2008 Woodie Awards
Tips to stay healthy this holiday season
Rachelle Parrs
Issue date: 11/30/07 Section: Culture
- Page 1 of 1
It's getting to be that time of year. That's right, the holiday season is upon us. It brings lots of good cheer, family, friends, many gatherings, togetherness, and something we all try to avoid: a plethora of germs. It's important to stay healthy during the holidays in order to enjoy them with those we can't always get to spend a lot of time with. It can sometimes seem harder to stay healthy during the holiday season even with the added rest and loads of full meals. This is due in part to stress, but the "togetherness" of the season also adds the opportunity for exposure to germs.
Prevention is the number one way to stay healthy. Hand washing prevents the spread of germs in keeping your hands free of bacteria and viruses. Up to date immunizations are also a good way to keep healthy with the greater exposure to germs that the holiday season presents.
Only take antibiotics when you must. This way when you truly need them your body responds appropriately. Antibiotics are inappropriate for the common cold. Make sure to take antibiotics exactly as you are directed. Don't stop taking antibiotics because you are feeling better or your symptoms have been reduced, finish the entire prescribed regiment.
With the preparing of home cooked meals, it is very important to clean up properly. Get those leftovers out of the refrigerator before they rot. Also, be sure to clean counter tops and cutting boards with hot water and disinfectant soap if they come in contact with meat products. It is also crucial that dairy products and raw meat are not kept at room temperature or warmer for long periods of time. Never defrost meats on counter tops. Studies show that kitchen and bathroom sinks harbor more bacteria than a toilet! Clean up any puddled water around faucets and disinfect your sinks to help minimize the spread of bacteria while you are cooking and washing hands.
Aside from the common cold and holiday germs there can actually be long term effects on health from over indulging during the holiday season. It is very easy to overindulge when there are tabletops full of goodies and multiple parties to go to each night. Repeatedly splurging is a quick way to prove that 'too much of a good thing' is in fact bad. The last thing on anyone's wish list is higher blood pressure, elevated cholesterol levels, or weight gain.
To prevent long term health consequences of over-eating during the holiday season, eat in moderation, only eat your favorite foods. Make simple modifications when you cook to increase the foods' natural healthy aspects. This will not only benefit you but also your loved ones, making holiday sharing healthy.
So start doing what you can now to stay safe and healthy this year. If you do start to feel sick just stay home and rest. If you're resting at home you can't spread germs to others and it gives your immune system a chance to rejuvenate and help you recover faster. •
Prevention is the number one way to stay healthy. Hand washing prevents the spread of germs in keeping your hands free of bacteria and viruses. Up to date immunizations are also a good way to keep healthy with the greater exposure to germs that the holiday season presents.
Only take antibiotics when you must. This way when you truly need them your body responds appropriately. Antibiotics are inappropriate for the common cold. Make sure to take antibiotics exactly as you are directed. Don't stop taking antibiotics because you are feeling better or your symptoms have been reduced, finish the entire prescribed regiment.
With the preparing of home cooked meals, it is very important to clean up properly. Get those leftovers out of the refrigerator before they rot. Also, be sure to clean counter tops and cutting boards with hot water and disinfectant soap if they come in contact with meat products. It is also crucial that dairy products and raw meat are not kept at room temperature or warmer for long periods of time. Never defrost meats on counter tops. Studies show that kitchen and bathroom sinks harbor more bacteria than a toilet! Clean up any puddled water around faucets and disinfect your sinks to help minimize the spread of bacteria while you are cooking and washing hands.
Aside from the common cold and holiday germs there can actually be long term effects on health from over indulging during the holiday season. It is very easy to overindulge when there are tabletops full of goodies and multiple parties to go to each night. Repeatedly splurging is a quick way to prove that 'too much of a good thing' is in fact bad. The last thing on anyone's wish list is higher blood pressure, elevated cholesterol levels, or weight gain.
To prevent long term health consequences of over-eating during the holiday season, eat in moderation, only eat your favorite foods. Make simple modifications when you cook to increase the foods' natural healthy aspects. This will not only benefit you but also your loved ones, making holiday sharing healthy.
So start doing what you can now to stay safe and healthy this year. If you do start to feel sick just stay home and rest. If you're resting at home you can't spread germs to others and it gives your immune system a chance to rejuvenate and help you recover faster. •
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