Citizens Memorial Hospital | Vitality | Winter 2019

6 VITALITY Winter 2019 COMMUNITY DEVICE-FREE DINNER Sharedmeals give families a chance to talk about the experiences of the day. Keepmeals family-focused! Set all electronics aside, and concentrate on the food and each other. American Academy of Pediatrics Fireplace safety 101 The glow of a cozy, crackling log in the fireplace can warm the spirit on winter evenings. But while that fire may be comfy, it is also a potential threat to your home and family. Follow these fireplace tips to help keep everyone safe: » Keep it clean. Have your chimney professionally inspected and cleaned once a year. Limit the ash layer depth at the base of the fireplace to 1 inch or less. » Burn only dry, aged wood. Green wood makes unhealthy smoke and contributes to flammable soot buildup. Never burn paper or other materials that can escape and spark a blaze. » Use a fireplace screen. Be sure it is heavy enough to contain sparks and embers. » Keep flammable objects away from the fireplace. This includes furniture, drapes and books. » Don’t leave a fire unattended. Make sure the fire is out cold before you leave the room or go to sleep. Sources: American Academy of Pediatrics; Department of Homeland Security; National Safety Council HEALTHY HOLIDAYS ways to go green for the holidays As you shop and decorate this holiday season, think green. Not the color—but sustainability. Here are 10 ways to help make your holiday experience more environmentally friendly: Sources: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; U.S. Environmental Protection Agency 1 Buy a living tree to plant outside after the holidays. 2 Use LED lighting for all your holiday decorations. 3 Place decorative lights on a timer to save electricity. 4 Knit, sew, bake or otherwise create your own gifts. 5 Buy party snacks and beverages in bulk to avoid extra packaging. 6 Serve food with washable utensils, plates and glasses. 7 Try to consolidate your shopping trips to save time and fuel. 8 Use reusable cloth bags for your holiday purchases. 9 Wrap presents in creative materials, such as fabrics, old maps or sheet music. 10 Save ribbons, ties, bags and other wrappings to reuse next year. 10