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December Personal Best newsletter now online

The December issue of the Personal Best health newsletter is now online.

The cover story this month, 3 'A's to Stress Control focuses on how people react to stress: by avoiding it, altering it or adapting to it. These techniques may help people cope better with the stress of the holidays.

Relaxing, at least for a moment during the hectic holiday season, is important. In For Holiday Calm, learn some tips for reducing stress levels. The Lifestyle file also has suggestions for how to relax.

Nearly 25 percent of U.S. households include someone who is caring for a chronically ill relative or friend age 50 or older, according to the National Alliance for Caregiving. Many of these caregivers develop physical or mental health problems. If caring for someone or aware of a caregiver, be aware of the signs of burnout, which include depression, disrupted sleep and frustration. The High Cost of Caring has more on how caregivers can protect their health.

The Fitness section discusses how people can extend longevity by achieving and maintaining a healthy weight with long-term weight management, which involves a commitment to good health habits over a lifetime. Researchers have found that those with excess belly fat have extra fat around organs in the abdominal cavity. This fat can produce health problems and has been linked to several diseases. Fitness has a prescription for losing that excess fat.

Hundreds of drugs sold over-the-counter today once required a physician's prescription. While these medicines help people treat or control health problems, they also call for caution and knowledge. Wise Use of OTC Drugs outlines the guidelines from the Food and Drug Administration and the National Consumer League on how to use over-the-counter drugs for safety and effectiveness.

Last year, more than 43,000 people died in car crashes in the U.S. By taking some easy precautions - starting with buckling seat belts - motorists can dramatically reduce their risks on the roadways. This month's Safety Solutions lists 5 Keys to Driving Safe.

The Nutrition article this month has tips on how to Celebrate! And Watch Your Weight. The Christmas season presents many opportunities for overeating, but Personal Best has some tips on thinking before eating and how to offset those extra calories.

The recipe of the month is Salmon Mousse.

Also in this issue: Men and depression; enjoying your job; World AIDS Day; the new national poison control number; hot flashes and HRT; party season; a cure for hangovers? The nutritional value of common, favorite foods; low-carb/high-protein diets; health initiatives to stem the obesity epidemic; fire safety; yoga; and LASIK.

Personal Best is published by Scott Publishing in Edmonds, Wash., and is part of the Lab's Positive Health Directions Program in Occupational Medicine (HSR-2) and Benefits and Employment Services (HR-B).

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