During the winter months activities such as traveling, Christmas shopping and attending social gatherings put people in closer proximity with one another and increase the likelihood of sharing more than gifts. Fortunately, you can help prevent your holiday from being brought down by illness by taking a few simple precautions.
Receive your flu vaccine. Flu season does not generally peak until January or February; however, the flu can strike as early as October, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which recommends that people receive their vaccinations as soon as they become available. Don’t have time to schedule an appointment with your primary care provider? Clinics at many local pharmacies, including Walgreens and CVS, offer flu shots. Refer to their websites for hours and to see which Chattanooga-area locations carry the vaccine.
Maintain healthy habits. Work and family commitments, as well as searching for the perfect gift, can lead many people to feel pressed for time during the holiday season. Because of this, healthy habits, such as exercising regularly, eating healthy meals and getting a good night’s sleep, often take the backseat, which can result in lowered immunity. Stick to your normal routine as much as possible, even if it means squeezing in a short workout during your lunch break. Yoga is a great choice, as it can help manage holiday stress, according to the Mayo Clinic, which lists stress reduction as one of yoga’s many health benefits. Many area fitness centers offer yoga classes. If you don’t belong to a gym, check out the class offerings at North Shore Yoga, which allows you to pay by session.
Practice good hygiene. Proper hand-washing technique should be practiced all year round, but can become especially important during the holidays when people are exposed to large crowds. Wash your hands often, especially if you are handling or preparing food. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends washing hands with warm water and soap for at least 20 seconds to receive the most benefit.
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