The holidays are a time for making memories and spending time with loved ones. This winter, it’s also a time for catching an unnecessary illness like RSV or the flu. What if you could enjoy the festivities of the holidays without disrupting your health? Here are some necessary steps you can take to ensure you and your loved ones stay healthy during the holidays.
Wash your hands often
Washing your hands can help prevent the spread of germs and sickness. Wash your hands thoroughly and often, for at least 20 seconds. Pathogens thrive in damp environments, so it’s important to dry your hands well too.
Manage stress to stay healthy
Prioritize the things in life that make you happy. Holiday dinners can be stressful, but it doesn’t have to be. Stay healthy by practicing stress-reducing techniques beforehand, such as deep breaths, yoga, or exercise to diminish some of the negative effects stress can have on your mind and body.
Make healthy food choices
Perhaps one of the hardest moments during the holidays is the main course. Little changes like choosing green beans instead of green bean casserole, or pumpkin instead of pecan pie, may help prevent you from the undesirable effects of buttery, salty foods, maintain your weight, and curve hunger later on throughout the day. If you know the dinner table will be filled with sweet treats, opt to bring a salad with lots of delicious veggies or a vegetable dish.
Get a flu shot
The holiday season makes it easier for the flu to make its appearance. Don’t let time go by without getting the necessary flu vaccine. Between traveling and gathering in closed spaces with family in friends, getting a flu shot not only protects yourself but the loved ones around you.
Drink plenty of water
Keeping hydrated is one of the most important things you can do during the holidays. It may not seem like it, but even in the colder winter months, your skin and hair can become too dry. If you have forced air in your home, it’s even more important to keep hydrated by drinking water. Try to avoid things like alcohol, soda, or juice if you can.
About The GreenFields Continuing Care Community
The GreenFields Continuing Care Community provides for the physical, social, and spiritual needs of residents in a Christian environment. In addition to skilled nursing, subacute rehabilitation, and outpatient therapy at GreenField Health & Rehabilitation Center, The GreenFields offers a variety of living arrangements and support levels based on individual needs. This includes independent living apartments in GreenField Manor; assisted living apartments in GreenField Court; and memory care and enhanced assisted living in GreenField Terrace.
