Humana Healthy Advice

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Humana Health Minutes
From Dr. Terry Sullivan, Medical Director, Humana



Listen to the DECEMBER 2008 Health Minutes
Holiday Eating
Holiday Blues
( click the little arrow )

DECEMBER 2008

Combat the Holiday Blues

The holidays are supposed to be a season of celebration and joy, but many people feel sad, withdrawn and stressed. There are several things you can do to combat the holiday blues and make for a more joyous time

1) Plan ahead and manage your time to keep your tasks and your mind focused
2) Eat and drink in moderation
3) Get enough sleep
4) Volunteer and help others
5) Set a financial budget to avoid post-holiday bill blues
6) Allow time for fun and relaxation
7) Spend time with supportive and caring loved ones
8) Concentrate on the positive aspects of yourself and others.

If you notice that you feel down during the winter season, with a loss of appetite or difficulty sleeping, you may have Seasonal Affective Disorder. Light therapy is a good way to combat SAD, but talk to your doctor about the best treatment for you. The holidays can be stressful, but following some of these tips can help make them joyful.


Healthy Holiday Eating

The holidays bring plenty of temptations – lots of high-calorie food and desserts and lots of drink at parties and at family get-togethers. Many people put on unhealthy pounds during the season, but the following tips might just keep you healthier and happier during this indulgent time.

1) Focus on weight maintenance, not weight loss. If you want to lose weight, this is not the time to do it. Maintaining and not gaining is best
2) Plan on NOT dieting after the new year – anticipation of weight loss sets you up for binge-type eating during the holidays
3) Be physically active every day – go for a walk, a swim or to the gym
4) Eat a light snack before holiday parties so you aren’t as hungry
5) Reduce the fat and calories in holiday recipes whenever possible
6) Choose your beverages wisely – alcohol is high in calories and many holiday drinks have lots of sugar and calories
7) Eat until you’re satisfied, not until you’re stuffed.

Follow these simple tips and you won’t have to make a new year’s resolution to lose weight and get healthy – you’ll already be there.

These health minutes have been brought to you by Humana – Guidance when you need it most. Visit Humana.com.