 degrees. Leftovers need refrigeration within two hours of being served.
When traveling with food, keep hot dishes insulated and place cold items on ice or gel packs to maintain safe temperatures.
Keep Calm and Merry-on
The season can also take a toll on mental well-being. Busier schedules and emotional pressures make it important to stay active even if it is just a short walk during holiday errands.
Scheduling time to unwind and choosing healthier ingredients with less sodium and better fats can support overall health. Reaching out to friends and neighbors can make a difference as the holidays often heighten feelings of loss or grief.
Sitting on the porch or by the fire with a hot cocoa or herbal tea is a nice way to relax.
Decorating and travel come with their own risks. Popular plants like holly berries, mistletoe, amaryllis and English ivy can be poisonous to children and pets. Extension cords should be covered and secured to prevent trips and falls. Spray-on artificial snow should be used with care since inhalation can irritate the lungs, so spray outdoors and allow plenty of time to dry.
On the road, families should double-check that car seats are installed correctly and matched to each child’s age and size. Drivers should be well rested behind the wheel and every outing should include a sober driver to ensure everyone gets home safely.
With a few thoughtful steps, the holiday season can stay joyful, healthy and safe for all.
For more information about the Florida Department of Health, visit FloridaHealth.gov.
Gina moved to Central Florida in August 2021 from the San Francisco Bay Area. She has a degree in linguistics and worked as a fashion editor, photo stylist lifestyle columnist and food writer for the Knight Ridder Newspaper Group. She also covered and photographed music festivals, fashion shows and sports throughout Northern California. In 2000, she joined KSAN radio as a morning show co-host and produced the news and sports content there for four years. She later covered travel, events and the restaurant scene for KRON-Bay TV. A veteran bartender, Gina has worked in hospitality on and off since high school. She has been with Akers Media since 2022 and hosts the Healthy Living Central Florida podcast. Her passions include travel, road trips, baseball, history books and podcasts, tasting menus and arriving in a new city without a map or guidebook.
