10 Ways to Have a Healthy Holiday Season

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1. Get vaccinated.
Vaccines are the most effective protection against infectious and preventable diseases during every stage of life, especially for infants, the elderly and those with weakened immune systems. Follow the vaccination schedule from your healthcare provider, including your annual flu and COVID-19 shots. 

2. Stay home if you’re sick.
Anyone feeling sick, with even with mild symptoms (such as sore throat, cough or sniffles), should stay home from work or school, isolate from others and get tested for COVID-19. 

3. Take precautions while traveling. 
Get tested for COVID-19 before and after traveling or gathering for the holidays, even if you have no symptoms. Wearing a mask also reduces the spread of COVID-19, flu and respiratory illness.

4. Wash hands often.
To help prevent the spread of germs during flu season, wash your hands with soap and clean running water for at least 20 seconds.

5. Manage stress.
If you feel stressed or overwhelmed, give yourself a break. Some of the best ways to manage stress are to find support, connect socially and get plenty of sleep. You can also consult your healthcare provider.

6. Don’t drink and drive.
Driving while intoxicated puts everyone on the road in danger. Choose not to drink and drive, and also help friends and family do the same. 

7. Be smoke-free. 
Avoid smoking and exposure to secondhand smoke. Tobacco use increases the risk of cancer, heart disease, stroke, lung disease, diabetes and other life-threatening health conditions.

8. Fasten seat belts while driving or riding in a vehicle.
Always buckle your children in the car using a child safety seat, booster seat or seatbelt according to their height, weight and age. No matter how short the trip, everyone should buckle up. 

9. Get preventive health exams and screenings. 
Even if you’re feeling well, preventive exams and routine health screenings can help detect warning signs of a serious health problem. Ask your healthcare provider what exams and shots you need.

10. Eat healthy and stay active.
Eating nutritious food and exercising can increase your lifespan, improve your quality of life, help prevent chronic diseases, and reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. 

Our SFCHC health educators are pleased to share these healthy, tasty holiday recipes for you to enjoy!

Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies / Galletas de Avena con Chocolate

Garlic Mashed Cauliflower / Pure De Coliflor

Author

Stacy Geere PUBLIC RELATIONS & MARKETING CONSULTANT - Stacy T. Geere is founder and principal of The Geere Group, a full-service public relations and marketing consulting firm. She has over three decades of diverse experience working with clients in the private, public and nonprofit sectors. Stacy has supported high-profile projects in relation to healthcare, environmental sustainability, water and energy conservation, transportation, land use development and other complex issues. Her work has earned both local and national recognition. Stacy has a passion for volunteering her time and leadership to philanthropic causes and is a published book author. www.thegeeregroup.com