(ARA) - When you learn that a friend, family member, coworker or neighbor is seriously ill or recovering from injuries or surgery, do you wonder how you can best show your support?

It depends upon the situation. Sometimes the best way to show your support is to just stay in touch, but other times, it's to provide help that your friend or loved one needs.

"When someone you know experiences a serious health event, or is in the hospital recovering from a major surgery, connecting them with family and friends is very important," says Sona Mehring, founder of CaringBridge. "Often, people in this situation don't know how easy and helpful it is to gather their family and friends and show support in an unobtrusive way."

When you receive news that a loved one is going through cancer, premature birth or another health crisis, consider some of the following ideas in ways to best show your support:

* Offer your help. Make a specific offer like cooking a meal, driving the person to appointments, babysitting for children, picking up groceries, calling other family members, writing thank-you notes, etc. By specifically offering to help in a way that uses your talents and won't overwhelm you, you will be able to show support in a healthy way.

* Be positive. You don't have to be talking about your loved one's illness all the time. Maybe you saw a funny online video that you know will tickle their funny bone. Copy the link and share it with your friend. Or tell him the story about your child's performance in a school concert that had you beaming with pride. By keeping your loved one involved through your stories in real world events, you are helping them stay connected.

* Create an online social networking page. For a person trying to recuperate from an illness, repeating health information time and time again is exhausting - even if the information is good news. Consider setting up an online support network page through CaringBridge, so your loved one can share updates once, post photos and receive messages of support.

CaringBridge is a nonprofit organization that offers free, personalized Web sites for patients to post health updates, photos and connect with family and friends.

"When a family member or good friend is isolated in the hospital or confined to home care, recovery is much easier when supporters are able to easily stay in touch," says Mehring. "And by staying in touch, supporters can provide the assistance and love a patient needs to get them on the road to feeling better."

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(ARA) - American families have spoken: the vacation is a top priority. Ninety-four percent of Americans agreed that even in tough economic times, family vacations are worth the money, according to a recent survey by Expedia.com. To keep the vacation affordable and easy, think about introducing your family to the splendor of the national park system - where activities are abundant and costs are minimal.

Expedia.com recently partnered with the National Park Foundation to provide a permanent, one-stop shop to help travelers plan and book vacations to America's national parks.

"There are excellent values for traveling families right now, and taking a trip to a national park is one of the best ways to stretch your vacation dollars," says Lee Woodruff, author, travel expert and mother of four. "Families are looking for ways to reconnect with each other and what better option for an affordable vacation than a national park?"

Here are five easy steps to plan the perfect national park getaway:

1. Get Inspired: Ken Burns recently debuted a six-part documentary series for PBS titled, "The National Parks: America's Best Idea." Tune into PBS or order a copy online to find inspiration and a detailed look at some of the most beautiful places in the world from Acadia to the Grand Canyon and Yosemite to the Gates of the Arctic in Alaska.

2. Pick the park: With original content from the National Park Foundation, Expedia.com's national park Web site is the perfect resource for families to find the national park to fit their vacation needs.

The site offers pre-set "long weekend" itineraries to start your planning. You can also search through the "Can't Miss National Parks" section to learn about the park's location, its natural features, little-known facts including the best times to visit and activities to choose from in each area. Expedia's site also offers downloadable park maps to help you get your bearings.

3. More ways to save: Take advantage of the public amenities that national parks offer like camping and picnic sites. While there is a small entrance fee to the parks, you can cut back on costs by bringing your own meals and treating the kids to lunch by a waterfall or overlooking the Grand Canyon. Also, enjoy the free activities such as hiking, biking and birding that the parks offer.

4. Book your hotel and rental car: If camping isn't your family's style, consider any of the great lodges in and around the national park of your choice. And, if you're planning to rent a car, consider booking lodging and car together to substantially reduce the overall costs of your vacation.

