Study: Low healthy behavior index heading into the year's end an ominous sign for holiday safety

Holiday food doesn't lend itself to healthy diets

An index of Americans' commitment to healthy behavior dropped by just over 1 percent in October, meaning fewer consumers reported getting enough exercise and eating a healthy diet, according to Gallup-Healthways.

The polling organization found the Healthy Behavior Index (HBI) slipped for the third straight month. This is a common trend in the HBI, according to Drug Store News, which says the holiday season traditionally marks a period of decreased inhibitions on safe behavior. The index typically recovers in the New Year, as people make resolutions to get healthier.

Tasty but possibly unhealthy holiday food, celebratory drinking, and other factors all combine to make staying healthy difficult during the final months of the year. Conscientiously limiting alcohol intake and consumption of less-healthy meals is wise, according to healthcare professionals.

Additionally, avoiding the more acute risk of food poisoning or fire can be accomplished by tending to holiday cooking safety.