It’s that time of the year. Thanksgiving has passed, and we are officially into the Holiday Season. While the festivities are a plenty this month, there are a few things you can do to keep yourself and your family healthy this winter.

Don’t spread germs. Spread cheer.

For many families, this time of year is a magical occasion to gather and celebrate. But there’s always the risk of spreading germs when you’re gathered around more people than usual. Remember to wash your hands often and be sure to practice good hygiene in your family this holiday season. This is a great time of year to check up on your vaccinations and to make sure to get a flu shot.

Talk to your Health Mart Pharmacist about flu shots.

Treat yourself right.

With all the season’s temptations, it’s easy to fall off the track when it comes to your health. Here a few ways you can stick to a healthier routine.

• Start smart: Stick with your medications
  ○ If you’re heading out to a party make sure that you think ahead and consider what medications you’ll need. If you’re at a party until 9PM, maybe it’s a good idea to bring your medication with you.
• Eat healthy: Avoid heartburn
  ○ Eat a healthy meal before you go out to help avoid eating too many rich foods that can lead to indigestion and heartburn. Keep your heartburn medicine on hand when you're at home and traveling.
• Stay motivated: Buddy Up
  ○ Finding a partner to help keep you on track with exercise during the holidays is a sure win. When you’re tempted with cookies and sweets, by splitting a dessert with someone, you can cut the calories and fat in half and avoid being wasteful.

Traveling soon? Visit your Health Mart to stock up medication.

Smart ways to supplement your holidays.

As you head into winter and you may not get as much Vitamin D as the summer months, it is important to talk to your pharmacist about supplementing your diet with vitamins.

• Calcium is needed for our heart, muscles, and nerves to function properly and for blood to clot. Inadequate calcium significantly contributes to the development of osteoporosis.
• The body needs Vitamin D to absorb calcium. Without enough vitamin D, one can’t form enough of the hormone calcitriol (known as the “active vitamin D).

Talk to your Health Mart Pharmacist about which Vitamins to take.

Holiday Trivia

While most people think that they gain a lot of weight during the holiday period between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day, the average American gains just over 1lb.

Oh Christmas Tree —the Canadian province of Nova Scotia leads the world in exporting lobster, wild blueberries and Christmas trees.

Did you know that it is estimated that Bing Crosby’s recording of “White Christmas” by Irving Berlin is the best selling single of all time, with over 100 million sales worldwide?