Dr. Brooke Hildebrand Clubbs

Did you know that on average, Americans gain a little over a pound in the week following Christmas? Would it make you feel better if I told you so do Germans and the Japanese? Misery loves company. And fudge.

Often times we think of the havoc our pets wreak on our holiday decorations. However, we also need to consider the health risks decking the halls can cause for our pets.

It’s the most wonderful time of the year…or is it? The American Psychological Association reports early one in three Americans expects to be more stressed this holiday season.

In recent years, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has created a robust toy safety system, by requiring testing by independent, third party laboratories around the world. However, as gift giving time nears, there are still risks that adults should be aware of when children tear into the wrapping paper.

It’s clear that having hobbies is good for us, which is something to be thankful for. Anything that increases creativity, physical activity, and social connection is bound to be good for you.

Social support was first described by G.E. Moss in his 1973 publication Illness, Immunity, and Social Interaction. In the last four decades, the definition of social support has evolved. You could call it the exchange of resources with the intent to enhance well-being or just people helping people.

In his 1963 Thanksgiving proclamation, President John F. Kennedy said, “As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.”

Did you get your flu shot yet? While the focus has been on COVID in recent years, this booster is important, too.

The U.S. Census Bureau estimates that 40 million kids aged 5 to 14 will be keeping up the tradition of knocking on doors this Halloween. The biggest threat to trick or treaters , according to the American College of Emergency Physicians, is actually cars. Children are four times more likely to be hit by a car on Halloween night than on any other night of the year.

Scary tales of people having their blood sucked by vampires or their heads sought by decapitated horsemen give us chills on All Hollows Eve. Urban legends warn us of those who tamper with trick or treat candy. However, research tells us the real danger on Halloween is: creating a jack o’ lantern.