The holidays can be a time for celebrating joy, happiness, and family. It is a wonderful time to be with friends and family to celebrate all the blessings of the past year. However, it is also a time when many people become ill. There are lots of reasons why the holidays have people feeling sick. For example, most people get their workouts accomplished in the gym because of the cold weather, so used exercise equipment, such as a used treadmill, and other used fitness equipment can turn into incubators for germs because more people are inside working out instead of being outside and more people are sick in the winter time. Below is a list of ways people can avoid getting sick over the holidays this year:

  1. Get a flu shot. Every year, doctors and federal health agencies across the United States urge people to get the flu vaccine. This not only prevents the flu, but it can also boost your immune system so you do not get any other nasty colds that may be connected to the flu. If you get the flu, your body is not as immune to other colds, so you may get even sicker before you get better when you contract the flu. Also, the flu can last for a week or longer, something that can definitely ruin the holidays.
  2. Wash your hands. Washing your hands after you use the restroom and after you have been in a crowded area (such a mall) is one thing that requires the least amount of effort, yet it is something that will keep you healthy. More people indoors, means more germs getting around, especially in crowded areas. It is important to get good antibacterial soap and wash your hands on a regular basis.
  3. Keep yourself warm. Do not go outside when it is very cold in outfits that are appropriate for summer. Wear a heavy, winter jacket, gloves, a scarf, mittens, and a hat. It is important to keep your head warm when you are outside, so your body does not get too cold. When your body is cold for long periods of time, it becomes more susceptible to germs. Try not to stay outside for too long without the appropriate clothing.
  4. Continue to eat well during the winter months. It is easy for people to start eating poorly with the holiday treats that are available, but it is important to keep eating fruits and vegetables over the winter months to keep your immune system up. Eating poorly can also cause people to feel sick. Oranges are high in Vitamin C and greens are also good for your body.

In order to have a happy holiday, most people want to feel good and healthy. To make sure this happens, it is important to stay up-to-date with yearly shots, make hand-washing a priority, and stay warm and continue to eat healthy foods. If you do these things, then you should be well on your way to having a sickness-free holiday!