How to Have a Healthier Holiday Season
For many people, the festive period between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day represents fun, family, friends, and gifts. However, an unexpected illness or accident is a sure way to put a damper on your holiday festivities. So that you can enjoy the holidays to the fullest, take a look at these tips to stay healthy.
Prevent Illness
The best way to avoid getting ill this season is to practice good hand hygiene. Many viruses are transmitted via handshakes, common-use surfaces, and sneezing. You can help to reduce your chances of getting sick by washing your hands regularly or using antibacterial hand sanitizer as an alternative for when you’re on-the-go.
Limit Indulging
Holiday parties call for feasts of food and drinks. As a result, this period is a time when many of us gain a little weight. To maintain a healthy weight, eat a snack before attending a holiday party to fill you up and suppress temptation. Opt for healthier options like fruits, nuts and vegetable platters that are higher in nutritional value. And lastly, portion control is key!
Watch the Alcohol
Drinking too much makes you more prone to make poor eating decisions. Ones more, over-consuming alcohol can weaken your immune system, leaving you vulnerable to getting sick. Drink a glass of water between each alcoholic beverage to stay hydrated. Better yet, sip on club soda or flavored seltzer water instead of a cocktail.
Prioritize Sleep
Holiday events can leave you feeling rushed off your feet. Make sure you leave yourself enough time to sleep, even if that means declining a couple of parties. Lack of sleep not only negatively impacts your immune system, but it can spark stress in your body.
Take Care
Festivities, candles, Christmas trees, and decorations come with the season. Unfortunately, so does the risk of accident and injury. Keep objects that could be dangerous out of reach of children and pets. Never leave candles, stoves, or heaters unattended, and remember to place your Christmas tree out of high-traffic areas.
The team at Sand Canyon Urgent Care wishes you a happy, healthy, and safe holiday season! If the worst does happen, visit our Irvine or Laguna Hills facilities for medical assistance. We accept walk-in patients and provide quality, affordable care that can help you get back to your festive season quickly.
