don's report archive

by Donald B. Ardell, Ph. D.

Wellness in the Headlines
(Don's Report to the World)

This is the third in a series of commentaries on the topic of resolutions. On New Year's Day, I urged you NOT to make resolutions on the first day of the year, but to consider utilizing a modified process of resolution-making each day thereafter. Yesterday I recommended no weenie resolutions, and outlined the nature of worthy commitments. Today might be a good time to reflect on the holiday season, and to consider the lessons, if any, from the experience.

In years past, the Surgeon General has suggested that Americans gain six pounds between Thanksgiving and New Year's Day. Think that's true? Did YOU gain six pounds during this time period? I hope not -- that's ghastly. However, it's not surprising, since holiday overeating is an tradition that kills! Of course, this is true year-round, but I suppose it gets worse during the holiday period. It's too bad that much of the modest health gains achieved by reduced smoking and better medications that lowered blood pressure and cholesterol levels were wiped out by a combination of too much food and too little exercise. Sixty-four percent of American adults and 18 percent of adolescents are overweight or obese.

Look at it from the flag-waving patriotic perspective. Ask yourself: "How great can a country be if most of its people are overweight?" Maybe wellness should be promoted as a patriotic duty. Maybe bumper sticker pleas for divine intervention should be more specific. How about "God help America?" Or, "God bless the troops and help the rest of us lose weight?"

Of course, we should also explore the UPLIFTING possibilities. Wellness IS a positive concept -- enough on the realities of dysfunctional lifestyles. What are examples of uplifting opportunities? I'm happy to offer a few for your consideration.

For starters, how about if we focus the holiday period as a time to promote friendship? As a time to play more? As a time to try out new, healthful habits? How about a conscious effort not to be negative, cynical or jaded about finding greater serenity? How about choosing an attitude of gratitude? How about if we view the holidays as a time for extra exercise? Also, reflections on all that we can be appreciative about? How about a few moments to reflect on nature's wonders and the glories of the cosmos, the natural environment, the ecosystem and all else that inspires a sense of awe?

On a more specific level, here are other possibilities:

• Give everyone you meet (or live with!) the freedom to celebrate or ignore this holiday or any other set of customs or rituals as he or she pleases.
  
  
• Make no apologies for living the holiday season in whatever manner you prefer, and give others the opportunity to do likewise.
  
  
• Put a little extra energy into your fitness regimen during the holidays -- the additional miles and hours will fire up your metabolism, enabling you to easily burn off any extra calories you might consume at holiday feasts. Do NOT eat less. Instead, exercise MORE!
  
  
• Don't spend more than you can afford on gifts, favors and celebrations.

In your own fashion, make this and other holidays as magical as possible from a wellness point of view, with or without traditional trappings, depending upon your personal tastes and preferences. The New Year, like other occasions, is a time for friendships, laughter AND wellness lifestyles.

All the best. Look on the bright side of life.

(Note: This essay will be filed in the archives in the PHYSICAL DOMAIN under the skill area of adaptations and challenges. Additional articles related to this theme may be found there.)

(Ed. Note: Views expressed in this and other columns are those of the author and not necessarily those of the SeekWellness Editorial Board.)

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