The shopping, the baking, the decorating, the traveling…oh my!
It’s the holiday season and with all the hustle and bustle this time of year we often forget about the most important thing – our health.
Here are some ways you and your family can stay healthy and happy this holiday season.
- Keep those hands washed. More frequent hand washing will reduce your risk of spreading germs – thus cutting down on the risk of becoming ill. The rule of thumb we always discuss in this space is a good washing using soap and water for 20 seconds.
- Dress warm. Shorts are no longer fashionable! When going outside on these cold, winter days make sure you are wearing a warm coats, hat, winter boots and gloves. Not only do these things keep you warm – but also dry.
- Control your stress level. You don’t have to do it all – as the saying goes “No means no!” The holidays can bring about many commitments, but give yourself permission to turn down some of those requests. This time of year people are using every minute of every day to get things accomplished – make sure you are getting enough rest.
- Watch your children. Be mindful of any toys that may not be age appropriate, or that they don’t get their hands on food or drinks which may not be suitable for their age. Encourage outdoor play when weather permits, but adhere to the advice on dressing warmly.
- Home safety. You may not know that many home fires actually occur during the winter. Make sure your fireplaces are safe and they should never be unattended. The same holds true with space heaters, wood stoves or those great scented candles.
- Enjoy the goodies. The holidays mean lots of family gatherings, resulting in delicious meals and treats for snacking. It is okay to indulge and enjoy those tasty offerings, but don’t forget to exercise. Adults should exercise at least two (2) hours a week and children should have at least one hour of physical activity a week.
Following just a few of these tips will help you to have a healthy and happy holiday season!
