The Holiday Season Begins- Healthy Ways to Navigate!

Thanksgiving is a time to give thanks and to celebrate with friends and family! It is the official start of the holiday season and a time of entertaining, parties, and often times a little bit of over indulgence. Everyone still needs to clearly be mindful of eating a balanced diet and exercising daily, but the holiday season is a time to relax a bit and enjoy some of the festive foods and events of the season!

This can be done well by planning and creating balance. Try to follow these tips to ensure a wonderful holiday season and a healthy new year:

Remember everything in moderation! Try to eat balanced meals throughout the season. On the day of a holiday or special event still eat a regular healthy breakfast and lunch so that you do not overeat later.

Even when busy or entertaining stay hydrated by keeping a glass or staw cup out as a reminder to maintain proper hydration. We often forget when we get busy!

Stick to your usual healthy portion sizes while dining and try to limit your sugar and salt intake. Maintain balance!

If you are on a special diet ensure that you stick to the guidelines provided by your care team. Inform your host prior to coming as holiday meals can be fun, festive, and still keep you healthy!!! Even desserts can be modified in a successful and mindful way with proper planning!

Remember to exercise daily throughout the holiday season as usual - stick to your routine and you will have fun and feel terrific! Even when busier than usual, take a moment to pencil in time on your calendar - make time for you and your health!

No matter how you celebrate, the holidays are a festive time filled with fun, family gatherings, parties, decorations to put in place, cookies to bake, presents to wrap, and traditions to maintain. However for older adults and those chronically ill, the holidays can be stressful and pose some serious safety concerns. Take note of a few simple suggestions that can help one to ensure a safe and happy holiday season!

Set a reasonable pace! Often times we push ourselves too hard over the holidays and end up ill or injured! Set a schedule that is realistic, plan ahead to avoid last minute rushing, use additional resources for gift purchases such as the internet and catalogs, and ask for help when needed. Remember you set the pace!!!! Do not let the holidays lead to unnecessary anxiety and effect your holistic health and wellness!

Plan for poor weather and emergencies. Ensure that you arrange for snow and ice removal for over the winter months. Do not risk injury by doing this work on your own if possible. Have emergency supplies and a plan in place for power outages, etc.

A home generator is a worthwhile expense if possible. Arrange for home grocery delivery during busy times of the year and for bad weather. Suppliers such as Amazon, Whole Foods, Instacart can be valuable resources for these times! Have family and friends come to you if the weather is a concern over the holidays and during the winter months.

All the holiday stress can put a strain on the immune system and lead to illness. When on suffers from a chronic condition or as we grow older, we are also more prone to viruses and colds. Stay well by maintaining a healthy balanced diet including fruits and vegetables to boost your immune system. Also remember to get a flu shot, drink adequate fluids, use good and frequent hand washing (wash for at least 30 seconds each time), get adequate rest, and avoid those who appear ill.

The holidays often times mean decorations and holiday clutter. Limit tripping hazards, by ensuring that cords are tucked away (all year long) and that common walkways in the home are free from packages or decorations. Watch out for wrapping paper and ribbons as these can be a serious tripping hazard!

Holiday decorating can be a fun activity to do with friends and family members! Make it a group event to limit stress, falls, and the potential for injury! A less is more approach can also be best and limit stress during and especially after the holidays. Sometimes clutter leads to stress and anxiety, especially in those with cognitive impairment as any change can impact their level of safety, security and impact behavior. Try to ensure that holiday decor can still also allow for routine cleaning and dusting to limit health risks.

When lighting candles ensure an open area where burning can be observed to limit fire hazards. Battery operated candles can be a nice, safe way to add festive mood lighting also.

We almost always change our dining habits a bit over the holidays and at times over indulge a little bit - proactive planning and creating balance however is key! Enjoy the season, but be mindful of dietary restrictions and take time to exercise throughout the season to avoid health challenges in the new year. You will thank yourself later! Everything in moderation!

Happy Holidays!