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Safe Winter Fun
Zip up your coat, tie up your boots and get ready for winter!
Being active in winter is an important part of enjoying life for many Canadians. Winter sports and pastimes give us the chance to enjoy the outdoors with family and friends, get involved with others in the community, and maintain our health.
When you are having fun, it is also important to be safe. If we keep a few basic things in mind, we will all be able to "slide" safely through winter.
Winter Sports
Winter sports can be great exercise and a lot of fun, but it is important to play safely and be aware of potential hazards.
Tobogganing, hockey, and skiing are only a few of the great sports to be enjoyed during winter. Ensure that you and your family stay safe and healthy this winter by taking the necessary precautions.
Health Canada's information on winter sport safety has plenty of tips to stay safe while still enjoying your favourite winter sports.
- Face Protectors and Hockey Helmets - Ensure you are wearing certified equipment.
- Ice Skates, Sleds and Toboggans - To avoid getting hurt, take these safety precautions.
Did you know that you can get a sunburn even in the wintertime? It is crucial to protect yourself and your family from the sun all year round. Be sure to wear 
sunscreen with a minimum of SPF 15 to help guard against the sun's harmful rays.
Glare off the fresh white snow can also be dangerous to your eyes. Wearing sunglasses can help protect your eyes against UV rays.
Get more information on protecting your eyes and your skin by reading Health Canada's sun safety information.
The Flu Season
With winter comes the flu season. In Canada, the flu season generally runs from November to April. It is important to take steps to help protect your family from the flu virus. Health Canada has a lot of information to help prevent you from catching the flu.
Did you know...
Experts agree the best way to minimise your risk is to wash your hands regularly and get the flu shot?
Have you had your flu shot yet?
Air Quality
Canadians spend an estimated 90 per cent of their time indoors. Poor air quality and dampness can exacerbate a number of health problems, such as cough, wheezing and headaches. People living in houses with mould are also more likely to suffer from asthma or respiratory symptoms.
By taking a few simple steps, such as controlling the amount of humidity, repairing leaks, and cleaning mouldy surfaces, you can improve the air quality in your home and keep your family safe and healthy.
For more information about indoor air quality, read the It's Your Health fact sheets on Dampness, Mould and Indoor Air and Formaldehyde and Indoor Air.
Eat Healthy and Stay Energized
Eating well will help ensure you have the energy and warmth to have fun this winter. Health Canada's Food Guide to Healthy Eating outlines how to have a well-balanced healthy diet that will get you through the long winter days.
Remember to:
- Enjoy a variety of foods;
- Emphasize cereals, breads, other grain products, vegetables, and fruit;
- Choose lower-fat dairy products, leaner meats and food prepared with little or no fat;
- Achieve and maintain a healthy body weight by enjoying regular physical activity and healthy eating; and
- Limit salt, alcohol, and caffeine.
For more information on staying active and healthy, consult the Physical Activity Guide and the Healthy Canadians Food and nutrition section.
Travel Health
Are you planning to get away this holiday season? Be sure to read our information on travel health to ensure you have a safe and relaxing holiday. Don't forget to continue practicing sun safety on vacation.
You can also visit Travel.gc.ca where you will find information on destination safety and security, local laws and customs, entry requirements, health conditions, and emergency contact information for Canadian offices around the world.
