Holiday Do's and Don'ts

Risks are everywhere!  Even at this time of year.  Here are a few to avoid, and a few to stop worrying about.
 
DO: Fly on an airplane, even if you're subjected to a full body scanner.  Mayo Clinic doctors report that the amount of radiation from one airport full body scan is equivalent to two minutes of flying in an airplane, or to sleeping next to another person for one night.  And the American College of Radiology estimates it would take more than 1000 full body scans a year to equal the radiation in a standard chest X-ray dose.
 
DON'T: Get addicted to holiday drinks!  WebMD says a Peppermint White Chocolate Mocha can pack 430 calories, an Eggnot Latte can pack 450 calories, and a Peppermint Mocha Hot Chocolate or Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate can pack 350 calories apiece--IF you skip the whipped cream and order lowfat milk!
 
DO: Give age appropriate presents.  And avoid giving or receiving toys with small parts that kids can choke on, or sharp edges that kids can cut themselves on, or other dangerous toys--like the ones listed on the link below.
 
DON'T: Forget to wash your hands, or use hand sanitizer, whenever you're about to pop something in your mouth--or your child's mouth.  Holiday crowds are wonderful, but viruses and bacteria love them as much as we do.  And don't forget to get flu shots.  Influenza loves holiday crowds, too.
 
Have a safe and wonderful holiday season!  We're so grateful to be a part of the Ann Arbor and Chelsea communities, and a part of your wonderful families.  Take care of yourselves, and we'll see you all next year.
 
 
http://www.medpagetoday.com/PublicHealthPolicy/PublicHealth/23614
 
http://blogs.webmd.com/healthy-recipe-doctor/2010/12/starbucks-holiday-drinks-dos-and-donts.html
 
http://www.forbes.com/2010/12/03/ten-dangerous-toys-for-2010-personal-finance_slide.html