THE festive season is well and truly upon us and if you’re feeling anything like us after a couple of challenging years, then we know that you can’t wait to catch up with friends and family, and be festive and merry in every sense of the word.
We at Swan Hill District Health are here to provide a guide to a “healthier Christmas” so you can make the most of the celebrations while also looking after your health.Eating:
· Aim to maintain structure – eat regular meals and snacks according to your own hunger and fullness signals;
· Include some “everyday” foods that you enjoy such as salads, fruits, fish, lean meats, nuts and dairy, but remember that all foods can fit into a healthy eating pattern;
· Enjoy our local fresh produce, such as the delicious stonefruit, or locally made dressing and relishes, and incorporate these into your Christmas meals – as well as your Christmas gifts!
· Some festive treats are only available this time of year so take the time to savour the flavours and textures;
· If you are given gifts of chocolates or cookies, you can choose to eat and enjoy them now, or save until later when you most feel like them.
Drinking:
· Try to be well hydrated before you head out and keep your water intake up throughout the festive period;
· Avoid being in a ’round shout’, allowing you to drink alcohol at your own pace;
· Try to intersperse alcoholic drinks with water;
· Drink alcohol in moderation;
· You could choose to not drink alcohol at some Christmas functions, try a mocktail, lime and soda or one of many other options available.Physical Activity:
· It can be a very busy time of year, but try to schedule in some physical activity that you enjoy for the benefits to your mental health as well as your physical health;
· Try meeting a friend for a Christmas catch up to walk along the river, window shop or around a local market;
· Give a new class a trial run – it may become one of your favourites in the new year;
· Get outdoors as often as you can (whilst staying SunSmart of course);
· Rest is good too!Mental Health:
· Remember it is OK to say no;
· Allow yourself some time away from everyone;
· Decline an invitation or take a “tradition” off the list;
· Catch up with those that you most want to spend time with;
· Plan to review your social media and unfollow the pages that you feel are unhelpful or don’t make you feel good about yourself.And if you are the one who usually does the planning, preparing and executing of all things festive, remember it is your holiday too.
Take a breather, step outside and have a moment for yourself.The SHDH Drive Through Testing Clinic hours of service throughout the Christmas and New Year Period are as follows:
Monday December 21 to Friday December 24 – 8am- 10am
Saturday December 25 – CLOSED
Sunday December 26 – Friday December 31 – 8am – 10am
Saturday January 1- CLOSED
From Monday January 3 2022, clinic opening hours will be Monday – Saturday 8am – 10am until further notice.The clinic is currently offering testing for those who are symptomatic and those who require a test for the purpose of domestic travel.
There is no cost associated with these tests.
Those tested are required to isolate while they await a negative result if symptomatic.
If someone is testing for the purpose of domestic travel they are not required to isolate while awaiting the result.
Have a safe and very merry Christmas!
