Tag: holiday

  • Mosaic Counseling & Wellness provides tips for positive holiday mental health – Shelby County Reporter

    Mosaic Counseling & Wellness provides tips for positive holiday mental health – Shelby County Reporter

    By MICHELLE Appreciate | Workers Writer

    The holidays can be equally a joyous and annoying time of 12 months. With various household capabilities, worry to acquire presents and other chaotic triggers, balancing one’s mental wellness can appear an unattainable endeavor but with the correct resources, navigating this year can be a delight.

    Elizabeth Cook, founder of Mosaic Counseling & Wellness in Alabaster and Helena, sales opportunities a staff of highly trained clinical counselors, lifetime coaches and yoga instructors in an effort and hard work to supply equally mental and physical healing to their customers. Their highly qualified workforce with of more than 75 decades of put together expertise help people find healing, stability and greater means of dealing with life’s stressors.

    “If we really do not master approaches to deal with tension and trauma, the results become detrimental to our physical and mental wellbeing,” Cook explained. “When we deal with stress filled or traumatic cases, stress hormones like cortisol flood our bodies, and in excess of time this can cause organ problems and procedure dysfunction, precisely to the immune procedure and our rate of metabolism. Chronic worry is like a slow-performing poison in our bodies.”

    The Mosaic Counseling & Wellness group suggested these beneficial strategies to retain well being throughout the holiday period:

    • Be aware of your restrictions. Around-committing is widespread this time of yr and can zap the pleasure suitable out of you. We could all profit from knowledge what our “Allostatic Load” is, or your unique threshold for uncomfortable predicaments. Placing boundaries on the front stop will conserve you from burnout later. Asking you, “If I had been loving myself properly correct now, what would I opt for to do?” can be beneficial in identifying if you are taking on as well substantially.
    • Keep in a real looking finances and do not put pressure on your self to uncover the “perfect” presents. Get innovative and come across methods to maintain you from accruing post-Xmas credit card debt by sticking to your practical price range. “There are lots of applications like You Have to have a Finances that are good for this,” Prepare dinner stated. “Finances play a big part in mental health.”
    • Lean on your assistance program and have safe men and women offered to communicate to if you do get pressured, nervous or depressed. No matter if this is household, mates, coworkers, or a specialist, make absolutely sure you have another person to communicate to when factors develop into hard. “Now more than at any time, we want neighborhood,” Prepare dinner explained. “After so a great deal time isolated, it is time to get back again with men and women and practical experience the healing electricity of safe and sound group. We cannot wait to commence featuring teams immediately after the initially of the yr to even more nurture this need. Asking for help is not weakness, it is the most courageous issue you can do when you are battling- we were being not made to do everyday living alone.”
    • Instructing your young children healthful body boundaries is vitally vital. Cook reported forcing young ones to hug, kiss or sit on the laps of household associates or buddies when they do not want to reinforces that their actual physical discomfort is unimportant. “Listen to your kids when they are awkward in these circumstances and support them,” she claimed. “Consent is important for all ages. Having nutritious, very well-boundaried children trumps very good manners in this group. Also, maintain an eye on sugar crashes and as well very little sleep. Even the most effective mannered adults wrestle with this.
    • When dealing with challenging folks or household associates, Prepare dinner emphasised the value of setting boundaries. “You really don’t owe your mental wellbeing to anybody,” she said. “Setting boundaries may perhaps bring about ripples, but the world isn’t likely to finish in excess of them.” Be proactive as a substitute of reactive. Have a prepare for when a spouse and children member says something inappropriate, desires to give unsolicited assistance or when they question into personal particulars of your life that you do not sense compelled to share about. Stating factors like, “It’s a own subject, and I’d like to keep it private” or “I know you’re speaking from your experiences, but I’m hoping points operate out in different ways for me” are totally appropriate.

    “We normally like to remind folks that all of your existence activities transpire in an embodied way, your feelings and overall body are linked,” Prepare dinner stated. ”Bodily addressing tension and stress and anxiety includes procedures like breath perform mixed with considered perform that can deliver you back to a area of peace and connection.” Prepare dinner reported repeating “I am a harmless place” or “You are loved” to on your own when deeply inhaling and exhaling can rapidly carry your human body back again to a feeling of safety.

    “Learning to give yourself the appreciate and treatment you so commonly give to many others is a lifestyle-switching exercise,” Prepare dinner said.

    Mosaic Counseling and Wellness opened in 2019 to give holistic treatment of the brain, physique and spirit to their group and even outside of. Almost two a long time later on, this nonprofit organization has two destinations and presents a assortment of medical counseling providers, everyday living coaching, yoga courses, naturopathic drugs and workshops. In early November, Mosaic Counseling & Wellness was nominated for the Shelby County Diamond Award for excellent provider to the community. For much more details, take a look at their internet site Themosaicministries.org or visit their Fb website page.

