It’s hard to believe the holidays are already here. There are multiple ways to combat stress during this bustling season, including illness prevention, managing stress, traveling safely and eating healthy, along with keeping up with your exercise routine.
It’s important to wash your hands often to stay healthy and germ-free this winter. Whether you’re shopping at the mall or enjoying a meal at your favorite restaurant, germs are everywhere. Make sure to wash your hands and your child’s hands with soap and clean running water, and rub them together for at least 20 seconds. Also, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, not your hand.
Flu shots will also provide you and your family with extra protection during this busy time of year. The Marion County Public Health Department offers low-cost flu vaccines at its district health offices. Flu shots are $20 for adults and kids ages 2-18; and free for children under two years old. You can also get flu shots at places like Walgreens and CVS, or by visiting your primary care physician.
Although it’s usually a joyful time of year, this can also be a time of heightened stress for many people. Traveling and gift-giving can take a toll on you, but keeping your commitments and spending in check should keep your stress level down. Whatever is important for you to do, write it down. It’s easy to become overwhelmed with demands and expectations, but make sure you take care of your own needs first. Some people may also stress about the mythology of the holiday season. We live in a time of blended family and step-relatives, so be gentle with yourself and realistic with your expectations. Maintaining a positive and relaxed outlook and getting plenty of good sleep are also important during this busy time of year.
The holiday season is near and dear to many people because it is a chance to visit family and friends. Whether you’re traveling across town or overseas, help ensure your trip is safe. Don’t drink and drive, and don’t let someone else drink and drive. Wear a seat belt every time you drive or ride in a car and always buckle your child in the car using a child safety seat, booster seat or seat belt. Also, while you’re traveling, make sure to stay dry and dress warmly in several layers, as cold temperatures can cause serious health problems, especially in infants and older adults.
With balance and moderation, you can enjoy the holidays while staying healthy. Choose fresh fruit as a festive and sweet substitute for candy. Try to limit fats, salt and sugary foods. If you do want a piece of pie or an extra serving of mashed potatoes, make sure to balance it out with physical activity. Strive to walk at least 30 minutes per day.
A fun way to stay active could be as simple as dancing to your favorite holiday music.
Unfortunately, children are always at risk for injuries; however, during the holiday season, it’s extremely important to keep a watchful eye on your kids when they’re eating and playing. Keep potentially dangerous toys, food, drinks, household items, choking hazards (like coins and hard candy) and other objects out of kids’ reach. Also, make sure the handles of your pots and pans are facing away from the edge of the stove so children can’t reach up and burn themselves or others. In addition, most residential fires occur during the winter months. Keep candles away from children, pets, walkways, trees and curtains. Never leave fireplaces, stoves or candles unattended and don’t use generators, grills or other gasoline or charcoal burning devices inside your home or garage. Make sure to install a smoke detector and carbon monoxide detector in your home and to replace batteries twice a year for each device.
As you prepare holiday meals, keep yourself and your family safe from food-related illness. Always wash your hands, counter and kitchen surfaces. Avoid cross-contamination by keeping raw meat, poultry, seafood and eggs away from ready-to-eat foods and eating surfaces. Cook foods to the proper temperature and refrigerate promptly. Finally, do not leave perishable foods out for more than two hours.
To learn more about healthy tips, please see your primary care physician. To find a pediatrician or primary care physician, please call 317-880-8687. All Eskenazi Health Center locations have a sliding fee schedule and are open to all regardless of ability to pay.
Nydia Nuñez-Estrada, M.D.
Family Medicine
Eskenazi Health Center North Arlington