5. Give Back: Consider giving back to the National Park Foundation by visiting the Web site, www.nationalparks.org and donate, or learn more about volunteer opportunities within America's national parks. Helping out in these small ways ensures the parks will remain beautiful so your kids can bring their own children one day.

"Planning the vacation is half of the fun, so get everyone involved in the process," says Woodruff. "There are so many options in our national park system, many of which have rich and amazing heritage, so the whole family is going to enjoy something when you visit."

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(ARA) - A vacation may be the last thing on your mind as the holidays draw near this year, but contrary to popular belief the holiday season is a great time to take a break. Pre-holiday season deals sweeten the appeal of a weekend getaway to decompress from the stresses of a busy fall and winter season.

"While airfares and hotel rates do rise on and immediately surrounding major holidays, the weeks leading up to those times can yield amazing deals and wonderful opportunities to escape the hectic pace of the holiday season," says Brad Dean, president and chief executive officer for the Myrtle Beach Area Convention and Visitor's Bureau.

Still not convinced now is the time for a quick getaway? Consider these facts:

Getting There

Airports will be crowded and frustrating as soon as the holidays arrive. Yet airfares are lower and airports are less crowded in the weeks leading up to peak holiday season. You're much more likely to score a good deal on airfare - and a less stressful airport experience - if you travel pre-holiday.

Driving trips are also easier before the holiday. Come Thanksgiving or Christmas, everyone will be visiting family and friends to celebrate. Highways are less likely to be clogged with traffic in advance of the holidays. To make the most of your weekend getaway, choose a driving destination that's easily accessible and offers the most "bang for your buck." Myrtle Beach, S.C., for example is a popular driving destination from many parts of the eastern seaboard and Midwest.

Hotel Deals

Hotel prices typically increase a day or two before a holiday - rates may even double over Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's. However, hotels are relatively empty and inspired to offer better deals in the weeks leading up to the holidays. In fact, rates can be reduced to more than half the cost of a room during peek summer season. You can find great package deals if you travel before the holidays, especially to affordable locations that are in their "off" seasons. Many beach resorts and hotels offer all-inclusive packages with admission to local attractions and many feature heated indoor swimming pools and even indoor waterparks.

Cool Prices on Hot Attractions

Attraction tickets that might seem pricey during high season will likely be more appealingly priced during the pre-holiday, "off season." Some outdoor attractions in more temperate climes, such as Myrtle Beach will stay open through the holidays, as will shows, indoor attractions and sites. Plus, you won't have to fight the "peak season" crowds or lines at year-round attractions like popular museums and aquariums.

A Taste of the Holidays without the Expense

What commercial venture in the United States doesn't stretch the holidays? With Halloween items appearing on store shelves in early September, is it any surprise that resort attractions will don their holiday décor and feature holiday-themed events and shows long before the actual dates arrive?

It's possible to get into the holiday spirit and enjoy themed shows, attractions and activities when you travel before the holidays. For example, the Myrtle Beach area offers everything from live holiday shows to candlelit gardens with carolers, Christmas tree festivals to holiday markets.   

To learn more about a pre-holiday getaway to Myrtle Beach, go to www.visitmyrtlebeach.com. of ARAcontent

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(ARA) - There is nothing easy about trying to plan a family vacation. Besides the challenge of figuring out where to go, there is the ever-present concern of finding age-appropriate activities for the entire family.

A classic activity that has stood the test of time around the country - and sometimes can be forgotten during the vacation planning process - is miniature golf. While for some it may not be the sole reason for choosing a destination, it is an activity that never fails to please once travelers arrive at their vacation spot.  

Many of the country's top miniature golf courses were originally built in tourist destination areas such as Myrtle Beach, S.C., which is considered the unofficial  "Miniature Golf Capitol of the World."

There are as many as 50 courses on Myrtle Beach's Grand Strand, which is located on the southeast coastline of sunny South Carolina, and with more than 14 million tourists visiting each year, the facilities are always busy.

