Enjoying the holidays

Thanksgiving Day has come and gone and we now look forward to the wonderful Christmas Holidays. For most of us, this is an exciting time, full of good-will, remembering fond acquaintances and especially the aromas of baked cakes, breads and so forth. However, what if you are not able to enjoy these special treats because of a stuffy head, sniffles or an upset stomach.

From an article in the Post Register newspaper, Jennifer Lowe suggested what to do when we are afflicted by these things. When your head is stuffy try doing the following:

• Hot soups, especially those spiked with chilies, onions, garlic and other spices. They can help de-congest airways and warm your insides.
• Hot drinks, especially herbal teas and those without caffeine.
• Foods that smell good to you so you can enjoy them.
• When your stomach feels lousy, try:
• Ginger, such as ginger ale, ginger snaps, ginger soup or slices of ginger in tea. Its soothing.
• Plenty of liquids, such as water, teas, clear juices and sodas.
• Hard candy, which can give your mouth a lift.
• Bland foods such as baked potatoes, oatmeal, rice, gelatin, pretzels and crackers.

A doctor friend of mine suggested that in order to get rid of diarrhea in two days do the following. Day one: nothing by mouth except clear fluids such as water, 7-up, ginger ale, kool aid, apple juice, or anything else you can see through. No milk or orange juice. Day two: continue the clear fluids above and add the following four foods if you tolerate them--rice, yogurt, cottage cheese, bananas. If these foods are not available, use something close. Almost any cheese will do.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

Submitted by Larry Wickham Wellness Committee