Staying Healthy During the Holiday Season

The holiday season can create health challenges for even the most health-conscious among us. More spending, more stress, more parties and events, and often more rich food and increased alcohol intake. Planning ahead can help you navigate the season without getting too far off course in terms of health. There is even a constellation of symptoms called Holiday Heart Syndrome. The combination of excessive alcohol consumption, overeating, stress, and poor sleep can lead to cardiac symptoms like chest discomfort, dizziness, and fatigue.

So, how do you stay on track with your healthy practices?

• Keep up with your routine exercise.

• Remember to take your medication on schedule.

• Set boundaries-practice saying no…avoid overscheduling yourself.

• Be mindful about when and what you eat-try to balance healthy and treats, and avoid eating food that has been sitting out at room temperature.

• Set a limit on alcohol before the party starts, and drink water or seltzer to avoid dehydration.

• Take extra care when carrying bundles in and out of the house, especially if you are carrying them up and down stairs or getting on stepladders to decorate.

Prevent falls and fires

Prevent falls by keeping walking paths clear, using proper lighting, and securing rugs. Ensure outdoor walking paths are shoveled and sanded.  Minimize fire risks by using LED or battery-operated candles and lights, inspecting electrical cords, and keeping live trees watered and away from heat sources. 

Food safety

Always wash your hands with soap and water before you begin to serve yourself food, and try to enjoy the buffet shortly after food is set up-you want food that is still at safe temperature. Ensure that hot foods are steaming and cold foods are on ice or properly chilled. Avoid anything that is lukewarm, as this is the "danger zone" in which bacteria can multiply quickly. If a dish looks like it's been sitting out for a long time, better skip it. Perishable food should not be left out for more than two hours.

Respiratory Illnesses

Holiday gatherings in New England provide great environments for respiratory illnesses to spread. They are typically indoors, and there are lots of hugs and kisses and handshakes.

To prevent the spread of respiratory illnesses during holiday gatherings, practice good hygiene like washing hands and covering coughs, improve ventilation, and consider getting vaccinated for flu, COVID-19, and possibly RSV.

If you feel sick, stay home to avoid infecting others, especially vulnerable individuals. This is the most important tip to stay well.

If you are taking trains, planes or buses to your gatherings, bring along some KN95 masks should you find yourself in a situation where folks are coughing and sneezing in a tight space.

You can also check the CDC website if you are traveling to see what the rates of respiratory illnesses are in your destination.

Please feel free to reach out to the Ashland Board of Health at 508-532-7922 if you have any questions or concerns.