EDITORIAL: Super cool at Super Bowl

Last Updated on Friday, 10 February 2012 15:28 Friday, 10 February 2012 10:18

EDITORIAL: This Sunday is Super Bowl Sunday, a time to gather with family, friends and co-workers in celebration of one of America’s most beloved pastimes — pro football.

There’s sure to be a lot of friendly rivalry this year.

The big game will feature a rematch between New York Giants and the New England Patriots, two of the more storied franchises in the pro game. Four years ago, Giants fans celebrated one of their greatest victories in the team’s history, while the Patriots weathered a devastating defeat. We look forward to seeing what happens this year in this fated rematch.

We expect this will be a game worth watching for hardened fans and casual viewers alike and expect many of our readers to participate in the festivities. As will we.

However amidst all the hooting, hollering, and cheering on of one’s favorite teams, we encourage our readers to be cool. Apply some good sense in staying safe and keep the following in mind.

The Superbowl ranks 8th in holiday or event beer sales, right up there with Christmas, Memorial Day, and Easter--this according to an often cited 2008 Nielson study. In addition to the large amounts of alcohol consumed, Americans eat more food on Super Bowl Sunday than any other day of the year with the exception of Thanksgiving.

With this in mind and at the risk of sounding like kill joys, we do encourage you to drink and eat less.

If you plan on drinking, designate a driver. If you’re having a party, might we suggest offering your guests a room for the night or at the very least offer them the use of a breathalyzer. A good alcohol detection devise costs about $100, not much more than a keg of beer, and using the device can not only help save lives, it can be fun too.

Think about it. You know the police will be.

Most Super Bowl parties are an all day affair and the risks associated with overeating not withstanding, food safety is often an overlooked problem during the course of the day. If you’re preparing foods, be sure to wash your hands. Keep your hot foods at high temperature to avoid bacterial growth and get plenty of ice to keep those shrimp, dips, and salads cold.

Poisoning the guests is often considered bad form.

As for the overeating, try drinking plenty of water to keep full and hydrated. Where possible, substitute high calorie drinks and foods with low calorie alternatives. We know they’re good, but ease off the chicken wings and quacamole. There will be plenty more of everything next year too. You don’t have to eat it all now.

Keep active. There’s no reason you have to be glued to the couch for the duration. Get up, go out and enjoy a game of touch football in the yard. Take a hike. Shake a leg. Raise a barn.

It’s a safe bet to assume that everyone wants to have fun. So have fun, but know your limits. Speaking of betting, place wagers that are legal. And only gamble what you can afford to lose.

Superbowl Sunday is America’s premiere unofficial national holiday. Accordingly, we think you should have the time of your life.

Just be safe and be cool.