North Dakota Cancer Coalition Encourages a Healthier Christmas
BISMARCK, N.D. - The North Dakota Cancer Coalition encourages you to think
outside of the box this Christmas when it comes to shopping, gift giving and
preparing your holiday feast.
During the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, it is easy to forget
about ways to encourage healthy lifestyles in your life and in the lives of
the people you care about. The coalition has a few tips for you to make it
easier this holiday season:
1. Give gifts that encourage physical activity and emotional wellness
such as a gift certificate to a bowling alley and skating rinks or a
portable music player for exercise music.
2. Give the gift of giving such as volunteering with your family at a
local soup kitchen or food pantry.
3. Get into the holiday season by wrapping up some sweet, savory or
spiced homemade gifts.
4. Learn how to navigate through the abundance of festive foods during
holiday parties and feasts.
"This is definitely the time of year we struggle to find a balance allowing
us to enjoy our holiday favorites and still maintain our commitment to a
healthy body," said Mandy Burbank, North Dakota Cancer Coalition Prevention
Workgroup member. "Obesity, physical inactivity and lack of nutrition are
all risk factors linked to an increased risk for cancer. It is important
that we keep this in mind and give the gift of health, whether it be
incorporating healthier recipe options into our holiday menu or giving gifts
that encourage physical activity."
The North Dakota Cancer Coalition Prevention Workgroup has developed
materials for a Healthier Christmas including a newsletter and recipes.
These materials are available on the coalition website at:
http://www.ndcancercoalition.org/.
For more information please contact Dubi Schwanz, North Dakota Department of
Health, at 701.328.2306 or dschwanz@nd.gov.