Raise your glasses to a stress-free holiday season

Canadian Institutes of Health Research experts discuss the impact of holiday stress on people’s health

ATTENTION: Assignment editors, health, research and science reportersFor immediate release

Ottawa, ON (December 10) – Shouldn’t the holiday season be about happiness and quality time with our loved ones? Unfortunately, it often becomes a race against the clock because of tasks such as shopping for the latest gadget, cooking for our extended family and decorating to impress our guests. Many people feel overwhelmed, stressed and tired at this time of year. Canadians facing a tight budget, personal problems and social insecurities may also find it difficult or impossible to get into the holiday spirit.

But we can take a deep breath. CIHR-funded researchers are available to discuss the impact of stress on people and provide suggestions on how to have a healthier holiday.

Experts:

Keep the joy alive and the depression away – Coping with stress during the festive seasonDr. Hymie Anisman, CIHR-funded researcher (Ottawa, Ontario)

Cheers to low-alcohol drinks! How moderation can save your holidaysDr. Louise Nadeau, CIHR-funded researcher (Montréal, Québec)

No more chocolate! Healthy eating at holiday partiesDr. Katherine Gray-Donald, CIHR-funded researcher (Montréal, Québec)

Let the kids stay up late – How much sleep do children and youth really need?

Dr. Ana Hanlon-Dearman, CIHR-funded researcher (Vancouver, British Columbia)

Dr. Julie Carrier, CIHR-funded researcher (Montréal, Québec)

-30-The Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) is the Government of Canada's health research investment agency. CIHR's mission is to create new scientific knowledge and to enable its translation into improved health, more effective health services and products, and a strengthened Canadian health care system. Composed of 13 Institutes, CIHR provides leadership and support to more than 14,100 health researchers and trainees across Canada.

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