Evergreens and allergies – a seasonal irritant: An evergreen tree, decorated and fragrant, conjures up Christmas for many people. But for the estimated one person in ten who is allergic to mountain-cedar pollen, a live tree, freshly cut, can be a harbinger of holiday misery. Any live tree can cause allergies because anything from outside that's brought inside is likely to bring mold spores with it. A healthier bet, according to Dr. Dave Khan, associate professor of internal medicine at UT Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, is to get an artificial tree and keep it dust free.
The real toy story: Be wary of the social-emotional risks of certain toys. Many toys send a violent message that could lead to destructive behavior. Dr. Joel Steinberg, professor of pediatrics at UT Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, said, "Parents should be very careful in selecting toys that can encourage violent behaviors, such as toy guns, knives, bow and arrows, or computer games and violent videos." Youngsters who play "violent video games" are not participating in real life experiences. If they run into a roadblock on a computer game, they can destroy it. And that's not appropriate in real life, the physician said.
No flu shot? Consider the pneumonia vaccine instead. Dr. Paul Pepe, emergency medicine professor at UT Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, said groups considered at high risk for the flu (old people, young people, those with chronic illness or weakened immune systems) should consider getting pneumonia vaccine. And you only need this immunization once for lifetime protection. A pneumococcal vaccine can lower the risk of pneumonia caused by the common types of bacteria by the same name.
Poor behavior at office parties could hurt your career: Too many drinks combined with poor behavior at an office holiday party could signal the demise of employment for some employees, warned Lynne Richardson, dean of the Ball State University Miller College of Business. She said employees should be on their best behavior and treat the annual holiday office party as an extension of work. Supervisors can and will hold employees accountable for inappropriate actions at such events. Avoid excessive alcohol consumption. Dress appropriately. Abstain from discussing sensitive work-related issues. And bring a date only if told it is proper.
Workplace target of thieves during the holidays: The number of thefts from offices, buildings and other workplace areas jumps dramatically during the holiday season, said Robert Fey, associate director of Ball State University's public safety department. To avoid becoming a victim, office workers should keep their doors closed, secure portable equipment, never leave an office unattended, and watch visitors closely.
Eat first, shop later: Shopping on an empty stomach contributes to an increase in impulsive shopping, causing consumers to overspend during the holiday season. John Fitzgerald, a Ball State University personal finance professor, said studies show that hungry people tend to shop at a faster pace. Besides having a good meal prior to shopping, he advises shopping early, establishing a budget, and planning all purchases before hitting the mall.
Invite the grandparents: Holiday times are often portrayed as stressful times for families, said Barbara Fiese, professor of psychology at Syracuse University. "Family rituals provide feelings of belonging and closeness related to mental and physical health." Her research has found that family routines and rituals are important to the health and well-being of today's busy families. "Rituals are particularly important and convey that 'this is who we are' as a group and provide continuity in meaning across generations." |
