As the holiday season approaches, a little preparation can go a long way. From staying safe in the kitchen to knowing where to go for care, these simple tips can help you protect your health and navigate the season with confidence. Your plan is here to support you with resources and care options along the way. 

Pick up prescriptions before you need them 

Before you travel or start a busy week of celebrations, check your medicine cabinet. Do you have enough to last through your trip or the holiday weekend? If not, call your pharmacy early to refill what you need. Pick up your prescriptions ahead of time to help you avoid stress and potential long lines. 

If you take a daily medication, use a pill organizer or set phone reminders to stay on schedule. Pack a few extra doses in case of travel delays. 

And don’t forget over-the-counter (OTC) items like: 

• Pain relievers 
• Allergy pills 
• Bandages 
• Antacids 

OTC medicines can be a quick fix for minor health woes. Stash them in your medicine cabinet or first aid kit to avoid late-night store runs if someone feels sick. This will leave you more time to relax and enjoy the season.  

Looking for a pharmacy while you're on the road? Visit AllinaHealthAetnaMedicare.com/FindPharmacy to search for an in-network location near you. 

As a member, you can enjoy a 20 percent discount on thousands of CVS Health® brand health and wellness products — both online and in-store. This discount makes it easy to save on items you can use to build a first aid kit for your travels. 

We value your opinions. And this member newsletter survey is a great way to share feedback about your plan and topics you care about. If you haven't already taken the survey this year, you can share your opinions here.

Stay safe in the kitchen  

Cooking big meals is one of the best parts of the holidays. But it can also be risky if you’re not careful.  

Avoid washing raw turkey or other meats. This spreads germs. Instead, cook them fully to kill bacteria. Use a meat thermometer to be safe.  

To avoid food-borne illnesses: 

• Wash your hands often while preparing meals. 
• Use separate cutting boards for raw meat and fresh foods. 
• Cook foods to safe temperatures. 
• Put leftovers in the fridge within two hours.*

And take your time while chopping or carving — many kitchen injuries happen when people rush.  

Fire safety is also key. If a grease fire starts, don’t use water. Cover the pan with a lid or use a fire extinguisher. Keep wrapping paper and towels away from flames. And never leave the stove on when you leave the room. 

Need a nurse?

Call our 24/7 Nurse Line* at
1-855-493-7019 (TTY:711) to speak with a registered nurse, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. If it’s an emergency, dial 911.

 

*While only your doctor can diagnose, prescribe or give medical advice, the 24-Hour Nurse Line can provide information on a variety of health topics.

Need a nurse?

Be ready for the road  

The weather can change quickly, so it's important to plan ahead before driving — especially on long trips. Before you leave, check that your car is road-ready by making sure your tires, brakes and windshield wipers are in good condition. And top off important fluids like windshield washer fluid and coolant. 

Then pack an emergency kit to keep in your car. Consider including: 

• First aid kit with any medications you may need 
• Blanket or extra coat 
• Flashlight and batteries 
• Jumper cables 
• Bottled water and snacks that don’t spoil 
• Portable phone charger 
• Small shovel and ice scraper if there are snowy conditions 

Store your emergency kit somewhere easy to reach in your car.  

Long drives and busy schedules can make you tired. If you feel sleepy, don't drive. Take a break, rest or let someone else drive if possible.  

If you'll be at a gathering where alcohol is served, plan your ride home before you go. Choose a designated driver, arrange a ride or use a rideshare service. Remember that alcohol and some medicines can make you less alert and slow your reaction time, so it's important to plan ahead. 

As mentioned above, you can use your CVS discount to build your first aid and emergency kits for your travels. 

Decorate with care 

Holiday decorations make your home feel bright, but they can also cause injuries or fire if you’re not careful. 

Before hanging lights or ornaments: 

• Check cords for cracks or frayed wires. 
• Read the packaging before hanging strands of lights. 
• Place ladders on flat ground and wear shoes that don’t slip. 
• Ask someone to hold the ladder if you’re climbing high. 

To prevent fire: 

• Keep trees, candles and decorations at least three feet away from heaters or fireplaces.  
• Use battery-powered candles to give a warm glow without the fire risk.  
• Water live trees every day to prevent them from drying out.  
• Turn off the lights and blow out candles before bed or when leaving home.

Know where to go for health concerns 

The holidays can be a busy time, but health concerns can happen when you least expect them. Your Aetna^® Medicare plan offers coverage for a variety of care options, from routine care to urgent needs. Use this guide to understand where to go for care and how to get the most from your plan. 

• Telehealth: For minor health issues, a virtual visit can save time during the busy holidays or while traveling. See other care options below.
   
• 24-Hour Nurse Line:* The 24-Hour Nurse Line lets you talk to a licensed health care professional and get trusted answers to health questions 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 
   
• Urgent care: For things like sprains, ear infections or stomach bugs, urgent care centers are a good choice.
   
• Emergency room: For serious symptoms — like chest pain, shortness of breath or broken bones — go to the ER or call 911.

Staying safe starts with being prepared. By taking simple precautions and knowing where to turn for care, you can handle unexpected situations with confidence and enjoy the season with greater peace of mind.

*FOR FOOD POISONING: Centers for Disease Control. Preventing food poisoning. June 5, 2025. Accessed September 25, 2027.

*FOR NURSE LINE: While only your doctor can diagnose, prescribe or give medical advice, the 24-Hour Nurse Line can provide information on a variety of health topics.

See Evidence of Coverage for a complete description of plan benefits, exclusions, limitations and conditions of coverage. Plan features and availability may vary by service area. This material is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Health information programs provide general health information and are not a substitute for diagnosis or treatment by a physician or other health care professional. Contact a health care professional with any questions or concerns about specific health care needs. Providers are independent contractors and are not agents of Allina Health | Aetna. Provider participation may change without notice. Allina Health | Aetna is not a provider of health care services and, therefore, cannot guarantee any results or outcomes. The availability of any particular provider cannot be guaranteed and is subject to change. Information is believed to be accurate as of the production date; however, it is subject to change. For more information about Allina Health | Aetna plans, refer to our website. [Aetna is part of the CVS Health® family of companies. The discount does not apply to items you buy with your Allina Health | Aetna Medicare over-the-counter (OTC) benefit amount (allowance). Vendors offer Value-Added Items and Services (VAIS) at a discount that are not part of your plan’s benefits. You will pay the full cost of discounted services not covered under your plan. Participating health care providers are independent contractors and are neither agents nor employees of Allina Health | Aetna. The availability of any particular provider cannot be guaranteed, and provider network composition is subject to change. 

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