How to Survive Thanksgiving as a Vegan

A day of giving thanks, a day of spending time with loved ones and a day of gathering around a large cooked turkey as a dinner centerpiece. The first two will appeal to vegans and vegetarians, but that last part can be a serious downer. It is not uncommon for ethical eaters to feel sadness and helplessness when Thanksgiving rolls around—especially if they are invited to a meal where an animal is served as the main course.

Thanksgiving doesn’t have to be a super-stressful time, however. Preparing for the holiday is essential and there are several steps that can be taken early. Follow these suggestions and Tofurky Day will be a breeze.

1) Be honest with yourself about what you can handle

Being around people enjoying the taste of meat can be difficult for veg folks—no matter how long they’ve elected to keep animals off of their own plates. Ask yourself what you can manage in terms of exposure to “traditional” Thanksgiving foods and any suspected commentary from family members about your lifestyle. It is okay to decide that it is not worth attending an event because your mental wellness might suffer.

2) Decide whether to inform others of how you feel or not

You also have the right to be as open about your feelings (or as closed) as you wish. Some people may elect to give a simple explanation about why they are uncomfortable being at a meal centered around the body of an animal, others may choose to write a letter to close family, and others opt to not give an explanation and simply say “I will be unable to attend this year.”

3) Know where to find back-up support

Whether or not you are invited to a meat-centered meal, know where to find the people who’ve got your back. It could be Skyping with a long-distance friend you met at a VegFest, people in an online support group or a meet-up for local vegetarians who are in the same boat. Or you can retreat into the comfort zone of cuddling with your companion animals at the end of the night! Be aware of what you need in terms of support and where to find it as the holiday nears.

4) Bring delicious vegan dishes to your gathering

If you choose to attend a non-vegan Thanksgiving event, you have the option of bringing a dish or two that highlights how delicious plant-based comfort food can be. Always take hosts and hostesses up on the request to provide recipes for plant-based versions of family favorites, as well. Be sure to bring enough for everyone so veg-curious folks can give it a try.

5) Host your own Thanks-Living event

Not only is bringing a dish to someone else’s event an option, but you can also host your own holiday gathering! What are the most beloved dishes served at Thanksgiving? Stuffing, mashed potatoes, cranberries, green bean casserole, mac & cheese and—let us not forget the desserts – pumpkin pie, pecan pie, apple crisp… and the list goes on! All of these dishes, and more, can be easily veganized. Your guests won’t miss out on their favorite flavors and they’ll be able to say they are thankful they tried something new.

6) Channel your feelings into compassionate outlets

At the end of the holiday, make sure you have identified an outlet for your feelings—whatever they may be. If you are feeling frustrated and alone, consider donating time or money to a farmed animal sanctuary or other organization whose mission aligns with your ethics. If you are feeling warm and thankful, think of a way to use that energy in a positive way: get a jump on homemade holiday gifts, call up an old friend and schedule a coffee date, channel creativity into a project that will help make the world a more compassionate place. Make the most out of the holiday.

SOURCE: http://www.care2.com/greenliving/how-to-survive-thanksgiving-as-a-vegan.html

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Practice Policy Update Regarding COVID-19

Dear Patients:

Our patients, employees and family are our top priority at Long Island Spine Specialists, P.C.

We ask you to not visit any of our locations if you have symptoms such as fever, sneezing, coughing and possible shortness of breath.

Please cancel your appointment and re-schedule once you are feeling better and are no longer suffering with symptoms.

Only non-symptomatic patients will be seen. No exceptions.

Accompanying family members – including children – are asked to remain in the waiting area and will not be allowed to enter the exam rooms.

During this time of high concern regarding the spread of COVID-19 (Coronavirus) we are taking extra precautions to maintain the highest possible standards of safety and cleanliness. Please be advised that we are carefully following recommendations from both the CDC and WHO and are here to help guide you through this time if needed.

Some steps we are taking to keeping safe:

We know how important cleanliness is and always maintain the highest standards of cleanliness. To further offer you peace of mind, we have increased the frequency of the cleaning of our office.

Rest assured that hand washing is strictly followed. Hand sanitizer is available to all staff and patients.

Additionally, if you have recently traveled to a country with high rates of the coronavirus or have been on a cruise, please reschedule your visit for at least 14 days from your return date. We will gladly accommodate your needs to reschedule. At that time, a telehealth interface can be arranged if necessary.

Find up-to-date and accurate information on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website and feel free to reach out with questions.

- Your team at Long Island Spine Specialists, P.C.

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To learn more about Long Island Spine Specialists – and to discover how we can relieve your pain and help you find an improved quality of life – please contact our office today and schedule a consultation.