Tips for a Safe and Healthy Christmas

Follow this simple Checklist for a safe and healthy Christmas.

Christmas can be busy and stressful. Here are some simple things you can do to enjoy your holiday and stay healthy.

Do you have enough scripts and medications to get you through the public holidays?
If you are going away, do you have an up to date list of your medications?
Christmas can be stressful or lonely. The Mental Health Line can offer support: 1800 011 511
If you have a health concern but your GP is closed, you can call Health Direct for trustworthy health advice: 1800 022 222
Avoid hurting yourself or others, drink safely this Christmas. Visit healthdirect.gov.au for information on managing your alcohol intake.

Looking at health information online? These tips will help you understand if you are reading reliable information:

  • Is it clear who wrote the material? e.g. is the author a government organisation or qualified health professional?
  • Is the site trying to sell a product or is sponsored by a product? Information may be biased. 
  • Is the information current? When was it last reviewed?
  • Is the site Australian? Information from other countries may not be relevant here.
JargonPlain Language
Pre-opBefore surgery
ECGElectrical picture of your heart
PRNWhen needed
SupineOn back
Discharge planningMaking a plan to get out of hospital
FastDo not eat during this time
SatsOxygen in blood
RestorationFilling
FractureBreak
PathologySomething is not working right
Verbal comprehensionUnderstanding what other people are saying
FebrileHigh temperature
IVFDrip
GaitWalking pattern
BilateralBoth sides
AbstainDon’t do
UF goalHow much fluid we want to take off
Primary health assessmentHealth check with GP
ProphylacticTo prevent
QID4 times a day
PivotChanging from an old strategy
AF(atrial fibrillation) Heart flutter/irregular heart rate
Nil by mouthNothing to eat or drink
Upper limbsArms
ScreeningChecking/testing
DyspnoeaShortness of breath
AnalgesiaPain relief

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