11 tips for a healthy holiday season

It’s the holiday season, which means parties, gatherings, and other forms of merriment. But it’s also cold and flu season, and there are a few things you can do to ensure everyone has a safe and enjoyable holiday season.

Here are 11 tips, adapted from the list put out by the U.S. Centres for Disease Control.

  1. Wash hands often. Frequently wash your hands with soap and clean running water for at least 20 seconds, and if you can’t do that sanitize before touching your face. Keep a sanitizer on you for times when you can’t.
  2. Bundle up to stay dry and warm. It’s not exactly true that you can get sick from the cold weather, but there is more virus circulating during this time of year and the cold can weaken your ability to fight off bugs. Wear appropriate outdoor clothing: light, warm layers, gloves, hats, scarves, and waterproof boots.
  3. Manage stress. Give yourself a break if you feel stressed out, overwhelmed, and out of control. Some of the best ways to manage stress are to find support, connect socially, and get plenty of sleep.
  4. Don’t drink and drive, or let others drink and drive. Whenever anyone drives drunk, they put everyone on the road in danger. Choose not to drink and drive and help others do the same.
  5. Fasten seat belts. Always buckle your children in the car using a child safety seat, booster seat, or seat belt according to their height, weight, and age. Buckle up every time, no matter how short the trip and encourage passengers to do the same.
  6. Stay up to date on exams and screenings. Ask your healthcare provider what exams you need and when to get them. Update your personal and family history.
  7. Get your vaccinations. Vaccinations help prevent diseases and save lives. Speak to your healthcare provider to ensure you’re up to-date on your boosters, including your COVID-19 booster, and consider getting your flu shot.
  8. Monitor children. Keep potentially dangerous toys, food, drinks, household items, and other objects out of children’s reach.
  9. Practice fire safety. Most residential fires occur during the winter months, so don’t leave fireplaces, space heaters, food cooking on stoves, or candles unattended.
  10. Prepare food safely.Wash hands and surfaces often, avoid cross-contamination, cook foods to proper temperatures and refrigerate foods promptly.
  11. Eat healthy, stay active. Eat fruits and vegetables which pack nutrients and help lower the risk for certain diseases. Be conscious of your portion sizes and foods high in fat, salt, and sugar. Also, be active for at least 2½ hours a week and ensure kids and teens are active for at least 1 hour a day.

From all of us here at Ethisan, we hope you have a wonderful holiday!