Keeping Christmas Healthy:

Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year, but all of us, at one time or another, have probably been sick during this highly anticipated holiday season or break. Don’t be stuck on the couch feeling miserable while your family and friends are celebrating! Here are some ways to keep yourself and your family healthy so you can all make wonderful memories this Christmas Season.  

• Manage Stress: Baking, party planning, purchasing gifts, wrapping gifts, prepping to have everything done on time all create stress! Stress releases cortisol, a hormone that tells your body to release blood sugar.  When extra blood sugar is floating around in your body, it’s harder for your body to fight off viruses and bacteria that are attracted to the glucose. This is why our bodies are more susceptible to illness when we are stressed. 

• Wash hands often: According to the CDC, keeping hands clean can prevent 1 in 3 diarrheal illnesses, and 1 in 5 respiratory infections, such as a cold or flu.

•  Eat Healthy: Many holiday traditions revolve around eating varieties of sweet cookies and candies.  While everything is fine in moderation, remember to consume nutrient-dense fruits and vegetables, which are packed with protective antioxidants, to prevent illnesses.

• Stay Active: Try not to sacrifice your exercise time, for holiday prep and shopping time.  Continue to exercise daily because it not only provides physical conditioning, but psychological conditioning by releasing endorphins, or chemicals in the brain that are natural painkillers and mood elevators. 

Wishing you all a happy and healthy holiday season!

Sarah Sell, MSN, CRNP, CSN, School Nurse