5 Ways to Stay Healthy Through the Holiday Season
| By Melissa Ramos, volunteer guest-blogger for Stanford Blood Center |
Staying healthy through this season can be especially challenging. It seems that all around you, people have the sniffles or a cough. Taking good care of yourself is key to preventing the flu. Here are a few tips to help keep yourself strong and healthy this year.
Wash your hands
We wash our hands before we eat, but it is important to wash your hands throughout the day. Germs travel easily when you touch your eyes, nose, or mouth after coming into contact. Wash your hands often or carry hand sanitizer with you.
Get Sleep
Most people need 6-8 hours of sleep. If you’re not getting adequate sleep on a regular basis, your body will be vulnerable to getting sick. Help yourself stay healthy by getting enough sleep.
Eat a rainbow
Did you know the more colorful your meal is, the more likely it is to be healthy? Add colorful fruits and vegetables to your diet everyday for a boost in vitamins and anti-oxidants.
Vitamins
Taking a once-daily multi-vitamin will help you get the vitamins you might not get through diet alone.
Flu Shots
Flu shots are available at most pharmacies. According to the CDC, you should get vaccinated if you are living with, or care for, the following: pregnant women, children younger than five, people over 50, anyone with chronic medical conditions, people who live in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities, and people who live with or care for those at high risk for complications from flu. Please note: flu shots have no effect on your eligibility to give blood.
And since you’ll be well through fall and winter, you’ll be ready and able to keep up your regular blood donation schedule!