The Health Gazette will be in recess from the publication of this announcement until January 2nd, 2006.

The recess period includes the Christmas and New Year celebrations. If you don't celebrate Christmas in any religious sense then perhaps you have a similar celebration, religious or secular. In any case, this is commonly known as the festive season which lasts to usher in the new year.

I will leave the sermons about Christmas to others, but allow me a few words about health. This period is marked by extremes and excesses, and their consequences. Yes, many people blessed with plenty do over eat and probably eat many things that are far from healthful. Unfortunately many people also consume alcohol to excess, always with detrimental and sometimes fatal consequences.

Many people also suffer the mental and emotional anguish associated with loss, loneliness and guilt. Sadly, it is a time when the suicide rate tends to be relatively high.

The rate of serious cardiovascular events such as heart attacks and strokes also tends to be high, as is the rate of motor vehicle accidents. Such tragedies are all the more difficult to deal with since they are avoidable.

So, during this festive season please take care of yourself and those who are close to you. Remember to consume zero alcohol if you will be driving, don't drive when fatigued and concentrate while driving because other drivers may not be so wise.

By all means, if you have the opportunity, celebrate with feasts and allow yourself some special treats. But stay within reasonable limits, don't eat yourself to death while celebrating the joys of life.

During the heightened sensitivity experienced by many during this period, if you become distressed, don't just suffer in silence, deal with the underlying issue. This doesn't have to be a grand event, it can be as simple as being kind to yourself by letting go of an unpleasant memory, talking over some problem with a trusted friend, or choosing to forgive someone. Of course, if the problem is serious, don't hesitate to seek professional help.

Finally, allow yourself to enjoy this feative season. Life is wonderful, embrace it.

Of course, if your health is less than ideal, the coming New Year affords a great opportunity to resolve to take positive action in 2006 to make improvements. My tip is to write your resolution on paper and put it somewhere to remind you to do something about it. With each resolution, jot a quick outline of an action plan. Then instead of having just any old "New Years resolution", to be forgotten like millions of others, you'll have a plan. Resolutions are forgotten, plans are implemented.

So Jenny and I wish you the compliments of the season. Stay safe, be well and truely enjoy your life.

Peter
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Dr Peter Tylee
Editor