Saturday, December 9, 2017 • Page 1B
Stay Healthy for the Holidays Memorial Hermann Greater Heights For The Leader
Preferred Health Directory
Parties, shopping, traveling and family gatherings are just a few activities of the busy holiday season. To stay healthy and enjoy these fun times, it’s important to follow a few simple health tips recommended by Dr. Melissa Montoya Celi, a family medicine physician, and Dr. Lindsey Fogle, an internal medicine physician, both with Memorial Hermann Medical Group at Greater Heights.
chiropractic care
Northwest ChiropraCtiC George G. Junkin, D.C.
Share Soap, Not Germs
Drs. Celi and Fogle agree that handwashing is the best way to stay healthy during the holidays and year-round. “Germs cause runny noses, coughs, colds and flu, so wash your hands with soap and water before eating or touching your mouth, nose or eyes,” says Dr. Fogle. “Also, avoid people who are sick or coughing.” Photo supplied To lower the potential of clean hands coming into contact with Maintaining or starting an exercise routine this holiday season can keep your energy up and keep you healthy. infectious germs in public places, “Pneumonia vaccines are given portant to watch salt and sugar init’s smart to use elbows, forearms protect against this contagious rein two doses to individuals 65 and take,” says Dr. Fogle. “Medications or clean paper towels to push el- spiratory infection.” Flu is most dangerous for young older,” says Dr. Montoya Celi. “The for these conditions are prescribed evator buttons and open doors. Wiping down shopping carts with children, pregnant women, indi- shingles vaccine is recommended based on regular eating, so they viduals 65 and older, and people for individuals 50 and older.” are not as effective when routines antibacterial wipes is also wise. with certain health conditions such Other important vaccines are are altered.” Get Vaccinated as asthma or heart disease. Getting Tdap for anyone who spends time Maintaining diet and exercise The second best way to stay the flu vaccine helps prevent seri- with children, and a tetanus vac- regimens is key to staying healthhealthy is to get a flu shot and stay ous health complications, includ- cine every 10 years. A primary ier during the holidays. current on vaccinations. ing flu-related hospitalization. care physician can best determine “Portion control is essential,” “Flu season peaks between De“Every year the flu vaccine is which vaccines are right for each adds Dr. Montoya Celi. “If five pies cember and February, so it’s not reformulated based on circulating individual. are served, take a tiny taste of each too late to get a flu shot,” says Dr. viruses,” says Dr. Fogle. “While it’s one instead of five slices. Taking a Stay Proactive with Montoya Celi. “The flu vaccine is impossible to completely predict brisk 15-minute walk after a big recommended for individuals six every flu virus that will be circuDiet and Exercise holiday meal is helpful, too.” months and older, unless they’ve lating, getting a flu shot is still the “Gathering around food is part To discuss vaccinations, or other had an anaphylaxis reaction to a best way to prevent the most com- of our culture and something we health conditions, with a primary previous flu shot, or their doctor mon influenza viruses.” enjoy during the holidays, but for care physician at the Memorial has advised against the vaccine. It Also important for older individ- people with chronic conditions Hermann Medical Group at Greattakes about two weeks after vac- uals are pneumonia and shingles such as diabetes, heart disease or er Heights, call 713.802.9781. cination to build antibodies that vaccines. high blood pressure, it’s really im-
How to anti-Scrooge your holidays
D.A.C.B.N. Nutritionist 11500 NW Frwy - Suite 201 Houston, Texas 77092 Tel: 713-686-0828 www.drjunkin.com
internal Medicine/Pediatrics Nutrition/ Weight Loss
Ana M. Torres, M.D. , P.A. 713.863.9200 427 W. 20th St. Ste #503 Houston, TX 77008 www.Thetorrescenter.com
obstetrics / Gynecology
By Betsy Denson For The Leader The holidays are a beautiful time, or at least they should be. To ensure that the coming weeks don’t turn you into a Scrooge, read on for some tips from two area experts - Marriage & Family Therapist Elizabeth Cobb and Family Counselor Elizabeth Arredondo. #1 – Be in the Moment “Spend at least five minutes every day engaged in a meditative practice,” Cobb said. “Mindfulness isn’t about quieting the brain as much as it’s about being fully engaged and present. What we miss when worry about the future or thinking about the past is the gift of the current moment. Preoccupation is a thief, and mindfulness reduces stress, anxiety, and depression. There’s a wonderful app called Headspace, which offers short guided meditation and mindfulness exercises. Andy, the narrator, is easy to listen to, and the first week or so is free.” #2 Keep a gratitude journal “Every day write down three specific things, moments, or people that you’re thankful for/to,” Cobb suggests. “Gratitude is the foundation for hope and the roadmap to joy. True year-round, but when we’re so busy rushing back and forth from store to party to whatever, we can easily lose focus and get caught up in the frenzy of traffic, parking lots, sales, and not enough time in the day to get it all done! We forget to take a breath and remember which way is up.” #3 Give Norman Rockwell the hike Cobb counsels giving up the idea of the perfect anything. “Wanting and trying to make things perfect is a set-up for dis-
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Dr. Stephanie Fulton Stephanie Fulton, M.D.
1740 W. 27 St. Suite 301 Houston, TX 77008 713-880-2727 www.fultonobgyn.com
Major Hospitals
Memorial Hermann Greater Heights Volunteering during the holiday season provides a sense of social connectedness that can ward off depression.
appointment,” she said. “Lower your expectations, and don’t put so much pressure on yourself or other people. Instead focus on what truly matters about the holiday season. Is it family? Is it Jesus? Is it eight days of light? Whatever it is for you, consider why it’s a priority and focus on that instead.” #4 Spend money to save time “Recent research indicates that people who outsource more tasks report greater overall life satisfaction,” Arredondo said. “With time at a premium over the holidays, outsourcing tasks that aren’t very
attractive to you - maybe wrapping gifts or baking treats for neighbors - could be very, very satisfying.” #5 Don’t give up your healthy habits “People who eat well, maintain a regular sleep schedule, and exercise are less prone to both mental and physical illness,” Arredondo said. “This doesn’t change over the holidays; rather, it becomes even more important to practice self-care when there are added stressors in your life.” #6 Gift things When considering other people’s long term mental health,
Arredondo suggests gifting them experiences rather than things. “The memories that come with positive experiences shape us at our core, and define how we feel about our lives,” she said. “The things we own, if we are healthy, do not define us in this way.” #7 Volunteer! If you are not volunteering somewhere this holiday season, Arredondo says it could be a difference maker. “Volunteering provides a sense of social connectedness that can ward off depression and loneliness,” she said.
1635 North Loop West Houston, Texas 77008 Tel: 713-867-2000 memorialhermann.org Physician Referral 713.222.CARE
St. Joseph Medical Center in The Heights 1917 Ashland Street Houston, Texas 77008 Tel: 713-757-1000 Physician Referral 713-757-7575
Everything you need. Right in Greater Heights. 713.222.CARE memorialhermann.org/ccc 1431 Studemont Street Houston, TX 77007 I-10 at Studemont