November marks the start of the holiday season, when family gatherings, food choices, disease management, and other health trends can affect our minds and bodies. Yet this time of year also brings unique opportunities for addressing these concerns and prioritizing well-being.
Here are the most common ones to keep in mind.
1. Health Trends: Respiratory Illness Prevention
With colder weather and increased indoor gatherings, respiratory illnesses like the flu, COVID-19, and RSV become more common. Health organizations encourage vaccinations for protection, especially for those in high-risk groups. These preventive measures — along with frequent handwashing and avoiding close contact with those who are sick — will help reduce the spread of disease.
Many workplaces and schools also remind people to practice good hygiene, and health experts emphasize the importance of staying home when feeling unwell. Some may even encourage the use of N95 masks, particularly in crowded indoor spaces, as a means of reducing exposure.
2. Health Trends: Managing Holiday-Induced Stress
End-of-year holidays are known for being stressful, often due to family gatherings, arranging travel, and managing expenses.
Mindfulness, meditation, and even short breaks for breathing exercises can provide relief from holiday stress. People are also encouraged to set boundaries with respect to their time, budget, and social commitments. Simple techniques like journaling and practicing self-care can also offer a moment to pause, reflect, and recharge.
3. Health Trends: Cardiovascular Awareness
Holiday meals are often rich and indulgent, loaded with foods that are high in salt, sugar, and unhealthy fats. Experts recommend balancing these with nutritious choices to support cardiovascular health.
Practical tips include filling half of your plate with vegetables, choosing lean proteins like turkey or chicken, and watching portion sizes to avoid overeating. Small adjustments, like swapping high-sugar desserts for fruit or using whole grains in holiday recipes, can make a difference without sacrificing flavor.
Additionally, staying active — whether through a brisk walk after a meal or a workout routine — helps keep blood pressure and cholesterol levels in check during the holidays.
4. Health Trends: Diabetes Awareness and Management
November is National Diabetes Awareness Month, making it a time when many of your patients may have added focus on managing their blood sugar levels.
People with this chronic disease, or those at risk of developing it, are encouraged to practice mindful eating that emphasizes portion control and awareness of food choices. They can also regularly monitor their blood glucose levels and stay hydrated to counterbalance some of the effects of sugary or carb-heavy foods.
Remote Patient Monitoring can be a powerful tool for helping with diabetes and other chronic care management. Click here to learn more.
5. Health Trends: Boosting Immune Health
Beyond flu, COVID, and RSV, there’s also the common cold to watch out for. Health-conscious individuals tend to incorporate more foods rich in vitamins C and D, zinc, and antioxidants into their diets, as these nutrients help support immune function.
Drinking plenty of water, getting adequate sleep, and engaging in regular exercise are also recommended.
6. Health Trends: Gratitude Practices for Mental Health
November’s Thanksgiving holiday provides a unique opportunity to practice gratitude, which has a positive effect on mental health. Studies show that gratitude can improve mood, increase resilience, and foster positive relationships. Many people start a gratitude journal or make a habit of listing things they’re thankful for each day.
This focus on gratitude is not only a feel-good practice but also a scientifically backed approach to enhance well-being.
Well Wishes for the Holidays
By staying mindful of these practices, we can embrace the holiday season without sacrificing our physical or mental health. We hope that the coming weeks are safe and enjoyable with the ones you share it with, from friends and family to those in your office.
About TriageLogic
TriageLogic is a URAC-accredited, physician-led provider of top-quality nurse telehealth technology, remote patient monitoring, and medical call center solutions. Founded in 2007, the TriageLogic Group now serves more than 22,000 physicians and covers over 42 million lives nationwide.
