According to the Centers for Disease Control, this winter, more than 50,000 Americans will wind up with a winter-related back injury. Here are 5 activities that could put you at risk:

1. SHOVELING

Much of the country will have at least a few inches of snow in the next few months. If you have sidewalks or driveways around your home, that means shoveling. Here are some quick tips to avoid a back injury when clearing the snow.
-Lift with your legs, not your back.
-Don’t overload your shovel.
-Don’t twist and throw the snow; walk it over.
-Be ambidextrous (if you’re so inclined).
-Take breaks.
-Hire the neighbor kid, get a snowblower, or move to California!

2. DECORATING

Take a look around your neighborhood. Chances are holiday decorations range mightily from restrained to ridiculous. Whatever your capacity for decorating madness, take some precautions to avoid back injury. First, don’t work alone. Having an extra set of hands and an additional pair of eyes is your first line of defense. Second, there is no doubt climbing a ladder will be a part of your efforts--up the tree, into the attic, on the roof. Be efficient and take as few trips up and down as possible. Use a spotter to take or give necessary items so you aren’t forced to overreach or awkwardly twist.

3. TRAVELING

If you’re planning on heading out of town this winter, take notice of your luggage. Are you overpacking? Does your luggage have wheels and handles so you can pull it behind you? If your luggage isn’t up to par, take the opportunity to ask Santa for an upgrade.

4. SHOPPING

The same rules go for shopping too. Don’t get caught hauling around too many shopping bags. Make multiple trips out to the car if you have to. It’s worth the extra few minutes to not hurt yourself. As always, lift with your legs! You can even ask retail clerks for a little help, particularly at big box stores. And think about spreading the cheer by throwing your holiday helpers a few bucks as they close your trunk.

5. HIBERNATING

While the summer sun is a fabulous accompaniment to an outdoor run or a game of beach volleyball, the shorter and colder days of winter beg for a warm fire, a cozy blanket and a good book. The more sedentary your habits, the more prone you are to back injury. Laying or sitting on couches and sofas provides little support for your back and can result in the tightening of certain muscle groups--hip flexors and hamstrings--that can directly lead to back pain. While it is best to get regular aerobic and strength exercise, If you can’t muster up the energy to get to the gym, try these 5 indoor at-home exercises as an alternative.

Remember to stay active, watch your movements and pay a little extra attention to your winter habits. Keep from being laid up with back pain this New Year’s Eve.

As the cold, snowy weather approaches, it is important to have and wear good snow boots.  Snow boots should have two goals:  protecting the feet from the cold weather and protecting the feet from slippery surfaces.  However, it is also important that snow boots offer support and cushioning to the feet.  Many people report to my office during the winter months because they have new foot pain from boots that are not supportive.

The cold and wet weather can cause injuries such as frostbite, and people with certain conditions, such as peripheral vascular and autoimmune diseases, various arthrities, cancer, diabetes, and other diseases  are more predisposed to these issues.  Homeless patients are also at very high risk for developing frostbite.  Boots should have warm linings to insulate the feet and must be made of waterproof material, so slush, rain, and snow do not soak through.  When looking for boots, it is important to inspect the bottom of the boots to make sure that the soles provide traction.  Many people slip on ice and snow during the winter months, and this can cause fractures, sprains, and other serious injuries.

Finally, from a podiatric perspective, it is essential that the boots provide adequate support to the feet.  Each year
during the cold months of the year, people irritate the feet by wearing boots that are not stable and supportive.  The boots should have some arch support and cushioning on the bottom.  They should not be flexible and bendable at the ankle
or around the heels.  Patients can develop heel pain, plantar fasciitis, tendontitis, stress fractures, and other conditions by wearing boots that are not good for their feet.

Happy Holidays, and remember to keep your feet safe during the winter by wearing boots that are protective and supportive!

Dr. Bender is a podiatrist at Advanced
Physical Medicine.  She works out of the Oak Park and 63rd Street offices.  Dr.
Bender is also a clinical instructor at William Scholl College of Podiatric
Medicine.  Call 708-763-0580 or 773-776-3166 for your appointment.

Take a cue from Santa, not exactly the pinnacle of physical health, and use these five tips to ensure that you put on those holiday pounds.

1. Taste Test Your Cookies

Making holiday cookies for family and friends is a long-standing tradition for millions of Americans. Amateur cookie experts around the country have their specialty--that one cookie they’ve been baking for years. What’s your specialty? And are you resting on your laurels? Have you gotten a new oven? Tweaked ingredients? Is that cookie really the same deliciousness you’ve always concocted? This year try at least one or two cookies from each batch...just to be sure.

