End 2018 on a Health High Note

You can only start the New Year off strong and healthy if you end the old one that way.

The holidays can be stressful, and with so many gatherings and hugs exchanged, it's an easy time of year to get sick too. Make sure to finish out the year strong by following these tips from Amy Ritsema of OnSite Wellness.

1. Wash your hands. According to the CDC, keeping hands clean is one of the most important steps you can take to avoid getting sick and spreading germs to others. Wash your hands with soap and clean running water and rub them together for at least 20 seconds.

2. Food safety! As you prepare holiday meals, keep yourself and your family safe from food-related illness. Wash hands and surfaces often. Avoid cross-contamination by keeping raw meat, poultry, seafood, and eggs (including their juices) away from ready-to-eat foods and eating surfaces. Cook foods to the proper temperature. Refrigerate promptly. Do not leave perishable foods out for more than two hours.

3. Balance & moderation. Enjoy your holidays the healthy way by making simple substitutions. Choose fresh fruit as a festive and sweet substitute for candy. If you’re cooking for the holidays, make a healthy dish or even dessert so you know there will be healthy options. Go ahead and taste test the foods you want, just keep portion size in mind. Find fun ways to stay active, such as dancing to your favorite holiday music. Don’t forget to help keep kids and teens be active for at least 1 hour a day when they’re home on break.

4. Manage your stress. Keep your commitments and spending within your budget. Keep a relaxed and positive outlook, the holidays don’t have to be perfect. Get adequate sleep and remember you can ask friends and family for help.

Learn more about how you can stay active into the new year with our blog post "Moving Into The New Year" below:

https://blog.onsitewellnessllc.com/moving-into-the-new-year