Good to Know

The news in my part of the world is often uneventful and that is a good thing. Undoubtedly we have our share of accidents, murders and thuggery, but such activity is not a given. Therefore, our local newscasters often have to drum up stories whenever we are short on nefarious events. One of my favorite news segments is called Health Beat. The reporter is usually a cute little blond who is out and about gathering tips for keeping us healthy. Here are a few recent ones.

Did you know stress can cause unhealthy eating?

Well, thank you, Caption Obvious. The camera zooms in on a package of holiday cookies during the opening comments and then pans over to a harried shopper to get her thoughts on stressful eating. Miss Harried Shopper admits, publicly, that she has, perhaps, munched on a donut or two when life has gotten a little bumpy. But, she assures us all that she knows better and tries to make good choices. The camera zooms in on some blackberries and a midgy little dietitian who starts waxing and waning about all the alternatives to grabbing a donut or handful of chips. She tries to convince us that a bag of munchies will cause more stress than eating an apple. Sorry, not buying it. Cheetos have yet to fail me as a day brightener.

Did you know cold weather and furnace heated rooms can dry out your skin?

I have always wondered why my shins look like the legs of a tortoise this time of year. An interview with a flawlessly skinned dermatologist reveals more surprising information. Apparently, lotions and creams can help alleviate dry skin. Who knew? The dermatologist reminds us it is best to slather on the lotion right after a shower so your skin has a fighting chance in the moisture department. It is good to know I am on to something with my tub of goop and after showing greasing.

Did you know it is healthy to get a good night's rest?

Thanks for reminding us of our failures. Many of us are trying our darnedest to get eight hours of shut eye. Despite our best efforts, however, the grip of sleeplessness often refuses to let go and we find ourselves wide-eyed in the wee hours. Our alarm clocks mock us with every passing hour and dare us to fall asleep minutes before we need to arise. We finally raise the white flag of defeat and surrender ourselves to large mugs of coffee and carb-loading for another bleary-eyed day.

Did you know the holidays can cause stress?

According to Ms. Mental Health, preparing for gatherings and gift-giving galas with in-laws, out-laws and random pets can cause angst for many folks. Good to know. Ms. Mental Health also reminds us to beware of our meltdown points. I think that is a nice way of saying, watch out for that moment when you are going to blow your top. Spare yourself such unpleasantness and scale back, people. The sun will come up tomorrow, with or without the perfectly wrapped gift.

I hope you have a very Merry Christmas and remember to give your skin the gift of grease.

Glad Sad

The weather in the upper Midwest teased us with temperatures well above average for this time of year. T-shirts and shorts stayed in the wardrobe rotation cycle as we ignored the date on the calendar. Then, a cold front from our friends in Canada helped right the ship and we are now experiencing more familiar weather for December. There is a gladness and sadness about our slide into winter.

I am glad to feel the brisk coolness on my face when I leave the house each day. Air that hasn't been steamed up with high humidity and smoldering temperatures has a freshness about it and I am always energized by breathing it in. That being said, when and if temperatures dip below zero, the briskness turns to burning frigidity and my skin and lungs are always sad about that. Double digit temps are winter's sweet spot.

I am sad to see my garden give up the last of its bounty. It was a good run this year with the mild fall weather. We only recently dug up the last of our carrots. Going forward, we will miss our tomatoes oozing their juiciness onto our plates. No more fresh cucumbers adding snap and crunch to our side dishes. No more bright green beans sharing their joy with us and a few naughty rabbits. And saddest of all, no more fresh herbs adding sprinkles of color and flavor to our meals. Dried herbs will have to suffice until next June.

I am glad to gaze upon the varieties of recently harvested apples in the supermarket. A quick squeeze indicates their freshness. Yes, I am sad to give up summer fruits such as melons and berries but names like Honeycrisp, Gala, Ambrosia and Golden Delicious perk me up with their promises of deliciousness. Apple pies, apple crisps, apple bread pudding and applesauce are always better with fresh ingredients and count toward our fruit requirements, says this dietician. Apples and their best friends, the oranges, also help get us upper Midwesterners through the winter months and prevent scurvy. Win-win in my book.

I am glad for cozy. Cold weather and fewer daylight hours can send us into a state of sad torpor if we aren't proactively embracing the seasonal changes. Hygge is a Norwegian word for coziness and may have originated from the word hug. Winter hugs come from the fragrance of a tater tot hotdish in the oven and a pan of freshly baked bars. Sweaters hug our necks and fleece-lined slippers ensconce our tootsies with warmth. Fireplaces emit toasty conversations punctuated by snaps and pops to keep us entertained. Lap blankets keep winter's drafts at bay and are the perfect accompaniment for a hot cup of coffee and a good book. I say, bring on the hygge.

Most of all, I am glad for seasons. The hot languid days of summer roll onto the crunchy leaves of fall which become covered in winter's snow icing and finally melts into running streams of spring. Celebrate each one and love your favorite.

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