Nicole M. Avena, Ph.D., Offers Expert Tips to Stay Healthy Ahead of the Holidays

Practical Insights to Keep Health and Well-Being a Top Priority This Cold and Flu Season

‘Tis the season for festive gatherings with family and friends, but according to the CDC, more viruses can be spread during this time of year as a result of large gatherings, crowded travel, and more time indoors. To help individuals stay on top of their health during the impending holiday rush and cold and flu season, Neuroscientist, health expert and author of Sugarless (Union Square & Co, out December 19^th), Nicole M. Avena, Ph.D., is sharing her five tips to stay proactive amid the seasonal challenges.

"As we approach the cold and flu season, it's crucial to adopt measures to support our immune system and overall health. These tips are designed to provide guidance for individuals looking to navigate the season and keep immunity high,” states Dr. Avena.

Dr. Avena shares her five tips to stay healthy this holiday season -

1. Prevent the Spread: Clean and disinfect your home before hosting guests to minimize the spread of germs. Taking this step before more people enter your common environment can create a healthier space for all.
2. Prioritize Quality Sleep: Adequate and quality sleep is paramount for a robust immune system. Ensuring you get sufficient, high-quality sleep each night can significantly improve your body's ability to fend off illnesses.
3. Stay Hydrated: In colder weather, it's easy to forget the importance of staying hydrated. Drinking plenty of water is crucial to fortify your defenses against potential illnesses and helps maintain overall vitality.
4. Mitigate Holiday Stress: While the holiday season is joyous, it can also be stressful. Taking time each day to deal with stress through activities like establishing a bedtime routine, journaling, meditating, or simply enjoying alone time can contribute to a robust immune system.
5. Manage Symptoms as They Come: Sometimes we are not as lucky to avoid cold symptoms, and when they start it is pivotal to act fast. If you notice that a runny nose or slight cough is beginning, I recommend taking a zinc product such as *Zicam RapidMelts at first sign, as they are quick dissolve tablets that can shorten symptoms from the start. Also drinking tea with honey before bed can help to soothe symptoms.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease*

These tips aim to keep health top of mind and prioritize your own wellbeing as temperatures drop and viruses spread, as nobody wants to miss out on holiday cheer and celebration with loved ones.

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