The saying “If you don’t make time for your wellness, you will be forced to make time for your illness.” has resonated with many people recently. It is a simple reminder that prioritizing one’s health is important and that wellness begins with the individual. Often, we are busy focusing on others, their needs, and how to help them. We tend to shift our attention to taking care of others. Yet, in doing so, time escapes us, and we might find later that we have neglected ourselves and our own...
Often when I talk to adults about self-care the conversation leads to changes people want to make in their life. These changes may be physical, emotional, mental, or spiritual. This seems natural as taking the time to recognize where we do and don’t take care of ourselves builds self-awareness and from awareness blossoms evolution (a.k.a. change).
Many have probably read a quote or two about change being one of the only things we can count on in life. We also know that change can be difficult...
The start of a new year brings a renewed purpose for self-improvement and personal growth. Health and exercise are usually a part of that vision for progress. Whether you have an already established exercise routine or are just starting, I encourage you to include two key components of fitness- balance and flexibility, as part of your goal!
Balance and flexibility are vital aspects of physical fitness as they help minimize the risk of injuries and falls. Balance- our ability to control our...
As the familiar holiday jingle goes “it’s the most wonderful time of the year.” Well, not for everyone! Surveys indicate 45% of people living in the United States would choose to skip out on the holidays, rather than deal with the stress of it all.
No matter what holidays you celebrate, the expectations during this time can be overwhelming. Tasks such as buying gifts, preparing food, and planning events require additional time and resources which are often already in short supply.
As with...
In the northern hemisphere, we officially welcomed the season of fall on September 22. While I can appreciate certain aspects of all the seasons, fall ushers in many of my favorite things: colorful leaves, temperatures cool enough for cozy sweaters and the comfort of a warm cup of tea.
Typically, my least favorite trait of fall is the increased hours of darkness. On the autumnal equinox we experience equal hours of daylight and darkness before the hours of daylight progressively get shorter...
When most people think of health, more than likely they think of it in the physical sense. Questions that normally come to mind include - Why do I feel sick? What part of my body hurts? Did I pull a muscle? Why is my stomach upset? Are the results to my blood work or recent screenings normal? Well, health, as you may already know, encompasses more than physical health. How a person feels, thinks, and acts are important components of health, particularly mental health. Although always...
Winter is well on its way and it is important to be prepared for the accompanying frigid temperatures, snow, and ice. Here are a few tips to make sure you are ready to stay safe and healthy through the threats winter presents.
First, wear clothing appropriate for the outdoor weather, such as a well-insulated, wind-resistant coat or jacket. Wear warm layers of inner clothing so you can add and remove layers as needed for the weather. Wear hats, gloves/mittens, scarves, and waterproof boots for...
A recent ad informs viewers of a hand signal that can be used to alert others that they may need assistance because they are in a domestic violence situation. While the signal has yet to be adopted widely, this ad serves as a reminder that these circumstances continue to affect individuals and families globally and that we all must be vigilant to what is happening around us and with those we know.
Domestic violence occurs when a person within a sentimental relationship tries to control or...
At the start of the 2020-21 school year, we see displays of face masks alongside the traditional school supplies of notebooks, pens and pencils. Whether your student is a preschooler or college student, it is quite likely going back to school looks at least a little different this year.
With many different combinations of in-person, e-learning, and hybrids, juggling multiple schedules can be a challenge. Add in your own work schedule(s) and day-to-day life can feel like nothing short of a...
Immunizations work by training our body to fight against infectious diseases. Vaccines are made using a weak form of the virus or bacteria that causes the disease, toxins created by microorganisms, or protein products made in a lab. Vaccines are administered to help the body develop antibodies against a specific illness. After being vaccinated, the person’s new antibodies can practice fighting the disease. In the future, the trained antibodies will protect the vaccinated person when they come...
Summer is here again and with it comes extra factors to consider for your health particularly when spending time out in the sun and heat!
Remember to stay hydrated. Many people drink water only when they are thirsty, but by that time, they are already dehydrated. Watch for signs of dehydration such as weakness, dizziness, muscle cramps, headache, and confusion. Make sure to drink plenty of water or other non-caffeinated and non-alcoholic clear beverages. Water, though, is the optimal choice...
When you were a young child, did you ever have a hard time getting others to listen to you or wanting your voice to be heard around the dinner table or at a family party? Have you ever tried making a point at a gathering or meeting only to be talked over? There are many instances where you might have wanted your voice to be heard and struggled to accomplish this. Perhaps it felt that you did not matter or that you did not count. Well, as you may know, every ten years we are asked to be counted...
There has been extensive media coverage on the coronavirus these last few weeks and it has caused great concern globally. It was previously referred to as 2019 novel coronavirus or 2019-nCoV, however, the official name announced by the World Health Organization is coronavirus disease 2019, abbreviated COVID-19. Like other respiratory illnesses, common COVID-19 symptoms include fever, cough, and shortness of breath.
Follow these general recommendations to...
Have you been staying up late to catch up on your favorite shows or social media? Perhaps, your busy schedule has pushed your bedtime back later than you would like. After all, many of us are juggling work, social and philanthropic activities, and adding on our loved one’s schedules to the mix, well, the hours in the day never seem to be enough! Unfortunately, as you may already know, what gets shortchanged is our night’s rest. Getting the recommended amount of sleep nightly is a struggle that...
