S A R A H N A V E , C L I N I C A L N U T R I T I O N
The best advice is to change your mindset through the holidays. Try not to focus
on losing weight; instead, focus on not gaining. Allow yourself to splurge on
foods that make your holiday season meaningful, but remember to enjoy your
favorites in small amounts. Try to cut back in other ways, and keep your exercise
schedule on track for continued success throughout the holiday season.
K A Y L A H A M M O N D , P H Y S I C A L T H E R A P I S T
It’s important to prevent injury while shoveling snow
and working outside. Remember to bend your knees
and use your legs to lift the snow rather than bending
forward from your lower back. Also try to limit twisting when remov-
ing snow, as this repetitive motion can lead to low back fatigue. Take
a short rest break every few minutes to stand up and change your
position. And be aware of the surface you’re standing on. There may
be ice under the snow, which could lead to a fall. In general, try not to
move too quickly or hurry through your snow removal; when we start to
hurry, we forget about our body mechanics.
C L A U D I A M E I W A L D , D I R E C T O R O F B E H A V I O R A L H E A L T H
The holiday season can be a wonderful time of celebration and joy, but it can
also be accompanied by the not-so-welcome guests of stress or feeling blue.
With all of the extra shopping, cooking, baking, cleaning and entertaining, stress
can often come to the surface during a time that we want to truly enjoy.
Some practical tips to help cope with the stress of the season are:
W H AT A R E S O M E WAY S T O S TAY
H E A LT H Y O V E R T H E H O L I D AY S ?
Inside Kootenai
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Be realistic. Set reasonable
expectations; holidays don’t have
to be perfect.
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If giving gifts, stick to your
budget and shop early.
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Simplify holiday commitments and traditions.
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Schedule time with family and friends.
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Continue to exercise and watch your diet.
Avoid starving yourself before the big party as
this can lead to overindulging.
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Take time for yourself and rest when you are
tired.
If you’re feeling blue during the season:
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Stay active. Go for walks, window shop, etc.
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Volunteer to help others. It will help you feel
less isolated.
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Try to appreciate the good things that are in
your life now instead of focusing on the past.
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Try something new.
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Spend time with those who care about you.
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Get help if you need it. You can contact
Kootenai Clinic’s outpatient psychiatric services
at
(208) 620-5534
or visit
kootenaihealth.org
for
more information.
KOO T ENA I
HE A LT H
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