Holiday

Altitude Sickness on your Skiing Holiday

Posted on by blogger

Altitude sickness is little documented but very real problem for skiers of all abilities and levels of experience during their skiing vacations. Often a stay in an idyllic, high altitude La Plagne chalets can cause the same problems as a hike up Kilimanjaro! Here we give you the lowdown on the symptoms and experiences of skiers with altitude sickness.

What with all the rich holiday food, the intense exercise and that bottle of mulled wine you saw off around the fire of your La Plagne chalet the night before, you may put your light head and nausea down to indigestion, tiredness or even a hangover. But often, the real culprit is altitude sickness.

Altitude sickness can be a real problem for skiers, especially in high altitude locations. It is a problem which is often overlooked but which can be extremely dangerous if you find yourself affected whilst out on the slopes. Even from the comfort of your La Plagne chalet it can be an extremely unpleasant experience.

Symptoms of altitude sickness include:

Light-headedness

Physical weakness

Tiredness

Exhaustion

Nausea

Headaches

Dehydration

Mental Confusion

Trouble Sleeping
The effects of altitude sickness whilst skiing can range from the unpleasant to the extremely dangerous. You are unlikely to find yourself suffering too severely in your La Plagne chalet because skiing accommodation is often situated lower than the ski slopes themselves. But once up and ready to ski, especially at altitudes greater than 6,500 ft, you could get into real trouble.
There have been plenty of frightening reports of altitude sick skiers becoming disorientated and lost in the cold. The key, according to many health professionals, is hydration. Drinking lots of water, around 8 litres a day, can help you to fend off altitude sickness. Equally, avoiding large amounts of coffee and alcohol can help stop you becoming dehydrated and therefore altitude sick.

Ascending mountains slowly can also help to reduce the problem. Perhaps spending the first day of your skiing holiday on lower ski runs and then working your way up is advised, as this will allow your body to get used to the lack of oxygen. Above all, be sensible! If you feel unwell then avoid skiing, snuggle up in your La Plagne chalet and, if the symptoms persist, seek the advice of a local doctor who will be well versed in altitude sickness problems.

Healthy Vegetarian Meals For the Holidays No problem

Posted on by blogger

One of reasons people start getting serious about their health come January 1st is not only to have a New Years resolution but to start setting goals to change their diet, get in shape or lose some weight. Usually people tend to eat more than normal during the holidays in the months of November and December. And if you are like most people.maybe some of the food choices are less than healthy after all, how can you resist your moms baking? Between the feasting and drinking, it takes a toll on our bodies. And so goes the resolution.

Dont feel as though you have to continue down this path. You can start a vegetarian lifestyle right now. Healthy vegetarian meals can help with this change and it is a perfect idea to help yourself or those you love. Finding ways to enjoy the holidays AND include vegetarian dinner recipes to your menu does not need to be stressful. The traditional holiday menus that we all love can be sprinkled with healthy choices.
Most people wait all year for enriching holiday moments and special celebrations with their families and friends. Don’t let diet strain relationships and ruin holiday cheer. Here are some tips to become a master at creating familiar dishes that are sure to fit within your family’s culture and traditions and will appeal to all taste buds.

It is very easy to find vegetarian recipes for Thanksgiving for example as vegetables are mainstays in many parts of this meal.

Instead of your traditional turkey, you can enhance your guests with a herb roasted soy vegan chicken, served with your traditional vegetable side dishes

For those that normally serve “beef” at your turkey dinner, try something like a Vegan Beef Wellington with a traditional salad to entice their taste buds

Want to be warm and cozy, serve something like a Vegan Chicken Pot Pie, warm cranberry sauce and some mashed potatoes with a vegan gravy (yummy)

A traditional chef prepared Meatloaf, ala vegan style, that would food the Queen of England

People want to be healthy, but they dont want to give up the taste of traditional fare of meat at their holiday meals. Once you realize how easy it is to find vegetarian dinner recipes, you will feel joy in making and eating such healthy fare. You can show people they dont have to give up anything; You will bring delight to the table and health to those you care for.

