While holiday cards might encourage you to “Eat, drink and be merry,” the typical holiday season might be described as “Eat, sit and be harried.” To ensure your habits don’t take a tumble this season, here are our top three tips for healthier holidays.
Instead of: Binging on high-calorie foods at holiday parties and get-togethers
Celebrate this way: Make your own lighter versions of seasonal treats, and plan to splurge on a few favorites so you won’t feel deprived. Moderation also reduces the chances you’ll wind up in the hospital.
“This particular time of year, everyone is eating rich, delicious food that can be bad for you,” says Dr. Michael R. Kaup, board-certified emergency medicine physician at Beaufort Memorial Express Care & Occupational Health, Bluffton. “Those foods ultimately affect the blood vessels that supply the heart, as well as the digestive system.”
“I’ve seen a lot of people who end up in a medical facility after overindulging in food and/or drink,” Dr. Kaup says. “Being prudent about what you consume will lead to a more enjoyable holiday.”
Instead of: Using your busy holiday schedule as an excuse to skip exercising
Celebrate this way: Get active with your family and friends by taking a walk, getting guest passes to the LifeFit Wellness Center or organizing a game of touch football. Exercise also boosts your immune system, and that can help ward off the flu.
“The holiday season is also flu season, so it’s important to get the flu vaccine,” Dr. Kaup says. “The CDC now recommends that people who are 50 years and older (and younger people with certain high risk conditions) receive the pneumonia vaccine.”
Instead of: Letting your in-laws get you flustered, spending too much money or worrying about creating a picture-perfect holiday
Celebrate this way: Focus on what really matters. Try a simplified holiday season that makes people – not stuff – a priority. It will help you relax and be thankful for what you have.
Need care fast? You have options!
- Walk in or reserve a time for a same-day appointment at Beaufort Memorial Express Care and Occupational Health.
- See a provider any time or place using BMH Care Anywhere.
- Have a video doctor visit using a private Walk-In Care at Publix kiosk.