| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 13th, 2005
Tips For A Safe, Healthy And Active Holiday Season
Ideas For Staying Safe, Healthy And Fit
TORONTO, Dec. 13 /CNW/ - 'Tis the season to be merry - and healthy during
the Christmas and New year's holdiday season. according to Jim Watson,
Minister of Health Promotion.
"The holidays are a time of celebration and indulgence, but with
a little planning, you can balance the excess of the season with easy
ways to keep healthy and fit," said Watson.
Here are some tips for a healthy holiday season:
- hatever the distance, be it a short drive to the neigbours, or a
trip to the local convenience store, don't drink and drive.
- Drink water before attending holiday parties. This will help to fill
you up and reduce the temptation to overeat. Choose healthy foods at
holiday parties, such as vegetables and dip or fruit. Stay away from
alcohol and choose spring water or fruit juices instead.
- Reduce your stress by planning ahead and getting your shopping done
early.
- Turkey has fewer calories per ounce than ham, is low fat and filled
with essential vitamins and iron.
- Top vegetables with chives, parsley or lemon juice instead of butter
or margarine
- Consider adding cranberries to your vegetable line-up. According
to a recent study, cranberries contained the highest source of disease-fighting
phenols, an antioxidant that is thought to reduce the risk of chronic
diseases such as cancer, stroke and heart disease.
- Keep food safety top-of-mind - avoid the risk of food poisoning by
keeping hot things hot and cold things cold. Make sure you disinfect
kitchen counters and utensils after handling poultry. Wash hands frequently.
- Keep the conversation flowing at the dinner table. This way, you
won't rush through your meal and eat more than you should.
- Make time for regular exercise. Use the stairs instead of the elevator
and park at the farthest end of the parking lot. Plan a daily walk or
jog with family or friends. Or, try something new, like cross country
skiing, snowshoeing or ice skating. Join a gym or sign up for dance
or yoga classes, take the family for a walk and make regular exercise
a priority for the new year.
The Ministry of Health Promotion was established in June 2005 to improve
and deliver programs that contribute to healthy living and wellness in
this province. Key priority areas include Ontario's anti-smoking strategy,
nutrition, physical activity, injury prevention and mental health.
For more tips on healthy food choices and lifestyles, visit www.healthyontario.com
Disponible en français
www.mhp.gov.on.ca
www.healthyontario.com
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