Dr. Rick's Health Tip of the Month

December 2000

5 Steps to Healthier, Happier Holidays

By Rick Allen, DC

1. Be Good to Yourself

• Moderation is the key. Avoid perfectionism.
• Stress is the most common cause of holiday depression. Get professional help if necessary, including seeing your chiropractor. Chiropractic care helps to reduce stress and normalize nervous system function.
• Eat, drink and stay healthy - avoid the cheesecake
• Create exercise opportunities.
• Get away from it all - beautiful Northwest US.

2. Make a Family Plan -

• Limit time with relatives.
• Decide whose house or use a neutral site.

3. Create Meaningful Rituals

• Forget the rushing around. Do less and enjoy more.
• What would you like to change or eliminate?
• Take advantage of simple, healthy pleasures.
• If lonely, volunteer - e.g., The Grotto in Portland.

4. Spend Responsibly

• Limit gift giving.
• Don't use credit cards. Pay cash instead.
• Make donations in a friend's name.
• Give the gift of time.

5. Cultivate holiday spirit

• NOTE: Only 28% of Americans are joyful at holidays because of family tension, social pressures and financial woes.
• Be mindful of the meaning: love, forgiveness, and sense of community.
• Spiritual holidays.
• Tap into the power of prayer.

Dr. Rick Allen is a chiropractor, massage therapist and dance student in Portland, Oregon. Dr. Rick welcomes your questions and suggestions for future articles. However, he cannot make specific diagnoses or treatment recommendations unless you visit him in person. He can be reached by phone: 503-257-1324, mail: 221 NE 78th Avenue, Portland, OR 97213, e-mail or World Wide Web: www.CascadeWellnessClinic.com

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