Call your doctor. He or she can help you decide the best course of action and whether you need to see a physician where you are currently staying or if it can wait until you get back home and can see your own doctor.

When possible, call the doctor before or after the holiday. If Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s Eve, or any other holiday is coming up and you feel the first signs of illness, go ahead and call your doctor now. It could be harder to reach a doctor on the holiday or the eve of the holiday when the office is closed but your illness is in full force. Calling your doctor early could prevent a costly holiday trip to the emergency room or urgent care.

Remember, too, that illness may begin before for you travel. Prior to leaving, assess how you are feeling and take action. Do you need to see your doctor? Do you need an antibiotic? Is your child getting an ear infection? Address any concerns before you leave so you’ll be prepared while away from home. And make sure to bring your doctor’s contact information with you.

Getting sick can ruin your holiday and while it may be unavoidable, being aware and having a plan can make handling illness on the road easier.

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Trying to figure out health insurance? Get my book Choose Your Best Health Insurance for detailed assistance on how to decide which insurance plan is right for you and your family.

The post Sick Away From Home? Here Is What You Should Do appeared first on MyHealthSpin.

Get moving
If you’ve been slacking on your regular exercise routine it’s time to get back in the game. One of the best ways to start feeling back to normal is to get moving and break a sweat. It can be hard to get to the gym around the holidays but the excuses are over. It’s just 30 minutes a day. When your clothes start to fit better you’ll feel more like yourself.

Cut sugar
After indulging on cookies and other desserts these past few months your body is on sugar overload. We all know that refined sugar contributes to being overweight and bloating. This will help you lose those added holiday pounds in no time.

Drink more water
Water helps to flush out toxins. It will also give your skin that sun-kissed glow!

Declutter
Strive to put your Christmas decorations away ASAP. Having your tree up and decorations all around the house makes it feel cramped and cluttered.

Go for a walk
Getting outside and feeling the fresh air will make you feel better instantly. Plus, it will help burn off those extra pounds.

Laugh
Laughrer is the best medicine. And it will get your core muscles working. Hello abs!

Focusing on getting you mind and body back in to shape after the holidays is so important. If you would like some help pick up the exclusive Women’s Mind Body Wellness Summit! It includes 6 interviews with top female health professionals and as an added bonus 4 bonus videos plus our broadcast notes.

The post 6 Ways to Bounce Back After the Holidays appeared first on MyHealthSpin.

As you bustle about with travel or cooking or last-minute shopping, remember to find a quiet moment to breathe and put your feet up.

From my family to yours, Happy Holidays.

Wishing you the best in health,
Lori-Ann

The post Wishing You Happy, Healthy Holidays appeared first on MyHealthSpin.

Amidst all of this merriment, many of us still struggle to maintain health, keep perspective and fend off stress. So, as you pull a chair up to the holiday table, go store to store in search of this year’s stocking surprises or simply face the next family gathering, keep these tips in mind:

1. Focus on what you can control
Certainly preparing meals, wrapping gifts, wrangling kids and spending time with different personalities, even (especially) family, can result in stress. The key is to keep from anticipating angst and truly acknowledge that you are in control of your emotions. Mind your words, set healthy boundaries and resist the urge to meddle.

2. Early to bed and later to rise
Work deadlines, accepting every invite, online shopping until the wee hours and lots of caffeinated recharges can lead to depletion well before the first bow is tied. Make your rest a priority. If that means passing on a binge TV marathon, choose zzzs. Sleep improves immunity, lowers stress and enhances your ability to be present with friends.

3. Admit you cannot do it all
Tracking down every present your kids want, answering every call from friends, taking every family obligation to heart and tackling every last-minute need is unnecessary stress. Give yourself a pass to actually linger with your hot cocoa, walk through holiday lights and put some Christmas songs on repeat as you drive the long way home.

4. Strike a balance between party hard and hardly party
This is a friendly reminder to have a designated driver, hydrate throughout the night and watch how much you drink (it saves friendships, Facebook shame and next day recovery time). Pacing yourself can prevent legal woes, avoid stress and keep your pocketbook healthy. If you usually let alcohol break the ice, Google “conversation starters” instead.

5. Excel at showing gratitude
A gracious heart holds little room for arguments, criticism and stress. Besides, having a sincere compliment, grateful comment or appreciative smile on hand is always a great way to gift your host or hostess. Think kindness, count your blessings, take an extra second before speaking and set your sights on the joy of life.

So, as you countdown with your advent calendar, light your next candle or set appointment reminders on your phone, remember that less stress this holiday is the gift that keeps giving you peace of mind.

The post 5 Tips to Stress Less This Holiday appeared first on MyHealthSpin.

Whether you realize it or not, healthcare is likely to be on your mind. Perhaps your biggest concern is how you can avoid getting sick at this busy time of year. Maybe you are wondering if it is the right time to discuss family health concerns.

So I want to know: What are your health questions this season? What are you concerned about? What are you preparing for? Let me know by leaving a comment on this post, sending a message on Facebook or Twitter, or send me an email.

On Wednesday I will be answering your holiday health questions in my webinar 7 Strategies to Keep Your Family Healthy this Holiday, so send them in and let’s make sure you have a healthy, happy holiday season.

If you haven’t already done signed up for the webinar, you can register here.

The post Ask Me Your Holiday Health Questions appeared first on MyHealthSpin.

You may be wondering how to avoid illness around the holidays. Perhaps you’re figuring out how to include your loved ones who are in assisted living in your family holiday celebrations. Meanwhile you may also be planning your health needs for next year and trying to figure out what an FSA is and how it is different from an HSA.

I’ve got you covered. These are just some of the topics we are going to discuss in my next webinar 7 Strategies to Keep Your Family Healthy this Holiday. Join me on Wednesday, November 11, 2015 at 2 p.m. Eastern to learn all sorts of ways to have a healthy and happy holiday season.

Register here

The post Reserve Your Spot to Learn How to Stay Healthy This Holiday Season appeared first on MyHealthSpin.