Black Friday is behind us, however holiday shopping season continues to be in full swing.
Winter vacation spending is predicted to develop between 2.5% and three.5% in comparison with 2023, based on the National Retail Federation.
“That equates to between $979.5 billion and $989 billion in total holiday spending in November and December, in contrast with $955.6 billion throughout the identical timeframe final 12 months,” the identical supply acknowledged.
In addition to having to navigate crowds, customers can face some well being challenges throughout the hectic retail season.
6 WAYS TO PREVENT HOLIDAY ILLNESS: ASK A DOCTOR
To assist guarantee security throughout lengthy procuring stints, Fox News Digital requested a medical physician for tips about procuring with out dropping.
1. Eat earlier than you go
It’s by no means a good suggestion to go wherever ravenous, and Christmas shopping is not any exception. Experts suggest packing some wholesome snacks to maintain your vitality.
If you don’t eat one thing a couple of hours after your final meal, vitality ranges and blood glucose ranges may dip, based on Harvard University.
“I all the time suggest a mixture of nuts, seeds and fruit as snacks, since they’re filling and wholesome for everyone,” Matthew Badgett, MD, a major care doctor at Cleveland Clinic in Ohio, informed Fox News Digital.
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“Also, plan to additionally eat a healthy meal earlier than you hit the street.”
Packing wholesome snacks is a greater possibility than grabbing quick meals on the meals courtroom, he stated.
If you propose to take a break throughout procuring to seize lunch or dinner, Badgett recommends planning forward to discover consuming choices and presumably make a reservation.
2. Know your bodily limits
If you aren’t accustomed to being in your ft for prolonged durations of time, an extended procuring journey may show to be strenuous.
“If you are not repeatedly in your ft, restrict how lengthy you might be strolling — in any other case you can end up fairly sore the subsequent morning,” Badgett suggested.
“If you usually solely stroll 3,000 to 4,000 steps per day, I would not stroll greater than 10,000 steps in a day of procuring.”
3. Refrain from lugging packages
Carrying a couple of packages is OK, however lugging round a number of heavy packages shouldn’t be suggested.
“Don’t carry an excessive amount of weight and injure your self,” Badgett warned.
“If you usually solely stroll 3,000 to 4,000 steps per day, I would not stroll greater than 10,000 steps in a day of procuring.”
Some shops could have procuring carts to scale back the load, but when that’s not an possibility, it’s price heading again to the automotive and even house to drop off a number of the weight, he beneficial.
“Carrying an excessive amount of, particularly once you aren’t used to it, can place a pressure on the arms, shoulders, neck and again and lead to injuries,” the physician cautioned.
“Try to hold manageable weights, balanced between each arms, and take breaks and drop off stuff as wanted.”
4. Take proactive well being measures
It’s beneficial to remain updated on vaccines and put on a masks if you’re in a high-risk group.
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“I like to recommend N-95 masks over surgical masks, as they’re higher at preventing germs from getting by means of,” Badgett informed Fox News Digital.
For those that are sick, the physician recommends staying house or sporting a masks whereas out in public.
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Use hand sanitizer, attempt to social distance and wash palms as wanted, specialists advise.
Some of the germiest spots at procuring venues embrace elevator buttons, handrails, escalators, public water fountains, ATMs, procuring carts, door knobs and the restroom, based on WebMD.
5. Dress appropriately
Experts warning in opposition to sporting a heavy coat and equipment whereas procuring indoors.
Overdressing is “is uncomfortable and sweaty,” Badgett informed Fox News Digital. He recommends dressing in layers to remain as snug as doable whereas procuring.
6. Limit the length of procuring journeys
Breaking up procuring over a number of classes could also be higher when it comes to health outcomes, Badgett stated.
Not solely will this mean you can keep higher stamina, however you too can take your time procuring and benefit from the expertise extra.
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Overdoing it’s a dangerous thought, stated Badgett, “since many people will not be used to this a lot carrying and strolling round.”