Holiday Safety and Health Hazards

Thanksgiving is not only a traffic-filled holiday, it’s also one of the most deadly. In 2012, 764 people lost their lives in car crashes. Christmas and New Year’s, when alcohol is responsible for nearly half of accident fatalities, also have their share of road peril.

To stay safe from those statistics, John Kennedy, executive director of the Driver and Roadway Safety Department of the National Safety Council, offers these tips.

• Always wear your safety belt and have children in properly installed car seats.

• Stay sober or designate a driver.

• Keep your eyes on the road. Let passengers enjoy the scenery and chat on the phone.

• Maintain a safe following distance from the car in front of you.

• Plan your route ahead of time.

• Give your car a winter once-over: Check ignition, brakes, hoses, fan belts, spark plugs, tire air, headlights, battery, and wipers. Carry a shovel, jumper cables, tool kit, and a bag of salt or cat litter for traction.

• Don’t drive early on Saturday morning. “It’s a very hazardous time. A lot of people are driving under the influence or drowsy,” warns Kennedy. And if you can stay in or use public transportation on New Year’s Eve, do it. 

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Kirby Koo’s 3 Floor Poses You Get Wrong

Don’t worry, you’re not the only one who has trouble with these moves.

Nothing messes up your flow like when you can’t seem to get the hang of a pose, but the instructor is too in the zone to notice you need help. That’s why yoga instructor Kirby Koo is here to help you nail three floor poses students tend to have trouble with. You won’t believe how much your sessions will improve when you can roll out your mat with a newfound sense of confidence.

RELATED: 3 Yoga Lengthening Poses You Might Be Doing Wrong and How to Fix Them

Seated twist

It’s key that you don’t slouch when doing this pose. Roll your shoulders back, and engage your core. Also, make sure to peel your ribs open toward the hand that’s on the floor behind you.

RELATED: 3 Basic Yoga Poses You’ve Been Doing Wrong—and How to Fix Your Form

Bridge pose

Plant your feet hip-width apart on the floor. Then, draw your shoulder blades together, keeping your hands underneath you as opposed to out to the side.

Pigeon

Your leg should be parallel to the mat, and your hips should be square. Try not to let your shoulders fall forward; instead, keep your back flat.

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