To My Patients,

(emailed 12/11/2018) 

Hope all is well. It seems that winter is inching in, and with it the usual December parties and family times. Take advantage of what you can, For Sandy and me, there will also be some fun and relaxation time. 

We'll be out of the office from Tuesday, December 18, until Monday Morning, December 31 (yes, we'll be there New Year's Eve from 8:30-2:00). In our absence, Janine will be in the office during the usual hours and Dr. Sarfraz will cover me. If you need anything before we leave, please me know as soon as you can (call right away!). 

For the curious ones, we'll be visiting with our daughter, Laurie, and her children in Chamonix, France. 

I have some suggestions and caveats: 

→ Food

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Do you find yourself at a gathering, eating just because it's there and just because that's the thing to do? It does take a lot of will power, but all you have to do is "slow down." You can easily decrease calorie intake by 50%, and you'll have so much less to worry about. You can also "bank calories." If you think that you'll be caught in an overeating situation, cut down on your usual portion sizes for a day or two before the event. You'll thank yourself later for doing so. 


→ Physical Activity

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There's no need to stop exercising just because it's cold outside. You don't even have to go to the gym! Jogging in place, light or moderate weight lifting and stretching can all be done at home with minimal or no equipment. Need more detail/information? Just contact me, and I'll tell you everything you want to know! 

Want to see an oldie but goodie home exercise program? It's the program that got exercise going in the US, started by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police more than 50 years ago. Spend 12 minutes on the link, you'll be amazed. 


→ Flu Shot

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Have you gotten yours yet (no excuses please)? Your chances of getting the flu and its serious side effects will be reduced, same for those who are close to you. For those worried about flu vaccine safety because of the preservative thimerosal, it will please you to know the single-vial vaccine, does not contain thimerosal. That's what we use. Regardless, always check the label. There's still time to get your vaccine, don't wait until it's gone! 


→ Winter Asthma?

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Inhaling very cold air may increase asthma symptoms and actually cause an asthma attack in susceptible persons. To play it safe in cold weather, cover your mouth with a scarf (or ski-mask). This will warm the air you inhale and lessen the chance of exacerbation. If you're on asthma medication, continue to take it unless instructed otherwise. 

Sandy, Janine and I wish you a very happy holiday. 

Stay well, 


Igal Staw, Ph.D., M.D.
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