Posted on

6 Tips for Healthy Holidays

We are right in the thick of the holidays now. Thanksgiving and Hanukkah have come and gone. Christmas, Kwanzaa, and New Year’s are nearly upon us.

While this is a time for love and laughter it is also a time for overindulging and too many sweets. With parties taking over your evenings and weekends, and the temptations of cookies and candy, it’s hard to stay on top of your health. Here are 6 tips for staying healthy during the holidays.

  1. Don’t go hungry.
    This is my number one rule at all times, not just the holidays. It is a huge mistake to go to a holiday party or a work function hungry. Go with a full stomach so you can graze and enjoy the food but not overindulge.
  2. Get your workout in.
    Be sure to get up and get your workout in early. It will help to kick your metabolism in to high gear and burn fat all day. This way you don’t have to worry about having a few cookies while out at night.
  3. Offer to bring a healthy dish.
    If you are going to a party where you are asked to bring something, bring something healthy. You can still bring your famous pecan pie, but bring something additional to balance it out. This way you know there is at least one option that’s good for you. Get creative; it’s easy to make little tweaks to make something more nutritious.
  4. Always have water.
    Water helps you feel full, but it also helps keep you hydrated to balance out any cocktails you may be indulging in. Drink lots of water with your meal, and be sure to have a glass between each alcoholic drink.
  5. Pay attention to your portion sizes.
    Don’t deprive yourself of your favorite holiday dishes, but do be mindful of portions. Portions are key when it comes to being sure you don’t over eat. Keep protein to the size of your palm, veggies to the size of your fist, carbs to the size of your hand cupped and sweets and sides to the size of your thumb.
  6. Don’t forget to enjoy.
    All in all, don’t forget the reason for the season. Obviously your health is important, but family and friends are important, too. Don’t beat yourself up for falling off track.

Wherever you are, whatever you are celebrating, I wish you a happy, healthy holiday season. Enjoy your time with friends and loved ones.

As you bustle about with travel or cooking or last-minute shopping, remember to find a quiet moment to breathe and put your feet up.

From my family to yours, Happy Holidays.

Posted on

Start Your Assisted Living on the Right Foot

There is an old saying, “You get more bees with honey.” This holds true when moving into an assisted living facility. This transition can be very stressful on you and your loved one. The transition is easier if you start off on the right foot. In this video, I talk about how to do just that.

♦◊♦

Trying to figure out health insurance? Get my book Choose Your Best Health Insurance for detailed assistance on how to decide which insurance plan is right for you and your family.

Posted on

Sick Away From Home? Here Is What You Should Do

As we celebrate the Thanksgiving next week and more holidays in the coming month, many of us will be traveling to spend time with family and friends. Unfortunately, long car rides, airplane trips, and holiday activities can tire us, run us down, and make us sick. Plus being around all those fellow travelers, family and friends can lead to an easy spread of germs. So, what should you do if you get sick away from home?

Call your doctor. He or she can help you decide the best course of action and whether you need to see a physician where you are currently staying or if it can wait until you get back home and can see your own doctor.

When possible, call the doctor before or after the holiday. If Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s Eve, or any other holiday is coming up and you feel the first signs of illness, go ahead and call your doctor now. It could be harder to reach a doctor on the holiday or the eve of the holiday when the office is closed but your illness is in full force. Calling your doctor early could prevent a costly holiday trip to the emergency room or urgent care.

Remember, too, that illness may begin before for you travel. Prior to leaving, assess how you are feeling and take action. Do you need to see your doctor? Do you need an antibiotic? Is your child getting an ear infection? Address any concerns before you leave so you’ll be prepared while away from home. And make sure to bring your doctor’s contact information with you.

Getting sick can ruin your holiday and while it may be unavoidable, being aware and having a plan can make handling illness on the road easier.

♦◊♦

Trying to figure out health insurance? Get my book Choose Your Best Health Insurance for detailed assistance on how to decide which insurance plan is right for you and your family.