Stay Healthy for the Holidays

Enjoy the Gift of Health this Season

The holidays stir up many memories in our minds. Sitting by the fire, playing in the snow, laughter, hugs and greetings from friends and family both near and far. Unfortunately, the holidays occur in the midst of cold and flu season – and the good will of the season does not make us immune from germs! Close-quarter gatherings, packed schedules and less sleep result in escalated levels of stress and an increased likelihood of illness. Here are some tips to keep you and your family healthy during this holiday season.

• Keep It Clean. Hand washing is something that health professionals repeat over and over again. I cannot stress enough the importance of thorough and frequent hand washing. Think you’re doing it correctly? Check out this video(https://www.cdc.gov/handwashing/) to make sure you’re not skipping steps, missing parts of your hands or not washing for long enough.
• Don’t Spread the Love. If you or a loved one is sick – stay home! Particularly with a fever, it is best to stay home and rest. If someone with cold symptoms is at your holiday gathering, avoid close contact. Kissing, hugging, feeding, diaper changes and frequent contact all increase the odds of exposing yourself. Germs can be carried by coughing and sneezing up to 3-4 feet.
• Get Physical. This time of year many schedules are filled to the brim and the “to-do” list can seem endless. To counter added stress, eat a healthy and balanced diet, make sleep a priority and stay active. Even 20 minutes a day can make a difference. Meditate, take a walk or do something that brings you joy or relaxation every day.
  Stick it to the Flu. Have you gotten your flu shot? Children 6 months and older are eligible to receive the flu vaccine. Come to our walk-in clinic on Saturday, December 17th between 9:00am-12:00pm or contact the office to schedule an appointment.
• Know Before You Go. If your holiday plans involve travel, your children should be current on all vaccines. Depending on your destination, you may be at increased risk for certain infections. The CDC website (https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel) is a great resource for travel tips, or contact our nurses with specific questions.

Wishing you all the healthiest and warmest holiday season, Nurse Julie and the Team at Center City Pediatrics.