Heartwarming Health Tips for the Holiday Season

The holidays in a rural community feel a little different but in the best way. Roads may be quieter, the snow may fall a little heavier, and familiar faces fill local stores, churches, and town gatherings. December brings together traditions, family, comfort foods, and cozy winter nights… but it can also bring stress, cold-weather safety concerns, seasonal illness, and emotional fatigue.

At Burnett Medical Center, we know that health doesn’t pause for the holiday season. Whether you’re caring for aging parents, juggling winter travel, managing chronic conditions, or simply trying to stay well through the colder months, our team is here to support you — right here close to home.

This month, we’re sharing practical, compassionate, and community-focused ways to stay healthy in both body, mind, and spirit as we move through December and into the New Year.

Because good health isn’t just about appointments and test results. It’s about feeling strong enough to enjoy the moments that matter most.

1. Prioritize Your Mental Health: It’s Okay to Slow Down

The holidays can be joyful but they can also be overwhelming, especially when expectations, financial pressures, and responsibilities pile up.

For many people, December can bring:

• Stress and fatigue
• Grief or loneliness
• Seasonal mood changes
• Caregiver burnout

Give yourself permission to pause. Try:

• Taking short breaks throughout the day
• Getting fresh air when possible
• Setting realistic expectations
• Reaching out to friends, family, or community groups

And if the feelings don’t lift, please reach out. Mental health matters just as much as physical health, and help is always available. You don’t have to carry it alone.

2. Stay Active Even When Winter Weather Slows Things Down

Movement doesn’t have to mean intense workouts or gym memberships. In winter, small bursts of activity make a big difference.

Great cold-weather ways to stay active include:

• Indoor stretching or light exercises
• Brisk walks when sidewalks are safe
• Family walks, snowshoeing, or winter hikes
• Cleaning, organizing, or light housework to stay moving

Staying active helps:

• Improve mood
• Support heart health
• Maintain mobility
• Boost energy levels

Do what feels safe, comfortable, and realistic because every bit counts.

3. Mindful Eating During Holiday Celebrations

December is full of potlucks, family meals, and sweet treats — and there’s nothing wrong with enjoying them.

Instead of restricting, aim for balance. Helpful habits include:

• Filling half your plate with fruits or vegetables
• Choosing smaller portions of rich foods
• Drinking water throughout the day
• Eating slowly and mindfully

If you’re managing diabetes, heart disease, or other conditions, healthy choices can make celebrations more enjoyable without sacrificing flavor or tradition.

Food brings people together and a mindful approach keeps you feeling your best while you enjoy it.

4. Don’t Skip Your Health Appointments

The holiday rush can make it tempting to postpone care, but staying on schedule is one of the most important things you can do for your long-term health.

December is a great time to take care of:

• Annual wellness visits
• Flu shots and immunizations
• Medication refills
• Chronic condition follow-ups
• Preventive screenings

In a rural community, timely care can make a meaningful difference. If you’ve been putting something off, we’re here to help you take the next step.

5. Flu Prevention: Protect Yourself and Your Community

Colder weather means spending more time indoors and that increases the spread of seasonal illness, including influenza. This year, flu activity is already rising across Wisconsin, and only about 28% of residents have received a flu vaccine so far this season, meaning many individuals in our communities remain at higher risk for illness and complications.

Protect yourself and those around you by:

• Staying current on your annual flu vaccination
• Washing hands regularly
• Staying home when sick
• Monitoring symptoms and seeking care when needed

Prevention protects not only you — but also elderly loved ones, infants, and individuals with chronic health conditions who may be more vulnerable during flu season.

6. Winter Safety: Stay Safe at Home and on the Road

Winter weather brings unique safety challenges. A few simple precautions can help prevent injuries and emergencies. Here are some indoor and outdoor safety reminders:

• Wear appropriate boots to avoid falls
• Use handrails and walk carefully on ice
• Keep a winter emergency kit in your vehicle
• Check smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
• Keep space heaters at a safe distance
• Have backup lighting and blankets available

Even small actions can help keep your household safe and prepared through the winter months.

A December Message from Burnett Medical Center

As the year comes to a close, we are grateful for the trust, resilience, and sense of community that define the people we serve. Being a rural critical access hospital means our patients aren’t just visitors — they are neighbors, friends, coworkers, and family.

Every appointment, every emergency visit, every new life welcomed and every patient supported matters deeply to us. This December we wish you warm homes, safe travels, and health, comfort, and peace of mind. And as always, when you need care, support, or guidance, you can count on us to be here.

Close to home. Close to your heart.