Good nutrition, regular exercise, and sufficient rest are essential to stress reduction and are likely to keep you happier and healthier during the holiday season. Although it may be challenging to eat right and exercise throughout the holiday season, making time to maintain healthy habits can make a big difference in how your body feels and functions.

The 4th Annual Frosty 5K Walk/Run will be Tuesday, January 1, 2008 at 11:00 am. The race will begin and end at the Central Branch, 402 N. Market. Register at any Y or First Gear before December 31 for $20 or the day of the event for $25. Fees include longsleeve t- shirt and entrance into prize drawing. Awards and snacks (chili and cocoa) will follow the race at the central branch.

For more information about physical activity events in our community, visit the Health & Wellness Coalition website, and click on the resources button.

"Roly Poly makes sandwiches fun, tasty, quick and nutritious," claims Jennifer Williams, dietician and member of the Positive Plate award committee. "'Roly Poly' refers to the tortillas which encircle the fresh ingredients." The dieticians are impressed that there's something healthy and flavorful for everyone, including hot or cold sandwiches in two sizes, soups, salads, kids' meals and boxed lunches. Low-fat cheese, lots of vegetables, and even five sandwich items featuring fish or seafood are available. In addition to green leafy veggies, the wraps also come in whole wheat.

"Their catering platters can make office parties or business meetings attractive, nutritious, fresh and delicious," commented another dietician. Roly Poly is a national franchise but this site is locally owned. Due to her husband's retirement, owner Catherine Tsao is looking to trust the restaurant to a new owner. Catherine heard a child comment recently, "I like Roly Poly. I like vegetables!" Wichita dietitians created the Positive Plate to discover and approve restaurants that make healthy eating easy and delicious.

For more information about the Positive Plate Award visit their website.

Health Tip of the Month

Dealing with Stress during the Holidays
As the holiday season gets more chaotic, people often find themselves eating even when they aren't hungry. Eating as a result of stress is common for many people. It's often a learned behavior and one that many people don't realize is the cause of their eating. If you find yourself eating every time things get a little stressful, take a minute to figure out why you're feeling that way. Write down what you are eating, how it tastes and most importantly, how hungry you are. If the answer is, not hungry at all, you may be eating in response to stress. Curb these habits by continuing to journal how you feel along with what and why you are eating. With time, you will begin to recognize behaviors and can change how you deal with stress.