Stay Healthy Through the Holidays

The holidays are a time to celebrate, give thanks, and reflect. They are also a time to pay special attention to the health of yourself and your loved ones. Give the gift of health and safety to yourself and others by following these holiday tips:



1.  Watch what you eat.
We all over do it at least a little during the holidays but that doesn't mean that all our healthy habits go out the window!  Remember that you are modeling behavior for your children so you need to make smart choices.  Try to be aware of portion control at parties.  Eat the tempting high fat foods in smaller portions and fill up on fruits and vegetables.  Be careful of buffet-style foods where people may "double dip".  Put your serving on a plate rather than eating directly from the buffet to cut down on exposure to germs.  Give your kids (and yourself) a healthy snack before you head out to a party (cheese, fruit, etc.) so you don't arrive with an empty stomach.  Avoid leaving plates of cookies and sweets in the house to help prevent boredom grazing.

2.  Stay active.
Don't let the cold stop you and the kids from getting enough exercise throughout the winter!  Physical activity helps to prevent weight gain and relieves holiday stress.  Here are some fun family ideas during the cold winter months:
    
         Outside:

• Build a snowman
• Have a snowball fight
• Go sledding, snowshoeing or ice skating
• Walk around the neighborhood with your family looking at holiday lights
• Build an igloo with snowballs
• Organize a scavenger hunt with friends/family
• Organize a game with friends/family (basketball, football, baseball)  

         Inside:

• Have a family dance contest
• Try out a new class at a local recreation center
• Go swimming at an indoor pool
• Go for a walk at the mall (be sure to wear your pedometer)
• Play games like Twister™, Simon Says or Red Light/Green Light
• Set up an indoor obstacle course for you, your family and friends
• Buy or make some fitness dice. Roll the dice and then perform the exercise however many times the numbered die tells you to!

3.  Dress appropriately.
Make sure everyone is dressed warmly even if you are just going for a short car ride.  If you happened to break down, have an accident, or get stuck in snow you need to be prepared because children can become hypothermic quickly.  Keep warm blankets in the trunk for such emergencies.  When outside, stay dry and dress warmly in several layers of loose-fitting, tightly woven clothing.

4.  Stay safe.
'Tis the season for get-togethers and holiday parties but make sure that your children are monitored and are safe.  The incidence of accidents and poisonings tends to increase when visiting other homes, especially during the holidays.  Scan the house for hazards, especially for young children.  Make sure someone is assigned to watch small children at all times.  Never leave lit candles unattended and keep them out of reach of children.  Check toys to make sure they are age-appropriate and safe.

5.  Follow the basics.
Wash your hands often.  Stay home when sick.  Drink a lot of water.  Get enough sleep.

6.  Don't overdo it!
Be realistic about how much is too much.  Don't spend too much money, eat too much food, or go to too many parties.  Recognize the signs of stress in yourself and your children (irritability, headaches, stomachaches, changes in appetite or sleep).  Pace yourself.  Don't expect perfection.  And above all else, have a HAPPY holiday season!