Stay safe y'all!

For my Holiday wishes, I turned to Chat GPT. Not to hand me a nice suggestion for this, but to summarize and translate a great post by a friend of mine, Jan Ramaekers , that struck home for me for the upcoming days.

Here goes a summary in English:

"The holidays are both enjoyable and challenging for people with chronic illnesses. Millions of Dutch citizens live with conditions like heart failure, COPD, Parkinson's, MS, or chronic inflammatory bowel disease. Despite the diverse causes and effects of chronic illnesses, lifestyle advice generally remains consistent: maintain a healthy diet, avoid smoking, balance rest and activity, and strive for a regular routine.

Adhering to these recommendations is already complex in a typical week, but the holidays present an even greater challenge. The physical effort of visiting family or friends can be akin to a sport, especially for those with COPD. The anticipation of socializing is countered by the expected aftermath, with potential lapses in discipline leading to greater setbacks.

For individuals with heart or kidney failure, holiday feasts pose specific risks. While tempting dishes like pork tenderloin with cream sauce are delicious, the salt content may lead to a sudden weight gain the next day. Saying no to such indulgences is difficult, and the desire to avoid standing out as a patient is strong.

The universal desire to spend Christmas and New Year's with loved ones contrasts with individual anxieties. Concerns range from timely access to the restroom to worries about visible tremors, hyperventilation, or blood sugar control.

When hosting a chronically ill loved one during the holidays, communicating beforehand is advisable. Small, subtle accommodations, such as reserving a space for a short break or addressing transportation needs, can ease their experience. Consideration in menu planning and ensuring proximity to a restroom at the dinner table can also be helpful. If they cannot attend for any reason, reaching out with a call or visit is crucial, as loneliness is more prevalent among the chronically ill than one might think.

As the year comes to a close, the author wishes everyone a joyful Christmas and a fantastic New Year, looking forward to reconnecting in 2024."

So there you go: There is not much to add to this other than a picture I took myself. No, this is not an AI or Midjourney picture. But one taken in our 'backyard ' where I live, with idyllic paths and Castle "Groot Buggenum" in the background in the village of Grathem in The Netherlands.

So, stay safe and look after one and other!

Lucien