© Trillium Health Centre 2008 Be Prepared Are you ready for the holiday season? Here is our checklist and some tips to help you to be prepared.

© Trillium Health Centre 2008 Holiday Checklist Some preparation to consider…. Medications: Make sure that everyone in your family has enough of their medications, both prescription and non-prescription, to last over the holiday season.

© Trillium Health Centre 2008 Holiday Checklist Call your doctor’s office and your local pharmacy: find out what their hours will be over the holidays and ask about any back-up coverage arrangements.

© Trillium Health Centre 2008 Holiday Checklist Get a flu shot. Your family doctor can offer this service or refer you to the nearest clinic that does.

© Trillium Health Centre 2008 Holiday Checklist Medical Supplies: Ensure that you have all your needed supplies such as needles, glucose testing equipment, oxygen, inhalers, etc prior to the holidays.

© Trillium Health Centre 2008 Holiday Checklist Medical equipment: Have extra batteries on hand for equipment such as electric wheelchairs.

© Trillium Health Centre 2008 Holiday Checklist Medical Checkups: If you’re due for a checkup or tests, try to schedule them before the holidays especially “return to work” notes.

© Trillium Health Centre 2008 Be Prepared for an Emergency Update all emergency telephone numbers and post them in a visible place, like your refrigerator.

© Trillium Health Centre 2008 Be Prepared for an Emergency Remind visiting family members and friends to bring their health card, or health insurance information, as well as their medication list.

© Trillium Health Centre 2008 Holiday Season Medical Care Know when your family doctor is available Emergency medical care is always available at the local emergency department

© Trillium Health Centre 2008 Know When It is an Emergency Sometimes it is difficult to know whether your problem is serious or not. If you’re not sure, you may wish to call Telehealth Ontario at for free access to a registered nurse who will help with any health related question. They are available 24 hours every day of the year.

© Trillium Health Centre 2008 You need Emergency Care When you are experiencing pains or tightness in the chest

© Trillium Health Centre 2008 You need Emergency Care When you think you may have fractured or broken a bone, or have a wound that may need stitches

© Trillium Health Centre 2008 You need Emergency Care When you have severe pain When you have shortness of breath

© Trillium Health Centre 2008 You need Emergency Care Where the person is choking or having difficulty breathing

© Trillium Health Centre 2008 You need Emergency Care When you have sudden, severe headaches, vision problems, sudden weakness, numbness and/or tingling in the face, arm or leg, trouble speaking, or dizziness

© Trillium Health Centre 2008 You need Emergency Care If your child has diarrhea and vomiting and won’t eat or drink

© Trillium Health Centre 2008 You need Emergency Care When a baby under six months has a fever over 37.9  C or 100  F When a child over six months has a fever over 38.5  C or 101  F

© Trillium Health Centre 2008 If it is an emergency… Go directly to the nearest Emergency Department or call 911

© Trillium Health Centre 2008 Prevent Emergency Visits Care for yourself and those around you by: Getting a flu shot

© Trillium Health Centre 2008 Prevent Emergency Visits Do not drink and drive

© Trillium Health Centre 2008 Prevent Emergency Visits Be fire safe: Do not overload power outlets or leave candles burning, keep natural trees well watered, and do not place decorations near fireplaces

© Trillium Health Centre 2008 Prevent Emergency Visits Use extra caution when driving on snowy or icy roads Equip your car with snow tires, an ice scraper, blanket, first aid kit, and windshield wiper fluid

© Trillium Health Centre 2008 Prevent Emergency Visits Keep your sidewalks and walkways clear of ice and snow Avoid shoveling heavy snow

© Trillium Health Centre 2008 Prevent Emergency Visits Ensure you and your children wear protective equipment when participating in winter sports (hockey helmets, face shields, mouth guards, etc). Wear a helmet when cycling, skateboarding, etc…..