Mercy offers health coaches

The holiday season is here and it can put a lot of demands on time. So much so, that people often forget to take care of their own health needs. At Mercy Medical Center, their Health Coaches want people to stay healthy so they will be able to enjoy this special time of year with family and friends.

Coming down with the flu can really put a damper on your holiday plans, but there are ways to reduce your risk. "Your Mom was right," said Kevin Sullivan, RN, Infection Control Nurse at Mercy Medical Center. "Get plenty of rest, wash your hands, and get a flu shot. Those three things go a long way toward reducing the chances that you'll fall victim to the flu."

Stress during the holiday season may take more of a toll on certain people, but Jay Markham, MD, Mercy Medical Center cardiologist says certain risk factors, like high blood pressure or severe emotional upset, put them in jeopardy for a heart attack throughout the year. "Moderation is still the best advice," say Dr. Markham. "Don't eat or drink too much, and remember to keep up an exercise program."

The tendency to overindulge is a real temptation at holiday time, but you don't have to fall into that trap. "This is the time of year when people believe they deserve a chance to indulge, but there is a healthy balance that must be maintained," says Christopher Keroack, MD, Medical Director for Mercy's Comprehensive Weight Management Program. "Despite what everyone wants to believe, it all comes down to portion size and activity levels; simply put, if you burn more than you eat, then you will lose weight."