Happy, healthy holidays: How to avoid coming down with a win
By Thea Shoemaker 12/18/2008
Well here we are: It’s December and the holidays are here. Unfortunately, so is cold and flu season. With all the rush to get our workouts in, go to work and, of course, get Christmas shopping done, our health becomes a low priority this time of year.
Prevention is key and will help you steer clear of illness at any time of the year. Here are a few easy steps to making your holidays healthy!
Keep your hands clean. For on the go, I keep a little bottle of hand sanitizer in my car and usually use it after shopping and before I put my hands on the steering wheel. I recently read that steering wheels and gear shifts are some of the dirtiest things in the car! Antibacterial sanitizers are fine for convenience, but when you’re home, nothing beats soap and warm water.
Keep your air clean. At home, I keep a window or two open during the day to allow circulation through the house. Also, a good air purifier will clean the air in your house and keep dust to a minimum. I also use an aromatherapy room spray (like tea tree and lavender) to help keep the air clean and kill unwanted bacteria floating in the air. Using a natural spray with essential oils (which are environmentally friendly) will keep your home smelling wonderful, while also eliminating airborne bacteria.
Keep your diet clean. Eat foods that build your immune system and maintain good bacteria in your stomach. Studies show that eating yogurt daily will help keep healthy bacteria in your stomach, which can prevent stomach bugs. Fruits and vegetables are essential for good health; try eating raw veggies when possible, as cooking veggies can leach out good nutrients.
Get enough rest. Lack of sleep can break down the immune system and lead to illness. The average person functions best with seven to eight hours of sleep; however, each person’s sleep requirement is different. In addition to nighttime sleep, taking a daily 10-minute break during lunch to kick back and close your eyes may do the trick. The bottom line: make sure you get rest.
Exercise no matter what (almost)! If you have a head cold without fever or any aches, slow cardiovascular exercise may actually help your immune system. However, if you have a fever, feel achy, and your cold is in your chest, exercise may increase the infection and cause more harm than good. The rules to exercise while sick are simple: If the bug is from the neck up, you are probably in the clear; if it’s from the neck down, do not exercise.
Take it easy. If you feel something coming on, stay home! Working, shopping or holiday partying will only make you feel worse. Chances are, if you stay home and rest for one day, you will heal much more quickly. And as always: remember, you’re worth it!F
Thea Shoemaker, Certified Personal Trainer, has provided in-home personal training in Ventura County since 1996. You can reach her at thea@tsfitnesssystems.com or (805) 985-7867. Or visit her Web site at www.TSFitnessSystems.com.
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