4 Holiday Health Myths Debunked
You have a lot going on during the holiday season, and not a lot of time to waste worrying about health myths that simply aren’t true. You should be enjoying your time with family and friends, not fretting over when you should eat that holiday meal, or eyeing those dangerous-looking poinsettias your sister just has to put on the dinner table. As your Costa Mesa urgent care center, we want you and your family to stay healthy this holiday season—without worrying about perceived threats that really aren’t threats at all.
To help ease your mind so you can relax this holiday season, we’ve debunked four common holiday health myths.
- You’ll Gain More Weight if You Eat Large Holiday Meals at Night
No matter when you eat, if you’re overindulging in holiday goodies there’s a chance you’ll put on a few pounds. If you want to avoid weight gain this holiday season, don’t vow to stop eating after 6 p.m. Instead, limit your portion sizes and avoid the temptation to graze on sweets.
- You Will Gain Weight
While there are plenty of temptations and chances to overeat during the holidays, that doesn’t necessarily mean you’re doomed to going up a pants size. Remember, it takes 2,000 extra calories to put on a pound, so let yourself enjoy a slice of chocolate cream pie or a piece of your mom’s holiday fudge. Just don’t overdo it. Enjoy just one holiday treat a day, and watch your calorie intake. Add in some exercise and you’ll not only be able to enjoy your favorite holiday foods, you won’t have to worry about packing on extra pounds.
- Poinsettias Are Poison
While you probably shouldn’t add them as a side dish, there’s no evidence to suggest poinsettias are toxic if ingested. The red, velvety leaves don’t taste very good, either, so even if a child or a pet decides to take a bite out of a poinsettia, they likely won’t take another. Don’t be afraid to decorate with poinsettias this holiday season, but, if someone does ingest the plant and you’re concerned, you can call the Poison Control Center for help.
- You Lose More Heat through Your Head
We’ve all heard this one before. While you should wear a hat to protect yourself from the cold, you lose just as much heat from any uncovered body part. The lesson? When the temperature drops, don’t just depend on a hat to keep you or your children warm. Coats, scarves, and gloves are just as important.
Stay Healthy This Holiday Season
If you do find yourself feeling worn down, overwhelmed, or dealing with a cold or the flu during the holidays, don’t hesitate to contact Xpress Urgent Care, your Orange County urgent care center. You won’t have to wait days or weeks to get an appointment, and we’ll have you in and out of our Costa Mesa medical clinic and back to your holiday celebrations in no time.
If you’d like more advice on how to stay healthy this holiday season and throughout the new year, or would like to schedule an appointment, call our office at 949-548-8400, or stop by our Costa Mesa medical clinic.