12 Tips to Enjoy a Healthy, Happy Holiday Season

The holiday season can be a busy time for all. Whether at work or at play, we want to remind you to take time to care for yourself and your body’s needs. Combined with information from the CDC, we’re sharing 12 tips to help you stay healthy so you can enjoy all your favorite festivities! This holiday season, we want to ensure that you and your loved ones have a healthy and happy holiday!

1. Manage stress– The holidays are a joyous time of year, but they can also be stressful. If you are feeling overwhelmed, make sure to take a break, find support, and get plenty of rest. Check out our blog about Seasonal Affective Disorder to read more about different coping skills this season.

• Be smoke-free– Avoid smoking, vaping, and secondhand smoke. Smokers are at greater risk for diseases such as heart disease and lung disease. However, non-smokers are also at risk if exposed to tobacco smoke.

• Keep your teeth clean– Holiday treats in moderation are to be celebrated! But if too much sugar stays on your teeth for too long, you can cause damage to your gums and teeth. Take care of your teeth by brushing at least twice a day or after meals. It is important to get your teeth cleaned twice a year or every 6 months.

• Bundle up– Staying warm and dry during winter months is important when it comes to fending off illness and germs. When going outside, wear appropriate clothing such as warm layers, gloves, hats, scarves and waterproof footwear.

• Don’t drink and drive– Don’t be overly confident about getting behind the wheel after drinking. You should also hold others accountable by not allowing them to drink and drive. Make other arrangements for a designated driver or driving service. Alcohol is also difficult for your body to breakdown and metabolize and can cause damage to vital organs if consumed in excess.

• Fasten seatbelts while driving or riding– Buckle up every time, no matter how short the trip is. Always buckle children in the car using appropriate car seats based on their age, weight, and height.

• Get your vaccinations– Vaccinations help prevent diseases that can cause serious illness. Make sure children get their vaccinations at their milestone doctor’s visits. We encourage all patients over the age of 5 years old to get their COVID-19 vaccines and flu vaccine. Talk to your doctor about the pneumonia vaccine if you’re over 65 years old.

• Schedule regular exams and routine screenings- Regular exams, knowing your family history and routine screenings are essential to prevention and early detection of potentially life-threatening conditions. Ask your Harbin Clinic provider which exams you need and when to get them.

• Choose balanced eating– The holidays bring delicious food with family and friends. Enjoy holiday treats and drink in moderation, and balance meals with nutrient-dense foods like fruit, vegetables, lean proteins and whole grains.

1. Prepare food safely– While cooking and preparing food, wash your hands regularly and sanitize cooking surfaces often. Avoid cross contamination and cook foods to their proper temperature. Refrigerate foods promptly to avoid spoiling.

1. Stay active– Get moving for about 30 minutes each day by going on a walk or run, working around the house, or playing with your kids. Encourage kids and teens be active for at least 1 hour per day.

1. Practice and teach fire safety– Most house fires occur during the winter months. It is important not to leave fireplaces, candles, space heaters, and food cooking on the stove unattended. Practice an emergency plan with the members in your household.

We wish you a safe and happy holiday season!

Harbin Marketing

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