With the holidays right around the corner, here are some tricks to minimize that over-indulgence. Try to keep up with your exercise regime to help your body process the excess sugars and calories and to keep feelings of bloating or indigestion down. Before a party, have a high-fibre snack to decrease the amount of sweets eaten and try to limit yourself to one cocktail and intersperse that with sparkling water. Drink warm lemon water with some added apple cider vinegar to support blood sugar and digestion, and add turmeric and ginger for anti-inflammatory effects. As for your cooking and baking, explore recipes with healthy sugar alternatives.

A body in motion stays in motion; a body at rest stays at rest. It’s easy to get lazy during the holiday season! While it’s OK to take a couple of days off to celebrate with family and friends, don’t forget to keep the momentum going during the holiday season by celebrating with activities rather than just relaxation. Bundle up and get outside to skate or toboggan with family and friends, or go for a walk to check out the neighbours’ holiday lights! If it’s too cold out, book a bowling party, go axe throwing, or try laser tag. Your body will thank you!

Many older adults with Alzheimer’s or dementia enjoy and want to be included in holiday festivities. However, the added activities could cause increased agitation and confusion, unpredictable behavior, or mood swings. To create a stress-free, happy holiday season, try to scale things back and modify activities so they’ll feel calm and safe. Focus on a few of the most meaningful traditions. Ask which activities they value most. That could mean trimming the Christmas tree, lighting the menorah, singing songs, or baking special holiday treats. Even if your older adult might not remember these holiday activities later, the warm feelings they’ll have is a different kind of memory their body will carry for a while