December is National Stress Free Families Holiday Month

The holiday season is a special time to celebrate with family and friends. However, it can also be a stressful time of year. Between traveling, holiday parties, cooking and shopping, the holidays can quickly become overwhelming.

December has been named National Stress-Free Family Holidays Month (NSFFHM) to increase awareness of the problems that stress can cause during the holiday season.

The Lake County Health Department/Community Health Center suggests the following ways to relieve stress:

• Take a break – even if it is just for a minute

• Take deep breaths

• Exercise and eat healthy foods

• Quit smoking

As stress levels are high during the holiday season, it may be tempting to reach for a cigarette. The Lake County Health Department encourages residents to celebrate National Stress Free Holidays Month by quitting smoking.

By quitting, individuals can save on average $50 a week and over $2,600 a year.

For more information or to receive assistance to quit, call the Tobacco Free Lake County program at the Lake County Health Department at: (847) 377-8090 or the Illinois Tobacco Quitline at (866) QUIT-YES.

You can also visit: http://health.lakecountyil.gov/Population/Pages/Tobacco-Free-Home-Page.aspx.