Your Wellness - Shape up or pay the price

Holiday shopping — it’s a true contact sport
By Dr. Scott Glocke
2007-12-20
Now that the holidays are here, people are flocking to the malls, L.L. Bean and other stores to finish their Christmas shopping. Just go into any one of these stores and you will see people pushing, shoving and doing anything to get that special gift. The day after Thanksgiving, I had the misfortune of going into a store that was having a special promotion. I saw air mattresses, pillows and blankets outside the doors from people sleeping overnight so they could get the special discount. Here are a few simple tips
to get you through the last of the holiday shopping season:

1. Drink plenty of water. Drinks like alcohol and coffee will actually dehydrate you, so stick with water.

2. Proper warm-ups before shopping. Shopping is more traumatic that people realize. Utilizing a proper warm-up regimen can reduce the stress on the body.

3. Wear good shoes. The snow is here and the walkways are slippery, so wear shoes that not only have good traction in the snow, but have a cushioned sole to reduce the pounding on joints.

4. Wear comfortable clothes and wear them in layers. Going from a cool outside temperature to a warm inside temperature can stress the immune system. By wearing layers you can reduce the extreme temperatures your body
will go through.

5. Carry a light pocketbook or leave the pocketbook at home. Since you will be walking from store to store, a heavy pocketbook can cause significant stress to your spine.

6. Listen to your body! If you notice any aches and pains, that’s your body’s way of telling you something is wrong. Take a break and let your body heal.

7. Eat a balanced diet. Too often when we’re crunched for time we don’t take the necessary steps to eat well. This year, instead of snacking on a candy bar or eating at a fast food restaurant, try adding fruits and vegetables to your diet.

The holidays are stressful enough; these tips can help you on your journey to maximize your health potential.