Constant change makes holidays tough

  • Published
  • By Col. (Dr.) Kevin Connolly
  • 60th Medical Group commander
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  As military members, we are a unique group of Americans who spend the majority of our careers away from loved ones and lifelong friends.

We permanently change of station to foreign lands and deploy to hazardous areas.

At some point in your career, you will ask yourself: Where is home? What are my family traditions during the holiday season? No matter what your answers are, I feel it is important to reflect on fond memories, ensure your well-being and create new, exciting memories that you can look back upon for years to come.

As an active-duty member of 18 years, I have continued to create fond memories. I have spent the holidays in New York; Virginia; Maryland; Korea; Turkey; Massachusetts; Texas; Japan; Washington D.C.; Idaho; Asia and California. Through all this, I've learned to face each holiday season as an opportunity to experience something new. During each holiday season my family and I wonder what we should do. Where will we go this season? Who will we spend it with?

No matter where I spend my holidays or who I'm with, I have learned it's as important to take care of me as it is to care for others. I start with my stress level. Holiday season is definitely a time when heart attacks are more prevalent. It is important to keep a positive outlook and learn to balance relaxation with work.

Plan ahead and seek out appropriate resources for help. Get a full nights rest. If you are having trouble with this, there is help here on base at David Grant USAF Medical Center. Equally important to manage stress is to pay attention to your finances. According to a Mental Health of America survey, finances are the most common source of holiday stress. Make your budget and stick with it.

Additionally, it's vital to be safe. Plan for safe travels. Be smart about traffic laws. At all costs, do not drink and drive and do not get distracted using hand-held devices or dealing with children while driving. Buckle up even when you are driving around the corner to the grocery store.

It also is vital to prevent careless injuries and keep yourself healthy. Most residential fires occur during the cold season. Do not leave flames unattended in your house. On that note, now is a great time to check your smoke detectors and replace batteries.

The best way to prevent infections is to wash your hands periodically throughout the day. When you cough, cough into your sleeve. Get your checkups and vaccines up to date as soon as possible. You can find more information at www.cdc.gov, www.mayoclinic.com, and www.nmha.org.

Finally, create exciting, new memories. This starts by being realistic about your holiday expectations. Don't expect your plans to be perfect or be like the last 10 years. The military career is about constant change. As you change, so will your traditions. Explore different activities or new ways of celebrating with loved ones.

Be sure to share pictures, send email and videos to those you cannot see this holiday season. Be proactive to celebrate with those around you. You never know where home will be the next holiday.