Sponsored: 5 Ways To Stay Healthy Over the Holidays

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It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Make sure you’re free to enjoy every moment of it by taking extra care of yourself as the weather changes, the relatives visit, and the calories increase. Cold weather alone can pose a number of health risks. Not only that, but chances are you’ll be traveling to visit friends, family, and loved ones, which means coming in contact with millions of germs. Here are five easy ways to prevent getting sick over the holidays.

1) Get plenty of rest – During this time of year there are many activities and events that can put a lot of stress on the body and mind. A tired person is more likely to play host to the flu virus, so ensure you’re combating its advances by eating full meals and getting at least 8 hours of sleep. Managing a routine sleep pattern will keep your body on a cycle and minimize symptoms of exhaustion.

2) Stay hydrated – Drink up! Water, we mean. Drinking plenty of water is critical during the holiday season to avoid dehydration and flush out any viruses that may be taking a toll on your body. Your body wants to get rid of all those toxins and viruses, so give it an extra boost by consuming plenty of water throughout the day.

3) Wash your hands – Hopefully this comes as no surprise, but there are germs everywhere. To avoid transferring them to your nose and face, keep your hands away from both. When traveling, keep your hand contact to objects to a minimum and seize every opportunity you have to wash them.

4) Watch Your Sugar Intake – We all love to gorge on seasonal sweets, but limiting your sugar intake can be helpful in two ways: (a) maintaining insulin levels, and (b) protecting your stomach. Sugary meals increase a rapid rise of insulin, which over time wears away at your immune system. Likewise, the bacteria in your stomach that suppress your immune system feed on sugar. Don’t give them an extra hand by over doing it with too many slices of pie.

5) Stay Fit – Keeping to your routine workout schedule of moderate exercise ensures your body produces an increase in macrophages – a key type of immune cell responsible for defense against bacteria and viruses. In addition to increasing whole-body circulation, regular exercise during the holiday season means your immune cells are pumping freely and thoroughly through your system. Stay happy and healthy this holiday season! Where there’s a will there’s a way, and when it comes to your health, or the health of your family, now there’s an easier way to shop, compare, and enroll in a quality health plan with NY State of Health, the Official Health Plan Marketplace.

NY State of Health is an organized marketplace designed to help people find the health insurance coverage that’s right for them.

NY State of Health can also provide information about the types of financial assistance available to help applicants afford their health insurance plan.

Get started today by visiting: https://nystateofhealth.ny.gov/.