Murrumbidgee Local Health District's drug and alcohol clinical nurse consultant Martina Greenaway said for most people in the community, Christmas was a joyful occasion.

"However, some members of the community are doing it tough," Ms Greenaway said.

"I'm thinking of those particularly who are having anniversary of when they lost someone, or they've lost someone recently and are going through bereavement and grief.

"Also, our older generation, or perhaps young people, might be quite isolated at Christmastime. Some people might overuse alcohol and drugs.

"There are a lot of people in the community who are trying to stay dry from alcohol or not use drugs and Christmastime can be quite difficult.

"MLHD drug and alcohol services is advising to plan ahead, take things easy. It's one day.

"Spend some time with family and friends, but if you are having difficulties, talk to other people.

"If you are concerned about a friend or family member who might be suicidal, dial triple-000. Help is always at hand.

"If you need help with drug and alcohol or mental health issues, please call Accessline."

Director of public health for the MLHD Tracey Oakman has warned that the Christmas period brought the increased risk of food poisoning, while the hot weather also added potential risks from dehdydration.

"It's really important people stay hydrated. Elderly people, the very young and children are the most vulnerable. People with underlying illnesses are too," Mrs Oakman said.

"It's very important people take care and stay out of the heat. Avoid the heat between 11am and 3pm."

Jackie Priestly, the acting health promotion manager for the MLHD said most adults needed to drink between two-and-a-half to three litres of fluid a day, while for children the figure was about one-and-a-half litres.

Mrs Oakman suggested balancing alcohol with drinks of cool water to avoid dehydration.

She also warned about the risks of food poisoning during Christmas gatherings.

"It's the time of year when a lot of people will end up with gastroenteritis and food poisoning from food that hasn't been prepared or looked after properly," Mrs Oakman said.

"Don't leave food out for lengths of time before it is eaten.

"Make sure hot foods are kept at least at 60°C, and if you're reheating leftovers, all parts of the food need to reach 75°C before it can be safe to serve.

"That will make sure that anything that has grown on it when it was left sitting out is killed."

Mrs Oakman also warned about the risks of amoebic meningitis, a rare but fatal disease that can occur if water containing the Naegleria Fowleri amoeba travels up the nose and enters the brain.

It's a risk at this time of year where people have bore water dams or rainwater tanks where the water gets over about 25 degrees or water play involving sprinklers.

"If you have a swimming pool, chlorinate it, or if they're playing under the hose, run the warm water out first."

If you need help, call Accessline on 1800 011 511, Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyondblue on 1300 22 4636.