Don’t let hectic December pace lead to cold or flu

December is always a busy month. Many people travel, and whether in school or working, you're bound to have deadlines and projects due this month. Add that to gift shopping, weather changes and constant celebrations, and you're in major danger of getting sick during this month. Here are some tips to keep in mind.

• Throw disinfectant wipes in your purse or bag. Just because you're not sick doesn't mean the person who last sat at that coffee shop table or last used that shopping cart wasn't either. Pack hand sanitizer if you're traveling.

• Stay hydrated. Drinking water is always good for your body and protects you from potential sickness. Use a water flavor enhancer, such as MiO, or eat fruit if you don't like plain water.

• Get a massage. Not only will it help with that holiday stress, but a study sponsored by the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine found it could boost your white blood cells, essential to fighting off germs.

• Get eight-plus hours of sleep. A study by the Archives of Internal Medicine showed those who sleep less than seven hours at night are three times more likely to catch a cold.

For further information, visit the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH).