Ahh, the holidays are upon us. For some “happy holidays” conjures up holiday parties and merriment. For others, the holidays can be very stressful. Regardless of whether the holidays bring on stress or not, here are some tips that everyone can use to have a happy and healthy holiday season.

In the winter, getting outdoors or maintaining motivation to exercise can be difficult. But, it is very important that regardless of the disability you might have, to keep active and maintain a watchful eye on the holiday treats that will be around.

And it's easy to fall into a rut once the colder weather comes around. I know for me that it can be a struggle to want to go outside and take a walk when the comfort of a warm house and good video is available.

Exercise is a great way to manage stress. So, schedule some time to lift some hand weights while at home, take a walk or get to the gym. The gyms in our area are accessible; you might want to seek out a membership to lift weights or use the cardio equipment, and two even offer swim programs.

Swimming is an excellent form of aerobic exercise that will increase cardiovascular function, improve muscle strength and balance while reducing stress on joints. Both the Finger Lakes Health Center and the YMCA offer swim programs. For information on either of the programs, call the Finger Lakes Health Center at 258-0910 or the YMCA at 253-5304.

When planning any exercise regime, it's important that you talk with your doctor about what activities would be best for you.

Ever notice that in the winter we crave fatty foods and sweets? I know I do! It's easy to fall prey to sweets as well as the chips and dips offered at holiday parties. Take the time to plan a healthy meal or snack before attending a party so that you don't arrive hungry. If you have been invited to a party and will be bringing a dish to pass, bring a fun and healthy dip or a low-fat dessert.

Here's a simple dip idea you might want to consider if you are headed to a gathering. It came from the National Center on Physical Activity and Disability (NCPAD) Web site, and you might find it enjoyable.

Fiesta Dip

You will need 1/2 cup of diced cucumbers, 1 cup nonfat sour cream, 1/2 cup of cut up sweet red peppers, 1 clove of garlic chopped up and 1/2 teaspoon fresh cilantro. Squeeze the excess moisture from the cucumbers and place them in a small bowl. Then, stir in the sour cream, peppers, garlic and cilantro. Place the dip in the refrigerator and chill until it's needed. Serve it with pita bread, pita chips, whole grain crackers or whole grain tortilla chips.

For other physical activity tips, information on specific disabilities and ways to manage holiday stress, visit the NCPAD Web site at www.ncpad.org.

Options doesn't recommend any one product or service, instead we provide information that may be of interest to the consumers and families we serve.

Thought for the Day:

“The first wealth is health.”

- Ralph Waldo Emerson

Amanda Derby is the

housing advocate for

Options for Independence