Hello There. It is that time of year! As I was sitting here I started to dread going home that is to New York for the Holidays. How many of you are traveling home to see family and friends
for Thanksgiving or Christmas? Well if you are here are some helpful tips I
found on WebMD that I wanted to share with you:
1.
Plan
ahead-use airport websites to track your flights.
2.
Arrive early/Dress for Convenience for the
Security Check In
3.
Know the rules for liquids 3-1-1 (all
liquids/gels/aerosol cans) 3 oz./1 quart/in 1 zip lock
4.
Check your bags. Try not to have carry-on bags.
This allows less time in the security check in line.
5.
Get rest before traveling. And while traveling
limit alcohol and caffeine.
6.
Keep a positive attitude about traveling. Enjoy
the experience!
Have a safe and wonderful Holiday!
Have you noticed you, a family member, or friends experienced decreased energy and moodiness in the Fall and Winter months the same time every year? If so you may be experiencing symptoms of Seasonal affective disorder also called (SAD). Experts are not sure what causes SAD, but some studies suggest it may be caused by a lack of sunlight which may disrupt an individual’s sleep-wake cycle and other circadian rhythms. It may also be caused from lower levels of serotonin a chemical found in the brain that affects mood (www.webmd.com).
ReplyDeleteAnyone can get SAD, but it is more common in:
• People who live in areas where winter days are very short or there are big changes in the amount of daylight in different seasons.
• Women
• People between the ages of 15-55.
• People who have a close relative with SAD
SAD Symptoms may include:
• Depression
• Hopelessness
• Anxiety
• Loss of Energy
• Heavy, “leaden” feeling in the arms or legs
• Social withdrawal
• Oversleeping
• Loss of interest in activities once enjoyed
• Changes in appetite, especially cravings for food high in carbohydrates
• Weight gain
• Difficulty concentrating
SAD treatment and Coping Strategies
Treatment for seasonal affective disorder includes light therapy (phototherapy), psychotherapy and medications. In addition, the following may also help with coping and managing SAD.
• Take medications as directed and attend therapy appointments as scheduled.
• Get adequate sleep and take time to relax. Participate in a regular exercise program. Eat healthy, regular meals. Do not turn to alcohol or illegal drugs for relief.
• Practice stress management, learn techniques to manage stress better.
• Make an effort to connect with people you enjoy being around even when you are feeling down.
• Take vacations in sunny, warm locations if you have winter seasonal affective disorder. And if you have summer seasonal affective disorder take vacations to cooler locations.
www.nami.org
www.webmd.com
www.mayoclinic.com