Photo: supplied to: Shilo Stag Media
Supplied to:
Shilo Stag Media
Winter and the holiday season are a great time to gather with family and friends, enjoy a variety of foods, and get outside to stay active. Our experts at Strengthening the Forces share tips on how to enjoy this special time of year safely and responsibly.
‘Tis the season for a show of kindness
The holiday season can be a demanding time of year. We encourage you to show yourself and others a little kindness. Kindness is a gift that will keep on giving all year round with proven mood and health benefits for all involved. Taking care of yourself is an act of kindness that benefits everyone – don’t let up on your self-care routine this season. Self-care supports your well-being and your ability to be there for others.
Enjoy food with company: tips to make it healthy and relaxing
This winter, reap the benefits of sharing food with family, friends or at work while being mindful of healthy eating recommendations. Sharing food traditions is a great way to connect. Create an enjoyable atmosphere when hosting – guests will remember the company and the experience just as much as the food you served.
Tips:
- Preparing your meal in advance helps you relax and enjoy time with your guests.
- Portion-plan by building half your plate with vegetables and fruit to decrease cravings.
- Including a healthy protein keeps you feeling full longer.
- Including a whole grain like brown rice, barley, or quinoa with your meal adds extra nutrients and fibre.
- Explore new healthy recipes and create new food traditions.
Drink Less. Live More. Stay Safe!
Whether we are hosting or attending a gathering, as Defence Team members, and especially leaders of all ranks, we can create an environment that promotes substance use health. This helps everyone feel respected and included for a healthier and safer holiday.
Here are some easy ways you can help:
- Watch this short video that shows What Right Looks Like for respectful celebrations.
- Learn how to celebrate safely.
- Take the Alcohol Quiz and get the facts.
- Try the Simulation: HighWay Home: Impaired Driving.
Extra resources:
- Leaders of all ranks: promote substance-free / healthier substance use activities
- Mocktail recipes
- Operation Red Nose
- Tips to talk about substance use
Skating: have fun, be safe!
Skating offers many health benefits, whether it’s at an indoor arena, a backyard rink, a frozen lake or river, or forest trails. Still, even avid skaters can experience serious injuries.
Over the last seven years, almost 5,000 ice-skating-related emergency room visits were reported by 20 Canadian hospitals: 35% of these were for fractures, and 14% for traumatic brain injuries.
Safe skating advice:
- Always wear a helmet;
- Skate in the same direction as everyone else;
- Before skating – inspect the ice for cracks, bumps, holes, etc.;
- Never skate near open water on a frozen lake, or on stormwater management ponds.
Also, remember:
- Give the gift of physical activities to those you care about, and
- Exercising in the dark? Increase your Visibility!
Strengthening the Forces wishes you and your family a safe, healthy and happy winter.