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January Personal Best now online

The January issue of the Personal Best health and wellness newsletter is now online.

With its short, dark days and cold weather, winter can bring on the blues now and then. Feeling low for prolonged periods this time of year can indicate a form of depression called seasonal affective disorder, or SAD. SAD is generally defined as depression that is present for two consecutive winter seasons followed by symptom-free spring and summer months. Seasonal affective disorder is best managed with guidance from a doctor or health-care provider. The January cover story has some practical ideas for managing depression through activity.

The United States has developed an obesity epidemic during the past 50 years - with two-thirds of adults now classified as overweight or obese, and reports of growing numbers of obese children. Is there a connection between this epidemic and the suburban sprawl that has replaced traditional street layouts designed for a mix of homes and businesses? Yes, according to a recent study published in the June 2004 issue of American Journal of Preventive Medicine . Read more in Suburban Life Linked to Obesity.

Strength training isn't just for jocks. Everyone can benefit in big ways from more muscle. Women & Weightlifting answers some of the questions women have about weightlifting. Personal Best Fitness also has some tips to help reduce tension and fatigue and invite more comfort, productivity and energy at the desk.

Late-night munching, impulse spending, skipping workouts... which bad habits should a person address this year? Better yet, which health goals will you achieve? Figure out top priorities and get some advice on Change for the Better in this month's Best Lifestyle File.

Changing for Good! is a health promotion class that will help participants learn about strategies for achieving individual health goals. Offered by the Wellness Center (HSR-2) at Technical Area 3, the class is open to all Laboratory personnel and spouses. The class is from noon to 1 p.m., Jan. 21 and the fee is $13 to cover purchase of the required course book "Changing for Good." Register online or call 7-7166 for more information.

Is the information on many health and medical web sites accurate? Finding Health on the Web has a list of signs that tell a reader if a Web site is trustworthy (generally those sponsored by science-based organizations such as the CDC), or if the reader should be wary of the information provided at the site. Before adopting any online advice or therapies, consult with a health-care provider.

Small changes can make a big difference when it comes to eating better. New Year, New Diet has some easy, painless steps Lab workers can take toward reaching nutrition and weight goals.

The recipe of the Month is Bean & Bacon Soup.

Also in this issue: Can attitude influence cancer risk? Low-carb/high-protein food plans; mysterious spots on your skin; daily fiber in weight control; child health report card; migraines at work; can we prevent Alzheimer's Disease? preventing an inguinal hernia; street smarts - protect yourself from assault; job safety; and antioxidants.

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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