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PROVIDENCE EXPERTS OFFER TIPS FOR KEEPING
HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS HAPPY AND HEALTHY
Oct. 10, 2006
November begins two months of holidays and family gatherings. Providence experts have tips on keeping the flights home bug-free, the big meals healthy, and the time spent together peaceful. Experts also have tips on how smokers can begin a smoke-free life before the holiday season starts.
BATTLING THE TRAVEL BUGS
National travel organizations report more than 35 million people travel for the Thanksgiving holiday, nearly 5 million of them fly. Travelers face risks of picking up bugs in tight quarters with other travelers. Providence experts have advice on how to bolster your immune system to beat the travel bugs. They suggest travelers drink lots of water, keep rested, and wash hands - it’s a good idea to travel with hand sanitizing wipes or gels. Providence experts also say keeping the stress level low will help fight bugs, too. And, if your travel plans take you overseas the Providence Traveler’s Immunization Clinic offers immunizations, information and advice on staying healthy any where in the world.
THE TURKEY, THE TRIMMINGS… AND THE FAT!
The typical Thanksgiving meal has 2,500 calories and 130 grams of fat. That’s the equivalent of five Big Macs or 14 brownies. Still hungry? Providence nutrition experts advise a few simple changes or substitutions can mean a healthier meal, without losing the good smells and tastes of the holiday. Bake the stuffing separate from the turkey and moisten it with de-fatted broth rather than butter. De-fat the pan drippings before making the gravy. Use evaporated skim milk in dessert recipes, and use a single crust for pies - crumb crusts have even less fat. When it comes time to carve the turkey, request the lower fat and calorie white meat, and leave the fat-laden skin on the plate. Nutritionists also have advice on the right “snacks” for the football heavy holiday weekend.
HAPPY HOLIDAYS OR FAMILY FEUDS?
Holidays often bring together family members who only see one another this time of year. Celebrations that should be full of memories and joy can fall apart as old hurts re-surface. Providence experts can explain family dynamics in situations like these, and offer tips on how people can survive and even enjoy difficult emotional family gatherings.
SMOKEOUT SUPPORT
Nov. 16 is the Great American Smokeout, an annual effort to urge smokers to kick the habit. Providence experts are available to offer tips on quitting and explain how pharmaceuticals can help some smokers stop - for good. The newest drug, Chantix, is different from other cessation drugs. Chantix works on the nicotine receptors in the brain, reducing the “pleasure” of smoking and withdrawal symptoms. Other tips for kicking the habit include to schedule a quit day three to four weeks out. During the first week leading up to the quit day write down when and why you smoke, every time you smoke. In the second week, start changing your smoke patterns. In the final weeks make more changes to your smoking habit. On the day you quit, throw away all cigarettes, ashtrays and lighters. It could take up to a month for a person’s body to adjust to no nicotine. Exercise, get plenty of rest and eat a healthy diet during that time.
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