Go for Healthy and Safe Holidays!
Thus, the needed campaigns to change the tide have to be deeper, concerted and sustained. Perhaps the necessary changes in our collective values, in our appreciation of festivities, and in our ways of celebrating are already obvious. Only, these are often waylaid in favor of the traditional and the careless.
Healthy Food, Safe Toys and “Green” Gifts for Christmas
Let me share a few tips for selecting what items to give loved ones and friends. Healthy food (and drinks), safe toys and “green” or environment-friendly gifts do not have to cost you much. Amid the inexpensive but substandard and potentially hazardous items that flood the market, these recommended gifts are already available. Just be patient in your search and remember to check if the items you are looking at meet the quality standards set for every product before buying them.
Consider giving food and other consumables that promote good health. I would add food supplements, vitamins and organic products that are made in the Philippines in my checklist. Filipino-produced consumables would help Filipino manufacturers, entrepreneurs and the economy. If items contain chemicals that pose harm to people, animals or the earth, simply look for better products that would meet your standards. Avoid pirated items, go for genuine. On the other hand, many items that are generic or “unbranded” prove to be durable, useful or of good quality.
Common sense also says, “avoid eating all the lechon you could reach for. Do not drink too much alcohol and risk getting into accidents. Never drink and drive...” Oftentimes, the merry making won't be complete without the indulgences. For these temptations, mindfulness can save the celebrator. Watch the diet.
Be extra alert when on the road. Avoid street hazards. Due to their relative affordability and popularity, motorcycle-related accidents, waveboarding (similar to skateboarding) accidents, and vehicular accidents in general surged this year. As a buyer, it would be better not to patronize these products. If unavoidable, the use of complete safety gears and proper operation of such vehicles must be complied with.
When choosing which gifts to get for kids (and adults, too) consider their personal preferences, age and needs. Scrutinize the products if they contain toxic material or are made of breakable parts, and avoid buying such. Avoid risking kids’ safety, do not buy toys that fail to meet your quality standards even if these carry popular brands. Go for biodegradable, earth-friendly packaging and gift-wrapping, too. Paper, which could easily be recycled or decomposed, rather than plastic or styrofoam, works best.
Make early preparations, avoid hassles that cause undue stress. Prepare your shopping lists, schedules and budget to avoid the mad rush. You could also opt to D-I-Y or do-it-yourself, such as cooking, assembling, or handcrafting the gifts yourself, if so desired. Show your talents and add more value to what you give to others.
Let's make noise
I am 100 percent supporting the Department of Health's prodding for the strict implementation of the firecrackers ban and its suggestions to make fireworks displays in barangay or town plazas “organized” since it will limit citizens' use of firecrackers. Experts should be the only ones allowed to handle the fireworks. This will spare the revelers, especially the children, from harm. It will also help lessen environmental pollution and save people's money that's better spent on food.
Blowing of horns and whistles, banging of old pans and playing loud music would be, in my opinion, the public's best noise-making options if they believe the noise will repel evil spirits. I would rather have the pollution and explosions gotten rid off. Nevertheless, everybody should still observe proper handling of fireworks and firecrackers because even the harmless-looking watusi and sparklers pose hazards to both health and property. Totally avoid the most dangerous firecrackers: piccolo, kwitis, luces or sparklers, five star and pla-pla. Be pro-active, learn prevention and first aid. Be prepared to respond to emergency situations.
Time to share
We are just a few more weeks away until the holiday spirits (good and bad) fill the air. There is more than enough time to share some of these tips and reminders. Please feel free to tell everybody, your relatives, friends, and even the general public, that there's hope for the Philippines (and elsewhere) after all. Let's help make the celebrations more meaningful. Traditions, especially the bad ones, can be changed. People, habits, cultural practices can be changed, and with the proper persuasions, they can be changed for the better.
Enjoy the holidays!
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