You can give the gift of health in the next few weeks and months to people who otherwise are engaging in un-healthy diets by sharing your healthy vegetarian meals with everyone at your next holiday! If you do not feel comfortable preparing vegetarian dinners or making vegan meal plans; no worries, you can order them online!

Home Security Be Safe During The Holidays!

Posted on by blogger

Dallas is one of the largest cities in the United States, which is why it is no surprise that the city’s huge population has fast growing crime rates. Plenty of home owners are considering home alarm systems to protect their valuable belongings and a lot more importantly their loved ones.

While doing Christmas shopping at the mall a few weeks ago, a lady in line told me that a couple of weeks earlier a man followed her home from the mall and threatened her in her driveway. She called the Dallas police and filed a police report, and thankfully nobody was hurt and nothing was stolen; but what truly troubled her is knowing that this individual was still out there.

It is really important to keep in mind that crime rate is on the rise as the holidays approach; don’t risk letting someone take your valuable belongings or put your family’s safety at risk by not properly securing your property.

Here are simply a few ways to show you how a home security system can help protect your family and home this holiday:

– Monitor your house while visiting friends and family out of town during the holiday seasons. This helps maintain peace of mind knowing that you’ll be notified immediately by the monitoring station if something goes wrong- excellent way to protect all the expensive Christmas presents.

– Protect your Christmas presents. You might have just bought a TV or an iPad as a holiday gift for somebody. Be sure not to put these big presents under the Christmas tree until Christmas Eve. Most importantly arm your alarm system when you are away.

– Arm and disarm your alarm system remotely from work, the mall, or anywhere you have your cell phone. Making it convenient to disarm the alarm for your house cleaner or sitter while you’re out.

– Get notifications when your family arrives home from school or work to know that they’re safe and sound. Monitoring the house until you’re home is a smart way to keep an eye on your little ones. Assign a specific user code for each person who uses the system. That way you know when they arrive at the house and when they leave the house.

– Create reminders to arm or disarm your system in case you forget. This is a very useful tool when you’re rushing out the door to all holiday celebrations and family gatherings.

Home owners of Dallas find it easier to be proactive in securing their homes rather than paying the consequences later when things go wrong. All it takes is one frightening situation to ruin the holidays. And that is why Dallas home security is our top priority.

Affordable and Festive Indoor Holiday Decorating Ideas

Posted on by blogger

It is the time of year when we begin to experience cool air, changing leaf colors, increased visits by our family and friends, and for most, attention paid to affordable indoor holiday decorating ideas. Its time spent in the attic, garage and that closet that gets the least attention the rest of year by those who are looking for ways to decorate for the holidays without breaking the bank. Fortunately, affordable indoor holiday decorating ideas are a great way to celebrate the holidays and still have money left for the New Year.

Start at the Front Door

Stepping into a home with a table in the foyer area covered by a nutcracker runner, or floral Christmas basket will immediately set the mood for the festive occasion. Red bows hung in the foyer or a hallway decorated by lighted string Christmas card holder can be a warm greeting for a visitor. A snowman rug or welcome mat inside the front door will convey a greeting, saying “We are glad you are here to join us in celebrating the season.” Dont ignore the opportunity to make the first impression a statement of celebration and welcome. Indoor decorating the entrance into the home can be very affordable.

Decorate the Common Areas

The lighted Christmas tree need not be the only effective decoration. Throw pillows decorated with the seasons theme for the sofa or chairs are an inexpensive and yet expressive way to celebrate the season. Lighted cordless wreaths and garland are becoming more and more affordable and are great ways to decorate a mantle or the top of a door frame. Lighted cordless corner swags will welcome the visitor as they pass through a doorway from one room into another. Ceramic snowmen on the end tables or colorful Santa doorstops can be used as affordable but effective ways to decorate.

