Don’t spend your holidays in the doctor’s office!  Follow these tips to stay happy and healthy this holiday season:

• Keep it clean! – Every time you shake someone’s hand, touch a doorknob, or pick up the coffee pot, you may be exposing yourself to a bevy of germs. Wash your hands frequently to reduce your risk of getting sick.  No need to opt for an antibacterial soap, copious amounts of running water and vigorous rubbing with regular soap for 20 seconds will do the trick.
• Get your zzzz’s – An often-overlooked way to strengthen your immune system and keep from getting sick is to get plenty of sleep. A recent study at Carnegie Mellon showed that people who slept less than seven hours a night were three times more likely to catch a cold than people who slept eight hours or more. Obviously, a well-rested immune system is one that’s best equipped to keep you healthy through the holidays.
• Make time for exercise –  As long as it is not overdone, exercise enhances immune system function, boosts circulation, and improves the body’s ability to get a good night’s rest.
• Just add water – Drink at least eight 8-ounce glasses of pure spring water each day.  For added flavor and health benefits, add lemons and limes to your water.  These fruits deliver healthy doses of limonoids and limonenes, which lower cholesterol, boost the activity of detoxification enzymes in the liver, and protect the lungs.

What steps are you taking to stay healthy this holiday season?