Staying Healthy Inside and Outside during the Holiday Season.
Holidays are important occasions we celebrate every year. It lets us feel work-free even for a short period of time. Foods, parties, festivities, people and gatherings are often present with this event. There is always spirit of excitement and special kind of enthusiasm in each individual when holidays come. From Thanksgiving through New Year’s Eve, people always diligently prepare whether how big or small their celebration maybe. It is also an opportunity to spend time with our families and friends to update and renew ties with each other.
Holidays can also be stressful at times if you don’t know how to handle and manage things. With all the hustle and hurry here to there, your one-of-a-kind holiday celebration, might be ruined because of being sick. You should be aware and allow some time to focus, monitor your health and do not allow stress and pressure getting to you, especially during the holiday season.
Here are some of the ways to stay healthy during this holiday season:
- Plan and manage your activities for the day
Set your schedule for the day so that you will not feel pressured from going to all the different parties you are invited. Learn to say no. Only attend parties that are very important to you. Also, do not commit yourself too much.
- Maintain regular physical activity
Regular physical activity promotes good blood circulation throughout the body. It is also beneficial in 
combating several diseases. According to CDC, children and adolescents should have 60 minutes (1 hour) per day of physical activity while adults must have 2 hours and 30 minutes (150 minutes) each day, unless you have underlying medical conditions. A simple brisk walking with family or friends will be a good and simple example.
- Drink 8-12 glasses per day
Water has always been shown to be beneficial in the body. Drinking water 8-12 glasses per day help with the body’s metabolism, aids in the proper absorption of nutrients on the different organs and eliminate toxins in the body.
- Rest and sleep
Holidays are not always about being busy going to parties. It is also the time to unwind and relax from all the stress you have from work. Sleep for at least 8 hours per day is advisable to allow the cells in your body to regenerate after a tiring day.
- Choose what to eat
Though a lot of foods served on the table can be tempting, you should learn to select what foods to eat 
and not to eat. Select foods that are easy to digest. Also, don’t forget fruits and vegetables to include to your plate.
- Proper and safe food preparation and handling
Always put to mind that food handling is very important when preparing any kind of meal. Remember to separate perishable from non-perishable goods so as not to contaminate the juice (perishable goods) to the others. Do not leave perishable foods out in the freezer for more than 2 hours.
- Proper hand washing
Studies have revealed that washing of hands prevents several kinds of diseases, including flu, because it avoids transmission of bacteria from one person to another. According to CDC (Center for Disease Control and Prevention), proper hand washing must be done with soap and water. Always keep your hands clean before and after eating. In the event that water is not available, a 60% alcohol sanitize can also be used.
Your health is your wealth, as the saying goes. Don’t let your holiday season be ruined. Always strive to take care of your health even in simple and little ways.
Johanna Oosterwijk N.D.