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Black Friday is behind us, though Holiday shopping season is still in full swing.
According to the National Retail Federation, winter holiday spending is expected to increase between 2.5% and 3.5% over 2023.
“It’s between $979.5 billion and $989 billion. Total vacation expenses in November and December, compared to $955.6 billion during the same time frame last year,” the same source said.
In addition to navigating the crowds, consumers may face some health challenges during the busy retail season.
6 Ways to Avoid Holiday Sickness: Ask a Doctor
To help ensure safety during long shopping trips, Fox News Digital asked a medical doctor for tips on shopping without falling.
1. Eat before you go
It’s not a good idea to go somewhere starving, and Christmas shopping There is no exception. Experts recommend packing some healthy snacks to keep your energy up.
According to the National Retail Federation, winter holiday spending is expected to increase between 2.5% and 3.5% over 2023. (iStock)
According to Harvard University, if you don’t eat anything for a few hours after your last meal, energy levels and blood glucose levels can drop.
Matthew Badgett, MD, a primary care physician at the Cleveland Clinic in Ohio, told Fox News Digital, “I always recommend using nuts, seeds, and fruits as snacks, because they’re each are full and healthy for
4 Holiday Diet Tips From a Doctor Nicole Sapphire
“Also, have a meal plan Healthy eating Before you hit the road.”
He said that packing healthy snacks is a better option than eating fast food at the food court.
If you plan to take a break while shopping for lunch or dinner, Badgett recommends planning ahead to explore dining options and possibly make a reservation.
2. Know your physical limits.
If you’re not used to being on your feet for long periods of time, a long shopping trip can be tough.
The expert said that packing healthy snacks is a better option than eating fast food at the food court. (iStock)
“If you’re not on your feet regularly, limit how long you’re walking — or you could find yourself feeling quite 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 dragging packages.
Carrying a few packages is fine, but lugging around several heavy packages is not advisable.
“Don’t lift too much weight and injure yourself,” cautions 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, he suggested driving or even going home to take some of the weight off.
If you are in a high-risk group, staying up-to-date on vaccines and wearing a mask is recommended, the doctor advised. (iStock)
“Lifting a lot, especially when you’re not used to it, can put stress on the arms, shoulders, neck and back. Causes injuries” warned the doctor.
“Try to lift a balanced, manageable weight between both arms, and take breaks and drop things as needed.”
4. Take proactive steps for health.
If you are in a high-risk group, keeping up-to-date on vaccines and wearing a mask is recommended.
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“I recommend N-95 masks over surgical masks, because they are better. Germ prevention In passing,” Badgett told Fox News Digital.
For those who are sick, doctors recommend staying at home or wearing a mask when going out in public.
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Experts recommend using hand sanitizer, practicing social distancing and washing hands as needed.
According to WebMD, some germ sites in shopping areas include elevator buttons, handrails, escalators, public water fountains, ATMs, shopping carts, doorknobs and restrooms.
5. Dress appropriately.
Experts caution against wearing heavy coats and accessories when shopping indoors.
Overdressing is “uncomfortable and sweaty,” the doctor told Fox News Digital. He recommends dressing in layers to be as comfortable as possible while shopping. (iStock)
Overdressing is “uncomfortable and sweaty,” Badgett told Fox News Digital. He recommends dressing in layers to be as comfortable as possible while shopping.
6. Limit the duration of shopping trips.
Breaking the purchase over multiple sessions can be better in this regard. Health outcomessaid Badgett.
Not only will this allow you to maintain better stamina, but you can also buy yourself time and enjoy the experience more.
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Doing more than that is a bad idea, “because a lot of us aren’t used to carrying and moving around that much,” Badgett said.
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