“Wash hands often to help prevent the spread of germs; especially when touching the food turkey day.  Bundle up to stay dry and warm. Don’t drink and drive or let others drink and drive. Fasten seat belts while driving or riding in a motor vehicle. Don’t drink and drive or let others drink and drive; if you do you put everyone else on the road in danger.”

Cetners for Disease Control and Prevention

1. Proper eating, sleeping, exercising, and enjoying hobbies can often take a back seat to other priorities during the holidays. This again is setting the stage for disappointment as lack of self-care erodes the ability to cope with the increased stressors of the holidays. A growing body of evidence stresses the importance of this practice, and the number of effective interventions continues to expand (Jaarsma et al., 2020). Davis (2018) and other experts are widely available online for those who would like to learn more.

2.Be realistic. The holidays don’t have to be perfect or just like last year. As families change and grow, traditions and rituals often change as well. Choose a few to hold on to, and be open to creating new ones. For example, if your adult children or other relatives can’t come to your home, find new ways to celebrate together, such as sharing pictures, emails or videos. Or meet virtually on a video call. Even though your holiday plans may look different this year, you can find ways to celebrate and be grateful for.

3.Reach out. If you feel lonely or isolated, seek out community, religious or other social events or communities. Many may have websites, online support groups, social media sites or virtual events. They can offer support and companionship.

If you’re feeling stress during the holidays, it also may help to talk to a friend or family member about your concerns. Try reaching out with a text, a call or a video chat.

Volunteering your time or doing something to help others also is a good way to lift your spirits and broaden your friendships.

4. Set aside differences. Try to accept family members and friends as they are, even if they don’t live up to all of your expectations. Set aside grievances until a more appropriate time for discussion. And be understanding if others get upset or distressed when something goes awry.  Like our parents taught us at a gathering don’t talk about religion or politics, especially if you don’t know what they favor.  This is more of a chance to make your day less stressful.

5. Say no if you have to and family and friends should would understand this especially after this covid-19 year.  Some families would like less crowds at the party for health, which should come first.  Less chance of the host or hostess becoming resentful they said yes and you could always zoom online with the family or friends you would normally see.  Less stress as well.

6.  Very important as well budget out what you plan to spend. Before you do your gift and food shopping, decide how much money you can afford to spend. Then stick to your budget. Don’t try to buy happiness with an avalanche of food and gifts.

7. Lastly remember your health!  Don’t let the holidays become a free-for-all. Overindulgence with foods and gifts only adds to your stress and guilt.

“Stress and depression can ruin your holidays and hurt your health. Being realistic, planning ahead and seeking support can help ward off stress and depression.”

MAYO CLINIC

The CDC says, “Brighten the holidays by making your health and safety a priority. Take steps to keep you and your loved ones safe and healthy—and ready to enjoy the holidays.

1. Wash hands often to help prevent the spread of germs. It’s flu season. Wash your hands with soap and clean running water for at least 20 seconds.
2. Bundle up to stay dry and warm. Wear appropriate outdoor clothing: light, warm layers, gloves, hats, scarves, and waterproof boots.
3. Manage stress. Give yourself a break if you feel stressed out, overwhelmed, and out of control. Some of the best ways to manage stress are to find support, connect socially, and get plenty of sleep.
4. Don’t drink and drive or let others drink and drive. Whenever anyone drives drunk, they put everyone on the road in danger. Choose not to drink and drive and help others do the same.
5. Be smoke-free. Avoid smoking and secondhand smoke. Smokers have greater health risks because of their tobacco use, but nonsmokers also are at risk when exposed to tobacco smoke.
6. Fasten seat belts while driving or riding in a motor vehicle. Always buckle your children in the car using a child safety seat, booster seat, or seat belt according to their height, weight, and age. Buckle up every time, no matter how short the trip and encourage passengers to do the same.
7. Get exams and screenings. Ask your health care provider what exams you need and when to get them. Update your personal and family history.
8. Get your vaccinations. Vaccinations help prevent diseases and save lives. Everyone 6 months and older should get a flu vaccine each year.
9. Monitor children. Keep potentially dangerous toys, food, drinks, household items, and other objects out of children’s reach. Protect them from drowning, burns, falls, and other potential accidents.
10. Practice fire safety. Most residential fires occur during the winter months, so don’t leave fireplaces, space heaters, food cooking on stoves, or candles unattended. Have an emergency plan and practice it regularly.
11. Prepare food safely. Remember these simple steps: Wash hands and surfaces often, avoid cross-contamination, cook foods to proper temperatures and refrigerate foods promptly.
12. Eat healthy, stay active. Eat fruits and vegetables which pack nutrients and help lower the risk for certain diseases. Limit your portion sizes and foods high in fat, salt, and sugar. Also, be active for at least 2½ hours a week and help kids and teens be active for at least 1 hour a day.”

Reference: CDC

ENJOY YOUR THANKSGIVING!!

“All things in moderation, as the saying goes. The problem with the holiday season is that we often experience too much of a good thing. While stress itself is necessary for our survival and zest for life (researchers call this positive type of stress “eustress”), too much stress has a negative impact on our health, both mental and physical.”.

Love to Know (https://stress.lovetoknow.com under “Thanksgiving Stress Busters”.

“Its International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day.  Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the USA. The rate of suicide is highest in middle-aged white men. Remembers 93% of adults surveyed in the U.S. think suicide can be prevented.”.

American Foundation for Suicide Prevention-https://afsp.org

Our topic all weekend is the topic Suicide in America.

“Quitting smoking isn’t easy. It takes time. And a plan. You don’t have to stop smoking in one day. Start with day one. Let the Great American Smokeout event on the third Thursday in November be your day to start your journey toward a smoke-free life. Lung cancer (both small cell and non-small cell) is the second most common cancer in
both men and women (not counting skin cancer1).”.

American Cancer Society-https://www.cancer.org

“Cigarette smoking harms nearly every organ of the body, causes many diseases, and reduces the health of smokers in general. Quitting smoking lowers your risk for smoking-related diseases and can add years to your life. Cigarette smoking causes more than 480,000 deaths each year in the United States. This is nearly one in five deaths.”.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

“Pancreatic cancer has often progressed to an advanced stage by the time it is diagnosed. Many patients come to NewYork-Presbyterian for pancreatic cancer care because of our innovative and aggressive approach. Patients who have been turned down for surgery at other centers have been successfully treated at NewYork-Presbyterian.

The care of people with pancreatic cancer is best handled by a multidisciplinary team of specialists with expertise in diagnosing and treating this disease and relieving symptoms. This is the approach we take at NewYork-Presbyterian.

NewYork-Presbyterian is home to two of the world’s most accomplished pancreatic programs.”

New York-Columbia Presbyterian Hospital Manhattan, NY

“Montefiore is a leader in diagnostic techniques, using cutting-edge fusion scan technology. With this imaging technique, we are able to assess the status of tumors both before and after surgical treatment more accurately than ever before. In addition, we employ state-of-the-art intra-operative imaging techniques that provide a clear picture of the tumor during the treatment itself, so that we can adjust our efforts as needed.”

Montefiore Hospital in Bronx, NY