Daily Health News Blog

The holiday season brings joy - but it doesn't have to bring unwanted pounds. Whether it's your mom's eggnog or Aunt Judy's homemade holiday cookies, it can be tough to pass up those favorite holiday foods you taste only once a year. After all, 'tis the season to indulge, right?  Before you reach for that next gingerbread cookie, think about this: Extra pounds can affect more than your ability to fit into your holiday party apparel - being overweight can also increase your risk for cancer and other diseases. This holiday season, choose to put your health first. To stay well, the American Cancer Society recommends:  · Maintaining a healthy weight throughout life  · Staying active with at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity activity each week (or a combination of these), preferably spread throughout the week  · Eating a healthy diet emphasizing fruits and vegetables  · And limiting the amount of alcohol you drink. 

What to consider when giving a holiday tip If you have many people on your tip list, you may be considering how much to give this year. Though the economy is recovering, many people are still cutting back on tips, but here are the recommendations from etiquette authorities. If you see them more, tip them more. That includes the salon, where the price of one visit (or more) is advised. The waitress at your favorite restaurant should receive more than the mail carrier or the trash man who you rarely see. People who work in your home more than two days a week, such as nannies and housekeepers, should get one week's extra pay, more if you can afford it and want to give it. Be careful not to practice one-upmanship with teachers. Gift cards are a nice thought. Personalize them to a teacher's tastes if you are familiar with them. Day care workers can be gifted, the value depending upon how much time each spends with your child, $25 and up. Money isn't

It is possible to enjoy the holidays without becoming totally stressed and exhausted. Here are a few ways to do it: * Shopping: Order early from the Web. Late purchases can be shipped overnight, but be sure to make a record of each purchase, and follow up to see if it arrived. General rule: Ship gifts by December 15.  * Decorating: Your place will look warm and inviting with just one or two displays. No need to decorate inside and out. Finish decorating by the first week of December.  * Baking: If you are busy, give yourself a break and shop a bakery. * Christmas dinner: Forget a hundred side dishes. Make a turkey, rib roast or ham and add baked potatoes, vegetables, and salad. Keep it simple.  * Demand appearances: Schedule early so there is no confusion. If two sets of parents want you to celebrate with them, schedule one for Christmas (afternoon after your private celebration) and one for Christmas Eve. Consider visits on Sunday before Christmas or the Saturday after. 

The day after Thanksgiving is called Black Friday. It's called Black Friday because by this date, retailers were traditionally "in the black" for the year. Black Friday is now known as the beginning of Christmas shopping. Of course, people do buy gifts prior to this date. But on Black Friday, there are huge sales. Our question this month is: Did you shop for great bargains on Black Friday, or do you think the big crowds make shopping too difficult? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below. Thanks for sharing.

It's the holiday season, a time to eat, drink and be merry. But with a strategy of your own, you could avoid having to loosen your belt mid-way through and wondering how you will lose the typical 6 or 7 pounds you could gain this year.  These common-sense tips can help.  * Don't go there hungry. Eat before you leave home so you won't overload your plate because you feel starved.  * Watch the alcohol. It's high-calorie and impairs judgment. The more you drink, the more you'll eat.  * Check the table or buffet line to determine what you really like and what you can skip. Focus on fruit and vegetables, unless the vegetables are swimming in cheese. Look for good foods that aren't high in fat. Skip the bread at first so you have more room for the good stuff.  * At a buffet, fill your own dish so you can choose what you want and your dish won't be overloaded.  * For baked potatoes and sweet potatoes, avoid the butter, cheese and bacon. Look for low-fa

Do you find your belly wiggling like a bowl full of jelly every January? It can be hard to keep from overindulging when you are faced with a December full of buffets, cookies, and holiday dinners. But there are ways to battle the holiday bulge. Exercise is an important part of anyone’s healthy lifestyle. During the holidays it is even more important to include exercise in your busy day. There is a stronger tendency to skip your daily walk, aerobics workout, or swim during winter. There are fewer daylight hours, and there are additional activities that demand your time. Taking time for yourself every day, however, will reduce stress and help you to stay fit and trim. As for the eating, remember that the key to success is moderation. You don’t have to deprive yourself of all those holiday goodies. Just keep portions reasonable and opt for some healthy substitutes. If you are invited to a holiday gathering, try to eat something healthy before you go. You won’t be starving and

Parades, football, turkey and thankfulness define November 22, the fourth Thursday of the month, a national holiday by federal decree. Family members, often from great distances, come "to break bread together." It's Thanksgiving Day. Traditions are observed. Everyone is eager to kick back, laugh, catch up on what everyone is doing and comment on how the kids have grown. TVs are turned on early in the morning to watch the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. Football games are available for the rest of the day. This year, the networks give fans an NFL triple-header; no station switching necessary. Local stations may broadcast Turkey Bowls, high school games held on Thanksgiving or the day before; every state has them and thousands are in attendance. Many gatherings hold their own backyard games, and rivalries enhance the fun. The need to connect with loved ones and to express gratitude is at the heart of this day of feasting. It may be over a dining roo