HO HO… Oh no! Christmas party medical standby

'Tis the season for “Holiday Party Mode” which means companies and Calgary will be gearing up for some berry Christmas sangrias and those hard-to-resist eggnog rums. 

But while Christmas wouldn’t feel like Christmas without a jolly shindig or two… Or three, don’t forget that accidents do happen.

This month, Medical Standby Coordinator Ali Vanderveen chats about hosting your special bash minus the safety risks.

 

“If you know you’ve got at least 50-plus people attending your event, consider using medical standby to cover your business’s liability,” Ali explains.

Whether it’s taking a spill by the insta-snow powder or consuming too much to drink – having a first aid station and qualified personnel on hand gets the situation under control promptly.

“No one wants to anticipate what could go wrong with friends, family or coworkers – however onsite medical standby is a sure way to ensure the wellbeing of your guests,” she says.

So what about those larger-sized parties, say of 20,000 people? AHASTI’s got that covered too.

Our medical teams are built by your specific party needs and include: Emergency Medical Technicians, Emergency Medical Responders and certified First Aid and CPR professionals.

 

“Think of us as an ambulance without wheels… 

We’ve got the training and equipment to handle any type of emergency and can seek backup whenever required,” Ali elaborates.

Of course, the perk of hosting a celebration with a bonafide bartender— and medical standby – is that you can enjoy the party! Without over-worry about every little spill or the welfare of each guest.

Feel free to inquire about AHASTI medical standby by emailing or calling Ali at: avanderveen@safetyed.ca, 403-875-1914.

We’d be happy to serve your safety requirements for any occasion. Merry holidays!

Recent AHASTI events:

Ride to Conquer Cancer

Alberta Peloton

Parks Foundation Calgary

Canadian Diabetes Association

Ronald McDonald House “Rock the House Run”

Poisonous holiday plants: Holly, mistletoe, poinsettia

Christmas is coming!

You’ve indulged in eggnog latte(s), dragged the tree out of storage and your holiday plants are blooming in full glory – but did you know poinsettias (among other Christmas floras) are poisonous?

This season, find out what’s toxic and what’s not before the in-laws, friends and pets come over:

Holly and mistletoe

Looking forward to festooning your doorway with boughs of holly and mistletoe?

It may be hard to fathom why – but the leaves, bark and especially berries of these seasonal shrubberies contain deadly poison theobromine and toxin phoraxin. And if accidently gnawed on by children or pets much intestinal upset like: vomiting, diarrhea and excessive drooling can ensue.

Keep your holidays merry by adorning holly and mistletoe out of reach from dogs and kids. Or, opt to “deck the halls” with artificial-silk mistletoe instead.

Poinsettia

Though poinsettias take center stage when it comes to ornamental bouquets on the dining table – a simple rub against its sap can cause mild, itchy rashes.

Likewise snacking on a leaf or two may spur vomiting and stomach pain. However, if you’ve landed on this classic plant for Christmas, don’t feel too anxious – warn guests beforehand and use warm water with soap ASAP if a sideswipe with skin happens.

Jerusalem cherry

If you’re looking for that vibrant red or orange pop atop your rustic Christmas mantle, Jerusalem cherry does the trick. But keep in mind that just a swallow of this decorative plant can lead to unwanted hallucinations, skin redness and vomiting.

Lilies

Cultivated in pots and stylishly placed in vases – snow white lilies can brighten up the room and keep your Christmas décor from looking cliché.

But do take note that lilies are highly toxic to cats and dogs. Just a small bite of this flora can severely seize your kitty’s digestive system and warning signs like: convulsions, arrhythmia and gastrointestinal pains can swiftly arise.

Harmless holiday alternatives

Gifting a seasonal plant this year? Consider these festive yet harmless options:

Christmas cactus

The Christmas cactus has been a holiday favorite since the 1800s! Made of arching branches, spineless joints and flat green leaves – rosy red, white and fuchsia flowers can be expected to bloom come December.

Lucky bamboo plant

Lucky bamboo plants are floral shop favorites and according to feng shui – bring harmony and fortune to the home.

This season, add to your gifts by giving a lucky piece to friends and family. Or dress up a glass vase with water and small pebbles along with a red ribbon for prosperity and ready your home for the holidays.

Jade plant

Also called the money plant or friendship tree, these easy-to-care-for plants have plump leaves, thick branches and boast pink or white star-shaped flowers. Evergreen in color and attractive to the eye, jade plants are a gift of good luck and success.

Resources:                                                                                   

Dangerous holiday plants for pets

Ten surprising holiday dangers

Giving safe household plants for Christmas

How to banish dry, chapped winter skin

Nothing screams “dead of winter” like dry scaly hands and scabby callused feet with cracked heels. Frosty temps and biting winds can really do a number on healthy skin!
 

This season don’t fall victim to dryness, instead sooth your skin and give your mug some extra care with these tips: 

Hook up a humidifier

Before getting some shuteye, offset dry indoor heat-blasts by cranking up the humidifier. These handy engines sprout moisture into your air supply and keeps skin from becoming dry and flaky.

Oil up your feet

Keep feet from feeling like sandpaper by gently sloughing off dead skin with a pumice stone. Pamper your toes with thick foot creams and slip on some socks when finished. It might seem nerdy, but sporting socks while sleeping helps the skin absorb more cream. (The Huffington Post)

Ban the hot baths

Sure, soaking your chilly bones in a burning-hot bath after frolicking in the snow feels amazing.

But intense heat from your steamy shower or bath actually sucks the moisture out of your skin and breaks down its protective layer.

Next time, try a warm soak with a few cups of whole milk. The proteins and fat found in moo-juice helps hydrate your skin and retains moisture even after you’ve stepped out of the tub. (How Stuff Works)

Hydrate your hands

Freezing fingers and cracked, painful skin are always dilemmas in sub-zero temps. 

Indulge your hands by switching out your lotion for a thick, hydrating cream. To really rehab scaly skin – massage thick cream into hands before slipping on some cotton gloves for the night. Enclosed spaces help hydration elements take hold faster.

Give your mug some extra love

Don’t put away the SPF 30 just because it’s snowy season. Winter UV rays and bright snow glare can still wreak havoc on delicate skin. Treat your sensitive face with care by switching to a milder face wash and stay away from drying cleansers that contain alcohol.

For deep-moisture masks, take a wander through your kitchen before heading down the beauty isle. 

Egg yolk, banana, avocado and milk make superb moisturisers, minus the store-bought chemicals. (The Huffington Post)

Drink H2O and then some

Keep your body hydrated with water, especially during icy winter. That’s when dry air and chilly winds like to zap your body’s H2O supply quicker than usual. Replenish your daily water intake by drinking more than you think you need.