To A Happy and Healthy Holiday Season

By Jeffrey L. Brown, DDS

Sleep & TMJ Therapy

. http://sleepandtmjtherapy.com/

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To A Happy and Healthy Holiday Season

It is the time of year when we wish our friends and family all the best. We do, however, tend to overindulge and this can be a trying time for those people who want to improve their health and wellbeing. An invitation to a buffet dinner can most certainly undermine your efforts to lose weight and improve your health. You can still stay healthy by paying attention to your surroundings and by being aware of what is put in front of you.

For the person suffering from TMD (Temporomandibular Disorder) it’s even more difficult to stick to the required dietary plan of soft foods. It is really critical that you do not eat things that could put undue pressure on those damaged or displaced discs. So, although you are eating the soft cookies, mac and cheese, and mashed potatoes, they really are not going to keep you in good shape. The diet plan we provide at our office is the ideal way to go. The recipe book  is chock full of foods that provide good nutrition while protecting the joints from over exertion.

Another aspect of staying healthy during the holidays is to make sure you exercise. Sure, the holidays mean it’s time to take a break, relax, eat,  and enjoy! But, for so many people who suffer with TMD, exercise is an essential part of maintaining their health and wellbeing. All you need to do is get out there and walk at least once a day. Getting fresh air and moving around is what our bodies are designed to do, so just do it! This walk also helps those patients who are trying to get their sleep cycles back on track. Getting sun exposure helps your circadian rhythm. A BIG must for sleep issues.

Lest we forget, being healthy also means keeping hydrated during the holiday. This means that whatever your body weight is in pounds, you need  half that amount in ounces to determine your daily water intake. The water choice is ideally a good choice but milk and milk alternatives, fruit and herbed infused water, or sports drinks. Hydration is a key component to avoiding symptoms flare-ups of TMJ. Your joints and muscles to function and avoid inflammation and pain. For sleep issues, extreme fatigue or just plain discomfort makes it harder to sleep. Remember, sleeping in itself is dehydrating.

Best of all and the easiest, a smile. Did you know that a smile really does make you happier?  That’s right, if you can put on a smile and really mean it, this stimulates the endorphins in your body to help you feel better. Better yet, you are also making someone else feel good. Maybe this is why the holidays help us. Family and friends and having some fun with all positive emotions.

From all of us at Sleep and TMJ Therapy, to all our friends, families, and patients out there, we wish you a Safe, Happy, Healthy Holiday Season!