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Surviving the holidays ‘TIS THE SEASON TO BE JOLLY. AND THE LAST THING YOU WANT TO DO DURING THE HOLIDAY SEASON IS TO SPEND IT ON A HOSPITAL BED. STAY HEALTHY THIS CHRISTMAS SEASON BY AVOIDING THE HEALTH HAZARDS FROM THE HOLIDAYS.
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he Christmas season is a time to enjoy. There are parties to attend, and trips to take. But all the festivities can take a toll on your health. Here are some of the health risks you can and should avoid.
A Slice of Orange is a newsletter designed to help clarify basic health information and offer juicy tips on uplifting your health.
Editorial team Alvin Delfin Christine Llenes Voltz Olea, MD
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The holiday hazard: Air travel Everyone knows that the cold December months is flu season with the flu virus spreading around its own holiday “cheer”. Now imagine the same scenario, but this time in a crowded airport or a closed airplane cabin. The airport and cabin increases your risk of catching viruses, even those from other countries. So be wary of germ hot spots: airport check-in counters, bathrooms and airplane tray tables. Also, remember these tips: • • •
Wash your hands often. Carry alcohol-based hand sanitizer and wipes, and use them. Keep yourself hydrated. Dehydration weakens your resistance especially with the dry air inside the plane cabin. Air circulation is better in the front of the aircraft. Try to book a seat there.
The holiday hazard: Booze We do not need to tell you how dangerous overdrinking to inebriation can be to your health, your peers, and even your career. But who can say no to your boss who offered you brewskeys? Instead, we’ll give you these tips to avoid over-drinking in any Christmas party:
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Eat before going out to the party (or take time while eating during the party). Drinking on an empty stomach increases the absorption of alcohol into your bloodstream (did you know that unlike food which needs to reach the intestines to be absorbed, alcohol is absorbed even while it’s still in the stomach). Protein-rich foods slow down alcohol absorption more than carbohydrate-rich foods. Set a personal alcohol limit way before the party, and stick to it. Once you reach your limit, switch to non- alcoholic drinks, such as soft drinks, juices, or soda/sparkling water.
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Avoid mixing your drinks. Look for your beverage of choice, and stick to it. Mixing drinks makes it harder for you to keep tabs of how much you’ve already drunk. Alcohol is a diuretic that makes you urinate more. This can dehydrate you. Drink a glass of water between alcoholic drinks. This slows down your consumption, dilutes the alcohol, and replenishes lost fluids. Alcohol depletes the vitamins in your body. This contributes to the hangover. Take one or two tablets of multivitamins before going to sleep.
Merry Christmas!
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health, and your self-esteem in any way. Here are some tips:
The holiday hazard: The holiday spread As December 25 approaches, the more parties one has to go to. A study published by the prestigious New England Journal of Medicine showed that you can gain as much as 20 pounds during the holiday season. Furthermore, the study found that this weight usually stays on after the season is over. So it is better to keep the weight off instead of promising to shed it off next year (and breaking your first New Year’s resolution). There is actually one main culprit to overeating during holidays: mindless eating. This happens because either the holiday rush stresses you out; or the holiday cheer excites you too much. The solution is mindful eating. Remember that you eat for you and your body’s sake – and that overeating does not help you, your
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Guilt-free eggnog
The holidays are a time to relax – so relax. Reserve time each day just for yourself. Mind your food by carefully and mindfully choosing healthy foods and appropriate serving sizes. Eat a little at home before going to a party, so you won’t be too hungry once you get to the banquet. Sip on flavored sparkling water. This leaves your mouth refreshed and satisfied. Learn to say no politely. This is easier said than done, so practice this skill way beforehand.
The holiday hazard: The winter fling The holidays have a way of bringing out the best and the worst in us. This makes for a combination that can lead to unprotected sex. Almost a fifth of adults engage in potentially dangerous liaisons during holidays. If you cannot control your passions, wear protection.
This dessert is called Natillas (pronounced nah-TEE-yahz), which is a healthier substitute for the favorite Christmas eggnog. Ingredients • 2 ½ cups fat-free milk • 4 egg yolks • 4 egg whites • ½ cup granulated sugar • ¼ cup cornstarch • Pinch of salt • Vanilla flavoring • 2 teaspoons butter Instructions: 1. Combine 1 cup milk and egg yolks in a large bowl. Stir well with whisk. Set aside. 2. Combine sugar, cornstarch, and salt in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Gradually add remaining milk, stirring constantly. Add a drop of vanilla flavor. 3. Bring mixture to a boil and cook 1 minute, stirring constantly with a whisk. Remove from heat. 4. Gradually mix milk mixture to egg yolk mixture, stirring constantly with a whisk. Return pan to medium-high heat; bring to a boil. Cook 1 minute, stirring constantly. Remove from heat. 5. Add butter to milk mixture; stir until combined. 6. Let custard cool, stirring occasionally. Cover container with plastic wrap and chill. 7. Spoon ½ cup custard into small bowls when ready to serve. Garnish with nutmeg, cinnamon, or meringue.
A slice of trivia Alcohol depletes your body of what nutrient/s? Freshen up on your researching skills, e-mail us the answer at orange@activelink-consult. com and win a prize! From those with the correct answer, 10 people will be randomly chosen to receive gift packs from Activelink.
We’ll include the answer in the next issue of A Slice of Orange. Answer to last issue’s question:
Typhoid Mary is the most famous example of a typhoid ____________,
a person who continues to harbor the bacteria and is capable of infecting others even though they feel no symptoms. Typhoid Mary was a typhoid CARRIER. These people
Looking to enhance your corporate healthcare benefits? E-mail us at benefits@activelink-consult.com. The information in this newsletter is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Consult a doctor for all matters relating to your health, particularly for symptoms that may require diagnosis or medical attention. © 2009 ActiveLink
Benefits Made Better
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somehow manage to feel healthy even while harboring the typhoid bacteria. However, they can still transmit the bacteria to other people.
The Orange wants to hear from you! Dying to ask us you r healthrelated questions? Itch ing to share your persona l health tips? Want to suggest top ics for future issues? Feel free to contact us. You can e-mail our team at orange@activelink-co nsult.com.