This Sunday, with millions of people attending Super Bowl viewing parties in homes, bars, and restaurants across the country, safety and health should be a primary concern. With so many people heading out to parties, the roads can be a hazardous place to be both before and after the big game. The living room can also be hazardous for kids and pets when it is full of raucous partygoers. Also, Super Bowl gatherings often provide the opportunity to eat and drink too much. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has come up with a list of 5 tips to help ensure your Super Bowl Sunday is a safe and healthy one.

1. Eat healthy. If you are attending a Super Bowl party, it is a good idea to eat a healthy meal before you go. That way you won’t be tempted to snack throughout the long game or to overindulge in unhealthy foods. If you are hosting the party, include some healthy snack and entrée options. You can still serve the traditional typical pizza, wings, and chips, but try including some fresh fruits and vegetables, such as apples or carrot sticks, and food and options that are low in sugar and fat, such as "baked" potato chips, low-fat dips, and pretzel sticks. You can also offer low-fat beverage options such as coffee, tea, and fruit drinks.
   
   
2. Limit alcohol. If you are a partygoer, avoid overindulging in alcoholic beverages before, during, and after the game. Moderate alcohol consumption may be fine, as long as you are not driving. Plan ahead and designate a non-drinking driver before the party begins. If you are a host, take steps to make sure that all your guests avoid driving under the influence of alcohol. Remind your guests to plan ahead and designate their sober driver. Offer alcohol-free beverages. Take responsibility and make sure all of your guests leave with a sober driver.
   
   
3. Move around. If you watch the pre-game, game, and after-celebration, you will spend eight hours or more sitting. Make sure to include some physical activity during the day. You don’t necessarily need to go for a two mile run a halftime, just try to include some activities that raise your breathing and heart rate. Play a game of touch football during pregame or at halftime. Take a brisk 10 minute walk. Go up and down the stairs a few times. Anything to get you moving around.
   
   
4. Stay warm. Many parts of the country are pretty chilly right now. If it’s going to be cold where you are, take steps to stay warm, especially if you have to be outdoors for any length of time. Dress warmly wearing loose-fitting layers that you can easily remove if you get hot. Drink warm liquids that don’t contain caffeine or alcohol, which tend to dehydrate you. Contrary to popular belief, alcohol does not warm you up; instead it actually causes your body to lose heat more quickly. When using a heat sources such as a radiator or space heater, make sure it is at least three feet away from furniture and drapes.
   
   
5. Be careful. Injuries can easily occur to adults or children if you are not paying attention. Parties and tailgating can be fun, but it’s important to pay close attention to things that may cause injury. Take precautions to help prevent unwanted contact (physical, emotional, or sexual) between individuals. Watch the kids: DO NOT leave children unattended. Make sure your pets can handle the excitement before placing them in new or strange situations. If not, keep them in a safe place away from the noise, but make sure they have adequate food and water and that they get an opportunity to go to the bathroom. Never use generators, grills, camp stoves, or other or other combustible heat source indoors. Have a first-aid kit in your home and vehicle to handle injuries, like small cuts and bruises. Be especially careful when playing with children, particularly if you have been drinking.

Enjoy the game!

Have questions about party safety or other health issues? Ask the Experts at Healia Health Communities.

<sub>Source: CDC Office of Women's Health, modified January, 2009. http://www.cdc.gov/men/superbowl/index.htm

Photo: Alissa Gail Oakley, Flickr, Creative Commons</sub>