Black Friday is behind us, but holiday shopping season is still in full swing.
Winter holiday spending is expected to grow between 2.5% and 3.5% from 2023, according to the National Retail Federation.
‘That amounts to between 979.5 billion and 989 billion dollars total holiday expenditure 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, consumers may face a number of health concerns during the hectic shopping season.
6 WAYS TO PREVENT HOLIDAY SICKNESS: ASK A DOCTOR
To ensure safety during long shopping periods, Fox News Digital asked a doctor for tips on shopping without falling. Here are six.
1. Eat before you go
It’s never a good idea to go somewhere when you’re hungry, and Christmas shopping is no exception. Experts recommend packing a few healthy snacks to maintain your energy.
Winter holiday spending is expected to grow between 2.5% and 3.5% from 2023, according to the National Retail Federation. (iStock)
If you don’t eat anything for a few hours after your last meal, energy levels and blood sugar levels can drop, according to Harvard University.
“I always recommend a combination of nuts, seeds and fruit as a snack because they are filling and healthy for everyone,” Matthew Badgett, MD, a family physician at the Cleveland Clinic in Ohio, told Fox News Digital.
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“I’m also planning on getting one too healthy meal before you hit the road.”
Packaging healthy snacks is a better option than getting fast food at the food court, he said.
If you plan to take a break from shopping get lunch or dinner, Badgett recommends planning ahead to explore the dining options and make a reservation if necessary.
2. Know your physical limits
If you are not used to being on your feet for long periods of time, a long shopping trip can prove to be strenuous.
Packing healthy snacks is a better option than picking up fast food at the food court, an expert said. (iStock)
“If you’re not on your feet regularly, limit how long you walk — otherwise you could be quite sore the next morning,” Badgett said.
“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
Taking a few packages with you is fine, but lugging multiple heavy packages is not recommended.
“Don’t carry too much weight and injure yourself,” Badgett warned.
“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 have shopping carts to reduce the burden.
But if that’s not an option, it’s worth heading back to the car or even going home to shed some of the weight, he recommended.
It is recommended to stay up to date on vaccines and wear a mask if you belong to a risk group, a doctor advised. (iStock)
“Carrying too much, especially if you’re not used to it, can put a strain on the arms, shoulders, neck and back and lead to injuries” said the doctor.
“Try to carry manageable weights, balanced between both arms, and take breaks and drops off items as needed.”
4. Take proactive health measures
It is recommended to stay up to date on vaccines and wear a mask if you are in a risk group.
“I recommend N-95 masks over surgical masks because they are better at that preventing germs can’t get through,” Badgett told Fox News Digital.
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For those who are sick, the doctor recommends staying home or wearing a mask when out in public.
Use hand sanitizer, try to keep your distance and wash hands if necessary, experts advise.
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Some of the most dangerous places at retail locations are elevator buttons, handrails, escalators, public water fountains, ATMs, shopping carts, doorknobs and the restroom, according to WebMD.
5. Dress appropriately
Experts warn against wearing a thick coat and accessories when shopping indoors.
Overdressing is “uncomfortable and sweaty,” a doctor told Fox News Digital. Instead, dress in layers to stay as comfortable as possible while shopping. (iStock)
Overdressing is “uncomfortable and sweaty,” Badgett told Fox News Digital. He recommends dressing in layers to stay as comfortable as possible while shopping.
6. Limit the duration of shopping trips
It may be better to divide the shopping over several sessions health outcomesBadget said.
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This will not only help you maintain better stamina, but also allow you to take your time shopping and enjoy the experience more.
Overdoing it is a bad idea, Badgett said, “since many of us aren’t used to carrying and walking around so much.”
