8 Tips for a Healthy Holiday Season

Tip 2: Get your flu shot. According to the CDC, during 2017-2018 the flu vaccine prevented approximately 3.7 million flu-related medical visits, 109 000 flu-associated hospitalizations, 7.1 million flu illnesses, and 8000 flu-associated deaths in the US. The CDC recommends everyone aged ≥6 months get the flu vaccine. Educate patients on the benefits of the flu vaccine, which include:

• Reduce the risk of flu-related hospitalization for children and adults

• Preventative tool for people with chronic conditions 

• Helps protect women during and after pregnancy 

• Can be life-saving in children

• Decreases illness severity in those who get vaccinated, but still get sick

• Protects the people around you that are more vulnerable to serious flu illness (eg, babies, young children, elderly)

Tip 3: Keep the feast safe. Every year, it is estimated that 1 in 6 Americans get sick from eating contaminated food. Patients should be advised on simple steps to protect their health as well as the health of their loved ones while preparing and serving holiday meals. These include: 

• Washing hands and work surfaces before, during, and after preparing food, and before eating.

• Keeping raw meat, poultry, seafood, and eggs separated during preparation.

• Cooking food at the right internal temperature to kill germs; use of a food thermometer to check.

• Refrigerate perishable foods within 2 hours of buying or cooking.

Tip 5: Outdoor safety. The holiday season is full of fun outdoor activities, but they also expose patients to several safety hazards. Patients can stay safe during all of their outdoor activities by: 

• Wearing warm clothing, a wind resistant coat or jacket, mittens, hats, scarves, and waterproof boots. 

• Dressing is layers to protect from hypothermia.

• Always carrying a cell phone and an emergency kit.

• Working slowly when doing outside chores.

• Sprinkle cat litter or sand on any icy patches. 

• Taking a buddy along with them.

TIp 6: Cope with stress. The holidays are a busy and often stressful time of year, so patients may forget to take care of their mental health as well as their physical health. Learning healthy ways to cope with stress and getting the right support can help reduce stress, including: 

• Take care of yourself (eg, eating well-balanced meals, getting regular exercise and rest).

• Share your problems and how you are feeling or coping with a parent, friend, doctor, or counselor.

• Avoid drugs and alcohol.

• Take a break from what is causing you stress.

• Recognize when you need more help.

Tip 8: Prevent injuries. Ensure patients avoid common injuries by educating them to:

• Use step stools when hanging decorations. 

• Leave fireworks to the professionals.

• Wear a helmet to prevent most serious types of head and brain injuries.

• Keep candles away from children, pets, walkways, trees, and curtains. 

• Never leave fireplaces, stoves, or candles unattended.

• Do not use generators, grills, or other gasoline or charcoal-burning devices inside the home or garage.

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