Healthy Holidays

6 Tips for a healthy holiday season

There’s nothing like the holidays. For many people, the holidays mean reuniting with family and friends, lots of hugs, handshakes and – So. Many. Germs. (Of course, the holidays are in the heart of flu season!) We’ve pulled together some tips for staying healthy during the holiday season, so your New Year is merry too.

1. Wash your
   hands every chance you get. This is great advice for adults and children
   alike. Be sure to wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Especially
   after greeting family or friends. You may want to bring along a couple travel
   size bottles of hand lotion. All that washing can dry your skin.
2. Bundle
   up! Depending on where you are celebrating, wear weather appropriate clothing
   and outerwear. Doing your best to stay dry and warm will help keep you well.
3. Don’t
   stress. Well, manage your stress. The most wonderful time of the year is
   often the busiest. Take time out for yourself and your family if you are
   feeling overwhelmed. Seek support from family and friends and get your sleep.
4. Keep your
   eyes on children. When you’re hosting or part of a large gathering, it’s
   easy to lose track of kids. Keep potentially dangerous decorations, candles,
   drinks and food away from children. Work with the other adults in attendance to
   ensure someone always has an eye on the children in the group.
5. Prepare
   and consume food safely. Remember these simple steps: Wash hands and
   surfaces often, avoid cross-contamination, cook foods to proper temperatures
   and refrigerate foods promptly. If you aren’t sure about the hygiene of the
   kitchen or the length of time the food has been sitting out, don’t eat anything
   that can potentially get you sick.
6. Take care
   of yourself. Get your annual exams checked off for the year or catch up on
   your vaccines over the holidays.

In spite of your best efforts, if you catch something other than the holiday spirit this season, don’t stress. IHA Urgent Care locations have holiday hours. Don’t spend your holiday waiting in a waiting room. Save your spot in line at an Urgent Care location near you, and wait at home.