Enjoy the Holidays by Following Healthy Habits

July 2023

Karen Ensle EdD, RDN, FAND, CFCS
Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County

Keep your family and your habits healthy and safe. Make sure you take steps to be ready to enjoy the holidays. Here are some tips to follow:

1. Wash your hands often to help prevent the spread of germs. Be ready for the flu and other viruses that are rampant around the holidays. Wash your hands with soap and clean running water for at least 20 seconds.
2. Bundle up the family to stay dry and warm. Wear appropriate outdoor clothing: light, warm layers, gloves, hats, scarves, and waterproof boots. In summer months, make sure you are using sun block of 30 or higher SPF.
3. Manage your stress. Give yourself a break if you feel stressed out, overwhelmed, and out of control. Some of the best ways to manage stress are to find support from family and friends, connect socially, and get plenty of sleep.
4. Don’t drink and drive or let others drink and drive. Whenever anyone drives drunk, they put everyone on the road in danger. Choose not to drink and drive and help others do the same.
5. Be smoke-free. Avoid smoking and secondhand smoke. Smokers have greater health risks because of their tobacco use, but nonsmokers also are at risk when exposed to tobacco smoke.
6. Fasten seat belts while driving or riding in a motor vehicle. Always buckle your children in the car using a child safety seat, booster seat, or seat belt according to their height, weight, and age. Buckle up every time, no matter how short the trip and encourage passengers to do the same.
7. Keep up with making appointments for physical exams and screenings. Ask your health care provider what exams you need and when to get them. Update your personal and family history.
8. Keep up with getting your vaccinations. Vaccinations help prevent diseases and save lives. Everyone 6 months and older should get a flu vaccine each year. Make sure your COVID vaccinations are up to date as well.
9. Monitor small children. Keep potentially dangerous toys, food, drinks, household items, and other objects out of children’s reach. Protect them from drowning, burns, falls, and other potential accidents.
10. Practice fire safety. Most residential fires occur during the winter months, so don’t leave fireplaces, space heaters, food cooking on stoves, or candles unattended. Have an emergency plan and practice it regularly.
11. Prepare food safely. Remember these simple steps: Wash hands and surfaces often, avoid cross-contamination, cook food to proper temperatures and refrigerate foods promptly.

Eat healthy, stay active. Eat fruits and vegetables which pack nutrients and help lower the risk for chronic diseases. Limit your portion sizes and foods high in fat, salt, and sugar. Be active for at least 2½ hours a week and help kids and teens be active for at least 1 hour a day. Take these small steps for healthier holidays and better overall health.