ConnectionHealth

🎯 Dealing with family members who invite food fights or unsolicited advice? Here’s your weekend mantra: “I choose connection over correction.” Focus on listening for the first 2-3 minutes, then politely redirect the convo if it goes sideways.
📝 For more on navigating tricky dynamics: see “Tips for Healthy Holidays for Kids & Families” from Children’s Hospital Colorado... includes great stress-management and communication strategies. (Children's Colorado)

Link: https://www.childrenscolorado.org/just-ask-childrens/articles/healthy-holidays/

🍽️ Mindful eating tip: Drink a tall glass of water before you sit down. Pause for 5 minutes before the second serving. This helps your body register fullness and gives you space to savor the moment.
📝 Read: “Healthy Holiday Eating” shows how making small swaps (like using applesauce for part of the oil in baking) can make a big difference. (10kfs.umn.edu)

Link: https://10kfs.umn.edu/node/781

🏃🏽‍♀️ Between feasting and family visits, your exercise habits don’t have to go on vacation. Make movement part of the celebration!
✅ Challenge: After your meal, go for a 20-minute walk with family or around the neighborhood with holiday lights.
📝 This article, “Keep Your Health Habits on Track During the Holidays” by Harvard Health Publishing, reminds us that staying active during the holidays helps not just the body, but mood and stress too. (Harvard Health)

Link: https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/keep-your-health-habits-on-track-during-the-holidays

👨‍👩‍👧 Family gatherings bring love, but sometimes stress. This holiday season, try this: set one boundary about food or conversation ahead of time. Example: “I’ll stop eating when I’m comfortably full” or “I won’t engage in political talk after 9 pm.”
And yes — this includes your wellness routine.
📝 Here’s a practical guide: “Coping with Family Dynamics During the Holidays” — it highlights how acknowledging your feelings and planning can reduce conflict. (Dr. Claire Nicogossian)

Link:

Coping with Family Dynamics During the Holidays - Dr. Claire Nicogossian During graduate school, one of my favorite places to visit was Kramer Afterwords, a bookstore/restaurant in Washington, DC, with some amazing drinks, desserts, and books. One particular favorite, The Dysfunctional Family Sundae, a blend of three ice creams, brownies, chocolate cookies, whipped cream...

🎄 The holidays are full of joy, food, family, and change in routines.
👉 Tip: Before the big meal, fill half your plate with veggies or salad. Then enjoy your favorite dish.
📝 Read more: “Winter Holidays and Their Impact on Eating Behavior…A Systematic Review” (a 2023 study) shows holiday periods are a high-risk time for weight gain…so simple strategies matter. (PMC)

Link:

Winter Holidays and Their Impact on Eating Behavior—A Systematic Review (1) Background: There has been a growing interest in understanding the causes of obesity and developing effective prevention strategies. Lifestyle change programs are often considered the gold standard for weight reduction, and they can help ...

Find local food pantries and mobile grocery options near you.

📍Visit feedingalabama.org/need-help
or call 211 to find nearby food resources and hours of operation.

🚌 Check out the Mercy Deliverance Mobile Grocery Bus (https://www.mercydm.org/mobile-grocery-bus/)
and Homewood Church of Christ Food Pantry for upcoming community distributions.

Heart Health Fact ❤️: Managing blood pressure reduces your risk of stroke by 30–40%. Watch the video below to learn how to properly monitor your blood pressure at home.

How To Monitor Your Blood Pressure at Home Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

Check-in Wednesday ✅: When was your last blood pressure check? Drop your answer below ⬇️

Heart-Healthy Fats 🥑: Avocados, nuts, and olive oil help lower cholesterol and support weight goals.

Fats You can make healthier choices by understanding the different types of fats (“good&rdquo.

Diabetes Alert 🚨: 1 in 3 adults has prediabetes — and most don’t know it. Take the risk test today

Take the Test - Prediabetes | Diabetes | CDC