It’s that time of year again when families start to prepare for the upcoming holiday season. However, all of those shopping mall trips and holiday parties can increase your risk of getting sick. Be sure to read over the following tips to help you and your loved ones stay healthy this holiday season.
- Get your seasonal flu vaccination as soon as it becomes available
- Keep your distance: by staying at least six feet away from others–especially those who appear to be sick–you can decrease your risk of getting their germs
- Frequently wash your hands with warm water and soap for at least 20 seconds at a time. You should also carry a small bottle of alcohol-based hand sanitizer with you, for those times when water and soap are not accessible
- Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids: water, juice and non caffeinated tea are best. Avoid alcohol and caffeinated beverages like soda and coffee, especially while flying
- If you become ill, stay home and remain there for at least 24 fever-free hours without the aid of medications. If you are staying with relatives and become ill, ask for a private room if possible. Avoid touching your mouth, eyes or nose, and always cough and sneeze into a tissue and then immediately throw the tissue away
- Get plenty of rest: lack of sleep can lower your resistance, making it more difficult for your body to fight disease. Even missing an hour or two of sleep per night can wear down your immune system
- Eat a balanced diet of foods that provide you with immune-boosting vitamins and minerals
- Stress can affect your immune system: many people put too much pressure on themselves to create the perfect holiday celebrations for their families. Set aside some time, even if it’s just 15 minutes per day, to relax and unwind
- Despite your growing to-do list, now is not the time to take a break from your exercise routine. Regular exercise will help you keep off the holiday weight and provide great stress relief. Make exercise a family event by taking a group walk or playing a game of football