  • Health officials recommend tips for safe Thanksgiving, holiday gatherings | Local

    Health officials recommend tips for safe Thanksgiving, holiday gatherings | Local

    With the first major holiday of the season next week, health officials are offering tips for staying safe from COVID-19 while gathering with loved ones or traveling.

    Cowlitz County’s COVID-19 case rate is higher than it was this time last year, “which means it is important to continue taking steps to keep ourselves and our loved ones healthy,” said Dr. Steven Krager, county deputy health officer.

    The county recorded 322 new COVID-19 cases per 100,000 people from Oct. 28 to Nov. 10, compared to about 282 new cases per 100,000 the same time last year.

    Cowlitz County recorded 29 new confirmed cases Friday, bringing the total to 12,592 confirmed and 1,526 probable cases. The county had 254 COVID-19 deaths.

    Unlike last year, health officials aren’t discouraging all in-person gatherings.

    “There are many ways we can more safely enjoy our favorite traditions,” Krager said. “Getting vaccinated against COVID-19 if you’re age 5 years or older is a great start.”

    Many health-care clinics and pharmacies offer the COVID-19 vaccines, including the pediatric doses for 5- to 11-year-olds and booster doses. People can find a location at www.vaccinelocator.doh.wa.gov.

    People are also reading…

    A health department report from October found COVID-19 rates and hospitalizations are lower among fully vaccinated residents.

    As of Wednesday, 57.5{fe463f59fb70c5c01486843be1d66c13e664ed3ae921464fa884afebcc0ffe6c} of Cowlitz County residents had initiated vaccination and 52.9{fe463f59fb70c5c01486843be1d66c13e664ed3ae921464fa884afebcc0ffe6c} were fully vaccinated.


    State COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations down; hospital officials encourage vaccines ahead of holidays

    Local, state and federal health officials recommend people take precautions if gathering with others outside their household, especially if unvaccinated, including:

    • Wear a face mask indoors or in crowded spaces.
    • Avoid crowded, poorly ventilated spaces by gathering outside or opening windows if indoors.
    • Space out and limit close contact with people outside the household, especially people who are at high risk for severe COVID-19 or who are not fully vaccinated.

    If gathering with multiple households, potentially from different parts of the country, people may consider avoiding crowded indoor spaces before traveling, or taking a test in advance of gathering even if they aren’t traveling, the Center for Disease Control recommends.

    People hitting the road or skies should check their destination’s COVID-19 situation and watch for any additional restrictions.

    Face masks are required in indoor areas of public transportation, including airplanes and airports.

    People who are not fully vaccinated should get tested for COVID-19 before and after their trips, according to the CDC. After traveling, everyone should monitor for COVID-19 symptoms, which include cough, fever and shortness of breath.

    Anyone who is sick or has COVID-19 symptoms should delay traveling, stay home and get tested.

    Cowlitz County residents can order free rapid test kits at www.sayyescovidhometest.org as part of the “Say Yes! COVID Test” program. Tests will arrive within seven days.


    Health officials urge precautions ahead of holidays; free rapid tests available to Cowlitz County residents

  • NC Department of Health & Human Services secretary gives update on pandemic as holiday season begins

    NC Department of Health & Human Services secretary gives update on pandemic as holiday season begins

    RALEIGH, N.C. (WGHP) — It’s tough to mention the COVID pandemic in North Carolina without the need of mentioning Dr. Mandy Cohen.

    As cecretary of the North Carolina Office of Health and fitness and Human Expert services, she operates a section that has an yearly budget of $20 billion and 17,000 personnel.

    On this page, see on-desire both of those the Newsmakers piece that aired in our 10 p.m. newscast on Nov. 15 as properly as the world wide web additional for the whole scope of my discussion with Dr. Cohen.

    During the earlier 18 months, by way of her numerous print and broadcast interviews and her common appearances at Gov. Roy Cooper’s pandemic media briefings, Cohen has — in lots of strategies — become the public encounter of the pandemic in the condition.

    “I hate they’re associating me with such a challenging time,” Cohen explained to me throughout our 1st deal with-to-facial area conference recently. (I interviewed her by using Zoom in November 2020.) “But top us through this hard pandemic, I desired to give people superior information and to speak a large amount since things are changing so normally. And so I acknowledge that I was in residing rooms. What an honor.” 

