Healthy Holiday Tips Did you know that people with intellectual and developmental disabilities have a 40 percent greater risk of preventable secondary health conditions, such as obesity, poor fitness and nutritional deficits? Thus, it is important for Special Olympics athletes to strive for improved athletic abilities by focusing on overall health and fitness all year round. 'Tis the Season—and Special Olympics athletes continue to work on health even during the holidays. The following Healthy Holiday Tips, developed to help you continue your focus on health during the holidays, are brought to you by the Healthy Athletes® Program. Special Olympics Healthy Athletes, comprised of seven health disciplines, offers clinics conduced in a welcoming and fun environment to Special Olympics athletes. Athletes also learn about improving their health, information that they can share with their families, coaches and friends. By Donna Bainbridge, PT, EdD, ATC and Global Clinical Advisor, FUNfitness & Fitness Programming Healthy Athletes Update  • Vice President's Corner  • In the Spotlight • Just the Facts - The World Games Edition • Two Healthy Athletes Founders Receive Special Olympics "Special Spirit of China Award of Excellence" • Special Olympics Athletes Receive Unprecedented Number of Health Screenings at 2007 World Games • Special Olympics Welcomes Chinese Student Delegation to World Games • Special Olympics, HEALTHone Global Launch Electronic Athletes Personal Health Record • Healthy Holiday Tips • Healthy Athletes Leaders Converge at 2007 Global Health Conference • Newsbytes • Success Stories • 2007 Honor Roll Maintain physical activity Something is better than nothing Share workout time with relatives and friends Walk while you shop Burn off what you put in Holidays are for celebrating, not eating Never arrive hungry Watch your portions Drink plenty of water Pace yourself—wait 20 minutes between plates Use a smaller plate Stack up the fruits and veggies Do not let stress ruin your holiday fun Set YOUR priorities Create a schedule to get it done Learn to say "no" OR ask for help Forget about perfection Simplify Place a priority on sleep Stay healthy Wash your hands often If you are sick, stay home and get well Avoid touching your nose, eyes and mouth Elbow your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing Use the 3-foot rule— feet from anyone who is coughing or sneezing Remember, holidays should be fun Breathe, or take a breather Have a good laugh Set differences aside and enjoy everyone for who they are Return to Healthy Athletes Update, Winter 2007