Consider drinking less, eating mindfully, avoiding respiratory infections and preventing foodborne illnesses while watching the big game 

PORTLAND, Ore.—Super Bowl is Sunday, Feb. 8, and that means a lot of people will be gathering to watch the game, root for their favorite team, and enjoy delicious food and beverages at parties and events. 

While fans gather to watch the Super Bowl, public health officials encourage people to enjoy the celebration while making choices that support health and safety, including drinking less alcohol, balancing food choices and reducing the spread of illness. 

“We want everyone to have fun watching the Super Bowl, and there are simple steps people can take to keep the fun going without drinking too much, overloading with junk food and infecting themselves and others with diseases such as flu, COVID-19 or measles,” said Dean Sidelinger, M.D., M.S.Ed., health officer and state epidemiologist at Oregon Health Authority’s Public Health Division. 

Prevent virus transmission

• Protect your families, co-workers, neighbors and community from influenza, COVID-19, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), measles and pertussis, also known as whooping cough. Cases of flu, RSV, pertussis, and measles have been on the rise in recent months, and it’s never too late to get immunized against these and other vaccine-preventable infections. 
• Additional ways to protect yourself and others from respiratory viruses include:
  • Cover coughs and sneezes.
  • Stay home from gatherings and away from others if sick.
  • If you’re recovering from an illness, consider wearing a mask if you anticipate being around older adults, young children, people with chronic health conditions and others who are at higher risk of serious illness if they get infected.
  • Practice good hygiene such as regularly washing hands.
  • Keep well-used surfaces clean. 

Reduce excessive drinking 

• Excessive drinking is something a lot of us do—one in five people in Oregon—especially during Super Bowl watch parties. If you’re interested in cutting back, check out these practical resources, including how to calculate a “standard drink” and a tool to set goals and identify what causes you to drink more.
• Drinking less may seem tricky at first, because alcohol is so woven into everyday life. Looking ahead to the Super Bowl, even simple tweaks can help keep you safe. For instance, plan ahead to have a designated driver or taxi or rideshare service take you home, which helps keep our roads and communities safe. 
• Rethink the Drink is an initiative encouraging people in Oregon to have healthy conversations about alcohol use. It’s not about telling people to quit drinking, but asking them to pause, reflect and ask questions about how alcohol use may be affecting their lives and communities. 

Eat mindfully

• There’s no need to skip the nachos or sliders. Eating mindfully means balancing your plate with some nutrient-packed options on the side, so you enjoy the best of both worlds.
• Here are some easy ways to keep things tasty and a little more nutritious during a watch party without ditching the classics:
  • Mix in color with the classics. Alongside wings and chips, add a platter of fresh veggies with a flavorful dip like hummus.
  • Upgrade your sides. Swap out some salty chips for whole-grain crackers or popcorn seasoned with herbs. These still feel like party food but pack more nutrients.
  • Add a protein boost. Include options like bean-based dips (think black bean salsa) or substitute ground beef with shredded chicken.
  • Bring in vitamin-rich favorites. A fruit tray with bananas or berries is an easy win.
  • Switch up the sugar. Sugary sodas can add up fast. Offer sparkling water with fruit slices or a light punch made with 100% juice and seltzer for a festive, lower-sugar alternative. When the game’s on and the commercials are rolling, it’s easy to snack without thinking. Mindful eating can help you enjoy every bite without overdoing it. Try these simple strategies:
    • Plate up—Instead of grazing at the buffet, put your food on a plate and step away. Seeing your portions helps you stay in control and savor what you’ve chosen.
    • Slow it down—Chew slowly and set your fork down between bites. This gives your body time to register fullness and makes the experience more enjoyable.
    • Engage your senses—Notice the colors, textures, and aromas of your food. Take a moment to appreciate the flavors—it turns eating into an experience, not just a habit.
    • Pause before seconds—Give yourself a few minutes before going back for more. Often, that short break is enough to realize you’re satisfied. 

Avoid foodborne illnesses

• To reduce the risk of foodborne illnesses when cooking for a crowd, make sure to bring meats to a proper internal temperature, and keep hot foods hot and cold foods cool. Here are some other tips:
  • Be sure to wash your hands before and after cooking, and after handling fish and meats.
  • Keep meat and poultry refrigerated until ready to use. Don’t leave food out for more than two to three hours.
  • To prevent foodborne illness, don't use the same platter and utensils for raw and cooked meat and poultry.
  • Cook meats to minimum internal temperature to destroy harmful bacteria; 145 °F for beef, pork, veal and lamb (roast, steak and chops); 160 °F for ground meats; 165 °F for poultry.
  • Visit OHA’s Food Safety for the Public website. 

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