Staying Healthy Through the Hustle and Bustle of the Holidays

The holidays are upon us! The trees are decorated, Christmas cards are sent, presents are bought and the cookies are made (well, at least for some of us).  There is joyous anticipation for the holiday’s gatherings – getting together with family, enjoying the Christmas feast and singing carols around the piano. But for some of us, the hustle, bustle and overindulgence can wear us down leaving us vulnerable to illnesses – especially if we already have a chronic disease. It is during the busiest time of year that we need to be more vigilant in order to stay healthy. After all, we don’t want to miss out on the celebration!

Although admissions for elective procedures drop during the holidays, hospitals see a rise in admissions for chronic illnesses such as diabetes and heart failure. This occurs partly because of the colder temperatures but also because of the overindulgence we can succumb to during the holidays. The average person gains 1.5 lbs during the time between Christmas and New Years Day. For a healthy individual, this overindulgence becomes just a nuisance (letting out the belt) but for somebody with heart failure or diabetes, it can mean a trip to the hospital.

What can you do to stay healthy during the holiday season? Follow these 4 steps:

Sleep

Do your best to manage the stress of the holiday season.  Don't over-commit yourself and be sure and take time to rest and refuel.  Consider a nap  - a 20 minute “refresh break” can make a huge difference in your energy level. On the days that you can, go to bed a little earlier, shut off the television, or sleep in when you can. Don’t underestimate the power of sleep to keep your immune system functioning in tip-top shape. The key is to make sure you get enough Z’s.

Avoid excessive salt and sugar

Many of us eat things we don’t normally eat, during the holidays. Who can resist right? However, especially if you have a chronic illness, be aware of the added salt and sugars in some goodies and try to limit these foods. Foods such as ham, chips, and dips have a lot of added salt, which can be a problem for patients with heart failure.  The obvious cookies, pies and candies are loaded with sugar, which can be a nightmare for patients with diabetes. With balance and moderation, you can enjoy the holidays the healthy way. Consider fresh fruit as a substitute for candy or other sweets.  Be choosy about your goodies – select one or two instead of sampling all of them.  Consider eating a health snack to avoid overeating at a holiday party or gathering.   If you are at a party with a lot of tempting food, try to start with healthy vegetables and salads. Remember that just a taste of your holiday favorites should satisfy your taste buds.

Monitor frequently

People that monitor their blood pressure, blood sugar or weight on a regular basis tend to slack off during the holidays. However, this is the time that they should really be monitoring more frequently. For example, if you have diabetes and check your blood sugar once a day, during the holidays, you may consider checking it 2 or 3 times a day. By monitoring more frequently, you can identify when your overindulgence is affecting your blood sugar levels. This may prompt you to make a phone call to your health care provider for next steps.

Be mindful of your medications

Holidays often disrupt our routines and can cause us to forget our medications.   As you prepare to attend holiday gatherings and parties, add a reminder to take your medications with you.   If you are traveling, be sure to take enough medications with you in case of delays and have a copy of your prescriptions in case of loss.  Be sure to bring a phone number for your doctor along with your health insurance cards, in case of emergency. Remember to carry your medications with you in your carry-on luggage if you are flying.

The holidays don’t need to take a toll on your health. Keep a check on over-commitment and over-spending. Balance work, home, and play. Get support from family and friends. Keep a relaxed and positive outlook and most of all enjoy this magical time of the year. By following the steps above, we hope you stay healthy so that you can enjoy this magnificent time of year with close friends and family.

Take care and be well. Happy Holiday!

Renee Thompson, MSN, RN, CMSRN