Updated in 2020 by Web M.D.

-“This year’s flu vaccine has been 45% effective against the flu so far this season, new CDC figures show.

-It worked better against the B strain of the flu (50% effective) than the A strain (37% effective.) And overall it worked better in children and teens ages 6 months to 17, with a 55% effectiveness rate.

-The effectiveness rate for vaccines typically ranges from 40% to 60%, the CDC says, and the vaccine can help prevent illness, hospitalization and death.

-The news come as flu activity remains high.

-After increasing for several weeks, the number of cases descreased slightly, the CDC says.

-An A strain of flu remains more common now. Earlier in the season, a B strain was more common.”

WebM.D.

“Vaccinations and better education about hygiene and public safety help reduce the number of flu infections each year. But influenza can affect anyone of any age group.  Certain populations are more at risk for serious health complications from the flu:  children under the age of five, especially those two years and younger, children 18 and under who take aspirin or medications that contain salicylate, adults ages 65 years and older, people with serious medical conditions including those immunosuppressed, people with severe obesity & American Indian and Native Alaskan people.”

healthline

“Sadly thousands of children are injured every year as a result of playing with unsafe or non age appropriate toys. The United States Comsumer Product Safety Commision has created a robust toy safety system, by requiring testing by independent, third party testing laboratories around the world; enforcing stringent lead and phthalates limits for toys; imposing some of the most stringent toy standards in the world; and stopping violative and dangerous toys at the ports and in the marketplace before they reach children’s hands. While the work that is undertaken by the CPSC goes a long way in protecting our young people (and adults) there are still many toy related injuries that take place- in 2010 251,7000 toy related accidents were reported in hospital emergency rooms across the US.”

Awareness Days (awarenessdays.com)

December 4, 2018:

• “Approximately 217,000 children are treated at hospital emergency rooms for toy-related injuries
• Riding toys are responsible for the majority of toy injuries among children ages 14 and under
• Other causes of toy-related deaths include choking, drowning and suffocation”

Alliance for Children and Families

“While some hosts may prefer to hold virtual events in lieu of in-person gatherings, employers that choose to host in-person events may want to refer to the CDC guidance, as well as state and local resources, to help weigh the associated risks and implement measures to create a safe, healthy and enjoyable environment for all in attendance.”

CDC

When going to a party or gathering, bring a nutritious but festive dish to share! Something like a salad, a veggie platter, a fruit salad, or healthy homemade snacks. This ensures that there is at least something healthy to eat! Some cute ideas include: Fruit Grinch Santa’s, Fruit Tree, Banana Snow men, Grape and Cheese Christmas Tree Platter, & String Cheese Snowmen.

When you know you’ll be out and about Christmas shopping, running errands, or going to festivities, plan ahead and never leave the house without a healthy snack. This way, if you can’t find any healthy option, you don’t starve and give in to the temptations. Things such as homemade energy balls or bars, low-sugar trail mix, fruit and cheese, or veggies and hummus can make for great, and filling, snacks. Aim to eat regularly to avoid overeating, especially of the wrong foods!

On Christmas day, make a balanced and healthy breakfast! Include some fresh fruit and healthy protein. Making a yummy breakfast Christmas morning can be healthy and fun, like whole grain pancakes shaped as a reindeer face. This can be a great way all around to enjoy and look forward to healthy foods!

While not everyone is going to completely abstain from any and all sweets and festive foods during the holidays, at least aim to load up your plate with the healthy, nutritious options first. This will dull your hunger and appetite so you are less likely to overeat the bad stuff! This is also a good time to practice portion control, especially when it comes to the desserts and high-sugar drinks.

Instead of dessert, or at least instead of a full serving of dessert, have a cup of herbal tea prior to eating the sweets. The tea will help make you feel full and less likely to scarf down the treats, while also providing some antioxidants!

Set goals for yourself and have a support group. Having a friend or family member to set goals with can be a great way to stay motivated and accountable during this particularly tempting time. Make goals like maintaining your workout schedule or avoiding processed sugar during the holidays. Having a friend working towards a goal with you helps you stay focused and on track!

There is always Exercise. Keeping on track with your normal exercise routine is especially difficult with the extra business around the holidays. But making it a priority to exercise regularly this time of year not only helps you stay on track, but also helps decrease your appetite for junk food!

Don’t keep tempting things around the house. Friends and neighbors commonly deliver sweets and treats during this time of year, and while we all genuinely appreciate the sincere gesture of friendship and kindness, keeping and eating all the cookies and treats delivered to you doesn’t do you any good! If necessary, take a bite or two, but toss the rest (or maybe re-gift it) so it’s not there tempting you to indulge.

Drink plenty of water. Make sure, as you go throughout your day, you are sufficiently hydrated. Even slight dehydration can trick us into thinking we’re hungry, and, therefore, we are more likely to overeat and give in to those treats!

Don’t be afraid to say no. If you know you’ll be going to a party or event that won’t offer any nutritious options, eat before you go. This way you won’t have to turn to the high sugar, high calorie, high fat foods that don’t promote health and fitness.

Always remember that your health is up to you! There are a multitude of ideas and tips on resources such as positive direction to help make your favorite dishes and snacks healthier but still fun and festive! Try to branch out this year and do a healthy makeover of your favorite traditional holiday goodies with even some healthy new modern dishes so you’re not left feeling overweight or unhealthy after the season is over!   Where you don’t regret the passing holiday but have a great memory of what your holiday season was like! Enjoy and happy holidays!

“There is stage 1-Within 2 to 4 weeks after infection with HIV, about two-thirds of people will have a flu-like illness. This is the body’s natural response to HIV infection.  These flu-like symptoms can last anywhere from a few days to several weeks. But some people do not have any symptoms at all during this early stage of HIV.  In stage 2, the virus still multiplies, but at very low levels. People in this stage may not feel sick or have any symptoms. This stage is also called chronic HIV infection.  If you have HIV and you are not on HIV treatment, eventually the virus will weaken your body’s immune system and you will progress to AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome). This is the late stage of HIV infection.”.

HIV.gov

“HIV stands for human immunodeficiency virus. It weakens a person’s immune system by destroying important cells that fight disease and infection. There is currently no effective cure for HIV. But with proper medical care, HIV can be controlled. Some groups of people in the United States are more likely to get HIV than others because of many factors, including their sex partners and risk behaviors.”

Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

“Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) is a rare neurological disorder in which the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks part of its peripheral nervous system—the network of nerves located outside of the brain and spinal cord. GBS can range from a very mild case with brief weakness to nearly devastating paralysis, leaving the person unable to breathe independently. Fortunately, most people eventually recover from even the most severe cases of GBS. After recovery, some people will continue to have some degree of weakness.”

National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke NIH

“It’s national handwashing awareness week! The first step to preventing infection is good handwashing! Alcohol-based hand sanitizer kills most of the bad germs that make you sick and is the preferred way to clean your hands in healthcare settings. Alcohol-based hand sanitizer is more effective and less drying than using soap and water, & does not create antibiotic-resistant superbugs.”