"Mini golf is great no matter your age, athletic ability or golf skills," says Bob Detwiler of the popular Hawaiian Village course in Myrtle Beach, "It's a perfect way to spend an afternoon or evening, and may even spark some friendly competition during your family vacation."  

A versatile and diverting activity for any age, miniature golf is perfect for multi-generational travel groups, family gatherings, and even couples. Its affordability adds value to the vacation and is great entertainment for everyone.

Nearly all of the Myrtle Beach area's mini golf courses are meticulously landscaped and adorned with tropical plants and flowers throughout warm-weather months. But it's each course's unique theme that sets them apart from mini golf courses found anywhere else. From man-eating dinosaurs and 40-foot tall lava-spewing volcanoes, to high seas adventures aboard pirate ships, the area's mini golf courses offer a variety of options in ultra-thematic environments.

Some vacationers have even come to enjoy mini golf so much that they've taken up the activity as a competitive sport.  Each year Myrtle Beach's Hawaiian Village plays host to the Masters National ProMiniGolf Championship in October when a slew of top mini golfers compete for the green jacket of ProMiniGolf.

"People are very intrigued by mini golf; there is a clear connection between the sport and happy memories associated with it," notes Detwiler. "More than 80 people participate in the Masters every year not only because it is competitive, but also because it's simply enjoyable and amusing for all who play."

For more information on the mini golf possibilities or to request a visitor's guide in Myrtle Beach, go to www.visitmyrtlebeach.com or call (888) Myrtle-1.

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(ARA) - Summer isn't the only season for outdoor fun. Winter brings cooler temperatures, glistening snow and plenty of opportunities for play.

If you love winter sports and pastimes, Washington State offers your family a huge playground for downhill and cross country skiing, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, ice skating, tubing and more. No matter if you are a young first-timer or a seasoned adventurer, the mountains, rolling hills and valleys found in Washington bring a breath-taking beauty to any winter outdoor sport.

For example, if skiing and snowboarding in Washington are on your to-do list this season, check out Crystal Mountain in Mount Rainier National Park where not only can you experience shushing through half a dozen basins, but also enjoy beautiful views of the mountain up close. Each year, snowboarders flock to Mount Baker, with an average annual snowfall of 647 inches, to experience terrain in one of the areas many call the birthplace of the sport. A short drive from the Canadian border or downtown Seattle, Mount Baker is an active volcano standing 10,778 feet, offering spectacular scenery and hundreds of acres to discover. Want adventure right outside the city? Head over to Snoqualmie Pass, one hour east of Seattle, which not only gives skiers and snowboarders of all levels excellent runs at Snoqualmie Pass Ski Area, but also provides access to tubing hills and cross country ski and snowshoe trails as well.

Snowmobile fans can find about 80 lots within Washington State Parks to park a car, unload the snowmobiles and head out on more than 3,000 miles of groomed trails. Echo Valley Sno-Park in the west central part of the state near Chelan and Lake Easton Sno-Park located on Highway 90 southeast of Seattle are just two of the popular sites to hit the snowmobile trails.

If ice skating is the winter sport that interests you, Spokane is hosting the 2010 U.S. Figure Skating Championships in January - where the U.S. Figure Skating team for the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games will be named, just in time for the opening ceremonies on Feb. 12, 2010.

Washington is just a short drive across the border from many of the Winter Olympic sport locations, making it easy for you to plan your outdoor fun around a quick trip to catch some of the Olympic action.

You say winter sports aren't your thing? Don't forget that the Puget Sound area often enjoys a snow-less winter, and cities such as Seattle and Tacoma offer a variety of indoor cultural experiences, including symphony, ballet, opera, live theater and Broadway road shows to name a few. For a relaxed adventure outside the bustling city streets, hop a ferry to the San Juan Islands and enjoy some winter island time with hiking, kayaking, shopping or just cozy fireplace-sitting.

