Stay Healthy This Holiday Season

We’re less than two weeks until Christmas and the holiday season is in full swing. Shopping, parties, family gatherings, school programs, and the winter weather is bringing us all indoors. And when we come indoors, we are in close quarters with groups of people. Sneezes and coughs are spreading their holiday cheer as we gather together.

The Iowa Department of Public Health tracks confirmed cases of seasonal influenza and influenza-like respiratory illnesses.  IDPH has been reporting that this is happening in the state for a couple of weeks now.

Here are a few ways to help keep you and yours healthy this holiday season and all winter long.

• It’s hard to stay away from crowds, but be smart about it when you are out and about. You can buy small bottles of hand sanitizer just about anywhere. Put it in your bag, the car, your child’s backpack, your desk drawer, and use it when you don’t have easy access to soap and water. Use after contact with any high-touch surface such as grocery carts or door handles.

• Eating well-balanced meals and getting plenty of rest will help your immune system stay healthy. This is no small feat in the sprint from Thanksgiving to New Year’s Day. Eat well-balanced meals and healthy snacks. When you go to a party, bring a healthy dish and you know that you will have something to enjoy when the other treats start to beg for your attention.

• Another way to de-stress and to keep off extra holiday pounds is to get in some regular exercise. Even a brisk walk can do wonders for the body and the mind. It’s a good habit any time of year, but December is especially a good time. 

• Limit alcohol consumption and certainly do not drive any motor vehicle after you have been drinking. Never get into a car with a driver who has been drinking. Always choose a designated driver, walk, or call a cab. Never drink and drive.   

Despite all your best efforts, you may get ill.  If you do get sick, please do yourself and everyone else a favor and stay home. Colds, flu, and other nasty illnesses are gifts that no one wants to receive. If you stay home and rest, you will recover much faster than if you continue to push yourself.

If you need medical care that is urgent, but not an emergency, Manatt Family Urgent Care is a great option. When you need to see a healthcare provider and your own physician is not available or you need attention before or after clinic hours, Manatt Family Urgent Care is here for you. The clinic is located on the first floor of the GRMC Ahrens Medical Arts Building and is open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday and 7 a.m. to noon on Saturdays.

The clinic will have holiday hours from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Wednesday, December 24, and Wednesday, December 31. The clinic will be closed Christmas Day and New Year’s Day, but the GRMC emergency department will be open as usual. Manatt Family Urgent Care will be back on its regular schedule from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on December 26 and January 2.

When you need to feel better, faster, come and see our team of healthcare professionals when it just won’t wait.

For more information, check out the following:

http://www.cdc.gov/features/healthytips/