Health Meditations

Happy Birthday, Jesus!

Luke 2:11
For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.

Isaiah 9:6
For unto us a Child is born,
Unto us a Son is given;
And the government will be upon His shoulder.
And His name will be called
Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Merry Christmas!

Share the health.

Deborah White, MD, MBA

December: Holiday Financial Health for 2010

If you end up exceeding your Christmas gift budget by a few dollars, don't beat yourself up.  Imagine how badly things would have turned out if you had not attempted to budget at all.  My 2009 suggestions still apply, but in addition, plan to do better next year using these suggestions for Christmas 2010:

Keep your eyes and ears open.  Watch and listen to see who is admiring the gift(s) that someone else received this Christmas.  If the admirer is on your 2010 list, make a mental or written note so you have an excellent idea of what they would like to receive next Christmas.  If the gift is not within your budget or your price range for that person, come up with something else.

Take advantage of after-Christmas sales.  If you are able to find items at bargain prices that match your budget and that will not be obsolete by Christmas 2010, buy them and stash them for next year.  Make sure you stash them where you'll be able to find them when the time comes.  Make a note to yourself in your 2010 planner so that you don't forget that you already have these gifts in house.

Set aside and save for shopping.  Save a set amount of money each month for the Christmas shopping season.  Match the monthly amount saved to your anticipated Christmas gift budget.  Use that money to Christmas shop throughout the year, or wait until the traditional Christmas shopping season.

Manage adult's expectations.  Agree with the other adults in your gift-giving circle that only the children will receive gifts.  If there are only adults in your gift-giving circle, agree to do a name drawing.  Each person will buy one gift only for the person whose name they draw.  Agree on a price range.  This does not include gifts exchanged between married or engaged couples.  The gift that a married or engaged person gives to their significant other does not count toward the one gift only agreement.

Manage children's expectations.  For children with long lists, make sure they understand that it is not financially possible for them to receive everything on their list.  Ask them to choose their top five (or fewer, depending on your budget) favorite items.  If your child/children has/have a short list of expensive items, ask each child to choose their favorite one (or two, depending on your budget) favorite item(s).

Teach children that they have been blessed to be a blessing.  Require each child to do a toy inventory.  Tell them that by December 1, 2010, they must choose one or more toys in good condition to donate to a less fortunate child.

Making a Christmas gift plan for 2010 will keep your finances in good health.

And never lose sight of the reason for the season, the very first Christmas gift.

John 3:16
For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.

Share the health.

Deborah White, MD, MBA

December: Holiday Financial Health Month 2009

Overindulgence and impulse buying during the Christmas season can lead to overspending and poor financial health.  You can survive Christmas gift-giving without jeopardizing your financial health with a little planning, prudence and self-control.  Christmas comes at the same time every year.  There is no excuse for not planning ahead.

Here are a few suggestions for Christmas 2009:

Make a list and check it twice. Before you do any shopping in person or on line, decide ahead of time the people to whom you will give gifts this year.

Make sure you know sizes and favorites.  Find out favorite colors, favorite sports teams, favorite fragrances, etc.  There is nothing worse than receiving perfume that does not work with your body chemistry or a clothing item that does not fit or in a color you never wear.  You don't like it when this happens to you.  Don't do this to your loved ones.

Decide on a price range for each person and stick to it.  This bears repeating.  Decide on a price range for each person and stick to it.  Create your budget accordingly and stick to it!

Curtail the cards and carry cash.  When you shop in person, leave your credit, debit and ATM cards at home.  Carry cash.  When the cash is gone, you are finished shopping.  If the cash is gone and you haven't purchased a gift for every person on your list, rethink the purchases you've already made.  Return the items that exceed the designated price range and purchase less expensive items.

If you don't relish the idea of pushing through crowds or if you are fed up with cyber surfing, here are a few suggestions that will help you avoid both:

Give store gift cards.  Make sure you know the favorite store of each person on your list.  Limit the amount to what you can afford.

Give generic gift cards.  (AMEX, VISA or MasterCard)  That way you don't have to know favorite stores and each recipient has the freedom to shop wherever the gift card is accepted.  Again, limit the amount to what you can afford.

Consider making a charitable donation.  Please note that making a charitable donation in the name of each loved one is very altruistic, but the materialistic nature of most people will not be fulfilled by such a noble gesture.  Only resort to this "gift" if you know the person's favorite charity and you know they will be truly appreciative.  Again, limit the amount to what you can afford.

Consider giving the gift of time.  Commit to scheduling quality time with the people on your list who will truly appreciate this priceless gift.  Create an attractive gift card to memorialize your commitment.  It can be hand-written on nice stationery or you can use computer graphics to capture the thought.  Pin down the date as soon as possible so that you follow through before next Christmas rolls around.  Economical options include:

• Sharing an evening watching the recipient's favorite movies on DVD. (You rent the DVDs and provide the snacks.)

• Walking through the recipient's favorite park during their favorite time of year. (You pay for the snacks.)

• Visiting the recipient's favorite museum. (You pay for any admission fee/suggested donation.)

