Hmmm...Shopping on Thanksgiving?

Photo Credit: The Examiner.com

Stores prepare for the flood of consumers to come on Black Friday, the Friday after Thanksgiving. Some stores have decided to give consumers a head-start on their shopping, by opening stores on Thanksgiving Day. This decision has sparked an ongoing debate about whether retailers should open stores on Thanksgiving Day. I do not think stores should be opened on Thanksgiving because it defeats the purpose of the holiday-family time.

Thanksgiving is a day when many Americans slow down their busy lives to fellowship with their family and friends, and to take time to appreciate what they have. Opening stores on this holiday, preaches the opposite message, because people are constantly wanting more and trying to be the first in line to get the latest item. Also opening stores on Thanksgiving Day is at others expense. It is unfair to the employees of retailers because it takes time away from employees' family and friends. After all, it is not like retail stores take holidays often throughout the year.

Thanksgiving should be a day set aside strictly for family, friends, and showing gratitude. Family is the core of any society, and allowing stores to be open takes the focus away from the family. 

Some stores who are opening on Thanksgiving for the first time or at earlier times are:

Khol's
Macy's
Kmart
Target
Toys R Us
J.C. Penny

Decreasing Your Chances of Getting Sick

When seasons change people are more likely to get sick. I used to brag about how I never got sick because I would take a daily dose of a Vitamin C supplement pill. It had been over a year, since I had last gotten even a sniffle. I had gotten so confident in this pill that I ate after my sick mom. Oh boy, I should not have made that mistake. I regret it. I do not wish sickness on anyone, so I would advise you to take some steps to protect your health during the transitions of the seasons and the flu season.

Step 1: Do not eat after people (especially if they are sick)! Eating after others is the quickest way to spread germs. You would think this would be a no brainer, but not if you are salivating over a thick juicy burger topped with guacamole, nacho cheese Doritos, melted pepper jack cheese, jalapenos, lettuce, tomatoes, and spicy mayo. Trust me, it is as good as it sounds. (Check out this restaurant)

Step 2: If someone is coughing or sneezing around you…run! Just kidding, you do not have to run, but you should not stay too close if you are not trying to get sick. According to CNN, you should keep at least a 10 feet difference between you and a "sickling."

Step 3: Catch some Zzzzzsss! It will be okay if you miss an episode of Pretty Little Liars, Covert Affairs, or Breaking Bad; that is what a DVR and On Demand are for. I am guilty of this, too. I will stay up an extra two hours just to watch my favorite TV show. I know how tempting it is to stay up to watch TV or to just simply “extend” your day, but studies show that lack of sleep increases your chances of getting sick. Carnegie Mellon University’s study says that people who get at least eight hours of sleep are thirty percent less likely to get sick. Your health, by far, is more important than catching an episode of your favorite TV show.

Step 4: Scrub a dub dub! Wash your hands often and disinfect things around your house. Germs are easily spread from surface-to-surface contact. Eighty percent of sickness is caused by touching an infected surface, according to the Center for Disease Control (CDC). You should disinfect things like counter tops, tabletops, door handles, remote controls, etc.

Do not let the bug ruin your day; if you follow these tips, you will be able to keep those germs at bay!



Other websites that give tips on maintaining a healthy you:

How to Not Get Sick
CDC Says "Take 3" Actions To Fight The Flu