They are eating the traditional donuts as they join the annual Christmas parade in Kyiv, Ukraine.

You and I know that many or all of these children have lost a loved one.

Yet, their parents want the kids to continue the wonderful traditions they have always known.

The unfairness of their childhood is overwhelming!

Still, they try to keep their traditions alive. (NYT)

Please remember these children in your prayers.

If not today, when?

According to the US Dietary Guidelines for Americans, adults of legal drinking age should not drink more than one drink a day for women and two drinks a day for men on days that they are drinking.

The guidelines also emphasize that drinking less alcohol is better than drinking more and that those who do not currently drink alcohol should not start drinking.

Someone who regularly drinks more than this amount should know doing so increases your risk of chronic illnesses and premature death.

In addition, people consuming alcohol should be aware that there are separate, additional risks associated with binge drinking, which is consuming large amounts on one occasion.

According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, binge drinking is defined as four or more drinks on one occasion for women and five or more drinks on one occasion for men. (CNN)

 

May this be a blessed day for you and your family!

Tom Ervin

South Korea has become a “super-aged” society with one in five people aged 65 or older, official data showed Tuesday, underscoring the country’s deepening demographic crisis.

The number of people aged 65 and older stands at 10.24 million.

This accounts for 20% of South Korea’s population of 51 million, according to new data released by the Ministry of the Interior and Safety.

By comparison, the U.S. had an average age of 35.3 in the year 2000.

This grew to an average of 38.9 in 2022 a sifnificant increase. (SEOUL South Korea)

With modern medicine and better health care, aging is faster than current birthrates.

Not just at the holidays.

The amazing fact about life is that each day is unique.

Because of that, we have a chance to rise each morning and make it better than yesterday.

During the holidays, we put on our best face.

We say “hello” and wish everyone good cheer.

Why can’t we do that everyday?

Our loved ones and friends deserve the best of us.

Try to put on your holiday face all year long.

If not today, when?

REGULAR EXERCISE-It can be as simple as walking. But you must be committed to it.

CUT DOWN ON ULTRAPROCESSED FOODS- These “junk foods” contain high amounts of chemicals like preservatives, emulsifiers, artificial colorings and dyes. Eating higher amounts of ultraprocessed food may shorten lifespan by more than 10%.

GET REGULAR SLEEP-Sleep is the 3rd part of a simple plan to improve your immune system.

Lack of physical activity and higher consumption of ultraprocessed food are both associated with obesity, which is linked to impaired immune function.

People should aim for at least 150 minutes a week of moderate to high-intensity exercise and should try to have a diet that emphasizes whole foods such as vegetables, lean meats, beans, whole grains and nuts. (CNN)

We have all done it.

Especially in these times with so much uncertainty and the business world so chaotic.

But all family members, regardless of age, deserve all of you at the holiday season.

It’s not easy, but you know I’m right.

I must confess that my very active business life was always on my mind.

The worst thing to hear from your spouse is, “You’re not listening to me!”

Your kids may not say it but they would like your FULL attention too.

Make it a MERRY CHRISTMAS for all your family.

Instead of being able to calmly focus on her chemotherapy treatment, Arete Tsoukalas had to spend hours on the phone arguing with her insurer while receiving infusions in the hospital.

Diagnosed with leukemia three years ago, Tsoukalas, 26, was stunned to learn that her insurer’s coverage of the drug she needed came with a $13,000 monthly copay, which the recent college graduate could not afford.

She was forced to go without the medication for three months, when she was finally able to obtain it through the drug manufacturer’s assistance program.

“No one should have to be fighting cancer and insurance at the same time.” Tsoukalas said. “It’s such a cruel system.”

We live in a country where people are truly kicked down when they are at their weakest and most vulnerable, both physically and emotionally.” (CNN)

The United Health Care CEO concedes “Health care does not work as well as it should. Our mission is to help make it work better.” Andrew Witty.

If not today, when?

“Just thought we’d drop by.”

Now that’s an act of spontaneity.

It wasn’t on their computer calendar.

It wasn’t on their “Todo” list.

It was just an impulse that it would be fun to see so and so!

Sudden impulses are too rare in today’s hi tech society!

We send “Happy Birthday” texts, but we don’t make a surprise visit or even a phone call.

Nope, a text only takes a few seconds, but no human contact.

WE’RE DRIFTING APART!

Do you do either?

Let’s take WORK HARD.

I would add WORK SMART to WORK HARD.

Is your chosen WORK HARD life moving you forward in your chosen career?

Whether you work for yourself or others, stagnation is not WORKING SMART.

And how about your PLAY HARD?

You must return to your WORK LIFE refreshed by how you spend your time off work.

What is your PLAY HARD?

How do you escape the world of work?

Many of us don’t PLAY HARD ever!

We carry our work problems home with us.

So, we never return to the work world refreshed.

Look at yourself.

Do you ever WORK HARD (smart) or PLAY HARD (refreshed)?