Health Is Vital

Health is taken for granted, until you can't any more. In this blog I hope to put down on paper some of the articles I come across and want to remember, about health. I will be personalizing these articles to apply to me. I am diabetic, over weight, have high blood pressure and tinnitus, so these are the things you will find here. I will include nutrition, exercise, and holistic health, and many other ideas. I work in the health profession, particularly mental health, and have an interest in suicide prevention; so these topics will also be covered in this blog. Please, if you are suffering reach out. Our county health and crisis line is 1-855-278-4204.

Tuesday, May 12, 2020

Dealing With Stress? Don't Turn to Drugs and Alcohol


Shelter in place is stressful; and going to work when there is risk of Covid is also stressful.  There is no way around it right now, our lives are stressful.  A little stress can be good.  Most of us perform better with some stress; but not too much. 
Too much stress can lead to anxiety issues, depression, fatigue, headaches and muscle tension, insomnia, stomach problems and weakened immune system.  People who experience too much stress for too long become prone to illnesses, mental and physical.
Too often the response is, I'll use alcohol, or I'll get stoned and just forget my problems.  These responses do not get rid of the problem, although admittedly you care about your problems less when you are stoned or high or drunk.  When you sober up, the problems are still there, and in addition you have the consequences of the substance.  These consequences can include substance use disorder, health conditions, O.D., family issues and trouble at school or work.
May I suggest some alternatives to substances for dealing with stress.  Regular exercise is the most important.  Exercise releases endorphins which produce a natural high without the negative consequences.  Other activities to deal with stress are playing video games, meditate, walking, talking with a friend, doing something creative, play music, relax, take a hot bath, favorite TV program or movie.
These items are taken from a pamphlet  provided by the Stay Safe Series, Primo Prevention. 2014.

Monday, May 11, 2020

Suicidal Thoughts? Let's talk about it.


This is a small document from Santa Clara County Behavioral Health Services.  It promotes calling the suicide and crisis line to deal with trouble coping with change, chronic back pain, thinking live is not worth it, feeling isolated, feeling you are a burden to others, feeling abandoned or betrayed, feeling ashamed, having no purpose, having sudden mood changes, giving away possessions, doing careless things, increase in alco or drug usage, withdrawing, financial stress, chronic illness, death or suicide of a loved one, conflict with family, other don't understand you,
Please, if you need to talk, they are there 24 hours.
National suicide prevention line serving the Kingman area.  (800) 273-8255

Crisis Intervention ServiceSuicide Prevention Service