Many doctors’ offices and drug stores are open for shorter hours over the holidays.
Make sure you have enough of you everyday medications and medical supplies, such as blood testing strips and hearing aid batteries, to last the duration of the holiday season.
Tips to Help Avoid a Trip to the Emergency Department
No one wants to spend time in an Emergency Departments (ED) over the holidays. Here are a few tips to help you reduce avoidable trips to the ED this holiday season.
- Everyone in your family should get a flu shot.
- Clear driveways and walkways of ice and snow to avoid spills and falls.
- Cold weather can cause serious health concerns, especially in the very young and elderly. Make sure to stay dry and dress warmly in several layers of loose-fitting clothing when outdoors.
- Handle, prepare and store food safely.
- Avoid the temptation to overindulge on holiday treats.
Tips for Parents with Young Children
Help keep children healthy over the holidays, by:
- Ensuring immunizations are up to date.
- Reminding children to wash hands frequently, especially after using the bathroom and before meals.
- Teaching kids to cough and sneeze into their elbow.
- Making sure they drink plenty of fluids.
- Keeping small items that can cause a choking hazard out of reach of young children.
- Providing healthy meals and snacks including lots of fresh fruit with vitamin C.
- Encouraging children to get enough rest and be active over the holidays.
Tips for Seniors and Their Families
Are you caring for an older adult or having an elderly family member visit over the holidays? Help keep them safe by:
- Asking them to bring all their medication in the original packaging or bring a complete list of current medications. In the event of an emergency, pills and other medications are much easier to identify in original packaging.
- Installing nightlights in the hallway to help family members and their way to the washroom at night.
- Removing scatter/throw rugs, they can cause trips and falls.
- Baby gates can be hazardous for seniors who can trip over them. Open the gates when toddlers are safely in their beds or, if gates must stay closed, ensure everyone is well aware of where they are in the house.
Health Care Options
For non-life-threatening illnesses or injuries visit Mackenzie Health’s Urgent Care Centre at
9401 Jane St. in Vaughan, Ontario, L6A 4H7.
The UCC is open 365 days a year.
Visit: www.mackenziehealth.com for more information.
UCC 2017/18 Holiday hours UCC Regular Hours
Dec 25 and 26: 10 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday - Friday: 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Dec 27-29: 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. Weekends/Holidays: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Dec 30-Jan 1: 10 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
For other local non-emergency medical services visit centralhealthline.ca and look for local walk-in medical clinics.
Telehealth Ontario is a free, confidential telephone service to get health advice from a Registered Nurse. Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Contact: 1-866-797-0000 or TTY: 1-866-797-0007
Ways to Give
For information on how you can make a meaningful contribution to Mackenzie Health this holiday season, visit mackenziehealth.com