by James Hubbard, M.D., M.P.H.

Most everyone who reads this blog knows we need to stay healthy and fit more than ever in these tight economic times.  It helps us cope with stress, and who needs more medical bills by getting down and sick?

Stacy Berman, a fitness trainer who has written for JHMFD, sent me some “frugal fitness tips.”  We like Stacy and thought we would share.  See her bio at the end of the tips.

In the past, we’ve featured ways to eat healthy while saving money (here and here), but she offers some new tips on fitness.  I wondered what you’d think.  Here are the tips.

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by James Hubbard, M.D., M.P.H.

The coming holidays turn our hearts and thoughts to family, friends, charity, good will, peace and kids with runny noses.  Check out the column I wrote for Homemaker Barbi on nine ways to keep your kids healthy during the winter. Anything to help, right?

Also, I collaborated with Carole Carson on a post at Basil & Spice titled “Is Holiday Weight Gain Inevitable?” A new study concludes, maybe it is.  Best prevention? Exercise.

by James Hubbard, M.D., M.P.H.

In case you haven’t noticed, Christmas is right around the corner.  Worried about gifts, or, worse, haven’t thought about them yet?  JHMFD has you covered.  Just check out our article “Gifts That Benefit Medical Charities“. We have gifts organized in sections, such as children’s, fun and clothes.  Also, we list the charities that benefit, prices and links to buy them.

JHMFD’s managing editor has checked many a gift and chosen these as some of her favorites.  We do not profit in any way from these.  Speaking of profit, check out our holiday special on JHMFD gift subscriptions.  Print out our PDF file or call us, 877-DOC-IS-IN (877-362-4746).  Our usual subscription is $28.00 per year, but if you buy three or more, the price drops to $24.00 each.  It is a great way to tell someone you care about their health.

Our magazine is also featured in Mom Spark’s gift guide, starting today.

Does anyone have other unique, health-related gift ideas?

by James Hubbard, M.D., M.P.H.

Your mother-in-law is coming to visit and she’s ALLERGIC TO YOUR CAT?  Potential disaster on the horizon.  Alleviate situation like this by following some simple tips from the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology.

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by James Hubbard, M.D., M.P.H.

If you are not stressed in these economic times, you should be, or so it seems if you listen to the media long enough these days.  The holidays are coming up also, and here’s the thing: There is good stress and bad stress but your body treats it the same.  It adds up quickly.  Ever heard of the Holmes-Rahe Live Inventory Scale (PDF download)?

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by James Hubbard, M.D., M.P.H.

As Carol DeHaven says in the press release below, “The key is to find gifts that also motivate the entire family to move.” Whether it is a gift, or just everyday life, actions speak louder than words. It is difficult and incredulous for a child hear a parent say one thing and do something else.

Ms. DeHaven has a lot of good ideas, although I am not familiar with all of the specific toys. (more…)

by James Hubbard, M.D., M.P.H.

Some studies have actually shown an increase in the incidence of heart attacks (MI’s) during the Christmas holidays. Others have shown that the risk of death from these MI’s is higher also (possibly due to shorter medial staffing during the holidays). So the obvious reaction should be to try your best to decrease your risk of an MI.

The Vanderbilt physicians offer valuable advice toward this end. However, I think they left out a key factor, which is stress. There are so many things going on with the gift giving, parties, traveling, family reunions, etc. Good stress can affect you as much as bad, and it is additive. So plan ahead a little to limit it. (more…)