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The New Year is a perfect time for setting new goals, especially those that prioritize your health and safety. Oftentimes, people make resolutions about career or financial growth, but what about protecting yourself from preventable injuries? Implementing a few safety-oriented habits at the start of 2025 that you keep going throughout the year can help you stay safe, happy, and healthy, just like you deserve.
Resolution #1: Be Mindful of Slip-and-Fall Hazards
Slip-and-fall accidents are more common than most of us realize and can happen at any time. According to the National Floor Safety Institute (NFSI), which compiles data from official safety organizations like the National Safety Council (NSC) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 1,000,000 emergency visits each year are required to treat severe slip/trip-and-fall injuries, and approximately 12% of slip-and-fall accidents result in an emergency room visit. A simple misplaced object, a wet floor, or icy stairs can lead to serious injuries like fractures or concussions. The good news? Many of these mishaps are entirely preventable if you take proactive precautions.
Make a New Year’s resolution to stay safer from slip-and-fall hazards and consider these tips:
- Keep walkways clutter-free and immediately clean up any spills or messes. A clean environment is a safe one.
- Wear the right footwear for the surfaces you’ll encounter at work or in your day—shoes with good grip can make all the difference, especially in wet or icy weather.
- Install non-slip mats or surfaces in high-risk areas, such as bathrooms, kitchens, and entryways.
- Use lighting effectively. Keep staircases and hallways well-lit, as poor visibility can be a major contributor to falls.
By incorporating these habits into your daily routine, you can lower your risk of injuries caused by slips and falls, whether at home, work, or out in public.
Resolution #2: Drive Safely
Driving might feel like second nature to most of us, but it's surprising how easy it is to fall into risky driving habits. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates a fatal car accident rate nationwide of about 3 in every 25,000 people. With car accident rates climbing in many parts of the country, now is the time to recommit to safer driving practices—for your sake and the safety of everyone around you.
Make a New Year’s safety resolution to drive safer and remember these tips:
- Put away distractions. Avoid texting, eating, or anything else that takes your eyes off the road.
- Obey traffic laws and speed limits—they’re there for a reason. Speeding is one of the top contributors to car accidents.
- Be mindful of your condition before driving. Never drive under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or even extreme fatigue. If you’re not alert, you’re not safe behind the wheel.
- Pay attention to weather and road conditions, adapting your speed as needed. If the weather is bad, see if you can postpone your drive until it clears up.
Driving safely isn't just about protecting yourself; it's about creating a safer environment for everyone on the road. The simple act of prioritizing careful driving habits can prevent countless accidents and tragedies. Together, let’s aim to make 2025 the safest year for drivers on record!
Resolution #3: Diet Safely
Weight loss and fitness goals are some of the most common New Year’s resolutions. If you want to set a dieting resolution for 2025, start by thinking about how you can diet safely and responsibly. Right now, trendy weight loss drugs like semaglutide (commonly sold as Ozempic and Wegovy) are being popularized by celebrities and social media influencers, but they should never be started without consulting a qualified medical expert. For example, semaglutide specifically has been linked to a risk of stomach paralysis, so it should never be used without the guidance of your medical provider.
If you want to diet or put more of a focus on fitness for a New Year’s resolution, consider these tips:
- Always consult a professional. If you're considering supplements or weight-loss drugs, seek advice from a trusted doctor and additional insight from a registered dietitian.
- Follow a balanced diet. Using a nutritious approach to dieting that includes a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins could be just what you are looking for in a new diet. Again, speaking with a dietitian is recommended.
- Set realistic goals. Crash diets and extreme weight-loss plans often lead to frustration and can harm your health. Aim for steady, sustainable changes.
- Stay active. Regular exercise improves physical health and complements healthy eating to achieve lasting weight management. If you have a physical disability or limitation, you can talk to your doctor or a licensed physical therapist about exercise options that you can safely manage.
Head Into 2025 with Safety in Mind
This New Year, take steps to prevent injuries and prioritize safety in your everyday life. By being mindful of slip-and-fall hazards, committing to driving safely, and approaching dieting responsibly, you can set yourself up for a healthier, happier year. While such resolutions may seem simple, their impact can truly be life-changing.
From all of us at Hilliard Law, we hope you have a healthy, productive, and happy 2025. If you ever need help from a Texas trial lawyer – like after a slip-and-fall accident, car accident, or unknowingly using an unsafe medication – know that we’re always standing by to lend a hand. Call (866) 927-3420 or contact us online for more information about our legal services.