Holiday Health Tips

The holidays can be a stressful time of year for many people. With Covid-19 variants circulating along with the flu and other viruses, it's also a time when we can be sidelined with illness. That's why it's important to take steps to keep your family as healthy as possible. Here are some tips to reduce stress and avoid illness.

1. Get Vaccinated and Take Steps to Avoid Germs

Getting your Covid booster shot and seasonal flu shot can protect you from more severe side-effects should you become infected. If you do become sick, stay home from work or school to prevent spreading viruses.

Most cold viruses are spread from hand to mouth. When traveling or out shopping and dining during the holidays, there are endless points of contact with germ covered surfaces. By carrying an alcohol-based hand sanitizer and using it regularly, you can reduce the risk of catching a cold.

2. Stay Hydrated

Low humidity during the winter months makes our airways more prone to viral and bacterial infections. Flying on airplanes and traveling to high altitudes further decreases the humidity in the air. Drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol and caffeine to prevent dehydration and respiratory system irritation.

3. Eating Healthy and Staying Active

The holidays are time when we all want to indulge a little in holiday treats. To avoid starting the new year off with extra weight and a larger clothing size. One simple way to control over your caloric intake is to use a salad plate to keep the portions smaller. A couple of small hard candy pieces will usually have fewer calories than rich cookies or cakes.

Staying active during the winter months can be a challenge. Having walking partners to keep your motivated can be a big help. Consider walking at the local mall when the weather is too cold for outdoor exercise.

4. Get Enough Sleep

A study in the Archives of Internal Medicine found that people who slept at least eight hours nightly were about three times less likely to catch a cold than those who slept for less than seven hours a night. Staying rested helps your body's immune system fight off infections, reduce your stress level and improve your mood. Turning off computers and phones a couple of hours before bedtime will help you fall asleep more easily.