Its Game Day !

As the stadium lights flicker to life and fans deck out in their team colors, the excitement of NFL season is undeniable. Tailgating is an integral part of this season, a perfect blend of friends, food, and football. Or maybe you’re watching the big game at a friend’s house whose having a NFL watch party. Either way – with all the attendees, closeness, cheering and celebrating going on over food, it’s important to play defense against less welcome guests like colds, flu, and foodborne illnesses. Let’s explore how to keep the party going strong all season by staying healthy and alert.

Pre-Game Warm-Up: Fortifying Your Defenses

Every successful football team knows the importance of a good defense. Before joining the throw of fellow fans, it’s crucial to build a defense against the common adversaries of the season: colds, flu, and gastrointestinal bugs.

Vaccinations:  Autumn brings with it a spike in flu and cold incidences. Vaccines act like your defensive line, protecting you from the viral blitzes that could knock you out for the season. They are your first and best defense, reducing your risk of severe symptoms and keeping you in the game.

Nutritional Play-Calling: Strengthening your immune system with a diet rich in vitamins and minerals is akin to having a solid offensive strategy. This ensures your body can effectively tackle any pathogens it encounters. Vitamin C and zinc are particularly good at blocking pathogens from gaining yardage, boosting your cells’ ability to defend against invasions.

Rest Before the Big Game: Think of sleep as your team’s review of game tapes. It’s when your body recovers and regroups, crucial for maintaining a strong defense against illness. Skimping on sleep can leave your immune system vulnerable, just as a tired player is more prone to mistakes.

First Quarter: Setting Up the Field

Arrival and setup at your tailgating spot are the first plays of the game. Here, your tactics can make a significant difference in how well you fend off common fall pathogens.

Hygiene Toolkit: Hands are the main vehicles for transmitting germs. Sanitizers and wipes are your safety players, ready to tackle germs on hands and surfaces, especially after contact with shared items like condiment bottles or after high-fives. Regular use can prevent the spread of respiratory illnesses and stomach bugs, which can run rampant in group settings.

Sun and Weather Tactics: Sunburn and dehydration can weaken your immune system, making you more susceptible to viruses. Sunscreen, hats, and plenty of water are your protective gear, much like helmets and pads. They keep you safe from UV rays and dehydration, ensuring your immune system doesn’t get blindsided.

Second Quarter: Offensive Food Safety

Food at tailgates is notorious not just for being delicious but also a common source of foodborne illnesses. Stomach bugs like salmonella and E. coli can make you feel like you’ve been tackled well after the party’s over.

Safe Cooking: Ensuring that meats reach their safe cooking temperatures is like making sure a pass is completed securely without interceptions. Use a food thermometer to verify that everything from burgers to hot dogs is free from harmful bacteria that can cause severe gastrointestinal distress.

Avoiding Cross-Contamination: Think of cross-contamination like a fumble. Using the same utensils for raw and cooked foods can easily pass bacteria from one to the other, leading to food poisoning. Keeping them separate ensures that your food play stays clean and uncontested.

Smart Snacking: Disposable plates and individual snack packs are like having a good special teams unit. They prevent the spread of germs by minimizing hand contact with food and reduce the risk of cross-contamination, keeping everyone’s defenses strong against viral and bacterial opponents.

Halftime: Smart Drinking Plays

Alcohol consumption is a common feature at tailgates, but like any strategic game play, it needs to be managed carefully to prevent health mishaps.

Hydration Game Plan: Alcohol can dehydrate and impair your immune system, making it easier for viruses to score a touchdown. Alternating alcohol with water is like running defense on special teams, preventing dehydration and keeping your immune system in play.

Know Your Limits: Understanding your limits with alcohol is as crucial as knowing when to pass or run. Too much can lead not only to next-day regrets but also to decreased immune function, which opens up gaps in your defense, leaving you susceptible to illness.

Third Quarter: Defense Against Crowds

In the excitement of a close game, it’s easy to get caught up in the moment. However, close contact is a prime way for germs to advance into your territory.

Personal Space Maneuvering: Keeping some personal space in crowded settings is like maintaining good field position. It reduces your exposure to respiratory droplets, which are the main offense for viruses like the flu and colds.

Mask on Defense: In dense crowds, wearing a mask can be as strategic as putting in your best defensive player when the risk is highest. It blocks viral transmission effectively, protecting you and the fans around you, especially if someone might be unknowingly carrying a virus.

Fourth Quarter: Clean-Up Operations

Effective clean-up after the game can prevent illness long after the final whistle blows.

Waste Management: Proper disposal of trash and food leftovers avoids attracting pests and reduces the risk of bacteria growth. Think of this like running down the clock at the end of the game—careful management ensures a win without last-minute surprises.

Sanitizing the Gear: Cleaning your tailgating gear is akin to post-game recovery. It prevents the buildup of germs and prepares you for the next game, ensuring all your equipment is ready and reliable for another round of fun.

Post-Game Reflection

Staying healthy through the NFL season means enjoying more games and gatherings without the interruption of illness. By adopting these health strategies, you ensure that each tailgate is not only a blast but also safe, keeping you in top form to cheer on your team throughout the season. Here’s to a healthy and victorious season ahead!