Once you have your winter fun trip planned, don't forget these Washington travel tips:

* Washington's climate is mild, but the mountains can be much colder. Average temperatures for the winter months range from near freezing to around 40 degrees in western Washington, with below-freezing temperatures in the mountains, so remember to pack extra waterproof clothes in case your trip includes mountain adventures.

* Plan ahead for the equipment you need. If you anticipate renting everything, contact a rental place near where you're staying or heading out for some fun before your trip to reserve exactly what you need. Visit www.experiencewa.com to find links for locations of recreation businesses and sites including rentals. If you're bringing your equipment, make sure you plan around airline baggage requirements or space in your vehicle to get everyone to Washington comfortably.

* Don't forget the sunblock. Yes, even in winter, the sun's rays reflecting off snow can cause a painful burn.

* Pack a camera to capture everyone carving the slopes or flying down a snow tubing hill.

For assistance in planning your vacation, visit www.experience.wa.com for events, transportation venue links, the official state travel planner, lodging opportunities and much more.

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(ARA) - Families that play together stay together - at least that's the common wisdom. Even in tough economic times, family vacations are worth the money, Americans agree.

In a national study by Expedia.com, 94 percent of Americans agreed it was worth it to take a family vacation. Why? Because they help build memories that last a lifetime and reinforce family bonds. Nearly 85 percent of those surveyed think the time they spend together as a family is what makes a trip special. The good news is, travel costs have dropped significantly in the last year, making family vacations the most affordable they've been in years.

This year, rather than forgoing a vacation altogether, many people are staying closer to home and taking shorter trips. Whether you have a day, weekend or an entire week to get away, trips within driving distance can be fun and help save money. In fact, good old-fashioned road trips haven't gone out of style. Most people (seven in 10) still enjoy them because they like making stops at family-friendly attractions and seeing interesting sights along the way. 

Travel expert Lee Woodruff says online resources like Expedia.com are a great way to help plan a great family vacation on a small budget. 

"Expedia has a brand new tool called Drive Getaway. You plug in where you are in the country, how far you want to go on a tank of gas or less and they'll come up with all kinds of ideas and places that you can go with the kids for one, two, three nights, whatever it may be," Woodruff says.

Some other tips for getting the most out of your family vacation:

Take advantage of last minute deals - More than a quarter of Americans (27 percent) who have been on family vacations feel a spontaneous trip is more fun for their family than one planned well in advance of the vacation date. The good news is there's still time to take advantage of great vacation savings. Snap up dramatically discounted hotel rooms in top cities and beaches at Expedia.com's last minute deals page.

Revisit the past - Many of our fondest memories come from family trips. Revisiting favorite destinations that you remember as a child can be a great way to spend time off with your family. Nearly two in three (64 percent) parents who enjoyed family vacations while growing up have taken their own families to destinations they visited as a child. "Sharing a trip from your childhood is a special way to connect with the entire family and relive the memories you created in the past," says Woodruff.

Don't over schedule  - "Remember, this is a vacation! Don't over schedule. One activity or site a day is plenty," advises Woodruff. Trips to larger attractions can be alternated with inexpensive or free activities like picnics in nearby parks to help families stick to their travel budgets.

Involve the whole family --"Whatever you decide, be sure to get the kids involved in the planning. They'll be more cooperative and have a lot more fun if they feel they have a say," says Woodruff. Cruises can be a great option for family vacations. They offer activities that are fun for everyone and help families stick to their travel budgets since most cruises are all-inclusive.
 
Think off season - Booking travel during off-peak travel times can help maximize travel budgets. "While more than half of Americans like to take family vacations during summer, booking travel in the fall after Labor Day weekend can be just as enjoyable. Planning travel for off-peak times also allows travelers to take advantage of travel deals and smaller crowds," says Woodruff. Booking air and hotel together is another way to save money regardless of when you plan on traveling throughout the year. Travelers can save more than $200 per trip when they book their airfare and hotel together.

