Florida STI checks made our list of to-dos to stay healthy this season. Follow our tips to take care of your physical, mental, and sexual health as you finish out 2022.
The holiday season can be a time of hope, magic, and making memories. It can also be a time when we let anxiety and our social commitments wreak havoc on our health. There’s always so much to do that we often forget to take care of our physical and mental health.
Our team at Harmony Healthcare Orlando has put together a list (don’t worry, we checked it twice) of ways to keep an eye on your health through the new year. And you know that Florida STI checks made the list because it’s important that you don’t forget your sexual health while you’re waiting for Santa.
Manage Anxiety
The holidays can be overwhelming with activities, lists, shopping, cooking, hosting, and more. Pay attention to your mental health and allow yourself to take breaks and slow down. Here are some practical activities you can do when you need a mental time-out:
- Read a book
- Sip tea by the fire
- Call a friend
- Take a nap
- Soak in a bath
- Watch a holiday movie
Anything that relaxes you and causes you to take a breath will give you the break you need.
Watch Out For Overindulging
Parties, potlucks, and pastries are almost daily activities towards the end of the year. Office parties, school parties, friends’ parties, and family gatherings are all stuffed with stuffing, cookies, and other seasonal delights that you may have been looking forward to all year. It’s so easy to overindulge, but if you prepare ahead of time, you can enjoy some treats and celebrate in a healthful way.
Don’t Neglect Nutrition – It can be tempting to only eat holiday goodies this time of year but in order to maintain energy (that you’ll need for all of those parties), ensure that you’re eating nutritious, satisfying meals that will keep you going throughout all the festivities on your schedule.
Hyper Hydration – We all know that our bodies function better when properly hydrated so don’t forget to drink your water. Not only will it help you digest all of those holiday treats, there are numerous other benefits too.
Savor Your Savories – Slow down when you eat. Eating slowly will help your body know when it’s full so that you don’t eat too much and spend the rest of the evening bloated and miserable.
Protect Yourself From Illness
At Harmony Healthcare Orlando, we like to remind you to remember the basics of staying healthy:
- Wash your hands
- Cover your mouth and nose when you sneeze or cough
- Throw away used tissues (and wash your hands again)
- If you’re not feeling well, stay home (a cold is not the gift your family wants this year)
Get Moving
The weather is colder and the days are shorter. It’s easy to stay home, under a blanket, watching a Hallmark movie, and forget to move your body. Stay active throughout the holidays! Check out some of the benefits of moderate exercise:
- Reduces stress
- Increases energy
- Boosts the immune system
- Clears your mind
A daily walk (or run, if you’re into that kind of thing), bike ride, or yoga class can work wonders to keep the winter doldrums at bay and help you feel like yourself. For an added bonus, invite a friend along with you for some company!
Get Your Vaccinations And Tests
When we stay inside and surround ourselves with family and friends, colds and other illnesses like to spread themselves around. In addition to the basics mentioned above, we encourage you to get your annual flu shot, COVID vaccination (if you are behind on your boosters), and any other vaccinations that you may need.
Please consult with your medical provider prior to getting any vaccines to ensure they are the right ones for you.
And while you’re getting your shots, go ahead and take advantage of the Florida STI checks at our clinics. Getting tested regularly is the best way to stay on top of your health and address any issues that may arise.
Contact any of our offices for more information on any of the above topics and if you need testing or treatment for an STI. Here’s to your health and happiness this holiday season!
