The holiday season is here! Tis the season to eat, drink and be merry. During these busy times, we tend to set aside our usual diet and exercise routines. As a physical therapist, I encourage my patients to adopt a healthy lifestyle in all aspects of life. Here are a few tips to stay healthy during the holidays.
1) With the temperatures dropping, outdoor activities are coming to an end. For people who do not belong to a gym, this makes it more difficult to stay fit. Do not let the cold weather stop you though. Some good active wear for cold weather can help you stay warm while walking, running, biking, etc. Try some fun cold weather only activities such as downhill skiing, cross country skiing, or ice skating. There are also some free workout programs on the internet or in the on demand section of your cable television provider. This allows you to work out while at home with nothing more than a few free weights or bands. If you are really not a cold weather person (like myself) I would suggest joining a gym that does not require a contract. This way, you can pay only during the months that you are using it. Aim to do some form of workout at least 4-5 times a week.
2) The usual diet routine usually goes down the tubes once the turkey, pies and cookies come out. Not only do we eat more during the holidays, but we are also drinking more. While I would never tell a patient to refrain from occasional indulgences, be aware of how much you are eating. Portion control is key. Eating one or two cookies is fine; eating the whole batch, probably not. Remember to keep your plate colorful. This means eating more fruits and vegetables and less starches and meats. Remember also to stay hydrated. Drinking lots of water will help you to feel full and keep you from overeating. You can also try to have a small salad or bowl of broth soup to keep you from overindulging at the dinner table.
3) With the holiday season comes flu season as well. Talk to your doctor about whether getting the flu shot is right for you. The best way to prevent sickness is to wash your hands. Hand sanitizers are good for use on the go to prevent infection, but if your hands are visibly dirty, use soap and water. Talk to your health care provider to make sure you are on the proper supplements for you and if a flu shot is recommended.
4) If you are having any aches or pains, do not wait to be seen! Just remember the sooner you are seen, the easier it is to treat. I cannot tell you how many patients I have seen where some simple exercises may have prevented some more serious consequences. See us at Performance Spine and Sports Medicine of Newtown to keep your holidays painfree.