The average American who has taken a family vacation at some point in their lives admits it has been five years since they had a truly great trip with their loved ones. There's no better time than the present to hit the road and have some fun making memories with family and loved ones.

For more information about travel deals and destinations visit www.expedia.com. of ARAcontent

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(ARA) - In these tough economic times, everyone is looking to save more. While you may have already found ways to save on everyday household expenses, you may be overlooking important tools from your employer that can go a long way in helping you save and pay for health care needs.

"You have a window of opportunity once a year to make changes to your health care benefits plan, but during this time people often overlook valuable tools that can assist in managing health care expenses," says Chad Wilkins, CEO, OptumHealth Financial Services, a UnitedHealth Group company. "For example, your employer may offer flexible spending accounts and health savings accounts, which can help you save and pay for health care needs tax-free."

OptumHealth suggests several resources for people to look at during their health benefits sign-up period:

* With flexible spending accounts (FSA) and health savings accounts (HSA), you put aside pre-tax money for health care expenses and any money you withdraw for eligible medical reasons is also tax-free. These accounts are also convenient, with many providing you with a debit card linked directly to the account for ease in paying for doctor's visits or prescriptions at the pharmacy.

Covered expenses could include doctor visits, special treatments and surgeries, medical equipment, child care, optometry and dental work, prescription and over-the-counter medications.

There are some key differences between FSAs and HSAs. FSAs are an employer-sponsored benefit, and money you put aside is usually only available for a year. HSAs help you save for future medical expenses and are yours to keep, even if you change employers or benefits. HSAs can also help you save for health care in retirement. HSAs are tied to high deductible health plans.

* Long-term care insurance can help you pay for care in the future if you should develop a chronic illness or become disabled. This type of insurance can help pay for treatment outside a hospital, such as in a nursing home, assisted-living facility or in your own home. Certain long-term-care policies are eligible for federal income tax breaks, and perhaps state income tax breaks too, depending on where you live.

* Short-term disability coverage pays a percentage of your salary if you become temporarily disabled, meaning that you are not able to work for a short period of time due to sickness or injury, excluding on-the-job injuries, which are covered by workers compensation insurance.

So before you sign that dotted line on your health benefits paperwork, be sure to check with your human resources representatives. Look into all your options and make sure you are taking advantage of the right ones to help you save now and for the future.

Finally, for more tips on saving and paying for health care, visit www.myOptumHealth.com for detailed tips and guidance on how to make the most out of your health care dollars.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

(ARA) - Now more than ever, Americans are taking personal responsibility for their health by practicing preventative health care, and one of the most proactive ways to stay healthy is by maintaining a healthy immune system. But did you know that your immune system functions optimally when it is balanced? That's right, balanced. Research shows that balancing - not just boosting or suppressing - is key to a strong immune system.

When out of balance, the immune system may not adequately protect the body. An over-active immune system may result in allergies by mistaking harmless environmental substances, such as pollen, for something like an attacking parasite, whereas an under-active immune system may expose the body to increased susceptibility to infections and disease. Thus, the immune system needs to be prepared to appropriately address different kinds of threats, whether that is with a reduced or increased immune response. This can only be done with a healthy immune system that is in balance and ready to respond appropriately.

"Having an over- or under-active immune system can be an invitation for illness," says Dr. Larry Robinson, immune health researcher and vice president of scientific affairs for Embria Health Sciences. "The ideal place for a healthy immune system is to be in a balanced, ready stage, where it can react to your body's signals."

The importance of immune health to your overall well-being cannot be overstated. Here are some ways you can keep your immune system balanced so it can most effectively face the challenges of daily life:

1) Put a "Do Not Disturb" sign on your door: Since the immune system is sensitive to stress levels, it's important to take a few minutes to decompress each day. "People today are busy with work, school and families. Add to that the stress of the economy and our systems may become completely strung out," says Dr. Robinson. "Even if it's just 15 minutes, alone time can do wonders for your health."

