Thanksgiving is over and the holidays are approaching, I hope all of you are starting to have those warm, snuggle up to the fireplace moments, with hot chocolate and warm apple cider to boot! I’m sure you are hustling about, whether it is down Elston to visit Target, Home Depot, or Best Buy for some last minute sales, or maybe the annual trip to State Street or the Magnicifent Mile. Family and friends are having holiday parties, snow is in the air, and the kids are trying to peek at their presents under the tree. I truly love the holidays, and I sincerely hope you are making it special as well.

I also wanted to take this moment, as your doctor, to make sure you are taking care of your body during these stressful times. As you have probably heard me talk about before, not all stress is bad, in fact holiday times bring about tons of good stress. Even though it is good, it still can take a toll on your body. Obviously, during this time of year it is difficult, if not impossible to keep our typical healthy routine on track, but that doesn’t mean we have to forget about our body until January 10^th, 2009. As you read this newsletter, I want you to try to think of just one or two things that you can do to maintain your health this year. Maybe you try to eat 10% better than you normally would, or try one movement oriented activity like ice skating or walking through the Lincoln Park Zoo to look at the Christmas lights. Grab a good book (we’ve recommended a couple) or call up and reconnect with an old friend on Christmas Eve. It doesn’t have to be hard, it’s all about trying. Remember out health is determine by our choices; I choose to be happy and healthy this holiday season. I know you’ll do the same!

Yours in Health

Dr. Heath McKinley