2. Two Words: Egg Nog

Sure, one glass of red wine each day is good for the heart, but why stop there? The holidays are a time for indulgence. So instead of that 100 calorie glass of fermented grape juice, reach for that delicious glass of milk, cream, eggs and bourbon--egg nog.

3. Leave the Athletics to the Athletes

The professional football season is coming down to the wire; teams (maybe even your team!) are fighting for playoff contention. The college football season is reaching its climax, dozens of bowl games played in the waning days of 2012 and the opening days of 2013. If the gridiron isn’t for you, NBA and NCAA basketball is ubiquitous. With all these games to watch, there is no reason you need to leave the couch. Let the best athletes in the world do the competing. You can just reach for another handful of potato chips and a beer.

4. Forget the Resolutions

What kind of masochist makes self-improvement promises only to fail eighty percent of the time? That’s just mean! You’re pretty happy, right? So why try and change anything? This New Year, don’t force yourself to eat better or exercise more. Keep smoking; keep drinking. Those New Year’s resolution promises are just frivolous nonsense.

5. Invite Your Mother-In-Law To Stay For A While

That difficult person on your gift shopping list. The impending credit card bill. The awkward office holiday party. All this stress is inevitable, so why not pile it on and ask your mother-in-law to stay in your house for a week? While we always seem to look forward to the holidays all year ‘round, we conveniently forget the stress that this time of year always seems to bring. Fear not, the holidays also seem to bring a whole lot of food to the table. So, when the stress comes your way, take solace in some delicious sugary treats or a turkey and mayonnaise sandwich. It’ll make you feel better, even if just for a moment.

Good luck with your weight gain goals over the holidays. Remember, it just means more of you to love!

Photo Sources:
1. http://www.branchportlibrary.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/cookies.jpg
2. http://www.rachaelray.com/images/recipe/eggnog.jpg
3. http://guardianlv.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/Football-on-tv-460x250.jpg
4. http://blog.affinityhealth.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/new-years-resolution-apple.jpeg
5. http://cbswycd2.files.wordpress.com/2010/09/mother_in_law_rs.jpg?w=420

There’s something about cold weather that makes us want to eat! Whether it’s our animal instinct to fuel up and survive the winter, or because the holidays and food are so inextricably linked, ‘tis the season for feasting. Avoid packing on the pounds this winter with these three healthy twists on classic comfort foods.

Chicken Pot Pie

Like unwrapping a generous gift, there’s nothing quite like sticking your fork into the crust of a luscious chicken pot pie. By cutting back on the cream and going heavy on the veggies, there is no reason a pot pie can’t be a healthy winter treat for you and your loved ones.

For the Crust:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon fine salt
• 4 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
• 1 large egg
• 2 tablespoons 2% milk

For the Filling:

• 2 small russet potatoes
• 4 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 5 medium carrots, cut into large chunks
• 1 to 2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 large onion, finely diced
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1/3 cup 2% milk
• 3 stalks celery, sliced
• 3 cups shredded rotisserie chicken, skin removed
• 1/2 cup fat-free plain Greek yogurt
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 1/2 cup minced fresh parsley
• Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper

Prepare the crust: Pulse the flour, baking powder and salt in a food processor until combined. Add the butter, one piece at a time, pulsing until the mixture looks like coarse meal. Separate the egg; refrigerate the egg white. Beat the egg yolk and milk in a bowl, then add to the food processor, pulsing until the dough comes together. Turn out onto a lightly floured surface and gather into a ball. Flatten into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap and chill at least 1 hour.

Meanwhile, make the filling: Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. Prick the potatoes with a fork and bake directly on the oven rack until tender, about 45 minutes. Cool slightly, then peel and break into small pieces.

Bring the chicken broth, carrots and thyme to a simmer in a small saucepan over medium heat and cook 2 minutes; cover and keep warm. Meanwhile, heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until soft, about 8 minutes. Sprinkle in the flour and stir until lightly toasted, about 3 minutes. Add the milk, celery, potato pieces and the warm broth mixture and simmer until thickened, about 15 minutes. Remove from the heat and stir in the chicken, yogurt, peas and parsley. Season with salt and pepper.

Transfer the filling to a 2-quart casserole dish. Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface until about 1/2 inch thick and slightly larger than the dish. Beat the reserved egg white in a bowl; brush over the dough and season with salt and pepper. Press the dough against the sides of the dish. Place on a baking sheet and bake until the crust is golden brown, 20 to 25 minutes.
Source:http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchens/light-chicken-potpie-recipe/index.html

Tuna Casserole

Tuna casserole is an American classic and classically unhealthy. A few changes to mom’s old recipe can up the health quotient without sacrificing comfort or deliciousness.

