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Take Charge Tips
take charge of The Holidays
It’s November and the beginning of many traditional holidays. It’s exciting to think of upcoming events, getting together with family and friends, celebrating and enjoying the gift of family and friends. It goes without saying, that all that holiday joy goes hand-in-hand with holiday goodies and the time-honored family meals we patiently wait to dive into all year.
As exciting as it can be, for people with health conditions like diabetes and heart disease, and for people working hard to manage their weight, the holidays can be overwhelming. How can you possibly enjoy the holidays and follow the health guidelines prescribed for you? There is a lot that you can do! You can Eat Healthy, Be Active, and Be Positive. If you have stopped smoking or want to stop, you can find support in the Great American Smokout on Nov 15. And if you find the holidays too much to handle you can check in with friends, family, or if needed, your doctor.
Eat Healthy
Eating healthy does not mean limiting yourself to lettuce leaves for the holidays. Practice moderation and plan ahead. Here are some important tips:
Be Active
This time of year it is very easy to get caught up in a hectic schedule. Often, regularly scheduled activities get “unplanned.” But remaining active during the holidays is a great way to manage the added stress and added calories. Try some of these tips to stay active:
Get Checked
Usually when you think of Getting Checked, you think of a medical test for a medical condition or disease. This month, we suggest frequent “check-ins” with family and friends. The pace picks up this time of year. It can be exciting and stressful. Parties every week and a house full of grandchildren can be just as overwhelming as all that shopping and cooking.
So we suggest, simply slowing down once in awhile. Stop. Take a breath. Check in with yourself and regroup. Share your feelings and unload the stress. Take a short nap. Rejuevenate and then move on. Your endurance will last all season.
Be Smoke Free
For people who smoke or used to smoke, the holidays can be an added challenge to being smoke-free. Take charge and seek support from family, friends, or a local support group. With the Great American Smoke-Out and Lung Cancer Awareness Month both in November, there will likely be added events in your area that could also lend support.
Be Positive
Because there is such an emphasis on being with family and friends this time of year, and many older adults have lost loved ones, The holidays can be an especially challenging time emotionally. Depression rates among adults over age 50 often rise in November and December. It is not only difficult for older adults, but their caregivers as well. The important thing is to be aware that this is common and that there are ways to take action and beat the blues. Read more …
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