It’s happening! The holiday season is upon us whether we are ready for it or not! Maybe you have made some changes in the last few years and slowed down a bit and maybe you are ready to shop, eat and party 24/7!

Regardless, pressure builds this time of year and it is important to take care of your health & wellness. Our Aldershot health & wellness practitioners are here to help, with some advice about the importance of taking care of you.

Aldershot Dental Care: The holiday season is a time for celebration and indulgence. Your oral health needs special attention as the extra sugar can lead to tooth decay.  Preventive dental appointments detect small dental problems before they become major.  Schedule your cleaning and check-up today at Aldershot Dental Care!

Schultz Chiropractic: Did you know that many of the chronic health issues that adults struggle with their entire lives began as a result of an injury sustained during early childhood?

Kids get tackled while playing sports, fall off their bikes and slip on the ice. Even the birth process can be very traumatic to the infant spine. Each of these events can cause trauma to the spine and when accumulated over time can form the foundation for future health issues down the road. At Schultz Chiropractic we focus on pediatric cases, including infants. Dr. Schultz is certified from the Academy Council on Chiropractic Pediatrics (C.A.C.C.P.).

We offer a very thorough pediatric examination that is gentle and is designed to detect childhood trauma.

Nixon’s Martial Arts: Don’t Skip Your Workouts but Be Flexible. Many people take a break from their exercise routines at Christmas. Don’t, or try not to! For so many of us, being fit and active is a choice and a lifestyle. Whether you go to a gym, run or in my case train at the dojo, do your best to keep that routine going. That said, you may have disruptions to deal with so be flexible. Maybe your gym will be closed or on a reduced schedule. Maybe your class will be canceled. Don’t be afraid to try a different class or go at different time. If you can’t make it at all, why not mix it up and train at home or go for an extended walk. Something is always better than nothing. Remember, a brisk walk can burn up to 150 cal in 20 minutes. If you feel yourself going off the rails get together with a friend to work out with. 

Indulge, Kind Of.
One of the things the holiday season is known for it’s good food and good cheer. I would never be one to tell you not to partake in that. That said, remember that portion control is very important. Survey the spread before putting anything on your plate and resist the urge to go back for seconds. Also, pick your poison. Do either the appetizers or the desert but not both. And don’t be afraid to fill up at home with healthy choices before heading out. Don’t forget about those liquid calories either! 

Get Enough Sleep
The link between getting a good nights sleep and fitness is well documented. With a good night sleep you are more relaxed, less likely to skip your workout, less likely to overindulge in sugary foods and drinks and are just generally less stressed. Forget the holidays for a moment, a good nights sleep and being well rested is just good health all year round. 

Stay Hydrated!
Drinking enough water naturally helps you avoid eating too much. Drink a large glass 20 to 30 minutes prior to your meal and it can help satiate your appetite. Add to that, water keeps you hydrated and helps you burn fat more efficiently. A good rule is that for every sugary or alcohol laden drink you have, have one glass of water. 

There you have it. A few quick tips to help you with your health and fitness goals over the holidays. Enjoy the season and remember to you stay safe and stay healthy! 

Aldershot Dental Hygiene: During this busy time of year, remember that your oral health is a huge part of your overall health!  With a healthy mouth you can eat, speak and smile in comfort, which helps you feel physically, socially and mentally well. Maintaining your oral health should be an important part of your self-care routine. The team at Aldershot Dental Hygiene are here to help you brighten your smile and take care of all of your oral health needs so you have one less thing to worry about this holiday season. Happy Holidays!

Fit for Life Physiotherapy: The holiday season is busy with shopping (online and in person) and small gatherings (we hope).  You may find yourself on your feet a lot – whether it is shopping in the stores, getting your house ready, or Christmas baking. Perhaps at times you are sitting too long – while online shopping or gathering with a small group of family and/or friends (we hope).  Make sure to find some balance in your activities and movements. If you are standing a lot – make sure to take a break to sit or do a stretch like knees to chest.  If you are sitting for a long time – get up to move and walk around.  Maybe try to bend backwards a bit or stretch out your hip flexors with a lunge stretch. Remember – Motion is Lotion!  

If you are having a hard time finding movements that feel good for you, talk to one of the physiotherapists at Fit for Life Physiotherapy to find out which movement strategies are best for you.   Call (05)333-3488 or email to fitforlifephysio@gmail.com to help you move well, live well and be well.

The Fitness Firm: If we have learned anything over the past year and a half, it is the importance of taking care of ourselves during stressful and busy times. The same can be applied to the holidays, as we often get caught up in shopping, festivities, and eating a heaping amount of food. The Fitness Firm is committed to helping you de-stress, keep moving, and achieve your goals, even when it seems like there aren’t enough hours in the day (we are open 24/7!). Keep an eye out for our yearly Christmas Specials and consider gifting a loved one better health via a voucher to The Fitness Firm.