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.

Sunday, August 6, 2017

National Preparedness Month is September

The theme for national Preparedness Month is "Disasters Don't Plan Ahead, You Can."  By going to the link above you can access information on planning ahead.  This website is from FEMA.  It includes how to make a disaster plan.  It suggests practicing, even with you animals, driving them in the vehicle, so they won't be so scared in an emergency.

The Power of Self-Compassion

This article I found in the Wellness Publication at work.  It does not give credit for the article.

Having compassion means that you offer understanding and kindness to others when they make mistakes. When you have compassion for others (i.e. a family member, friend, coworker), you realize that suffering, failure and imperfection is part of the human experience.
Self-compassion is acting the same way, but towards yourself, when you are experiencing a difficult time or notice something you do not like about yourself. Instead of ignoring your pain or judging yourself for personal flaws, try to stop yourself and say “This is really difficult right now” and ask, “How can I comfort myself in this moment?”
Balancing work, family, and other commitments can be difficult. We often put most of our energy into taking care of others and not giving ourselves the love and kindness we also deserve. Here are a few ways you can embrace self-compassion:
 • Be gentle with yourself when confronted with a painful or difficult experience
 • Accept that imperfection is part of being human – there is no need to criticize yourself
 • Recognize that you are not alone, or the only person who makes mistakes
 • Try your best to not isolate yourself when you are facing stress or suffering
The reality of life is that things will not always go the way you want them to. You may encounter frustrations, make mistakes or fall short of your ideals. The more you accept and open your heart to this reality rather than fighting it, the more you will be able to feel compassion for yourself and others. In doing so, you’ll begin to notice improved strength in the face of failure, an increase in ability to learn from mistakes and to “bounce back” with greater enthusiasm.
"Having compassion for oneself is really no different than having compassion for others." Kristin Neff Author 'Self-Compassion: The Proven Power of Being Kind to Yourself'

Saturday, August 5, 2017

FEMA Guidelines for the Upcoming Solar Eclipse

Prepare for the Solar Eclipse

Solar EclipseOn August 21, the United States will be experiencing the first total solar eclipse since 1991 and the first to move across the entire mainland of the country since 1918.

A solar eclipse happens when the moon passes in between the earth and the sun. While this rare occurrence may be exciting, safety is a concern. Looking directly at the sun during an eclipse could severely hurt your eyes. 

Protect your eyes and view the eclipse safely with these tips from theNational Weather Service:
·         Make sure to wear special solar filtered sunglasses if you plan to stare directly at the eclipse.
·         It is only safe to stare at the sun during the eclipse when the moon is totally covering the sun. This only happens for a brief period and will only occur in a very narrow path about 70 miles wide from Oregon to South Carolina.
·         You can also safely view the eclipse through a solar filtered telescope or Welder’s glass #14 and darker.
·         If you are going camping to view the eclipse, visit the U.S. Forest Service website for safety tips. Also, check www.weather.gov  for signs of low humidity and high temperatures, which are a recipe for wildfires.

For more information on the solar eclipse or for a solar eclipse party kit, visiteclipse2017.nasa.gov/safety

Sunday, July 23, 2017

Emergency Financial First Aid Kit

FEMA instructions with regards to what paper work you need to have on hand in case of an emergency.  This includes a checklist; and describes four areas of papers needed.
Identification includes personal identification as well as that of children and pets.
Financial Information including tax returns and house payments and sources of income.
Medical information which should include lis of medications, insurance information and physician information.
Lastly Household contacts which should including banking and insurance agents as well as other service providers.   It can also include emergency contacts.

Saturday, July 22, 2017

Everyday Health: 8 Habits that Spell Disaster for Diabetes

Everyday Health does a very good job with many of their articles, and this is no exception:  There 8 bad habits:
1. Eating three big meals.  Diabetes does not respond well to big meals, which tend to spike sugar.  Contrarily five or six smaller meals seem to do better.  I like snacks--the problem is making sure they are healthy.
2, Skipping Breakfast:  Even a big breakfast is better than no breakfast, and much better than a large dinner.  I like big breakfasts, but tend to pile on the calories at dinnertime.
3. Sleeping too little or too much.  I tend to sleep less than I need using my CPAP; usually six hours.  However I do get naps, and counting them I get enough sleep, but my goal is 6.5 hours CPAP sleep per night.  This article suggests 6.5 to 7.4 hours per night.  So if I meet my goal I am there.
4. Neglecting dental health.  I just went through a round with the dentist, after neglecting my appointments for a couple years.  Not a smart idea.
5. Not appreciating the role of stress.  With many recent changes at work, stress has been a constant factor.  I am grateful for this week off, and need to do things to take care of myself.
6. Ignoring depression.  It suggests a healthy diet with exercise as a way to combat depression, but also mentions cognitive therapy and medications if needed.
7. Striving for perfection.  Although monitoring sugar is important, trying to be perfect is impracticable and sabotage your efforts.
8. Putting off health care appointments.  I actually do a bit better here.



Sunday, June 25, 2017

Colonoscopy


Colonoscopy if a same-day procedure which allows a doctor to look at your colon and part of the small intestine.  A colonoscope is inserted and the doctor slowly examines the colon looking for polyps, cancer, or other issues.  The procedure includes removal of any polyps.  These are then tested for cancer.  
Guess who went in for the ten year colonoscopy.  This is my second. The actual experience isn't that back as the give you something to make you sleepy.  I slept through most of it, but also watched some on the monitor.  However that pineapple stuff you have to drink is just terrible.  Orange would be a better flavor.  It was at the end of each glass that the stuff would gag me.  Or if I paused while drinking it I would gag.  I had the just try to chug the stuff as best I could.  I just received the report and now they are recommending every five years instead of ten.

Sunday, June 4, 2017

Seven Statements that Hurt People with Anxiety; My Reaction

Seven Statements that Hurt People with Anxiety if an article Curejoy.com.  This article gives seven hurtful statements, and in each case gives an idea of what to say instead which will lead to a helpful rather than hurtful relationship.
1. You have a lot to be grateful for.
2. You Should_____.
3. Everything will be OK.
4. Just be happy.
5. It's all in your head!
6. What do you have to be anxious about?
7. There are people with much bigger problems.

There is a great lesson here.  As I read the statements, I am convinced I can do better around others.  This article is a keeper and I suggest you clic on the link to read it.