Winter is a time for celebrating with friends and family, while staying healthy and warm. Although we have mostly pleasant weather all year long, winter in Los Angeles County brings colder temperatures, more rain, and usually increased flu activity. Here are some tips to help keep you and your family healthy this winter.

CELEBRATING HEALTHY HOLIDAYS

Small changes to your holiday habits can add up to a happier and healthier season.

• Celebrate healthy choices: Start new traditions around eating healthy, moving more, and living tobacco free.
• Choose less, weigh less: Indulge in festive treats without packing on the pounds. Enjoy holiday food in moderation or balance with healthier foods between holiday celebrations.
• Don’t skip meals: Missing a meal can make you overeat later. Eat breakfast, and try snacking on nuts, fruit, or veggies to curb your hunger for sweets.

IT’S FLU SEASON

Avoid being sick in bed. Get immunized instead. The best way to protect yourself and your loved ones from the flu is by getting the annual flu immunization.

• What is the flu? Influenza (aka the "flu") is a contagious illness that causes fever and headache, extreme tiredness, dry cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, and muscle aches.
• Fight Flu: Even healthy people can get very sick from the flu and spread it to others.
• You can’t miss it: The flu immunization is available at all Public Health clinics, local pharmacies, and your doctor’s office.

Find a flu immunization clinic near you and learn more about protect yourself this flu season at: http://bit.ly/LACflu.

STAYING SAFE IN COLD WEATHER

In cold temperatures, your body loses heat faster which may lead to serious health problems. Take precautions to protect yourself from the cold:

• Dress in layers of warm clothing if you plan to be outdoors.
• Protect head, hands and feet from the cold by wearing a hat, scarf, gloves, and socks.
• Check on and help family members, friends and neighbors with limited mobility and limited access to heat, such as seniors or those who are ill. Check on them frequently.
• If you have pets, bring them indoors and do not leave them outside overnight.

People exposed to cold weather or extremely cold conditions can develop hypothermia or frostbite. Check the CDC’s Winter Weather website to learn more about the signs of hypothermia and frostbite.

WASH YOUR HANDS

As the weather changes and flu season peaks, it’s important to stop the spread of germs so you can stay safe and healthy. Handwashing is one of the best ways to protect yourself and family from getting sick.

• Wash your hands often to keep them clean and germ-free. Lather up with soap and water for at least 15-20 seconds, then rinse and dry completely.
• Wash hands before, during and after preparing food.
• Keep it clean: Always wash your hands before you begin work, before and after every meal, and after you use the restroom or change diapers.

SAY NO TO RAW DOUGH

Baking delicious treats is a perfect way to spend time with friends and family. Follow these safety tips to stay healthy when handling raw dough.

• When preparing uncooked cookie dough, cake mixes, or bread, don’t taste it. Eating raw or unbaked dough or batter can make you sick.
• Follow the recipe or package directions for baking at the proper temperature and time.
• Keep raw foods such as flour or eggs separate from ready-to eat-foods.
• Clean up thoroughly after handling flour, eggs, or raw dough:
  • Wash your hands with running water and soap after handling flour, raw eggs, or any surfaces that they have touched.
  • Wash bowls, utensils, countertops, and other surfaces with warm, soapy water.

ENJOY LIFE TOBACCO-FREE

It doesn’t matter if this is your first or your 15th attempt at quitting. With motivation and planning, you can begin your journey to a tobacco free life.

• 68% of those who smoke cigarettes are interested in quitting. Encourage someone you know to make a Quit Plan. Call 1-800-NO-BUTTS for free help & support.
• Quitting smoking isn't easy. It takes time. And a plan. Make today “day one” of your journey toward a smoke-free life.
• When someone you know has made the decision to try to quit smoking, you can have an important role in their success.