December is here, which for many South Africans means a welcome break from the daily grind. It’s that time of year when schools close, many parents take leave and families generally have more time to relax and reconnect with each other. Whether you’re heading to the coast, visiting family far away or enjoying a relaxing staycation at home without the usual stresses, the festive season also comes with its own set of challenges – and health risks if you have a family. After all, routines are different, children are more active (often near water), days are longer and hotter and a change in routine can also mean a lapse in safety precautions. This holiday period, take these five precautions to ensure you can have peace of mind during your December downtime.
- Stay safe on the road
Road safety is the first place to start, especially in South Africa. Road accidents are at a peak during the holiday season as people travel long distances to head to the coast or see family: in December 2024, there were a total of 1502 fatalities from 1200 road crashes nationwide. If you are driving far, plan your journey to include regular stops so you can stay alert behind the wheel. Don’t drive if you’ve been drinking, obey speed limits and avoid driving at night. Always do a safety check on your car before you leave, including checking your tyres, windscreen wipers, lights and indicators.
- Practice sun awareness
For kids, December holidays mean more time outside – which means more sun exposure at the hottest time of year. Keep your family in the habit of drinking water regularly, and be sure to pack extra fluids if you’re out for the day. It’s also the height of summer, so sun safety is essential. Children’s skin is much more sensitive than that of adults, and sunburn can happen quicker than you think, so always use a high SPF sunscreen and reapply it often or after swimming. Get your kids in the habit of wearing hats and rash vests as an extra layer of sun protection.
- Prepare a family first aid kit
Climbing trees, swimming, cycling, hiking and running around are all part of the joys of being a South African child in December, but more time spent being active also comes with an increased risk of minor injuries. Prepare as best you can for these mishaps by keeping a well-stocked first-aid kit to treat cuts, scrapes, bruises and stings. Within your kit, keep a stock of plasters in various sizes, antiseptic cream, bandages, cotton wipes, tweezers and antihistamines, along with children’s pain and fever medication. Insect repellent and rehydration sachets can also be useful.
Along with the first aid kit, make sure at least one adult in your family is familiar with basic first aid procedures, such as cleaning wounds, applying pressure to stop bleeding, and identifying signs of dehydration or heat exhaustion.
- Know what to do in a medical emergency
Even with the best precautions, emergencies can still happen, whether it’s an accident or an allergic reaction. Always keep a list of emergency numbers handy, including your nearest hospital, clinic and GP. In these stressful moments, it’s also helpful to know exactly what your medical aid policy covers and how to access emergency assistance if you need it. Fedhealth, for example, gives members access to the Emergency and Planned Procedure Hospital Cover benefit, which provides cover for emergency hospitalisation at any emergency facility, not only at designated network hospitals. This is especially important if you’re away from home and may not have immediate access to your familiar doctor or hospital.
- Watch the water
Whether you’re swimming in a pool at home, in a river or are at the beach, drowning is an increased risk over the holidays, but it’s also one of the most preventable tragedies. Even if they can swim, children should always be supervised around water, including swimming pools, beaches, rivers and even garden splash pools. If your children are new or young swimmers, consider water wings or flotation devices for extra support.
Even if your children can swim, designate a responsible adult as the dedicated watcher during swimming times, and have them commit to not being distracted on their phone while they’re “on duty”. Finally, life jackets are a must if you’re going on a boat.
- Keep family health routines in place
Holiday excitement and longer days can also mean a more disrupted sleep routine. Where possible, try to keep bedtime consistent: children who are overtired are more prone to accidents, bad moods and a lowered immunity. Summer is also “spoil season”, so try to balance sweet treats with nutritious meals and snacks. A good breakfast and regular access to fruit, yoghurt, and whole grains can stabilise energy levels during busy days.
We all look forward to holidays as a time to make memories, get much-needed rest and enjoy some meaningful family time. With a little planning and awareness, you can step into the festive season feeling relaxed, safe and anxiety-free.
