Newsletter

As fall turns to winter and the weather begins to get colder, you might be looking for ways to keep yourself and your family healthy during both the holiday and flu season. Follow these simple tips to keep your family in top shape this winter and beyond.

For kids:

Wash hands frequently - Children love to touch everything, and we do mean everything! Germs can spread quickly when a child touches a surface and then touches their little face. Make sure your little ones are thoroughly washing their hands with warm water and soap for at least 20 seconds after they touch any public surfaces; after they blow their nose, cough, or sneeze; and before they eat. You can make the time fun by singing a little song - baby shark, the alphabet song, and the chorus of “let it go” all take about 20 seconds to sing.

Stock up on vitamins - Your child might not be getting crucial nutrients that support the immune system with just the food they eat. This is especially true for picky eaters! Consider an immunity -supporting supplement with zinc, vitamin c, or elderberry for extra immune support. If you don’t want to use a supplement, make sure your children eat lots of fruits and vegetables and stay well hydrated with water or milk.

For adults:

Plan what you will eat at holiday parties. We all tend to go overboard with the buffet at holiday parties. The holidays are a great time to get together with friends or family, and food is often the way we bond. Yet, going overboard on sweets and rich foods isn’t the way to feel your best. Make a game plan for parties: will you taste a small taste of all of the treats, or is there something you know you want to eat a lot of? Whatever it is, stick to your guns when you arrive. If you get off track, remember that one party does not wreck a healthy lifestyle. Get back to your usual nutritious diet the next day and treasure the memories you made with loved ones.

Move your body - When it’s cold outside, the last thing we may want to do is exercise. However, raising your heart rate is beneficial for so many reasons. Exercise is one way to combat all those extra calories from holiday treats. But it also helps reduce stress, improve mood, and improve sleep. Bundling up and exercising outside maximizes the benefits, especially if you capitalize on the sun during the reduced time it is out these days. If that’s not your thing, find whatever it is that keeps your moving your body - lifting weights, doing yoga, or following along with a fun dance video can all be done indoors. Check out You-Tube for videos that the whole family can do together for a great group activity!

These tips can help you and your family stay healthy, happy, and safe through the holiday/flu season. What are your favorite tips for staying healthy during the winter?

Day 2: Cultivate thankfulness with each breath

We all know that without breath, there is no life. That’s a great reason to be thankful. Close your eyes and breathe in and out of your nose. As you establish long, deep breaths, spend a minute thinking about the miracle of your breath and how it literally fills your body with life.

Day 3: Reflect on the gifts of hardship

All of us experience adversity and suffering at different points in our lives. Reflecting on challenging times to make our pain purposeful, can help us appreciate and grow through these experiences.

Day 4: Express gratitude to others in writing

Send several people in your life that you truly appreciate, a handwritten note, email or even a thoughtfully composed text. Remind them why they are special to you.

Day 5: Notice and appreciate the small stuff

An important aspect of practicing gratitude is becoming aware of opportunities throughout your day to express gratitude. Today, notice and acknowledge two or more times that someone provided a service or imparted a small act of kindness toward you.

Enjoy the shift in perspective and keep practicing daily!

- Kristine Dodge

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