The holiday season is upon us, ushering in a time of family get-togethers and festive activities. But the rush of the holidays also brings several health and safety risks. This winter, Castro County Healthcare (CCH) is reminding residents to consider their health and wellness at the forefront of everything they do.
“Stress and schedules are typically at their peak for many of us this time of year. Between our everyday duties, shopping, and holiday activities, our schedules are booked,” says Elisha Rosier, CEO, RN, BNS at Plains Memorial Hospital. “Whatever is on your plate, don’t forget to take it easy and keep your health and safety, and that of your loved ones in mind. A little care and caution can lower the risk of accidents.”
According to Rosier, reducing stress, staying up to date on vaccinations, paying attention to diet, observing toy safety and driving with care are all critical to keeping residents out of the emergency department.
To help you navigate the holidays, the following tips can help the community celebrate the holidays safely.
The flu season is in full swing during the holiday season. Influenza is highly contagious and can knock you down for up to two weeks, depending on the severity. The flu can be potentially life threatening in people with weakened immune systems.
According to the CDC, vaccines have been updated for 2023 to better match viruses expected to be circulating in the United States. People ages six months and older are encouraged to be vaccinated.
Don’t let stress drag you down. The holiday season is notorious for adding burden to schedules. From the rush to get things done at work to travel obligations and preparing for company, stress can significantly impact a person’s body, mood and behavior.
Identifying stresses in your life is the first step. While at work, it can be helpful to save the easier tasks for the end of the day to allow yourself to relax before heading home. It is also important to make time for yourself each day by taking breaks for meals.
Exercise is also a great way to relieve stress. Stretching, short walks and other forms of physical activity can be extremely therapeutic and can promote your physical and mental wellbeing.
Keep your diet top of mind. It is not uncommon to gain a little weight during the holidays. Typically, people gain about one pound between Thanksgiving and the new year. While that may not seem like a lot, few people lose that one pound, and over several years the weight can add up.
To prevent weight gain, it is important to keep in mind the ingredients of the foods you eat and how they may impact your health and diet. Since we often eat with our eyes and not with our minds, it is important to constantly be aware of what we are eating and how it will impact our diets. Focusing more on greens and less on heavy gravy and sweets can also help. Residents are encouraged to practice control when it comes to sugary foods and drinks. This is especially important for those with certain health conditions, such as diabetes.