Stress comes in many forms in our daily lives and takes on additional meanings during holiday times. Do a Google search of "holiday stress" and your stress level may increase just by the myriad of information you will find.

Mental Health America conducted an attitudinal survey in October 2006 on Holiday Stress. The Executive Summary of the survey tells us that the three top holiday stressors among Americans are: finances (40%); memories of loved ones who passed away (37%) and having too much to do (34%).

Stress affects us in many ways mentally, emotionally and physically. Mental affects may include: anxiety, restlessness, irritability, worry, depression or anger. Emotional or behavioral affects may include: over/under eating, alcohol/drug abuse, isolation, relationship conflicts. Physical affects may include: headache, back/chest pain, heart disease, high blood pressure, upset stomach, weakened immune system.

The good news is we can be in control by focusing on some healthy techniques to help reduce holiday stress and achieve a healthier well-being. Here are some helpful tips:

Finances: Plan a budget and stick to it. Before you go shopping, decide how much you can afford to spend; then stick to your plan. Remind yourself that you cannot buy happiness through multiple gifts. Think about alternatives such as homemade gifts that create a meaning or memory, or donating to a favorite charity or cause in someone's name.

Memories of loved ones who passed away: If you are feeling lonely, sad or isolated; reach out to others. Turn to other loved ones who you can share good memories with or a trusting friend who can offer support. Seek out a community, spiritual practice or social events you can identify with. Volunteer your time to help others who are in need. If sadness or anxiety persists, seek professional help. Talk to your doctor or a mental health practitioner.

Having too much to do: Plan ahead for time to shop, bake, visit family/friends and other activities you want to enjoy. Be realistic and realize that there may be a new way of spending your time and it does not have look like last year. Most importantly, don't forget to breathe and take time for yourself. Because it is time for the holidays does not mean there is no time to tend to yourself as you would the rest of the year.

We are pleased to welcome Michael Reading, the new Director of Crisis Services at Crisis Clinic. Michael comes to us from Community Psychiatric Clinic where he was the Division Director of Residential Services and was responsible for the housing and care of 668 severely mentally ill person and all 40 residential properties that include five 24-hr supervised settings, as well as the directing the mental health services needed by residents.

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Winter Weather Disaster Info Needed
In the event of a disaster this winter (such as a snow or wind storm), the 2-1-1 Community Information Line will need organizations to keep us informed about the availability of programs, hours of operation and any other critical information. Please call us anytime, 24/7/365 and leave a voicemail at (206) 436-2992 during a disaster to report changes in your programs.

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The Washington State Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) is replacing the current Medicaid Management Information System with a new payment processing system named ProviderOne. ProviderOne will be the primary provider payment processing system for DSHS sometime in the beginning of 2010. For more information on the launch date, visit: http://hrsa.dshs.wa.gov/providerone.

KCBA Self-Help Plus is open again and has a few changes to their program. They are still assisting with uncontested dissolutions and establishing a parenting plan, but they are not able to assist with child support or parenting plan modifications at this time.

The Seattle Animal Shelter adoption services, animal shelter and licensing programs are no longer operating on Mondays. Due to budget cuts, they are now operating Tuesdays through Sundays.

King County Metro Bus has a new system where you can sign up for changes to bus routes due to adverse weather. You can sign up for updates at: http://metro.kingcounty.gov/up/rr/adverseweather.html. Also posted are alternate routes in case of such an event. It would be good to check these out ahead of time so that you know where to catch the bus in an emergency.

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December Resource Highlights
For up-to-date information on December holiday events and resources, please call 2-1-1 and talk with an Information & Referral Specialist. Dial 2-1-1 or (206) 461-3200, Toll Free (800) 621-4636 TTY (206) 461-3610 M-F, 8am-6pm.

Public Health is opening four free H1N1 vaccine clinics for people at highest risk and who can't afford to pay, on Saturday, December 5, 9am-5pm and Wednesday, December 9, noon-7pm. Future clinic dates will be scheduled as more vaccine becomes available. Vaccinations are first come, first served, and no reservations will be taken. For more information, visit the Public Health H1N1 influenza website for updates on vaccine availability in the community or call the Flu Hotline at 877-903-KING (5464). Vaccine clinics are located at:
Columbia Public Health (4400 37th Ave S, Seattle),
Renton Public Health (3001 NE 4th St, Renton),
North Public Health (10501 Meridian Ave N, Seattle),
Federal Way Public Health (33431 13th Place S, Federal Way).

Medicare Part D annual open enrollment will end on Thursday, December 31. Medicare beneficiaries who have not previously signed up for a Part D plan and those applying for Part D for the first time must choose a plan by the deadline. Open enrollment is also the time that beneficiaries who are signed up for Part D can change plans for the new year, 2010. For more information, call Medicare (800) MEDICARE or the Statewide Health Insurance Benefits Advisors Help Line (SHIBA) at (800) 562-6900 or visit www.medicare.gov.

Toys for Tots is partnering with King County Community Service Offices to distribute toys this holiday season. DSHS will make a list of clients on public assistance who are active, pending or recently closed as of Dec. 11 and provide that list to Toys for Tots. Toys for Tots Marines will pass out toys at the CSO offices the week of Dec. 14. A schedule of when toy distribution will be at the various offices has not yet been created. There will be an additional toy distribution event for those who cannot pick up toys the week of Dec. 14.

January Resource Highlights
Friends of Francois provides a hot New Year's Day dinner for anyone in need. Meal is served outdoors, at Seattle's Outdoor Meal Site. Site is located under I-5, which offers shelter in wet weather. Bench seating is available.

DSHS - Health & Recovery Services Administration - State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) offers health coverage to children younger than age 19 who live in households with income between 200 and 250 percent (in January, 2009 the eligibility rises to 300 percent) of the federal poverty level (FPL). SCHIP is a non-entitlement program in Washington state. Eligibility is determined using the same rules as medical coupons (Medicaid) for children, except with higher income standards. Apply online or pick up application at local DSHS Community Services Office.

Seattle Indian Center Summer Youth Employment Experience offers a limited number of work experience positions during the summer months to eligible high school students. Interested parties should contact the Workforce Investment Act office in January for further information.

King County Bar Association Consumer Education and Training Service (CENTS) provides free, monthly in-person money-management classes and free money management classes online at www.centsprogram.org. Starting January, 2010 individual financial coaching will be available.

United Way Tax Preparation offers free walk-in tax preparation and filing from January 13 to April 15, 2009. Also helps tax payers file for the Earned Income Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit and Telephone Tax Refund. Prepares basic individual tax returns only.

Washington Women in Need provides financial aid for tuition and books for up to two years of approved course work at accredited schools in the state of Washington. Applications for the next opening for the education grant will be available on the Web site for two days (Jan. 12&13, 2010), beginning at 8am.

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