Reduce Holiday Stress
The holiday season is quickly approaching, and while it can be a joyful time, it can also be stressful. This time of year often involves balancing your time, finances and commitments. Consider the following tips to reduce your holiday stress:
- Make realistic expectations for yourself and others.
- Maintain health habits, such as getting adequate sleep, eating well and getting exercise.
- Limit your alcohol intake.
- Ask for help if you are feeling overwhelmed.
- Make time for yourself and activities that reduce stress.
- Stick to a budget.
- Give yourself permission to do less.
- Make a chronological to-do list to spread out everything you must get done.
National Healthy Skin Month
November is National Healthy Skin Month, making it a great time to pay attention to your skin, learn about skincare and adopt habits that lead to healthier skin. The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) first launched this awareness month in 1997 and has since used November as a time for Americans to adopt health skin habits and avoid harmful ones.
How to Maintain Healthy Skin
The following tips can be used to help promote healthy skin:
- Apply sunscreen daily. Sunscreen can protect your skin from damaging ultraviolet rays, which can cause sunburn, skin cancer and premature skin aging. Dermatologists recommend applying a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher to all skin not covered by clothing.
- Avoid tanning beds. Indoor tanning beds can increase your risk of melanoma after just one session, according to the AAD.
- Develop a skincare routine. This should include a gentle cleanser, sunscreen and moisturizer.
- Check your skin regularly. Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States. Inspecting your skin for suspicious spots (i.e., new ones and spots that change in color and/or size) is important.
- Use lip balm with SPF. Your lips can also get sunburn or develop skin cancer.
Contact a board-certified dermatologist for individualized skincare advice or if you notice abnormalities on your skin.
Safety Tips for Exercising Outside in Fall and Winter
During the colder months of the year, it can be easy to become sedentary and abandon your exercise routine. However, it may be more important than ever to stay active in winter. Being active outside in fall and winter can increase endurance, burn more calories and help prevent seasonal affective disorder and other mental health conditions. While it can be beneficial to exercise outside, it’s important to do so safely.
Outdoor Exercise Tips for Fall and Winter
Consider the following tips to exercise outside in fall and winter safely:
- Check the weather before heading out.
- Tell a friend or family member where you will be and how long you plan to be out.
- Wear multiple layers, such as a moisture-wicking bottom layer, a warmer fleece or wool mid-layer and a lighter water-resistant outer layer.
- Stay hydrated.
- Use a headlamp or reflective gear if you are outside before sunrise or after sunset.
- Be cautious when walking or running over wet leaves or potentially icy areas.
- Consider wearing a hat, headband or breathable neck gaiter.
- Avoid sitting in wet or cold clothes after your workout.
- Wear appropriate footwear.
The Importance of Getting a Flu Shot
If you haven’t gotten the flu vaccine, it’s not too late. Getting an annual flu shot is important for the following reasons:
- The flu shot is the most important way to prevent spreading the flu.
- The flu shot can reduce the risk of health complications and hospitalizations.
- The flu shot can help with herd immunity.
- Getting a flu shot can reduce your chances of having to miss important events due to illness.
For more information about the flu vaccine, contact your doctor today.
This newsletter is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical or insurance advice. © 2024 Zywave, Inc. All rights reserved.