{"id":26539,"date":"2021-07-11T20:41:33","date_gmt":"2021-07-11T20:41:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/medical.andonline.com\/?p=26539"},"modified":"2023-05-25T02:55:22","modified_gmt":"2023-05-25T02:55:22","slug":"staying-healthy-during-the-holidays","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/medical.andonline.com\/staying-healthy-during-the-holidays\/?lang=ce","title":{"rendered":"Staying Healthy During the Holidays"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

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Staying Healthy During the Holidays<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/div><\/section>\n

Volume I, Issue XVI<\/p>\n<\/div><\/section>\n

We all know there\u2019s no place like home for the holidays.\u00a0 But for the holidays, nothing beats making sure you and your family stay happy and healthy throughout the season.\u00a0 That’s\u00a0the stuff holiday dreams are made of, especially with all the “over the river and through woods” and shopping malls and office parties and school functions and…, well you get the picture.<\/p>\n

It gets so busy, it can be hard to make health a priority.\u00a0 But we\u2019re here to help with some healthy tips and tricks for the season!<\/p>\n

As you\u2019re making all those lists and checking ’em twice, don\u2019t forget to put these health tips at the top.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/section><\/div>

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TIPS FOR A HEALTHY HOLIDAY SEASON<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/div><\/section><\/p>\n
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Keep things merry and brightly colored<\/strong><\/h3>\n

With all the parties and family gatherings it can be tempting (and easy) to let nutrition take a back seat. Think of all the bright lights and colorful decorations as a reminder to\u00a0add a little color<\/a>\u00a0to your diet. Bright reds and greens (and yellows and oranges) can keep your nutrition needs met during this busy season.<\/p>\n

Making time for family meals can also help keep everyone going strong. Balanced meals not only keep everyone healthy, they also provide an opportunity to check in and see how everyone is doing.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/section><\/div>

Handle with care<\/strong><\/h3>\n

There\u2019s no way around it, the holidays can be stressful. That doesn\u2019t mean you\u2019re doomed to be the Grinch. Keeping your\u00a0stress in check<\/a>\u00a0can be as simple as scheduling in some meditation, taking a walk around the block, or practicing a little mindfulness as you\u2019re mixing up another batch of cookies.<\/p>\n

Don\u2019t forget that kids deal with stress during the holidays too. Keeping them\u00a0engaged and involved in holiday traditions<\/a>\u00a0can help to subside their anxiety -and yours, too.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/section><\/div>

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Jingle and jog all the way<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Sneaking in a jog or a brisk walk can\u00a0add some merry<\/a>\u00a0to a harried day, and making it a family affair can make everyone\u2019s day a little brighter.<\/p>\n

When the days get busy, use it as an opportunity to get creative with your exercise. A holiday shopping excursion, a family snowball fight, or dancing to some holiday tunes while cleaning or decorating the house are great ways to get your blood pumping too.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/section><\/div>

Dashing to the doctors<\/strong><\/h3>\n

With so much dashing through the snow, it can be tempting to let a few items slide off your to-do list. Don\u2019t let\u00a0doctor appointments<\/a>\u00a0be any of them, though. Keeping on top of scheduled appointments can help keep everyone healthy and happy through the new year.<\/p>\n

They can also help you stay on top of annual immunizations so the season\u2019s greetings don\u2019t turn in to the flu season\u2019s greetings.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/section><\/div>

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Settle in for a long winter\u2019s nap<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Late nights of shopping and gift wrapping may seem like an unavoidable holiday tradition, but making sure you get a\u00a0full night\u2019s rest<\/a>\u00a0will make everyone\u2019s holidays happier. Of course, reality can sometimes have different plans. When late nights happen, a\u00a0power nap<\/a>\u00a0can help you keep alert and focused during the holiday rush.<\/p>\n

Be sure to have the kids are nestled all snug in their beds too. The holidays can be an exciting time for children, but they still need\u00a0at least nine hours<\/a>\u00a0of sleep to be at their merriest and brightest.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/section><\/div>

The heart of the holidays<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Time for a\u00a0not-so-fun holiday fact<\/a>\u2014the risk of heart attacks and strokes increases during the winter months. This is due to multiple factors including diet, activity levels, and stress. It means that keeping track of your health and medications should be a top priority.<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re taking medication for your blood pressure make sure to stay on top of your daily doses. Scheduling an appointment with your doctor can also help to keep you on track for a heart healthy holiday.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/section><\/div>

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Spread holiday joy not germs<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Before you share your holiday spirit, be sure to make sure you aren\u2019t sharing anything else. With all the greetings and meetings, the holidays are a great for sharing your time and, unfortunately, your germs.<\/p>\n

Thankfully, your best defense against holiday illness may in fact be the simplest one. Washing your hands before and after certain activities can\u00a0help to protect<\/a>\u00a0you and others from the spreading germs.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/section><\/div>

Don’t Forget to Enjoy!<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Keep these tips in mind, but above all,\u00a0remember to\u00a0actually enjoy the holidays. After all, they only come once a year!<\/p>\n

Beating yourself up over perceived slip-ups, like enjoying a seasonal treat, isn\u2019t good for anyone. And a little indulgence here and there won\u2019t negatively impact your health too much, but stressing over it might.<\/p>\n

So, be sure to slow down,\u00a0savor the season, and enjoy your health and the health of those around you.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/section><\/div>