• 6 oz “no yolk” noodles
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 medium onion, minced fine
• 3 tablespoons flour
• 1 3/4 cups fat-free chicken broth
• 1 cup 1% milk
• 10 oz sliced crimini mushrooms
• 1 cup frozen petite peas (thawed)
• 1 cup frozen chopped broccoli (thawed)
• 2 (5 oz) cans albacore tuna in water, drained
• 4 oz 50% reduced fat sharp cheddar
• Butter flavored cooking spray
• 2 tablespoons parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons whole wheat seasoned breadcrumbs

Cook noodles in salted water until al dente (slightly undercooked). Set aside.

Preheat oven to 375°. Lightly spray 9 x 12 casserole with butter flavored cooking spray.

Melt the butter in a large deep skillet. Add onions and cook on medium heat until soft, about 5 minutes. Add the flour and a pinch of salt and stir well, cooking an additional 2-3 minutes on medium-low heat. Slowly whisk in the chicken broth until well combined, increasing heat to medium and whisking well for 30 seconds, then add the milk and bring to a boil. When boiling, add mushrooms, peas and broccoli, adjust salt and pepper to taste and simmer on medium, mixing occasionally until it thickens (about 6-7 minutes). Add drained tuna, stirring another minute.

Remove from heat and add 1 cup reduced fat sharp cheddar and mix well until it melts. Add the noodles to the sauce and mix well until evenly coated. Pour into casserole and top with parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs. Spray a little more cooking spray and top and bake for about 20 - 25 minutes. Place under the broiler a few minutes to get the crumbs crisp (careful not to burn).
Source:http://www.skinnytaste.com/2011/01/skinny-tuna-noodle-casserole.html

Turkey Meatloaf

Like meatballs in Italy or cassoulet in the south of France, almost every American household has their own “best-ever” meatloaf recipe. Try this turkey meatloaf for a leaner version of the childhood favorite. Add a steamed vegetable for a comforting and healthy winter feast. And, this meatloaf makes great sandwiches for the next day’s lunch!

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped (1 1/2 cups)
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 3/4 teaspoon salt, divided
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper, divided
• 1 1/2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1/3 cup fat-free, less-sodium chicken broth
• 3 tablespoons ketchup, divided
• 1 3/4 pounds ground turkey, 97% lean
• 3/4 cup dry breadcrumbs
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• 1 large egg white, lightly beaten

Preheat oven to 375°. Heat oil in medium skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook, stirring frequently, until soft, about 5 minutes. Add garlic, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper; cook, stirring, 1 minute. Stir in Worcestershire sauce, broth, and 1 tablespoon ketchup; transfer mixture to a large bowl, and cool.

Add turkey, bread crumbs, egg, egg white, and remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper to mixture in bowl, and mix well. Mixture will be very moist.

Cover a baking sheet with aluminum foil, and coat lightly with cooking spray. Form the turkey mixture into a loaf, and place on the pan. Brush meatloaf evenly with remaining 2 tablespoons ketchup. Bake 1 hour or until thermometer inserted into center registers 170°. Let meatloaf stand 5 minutes before serving.
Source: http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/turkey-meatloaf-10000001559148/

Remember, a few healthy tweaks to any recipe can go a long way. All that winter noshing doesn’t have to lead to an embarrassing spring swimsuit season.

As if finding the time and energy to stay in shape isn’t hard enough, winter arrives, and Mother Nature makes it even tougher. Well, cold weather is no excuse to skip your regular workout. Try these five indoor home exercises. There is no equipment required, and you can do it all in a few square feet.

1. Plank

Don’t worry--no pirate ships involved. Here’s the drill: lie face down with your forearms on the floor. Keep your elbows directly beneath your shoulders, and place your feet together with your legs straight out behind you. Tighten your core (the muscle system that stabilizes the spine and pelvis) by keeping your legs, back and head in straight alignment. Hold for 30 to 60 seconds...or more. The longer the better!

2. Jumping squats

Stand up tall with your feet shoulder-width apart. Put your hands behind your head keeping your shoulders back and head up. Sit back on your heels, and bend your knees slowly to a sitting position. Pop back up to a standing position with a vigor, jumping off the ground just a few inches at the end. Try 3 sets of 10 repetitions with a 1 minute break between sets.

3. Pushups

The old classic. Lying face down on the floor, place your hands slightly more than shoulder-width apart. With your legs parallel behind you and your toes on the floor, tighten the core and lift your body up. It’s important to keep your back and head aligned. Use your arms for support and descend to just above an inch from the floor, and then push yourself back up. Pushup ability will range widely. Do your first set until exhaustion (“I just can’t do anymore!”). Give yourself a one minute break, then do one more set; aim for about the same number of repetitions as the first set. You can modify the exercise by spreading your hands further apart (to focus on chest muscles) or closer together (to focus on arm muscles).

4. Front lunge