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The idea of “healthy holidays” may seem like an oxymoron. After all – what are holidays if not an entire season of poor eating choices, minimal rest, high stress, and celebratory indulgences? Well, we believe that not only is it entirely possible to practice good health over the holiday season, but it’s essential to prioritize your well-being by making healthy choices. Courtesy of your medical team at Fountain Hills Medical Center, here are some practical tips for you to practice good health and thoughtful balance during these next several weeks.

1. Rethink indulgence

   Of course you’re going to treat yourself to special food and drinks this season; that’s inevitable. However, try to widen your definition of “treating yourself.” Use this season as an excuse to stock up on special foods of all kinds, including fruits you don’t normally buy, vegetables you don’t usually take the time to prepare, gourmet nuts and olives from specialty stores, or small amounts of festive cheeses. Taking some of the focus off the high-sugar, fatty foods can help you to eat in a balanced and more-healthful way, and enjoy treating yourself well.

2. Prioritize mental health, too

   Much of the holiday season can be filled with a hefty sense of obligation. Take frequent stock of your emotions and mental health, and take care of yourself accordingly. Need to decline an invitation, take a Saturday to yourself, or avoid a toxic person? You have your Fountain Hills doctor’s permission! You can also create new traditions and rituals that bring real joy to you and your loved ones. And if you feel like you could use a little extra mental health support? Fountain Hills Medical Center is here for you. Our caring medical staff can help you with feelings of anxiety and depression, and have vetted mental health professionals we can refer you to if needed.

3. Realize that you’re only one person

   Contrary to what you believed as a child, you’re not a superhero. The holiday season provides a limitless bounty of “I should” feelings. Work to feel okay about baking/decorating/giving/making only what you want. While this will likely take some work, you’ll find that the tasks you do that come from a real sense of joyful intention will bring about beautiful results.

4. Don’t postpone medical care

   With the busyness of these festive weeks, it can be tempting to put off the non-festive tasks such as keeping up with routine or sickness-related health care appointments. However, this time of year is one of the MOST important times to prioritize your medical needs. With immune systems already stretched by poor sleeping and eating patterns and crowds of partiers, we encourage you to prioritize your wellness visits and needed immunizations, as well as schedule visits for lingering health concerns.

   Feeling like traveling to a medical appointment is simply not going to make your to-do list? Our Arizona telehealth appointments could be just what the season ordered. With the ease of speaking to a medical professional from your location of choice, you can save time while still getting top-grade medical care in Fountain Hills.

5. Move it

   Physical activity can do wonders for a huge range of issues. Taking a few minutes, several times per day, to raise your heartrate can benefit your heart, lungs, bones, muscles, emotions, mental clarity, and so much more. A few ideas to fit in your needed exercise include parking at the very last parking spot at the mall, opting to take the stairs instead of the elevator, using your lunch break to pound the pavement, and using an outdoor activity as the means to get together with loved ones.

We hope to see you in our center for questions, routine medical exams, immunizations, or whatever you need us for. In the meantime, here’s to keeping your health and wellness in check this holiday season. May your holidays be merry, healthy, and joyful.