The holidays are often a time to celebrate and create cherished memories with loved ones. Engaging in preventive health behaviors (e.g., washing hands, exercising, nutrition and getting vaccines) can help make sure you make the most of your holidays.
Hand Washing Properly washing your hands is one of the best ways to protect yourself and your family from getting sick. Washing your hands helps prevent the spread of germs and is an important step of food safety and preparation. You should scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds, which is the equivalent of humming the “Happy Birthday” song twice. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention provide information on how to wash your hands and when you should wash them.
Exercise and Nutrition The Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans recommends that adults age 60 and older engage in at least 150 minutes of physical activity per week and strength exercises at least twice a week. Being physically active makes it easier to perform activities of daily living (bathing, dressing, etc.) and can help you maintain your independence. Eating a well-balanced diet can help you maintain a healthy weight, improve energy levels and reduce your risk for chronic conditions (e.g., heart disease, diabetes). The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s MyPlate.gov website provides nutrition recommendations across the lifespan, including for older adults.
