Here’s one simple way to stay safe and healthy this Thanksgiving

| Healthy You | Safety

Three young children ride piggyback on a smiling red-haired man outside with fall leaves on the ground

Use this principle to avoid common traps and hazards during the holidays.

Holidays have a way of bringing out the best (and, okay, if we’re honest, sometimes the worst) in people. But these days on the calendar are meant to be a time to take a break and celebrate, not stress out.

As you try to make things special and memorable, consider one tip you can apply to everything you do…slow down.  

It’s tempting to get in a rush. And it’s easy to think you need to make everything perfect. Consider giving yourself permission to just breathe and stay in the moment. 

“We are often so busy that it can be hard to stop and feel connected with the important people in your life,” says Serena Black, MD, a pediatric hospitalist in Springfield, Oregon and the medical director of pediatrics at PeaceHealth.

Here’s how this simple “slow down” principle can keep all of you safe and healthy this holiday:

1. In the kitchen, slowing down helps you and others:  

  • Remember to wash hands, counters and other items you need to prepare foods.
  • Focus on food safety. Keep hot foods hot and cold ones cold. Avoid cross contamination by using separate cutting boards and utensils for raw meat. Chopping and prepping veggies or fruit the day ahead can also reduce this danger.  
  • Prevent cuts and/or burns during all the work leading up to the meal. Ask for help to turn down distractions when using sharp knives and handling hot dishes.

2. At the table, slowing down can help you and others:  

  • Prevent indigestion, which can happen when you eat too fast or more than usual.
  • Avoid choking or swallowing wrong.  
  • Use thoughtful and kind manners. With relaxed, comfortable attitudes, it’s much easier to digest the meal and appreciate the company.

3. On the road, slowing down helps you:  

  • Get where you’re going without incident. Being attentive to weather, road conditions, your speedometer and other drivers reduces your risk for accidents or tickets.
  • Enjoy getting from point A to point B no matter if you’re flying, driving or taking a train. If your family is traveling at this time of year, these tried and true parenting hacks might ease the way.

4. Over the holiday break, slowing down means you and others can:  

  • Get better acquainted or catch up on each other’s lives. Being socially connected (in real life) can do wonders for your health. Read these ideas for checking in with older loved ones about health concerns.
  • Spend a little time walking or playing catch with the kids. Gentle exercise can boost your appetite or help with digestion.
  • Share insights or ideas that bring joy. You might not always see eye to eye with everyone at the table. Try to focus on things you agree on.  
  • Decorate without ending up in urgent care. Brush up on ladder safety tips to avoid missteps and injuries.  
  • Make self-care a priority. Whether you’re a host, a guest or neither, it’s good to stay mentally and physically healthy this season and all year round. “When you prioritize your needs, you’re filling the tank, emotionally and physically, and that means you’ll be in a position to offer comfort and care to others when they need it most,” says Robyn McClennan, a patient navigator and certified health coach at PeaceHealth. 
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portrait of Serena S. Black MD

Serena S. Black MD

Pediatrics
Dr. Serena Black joined PeaceHealth Medical Group in 2011 after completing her residency at Children's Hospital & Research Center in Oakland, CA where she was also chief resident. Prior to medical school, Dr. Black lived in Philadelphia working in clinic research. It was there that she discovered how much she enjoyed working closely with patients and the desire to work directly with patients is what inspired her to go to medical school. She chose pediatric medicine because she believes the foundation of great pediatric care is the important relationships a provider must foster with patients and their families. When Dr. Black is not caring for patients in the clinic, she enjoys spending time with her husband and their young daughter. Traveling, reading and cooking are all passions for Dr. Black. She also likes to spend time outdoors and is excited about all the beautiful places Lane County offers for hiking and other outdoor pursuits.