2) Supplement your lifestyle: Dietary supplements are a smart and convenient way to fill in the gaps when you may not be consistently living an immune-friendly lifestyle. Vitamins C and D, as well as zinc and selenium all provide benefits for the immune system, as does EpiCor, an all-natural dietary ingredient, manufactured by Embria Health Sciences, that has been clinically shown to help balance the immune system for optimal health. Dr. Robinson says EpiCor's composition includes vitamins, minerals, amino acids and antioxidants. When taken daily, EpiCor works to help balance the body's immune system to strengthen it and help maintain wellness. It is unlike many other nutritional dietary immune supplements that only concentrate on "boosting" the immune system. Visit www.epicorimmune.com for more information.

3) Balance your meals: Healthy meals do a body good. "What you put in your body is really what you get out of it," says Dr. Robinson. "Increasing your consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables is a smart idea, especially during the cold weather season. Eating balanced meals and healthy snacks without a lot of processed fats and sugars will help keep your immune system running strong."

4) Drink up: Staying hydrated is essential to keeping your health in check. Pick out a refillable water bottle with a fun design that you'll want to take with you everywhere. If the bottle's color or image resonates with your personal style, you'll be more inclined to remember to take it with you and use it regularly.

"Ideally, you can maintain immune health through a regular routine that includes healthy eating, regular exercise, drinking plenty of water, getting enough sleep and practicing stress-relieving activities. But since it's impossible to do the right thing 100 percent of the time, it may make sense to give your immune system extra support by taking a nutritional supplement containing EpiCor," says Dr. Robinson.

To learn more about immune health, visit www.BalancedImmuneHealth.com.

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(ARA) - With the emergence of the 2009 H1N1 virus and the presence of annual seasonal flu, health experts are concerned that this flu season could be more confusing than ever for families. Recent studies point to misunderstandings about what families should do to help prevent the spread of these viruses.    

While the 2009 H1N1 virus continues to dominate headlines, many U.S. adults still have questions about seasonal flu, including prevention steps and the effectiveness of the vaccine, according to a recent survey from the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases (NFID). Additionally, a separate survey from The Clorox Company found that nearly half of adults believe that the 2009 H1N1 virus is the same as seasonal flu.

"It's no secret that this year's flu season is complicated. With multiple vaccines, we want to help families easily understand the right steps to help prevent the spread of the flu," said Heather McKenzie, RN, Visiting Nurse Associations of America's Senior Director of Clinical Education and Quality Initiatives. 

Seasonal flu  is a serious infection - it is the leading cause of vaccine-preventable deaths for children, killing on average 100 American children less than five years old every year and hospitalizing over 20,000. Vaccination is the first step in flu prevention. In fact, last year the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention expanded their flu vaccination recommendations to include all children from 6 months through 18 years old.

Take Prevention Steps at Home
Some flu vaccine manufacturers are reporting a delay in their shipments of seasonal flu vaccine, meaning it might take a little longer than usual for the vaccination to be available in some areas. This makes it even more important to practice these other simple steps to help prevent the spread of the seasonal and H1N1  flu viruses in the home:

* Wash Hands Frequently: Wash hands with warm water and soap for at least 20 seconds (the time it takes to sing the "Happy Birthday" song twice).

* Disinfect Germ Hot Spots: Disinfect the surfaces kids touch most frequently - like doorknobs, faucets or plastic toys.

* Do the Elbow Cough: Cough and sneeze into your elbow instead of your hands to help prevent the spread of germs from touch.

* Follow Good Health Guidelines: Eat right, exercise and get plenty of sleep to help boost your body's ability to fight the effects of colds and the flu.

