It's that time of year to give thanks, a time to give to others, and a time to reflect and be more positive. You may be considering making a New Year's resolution to do something that will make positive changes in your life. Check out this list of a dozen things you can do to increase health and safety for yourself, your family, and your greater community.

#1 Wash hands often. Winter is the time of year when colds and flu are prevalent. Washing your hands is an important step to avoid getting sick or spreading germs. Wash with soap and water often for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand cleaner or sanitizer product.

#2 Manage stress. It is easy to become overcommitted with activities and to overspend. Balance work, home, and play. Get support from family and friends. Relax, have a positive outlook, learn to say, "No," and take a few minutes for yourself every day.

#3 Stay warm. This year the cold and snow started early. Once you get cold, it takes awhile to warm up. Cold temperatures can cause serious health problems especially for infants and older adults. Stay dry and dress warmly with several layers of clothing. It's time for the long underwear, sweaters, turtlenecks, and fleece. Don't forget your hat and gloves or mittens when you go outside. It is particularly important to check -in with relatives, neighbors, and friends during cold weather to make sure they are warm and safe.

#4 Travel safely. Whatever your mode of transportation and the distance traveled, do it safely. That means don't drink and drive or let someone else drink and then drive. Wear your seat belt. Make sure that children are safely secured in approved products that are appropriate for their age, height, and weight.

#5 Be smoke-free. Avoid smoking and breathing in second-hand smoke. If you smoke, quit today! Talk to your healthcare provider or look into community smoking cessation programs.

#6 Get check-ups and vaccinations. Health screenings and medical check-ups can help find problems before they start or find problems early so that they can be treated. Vaccinations help prevent disease and save lives. Talk with your health care provider to find out what tests or vaccinations you or family members should have based on age, lifestyle, travel plans, and medical and family history.

#7 Keep your eye on the kids. Children are at high risk for injuries that can lead to death or disability. Watch kids while they are eating and playing. Keep potentially hazardous toys, food, drinks, household items, choking hazards, and other objects out of their reach. Make sure that toys are used appropriately. Learn how to provide assistance and treatment for children who are choking.

#8 Prevent injuries. Injuries can happen to anyone, anytime, anywhere, and often occur during winter. Remember to use a step stool and not furniture when reaching for objects that are beyond your reach. Residential fires increase during the colder months. Never leave fireplaces, stoves, or lit candles unattended. Install smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in your home. Once installed, test them regularly to be sure they are working and change the batteries periodically. Do not use generators, grills, or other gasoline or charcoal burning devices inside your home or garage.

#9 Handle and prepare food safely. Practice food safety rules when preparing food so that you can protect yourself and others from food-related illnesses. Wash hands and food preparation surfaces often. Avoid cross-contamination by keeping raw meat, poultry, seafood, and eggs (and their juices) away from ready-to-eat foods and eating surfaces. Cook foods to proper temperatures. Refrigerate foods promptly. Follow the two-hour rule. Do not leave perishable foods out for more than two hours. Remember these four words: clean, separate, cook, and chill.

#10 Eat healthy and be active. Use balance and moderation. Choose fresh fruit as a sweet alternative to candy and other sweets. Select and eat just one or two of your favorite treats from the many tempting choices that are often available. Eat small portions. Find fun ways to be active. Dance to your favorite tunes. The idea is to move. Go outside for a ten-minute walk. Be active for at least 2.5 hours per week. If this sounds overwhelming, think about physical activity this way. Those 2.5 hours are equivalent to 150 minutes divided by seven days in a week or about 22 minutes a day. Two 11-minute walks a day gets you to that base of 2.5 hours per week.

#11 Keep your pets healthy. Pets are members of the family, so feed them well, but not too much. Visit your veterinarian with your pets on a regular basis. Keep your pets' vaccinations up to date.

#12 Make a gift to a local organization or charity that helps community members who are in need. Local food cupboards or pantries are always in need of food to stock their shelves with food.

Resolve to be happy, live healthy, and enjoy 2011.