Health Resources

Welcome to the GCHS Health Resources page!  You'll find helpful information on current health related topics.  Please feel free to comment if there is something that you would like to see more of in the future.  

Does the holiday season leave you feeling STRESSED?

Consider beating the stress with diet and exercise.  Try following some of the following tips and suggestions for maintaining a healthy attitude during a busy season.

• Limit simple starches and sugars such as ice cream, cookies and cake.  The spike in blood sugar can actually lead you to eat more and feel less satisfied.  
• Load up on vegetables, fruits and other high fiber foods.  They will help you to feel more full and keep you from over indulging at the infamous holiday buffets. 
• Drink plenty of water - not just before a holiday party but every day.  Water also helps to "fill you up" and limit the extra indulgences.
• Exercise - try to find the opportunity to exercise even while you're busy with activities.  Park farther away from stores during shopping.  Take the kids sledding, a quick afternoon walk or dancing at the holiday party all help to add steps and activity to your day.  

Consider giving yourself the gift of health for Christmas!  Do you have some bad habits to break or changes you want to make?  Start with small achievable goals - instead of saying you'll quit smoking next week - smoke one less cigarette each day for a week, then make it two.  Do you want to add exercise and activity to your day?  Wear a pedometer and log your steps.  Try to add 100 more steps each day for a week.  If you need help - work with a friend to support each other during your changes with telephone calls, emails or texts.  Making changes is always more effective when you are accountable to yourself and others.  

Fun Holiday Tip -  Start a family holiday journal.  Ask each family member to write down their favorite holiday memories.  Store the letters or stories your kids write during the holidays and get it out each year.  You might be surprised by what is really important to those around you during the busy season.