Each week, Centra Care doctors compile thousands of numbers from patient data in Orange, Lake, Seminole and Osceola counties to determine "What's Going Around" in Central Florida. We believe this information is important enough to share with you, because if you know "What's Going Around" in your area of town you can help to prevent yourself, your co-workers and family from getting sick. Many times we are also able to provide home care suggestions which may help the person feel better more quickly.

Thanksgiving is a wonderful time to get together with family and friends, but for some people the holidays can be more stressful than joyous. Headaches, Back Pain and Irritable Bowel Syndrome are 3 common symptoms related to stress.

Historically, Centra Care doctors see an increase in patients complaining of stress related illnesses beginning with the Thanksgiving holiday, which doesn't level off until after the New Year.

There are some things that you can do to help you better manage increased stress levels during the holiday season.

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Coping with Holiday Stress:

Seek support - if you are feeling isolated or down, seek out family, friends, community religious or social services… they can offer support and companionship. Getting involved and helping others can lift your spirits and broaden your social circle.

Set differences aside - try to accept family members and friends as they are, set aside grievances. Be understanding if something goes awry, chances are you're not the only one stressed.

Plan ahead - set aside specific days for shopping, baking, visiting friends and other activities, plan your menus and make one big trip to the grocery store… this will help prevent a last-minute scramble for gifts or ingredients… leave yourself some extra time for travel so that delays won't worsen your stress.

Learn to say no - people will understand if you can't do certain projects or activities.

Don't abandon healthy habits - Try your best to eat "normally" - things like chocolate, caffeine, sugars...not only cause weight gain, but also headaches. Some indulgence is okay, but overindulgence will only add to your stress and guilt...have a healthy snack before holiday parties so that you don't go overboard on sweets...get plenty of sleep and schedule time for physical activity.

Take a breather - make some time for yourself, spending just 15 minutes alone, without distractions, may refresh you enough to handle everything you need to do...take a walk, stargaze, listen to soothing music and taking deep breaths can re-store you to a calming mood.

Forgot about perfection - holiday TV specials are filled with happy endings, but in real life this might not be the case, so expect and accept imperfections and take it in stride from one day to the next.

Pray – focus on those things you're thankful for. Trust God in the things that you’re concerned & overwhelmed about.

If your symptoms persist – see a doctor to make sure your symptoms are merely stress related and not an underlying indication of a more serious illness.

If you or your family are in need of urgent care, you can find information on Centra Care’s 18 locations by visiting www.centracare.org. Some locations remain open on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years Day. Here's wishing you and your family a very Happy & Healthy Holiday.

 

Sincerely,

Florida Hospital Centra Care
407-200-CARE (2273)
To learn more about "What's Going Around" in our community you can listen to the Centra Care Senior Medical Director each Tuesday morning between 8am and 8:30am on 88.3FM radio - Z88.3