Isn't it so tempting to curl up this time of year in front of a roaring fire, with a blanket, some comfort food, and a cup of hot tea, coffee, or cocoa? I mean, it's cold outside. And we are so busy with the demands of the holidays that I'm thinking: Who needs the stress of dieting and working out when we're so darn chilly and busy? All of us, that's who. The American Cancer Society folks -- you know, the ones who have figured out that a healthy diet and vigorous exercise actually decrease our chances of developing nasty diseases -- have some suggestions for staying fit, regardless of schedule, time of year or temperature.

• Fit fitness into short blocks of time. Don't have time for an hour workout at the gym? Don't sweat it. A 15-minute run around the neighborhood can still keep you fit.
• Treat yourself, with limits. Try the morsel diet, like American Idol's Randy Jackson, and just take a bite of your favorite dangerous foods. Keep track of what you eat too, so you can monitor your naughty and nice behavior.
  
• Wash up. No need for germs during this busy season. You've got to stay strong for those workouts, after all. Ward off germs by washing your hands often.