The holiday season is supposed to be joyous, fun and filled with happiness. But it can also be stressful. The nation’s emergency physicians remind all Americans this holiday season to keep your stress in check. “For many, including emergency physicians, the holidays come with a daunting pile of obligations,” said Dr. Angela Gardner, president of the American College of Emergency Physicians. “Don’t overdo it because you can do serious damage to your health and wind up spending the holidays in the emergency department.”

Responsibilities may include sending cards, decorating, buying presents and hosting or attending parties. A long to-do list can be overwhelming. It is important to pace yourself, whether it’s eating and drinking or even shopping.

The American Psychological Association found that 71 percent of Americans report that money is a significant source of stress this holiday season because of the current state of the economy. Here are some tips to help you get through the season with the least amount of stress possible.

l Get exercise: This is extremely important. Go to the gym, take regular walks or run. Make sure you are staying active in order to help reduce your stress level.

l Watch your diet: People tend to eat more quantities of rich foods during the holidays. It’s okay to indulge occasionally, but do it responsibly and in moderation.

l Get a checkup: If you haven’t had one recently, the holidays might be a good time to visit the doctor and have a routine physical.

l Be organized: Have a plan, make a schedule and do it one step at a time. Do not wait until the last minute to do everything.

l Be cost effective: Given the current economic crisis, no one should blame you for spending a little less this year. Keep it simple.

l Ask for help: No one should expect you to do everything yourself. Ask for help when it comes to shopping and decorating as well as other tasks.

l Get enough sleep: You shouldn’t underestimate the power of a good night’s sleep as well as daily down time. Take a nap, take time for yourself, reenergize and relax. Your body will thank you for it.

“The holiday season is a time for you to be with your families and friends” said Dr. Gardner. “You do not want to spend it dealing with some medical emergency that lands you in the emergency department. Take care of yourself now, reduce that stress and spend the time enjoying the holidays.”

For more information on this or any other health related topic, go to www.EmergencyCareForYou.org.

ACEP and MedicAlert Foundation are partnering to promote EmergencyCareforYou.org and to educate the public about medical emergencies.

MedicAlert Foundation pioneered the first medical identification and emergency medical information service in 1956 to provide people with a simple but effective method for communicating their medical conditions. Since the organization’s founding, MedicAlert Foundation has provided services and products that help to protect and save lives for its 4 million members worldwide. For more than 50 years, the nonprofit foundation has relayed vital medical information on behalf of its members to emergency responders so they receive faster and safer treatment. MedicAlert IDs alert emergency personnel to a member’s primary health conditions. In addition

to its 24-­hour

emergency response

service, MedicAlert Foundation also provides family and caregiver notification so that members can be reunited with their loved ones. For more information, visit www. medicalert.org.