If you have a sore joint, apply ice wrapped in a towel or a cold pack to the area for no more than 20 minutes. A bag of frozen peas works well. Don’t put the ice directly on your skin.

Dark chocolate (60 percent cacao or higher) can improve heart health, lower blood pressure and boost serotonin and endorphin levels. White chocolate lacks any nutritional value and is made up of mostly fats and sugars.

Wear sunglasses that block UVA and UVB rays. Look for labels that say “Meets ANSI UV Requirements,” because those sunglasses block 99 percent of UV rays.

Compliment someone for a job well done. Expressing gratitude improves your mental health and reduces stress.

Holidays can worsen depression in people predisposed to stress.  Add a few minutes of extra exercise to your day during the busy holiday season. Make good food choices and try to have a positive attitude.

Don’t drive with your wallet or cell phone in your back pocket! It can put your spine out of alignment.

Drive with your head straight and chin pulled in, shoulders back, chest out, stomach tucked in, back supported.  Don’t let your head protrude forward or lean too far back and don’t let your shoulders slump.  Good driving posture reduces lower back and spine injuries.

Eat lots of leafy green vegetables such s collard greens, kale and spinach to help prevent macular degeneration. Apricots and blueberries also help promote good vision and reduce eye fatigue.

Pack all your daily portions of snacks before you hit the road. Put in reusable Ziplock bags and keep handy for snack attacks.

Treat yourself to small amounts (a piece the size of postage stamp) of dark chocolate, at least 70 percent cacao, when you feel the urge to splurge.  Dark chocolate is better for you and will satisfy the sweet and salty cravings.

Hide your stash of sweets in an inconvenient place like your garage or back of the truck. The less accessible the treat, the better the chance of resistance!

Drinking ice water with your meal helps you feel fuller and order less food. Order extra ice with your drink and you will burn more calories.

Heat a high protein snack like string cheese or yogurt within 45 minutes after working out. It helps your muscles rebuild and helps burn calories.

Throw away your toothbrush and get a new one after a bad cold or flu. Use disposable cups and paper towels to help prevent spreading the infection to family members.

Scents like lemons, basil, juniper and lavender are found to lower stress and reduce the flight or fight stress responses.  When you are feeling tense, sniff a lemon for some relief.

Add olive oil to your diet. Studies show that olive oil is good for your cholesterol regulations and may have anti inflammatory effects as well as protection for your heart. Plus, it tastes good!

Rid your cab of energy sapping clutter. Sort your stuff into four boxes labled: things to keep, things to donate, things to store and things to throw away. If you don’t need it or love it- toss it!

Practice active listening by truly hearing what someone is telling you. Reframe it back to them by saying things such as, “I hear you saying you are struggling with this decision.”

Beat boredom by listening to a bestselling novel on CD while you drive. It will distract you from snacking and sharpen your mind.

Hang out with cheerful people. A positive attitude is contagious and so is a negative one! The same goes for listening to talk radio, choosing movies and listening to music.