Over the river and through the woods to grandmother’s house we go! If only we stuck to the river and the woods we would be so much healthier. But the truth is that during this hectic holiday season we are in constant contact with the germs and viruses that can make us sick and give us those holiday blues. Our hands are almost like magnets attracting these things. Think about it. Every time we venture out into public to do our shopping our hands touch door handles, ATM machine buttons, elevator buttons, gas pump handles, and the list can go on and on.
So what’s the solution? Exactly what your mother always told you: Always wash your hands! It sounds simple but the truth is that the germs on your hands are the biggest threat to your health. Viruses tend to spread more from hand-to-mouth contact than through airborne droplets.
During cold and flu season (now!) it is best to practice “safe-hands”. Keep sanitizer handy and wash your hands after you have been out in public. This is especially true if you are getting ready to dip your hand into a bowl of peanuts or grab a handful of your favorite fast food sandwich. If you can, wash your hands with soap and water for about 20 seconds before rinsing. (That’ about how long it takes to sing the ABC song or Happy Birthday.)
A few other tips:
Keep up your normal routine. As much as you can, maintain your eating and sleeping routine. During the holidays, most of us tend to sleep less, go to bed later, and eat and drink things that that are not a normal part of our diet. This can throw our body off its normal rhythm and compromise our immune system.
Exercise! Taking the time to get in exercise is most difficult this time of year. If you can’t do your normal workout, at least get in some physical activity. Take a walk, do a few chair or floor exercises, whatever you can, but definitely get the heart rate up in a positive way each day.
Hydrate! I am always harping on this one, but getting plenty of water each day is helpful in so many ways. It helps flush out toxins and reduces that stress on your body and immune system. Soda, alcohol and coffee don’t count in your liquids total! These do not hydrate you. And if you are flying this season, absolutely drink plenty of water while on the plane. You will need at least one glass of water for every hour on the plane – just to stay hydrated!
I hope that you and your family are enjoying this holiday season.
To your health!
Gail Grieger
So what’s the solution? Exactly what your mother always told you: Always wash your hands! It sounds simple but the truth is that the germs on your hands are the biggest threat to your health. Viruses tend to spread more from hand-to-mouth contact than through airborne droplets.
During cold and flu season (now!) it is best to practice “safe-hands”. Keep sanitizer handy and wash your hands after you have been out in public. This is especially true if you are getting ready to dip your hand into a bowl of peanuts or grab a handful of your favorite fast food sandwich. If you can, wash your hands with soap and water for about 20 seconds before rinsing. (That’ about how long it takes to sing the ABC song or Happy Birthday.)
A few other tips:
Keep up your normal routine. As much as you can, maintain your eating and sleeping routine. During the holidays, most of us tend to sleep less, go to bed later, and eat and drink things that that are not a normal part of our diet. This can throw our body off its normal rhythm and compromise our immune system.
Exercise! Taking the time to get in exercise is most difficult this time of year. If you can’t do your normal workout, at least get in some physical activity. Take a walk, do a few chair or floor exercises, whatever you can, but definitely get the heart rate up in a positive way each day.
Hydrate! I am always harping on this one, but getting plenty of water each day is helpful in so many ways. It helps flush out toxins and reduces that stress on your body and immune system. Soda, alcohol and coffee don’t count in your liquids total! These do not hydrate you. And if you are flying this season, absolutely drink plenty of water while on the plane. You will need at least one glass of water for every hour on the plane – just to stay hydrated!
I hope that you and your family are enjoying this holiday season.
To your health!
Gail Grieger
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