It’s Memorial Day weekend. Party healthily.
By Julie Jordan
Published May 24, 2019
Memorial Day is the time of year when school is winding down and summer amping up. Georgians often escape to one of the state's many beautiful destinations: Lake Lanier, Savannah, the Blue Ridge Mountains. Where will you go? Who will go with you? Are you prepared to party safely and healthily? As you get into a summer mindset preparing for this teaser three-day weekend, consider these tips to make it a safe and healthy one as well.
1. Food prep.
When preparing food for parties, remember: clean, separate, cook and chill. Wash your hands and wash your cutting boards. Separate raw meat from other foods. Cook at a safe temperature. Learn more.
2. Drink water.
Stay hydrated during Memorial Day celebrations. The warmer weather will cause you to lose water quickly. Keep a supply of water on hand and drink it frequently to prevent dehydration and other heat-related illness.
3. Limit alcohol.
Be aware of your alcohol consumption. Alcohol lowers your inhibitions and makes it difficult to execute motor tasks with accuracy. When you combine this with swimming, boating, grilling and spending time with friends, the chances for accidents grow. Moderate drinking is one drink a day for women and two drinks a day for men. Anyone under 21, women who may be pregnant, people who plan to drive or operate heavy machinery, people who take certain prescriptions, people with certain medical conditions and people recovering from alcoholism should NOT drink.
4. Prevent STDs.
Get a tan and not an STD during Memorial Day festivities. Sexually transmitted diseases are passed for one person to another through sexual activity including vaginal, oral and anal sex. The most reliable way to prevent STDs is through abstinence. Reducing the number of sexual partners you have, practicing mutual monogamy and using condoms will help prevent STDs.
5. Protect your skin.
Sunshine is beautiful, but it can also be hazardous to your health. Wear sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher. Cover your skin with clothing. Stay in the shade while you can. Learn more about sun exposure.
6. Swim safely.
Honestly evaluate your swimming ability and the water’s quality before plunging in. Better swimming skills means safer swimming. Use pool safety tips and be aware of health advisories issued for natural bodies of water.
7. Boat safely.
Boater education is required in Georgia for those born on or after Jan. 1, 1998.
8. Travel safely.
Where do you plan to travel this Memorial Day weekend? How about this summer? Are you prepared? Consider pollen, high altitudes, insects, weather, your health conditions, health insurance and fireworks safety when traveling domestically. For international travel, learn about your destination’s health concerns and other considerations well in advance.
9. Protect against mosquitoes and ticks.
Ticks and mosquitoes will be plentiful this season in Georgia. Use repellant with DEET, and take precautions.
10. Use fireworks safely.
Fireworks are a lot of fun, but they can cause serious eye and burn injuries. Never allow young children to play with or ignite fireworks. Learn more.