Keeping It Together While Celebrating

Whether you celebrate Hanukkah (Chanukah), Christmas, Kwanzaa or just going with the flow of the holiday season - be sure to keep it together. What do I mean by keeping it together?

While getting together with friends for drinks after work could be fun, the holiday season seems to be one of the most merriest yet deadliest seasons for many. Keep the drinking to a minimum so that you may be alert and aware. Drinking although it is emphasized for those who drive, also applies to those who rely on public transportation or even those who may hook up with a random guy they meet at a bar/club. Drinking alters your ability to be in control. It is easy to think that you can control your drinking, taking public transportation can also put you at risk to a predator who sees an opportunity to take advantage of you. This applies to men and women, you place yourself in a vulnerable position where you can be mugged, raped or both. Travel with friends although it wont be effective if you are all inebriated.

No need to get high on any form of drugs either - there's nothing groovy or cool in that. Truth be told, and I don't mind telling you - your behavior can be annoying or a disruption to others who are trying to have a real good time without drugs. In fact, as your high levels return to your normal state, you may be quite embarrassed or unaware of the things that took place during your fleeting moment of having a good time. Of course the consequences to your health is no party at all!

As I celebrate Christmas with my family, I want to wish you a joyous holiday season. Make each moment a memorable one - one that you will be proud of ;-)Eat and exercise, drink in moderation and be merry!!

Keeping Up With 2011

One week into the New Year and you are motivated, now it's the second week and you're still excited. This is it! This is the year you will shed those excess pounds once and for all. It may be the year to give up drinking alcohol, smoking, using or abusing drugs, engaging in unsafe sex, fighting, cursing,texting while driving, etc.

What makes this time so different? The responses vary:

I mean it
I just know it
I've signed up for the gym
My doctor told me that I had to make a change
Once I make up my mind, I will do it, I've done it before
It's different this time trust me I know

and on and on............. whatever the motivation or reason for making it work this time, it will take a whole lot of consistency and determination to succeed.

You may need a support system. Ask someone to join you. If you cannot find anyone, consider signing up with your local support groups. Support groups gives serves as your very own cheering team. They help you with your goals to change. There are many out there:

Alcohol
Drugs
Alcohol & Drugs
YMCA
Safe Sex

You can also find support within your local communities:

Church - many churches have support groups
Health Clinics - check with your city or Department of Health State website
Community Center - often have services or referrals to assist/support you
Runners Club - some communities have run/walks within their parks

Whatever you need, there is something out there to assist you. Go for it!!

Holiday Time! Party Time! How's your Liver?

It's that time of the year where the festivities are at the peak of peaks. The office parties, the celebration of Hanukkah, Christmas and Kwanzaa along with the New Years Eve celebration - this is a season that host a streak of partying and drinking. Well, not to be the party pooper - and since this is a Health & Wellness Blog -I must - I have to pull this one out just for you. Your liver.......

Did you know that your liver is the largest internal organ and it is located in the upper right hand part of the abdomen, just behind the lower ribs and weighs about a whopping three pounds in an adult? Yes, that's right - large isn't it? However, do not let that deceive you. It has an important function more than 200 to be specific.

Here are a few functions of your liver:

1. Detoxifying poisonous chemicals which includes alcohol and drugs
2. It removes poisonous gases and chemicals that we are exposed to by inhaling from the air
3. It is responsible for making bile to help digest food
4. Your liver makes clotting factors to help blood clot
5. It is a manufacturer of new proteins
6. It serves as a storage spot for iron reserves, as well as vitamins and minerals
7. Although this does not apply to adults, the liver makes blood
8. Additionally, it stores energy by stockpiling sugar until needed
9. It processes all the food and the majority of drugs we consume

So you heard that you can get a transplant? Well, yes that is possible. However, it is also possible that you may be the jack pot winner of your state's largest lottery. The truth is although having a transplant as an option for those whose liver cannot be saved - it is also difficult finding a donor. In fact, there are many people who have succumbed to liver disease because not even their family members were willing to take the chance of going through the donor process. It is a known fact that the operation for a donor is more severe for the donor as oppose to the recipient. Unfortunately, some donors have died as a result of the procedure and these issues are discussed in advance of the surgery. Of course your family loves you, in fact they are praying for you and hoping that a miracle will come through for you to receive a new liver. Fortunately, most liver donations are from deceased donors.

Based on current research, the waiting list each year is about 17,000. Of the 17,000 on the list, 4,500 are performed each year which means that the waiting list for those who did not receive the transplantation extends for 1 - 2 years. Needless to say, there are deaths (1 of 4) who were waiting for the transplant. Even after having a transplant, the waiting period to see how well the liver functions is also a sensitive period.

Here's the deal, you cannot survive without your liver. So as you go out to celebrate or have a good time ordering your drinks - keep the health of your liver in mind.

Health Priorities for Summer

It is very important that as the summer approaches we ensure that our bodies are properly hydrated. As there are those who take special care to prepare their cars, motorcycles, SUV's, vans, etc. for the specific season, we must prioritize and the most important should be our health.

How else can we enjoy all of the things we love to do?

• Drink a lot of water even if you are not thirsty. We feel thirsty when we are actually depleted so a drink in advance will keep us in good standing. If exercising heavily in hot weather, aim for two to four glasses of water or 16 to 32 ounces every hour. Limit exercise or strenuous physical activity to the coolest part of the day which is early in the morning or late evening. Avoid alcohol, caffeine or lots of sugar as they will cause you to lose more fluid.
  

• Wear loose fitting clothing that's comfortable allowing the material to breathe (cotton) and avoid dark colors as it attracts heat.
  

• If you work or play when it is very hot, be sure that you find a shady area to cool down for a few minutes while you hydrate (drink some water).

• Be sure to wear sunscreen at all times (SPF 30+). Use an umbrella, or wear a hat with a brim to keep the sun off the face and head.