Health Tips for December 31

Health Tip: New Year's Safety for People and Pets

New Year's Eve is a night to have fun and celebrate the coming year. However, safety is a must when participating in the festivities. Whether you're staying in and celebrating with friends and family, or you're traveling to a party or city bash, following a few safety tips will ensure that you're safe and sound when the clock strikes midnight, ringing in 2010!

If you're driving, be aware of your surroundings. New Year's Eve is notorious for drunk driving, and the best way to keep you and your loved ones safe, is to know where you're at and be alert while behind the wheel.

If you're drinking, leave the keys with a designated driver. If you don't have a designated driver, call a taxi. If you're attending a party at someone else's home, leave your keys with the host. If you're the hostess, provide a bowl at the door where guests can put their keys before the party begins. This way, you can ensure no one leaves your home while intoxicated. Also remember: buzz driving is drunk driving.

If you're burning candles, incense or oil burners, remember to extinguish them before you turn in or before you leave the room they are burning in.

Be sure smoke alarms are working and batteries are up to date. If you are hosting a New Year's party, this is a safety measure that is essential, especially if you are cooking. Be sure you change the batteries a few days before your party so you are sure all smoke alarms are in working order.

If you’re attending a party in a larger city, or where there are crowds, travel with a group or in pairs. With the festivities in full force around you, traveling with someone else will ensure you are never by yourself at any time. The last thing you want is to get lost in the midst of thousands of people and have to ring in the New Year by yourself.

If you are letting off fireworks in a residential area, be sure to practice proper safety precautions when using them. Let off fireworks in a field or other open area where homes and power lines are out of site. Have a fire extinguisher nearby and never try to re-light a firework that did not go off when first lit. Also, be sure pets and children are at a safe distance from where fireworks are being ignited. Finally, always have an adult present when using any type of firework.

New Year's Eve Pet Safety Tips

New Year's Eve is a great time for everyone to celebrate the coming of a new year and the memories of the old. Thought filled with celebration and fun for humans, it can often be a rough night for a lot of animals. Below are some things to keep in mind while you celebrate this wonderful event!

1. Be observant of your animal’s response to loud noises. Thunderstorms and fireworks are the best known causes for pet anxiety, but celebration party favors and popping champagne corks can be just as traumatizing. If you are hosting a New Year's Party, make sure your pets are placed in a comfortable area that is separate from the activities. Make sure they have plenty of water and are comfortable. When possible, refrain from keeping them outside, as fireworks and other neighbors celebrating can lead to the same ruckus and worry.

2. Always keep your pet’s tags on. In the case they do get spooked and bolt for an open door or gate, an ID tag will be imperative to getting them home safely.

3. Beware of alcohol! Many pets can be drawn to glasses of beer or liquor that has been left behind after the celebration is over. Consumption of alcohol can be highly dangerous for animals, and even deadly. Make sure to thoroughly clean up the area before you allow your pets to enter. Always keep a close eye on them, and never give them any alcohol as a treat or joke.

4. Be aware of party decorations. Balloons, streamers, party hats or confetti can be unhealthy for an animal if ingested. While decorating for your party, keep the animals in a separate area where they do not have access to the decorations. If they do get into them, consult a veterinarian immediately.