The silly season has arrived! It’s a time of joy, celebration, and spending time with loved ones. However, it can also be a time of accidents and injuries (remember the Christmas when hoverboards were big?)

We've compiled a list of our top health and safety tips for the holiday season.

Preparing your home for the holidays

You might be a decorating machine or just wanting to pop a few lights on the tree. Either way, make sure you’re following basic safety steps. To decorate safely, ensure you’re following manufacturer's instructions and have power points turned off before plugging in lights. Check out the Energy Safe website for more electrical safety tips.

Avoid the Christmas lunch rush

December and January are traditionally the months the highest number of recorded road accidents. Avoid rushing when travelling to Christmas lunch and other social occasions. Plan your route ahead of time and allow plenty of time to get there. Visit the TAC website for road safety tips

Know the fire danger rating when you’re travelling

Never travel into any high-risk bushfire area where a Catastrophic day has been declared. If you're staying in a high-risk bushfire area, the safest option is to leave the night before or early in the day on which Catastrophic has been declared. Before you travel, make sure you download the relevant emergency app for your state and check the fire danger rating for your destination.

While you’re away, listen to local radio for warnings and advice when you’re on the road. Always follow the advice of emergency services.

Stay sun-smart

We all know how the Australian sun can be incredibly intense. Protect yourself by wearing a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen with a high SPF. Stay in the shade as much as possible, especially during the hottest part of the day where UV rays are highest (between 11am and 3pm). Visit the Cancer Council website for more advice on staying sun smart.

BBQ safety

Chuck a few prawns on the barbie this summer, but don't forget the golden rules: find a flat spot and steer clear of anything flammable; have a bucket of water or fire extinguisher ready to spring into action; avoid wearing loose clothing; and keep children and pets away from the BBQ area.

Energy Safe Victoria advises that you should ‘Know the Drill, before you Grill’. Be sure to check your gas connection before you BBQ - get into the habit of doing a soapy water check. Squirt your gas connection with soapy water to make sure there are no leaks. If no bubbles appear, you’re safe to use. Check out Know the Drill, Before you Grill for more.

Safety first, grill masters!

Stay hydrated

If you're planning a lot of time in the sun, it's important to stay hydrated and drink plenty of water. Sugary drinks and alcohol can cause dehydration, so it's best to avoid them. There are some more great tips (and ways to change your water up) available from The Cancer Council.

Wearing proper footwear

While it's tempting to slip on a pair of thongs and go about your day in summer, it's important to consider the impact on your feet. If you find yourself on your feet for extended periods of time, it's crucial to wear shoes that provide adequate support to avoid foot injuries and discomfort. If you’re already experiencing aches and pains at the end of the day, it’s time to check in with a podiatrist to get an assessment, orthotics, and advice on how to choose shoes that fit you well and provide good arch support. Latrobe Health covers orthotics on our Core Complete and Premier Extras packages.

For more tips, check out Footwear for Healthy Feet from the Better Health Channel. 

Be prepared with Latrobe ‘Elf Insurance

Mistakes can happen to anyone, that's why it's important to consider getting private health insurance. With Latrobe ‘Elf Insurance you can enjoy the holiday season with the peace of mind, knowing that you are covered for any accidents that may occur. Additionally, private health insurance can help you avoid the Medicare Levy Surcharge, an extra tax for high-income earners who don't have the appropriate level of health coverage.

Use your extras

With extras cover can stay on top of your health all year round! Latrobe Health’s extras can cover the costs of healthcare that is not covered by Medicare, such as dental, optical, physiotherapy and more*. If your Christmas wish this year is to have regular check-ups at the dentist, a new pair of glasses, or physiotherapy sessions to manage a sports injury, you can do so year-round with the help of Latrobe Health extras cover.

Learn more about extras here

*Benefit limits apply 

We hope that by following these 'elf and safety tips you can enjoy the silly season accident free!

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