Happy December to you. This month is perhaps the most celebratory of the year, however, it can also present us with decidedly un-merry levels of tension. To better manage your holiday stress, we would invite you to review our article 5 Keys to a Healthy, Stress-free Holiday Season.

December is also is a month when many of us throw caution to the wind where our healthy diets are concerned. You may consider it a unique challenge this year to keep not only your stress levels but your waistline within healthy bounds. However, this doesn't have to effect your enjoyment of the holiday festivities, it just means sampling the season's delicacies within reason. This will enable you to enter the new year feeling terrific about yourself and your body, as opposed to dreading the rigors of dieting as a result of the pounds gained during the holidays. See Healthy Holiday Diet Tips below for more details.

	In terms of National Health Observances, December is National Drunk and Drugged Driving Awareness Month. This offers a good reminder to us all to enjoy holiday cheer in safe parameters. Additionally, we should also sharpen our awareness of others on the road, who may not be as careful.

For more information about this topic, contact the 3D Prevention Month Coalition at 202.452.6004.

December 1st is World AIDS Day, brought to us by the American Association for World Health. If you or someone you love has dealt with this challenging illness, please take advantage of a valuable resource on this topic that we first shared with you last December. Visit the following link for more information about a highly acclaimed book by Michael Mooney, co-authored with Nelson Vergel, Built To Survive: A Comprehensive Guide to the Medical Use of Anabolic Therapies, Nutrition and Exercise for HIV(+) Men and Women. This book—containing 346 medical journal references—provides details that serve the needs of the patient and doctor alike, as it is written in easily understandable language.

A consultant to medical doctors, dietitians and the HIV public regarding hormonal and nutritional therapies and exercise for HIV/AIDS, Michael has given over 150 lectures to the general public and the HIV community and their doctors, dietitians and caseworkers since 1992. Topics have included progressive nutritional topics, The PoWeR Guidelines for HIV, anabolic hormone therapy, exercise, and politics related to natural health care.

For more information on Michael Mooney or questions related to this important topic, please visit www.medibolics.com or e-mail him at mmooney@medibolics.com.

We hope you find December a relaxing and joyful month. We look forward to bringing you even more health updates, information and wellness inspiration in the coming year!

Love and peace!

• When attending holiday parties, wear a form-fitting outfit, with a belt if possible. This will help you remain conscious of how much you consume later.
• Taking care with your appearance (buy yourself a new holiday sweater, try that pretty lipstick) will help you feel more positive and ready to interact with others, taking the emphasis off food.
• When heading off to parties, volunteer to be the designated driver. Alcohol provides many empty calories that you can easily avoid. The bonus: you'll remain more upbeat (alcohol is a depressant).
• If you do choose to drink alcohol, stick with light beer, wine or champagne and avoid calorie-dense cocktails and liqueurs.
• Try not to arrive at events hungry. Having a light snack before you go will keep your blood sugar stable for a positive beginning and better self-control.
• When you first arrive at events, rather than going right for the appetizers, enjoy the upbeat mood of people getting together, help greet arrivals, etc.
• If you do want to sample some food upon arrival, take advantage of low calorie appetizers like salads with low calorie dressing, raw vegetables and most (non-cream-based) soups.
• Choose water as a beverage, whenever possible. You'll feel refreshed and well hydrated, and won't mistake thirst for hunger.
• Ask for sparkling water in a wine glass with a lemon twist for a festive touch.
• Try to avoid the empty calories provided by sodas, punch, etc. Beware of high-fat egg nog.
• If you see peanuts, pretzels, chips, and other everyday snacks nearby, try to avoid reaching for them automatically. Save your calories for the special treats.
• Make socializing, rather than food, the focus of the event.
• Taking an interest in others by asking questions and listening to the replies will endear you to your fellow guests. More enjoyable than hiding out in a corner eating bleu cheese-stuffed olives!
• If food is served buffet style, try not to be first in line. Stalling a bit means you have more time to enjoy your meal, with less time for second helpings.
• Take small amounts of many different things, which will be more satisfying and less calorie-dense than huge helpings of the rich items.

Would you like to be sure you are doing all you can to promote optimal bone, skin and lung health?
Do you have ten minutes to find out?

For December event information, call Kiki Powers at 408.364.9742 or e-mail me: kiki@aboutnhs.com.

~ Sandra Steingraber, PhD, ecologist, cancer survivor and author ~

“The choice between love and fear is made every moment in our hearts and minds.
That is where the peace process begins.
Without peace within, peace in the world is an empty wish.
Like love, peace is extended.
It cannot be brought from the world to the heart.
It must be brought from each heart to the world.”

~ Aaron Antonovsky ~