Let the Good Health Roll! Blue Cross Shares Tips for a Safe, Healthy Mardi Gras

BATON ROUGE – We are two weeks away from Louisiana’s most famous holiday, and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana has tips to help you celebrate Carnival time the safe, healthy way.

• Enjoy seasonal favorites in moderation -- The average slice of king cake has about 250 calories, so enjoy this and other Mardi Gras treats in moderation. That way, you won’t undo the hard work you’ve put into your New Year’s resolutions.  
• Drink responsibly – Be mindful of how many alcoholic beverages you’re consuming. Never drink and drive.
• Stay hydrated – Make sure you’re drinking enough water. Bring water or fillable bottles with you if you’ll be out on the route for long periods of time. If you’re drinking alcohol, alternate with water.
• Dress for the weather – Since most Mardi Gras activities take place outdoors and the weather can change rapidly at this time of year, check the forecast before you leave home. Bring coats and layers for colder weather and raingear if storms are expected. Make sure you wear comfortable shoes because you’ll be on your feet a lot.
• Check your costume – If you plan to wear a costume to Mardi Gras, make sure you can walk in it safely, without tripping over hems or accessories. If you’re wearing a mask, make sure you can see clearly in it to watch where you’re going. 
• Be careful near floats – Floats are moving vehicles, and once rolling, they cannot stop quickly. Don’t bend over in front of the vehicles or the floats to pick up throws. Don't run between the floats, and make sure children keep a safe distance from them.
• Watch for throws – It’s important to be on the lookout for beads, doubloons and other throws coming at you. Try to avoid being hit in the face or head, and watch out for larger, heavier objects. Never throw anything at riders on floats.
• Secure ladders – If you're using a ladder for children, make sure it is far enough away from the curb that it can be secured. Check the local regulations for the area where you’re watching the parade, as there are often requirements for how far back ladders must be from the curb. Never leave children unattended in a ladder; make sure an adult is with them and watching at all times.

Beads and throws are not the only thing you can catch during Mardi Gras. You can also catch colds and other seasonal illnesses, and finding an open clinic near a parade where you can be treated might be challenging.

Blue Cross customers can use BlueCare to have 24/7 online visits from any device with internet and a camera. Visit www.BlueCareLa.com or get the BlueCare (one word) app for Android or Apple devices to sign up. If you’re using Mardi Gras as a time to travel, BlueCare is available in all 50 states.

Blue Cross Medical Director Dr. Jeremy Wigginton shares Mardi Gras health tips in this video (2:13).

All year long, you can visit the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana YouTube page to see short videos with the clinical team and others on health topics, monthly wellness observances and more. Subscribe to know when new videos are added. You can also connect with Blue Cross on social media for regular updates on health topics.

About Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana is committed to our mission to improve the health and lives of Louisianians. Founded in New Orleans in 1934, we are a tax-paying nonprofit health insurer with offices in every major region to serve our customers. We were recognized in 2019 as an honoree of The Civic 50, named by Points of Light as one of the 50 most community-minded companies in United States. 

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. We are a private mutual company, owned by our policyholders, with an independent Louisiana Board of Directors and no shareholders. We invite all Louisianians to visit our website at www.bcbsla.com or talk to us on social media.