The 12 Days of Staying Healthy: A Holiday Guide from Surgery Associates

Celebrate the Season with Wellness in Mind

December brings gatherings, good food, and holiday cheer, but it also brings the peak of cold, flu, and respiratory illness. At Surgery Associates, we believe that staying healthy should be part of the celebration.

Here’s our festive spin on the classic carol: The 12 Days of Staying Healthy, twelve practical ways to keep your body strong and your spirit bright.

🎵🧼👐 On the First Day of Christmas, my doctor said to me… Wash your hands frequently

Washing your hands is still the simplest and most effective way to stop the spread of germs. Use warm water and soap for at least 20 seconds, especially before eating, after coughing or sneezing, and when returning home from public places.

🎵😴🛌💤 On the Second Day of Christmas… Sleep became the secret key

A rested body fights infection better. Adults should aim for 7–9 hours of quality sleep each night to strengthen immunity and improve overall mood.

🎵🥤💦 On the Third Day of Christmas… Hydrate faithfully

Even mild dehydration can weaken your defenses. Keep a water bottle nearby and sip throughout the day. Warm herbal teas and broths also help you stay hydrated in colder weather.

🎵🧣🧤🧥 On the Fourth Day of Christmas… Bundle up wisely

Layer clothing to protect against temperature changes. Keeping your core warm helps maintain circulation and reduces your risk of cold-related illness.

🎵🥦🥕🥬 On the Fifth Day of Christmas… Eat the rainbow, naturally

Colorful fruits and vegetables provide essential vitamins like C and A, plus antioxidants that boost immunity. Seasonal produce such as citrus, spinach, and sweet potatoes are perfect choices.

🎵🏃‍♀️🚶‍♂️ On the Sixth Day of Christmas… Get moving joyfully

You don’t need a gym membership to stay active. Take brisk walks, join a local holiday fun run, or dance to your favorite Christmas playlist. Movement reduces stress and supports heart health.

🎵😌☀️🧘‍♀️ On the Seventh Day of Christmas… Skip the stress

The holiday rush can take a toll on your immune system. Take breaks, delegate tasks, and focus on what matters most. A calm mind supports a healthy body.

🎵🤧🤒🏠 On the Eighth Day of Christmas… Keep your distance when feeling ill

If you feel under the weather, give yourself time to rest and recover. Staying home helps protect your friends, coworkers, and family from getting sick too.

🎵🧼🧴🫧 On the Ninth Day of Christmas… Clean and sanitize smartly

Disinfect high-touch surfaces such as doorknobs, phones, and keyboards. Regular cleaning limits the spread of viruses, especially when family and guests are visiting.

🎵🩺📅✅ On the Tenth Day of Christmas… Don’t skip your check-ups

Preventive care is key to long-term wellness. Schedule your annual exam or any recommended screenings before the end of the year or beginning of next year. Early detection can make all the difference.

🎵🧘‍♀️🤍🌿🕊️  On the Eleventh Day of Christmas… Give your body grace

Listen to what your body tells you. Take breaks, eat in moderation, and avoid overcommitting. Rest is an essential part of recovery and balance.

🎵💖🌿😷🧼 On the Twelfth Day of Christmas… Spread kindness, not germs

Laughter, gratitude, and compassion release positive hormones that strengthen your immune response. A healthy heart, physically and emotionally, is the best gift of all.

A Season of Health and Happiness

This December, we pause to give thanks for our patients who place their trust in our care, for the families who support them through every step, and for our dedicated staff whose compassion makes healing possible every day.

At Surgery Associates, we believe health is both a gift and a responsibility. As you celebrate the season, take time to rest, reflect, and care for the body and spirit that carry you through the year.

May your holidays be filled with peace, wellness, and the joy that comes from faith and gratitude.

If you are due for a check-up or would like guidance on staying healthy this winter, schedule an appointment today. It is our honor to care for you and your family this season and in the year ahead.

Who We Are

Surgery Associates has proudly served North Mississippi for over 47 years by delivering excellent care with respect to venous, breast, colorectal, skin lesion, hernia, gallbladder, laparoscopic, and robotic surgeries. Our specialists are here to help address and treat your concerns.

If you have immediate health concerns, please reach out to your primary care physician. For any of the above health concerns, reach out to our team at (662) 844-5344. We are dedicated to providing the best level of care possible.