(BPT) - It’s the most wonderful time of the year – but are you able to enjoy the holidays completely? The approaching holiday season means quality time with family, special deliveries in the mail and goodies that delight the taste buds. But it’s important to be prepared and stay healthy throughout the season so you can enjoy every festive moment.

Consider these holiday health essentials that allow you to enjoy the season to the fullest:

1. Do you see what I see?

The sights of the holidays are a delight, but for the millions of people who have trouble seeing small images and print, many traditional holiday activities can be difficult to do. An easy solution is a stylish pair of Foster Grant(R) reading glasses. Consider LightSpecs(R) , reading glasses with a light that can be turned on to help you see better in dim areas, ideal for when you want to read holiday greeting cards or recite “Twas the Night Before Christmas” to the kids. Another option that is perfect for traveling is MicroVision, reading glasses that fold to a compact size to easily fit in a shirt pocket or purse, so you can be prepared no matter where your holiday adventures takes you.

2. Avoid a blue Christmas

The holiday season is a special time of year that coincides with another, less anticipated time: cold and flu season. No one wants to end up stuck in bed with a nasty bug missing out on all the festivities. That’s why now is the time to stock up on soap and hand sanitizer. Keeping hands clean is one of the best ways to prevent the spread of infection and illness, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, so be sure to scrub up often, including before you cook, bake, eat or hold your precious grandchild.

3. Bundle up to walk in a winter wonderland

Winter and the holidays go hand-in-hand, which means colder weather is to be expected, including ice and snow. Keep healthy by protecting your body from the elements. When running about town shopping and grabbing holiday essentials, be sure to wear a scarf, mittens and boots if the weather is chilly so you can stay warm and dry. The winter wonderland atmosphere is sure to enhance your holiday mood, but catching a cold, or worse yet, frost bite, will leave you feeling like a grinch.

4. Too many cups of cheer? Medication can help

Sugar plums, roasted chestnuts, figgy pudding – while your holiday meals may not include these types of historic holiday fare, you’re probably noshing on a variety of treats you don’t eat at other times of the year. Eating rich foods and trying new dishes is naturally a part of celebrating the season, but it can leave you with an upset stomach. Whether you’re hosting an event at your home, or you’re traveling to another location for the holidays, be sure to stock up on antacid and other over-the-counter remedies for stomach troubles.

With a few simple steps, you’ll prepare yourself for your best holiday season yet, one where you feel healthy and enjoy every moment. From buying a new pair of Foster Grant reading glasses at your local drug stores, such as CVS, Rite-Aid and Walgreens or online at www.readerboutique.com, to stocking up on some common medications, you’re sure to have a happy holiday and joyful new year.