Your December Health To-Do List

Try a new seasonal fruit or vegetable
While the supermarket makes it convenient to purchase out-of-season foods, consider trying a new winter fruit or vegetable! Seasonal produce offers higher levels of nutrients than out-of-season fruits and vegetables because they're picked at their peak freshness. Seasonal produce gets the chance to fully ripen, contributing to better flavor. Additionally, you may save some money – seasonal produce is often cheaper than out-of-season produce! Winter fruits and vegetables include clementines, grapefruit, kale, pears, sweet potatoes and turnips. Get the full list of winter fruits and vegetables!

Stay stress-free during the holidays
Between family visits, shopping and parties, the holiday season can start feeling like the most stressful time of the year rather than the most wonderful time of the year. Try these tips from Vicky Mieseler, MS, Ozark Center Vice President of Clinical Services, to help avoid becoming stressed or overburdened:

• Plan ahead. Don't wait until the last minute to shop for gifts or pack for a trip.
• Delegate, delegate, delegate! You don't have to do everything yourself.
• Exercise regularly. Don't be tempted to skip a workout, because exercise can help relieve stress.
• Get your Z’s. Make sure to get enough rest each night.

Purchase safe and age-appropriate toys
December is National Safe Toys & Gifts Month. The Consumer Product Safety Commission reports that in 2012, an estimated 265,000 toy-related injuries were treated in U.S. hospital emergency departments. In this news segment, Julia Foster, Freeman Nurse Practitioner, discusses toy-related injuries.

When giving gifts to children, choose toys that are both safe and age-appropriate. Try these tips! Toys with small parts and balloons can present a choking hazard for children under age 3. Keep an eye out for toy recalls. Read any instructions, safety precautions and warnings for the toy. Finally, discard plastic wrapping and other packaging after gifts are opened.