Anita S. Kaplan, Ed,D.
Campus President
Medical Center Campus
Miami Dade College
Healthy Holidays:
How to be Merry and Wise
Healthy holidays and an unhealthy economy.
It is really almost an oxymoron!! Can we still enjoy the season of the Merry and Wise while maintaining our health in an otherwise challenging economy?
Yes, I believe we can.
I am sure we all know those that have been affected negatively by the tenuous economic climate and it becomes an ever increasing stressor as the holidays approach! I would however contend that it needn’t be that way for any of us!!! What if our “gifts” for the holidays were not from the mall, the corner store, the catalog, or the pervasive T.V. shopping network? What if all we had to do to have more healthy holidays is avoid all the running and driving around, and gave gifts of ourselves? Think about it!!!
First of all you would take care of yourself during the holidays, yes you first!! That may mean a nap whenever you need it, an hour or two with a book, a hot bath, or a shower or whatever brings you relaxation. " The preparation of a home cooked meal to someone after the holidays can be a welcomed gift as can a gift of lawn mowing or tree trimming!! . "Yes, the gift of some relaxation to you, yourself. Then you can think of all those wonderful gifts of yourself that you can give to others.
Yes, think about not running around looking for that perfect gift for that someone. How about the gift of time and yourself to everyone!!? Perhaps that night or two of babysitting for those who could use a break from their hectic family lives, how about a post holiday afternoon in the park or better yet the beach with those who would love to spend time with you? How about a manicure/pedicure or a massage that you provide? The preparation of a home cooked meal to someone after the holidays can be a welcomed gift as can a gift of lawn mowing or tree trimming!! And how about the gift of time to someone you have been meaning to call or visit!! Why not wrap that up with a loving message and a time and date?
During the year we promise so many of our friends and family the gift of our time, that phone conversation or that time to just be together. I say this holiday season let’s give the gifts of ourselves to others and time to ourselves. These might just be the best and healthiest gifts of all this holiday season!!
All the best of the holiday season to you my dear colleagues, and to your friends and family!!
Enjoy this gift of the season, our campus Healthy College Newsletter!
Sincerely,
Dr. Anita Kaplan