With the festive season comes increased stress, changes in routine and overindulgence in food and alcohol. We want you to make merry, not make mistakes with your health.

So we asked Dr. Joshua Hazelton, trauma program medical director at WellSpan York Hospital, for some simple advice on how to stay safe over the holidays. The following tips are based on what he commonly sees this time of year:

1. Safely handle raw foods. Meat should be thoroughly cooked with an internal temperature of at least 165 degrees. 
2. Make sure your Christmas tree is safe. Water live Christmas trees regularly. Properly secure ornaments and the base of any tree to avoid the risk of it falling over.
3. Use proper caution with lights. Check that your lights aren’t damaged before hanging them. Keep lights unplugged when leaving the house and overnight and follow label guidelines for indoor/outdoor use. If using an extension cord, don’t use more than one and avoid stringing cords together.
4. Use ladders appropriately. Use ladders on flat surfaces and of appropriate height for the task. Maintain a spotter when climbing more than four feet off the ground.
5. Test home detectors. Make sure carbon monoxide and smoke detectors are tested once a month and placed on the entry level of the home.
6. Travel with care. Always wear a seat belt. Choose a designated driver before attending a holiday gathering. If someone has too much to drink, make sure they do not leave behind the wheel of a car. Eliminate phones and other handheld devices that could pose a distraction while driving. Using a GPS? Mount the device and start the route before you drive away.

When accidents and injuries happen, know where to go for care. We offer many convenient in person and virtual options to get the care you need today. Visit: Get Care Now - WellSpan Health