Black Friday is behind us, but the holiday shopping season is still on.
Winter holiday spending is expected to grow between 2.5% and 3.5% compared to 2023, according to the National Retail Federation.
“That equates to between $979.5 billion and $989 billion in holiday spending in November and December, compared to $955.6 billion in the same period last year,” the same source said.
In addition to navigating the crowds, shoppers can face some health challenges during the busy shopping season.
6 WAYS TO PREVENT HOLIDAY SICKNESS: ASK A DOCTOR
To help ensure safety during long shopping trips, Fox News Digital asked a doctor for tips on how to shop without falling.
1. Eat before you go
It’s never a good idea to go anywhere when you’re hungry, and Christmas shopping too. Experts recommend packing healthy snacks to keep your energy up.
Winter holiday spending is expected to grow between 2.5% and 3.5% compared to 2023, according to the National Retail Federation. (Stock)
If you don’t eat something for a few hours after your last meal, energy levels and blood sugar levels may dip, according to Harvard University.
“I always recommend a combination of nuts, seeds and fruit as a snack, as they are filling and healthy for everyone,” Matthew Badgett, MD, an attending physician at the Cleveland Clinic in Ohio, told Fox News Digital.
4 HOLIDAY DINING TIPS FROM DR. NICOLE SAPHIER
“Also, plan to eat a healthy meal before you hit the road.”
Packing healthy snacks is a better option than grabbing fast food from a food court, he said.
If you plan to take a break mid-shopping for lunch or dinner, Badgett recommends planning ahead to check out the food options and possibly make a reservation.
2. Know your physical limits
If you’re not used to standing on your feet for long periods of time, a long shopping trip can seem daunting.
Packing healthy snacks is a better option than grabbing fast food from a food court, says an expert. (Stock)
“If you’re not on your feet all the time, limit how long you’re walking — otherwise you might find yourself very sore the next morning,” advises Badgett.
“If you normally only walk 3,000 to 4,000 steps a day, I wouldn’t walk more than 10,000 steps on a shopping day.”
3. Avoid carrying packages
Carrying a few packages is OK, but lugging around several heavy packages is not advised.
“Don’t carry too much weight and hurt yourself,” warns Badgett.
“If you normally only walk 3,000 to 4,000 steps a day, I wouldn’t walk more than 10,000 steps on a shopping day.”
Some stores may have shopping carts to lighten the load, but if that’s not an option, it’s worth returning to the car or even home to lighten the load, he recommended.
It is recommended to stay up-to-date on vaccinations and wear a mask if you are in a high-risk group, advises the doctor. (Stock)
“Carrying too much, especially if you’re not used to it, can put a strain on your arms, shoulders, neck and back and lead to injuries,” warns the doctor.
“Try to carry manageable weights, balance them between both arms, and take breaks and put things away as needed.”
4. Take immediate health measures
It is recommended to stay up-to-date on vaccinations and wear a mask if you are in a high-risk group.
CLICK HERE FOR THE FOX NEWS PROGRAM
“I recommend the N-95 mask over the surgical mask, as it’s better at preventing germs from getting through,” Badgett told Fox News Digital.
For those who are sick, the doctor recommends that they stay at home or wear a mask while in public.
CLICK HERE TO SUBSCRIBE TO OUR HEALTH PAPER
Use hand sanitizer, try to social distance and wash your hands as needed, experts advise.
Some of the most dangerous places in shopping areas include elevator buttons, escalators, escalators, public water fountains, ATMs, shopping carts, door knobs and restrooms, according to WebMD.
5. Dress appropriately
Experts warn against wearing a heavy coat and other items when shopping around the house.
Overdressing is “uncomfortable and sweaty,” the doctor told Fox News Digital. She recommends wearing layers to stay as comfortable as possible while shopping. (Stock)
Overdressing is “uncomfortable and sweaty,” Badgett told Fox News Digital. She recommends wearing layers to stay as comfortable as possible while shopping.
6. Limit the length of shopping trips
Breaking away from frequent shopping may be better in terms of health outcomes, Badgett said.
This will not only allow you to save energy better, but also you can take your time shopping and enjoy the experience more.
For more health articles, visit www.foxnews.com/health
Overdoing it is a bad idea, says Badgett, “since most of us aren’t used to carrying around.”
Source link
