Having a Healthy Holiday!

At this time of the year, all of us are thinking of parties, presents, families, friends, and overindulging in many ways. This year I am thinking of making my holidays healthier and less overindulgent!!! Like Santa, I am "making a list and checking it twice!" So here is the start of the list--feel free to respond and add your healthy items to it.

• Being healthy includes making responsible choices about alcohol, which is often the focus of holiday parties. If you choose to drink alcoholic beverages, follow low-risk drinking guidelines:
  • A standard drink is 5 ounces of wine, one 12-ounce beer, or 1.5 ounces of whiskey or other liquor. Note that mixed drinks like martinis may contain 3-6 ounces of liquor in one glass!
  • Drink slowly, only one standard drink per hour.
  • Drink alcohol with food.
  • If you are a woman, drink no more than 3 standard drinks per day or 7 drinks in a typical week.
  • If you are a man, drink no more than 4 standard drinks per day or 14 drinks in a typical week.
  • Remember, it is always okay to request a drink that does not contain alcohol.
  • If you drive, do not drink. Be the designated driver.

• Be proactive in your healthcare. Get (or schedule) your annual physical.
  
• Remember to eat small healthy meals several times a day, not one monstrous gorging, nor constant snacking on high calorie candy and cookies.
  
• Make sure that you eat five fruits and vegetables each day and that not all of them are covered with cheese, caramel, or chocolate.
  
• Exercise everyday, even a lunch time walk to do some shopping uses calories and builds your cardio vascular system.
  
• Remember that the healthiest and happiest people are those who give to others in tangible ways, so volunteer for something or give something to someone who will not be giving you anything in return, except a smile.
  
• And finally, SMILE, LAUGH, SING, DANCE!!! It will make you and the rest of your world healthier and happier.

After writing the above, I got the following clip from a past Foundation intern. It really connects to what I have been thinking. http://www.healthiestnation.org/. Happy and Healthy Holidays!!!

Ann Barnum