    Now as the pandemic appears to be entering a new section after the delta variant upsurge and as we head into the holiday break period, right here are her requires on some of the key COVID subjects:

    ON Exactly where WE ARE IN THE PANDEMIC:

    “When I believe back again to just a calendar year back and where we were being past November of 2020 traits have been going up, we did not yet have vaccines. We did not have greatly out there treatment method. So we are in so much of a better spot proper now, but are we accomplished with this? No, I do not. Sad to say, this virus is not performed with us but.”

    ON WHETHER LOCAL GOVERNMENTS Ought to Daily life MASK MANDATES:

    “I do imagine we’re relocating into hopefully a new period. Items are heading in the suitable way. Our youngsters can get vaccinated. We have extra treatments, but — enable me just — a phrase of caution is we are going into the holidays. We are heading into wintertime. So I do assume individuals want to be careful as they are hunting at it.”

    ON ENDING MASK MANDATES IN Educational facilities:

    “So what I would say is it’s a great milestone we have arrived at that our 5- to 11-12 months-olds can get vaccinated. Wonderful. So now we need to have a tiny little bit of time although, proper? Try to remember, it’s a two-dose program and so our young children are just getting their initial dose and then it is a couple of months right after that that you are technically absolutely vaccinated. So we want to give people some time. Get vaccinated. Get your children guarded. Which is the most vital thing appropriate now. Then we must absolutely appear again and readdress what do we want to do with other levels of security. But I assume it’s far too early to know very nevertheless.”

    ON Mother and father STILL HESITANT FOR THEIR Kids TO GET VACCINE:

    “I have two daughters who are 7 and 9. I experienced the option to look at the scientific details myself and make positive to know that this vaccine is not just risk-free, but it is also productive. And I assume the other factor mothers and fathers will need to know is that little ones are vulnerable to COVID. We observed a whole lot of hospitalizations this summer in our kids from COVID and even some died. And so when you have a risk-free tool to help secure your kids, that is what I want them to listen to from he is take edge of this secure instrument now.”

    ON Planning TO Visit Family members AS WE HEAD INTO THANKSGIVING:

    “What I would say is certainly be vaccinated, appropriate? I hope that you are vaccinated, but also your family members users are vaccinated. So you could protect on your own and every other. I will say there is an further layer of defense you can just take which is also undertaking one of the property quick assessments or even a PCR exam forward of that spouse and children accumulating. Would use it as a belt and suspenders, get vaccinated and also get examined before you see your family customers.”

    ON THE Applications WE HAVE Obtainable TO Prevent AND Handle COVID:

    “So if you do have COVID signs and symptoms, get a check suitable away and make positive you are conversing to your medical professional about readily available solutions and then use other protections and levels of protection — masks, social distancing, washing your fingers. But matters are going in the proper direction so we can get back again to the individuals and sites we enjoy. We’re going in the proper course, but we’ve acquired to do and use some of these instruments that we know operate.”

    For more information, head to the North Carolina Office of Health and Human Products and services COVID Dashboard

  • 8 tips for a safe and healthy holiday season | 2021-11-15

    8 tips for a safe and healthy holiday season | 2021-11-15

    From home decorating and highway excursions to baking cookies and finding ready for friends, the holidays can be hectic!

    Below are eight methods to help make them safe and sound and nutritious.

    1. Follow fireplace protection

    Are your holiday lights in threat of overloading your electrical stores? And would you imagine that additional than 40{fe463f59fb70c5c01486843be1d66c13e664ed3ae921464fa884afebcc0ffe6c} of dwelling fires brought about by holiday decorations transpire due to the fact the decorations are placed also near to a heat source? It is legitimate, the National Fire Defense Affiliation says, including that 1-third of individuals fires are began by candles. To make your getaway decor safer:

    • Pick decorations that are flame resistant or flame retardant.
    • Consider making use of flameless candles.
    • Maintain lit candles away from children, animals and decorations.
    • Exchange string lights that exhibit signals of use or have broken cords or bulbs.
    • Location trees at least 3 toes away from fireplaces, radiators and other resources of warmth.
    • Make confident synthetic trees are labeled “fire resistant.”
    • Really don’t permit dwell trees dry out water them frequently.
    • Spot a display in entrance of your fire.
    • Blow out candles and transform off electrical decorations when you go to mattress.

    2. Store safe and sound

    If you’ll be reward-purchasing in suppliers as a substitute of on the internet this yr, here are items you can do to assistance retain your experience harmless:

    • Store for the duration of daylight hours, if attainable, and try out not to shop on your own.
    • Do not use expensive jewelry or carry large quantities of cash or other valuables.
    • Often park in a nicely-lit space.
    • Remain conscious of your environment. If you see folks loitering close to garages, parking heaps or exterior outlets, seem for someplace else to park.
    • Lock your auto and near its home windows, even if you program to be absent for only a couple of minutes.
    • Preserve deals, presents and valuables locked in the trunk or in a safe compartment where they can not be viewed.
    • Make guaranteed your purse, bags and other items stay in your sight at all instances.
    • Carry your keys in your hand when heading to your car.
    • Appear all over and inside the car or truck right before finding in. Check out for any suspicious men and women, vehicles or predicaments. If you truly feel unsafe, go back again inside and simply call your area legislation enforcement company.

