It's no secret that the holidays can challenge our wellness routines. With an abundance of seasonal treats, cold winter days and bustling social events filling our calendars, maintaining healthy habits often takes a back seat to celebration.

This year, we've collaborated with our expert team of providers at CU Medicine to bring you strategies for navigating the season mindfully. Whether you're looking for ways to stay active during holiday travel, make nutritious choices at social gatherings, manage end-of-year stress, or take care of your overall well-being, our healthcare professionals have curated their most effective recommendations to help you maintain your health goals while fully enjoying the festive season.

12 Days of Fitmas Tips:

1. Weight Loss by the Numbers

When patients come to Vivian Sardone, MD from CU Medicine Women's Integrated Services in Health (WISH) - Park Meadows looking to lose weight, she likes to give specific numbers for daily exercise and protein intake.

2. Avoid Blistering Sunburns

Did you know that for every 5 blistering sunburns you get as a child, you double your chance of getting melanoma? And for every blistering sunburn you get as an adult, you double your chances of getting melanoma. CU Medicine dermatologist Dr. Carla Torres-Zegarra shares one of her biggest tips for protecting yourself from the sun.

3. Check Your Testosterone Levels

CU Medicine urologist, Jeff Morrison, MD shares the signs of low testosterone and when to ask your doctor about getting screened. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, schedule an appointment at CU Medicine Urology - South Denver at Highlands Ranch Specialty Care Center where Dr. Morrison practices.

4. When to Check Your Thyroid Levels

The American Thyroid Association recommends all adults get their thyroid function measured starting at age 35, and every five years after that. However, ask your doctor if you experience thyroid disease related symptoms like fatigue, sluggishness, unexplained weight changes, nervousness, anxiety, difficulty sleeping, tiredness, heat sensitivity, constipation or diarrhea.

5. Sleep Tips from Internist

Getting good quality sleep can be a challenge during the winter months. CU Medicine internist Vivian Sardone, MD shares her top sleep tips for making the most out of your rest and recharge time.

6. Shout About Ovarian Cancer

The tagline used to be, "ovarian cancer whispers, so listen." CU Medicine gynecologic oncologist, Dr. Kian Behbakht's counter to that is, "why whisper when you can shout?" If you or a loved one is experiencing the subtle signs of ovarian cancer, ask your gynecologist about the possibility of ovarian cancer.

7. Life's Essential 8™ for Heart Health

CU Medicine cardiologist Larry Allen, MD  shares his top tips for the management and prevention of cardiovascular disease with the American Heart Association's Life's Essential 8™ list.

8. Learn About Magnesium and Menopause

Magnesium has many benefits, especially for those after menopause. Learn about how magnesium from Anita Wolfe, NP from CU Medicine Women's Integrated Services in Health (WISH) - Park Meadows.

9. Psychologist-Backed Tips for Navigating Difficult Conversations

The holidays can bring together awkward conversations with loved ones. Dr. Liz Chamberlain shares her tips on navigating difficult conversations and how to engage in them while maintaining your well-being.

10. Optimal Vitamin D Levels

Vitamin D is important for many disease prevention factors including breast cancer and osteoporosis. Anita Wolfe, NP from CU Medicine Women's Integrated Services in Health (WISH) - Park Meadows shares what levels are optimal and how to supplement.

11. Learn the Signs of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)

The signs of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) can sometimes be recognized by thinning hair, irregular periods and acne. Dr. Carla Torres-Zegarra shares the subtle signs and when to ask your doctor about screening for PCOS.

12. Monitor PSA Levels

The PSA test is a blood test that measures how much of a particular protein (called prostate-specific antigen) is in your blood. It's used to help screen for prostate cancer.