Doctor’s Advice: Season’s Greetings 2025
December is here already! This month, we gather in the warmth of our homes, and our thoughts turn toward the celebration of family, peace, and those not so fortunate. In the past, many of us thought of a Thanksgiving that included an impeccably cooked turkey with all the trimmings and specially baked desserts. I am guilty of doing this, especially with the desserts.
Having a warm place to shelter from the cold nights is not a given for everyone, especially the homeless. The meaning of peace and joy for them is not having to worry about food, shelter, and heat. The Hope and Comfort Warming Center for men and the Women’s Heartwarming Center, both in Red Bank, offer a place where the homeless can have access to showers, health screenings, clothing, and meals, along with a safe and warm place to spend the night when the temperatures drop. Your donations or volunteering can go a long way in helping these people. I volunteer at both of these places. Volunteering at Christmas can have a positive impact on many people’s lives. It can help the less fortunate remember that someone cares, and it can help you connect with others and improve your physical and mental health.
The 2025 holidays will likely include an emphasis on buying less expensive items and resurfacing meaningful traditions with handcrafted ornaments and items that have a story to tell. For the Holidays this year, focus on healthy eating and managing holiday stress. Enjoy holiday treats by having them in moderation as part of a balanced day, rather than skipping meals to “save up” calories. Watch portions and drink plenty of water. Don’t aim for a “perfect” holiday. Take breaks when needed. It’s okay to feel your emotions. This time of year, we see an increase in depression and stress due to financial pressures, family obligations, loneliness, and high expectations. If you need emotional support, contact a family member or friend or call the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988.
Today’s world keeps changing and getting more diverse. Some of us resist change as long as possible, but there is no stopping some adjustments. Artificial Intelligence (AI) will likely affect Christmas 2025 by helping us shop and plan for the holidays. Many retailers are using AI to personalize the shopping experience, while consumers are increasingly turning to AI for gift ideas and better deals. At home, people are using AI to help with creating custom playlists, creating recipes, and even writing personalized Christmas cards for adults and books for children. AI also has the potential to improve health outcomes and patient care. This capability is huge, with some advantages already being used in healthcare. We all have to get used to AI being in our daily lives (remember Rosie the robot on “The Jetsons’ TV show?) AI devices could handle some of our daily tasks and improve efficiency in our personal and professional settings while saving time.
As of November 21, 2025, the CDC announced that the number of acute respiratory illnesses causing people to seek health care was at a low level. Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) activity was increasing in the Southern areas of the country, especially among children. Seasonal influenza (Flu) activity was also increasing while COVID-19 activity was low. Prevention is always our first line of defense. Prioritize handwashing to prevent illness. Get vaccinated (especially the flu shot). When appropriate, wear a mask, especially in crowded situations. Be aware of holiday-related health risks, such as injuries from hanging decorations and fires from haphazard wires. All of these things will help you to stay healthy as you start 2026.
During this Christmas season, many of us participate in activities and songs with family and friends to help us get into the spirit. There is a festive feeling all around us that you can almost touch. Charles Dickens once said, “I will honor Christmas in my heart and try to keep it all the year”. Christmas isn’t a season, it’s a feeling. May Christmas 2025 bring you good health, happiness, and prosperity.
The natural healing force within each one of us is the greatest force in getting well. – Hippocrates
James McGuinness, M.D., is a family physician in Middletown and is the Medical Director Emeritus at the Parker Family Health Center in Red Bank