Words of Holiday Wisdom

Well, it’s almost Thanksgiving already. With the changing color of the leaves comes heightened expectations of holidays, parties, gifts and more. A couple of thoughts on fall and winter holidays:

1. Be patient. Don’t let crowds get you blood pressure up. Plan to give yourself more time, whether at the airport or in the mall.

2. Be active. Even though its dark early, and temperatures have dropped, don’t stop exercising. Walking, jogging, biking…whatever you want. Push yourself to burn a few more calories to keep up with the eating extravaganzas…oh, and have you ever wondered why so few people take the stairs – even for a single flight? Fifteen steps up to the next floor isn’t too many. Get going!

3. Get plenty of rest. All the hype and excitement will upset your sleep patterns. There is plenty of evidence that a good night sleep reduces cardiac risks, as well as other conditions. Don’t forget to take care of yourself even as you enjoy the many social occasions.

4. Eat right. Enough said.

5. Don’t go to gatherings if you are feeling sick. Why offer your bug to everyone else? That’s not the kind of present most people want…

6. Get your flu vaccination. It’s not too late, and it protects you…should you be on the receiving end of someone else’s sneeze…

7. Be thankful. There will always be those who have more than we do, and that will never change. But we have much. And giving thanks is good for the spirit, the heart, the soul.

Joseph Prosser, MD

VP, Chief Quality Officer