Tips for a safer New Year’s Eve

A big part of staying healthy is making smart decisions.　 While New Year’s Eve is a very fun occasion, it’s imperative that you keep your health and safety in mind on this exciting evening.　 Check out some helpful tips to consider when planning your New Year’s festivities.

• If you are not of legal age to consume alcohol this New Year’s, do not drink it.

• If you are of age and you choose to drink, drink in moderation.　 Because your senses and perception are affected when you’re tipsy or drunk, you may be more accident-prone.　 Do your best to avoid accidents like tripping and falling by being coherent and aware of your surroundings.

• Whether they’re alcoholic or not, pour your drinks yourself, or watch them being poured at the bar.　 This decreases the chance that anything harmful can be slipped into your drink.　 Hold on to your drink the entire time you want to drink it.　 If you go to the bathroom and can’t or don’t bring your drink with you, therefore leaving it out of your sight, abandon it and get a new one once you’re thirsty again.　 If you sense that there’s anything suspicious about your drink, do not drink it.

• If you’re going to drink alcohol, don’t drive.　 Plan your way home in advance.　 Arrange for a designated driver, use mass/public transit if it’s available in your area, or call a cab.　 It may be handy to store some local cab companies’ numbers in your cell phone so you can access them easily. Or, if you’re going to a party at the home of a friend or family member, ask them in advance if you can crash at their place.

• Make sure you eat if you drink alcohol—this can help soak up some of the alcohol in your belly.　 And while you’re drinking alcohol, also drink water—alcohol can dehydrate you, so stay hydrated with water.

• Watch what you eat.　Lots of yummy little fried appetizers being present is a tempting situation that can help you pack on extra unwanted pounds.　 Load up first on healthy fare like crudités or fruits, and go after cocktail franks and mini quiches sparingly.

• If you’re going to festivities that are outdoors in a chilly locale (like New Year’s Eve in Times Square), dress appropriately.　 Wear/bring a coat, hat and/or earmuffs, scarf, gloves or mittens, and closed-toe shoes.　 When possible, dress in layers and don’t leave any skin exposed—if you want to wear a short skirt, at least wear some tights underneath it.　 Consider wearing thermal underwear for an extra layer of protection.

• If you are going to any sort of event or party that is going to be packed with people, make sure you are aware of the fire exits and other means of egress in case of an emergency.

• Stick together. If you’re out on the town with friends or family, stick with them.　 When you’re ready to leave, make sure everyone you came with is present and accounted for.

• Don’t set off your own fireworks or shoot firearms (especially if you’ve been consuming alcohol).　 If you want to make some noise when the clock strikes twelve, find a safer way to do it–bang some pots and pans together or use party horns and other party-style noisemakers.

• Don’t engage in risky or careless behavior, such as climbing up onto a rooftop to drink or watch your town’s fireworks or local ball drop.　 Especially if you have been drinking and/or are in fancy party shoes with tall heels, be careful on the stairs, walking over grates in the sidewalk and street, and entering and exiting vehicles.

• If you are hosting a party, make sure there are non-alcoholic drinks available for your guests who do not wish to drink or who are designated drivers.　 Also take measures to ensure that any guests who are underage cannot access any alcohol in your home.

• If hosting a party, make sure you offer food if you have alcoholic drinks present.　 Salty foods encourage people to drink more, so instead choose foods like high-protein and high-carbohydrate foods that can help slow the effects of alcohol.

Health Advocate wishes you and your family a fun and safe New Year’s!