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Home » Health

Health

HOLIDAY SURVIVAL TIPS
FIGHTING A WINNING BATTLE
By Joyce Barwick

During festive periods of the year, our cultural philosophy tends to be "eat, drink and be merry." Because of this, dealing with weight management over the holidays may seem difficult and sometimes even overwhelming. Etcetera Medical Group can help you stay in control of your food intake during these times. Think in terms of taking small steps to build the resolve needed for success. The first step of our caring Professionals is to take careful assessment of your potential problem areas. Next, pre-plan ways to cope with high- risk situations identify those foods that pose the biggest challenge, and isolate the situations where you're most likely to encounter them. Then Etcetera Medical develops strategies to cope with these foods and situations. We consider each of the following alternatives when dealing with your favorite food temptation and help set realistic goals for your success during this time. Remember your definition of success during the holidays may have a different set of expectations associated with it and may simply include not gaining weight. We keep the following points in mind as you progress through the holidays:

• Don't go hungry to any party or occasion. If you are "starving" when faced with a buffet of foods, you're more likely to overeat.
• Drink plenty of water. Besides filling you up, water keeps you hydrated and is very good for your body.
• You will make mistakes from time to time.
• Try to accept a mistake for what it is, a temporary setback: it does not mean you've lost all ability to manage your food intake and you should give up.
• What happens after the setback is more important than the set back itself.
• Use each temporary setback as an opportunity to learn something new.
• Analyze the factors that triggered your setback, and plan better in the future.
• Remember to be assertive when someone is pushing food at you. Keep in mind that you, not a family member or friend, should decide how much and which foods are right for you.
  

Preplanning is the key to success. Here are ideas for planning during the holidays:

• Take control of your holiday schedule. Shortened or limited party engagements, especially those that center on food may prevent the chance for high-risk situations and setbacks to occur.
  
• Focus on people and de-emphasize the importance of eating. Enjoy the pleasure of being together and consider planning a non-food activity such as caroling, games, cards, trimming the tree or gift exchange as the main event, or focus the entire party around "active" fun (sledding, skiing, skating, hiking or dancing).
  
• Reduce eating time. Avoid having foods constantly on hand and delay serving appetizers or other foods at parties and other functions.
  
• After the party send leftovers home with guests. Ask someone else to put away the food while you clean up other areas.
  
• Preplan and eat something low calorie such as a serving of OPTIFAST or a Nutritional Bar before the party.
  
• As part of your plan, allow yourself to eat some of the party foods.
  

In spite of the stress of a busy schedule during the holidays, try and set some time aside for yourself (i.e., exercising, yoga, massage, etc.).

When you're really serious about losing weight and then keeping the pounds off after you do, include a medical professional. Etcetera Medical Group's weight control programs are tailored to your own specific needs, and you'll have the added benefit of caring professionals who will help you every step of the way. And by calling today, you still have time to lose those extra pounds before the Holidays arrive.

Surviving the holidays is much easier if you don't have to go it alone.

For additional information and FREE Consultations contact Etcetera Medical Group, Medi-Spa and Weight Management Agoura Hills 818-889-5580, Camarillo 805-383-9908, Encino 818-889-5580, Santa Clarita 661-259-8884, or Simi Valley 805-582-0555

Avoiding Colds and Flu in the Holiday Season
By Melinda Banks

Unless you guard your health, your odds of catching a cold or the flu are greater in the winter months than at any other time of the year. That's because the traditional holiday parties, dinners and get-togethers keep us indoors and in close contact with groups of people, any one of whom has the potential to give you something more than a holiday fruitcake during this cold-and-flu season. It's nearly impossible to completely avoid catching one.

Unfortunately, there's no medication that will cure a cold or the flu, but there are ways to make yourself more comfortable. Getting plenty of rest and drinking lots of liquids, for example, is a good way to help you heal. Stick with water or juice; caffeinated beverages and alcoholic beverages can lead to dehydration.

If your throat is sore try gargling with salt water, and run a cool-mist humidifier to help relieve your stuffy nose. Over-the-counter medications can often bring some relief from nasal congestion, fever, muscle aches, and sore throat, but choose those that are appropriate for your specific symptoms, rather than reaching for the multi-symptom medicine.