Include the Food

Decorating ideas should include those areas were food is being served. Most families will entertain by having others into their home for dinner or snacks. A holiday centerpiece is an inexpensive way to dress up one of the most central areas of holiday gatherings. Candles are always an affordable way to decorate a table. A hurricane lamp globe with a candle inside and surrounded by garland is an inexpensive festive and seasonal centerpiece. A Santas sleigh votive candle set will please children and adults alike. While children are often focused on the lighted Christmas tree, adults are most often focused on the food. A suede holly and poinsettia decorated table runner will add festive color to the serving table. Nutcracker place mats and napkins can be an affordable way to decorate. Holiday chair covers complete the holiday dining experience.

Deck the Halls and Walls and Nooks and Corners

Wall decorations are festive and need not be expensive. Christmas holiday paintings and photos are eye catching and pleasing and add to the atmosphere of celebration. Fireplace screens and magnets, music boxes, Christmas plates and wire holders, plush animals sitting around on tables and chairs, hanging Advent calendars and Santa cookie jars are all affordable and expressive ways to celebrate.

Indoor holiday decorating ideas do not have to be expensive and complicated. After all, the season is to be enjoyed, and should not be a season of stress brought on by excessive spending for decorations. A persons expression of joy and celebration that results from this holiday season can be displayed by doing thoughtful decorating with little expense.

Tips for Surviving Holiday Eating Without Guilt and Weight Gain

Posted on by blogger

Yes its almost time to start thinking about the holidays again: shopping for gifts, planning celebrations, and eating food! Once Thanksgiving arrives, the holiday season can seem like a non-stop eating contest straight through the end of the year! That can mean 5-6 weeks with lots of extra food!

The holiday season should be a time of celebration with friends and family, but it doesnt have to mean that healthy, mindful eating has to go by the wayside. A few changes in the way you think about food at special events can keep you on track during this busy and stressful time of year.

* Lots of goodies and snacks can make their way into your place of work in the days or weeks leading up to the actual holidays. Make it a point to eat 6-7 servings of fruit and vegetables every work day. Fill up on these lower calorie foods each day, and you will find yourself eating less of the calorie-laden foods that seem to be everywhere!

* Dont go to an event hungry! When you are hungry, its difficult to resist tempting high calorie foods, and you may end up over-eating. Try having a small meal or snack before you go. This can be especially helpful when there are lots of appetizers before a meal. If you are not hungry, you can resist a lot of the extra calories that come from appetizers.

* If you are at a buffet, look for a few lower calorie foods (like vegetables) that can fill up part your plate. Stick with one plate of food and avoid multiple trips to the buffet line. Remember, just because its there doesnt mean you have to try it all!

* Give yourself permission to have that special dessert, but stick to just one. When theres a table full of desserts at a celebration, do you really need to sample them all? Pick the one you would enjoy the most and have it! You will feel just as satisfied if you savor the dessert you want, instead of trying everything.

* Dont forget about the “liquid calories” found in wine, mixed drinks and eggnog. These can really add up fast. Once youve had a drink or two, try switching over to club soda with a twist of lemon or lime.

* Dont abandon your exercise plan during the holiday season. Taking 4-6 weeks off from your usual exercise routine makes it difficult to get started again after New Years day. If you dont exercise at all, now is a good time to start. Starting a physical activity does not require elaborate equipment or a huge investment of your time. If you are really busy, you could start simply by walking for 15 minutes a day. If 15 minutes is all you can manage during the holiday season, thats OK!

Make your holidays more about enjoying time with friends and family. With a little preparation, you can face the holiday food frenzy head-on and have no regrets about what you eat. That could mean no guilt and no resolutions needed on New Years Day!

2011, Gretchen Scalpi, RD, CDE. Publication rights granted to all venues so long as article and by-line are reprinted intact and all links are made live.