Santa's top 10 holiday health tips

Santa Claus is coming to town - and Christmas eve is the one night that he must be healthy for his madcap, round-the-world dash. Like us, he's under quite a bit of stress this time of year. While we have crowded stores, visiting relatives, and lots of sugary treats that can strain our immune system, he has elves working feverishly round-the-clock, bickering reindeer, millions of letters to read, and frosty winter weather.

How does he stay healthy? Check out Santa's top 10 holiday health tips, courtesy of Bionorica USA, maker of safe and effective all-natural herbal remedies including Sinupret® for Kids, and pediatrician Dr. Bob Sears, co-author of the Sears Parenting Library Series (and rumored to be Santa's personal health coach).

Chill on the Candy Cane Consumption. Too much sugar lowers our immune system's ability to keep us healthy. Dr. Sears suggests having just one small treat a day, and Santa (reluctantly) agrees. Cooks can re-think their menus and find ways to include more seasonal fruits and vegetables.

Beware of Excess Christmas Cheer. Beverages are a big part of holiday celebrations, but limit sugary drinks to special treats. Drink plain water for thirst, or herbal teas. Santa likes to pack a thermos of tasty hot tea in his sleigh!

Take Those Multivitamins. Start your day the Santa way, with an all-natural, dye- and preservative-free daily multivitamin to get all the essential nutrients you may not get through diet alone.

Look for Natural Health Support. The Clauses understand the healing power of nature and how remedies from plants can boost your immune system. Look for plant-based natural remedies with a proven track record for safety, effectiveness, and no harmful side effects.

Don't Take a Holiday From Exercise. Exercise is another big booster to the immune system. While it's tempting to plop in front of the TV after a tough day in the toy factory, Santa tries to stay active (with Dr. Bob's help). Fresh air is great too, if the North Pole weather permits!

Read the Directions on Any Health Products. This is especially important for children's over-the-counter products. Santa warns that reported complications have occurred when:

• Children are given more than one medication;
• Multiple medications contain too much of the same or similar active ingredients;
• Dosage directions are not properly followed.

Be Vigilant When Traveling. Watch the air quality and temperature. Winter air can be drier; moist air is healthier to breathe. Going through all those climate zones, Santa packs a nasal saline solution to keep air passages moist, and uses natural products that support good respiratory function.

Moisturize the Air in Your Home. Run a vaporizer or humidifier in your room at night, or take a steamy shower. Santa will appreciate the nice moist air when he stops by with his big bag of gifts.

Get Your Rest. As the days get shorter and the nights longer, we all need more sleep. Dr. Bob says children (and elves) should aim for at least 8 to 10 hours of quality sleep each night. (Remember, Santa sees you when you're sleeping, and knows when you're awake...)

Practice Healthy Habits. The holidays are a time for sharing - but not things like cups, plates, silverware, food or drinks. Mrs. Claus wipes down surfaces often and puts out plenty of hand sanitizers and wipes at Santa's workshop, where all the elves frequently wash their hands.

"Have yourself the merriest - and healthiest - Christmas ever!" says Santa. "Happy Holidays!"

Watch Dr. Bob's online video for more naturally healthy tips for kids and parents at www.bionoricausa.com (click on "Healthy Tips").

SOURCE Bionorica