Healthy Holiday Jeopardy!

Riddles

100

I hang like stocking in your nose, trapping winter dust and melting snowflakes. What am I?

Nasal cilia/hairs or nasal mucosa

200

Eight tiny reindeer help me carry oxygen and each seat fits four passengers. Who am I?

Hemoglobin (4 O2 binding sites)

300

I'm the twinkle-light dimmer - shrinking or widening when you step from bright snow indoors. What am I?

Iris/pupils

400

After your holiday flu shot, we're the ornament-makers crafting shining antibodies. Who are we?

B cells

500

We're the snowplows clearing streets of germs and debris during winter surges. Who are we?

Macropages or phagocytes

Holiday Health Trivia

100

How many extra calories does the average person consume on Christmas Day in the US?

3000-4500 calories

200

What common holiday plant is actually mildly toxic if ingested in large quantities?

Pointsettia  (mild nausea or irritation)

300

Which holiday drink, when made without alcohol, can help soothe a sore throat due to it's warmth and spices?

Hot apple cider

400

A healthy handwashing time is about as long as singing which Christmas song twice?

Jingle Bells

500

What's the most common cause of holiday-related injuries treated in ER each year?

Falls (hanging decorations, slipping on ice, tripping over cords/clutter)

Holidays Around the World

100

In Japan, it’s traditional to eat a bucket of KFC for Christmas. To what internal temperature should chicken be cooked to kill bacteria like Salmonella?

Always cook chicken to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C)

200

During Hanukkah, latkes (fried potato pancakes) are a favorite dish. Do potatoes have more potassium than a banana?

Yes

300

In many Scandinavian countries, people celebrate St. Lucia’s Day with candlelit processions and saffron buns. Saffron is nicknamed the "sunshine spice" because it can help increase levels of which hormone?

serotonin

400

During the Mexican holiday celebration Las Posadas, families enjoy foods made from which naturally gluten-free grain that’s rich in fiber and supports eye health?

Corn — it’s a staple ingredient in Las Posadas dishes like tamales and atole, and it provides fiber, B vitamins, and antioxidants that promote healthy vision and digestion.

500

The Kwanzaa feast, called Karamu, often includes vibrant fruits and vegetables to honor African heritage. Which nutrient found in colorful produce helps boost the immune system and protect cells from damage?

Vitamin C! It’s abundant in foods like oranges, bell peppers, sweet potatoes, and leafy greens—many of which are featured in Karamu meals.