Weight Gain, Sleepless Nights, Fatigue, Chronic Stress? Not This Year

PHILADELPHIA, PA ? November, 2010 - Let's face it: the holidays can be a bit hectic - and if we're not careful, the frenzied hustle and bustle can really take a toll on our overall health. That's why it's so important that we take the time to unwind, de-stress and recharge our batteries to help ensure that our health doesn't fall by the wayside.

"Optimal health and wellness take a yearlong commitment," says Kenneth Varano, D.O, Medical Director of BodyLogicMD of Philadelphia. "It's not just what you do between November and December, but what you do from December through November that has the greatest impact on your overall health. However, even when we do take care of ourselves during the rest of the year, the constant go-go-go of the holidays leaves many of our healthy choices behind and sets us up for a wide range of issues that can tax our systems and cause problems."

There are several factors thatcontribute to less-than-happy holidays. The highly trained physicians at BodyLogicMD, America's largest network of physicians specializing in bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT), fitness, and nutrition, have compiled a list of strategies to help you disarm each one:

Stress - Nothing gets the cortisol pumping quite like the holidays. Cortisol is a hormone that triggers the body's fight or flight response to stress. High cortisol levels have been found to increase appetite, disrupt sleep cycles, weaken the body's immune system and raise blood pressure and cholesterol levels. When you combine chronic stress with overeating, insufficient sleep and fatigue, you get a recipe for disaster. It's important that we set aside some time each day to unwind and de-stress, especially during the holidays. By incorporating some stress reduction techniques into your daily routine, you can naturally balance cortisol levels and improve your overall health.

Sleep - Sleep not only helps restore the body's tissues and cells, but also helps recharge energy levels. If you're not getting enough sleep, your body doesn't have enough time to make repairs and you'll likely wake up feeling exhausted and fatigued. A good night's rest can be hard to come by, especially during the frenzied holiday season. With so much to get done, sleep isn't exactly a top priority. But don't let the holiday runaround deprive you of your sleep. Plan your day in advance. You're only human and you can't do it all, so only commit to what you truly believe you can accomplish in one day. It's important that we're aware of our limitations and that we set boundaries to avoid over-taxing our reserves.

Over-eating - The holidays bring a lot to the table. Literally. With so many different items to choose from, portion control and self-control for that matter can be difficult. For starters, try just picking the items you really want to try and make sure that you're not helping yourself to heaping portions. Having company over? Trade the sugary, salty snacks for some healthy, low carb, low fat alternatives like vegetables and dip. Your waistline and guests will be grateful.

Depression - Do the winter months make you blue? Well if so, you're not alone. In fact, up to 10 percent of Americans suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) - a condition that affects mood and sleep cycles in relation to the colder and darker winter months. Depression is a serious medical condition and even temporary bouts of depression can manifest into more serious health challenges, if not treated. While depression is quite common among U.S. adults, the condition is typically treated on a case-by-case basis and would be best addressed by your physician.

"Don't let the holidays derail your overall health," warns Dr. Varano. "And don't wait until New Year's to start fulfilling your commitment to a healthy lifestyle. Start today. Think of the holidays as a wellness boot camp - If you can keep it together until January, the rest of the year will be a piece of cake."

More about Dr. Varano

Kenneth Varano, D.O. received his undergraduate from New York University in 1989. He then graduated from the University of Health Sciences, College of Osteopathic Medicine in 1994. Dr. Varano fulfilled his internship tract at the Long Beach Medical Center/ Mt. Sinai University in 1995. Dr. Varano is a fellow of the American Academy of Anti-Aging and Regenerative Medicine. Dr. Varano is a member of the American Osteopathic Association and a member of the American Academy of Osteopathic Family Physicians.

More about BodyLogicMD

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