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New Year, New Habits
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Written by Ellysse Clark, News / Student Life Editor
The New Year is finally here! Since the Christmas craze is over, you no longer have to stress over finding last-minute gifts or making sure your Christmas tree has just the right amount of festive decorations on it. The parties for the New Year have come to a close, and you’re ready to start your New Year’s Resolutions. For some, kicking off a new year means new clothes, new homes, and even new attitudes. However, the best way to fire up a new year is to pay extra attention to your health.
The best way to stay well this season is to constantly wash your hands with soap and warm water. Remember the kindergarten rule about washing your hands? Well, that rule should still apply now. It is best to wash your hands for at least 25 seconds. When asked about any tips she had for staying healthy this winter, Melissa Caldwell, a nurse here at Dobyns-Bennett said, “I cannot preach hand-washing enough! Hand sanitizer is okay to use in between, but nothing is better than soap and water.’”A great way to pass the time is by singing “Happy Birthday” or saying the alphabet in your head. (Or aloud for all you American Idol wannabes.)
It may be hard to keep track of a diet with all the food that is surrounding us, but making a few healthy selections will help you out a lot. It is important to stay hydrated and drink at least eight cups of water each day. Eating soup and a sandwich on whole wheat bread would make a healthier lunch alternative to just grabbing something from a greasy fast food restaurant while shopping. So, back away from cakes and pies and give something new a try.
Speaking of shopping, eHow.com suggests that online shopping may be better than shopping in stores. This way you aren’t forced to go out into the cold, you can rest, and you aren’t as likely to catch cold from the germy people in the stores. Now doesn’t sipping hot cocoa while online shopping in your home sound much better than catching cooties from a whining child in a department store?
Last, but certainly not least, make sure to get a flu shot! Going to the doctor during winter may be almost impossible but that is still no excuse. There are plenty of other places that offer the flu vaccine such as pharmacies and grocery stores. Since needles may be scary for some, the nasal Flu Mist is a great alternative. So don’t forget to book an appointment to get your vaccine as soon as possible.
Hopefully this year we can all have a safe, germ-free winter!
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