Tips for staying healthy and enjoying the season

The holiday season is a time for joy, family, and exciting celebrations. For those living with chronic illnesses, managing their health can add an extra layer of concern and make it difficult to enjoy the festivities. Conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, COPD, asthma, cancer, osteoporosis, and others often require ongoing care and attention, which can be challenging when you’re juggling travel, social events, and holiday meals. However, with the right strategies and preparation, the season can remain merry and bright,  without compromising your well-being.

If you’re living with a chronic illness, it’s essential to prioritize your health and practice self-care to avoid flare-ups or complications. Take time to plan, set realistic goals for your body, and allow yourself to rest when needed. It’s also paramount that you communicate with your loved ones about your health needs and the importance of taking it easy during the busy holiday season, so they can better understand your concerns.

Here are some practical tips for managing your chronic illness over the holidays:

1. Stay Active

Maintaining your regular exercise regimen (or jump-starting a new one) can significantly benefit your health and help you manage your chronic illness during the holidays. By staying active, you can reduce any high-level stress you’re feeling, boost your energy levels, improve your joint health, and maintain a healthy cardiovascular system. Even if you’re busy with holiday preparations, try to fit in short workouts, such as walking or stretching, to control your chronic condition.

2. Stick to Your Medication Schedule

While the holidays can disrupt your daily routine, it’s essential to continue taking your medications as prescribed, even when your schedule changes. Whether you’re managing pain, controlling symptoms, or taking maintenance medications, don’t delay or skip your doses. If you’re traveling, talk to your doctor about carrying an extra supply of medications to avoid running out, and consider setting reminders to ensure you stay on track.

3. Monitor Your Symptoms

The holiday season comes with its own set of triggers including stress, the meals you eat, and any travel plans you may have. Amidst the mayhem, keep track of how you’re feeling by logging your energy levels, mood, pain, or flare-ups. Monitoring your symptoms can help you identify potential issues, making it easier to address them with your doctor.

4. Avoid Overindulging

Yes, holiday meals can be tempting, but overeating or consuming too much alcohol can be hard on your body and exacerbate symptoms, especially if you have a chronic illness. In doing so, you’re allowing your body to lead to inflammation or digestive issues. Instead, try to stick to your usual dietary habits, choosing foods that you know won’t cause any flare-ups to your body at holiday meals, and don’t be afraid to say no to second servings or alcohol if it doesn’t align with your health needs. For example, if you have a sweet tooth, consider replacing dessert with a healthier option, or eating a smaller portion of your main meal to leave room for a small indulgence. If you prefer a charcuterie board, enjoy it at the start of your meal but skip the carbohydrates during dinner. These adjustments can help balance pleasure and health.

5. Prioritize Rest and Sleep

Quality sleep is crucial in managing your chronic illness during the busy holiday season. Lack of sleep can increase inflammation in the body, reduce your immunity, and impact your body’s ability to heal. Aim to get 7-9 hours of sleep each night, and if you’re feeling fatigued, take short naps throughout the day to recharge. Try managing your caffeine intake, limiting screen time, and dimming or turning off the lights when taking a nap or going for bed. These simple steps help ensure you’re well-rested, energized, and in a great mood to celebrate with your loved ones.

6. Consult Your Healthcare Provider

Before the festivity plans begin, it would be a good idea to schedule a check-up with your primary care physician (PCP) to ensure your treatment plan is up to date and that you prepare for any challenges during the season. You can discuss any concerns, adjust your medications, and plan for any travel dates or special events as needed.

7. Embrace Technology for Chronic Illness Management

Earlier this year, Mount Sinai announced a new partnership with HealthSnap, a virtual care management platform, to enhance chronic illness management for patients. This Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM) and Chronic Care Management (CCM) program allows patients to stay connected with their care teams between clinic visits, improving outcomes for conditions like hypertension, diabetes, COPD, and more. If you’re living with a chronic condition, check in with Mount Sinai or your current healthcare provider to see if they offer similar services to help you stay on track during the busy holiday season.

Managing a chronic illness during the holidays can be challenging, but by devising a healthy and realistic plan, you can still enjoy this special time with family and friends. By staying active, sticking to your medication schedule, monitoring symptoms, and prioritizing rest, you can reduce the impact of your condition during the holiday activities.

If you’re struggling with regulating your chronic illness and need more personalized advice, talk to a PCP. They can help you devise a plan to stay healthy and avoid complications during the holiday season. To book an appointment with one of our PCPs, please call: 305.674.2273 or visit msmc.com/primary-care/.