The holiday season — from Thanksgiving gatherings to Christmas celebrations — is one of the busiest times of year for Missouri families. With more travel, more events, and more cold-weather risks, it’s also a time when insurance coverage and preventive care become especially important.
As your local independent insurance agency, we want to help you enjoy the season and stay protected. A few proactive steps with these holiday wellness tips can reduce your risks, protect your health, and help you make the most of the benefits you already have.
Physical Wellness: Reduce Holiday Health Risks
Healthy routines tend to slip during the holidays, but they play a big role in avoiding claims and keeping your coverage working for you.
Stay Hydrated & Eat Consistently
Dehydration and skipped meals can lead to fatigue, dizziness, and even travel-related medical issues. Starting your morning with a glass of water before coffee can help keep you balanced on busy days.
Keep Moving
Short walks, stretch breaks, and simple exercises are great for boosting circulation and reducing stress — and can help prevent common seasonal injuries like slips, strains, and falls.
Holiday Travel Prep
If you’re traveling for Thanksgiving or Christmas, pack healthy snacks, hand sanitizer, and your insurance ID cards. The CDC shares helpful holiday travel wellness tips here:
https://www.cdc.gov/travel/page/common-travel-health-issues
Knowing where to access care while traveling can save time and reduce out-of-pocket costs if you need medical attention.
Sleep Matters
Rest helps support your immune system and reduce stress-related illnesses — something that becomes more important during flu season.
Flu Wellness: Use Your Preventive Benefits
Flu season typically peaks between December and February, overlapping with holiday gatherings. According to the CDC, last year the U.S. experienced:
- 47 million flu illnesses
- 610,000 hospitalizations
- 216 pediatric deaths
- Only 43% of adults were vaccinated
(Source: CDC Flu Burden Data: https://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/burden/2023-2024.html)
Most health plans — including Affordable Care Act plans, employer plans, and Medicare — cover flu shots at no cost when received at an in-network provider. Taking advantage of these preventive benefits now can help protect your family throughout the holiday season.
If you’re unsure what your health plan covers or where to go for a flu shot, our team can help you review your benefits.
Mental Wellness: Reduce Seasonal Stress
Holiday stress can affect both physical health and decision-making, which can impact everything from driving safety to end-of-year insurance deadlines.
Studies show:
- 79% of U.S. adults experience holiday stress
- More than 50% need several weeks to recover
(Source: American Psychological Association)
Here are a few insurance-connected ways to stay ahead of stress:
Give Yourself Time
Rushing increases the chance of accidents — both at home and on the road. Planning ahead for travel and shopping can reduce your risk.
Know Your Coverage Before You Need It
Whether it’s understanding urgent care vs. emergency room billing or knowing where to access care while traveling, a few minutes of preparation now can prevent big surprises later.
Use Your Benefits Before Year-End
For many plans, deductibles reset on January 1. If you’ve already met your deductible, the holidays may be a good time to schedule a covered visit, preventive care appointment, or refill prescriptions.
The National Institute of Mental Health offers additional tips for managing holiday stress:
https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/seasonal-changes-and-sadness
Whether you’re preparing the Thanksgiving meal, attending Christmas programs, or traveling to visit loved ones, your health and safety remain top priorities — and your insurance coverage is here to support you. These holiday wellness tips should help create priceless memories, and not those tainted with illness or stress!
If you have questions about your health insurance, Medicare plans, travel coverage, or preventive benefits, we’re here to help. As your local independent insurance agency in Marionville, we’re grateful for the trust you place in us all year long.
Wishing you a joyful, restful, and protected holiday season!