December Wellness: Healthy Holiday Tips for You and Your Family

There's something special about December in Northwest Wisconsin. Snow-covered trees, family gatherings, holiday traditions, and familiar faces around town make this time of year memorable.

But the holiday season can also bring a little extra stress. Between busy schedules, winter weather, seasonal illnesses, and changes to our everyday routines, taking care of ourselves sometimes falls to the bottom of the list.

At Burnett Medical Center in Grantsburg, WI, we believe staying healthy through the holidays doesn't have to be complicated. A few simple habits can help you care for yourself and the people you love while still enjoying everything the season has to offer.

Here are six practical holiday wellness tips to help you feel your best throughout December and into the new year.

Take Care of Your Mental Health During the Holidays

The holidays can be a wonderful time of year, but they aren't always easy. Financial pressures, packed calendars, family responsibilities, grief, and loneliness can make the season feel overwhelming.

If you're feeling stretched thin, remember that you don't have to do everything.

A few ways to support your mental wellness include:

• Make time for yourself. Even a short walk, a quiet cup of coffee, or a few minutes without distractions can help you recharge.
• Set realistic expectations. Not every gathering, gift, or tradition needs to be perfect.
• Stay connected. Reach out to a friend, neighbor, or family member, especially if you're feeling isolated.
• Keep a regular routine. Consistent sleep, meals, and physical activity can support your overall well-being.
• Ask for support when you need it. If stress, sadness, or anxiety begins interfering with everyday life, consider talking with a healthcare provider.

For those caring for aging parents or loved ones, the holidays can bring additional responsibilities. Remember to make time for your own health and well-being, too.

Stay Active, Even When Wisconsin Winter Settles In

When the temperature drops and the snow starts piling up, it's easy to spend more time indoors. But staying physically active throughout the winter can support your heart health, mobility, mood, and overall wellness.

You don't need an intense workout to make movement part of your day.

Consider activities like:

• Walking indoors or outside when conditions are safe
• Stretching or doing gentle exercises at home
• Snowshoeing or winter hiking on appropriate trails
• Playing active games with children or grandchildren
• Doing light household activities that keep you moving

If you have a chronic health condition, limited mobility, or are recovering from an injury, talk with your healthcare provider about activities that are appropriate for you.

The goal isn't to do everything. It's to find ways to keep moving that work for your body and your routine.

Enjoy Holiday Meals While Supporting Your Health

From Christmas cookies and family potlucks to favorite holiday recipes, food is part of what makes the season special.

Healthy eating doesn't mean skipping the foods you love. Instead, focus on balance and making choices that help you feel good.

Try these simple habits:

• Include fruits and vegetables alongside holiday favorites.
• Drink water throughout the day, especially when traveling or attending gatherings.
• Eat slowly and pay attention to when you're comfortably full.
• Keep regular meals and snacks when possible.
• Enjoy your favorite holiday foods without feeling like every meal needs to be perfect.

For individuals managing diabetes, high blood pressure, or heart conditions, changes in eating habits can affect health. Sticking with your care plan and paying attention to your body's needs can help you enjoy celebrations while managing your condition.

If you're looking for additional support, Burnett Medical Center offers diabetes care and education to help patients develop practical habits for everyday wellness.

Keep Up With Routine Healthcare During the Holiday Season

December calendars fill up quickly, but your health still deserves a place on the schedule.

Before the year ends, consider whether you're up to date on important healthcare needs, including:

• Annual wellness exams and preventive screenings
• Recommended seasonal vaccinations
• Prescription refills
• Follow-up appointments for chronic health conditions
• Routine blood work or other recommended testing

If you're traveling for the holidays, be sure you have enough of your prescribed medications and any necessary medical supplies.

It's also a good time to check in with loved ones who may need help managing medications or getting to appointments during winter weather.

Burnett Medical Center's Family Practice Clinic provides preventive care, chronic condition management, and other primary care services to help patients stay on track with their health throughout the year.

Help Prevent the Spread of Flu and Other Seasonal Illnesses

Cold and flu season often overlaps with holiday gatherings, travel, and time spent indoors.

Influenza, COVID-19, RSV, and other respiratory illnesses can spread more easily when people spend time together in enclosed spaces.

Fortunately, there are everyday steps you can take to help protect yourself and others.

Stay informed about seasonal vaccinations.

Annual flu vaccination is recommended for most individuals ages six months and older. Your healthcare provider can also help you review current recommendations for COVID-19, RSV, and other vaccines based on your age, medical history, and risk factors.

Wash your hands regularly.

Wash with soap and water, especially before preparing or eating food and after coughing, sneezing, or being in public places. When soap and water aren't available, an alcohol-based hand sanitizer can be helpful.

Stay home when you're sick.