      3. Cook up kitchen protection

      Baking cookies, setting up a standard family feast … so substantially of our time can be used in the kitchen area this time of year. But cooking is the top induce of residential fires. Enable reduce fires and burns with these cooking ideas from the U.S. Fireplace Administration:

      • Fires can start out when the stove heat is also large. If you see smoke or grease starts to boil, flip off the burner.
      • Really do not cook though fatigued or less than the influence of alcoholic beverages or prescription drugs – you have to have to be awake and alert.
      • Put on shorter sleeves or roll up long sleeves. You really do not want them catching on fire.
      • Turn pot handles towards the back again of the stove so you really don’t bump them or suggestion them about.
      • Place dish towels, bags, containers, paper and curtains away from flames.
      • Hold small children and animals at minimum 3 ft away from hot stoves.
  • Health Fusion: Tips for navigating holiday buffets

    Health Fusion: Tips for navigating holiday buffets

    But, says Dr. Stephen Kopecky, a Mayo Clinic cardiologist and author of the book, Live Younger Longer: 6 Steps to Prevent Heart Disease, Cancer, Alzheimer’s and More,” you can have your pumpkin pie and eat it too. You just have to plan ahead so you don’t eat too much.

    “Life happens, holidays happen, all kinds of ceremonies happen,” says Kopecky. “When you celebrate Thanksgiving or other holidays with friends and family, and you’ve been dreaming about Grandma’s special potato salad for two months, go ahead and have some. But don’t fill your plate with it. Make how you approach that table full of food part of your plan.”

    Dr. Stephen Kopecky, Mayo Clinic cardiologist. Mayo Clinic photo

    Dr. Stephen Kopecky, Mayo Clinic cardiologist. Mayo Clinic photo

    Kopecky outlines a strategy that can help you avoid a food bender at Thanksgiving and other event. It includes four tips: survey all of the options, fill your plate with healthy foods first, don’t deprive yourself and if you’re the host, make healthier options easy to find.

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    Tip #1: Survey the food options

    “Know before you go that you’re going to walk around the food table and see what’s there before you dig in,” says Kopecky. “Check out what you’ve been looking forward to having, as well as the healthier options.”

    Tip #2: Fill your plate with healthier options first

    “Once you know what’s available, put some good, healthy things on your plate first,” says Kopecky. “Then go for the stuff you really love. This way you’re getting the things you want, as well as some healthier foods. And that means you’ll eat less of the stuff that might not be as good for you.”

    Tip #3: Don’t deprive yourself

    The key is to not deprive yourself of foods you want, as that method can backfire.

    “Don’t deny yourself,” says Kopecky. “Because when we do that, we tend to binge. All you need is a little forethought and to understand that you need to go into that holiday meal with a plan.”

    Why bother trying to reign in overindulgence at the holidays? Well, if you’re like me, a major act of gluttony can trigger bad habits for weeks. After all, what harm could just one more piece of pie before bed do? Other than maybe a little heartburn, probably not much. But a snack like that before bed for a week would definitely not be good.

    One of the reasons some of the foods we crave are so delicious is because they contain a lot of salt. And this can be an issue for people with kidney disease, high blood pressure and heart conditions.

    “Salt helps your body absorb and retain fluid and water,” says Kopecky. “And, for example, maybe your heart doesn’t pump blood adequately to meet the body’s demands. If you’ve got a lot of extra fluid on board, and you overload the heart, it will have a harder time pumping.”

    The American Heart Association recommends daily intake for healthy adults be less than 2,300 milligrams, or just under a teaspoon. They’re working on lowering that amount to 1,500 milligrams. That’s a little less than ¾ of a teaspoon.

    Tip #4: If you’re the host, make healthier options easy to find

    Another part of the strategy to avoid overdoing it at the holiday buffet is geared toward the hosts of the event. If you’re the one throwing the party or meal, arrange the table so that some healthy choices are in front and easy to reach.

    So go ahead, have a couple bites of your favorite Thanksgiving foods. And if you have a plan, you’ll be better equipped to stop at those bites and avoid overindulging.

    Vivien Williams is a video content producer for NewsMD and the host of “Health Fusion.” She can be reached at [email protected].