Holiday Health Tips for the Whole Family this Thanksgiving

The holidays are just around the corner, and along with the fun, festivities, and time spent with loved ones, you should also consider the ways you can keep your family safe and healthy this holiday season. It is often a time of less sleep, yummy, but unhealthy treats, and cold and flu season. Keep reading to learn about some of the ways you can promote health this holiday season.

The holidays are known for being full of sweet treats. Baking together as a family is a favorite holiday tradition for many, and many friends and neighbors give candy or baked goods as gifts. It’s a great time to indulge in your favorite holiday treats, but moderation is key. Too much sugar can weaken your immune system and increase your risk of getting sick.

Limit your intake of sugary foods, and make sure you are still incorporating plenty of fruits and vegetables in your family’s diet. You can also find plenty of recipes for healthier versions of some of your favorite treats that are just as tasty, with less of the sugar.

Schools going on holiday break, travel, and holiday festivities can all lead to a disruption of sleep schedules, making it less likely that you and your children will get the recommended amount of sleep. A lack of sleep can lead to many health issues and make you more susceptible to getting sick.

As much as possible, stick to your normal bedtime and wake-up time. This will help keep you and your family healthy, and it will also make the transition back into post-holiday school and work schedules easier.

Flu season is upon us, and no one wants to spend the holidays sick. Getting your updated vaccines is easy – many pharmacies offer flu shots and COVID booster shots by appointment or walk-in. It is safe to get both your flu shot and COVID booster at the same time. This is one of the easiest things you can do to protect yourself and others from getting sick.

The holidays are a fun and busy time. The days can often fill up faster than you mean for them to with activities and visits with family and friends. It is important to allow time for rest as well. You will be doing favors for your mental and physical health if you take time to relax and reset.

Take these simple steps to keep yourself and your family healthy so that you can enjoy the holiday season to the fullest!