If you develop respiratory illness symptoms, avoid close contact with others. Generally, you can return to normal activities once your symptoms have been improving for at least 24 hours and you've been fever-free without fever-reducing medication for that same period. Take additional precautions for the next five days to help protect others.

Improve indoor air quality.

When possible, increase ventilation or use appropriate air filtration to help reduce the spread of respiratory viruses indoors.

Pay attention to symptoms.

While many seasonal illnesses improve with rest and supportive care, some symptoms require medical evaluation. Contact a healthcare provider if you're concerned about persistent or worsening symptoms. Seek emergency care for severe difficulty breathing, chest pain, or other life-threatening symptoms.

These precautions are especially important when spending time with infants, older adults, and individuals who may be at higher risk for serious complications.

For non-emergency illnesses, Burnett Medical Center's Walk-In Clinic offers care for common health concerns during regular clinic hours.

Stay Safe at Home and on Wisconsin Winter Roads

Winter in Northwest Wisconsin brings beautiful scenery, but snow, ice, and freezing temperatures can create safety concerns both indoors and outdoors.

A little preparation can help protect you and your family throughout the season.

Prevent Slips and Falls

Wear footwear with good traction, take your time on icy surfaces, and use handrails when available. Keep walkways clear and use extra caution when carrying packages or groceries.

Practice Safe Home Heating

Keep portable space heaters away from bedding, curtains, furniture, and other flammable materials. Check that smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are working properly.

Never use a gas stove, charcoal grill, or outdoor generator to heat your home. Portable generators should always be operated outdoors, at least 20 feet from windows, doors, and vents.

Prepare for Winter Travel

Before heading out, check weather and road conditions. Keep an emergency kit in your vehicle with warm blankets, water, a flashlight, a phone charger, and other essential supplies.

Dress for the Weather

When spending time outdoors, wear appropriate layers, gloves, warm footwear, and a hat. Take breaks indoors when temperatures are especially cold, and watch for signs of frostbite or hypothermia.

Whether you're driving across town or traveling to visit loved ones, winter safety is an important part of staying healthy during the holidays.

Frequently Asked Questions About Holiday Health and Winter Wellness

How can I stay healthy during the holiday season?

Staying healthy during the holidays starts with a few consistent habits. Aim to get enough sleep, stay physically active, eat balanced meals, drink plenty of water, and make time to manage stress. Keeping up with recommended vaccinations and routine healthcare appointments can also support your health during the winter months. At Burnett Medical Center in Grantsburg, WI, our primary care team can help you address preventive health needs throughout the holiday season.

How can I prevent getting sick during cold and flu season?

You can help reduce your risk of seasonal illness by staying current on recommended vaccinations, washing your hands regularly, improving indoor ventilation, and avoiding close contact with people who are sick. If you develop respiratory symptoms, stay home until your symptoms are improving and you've been fever-free without fever-reducing medication for at least 24 hours. Additional precautions afterward can help protect family members and others who may be more vulnerable to illness.

What are some healthy ways to manage holiday stress?

Managing holiday stress may involve setting realistic expectations, taking breaks, maintaining regular sleep habits, and making time for activities you enjoy. Staying connected with friends and family can also help reduce feelings of loneliness. If stress, sadness, or anxiety becomes persistent or interferes with daily life, consider speaking with a healthcare provider. Taking care of your mental well-being is an important part of overall health, especially during a busy season.

When should I see a doctor for cold or flu symptoms?

Many mild respiratory illnesses can be managed at home with rest, fluids, and appropriate symptom relief. However, you should contact a healthcare provider if symptoms are worsening, aren't improving as expected, or you have a medical condition that increases your risk of complications. Early evaluation may be particularly important for people at higher risk who could benefit from antiviral treatment. If you experience severe difficulty breathing, chest pain, confusion, or other emergency symptoms, seek immediate medical care.

Where can I get medical care during the winter in Grantsburg, WI?

Burnett Medical Center provides healthcare services throughout the winter, including family practice, walk-in care, laboratory testing, diagnostic imaging, and emergency services. Our Walk-In Clinic offers treatment for many common illnesses and minor injuries during scheduled clinic hours, while our Emergency Department is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. To learn more about available services or schedule an appointment, call 715-463-5353.

A Healthy Holiday Season Starts With Taking Care of Yourself

The holidays don't have to be perfect to be meaningful. Sometimes the best gift you can give yourself and your loved ones is making your health a priority.

Whether that means slowing down, getting outside for a little fresh air, keeping up with medical appointments, or checking in on a neighbor, small actions can make a difference.

At Burnett Medical Center, we're grateful to care for the families and communities of Grantsburg and Northwest Wisconsin. We're here to support your health through every season, not just during the holidays.

From our BMC family to yours, we wish you a safe, healthy, and happy holiday season.

Have a health concern or need to schedule an appointment?

Contact Burnett Medical Center at 715-463-5353 or explore our healthcare services.

Close to home. Close to your heart.