Category: Health

Finding Holiday Joy Amid Grief

Although this season brings fun and festivities, many of our friends find it hard to feel joyful when their hearts are heavy with grief.

 

xmas house
photo by Dr. Aletha

 

Whether from a recent loss, or one many years ago, grieving for the loved ones who won’t be here to celebrate with us can dampen our holiday spirit and lead to depression. 

 

  • I remember my friends who tragically lost their teenage daughter in a car wreck just a few days before Christmas many years ago.
  • I think of my friend and her adult children who recently lost their husband and father.
  • I consider my newly married friend who is battling cancer.
  • Another friend is struggling financially due to the downturn in his oil producing business.
  • And my husband and I  feel the loss of our parents and siblings at Christmas even after many years

 

As one friend wrote-

“This is my second Christmas without my husband.  It has been tough, but also a reminder that God is the god of all comfort. That works for me. And… it is a reminder to pray comfort to anyone who has faced a loss of a loved one including precious pets. Loss from any source needs a comforting friend.”

 

If you know someone who needs a “comforting friend”,  please take the time to reach out to them so they know someone cares and they are not alone.

 

Whatever your situation,  you may find some helpful suggestions in this article from the WebMD archives

Finding Holiday Joy Amid the Grief

 

My family and I wish you all health and wholeness in body, mind, and spirit.

Merry Christmas from Dr. Aletha and Raymond
Love from Dr. Aletha and Raymond

 

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Simple Ways to Recover from Injury or Surgery

This information is current as of the date of original publication or update but may have changed by the time you read this. Do not use this information for diagnosis or treatment purposes. Before making health decisions, discuss with a qualified healthcare professional.

update November 22, 2025

Another physician blogger, Kristin Prentiss Ott, M.D., asked her physical therapist friend Dr. Carolyn Dolan to write a guest post on her blog. In this post I summarized the information. Unfortunately, neither the post nor the blog are still online. However I found this podcast by Dr. Dolan.

 

The post offers advice to aid recovery after orthopedic injuries and surgery, but I think you can apply it to any illness, injury, or surgery. As always, you should check with the doctor managing your care before trying anything.

Move often and safely.

Good advice for everyone, injured or not. Many health experts believe that lack of physical activity is as much a health risk as poor diet or even smoking.

jogging-trail

 

 

Ask for help.

This one is hard for me, as I tend to think I can manage on my own and don’t want to inconvenience someone else. When I fell and broke my foot, I  learned to ask for help. And people were happy to do so.

 

Drinking bone broth.

That’s a new concept for me, although I’ve cooked soups and stews with chicken and beef on the bone, so it’s not really as strange as it sounds at first.

 

Eat real food.

  • To me, that means fresh vegetables and fruits, whole grains, and moderate amounts of lean meats, poultry and fish.
  • Limit sugar.
  • Using healthy oils like olive.
  • Save the junk food for an occasional “treat” if you really want it.
well balanced meal
Eat a variety of fresh foods every day

 

Get out in the sun.

This doesn’t mean to lay out for hours getting tanned or burned. But the sun helps our bodies make Vitamin D. Also, natural light can help with mood and sleep regulation.

 

 

Get enough rest and sleep.

Too many of us treat sleep like a luxury instead of a necessity. Most chronic tiredness is due to sleep deprivation,  not anemia, low thyroid or adrenal fatigue.

 

 

 

 

 

Exploring the HEART of Health

I’d love for you to follow this blog and follow me on social media.

I share information and inspiration to help you transform challenges into opportunities for learning and growth.

Add your name to the subscribe box to be notified of new posts by email. Click the link to read the post and browse other content. It’s that simple. No spam.

I enjoy seeing who is new to Watercress Words. When you subscribe, I will visit your blog or website. Thanks and see you next time.

Dr. Aletha