The 12 days of Christmas might not be the perfect recipe for a fit and healthy launch into the final year of the millennium.

But before you hand your body over to overeating, drinking too much and crawling into the New Year, read the News Online 12-point guide to surviving Christmas intact:

1. It may sound Scrooge-like, but think before you drink. It is better to get a bit merry than go for overkill and spend the New Year in a dark, spinning room.

Alcohol is the most common source of Christmas illness.

It aggravates domestic disputes, causes unwanted pregnancy, deepens depressions and puts many people into accident and emergency.

Mr Peter Driscoll, an A&E consultant at Manchester's Hope Hospital, advises that the best way to stay healthy is to use common sense. He says: "If you want a drink, be sensible. You will enjoy the festive season much better and you won't have to spend the rest of your life dealing with the consequences."

2. If you do drink too much, prepare for the consequences in advance. Drink plenty of water or fruit juices before going to bed, stock up on vitamin C and take aspirins to cure those headaches.

3. Don't overdo the chocolate, cakes and peanuts. You could pile on the pounds, get chronic indigestion and find yourself looking forward to a New Year full of celery and cottage cheese.

The British Dietetic Association says that turkey and vegetables makes a balanced meal and believes it is okay to indulge in the odd mince pie and slice of Christmas pudding.

But don't go wild. Many people spend most of Christmas within arm's reach of a bowl of peanuts and Quality Streets.

Temptation is rife and "grazing" on unhealthy snacks all through the day can send the bathroom scales soaring.

4. Food poisoning is always a worry at Christmas. Read the instructions on the turkey well.

It takes hours to cook a turkey properly and, if you don't, the result can be salmonella, which can be life-threatening for the vulnerable.

5. Exercise. It may seem more tempting to collapse in front of the TV, but it is better to go for a half hour walk after lunch and help burn off those festive calories.

6. Christmas is one of the most stressful times of the year. Drink, relatives, lack of sleep and the stress of Christmas shopping can push some people over the edge.

When you feel the world is closing in on you try to find some time alone - even if it is only to have a bath - and learn to say no to the demands of relatives.

7. Suicides rise at Christmas time as people imagine others nestling in the bossom of happy families and imagine they are the only ones not having a good time.

The charity Samaritans advises people that they should not feel obliged to enjoy themselves just because it is Christmas.

It only lasts a few days and many people are having just as bad a time as you.

Samaritans also says it is important not to bottle up your emotions, but try to talk to someone you trust.

8. Because of the strain of Christmas, many organisations set up special helplines. The Centre for Eating Disorders has set up its first helpline.

It says Christmas can be a time of despair for those with eating disorders. Its number is 0181 959 2330. The phoneline is open from 10am to 1am from 24 December to 1 January.

Samaritans can be contacted on 0345 909090.

9. With most people stuck in a confined space over Christmas, accidents are common. Watch out for eletrical faults on Christmas tree lights, flaming Christmas puddings which have been too liberally doused with brandy and cracker toys which can get stuck in small children's windpipes.

10. Your skin can suffer from too much partying and overindulgence. Baggy, bloodshot eyes, dark circles, cracked lips and flaky pallid skin are all the signs of too much Christmas spirit.

Cosmopolitan's health and beauty editor Laura Bacharach recommends face-lifting creams which she says are "a more sophisticated version of egg whites and haemorrhoid cream used by Hollywood film stars".

11. Get some sleep. The stress and partying can take their toll on the body. Set time aside for some rejuvenating sleep.

12. If you do overindulge, take time at the New Year to clear out the toxins with a good dose of fresh fruit and mineral water.