This is the time of year when people gather to spend time with friends and family and gather at shopping centers to get bargains. Unfortunately, it’s also a prime opportunity to share germs. Ochsner primary care physician Edith Mbagu says there ways to be a healthy shopper.
“You want to bring hand sanitizers with you when you go to the stores and use it between stores. Chances are, you were not the first person to touch that handbag or that dress either,” said Mbagu.
Mbagu says it’s not too late to get a flu shot if you haven’t already gotten one.
Shopping via brick and mortar vs online is also a good way to get in some cardio, Mbagu says even if you choose not to spend any money it’s great exercise.
“Window shopping is fun and walking around the mall is also very good exercise. You’d be surprised at how much value there is in walking around as opposed to sitting down on the couch to do online shopping,” said Mbagu.
To stay focused, reduce stress, and make walking more enjoyable, Mbagu advises taking along earbuds and listening to your favorite music while shopping.
“This helps reduce stress and studies have shown, you are more likely to stick to your budget when your anxiety levels are much much lower,” said Mbagu.
Retailers often use scents to manipulate you into spending more so use a mint or gum to block out smells.