Help Your Family Say "Boo!" to the Flu this Halloween
To increase the number of families vaccinated against seasonal flu and educate parents on other flu prevention steps, the Visiting Nurse Associations of America, Families Fighting Flu and The Clorox Company teamed up again for Say "Boo!" to the Flu. The family-friendly program is larger than ever this year and even offers an updated, comprehensive online flu resource.

Online at www.SayBooToTheFlu.com, parents can take a pledge to vaccinate their families and help spread prevention in their communities.  They can also find out where they can get vaccinated in their areas and get up-to-the minute information to help navigate this flu season, including news updates from the CDC.

"My wife and I didn't realize how important one flu vaccination could be until we lost our daughter, Amanda, to the seasonal flu," said Richard Kanowitz, President of Families Fighting Flu. "We are committed to educating parents about the importance of getting their families vaccinated against both the seasonal flu and the 2009 H1N1 virus. I urge all parents to visit www.SayBooToTheFlu.com, pledge to help their families stay healthier this flu season and find out if there is a flu vaccination event in their area."

Courtesy of ARAcontent

(ARA) - When the holidays turn into something to get through rather than something to celebrate, something is wrong. Holidays are supposed to be happy times, so why do so many people get depressed, frustrated and stressed out?

Carolyn Costin, eating disorder therapist and director of Monte Nido Treatment Center, knows all too well how problematic holidays can be. She has spent years helping her clients gear up for the holiday season by helping them rethink and reframe the way they perceive and handle this time of year.

Most people face food issues during the holidays, but for those who struggle with eating disorders, the holidays add additional anxiety and pressure to an already dysfunctional relationship with food. Costin says she goes over the following tips with her eating disorder clients to make the holidays not only less overwhelming, but even fun. These same tips are useful for anyone who wants to make the holiday experience the best it can be.

Tip 1: Don't focus on the food

Make a list of all the other things that you can pay attention to at holiday parties or family gatherings such as seeing old friends, singing together, playing games, decorating things and making gifts.

Tip 2: Put things in perspective

Remember that holiday parties, and holiday gatherings in general, are really just a short period of time. There is an end in sight. Besides, even if you feel like you make mistakes, overeat or don't handle things well, you can use these incidents as lessons to learn from.

Tip 3: Balance is the key

* There are no "bad" foods, just bad eating habits.

* Don't deny yourself, but don't ignore body signals such as fullness.

* Don't be on or off a diet. Instead be on a healthy, balanced overall eating plan.

* Bake with your kids or friends and bring the goodies to homeless shelters or others in need.
 
Tip 4: Plan ahead

* If you are going to attend a party, plan your food accordingly. If you know it will be a problem, for example, you might be able to skip your afternoon snack and have dessert at the party instead. If you are in treatment for an eating disorder, be sure to check this out with your dietitian or therapist.

* Plan special time for yourself to "get away" from the holiday stress. Get a manicure, go to the park, take a bubble bath.

Tip 5: Be on the offense, not the defense

* If your relatives are coming to you, take control and be responsible for the food and activities.

* Have plenty of things to do to take your mind off of food - trimming the tree, movies, walks, holiday shopping, and time at the beach.

* If you have a problem with a relative but have to see them over the holidays, take responsibility for making it better/livable - write a letter or take the person aside and talk.

* Create your own image of family gatherings. Know what is realistic for you and your loved ones.

* Let the people you love know what a gift they are to you already.

* Don't see anything as an obligation, do things differently.

* Instead of going commercial, make your own cards. This is much easier with computers and printers these days. Or get out your old, or your child's, colored pencils or crayons or watercolors and really "make" your own.

* Spend time spreading goodwill and showering people with love.

* Know that peace on earth starts with you and how you handle your relationships.

These rules won't ensure that there will be no problems or that your holidays will be exactly as you would like, but they can help things be more enjoyable and less stressful. It's important to figure out what works for you and to remember that you have a part in making the holidays all that they can and are supposed to be.

Courtesy of ARAcontent