How Can I Stay Healthy this Holiday Season?
The best part of the holidays is spending time with family. However the holiday season is also full of unhealthy temptations and easy ways to get sick that can threaten that quality family time. This holiday season, Multicare DPC is here to help you stay healthy and merry.
Keep a Regular Sleep Schedule
As we travel to be with friends and family, we tend to change our sleep schedules so we can enjoy their company late into the night. Unfortunately, this often means losing sleep time that is crucial for staying healthy. To maintain a healthy sleep schedule and still get to spend time with family, set an alarm on your phone to remind you that it is nearly time for bed, it will allow you to wrap up social time and keep a somewhat consistent sleep schedule. Difficulty sleeping in a strange bed? It helps to sleep in a room that is dark with a comfortable temperature.
Wash Your Hands
When we’re surrounded by people we are also surrounded by germs. Wash your hands often and thoroughly. If you feel yourself sniffling, use a tissue. If no tissue is available, the CDC recommends that you cough in your upper arm instead of your hand to avoid the spread of more germs. Keeping hand sanitizer on hand is always a great backup plan as well.
Holiday Desserts Are Great… In Moderation
Christmas cookies and Hanukkah briskets can be the best part of the holiday season, but it’s important not to overindulge on your favorite snacks. Many holiday cookies and cakes contain unhealthy processed ingredients and a large amount of sugar. The best way to moderate yourself when it comes to holiday treats is just to be mindful by determining before a party or gathering what your limit is.
Stay Hydrated
Whether you’re the host or the guest, it’s important to stay hydrated when you’re on your feet. The average recommended amount of water is eight eight-ounce glasses of water, but needs vary from person to person. Dehydration symptoms include dizziness or light-headedness, headache, exhaustion, dry mouth, lips, and eyes, and passing small amounts of urine infrequently (less than three or four times a day). It is important to be on the lookout for these symptoms and listen to your body if you aren’t feeling your best.
Stay Warm
It is important to keep yourself bundled up and warm, especially if you’re a Floridian traveling outside of the state with the potential for a snowy holiday. According to The National Institute of Health (NIH), dry winter air allows the flu virus to survive and transmit itself more efficiently. While the cold weather itself doesn’t make you sick, germs do, and the flu virus is more active during the holiday season.
Hypothermia, extreme exposure to cold, is also a possibility when braving the cold without proper attire. Many Floridians traveling out of state are unfamiliar with proper cold weather gear: an inner layer of a fabric that won’t absorb water (such as wool), a mid-layer of natural fabric fibers (like wool, goose down, or fleece), and an outer layer that is waterproof or otherwise will help protect from the elements. Scarves, hats, and winter boots are also excellent options for providing warmth.
Your Doctor is Available at Any Time!
Multicare DPC offers access to meVisit Telemedicine Service, the ability to chat with one of our doctors at any time, from any location from your smartphone. If you’re feeling under the weather don’t wait, a doctor can discuss your problem with you instantly. Don’t be scared off by traveling away from your network of doctors or holiday clinic hours, we are here to help and available 24/7.
Multicare Physicians will also be here at our Florida locations, with our usual low wait times and comprehensive service if you are staying in town. We will help you get healthy this holiday season.
