Holiday Tips
Seasonal Advice from UMMC Experts
Wellness
Staying healthy throughout the holidays is the only way to really enjoy all of the
wonderful things the season has to offer. To ensure your family's health
and well-being this holiday season, follow the tips listed on this page.
Dress Appropriately
Tips Provided by Yvette Rooks,
M.D., C.A.Q.
- In colder climates, it is helpful to dress in layers when leaving your home, so
that you will be able to regulate your body's temperature more easily.
- The layer closest to your skin should be made of a comfortable, light fabric that will
move moisture away from your skin. Avoid using fabrics such as cotton or linen because
they will absorb moisture, leaving you cold.
- Over the layers, depending on the temperature, you can add either a heavy jacket alone, or
put a light weight jacket underneath a bulky one.
See Complete List of Tips from Dr. Rooks
Drink Responsibly
Tips Provided by Devang
Gandhi, M.D.
- Measure your drinks carefully. Never drink straight from the bottle, and measure
out "standard drinks" rather than pour approximately. A "standard" drink is 12 oz.
of beer, 5 oz. of wine, or 1-1/2 oz. of 80-proof spirits. Always check the label
for alcohol content.
- Do not test your limits and do not participate in drinking competitions or games. Your
liver can only process approximately one standard drink per hour. If you drink more than
that, the alcohol builds up in your system, resulting in intoxication.
- Never drive after drinking. Even low alcohol levels can impair your performance as a driver,
placing you, your loved ones, and other people on the road at risk. Designate someone who
will not be drinking as a driver or call a cab if you plan to drink away from home.
See Complete List of Tips from Dr. Gandhi
Holiday Travel Safety
Tips Provided by Christopher
Plowe, M.D., M.P.H. and Ada Ibe
Offurum, M.D.
- If you are heading to the tropics for the holidays, don't forget to get your travel shots! Even
travel to luxury resort areas comes with some health risks, and vaccinations are recommended to
prevent nasty tropical infections like typhoid fever, Hepatitis A, yellow fever, and meningitis,
depending on where you are going.
- If you are traveling long distances by car, train, or plane to meet your family, make sure you
take breaks to walk and stretch. The increased circulation reduces the risk of developing
blood clots in the legs.
See Complete List of Tips from Dr. Offurum
This page was last updated on: May 2, 2012.
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