NEW YORK — Thanksgiving is a time of restoration, family and relaxation. But for healthcare workers, it can also be one of the busiest days of the year.
Dr. Nidhi Kumar is On Call for CBS New York to tell us how to stay safe and healthy this holiday weekend.
Travel health tips
With millions of Americans I should travel for Thanksgivingwhat are some good health tips for traveling?
“Three big problems with travel: respiratory infections, blood clots and missing medications,” explained Dr. Kumar.
- Get vaccinated, wear a mask, and if you’re sick, stay home
- Are you at risk of blood clots? Make sure you move around during the trip
- Set reminders so you don’t miss your medications
For the party
What are the unhealthy foods to watch out for?
“The big problem here is going to be sodium, sodium, sodium. That’s the chemical in salt, and it’s everywhere: cheese, crackers, stuffing, mashed potatoes, etc.,” said Dr. Kumar. “You definitely want to be careful about how much salt you eat, try to stay hydrated.”
And alcohol?
Wednesday is considered one of the most important drinking days of the year.
Excessive alcohol consumption is defined as 5 or more drinks for a man, 4 or more drinks for a woman. This can lead to hospitalizations for drunk driving, domestic accidents, so-called “holiday heart” – an arrhythmia linked to excessive alcohol consumption – and, finally, worsening mental health problems existing.
“Reduce your alcohol intake. If you’re entertaining, consider serving a mocktail. If you’re drinking, consider alternating between one alcoholic drink and maybe two non-alcoholic drinks, and stay hydrated, keep your electrolytes high ” she said. .
Pay attention to mental health
The holidays can be a real stressor, with deadlines, a persistent epidemic of loneliness and a lack of daylight.
“Lifestyle, lifestyle, lifestyle – diet, exercise, sleep well, reduce alcohol consumption, a little yoga and meditation always helps,” she said. “Sometimes the best way to feel good and happy is to help others, and there are many opportunities to volunteer these days. Altruistic behavior releases dopamine and serotonin in your brain. The best thing to So doing for your mental health is really about doing for others.”
Watch Dr. Kumar’s full interview above for more tips.
