Tips to Keep Your Family Well This Holiday Season
The holidays are a time for gathering, celebrating, and enjoying traditions with the people you love. Between the busy schedules, festive foods, winter germs, and excited pets, it can also be a time when small health issues pop up. A little planning helps keep your whole family healthy and safe throughout the season.
Here are some practical tips from the Gagon Family Medicine team to help you enjoy a healthy and stress free holiday.
1. Keep Up With Medications and Refills
Make sure your family has the medications they need before the holiday rush. Pharmacies can have limited hours, and urgent refills are harder to manage during holiday closures.
• Refill regular prescriptions early
• Pack medications if you are traveling
• Double check inhalers, EpiPens, and diabetic supplies
A quick review now prevents last minute holiday stress.
2. Stay Up To Date on Vaccinations
Flu, RSV, COVID, and other seasonal illnesses tend to spread more easily when everyone is indoors. Staying current with recommended vaccinations helps protect the entire family, especially young children, older adults, and individuals with chronic conditions.
If you are unsure what you or your child needs, visit our website or call our office to review your immunization schedule.
3. Keep Appointments on Track
The end of the year fills up fast. Try to keep scheduled appointments whenever possible and book early for anything you may need in January. Preventive care makes a big difference all year long.
Our online scheduling makes it easy to find a time that works for you.
4. Practice Simple Hand Hygiene
Handwashing remains one of the best ways to prevent illness. Encourage everyone to wash before meals, after coming in from public places, and after handling shared surfaces. Keep hand sanitizer handy when you are on the go.
These small habits add up and reduce the spread of common viruses.
5. Celebrate Safely Around Food
Holiday meals are a highlight of the season, but they can also lead to foodborne illness if proper safety steps are skipped.
• Keep raw meats separate from produce
• Use a food thermometer for poultry and ham
• Refrigerate leftovers within two hours
• Reheat leftovers to safe temperatures
If you are hosting, consider preparing dishes ahead of time so you are not rushed in the kitchen.
6. Keep Little Hands Away From Hazards
Young children love exploring the decorations, treats, and gifts that fill our homes this time of year. Help prevent accidents with a quick safety check.
• Keep small objects, batteries, and ornaments out of reach
• Check strings of lights for frayed wires
• Secure Christmas trees so they do not tip
• Keep hot drinks and dishes away from table edges
Simple adjustments help keep the fun stress free.
7. Protect Your Pets, Too
Pets are part of the family, and the holidays bring plenty of tempting hazards their way.
• Keep chocolate, xylitol, grapes, and raisins away from dogs
• Prevent pets from chewing cords or ribbons
• Avoid giving table scraps that may cause stomach upset
• Do not let pets nibble on poinsettias, holly, or mistletoe
• Make sure tree water is covered since it can contain preservatives
A few precautions help everyone enjoy the festivities safely.
8. Stay Active When You Can
Even on busy days, try to fit in movement that feels enjoyable and realistic. A short walk after dinner, a quick stretch, or playful time outside with the kids supports both physical and mental health. Activity also helps boost energy during a busy season.
9. Prioritize Rest
Packed schedules, late nights, and travel can leave families overtired. Aim for regular sleep routines when possible and take breaks during long days of activities. Rest supports immunity and helps keep holiday moods bright.
10. Know When to Seek Care
If an illness or injury comes up, our team is here to help. Family Medicine appointments are available throughout the holiday season and our Urgent Care provides walk in care for sudden concerns that cannot wait.
Visit our website for holiday hours and updates.
Wishing You a Healthy and Joyful Holiday Season
The holidays are a wonderful time to connect and celebrate. With a little preparation, you can keep your family healthy, safe, and ready to enjoy everything the season brings.
If you have questions or need care, Gagon Family Medicine is here for you.
