There are a number of cultural/seasonal celebrations coming up over the summer months – most of which could involve some serious eating, drinking and socialising! This can be a demanding time especially when dealing with significant health issues. Trying to maintain a (relatively) healthy diet and controlling alcohol intake can be physically and mentally challenging.
Managing social gatherings (or the lack of) at this time of year can also be quite stressful, with increased pressure on being cheerful and sociable. It’s a good time to give yourself some extra attention and put in place strategies to help you to feel calm and rested.
Here’s some information that could help in having a more relaxed and healthy time in the coming months.
Keeping track of healthy eating and drinking
LiverWELL, Melbourne, 2024. Phone app info and links.
As well as comprehensive features for tracking appointment reminders and tracking tests and medications – this new version of the app contains links to self management guides on eating, drinking, exercising and feeling well. Available in Arabic, Burmese, Chinese, English, Thai and Vietnamese.
Hepatitis SA, Adelaide, 2023. 42p booklet.
Contains general principles about eating well to care for your liver plus a range of simple, affordable and delicious recipes – and ideas for liver friendly drinks for those avoiding alcohol. Also contains useful information about reading food labels. Contact for a free hard copy.
Healthier Lunar New Year eating
Diabetes Victoria, Melbourne. 2p.
Dietician Ivan Chan has some tips for how to enjoy healthy versions of special Lunar New Year treats – with information about the cultural significance of each. Also contains links to more articles about healthy food choices, healthy cooking and meal ideas.
Queensland Health, Brisbane, 2022. 2p.
Information about how alcohol affects the liver, especially for those with hepatitis. Includes a standard drinks chart, the signs that you might need to cut down on alcohol, drinking and treatment, and hints about managing your alcohol intake.
Tips for low salt eating this Christmas
Hepatitis SA, Adelaide, 2017. 5p.
Discusses the challenges of keeping to a modified diet at a time of indulgence! Contains a chart of common Christmas food with low salt alternatives, links to low salt recipe collections, and really useful tips for hosting, or being a guest, with special dietary needs.
Healthy eating out and take away guide
Queensland Govt and Nutrition and Education Materials Online, Brisbane, 2016. 2p.
A comprehensive list developed by nutritionists, showing different types of takeaway food (Asian, Indian, delis and burger shops, Italian, bakery, salads, chicken, fish etc) with lists of preferred choices for each – and what to avoid.
Hello Sunday Morning, Sydney. 2p.
Outlines strategies for enjoying social events without relying on alcohol – with ideas for alcohol free drinks (and the fancy names for ones that you can order at the bar!) Also has advice for ‘successful sober socialising’ and hints for self care during what can often be a stressful time.
For more information about diet and nutrition in general see the list here.
Taking care of mental health
Managing stress through the festive season
Healthdirect, Canberra, 2019. 2p.
Acknowledging that the festive season isn’t necessarily happy or healthy for some, this article presents 8 tips for anyone facing challenges during this time. Includes advice about finances, social media, family connections, alcohol, medications, and a search engine to find health services. Also available as an audio file.
Loneliness and isolation over the holidays
Mental Health First Aid Australia, Melbourne. 7p.
This time of the year can be a time of celebrations with family and friends but it can also bring difficulties in dealing with family dynamics, grief, and financial pressure. This article talks about some of the more common stressors you may be experiencing, together with some practical tips on how to care for yourself and others.
Last updated 20 January 2025
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