Certain herbals may be beneficial when you have a cold or the flu. Echinacea and goldenseal are thought to have anti-viral properties and may stimulate your immune system. These herbals should be taken at the first sign of illness.

Of course, the best plan is to practice cold-and-flu prevention before anyone spreads germs along with their holiday cheer. The following steps can give you a head start:

• Wash your hands often. Cold and flu germs lurk everywhere and you pick them up whenever you touch a doorknob, handrail, telephone, shopping cart, or even when shaking someone's hand.
  
• Keep your hands away from your nose, eyes and mouth. Germs can easily enter your body by these pathways.
  
• Clean surfaces you touch with a germ-killing disinfectant.
  
• Don't smoke, and avoid being with people who are smoking.
  
• Avoid contact with people who have a cold.
  

Overall, your body's best defense against the viruses that cause colds and flu is a healthy immune system. Make sure your immune system is functioning in top form by getting the nutrients you need. Vitamins A, C, E, and the B-complex vitamins are immune-system boosters; and echinacea, calcium, iron, magnesium, and zinc also help strengthen your immune system. As always, it's best to get your nutrients by eating a balanced diet, but that's often easier said than done, especially at this hectic time of year. The best solution, then, is to take a nutritional supplement to ensure you're giving your body what it needs to stay healthy.

Getting enough sleep, exercising regularly, and reducing your stress can all help your immune system fight off the germs that cause illness. Stress seems an all-too-common part of the holiday season, but studies have shown that people who are stressed are more susceptible to illness. Try deep-breathing techniques, get a massage, meditate, or set aside some time just to listen to music. Research has also shown that the more social you are, the less likely you are to get sick. One theory is that having social contacts and support is less stressful than keeping to yourself. Whatever the reason, you can enjoy those parties and get-togethers without worrying about catching a cold or the flu. Just remember the prevention techniques for healthy holidays!

Healthy Happenings:

Carbohydrate Counting
Ongoing. Class for individuals who want to improve blood sugar control through carbohydrate intake. Providence Tarzana Medical Center's Tarzana Campus, 18321 Clark St., Tarzana.
(818) 345-8955

Mental Health Support Group
1st and 3rd Turs. of each month. A free support group for family members of those with mental illness. Northoridge Hospiatl Medical Center, 18300 Roscoe Blvd., Northridge.
(818) 994-6747
www.northridgehospital.org

Parkinson’s Support Group
3rd Mon. of each month. A free Parkinsosn’s support group.Northridge Hospiatl Medical Center, 18300 Roscoe Blvd., Northridge.
(818) 776-1183
www.northridgehospital.org

Polio Support Group
Last Sun. of each month. Participants will receive vital info. and support for post-polio syndrome (PPS), a condition that may develop several decades after a person has had polio. Northridge Hospital Medical Center, 18300 Roscoe Blvd., Northridge.
(818) 996-8733
www.northridgehospital.org

Trigeminal Neuralgia Support Group
4th Wed. of each month, 1 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. Northridge Hospital is providing a Trigeminal Neuralgia Support Group for Trigeminal Neuralgia and related facial pain sufferers to obtain info., encouragement, and treatment options. Northridge Hospital Medical Center, 18300 Roscoe Blvd., Northridge.
(818) 885-8500 ext. 2565
www.northridgehospital.org

Brain Injury Support Group
Every Tues, 7 - 8:30 p.m. or Wed., 3 - 4:30 p.m. A free brain injury support group provides encouragement and education to patients with all types of brain tumors: malignant, benign or metastatic. Northridge Hospital Medical Center, 18300 Roscoe Blvd., Northridge.
(818) 885-8500 ext. 3797
www.northridgehospital.org

Cancer Orientation
Every Tues., 12 - 1:30 p.m. The Leavey Cancer Center’s staff educates newly diagnosed cancer patients all about treatment options, financial issues, advance directives, symptom management and emotional support.
Northridge Hospital Medical Center, 18300 Roscoe Blvd., Northridge.
(818) 885-8500 ext. 2855
www.northridgehospital.org

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