Consider giving the gift of time and energy.  Commit to assisting a loved one with a chore they dislike or a task that would be easier if they had help.  This might be especially appropriate for the older folks on your gift list.  Possibilities include household chores, yard work and shoveling snow.  The task could be a recurring item like mowing the lawn or cleaning the bathroom(s) or it could be a one-time project like cleaning the garage, the attic or the basement.  Just make sure it is something you are ready, willing and able to do.  And make sure it is something the perspective recipient is ready and willing to have you do.  Some people may perceive your well-intentioned gift as an indictment of their housekeeping abilities.

Prudence now and making a plan for 2010 will keep your finances in good health.

And never lose sight of the reason for the season, the very first Christmas gift.

John 3:16
For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.

Share the health.

Deborah White, MD, MBA

December Health Reminders

The Christmas season has arrived and there are a few key health reminders to keep in mind:

You need to stay fit while you feast.
You need to make sure that the toys and gifts you buy are safe.
You need to celebrate the Christmas season without jeopardizing your financial health.

I will share some thoughts on each of these topics in the days ahead.

Share the health.

Deborah White, MD, MBA

November Health Reminders

November's health reminders include:

• American Diabetes Month
• Diabetic Eye Disease Month
• Foot Health Issues Related to Diabetes Awareness Month
• Lung Cancer Awareness Month
• Great American Smokeout on November 19, 2009
• Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month
• National Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Month
• National Family Caregivers Month
• National Healthy Skin Month
• Prematurity Awareness Day
• National Adoption Month

Look for more information on these health reminders in the weeks to come.

Share the health.

Deborah White, MD, MBA

October Health Reminders

October's health reminders include:

Eye Injury Prevention Month  the better to see you with
Healthy Lung Month  watch wear and what you breathe
National Breast Cancer Awareness Month  get your mammogram
National Dental Hygiene Month  dental care is primary care
National Domestic Violence Awareness Month don’t hide it and don’t ignore it
National Down Syndrome Awareness Month  risk factors
National Physical Therapy Month
National Spina Bifida Awareness Month  folate
Sudden Infant Death Syndrome Awareness Month  risk factors
"Talk About Prescriptions" Month  ask questions

Each one of these health reminders deserves a posting.  So look for more info on each one in the weeks to come.

Share the health.

Deborah White, MD, MBA

September Health Reminders

September's health reminders include:

• America On the Move's Steptember Campaign
• Fruit and Veggies—More Matters™ Month
• Whole Grains Month
• Healthy Aging® Month
• National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month
• National Cholesterol Education Month
• National Sickle Cell Month
• Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month
• Prostate Cancer Awareness Month
• Sports and Home Eye Safety Month

Each one of these health reminders deserves a posting.  So look for more info on each one in the weeks to come.

Share the health.

Deborah White, MD, MBA

August Health Reminders

As you enjoy the rest of the summer, you need to remain mindful of your health.  Here are a few health reminders for the month of August.

Cataract Awareness Month
A cataract is a clouding of the lens in the eye that affects vision. Most cataracts are related to aging. Cataracts are very common in older people. By age 80, more than half of all Americans either have a cataract or have had cataract surgery.  If you or an older loved one is having trouble with their vision it’s time for an eye exam.  See your eye care professional ASAP.

Children's Eye Health and Safety Month
It's difficult for children to do well in school if they cannot see clearly.  Make sure any child in your care has 20/20 vision.  When you take them for their back-to-school physical, make sure they get an eye exam.  If your child needs glasses, make sure they wear their glasses and take proper care of them.  Also, make sure children wear the appropriate protective gear for hobbies and recreational activities.

National Immunization Awareness Month
A back-to-school physical includes an immunization review and update.  But immunizations aren't just for kids.  Adults need a tetanus booster shot every ten years and a flu shot every year.  Ask your doctor if your immunizations are up to date.

Psoriasis Awareness Month
Psoriasis is a skin disease that causes itchy or sore patches of thick, red skin with silvery scales. You usually get them on your elbows, knees, scalp, back, face, palms and feet, but they can show up on other parts of your body such as fingernails, toenails, genitals, and inside the mouth. A problem with your immune system causes psoriasis. In a process called cell turnover, skin cells that grow deep in your skin rise to the surface. Normally, this takes a month.  With psoriasis, it happens in just days; because your cells rise too fast, they pile up on the surface.

Psoriasis usually occurs in adults.  It sometimes runs in families.  Psoriasis can last a long time, even a lifetime.  Symptoms come and go. Things that make symptoms worse include infections, stress, dry skin and some medications.  Treatments include creams, medications and light therapy.  If you think you have psoriasis, see your doctor ASAP.

Share the health.

Deborah White, MD, MBA

July Health Reminders

July is a month for celebration.  In the United States, we celebrate our independence and we celebrate summer.  You need to celebrate in safety.  In future postings, I will share come recommendations for:

• Sun Safety
• Heat Safety
• Water Safety
• Food Safety
• Motor Vehicle Safety
• Fun Safety
• Healthy Eating

Enjoy your summer in safety and in good health!

Share the health.

Deborah White, MD, MBA

June Health Reminders

There are several health reminders associated with June.  They include:

• Home Safety Month

• Myasthenia Gravis Awareness Month
• National Scleroderma Awareness Month
• National Scoliosis Awareness Month
• National Men's Health Week (June 15–21, 209)

The reminder that will get the most attention this month is Mens Health Week.  In future postings, I will share some suggestions on the actions men can and should take to stay healthy.

Share the health.

Deborah White, MD, MBA