Holiday Health Tips
Holidays are an exciting and festive time of year! Here at Southwest Orlando Family Medicine, we want you to enjoy your family time in a healthy and safe way. We’ve gathered some helpful tips to keep in mind throughout the holidays.
1. Wash your hands more often. It’s so important around this time of year that there’s a National Hand Washing Week observance in December! With the weather bringing more people inside, constantly adjusting temperatures, and large groups spending time together, germs are bound to spread like crazy. If you need to sneeze or cough, be sure to cover your mouth and nose with a tissue, your upper sleeve, or your elbow instead of your hands. The easiest way to prevent getting sick or spreading your own germs is to wash your hands often with soap and clean water for at least 20 seconds. It’s also a good idea to wash up to your elbows to clean where you sneezed earlier!
2. Eat healthy and stay active. Even though the holidays tend to be the time of year where diets and healthy habits are broken, be wary of what you’re eating and your physical activity. That doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy that spoonful of rice pudding or pumpkin pie, but keep balance and moderation in mind. Find healthier versions of your favorite foods by reducing ingredients like sugar, salt, and butter. Include all the food groups on your plates, prepare leaner and less fatty meats and foods, and switch out sugary sweets for fresh fruit or cinnamon. To stay active, don’t be afraid to dance along with the festivities! Encourage the family to exercise together in between holiday feasts and treats.
3. Stay Warm. It’s funny to think of this in the Sunshine State, but around this time of year, it gets chillier than we’re used to. Rapidly changing temperatures are the quickest way to let your immune system’s guard down and become unusually susceptible to nearby germs. Especially with small children or older adults, it’s important to keep your bodies warm with extra layers.
4. Stress Less, Sleep More. While the holidays bring lots of joy and family, it can also bring stress from planning and organizing the festivities. Don’t let stress hurt your health by feeling overwhelmed and losing sleep. Be sure to ask for help to avoid overly stressful holiday plans and get plenty of rest.
Enjoy your holidays and always contact us if you have any questions or concerns. Feeling sick? Book An Appointment or access the Patient Portal today. Happy Holidays from all of us at Southwest Orlando Family Medicine!
Sources: Holiday Health and Safety Tips, 10 Tips: Make Healthier Holiday Choices