FOR most of us, Christmas is a time to eat, drink and be merry, with thoughts of improving one's lifestyle and health postponed until the New Year. But an NHS Wales programme is urging people to think healthy around Christmas too, without sacrificing any of the fun.

WHETHER or not you pay keen attention to keeping fit and healthy, Christmas is probably the hardest part of the year to keep unhealthy temptations in check.

Kicking back and relaxing with lots of good food, good wine and other treats around means that maintaining a healthy lifestyle can take a back seat.

The NHS Wales Champions for Health project, launched in the autumn with doctors, nurses and other staff pledging to improve their own health as a means of encouraging other people to follow suit, has come up with a range of advice and information to help ensure a healthy, happy Christmas.

Several 'champions' from within the NHS across Wales volunteered to become 'champions' for health, making changes to their lifestyles - be it drinking safely, taking regular exercise, eating healthily, stopping smoking, or working towards a healthy weight - in the hope of inspiring others.

And with Christmas approaching, they are sharing their experiences on the programme so far, and their tips for surviving the festive season without taking the 'merry' out of it.

Dr Glyn Jones, consultant in occupational medicine with Aneurin Bevan Health Board, is among the champions for health. He pledged to cycle between clinics as part of his commitment to the project.

Since signing up, he admits that keeping on track with his aims of taking more exercise and eating healthily has been a lot harder than he thought it would be. But he is determined to get through Christmas and maintain his motivation by making a few simple changes.

“I've found it quite hard to find consistency but have discovered that if I have people to help support me it’s easier, and I'm more likely to go cycling or eat healthily if someone is doing that with me," he said.

“Keeping to a routine over the festive period will be a challenge, but I am going to try and eat healthily and have banned chocolates from the house!

"I am also going to continue noting down my achievements in a diary to inspire me to get outside and exercise, even if it’s cold and wet.

“I know that if I can get through Christmas and still make progress then that’s a hugely positive bonus that will set me up nicely for the New Year."

Dr Ruth Hussey, Chief Medical Officer for Wales, is backing Dr Jones and his fellow champions' efforts.

"We know that small, personal lifestyle changes can make a big difference to our health. And this is equally true at Christmas time," she said.

THE Champions for Health projects has produced a Top 10 of healthy Christmas gifts, which might make good last minute presents, as part of a range of advice and information:

A hamper of organic foods, fruit and vegetables - healthy and a great way of reaching the five-a-day target;

A pedometer - an electronic device that counts how many steps you take each day. A great exercise measurer and motivator;

Gardening tools - gardening can burn around 230 calories an hour while providing a core workout in the fresh air;

  • A selection of herbal teas - antioxidants in tea help combat damaging free radicals;
  • A skipping rope - skipping is an enjoyable, affordable, fitness boosting pastime;
  • A gift voucher for a massage - a massage can relax, rejuvenate and release mood-boosting endorphins;
  • Walking boots and outdoors clothes - walking helps burn off calories and it’s free;
  • A fitness DVD - exercise in your own front room, in your own time;
  • A healthy recipe book - full of ideas to inspire healthy meals

THE Champions for Health website - www.championsforhealth.wales.nhs.uk - is packed with health advice and information for the festive season and for the rest of the year.

As well as useful tips on exercise, eating healthily, drinking safely, giving up smoking, and weight management, there is a Christmas section that includes a guide to surviving the festive party season, and motivational tips for when your resolve begins to weaken.