8 ways to stay healthy over the holidays

If you want to enjoy your holidays to the fullest, you have to feel your best. Take these simple steps to stay healthy this season.

1. Wash your hands. Without a doubt, this is the best way to protect yourself and others from illness. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says the best way to get the job involves five steps — wet, lather, scrub, rinse, dry — and if done properly can reduce the spread of intestinal and respiratory illness. Carry hand sanitizer — one that is at least 60 percent alcohol — for times when hand washing isn't an option.

2. Get the flu shot. Despite the past use of nasal vaccines, this year only the shot is recommended, protecting from three to four strains of the virus.The vaccine can reduce symptoms and doctors’ visits, as well as prevent flu-related hospitalizations. The bonus is that the more people who get vaccinated, the more people will be protected from flu, including older people and very young children who cannot receive the vaccine.

3. Take vitamins. Keeping up with your daily recommended vitamins is a great way to stay healthy, and that can include adding supplements like Airborne and Emergen-C. The next time you are at the doctor, get a recommendation for a good multi-vitamin, and if you’re up for blood work, find out if you are short on vitamin D and increase that if needed, too.

4. Know your numbers. No one ever thinks they will need poison control’s number on their refrigerator until they do. Keep a list of important numbers somewhere everyone in the family has access to in the case of an emergency. This will include the doctor, emergency services, police department, fire department, family members and yes, poison control.

5. Eat healthy. Good nutrition with a lot of variety can help keep you from getting sick because the immune system depends on many vitamins and minerals for optimal function. Consider building each meal around a vegetable for maximum health benefits, and avoid starchy, sugary and fatty foods over grains and lean protein.

6. Exercise regularly. Exercising regularly can help to reduce anxiety, induce relaxation, make you feel better about yourself and also encourage the adoption of other healthy behaviors, all while managing stress — another immune-system zapper. Activities like yoga and tai-chi can help accomplish both.

7. Get some sleep. According to the American Council on Exercise, major sleep disruptions have been linked to immune suppression. While there is no magic number that works for every person, the National Sleep Foundation suggests that adults should get 7-8 hours per night.

8. Keep your hands off your face. Even the most thorough hand washing and vigorous sanitizer use will not get rid of every last microbe, and once you touch your eyes, mouth or nose with your fingers, you are exposing yourself to illness. Keep hands at bay as much as possible.