We are fast approaching the beloved (or dreaded) holiday season, depending on how you look at it.

With the season’s festivities come most Americans’ favorite lounge chair sport – holiday eating. Family get-togethers, company parties, vendors bringing in bagels, cookies, doughnuts, more cookies, beef sticks and cheese…and more cookies. You can feed a small country with all the “goodies” that grace countless tables across the country during Holiday Eating Season.

We’re social animals. We love to mingle at parties. Why, it would be un-American to turn down such beautiful food offerings, right?

USA Today columnist Craig Wilson had some fun with holiday eating when he penned his “Top 10 Holiday Eating Tips.” Here are a couple of his tips to maximize holiday eating enjoyment:

“Avoid carrot sticks. Anyone who puts carrots on a holiday buffet table knows nothing of the Christmas spirit. In fact, if you see carrots, leave immediately. Go next door, where they’re serving rum balls.

“If something comes with gravy, use it. That’s the whole point of gravy. Gravy does not stand alone. Pour it on. Make a volcano out of your mashed potatoes. Fill it with gravy. Eat the volcano. Repeat.

“If you come across something really good at a buffet table, like frosted Christmas cookies in the shape and size of Santa, position yourself near them and don’t budge. Have as many as you can before becoming the center of attention. They’re like a beautiful pair of shoes. If you leave them behind, you’re never going to see them again.”

And last but not least (I particularly like this one);

“One final tip: If you don’t feel terrible when you leave the party or get up from the table, you haven’t been paying attention.”

All kidding aside. We are all acutely aware of the potential trappings of holiday eating. It can sneak up on you without so much as a whisper, and before you know it, bam! – you’re up 10 pounds. This is annual risk for people of any age, but in particular the “older adult.” You know us – the “Boomers”– the ones whose metabolism eloped with their energy levels without as much as a “good-bye.”

According to the American Heart Association, holiday “gobbling” can present more potential hazards than an expanded waistline. The risk of a “post-indulgence” heart attack may well be increased after consuming meals high in fat and calories, especially in the older, perhaps health-compromised adult.

As we age, changes occur. There is no way to avoid these changes. Metabolism slows down; exercise becomes more difficult and less frequent. Conditions such as high blood pressure, coronary artery disease and even diabetes can be seriously affected by out-of-control holiday eating.

High salt and sugar content in stuffing and pastries for example, can play havoc with blood sugar levels. Alcohol, even under optimum circumstances can be potentially troublesome, but combine it with the vast variety of medications many older adults regularly ingest and that can be a recipe for disaster.

Mobility issues plague many older adults. Conditions such as arthritis, poor peripheral circulation, heart failure and obesity can make normal “getting around” a chore. Put a little alcohol and a lot of food in these folks, and they may end up on the floor – and not safely either.

So, if you and/or your family are hosting any holiday get-togethers and you know that some of those “older folks” will be attending, a little bit of sensitivity and planning can make these gatherings an utter joy for all who attend. Allow for some less devastating food/drink alternatives, create a multi-generational inclusive atmosphere and practice social conscience (a.k.a. don’t embarrass the old guy who can’t remember names). You’ll be the “toast of the town.”

For all us “Boomers,” the usual cautions still apply; get plenty of rest, exercise daily, drink responsibly, look before you leap into that huge chunk of fruitcake or apple pie and perhaps modify the amounts just a bit. You and your “inner workings” will be glad you did.

As far as who “stole” the eggnog? Like Craig Wilson says; “Drink as much eggnog as you can; and quickly. Like fine single-malt scotch, it’s rare. In fact, it’s even rarer than single-malt scotch. You can’t find it any other time of year but now. So drink up. Who cares that it has 10,000 calories in every sip? It’s not as if you’re going to turn into an eggnog-o-holic or something.”

Have a safe and happy holiday season, young and old alike.

Chisholm’s expertise in nursing, orthopedics and surgery spans more than 30 years. For more information on orthopedic-related topics, visit www.bone-and-joint-pain.com. Submit questions or comments to Ken at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

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