Six Solutions to Common Holiday Season Health Problems #ad

This post is sponsored by Bayer. To make sure these products are right for you, always read and follow the label.

The pumpkins have been put away and holiday decorations have replaced the ghosts and goblins in the mall. The snow has started to fall and children are eagerly counting down the days to the winter break.  Weekends are filling up with family get-togethers and parties with friends. As exciting as the holidays are, it is a busy time of the year.

Before you get swept up in the craziness of holiday festivities, it’s necessary to take a moment to reflect on what’s truly important – like family, friends and also our health. There are many pitfalls and distractions that tend to hit us at this time of the year that can put our holiday bliss at risk.

Here are some common holiday health traps to watch out for and solutions to help you stay on track.

When you dress for a party and there is a blizzard outside

It sounds silly, but sometimes we let our pride take over our common sense. With all of the parties to attend during the holidays,  I know everyone likes to dress up. There will be pretty dresses, high heels, handsome suits and not much else. Under-dressing in the winter can look nice, but allows the cold to seep in.

Solution: Make sure you bundle up when you dress up. While you may think you are warm enough, wet feet and a cold head can lead to being sick during the holidays. There is no shame in packing your pretty pumps while wearing your warm woollies to and from a party. You will save your shoes and feel better too.

 When stress puts a damper on your holiday spirit

In a 2006 US-based survey, 61 per cent of respondents reported feeling often or sometimes stressed during the holidays. Whether it’s from hosting events, money worries or family conflicts, there’s a lot on our plates this time of year.

Solution: Create a holiday to-do list and think about which items are the most important to you. Be realistic about what you and your family can handle and consider letting go of the lower priority items. Eating right, sleeping, exercise and doing things you enjoy can all help you to de-stress this season.

 When your nose is as itchy as a sweater from Grandma

This season is full of unexpected allergens that can have you sniffling. Fall leaves, grandma’s cats and even mold from Christmas trees or pulling out dusty ornaments can trigger an allergic reaction.

 Solution: This year, make sure you have an allergy solution on hand. Consider Claritin®  as  an option – it relieves your symptoms from dust, pets and mold.

When celebrating makes you a little, er, ah, thirsty

It is no secret that the holidays may mean having a little bit too much “cheer” some times. Some like their hot chocolate to have a little kick while others prefer their eggnog to have a bit of spice to it ( like rum spice, ). Toasting the holidays with an adult beverage is fine, but can lead to a headache or even hydration.

Solution: What ever you plan to indulge in during the holidays, make sure you drink plenty of water as well.  Becoming hydrated is the last thing you want to have happen while your family is celebrating.

 When shopping is a pain in the neck (and back!)

Holiday shopping isn’t just hard on your wallet, it can be hard on your body too. All that walking can feel like a marathon. Lugging heavy bags and packages can strain your back and joints and leave your feet sore. Don’t be surprised if you wake up the day after a long shopping trip feeling like you’ve had an epic workout session.

 Solution:

The holidays are too busy to let pain hold you back. Frequent mall walkers know the secret to comfortable toes is Dr. Scholl’s®. Dr. Scholl’s® Back Pain Relief Orthotics cushion and absorb shock to help evenly distribute your body weight. If it’s your back that’s bothering you, try ASPIRIN® to help you get right back into action. ASPIRIN® is a great multipurpose product to keep around for those pesky holiday headaches, joint pain and even fever from cold and flu.

 How do you prepare for holiday season health woes?

This post is sponsored by Bayer. To make sure these products are right for you, always read and follow the label.

FT&PD

Suz

**Make your holidays even easier with these great gift suggestions in our Holiday Gift Guide.