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'Tis Not the Season for Denial
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The combination of stress-induced family gatherings along with those delicious but fattening meals can help explain some of the heart problems experienced. But, the main reason that this holiday season seems to be tied to more heart attacks is denial.
"You have only a short window of opportunity to save heart muscle," warns Dr. William Suddath of Washington Hospital Center in the nation's capital — where a cardiac team on-duty 24 hours a day aims to start clearing victims' clogged arteries within 15 minutes of their emergency room arrival.
Our body, like a computer, often gives us warnings that there is a problem requiring immediate attention. The key is not to ignore such warnings and listen to what our bodies are telling us. A heart attack may not present text book chest pain or pain radiating down your arm. Indigestion can be a tell-tale sign of cardiac trouble too. If you or someone you know experiences unusual discomfort and sensations, this could be cardiac related. Don’t let a family gathering or unfamiliar location be a deterrent to getting possibly life-saving attention.
Be safe and smart this holiday season. Cheers!
Jerri, DTR
Nutrition Specialist
You never know what you can do, unless you try!
Labels: heart healthy, holiday
Holidays Make Nation’s Situation More Evident
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Now that the holidays are here, many organizations such as like the Salvation Army will expect, like in previous years, an increase in donations from individuals and companies. However, donations have decreased this year, even as more people are looking for help.
With increases in the cost of gasoline and groceries and more families losing their houses to foreclosure, there has also been an increasing need for help across the country. For example, a Salvation Army shelter in Kansas has a record waiting list of families and in Maryland, an agency is seeing more young, working, single mothers moving to shelters and asking relatives to take care of their kids.
So, for those of us that have a little more than these people, I encourage them to give even the smallest thing you can. Instead of having a garage sale, save yourself the headache and donate to a nonprofit organization that can give to those in need. As the saying goes “Even when you are complaining about eating some meager nuts, look back and think about those eating the shells you throw away.” Give!
Ivelisse, BS, LD/N
Nutrition Specialist
Take Care, Take Control and Enjoy!
Labels: holiday
Don’t Catch Yourself Singing the “Holiday Blues”
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Although for many of us the holiday season means happiness and joy, there are still situations in life that can affect our spirit, especially during this time of the year; a change in life, moving, a death of a loved one, losing your job are just a few situations that can cause what is called the “Holiday Blues”.The Holiday Blues are generally caused by high expectations about the season and comparison with what it could be or was in the past. Since commercialism tends to over-do the holiday concept as the perfect season for everybody, people tend to think and dramatize how family members can become friendlier, the presents and abundance of food, and how people gather to enjoy each other. Then reality often falls short and depression sinks in.
There are things you can do to manage and even prevent these Holiday Blues so you can really have a good season. Accept and enjoy your present, and plan ahead so you can have a great holiday experience of your own!
Ivelisse, BS, LD/N
Nutrition Specialist
Take Care, Take Control and Enjoy!
Labels: emotions, holiday, Mental Health, Relationships
Sleepy After Your Holiday Meal? It's Not the Turkey
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So you are finished eating your turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy and all the fixings of a holiday meal. Oh, and let's not forget the alcohol. Then it hits you, that feeling of sleepiness. All you want to do is find a nice spot on the coach and close your eyes for a few minutes.
Well, experts say contrary to popular belief it is not the tryptophan in turkey that is causing the sleepiness; it is all the food that we have consumed plus the alcohol that we drank. Yes, turkey does contain tryptophan, an amino acid that produces the brain chemical serotonin, which promotes calm and sleepiness; however in order for it to affect you, you would have to eat a great deal of turkey. Besides, it is difficult for it to reach your brain with all the other items that were eaten in your large meal.
So, if you would like to be the one that starts off the family kick ball game this holiday season cut back on your portions. Have half the food on your plate before and save the other half for after the game. Remember stuffing is for turkeys!
Happy Holidays!
Labels: holiday
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