Holidays bring about anxiety over money, health: poll

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For some New Yorkers, this year’s holiday season is triggering anxiety over money, health concerns and more. That’s according to the latest Mount Sinai South Nassau “Truth in Medicine” poll.

Making ends meet during the holidays is the leading concern of 38% of respondents, followed by gaining weight and “not enough time to get things done,” both at 23%. Concerns about catching flu and COVID were also prevalent. And 25% said they expected politics to impact holiday gatherings.

Yet despite these concerns, coupled with news headlines that are often crime-related, most had faith in their fellow New Yorkers, with 75% saying that most people are “basically good.” And even with worries over finances and catching flu or COVID, 63% said they would stick to their holiday celebrations as planned.

“It is encouraging at this time of year to find that most New Yorkers and Long Islanders are optimistic about their neighbors,” Dr. Adhi Sharma, president of Mount Sinai South Nassau, said in a news release about the poll.

“The holiday season is a reminder of the good within all of us and fulfills the promise of perpetual hope, generosity, and joy. Remaining optimistic is a good start on the road to improved health,” he added.

Sponsored by Bethpage Federal Credit Union, the hospital’s Truth in Medicine Poll aims to gather data about attitudes on key public health topics and spur education and discussion. The latest poll was conducted from Dec. 11, through Dec. 17, by landlines and cell phones, with 600 Long Island and New York City adults ages 18-65 and above.

When asked specifically about their health concerns, 63% of respondents said they were “concerned about getting sick with COVID-19 or flu,” according to the poll.

“One of the best ways to stay healthy is to stay up to date on your flu and COVID-19 vaccines,” Dr.  Aaron Glatt, MD, chief of Infectious Diseases and chair of the Department of Medicine at Mount Sinai South Nassau, said in the news release.

“Both the flu and COVID-19 remain major causes of serious illness and hospitalization. The vaccines can help you from getting seriously ill,” he added. Glatt recommended that people make sure they up-to-date on vaccines for COVID, flu, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), or pneumococcal disease (caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria, which can cause pneumonia).

Concerns about weight gain during the holidays were also prevalent in the poll, with 55% of respondents saying they were “very concerned” or “concerned” about gaining weight.

Additionally, 17% of respondents said they were “very concerned,” and 43% “concerned,” about experiencing stress or another mental health issue.

In the poll, 45% said they have been unable to buy all they need at the grocery store at least once this year, and 23% have run out of food and not had enough money to buy more. Six percent said they have often sought help from a food pantry.

To alleviate the stress and pressure caused by a lack of time, loneliness, travel and expenses, Mount Sinai South Nassau’s Administrative Director of Behavioral Health, Michele Lucero, advises making a realistic to-do list daily to prioritize tasks. Other tips include regular exercise to reduce irritability and anxiety, and listening to soothing music to foster a sense of calm. Remembering to be flexible is key, as not everything goes as planned. Those who consistently feel sad, anxious, hopeless or helpless are advised to see a mental health professional or your physician.