Daily HealthBeat Tip

Aunt Ethel and the holidays

From the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, I'm Ira Dreyfuss with HHS HealthBeat.

This is the season when the family gets together, including members we'll call ``challenging.''

We try to be on our best behavior with everyone, and often succeed. But often is not always. If you and Aunt Ethel find it hard to get along, what can you do?

HHS' Assistant Secretary for Children and Families, Wade Horn, who's a clinical psychologist:

"Understand that that's Aunt Ethel, and that's the way she is, and there's not much you can really do about it, and don't expect the holiday season to transform her into something that she's not." (10 seconds)

And we can look on the bright side of having company. Horn also says being with folks you like is an excellent stress-reducer over the holidays.

"Just step away from the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, and from time to time just, sit, relax, and enjoy each other's company." (seven seconds)

Learn more at www.hhs.gov.

HHS HealthBeat is a production of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. I'm Ira Dreyfuss.

Last revised: December 5, 2006

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