When you think of the holiday season you usually think of family, presents and yuletide cheer. It's also a time of reflection. But it's the things that you donÕt think about that can cause trouble.

Traditionally, we use the New Year as a clean slate to make promises of improving our health. This year, try to hit the ground running and avoid holiday health hazards. Take a look at some of the ways you can stay healthy during the holidays.

The Dinner Table - The health risks associated with the dinner table at holiday time have been well documented. From the turkey and stuffing to the sweet potatoes and gravy, plenty of carbohydrates and saturated fats await you on your plate. Therefore, break the tradition of overeating. Remember: Consuming these foods in excess can cause an array of health problems, including hypertension and diabetes.

The Drink - An occasional glass of wine or eggnog at holiday time is normal and healthier than you might think. However, it's the excessive drinking that tends to endanger our well-being. The holiday season is a prime time for alcohol-related car accidents, so drink responsibly. Furthermore, addiction to alcohol is powerful and can affect your mental health as much as your physical well-being.

The Urge - It happens to all of us. Its cold outside, you've had a couple of drinks and that special someone is giving you the eye. Before you indulge in that "holiday cheer," make sure that you keep your present wrapped and use condoms. STDs and HIV/AIDS continue to devastate our community. Employing safer sex practices is the only way to lower the risk of getting an unwanted gift this holiday season. –delgie jones II

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