The Power of Giving Thanks Looking for a good way to boost your health this week; try giving thanks! There are many physical and mental health benefits by just showing gratitude and giving thanks. And, with Thanksgiving only a couple of days away, this is the perfect time to express gratitude. Physically, expressing gratitude may help you sleep better. Studies show that people who engage in gratitude activities sleep better, longer and feel more refreshed. In some studies, expressing gratitude may also lead to fewer aches and pains, such as fewer headaches and stomachaches. Gratitude is also very beneficial to our mental health. Gratitude creates more positive emotions, helps us relish good experiences and build stronger relationships with others. Being more grateful can build our self-esteem; it helps us focus on what we have and not on what we don’t have. Expressing gratitude may also help reduce stress, anxiety and depression; and, it may help us overcome trauma. Since Thanksgiving is this week, try to find different ways that you can express gratitude in your life. Even if this year's Thanksgiving may be different than in the past, we can still find reasons to be thankful. Here are a few suggestions for gratitude activities that you may find helpful.
Sources and additional reading material:
Greater Good Magazine Harvard Health Publishing USC News Forbes
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"It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year" |
Staying Sane during the Pandemic |  |
Will the COVID-19 pandemic never end?! Here we are in November, 2020 which means that the world has been living and dealing with COVID-19 for almost a year. Currently in Utah, the rising rates of this disease are higher than ever. It doesn’t seem too long ago when we watched as places like Italy and New York started reporting high numbers in the thousands and now, Utah is doing the same. It has been a couple of days since Governor Herbert declared a new state of emergency with stronger executive public health orders. To read about these orders in full, click on the following link:
With these new orders, and with the much colder temperatures that this week has brought, many of us may once again be spending more time at home. For some, staying home more often may seem like a blessing, while others may see it as a curse. However you may feel about it, let us try to be optimistic and make the most of this time. To help you through the next couple weeks, and probably more, I have compiled a list of activities to try. I have sought out ideas from online, coworkers, friends and family members.
- Start a new exercise routine. Exercise has countless benefits, which include reducing stress and anxiety
- Start and finish a project, such as: organize your closets, clean out the garage, organize your pictures etc.
- The holidays are getting closer. Have the kids make homemade decorations or gifts. Click on the link below for some ideas:
- Reach out to friends and family. Now is the perfect time to catch up with an old friend.
- Find a service project. Serving others is a great way to help lift others and ourselves. Remember to keep COVID-19 guidelines. Try:
- Raking an elderly neighbor’s leaves
- Bringing in a neighbor’s trash can
- Send a random text to a friend or family member expressing gratitude for their involvement in your life
- Donate to the local food bank
- Start a movie marathon. Pull out the classics or choose a theme like movies starring Tom Hanks or Academy Awards “Best Picture” films.
- Experiment with new recipes and discover new foods.
- Spend time teaching your children to cook.
- Read a book. Since we seem to be using electronic devices more than usual, try to get a printed copy of the book and take a break from your electronic device.
- If possible, during the day, bundle up and head outdoors for some fresh air and natural light.
And the list could go on and on. If you have an idea that has worked well with your and/or your family, please feel free to share it with all of us.
Welcome November!
It is hard to believe that November is here and that the year 2020 is almost over! With November comes the end of Day Light Savings Time, meaning shorter days with darkening skies appearing before most of us have left work. There is a definite chill in the air that does not seem to altogether disappear, even when the sun is shining brightly. November also brings elections for national and local officials, Veteran's Day, and the beginning of the holiday season. Before November is in full swing and our minds are focused on the upcoming holidays, let us not forget about our own health. November is National Diabetes Month and November 14th is World Diabetes Day. The American Diabetes Association's theme this year is "We Stand Greater Than Diabetes." Let us take a moment to learn more about this disease, its causes, risk factors, symptoms and treatments.
Diabetes is a chronic disease that affects millions of Americans. Even if you do not have diabetes, you probably know at least one person in your life that may have one of the three types of this disease: type 1, type 2 or gestational diabetes.
Diabetes happens when our bodies no longer produce enough insulin or our cells stop responding to insulin and too much blood sugar stays in the bloodstream. Without proper treatment, diabetes can lead to more serious issues such as heart disease, kidney disease and vision loss. If you would like to learn more about how insulin works in the body, click on the video below.
Diabetes happens when our bodies no longer produce enough insulin or our cells stop responding to insulin and too much blood sugar stays in the bloodstream. Without proper treatment, diabetes can lead to more serious issues such as heart disease, kidney disease and vision loss. If you would like to learn more about how insulin works in the body, click on the video below.
Here are a few basic facts about diabetes provided by the CDC-
- Approximately 34 million Americans have diabetes; only 1 in 5 know they have it
- Approximately 80 million Americans are prediabetic; only 1 in 3 know that they are
- Diabetes is the 7th leading cause of death in the United States
- Diabetes is the #1 cause for kidney failure, lower limb amputation, and adult blindness
- Over the last 20 years, the number of adults diagnosed with diabetes has doubled
- 90-95% of adults are diagnosed with type 2 diabetes
- The medical cost and lost work and wages for people with diabetes in the US is over $320 billion
 ADA Risk Test | |
There is so much for us to learn about diabetes. As stated above, if you do not have the disease, there is probably at least one person in your life that does. Education leads to understanding. Join in the cause this month of becoming more aware diabetes and how it is impacting the lives of those around us; or, how it is impacting your own life. There are many great resources out there. Click on any of the logos below for the CDC or American Diabetes Associates for more information about this disease. The information found in the links can help you better understand the causes, risks, symptoms and treatment options for diabetes. If you find yourself at high risk for diabetes, consult with your doctor. Also, Bear River Health Department offers a class on Diabetes Prevention; more information can be found by clicking on their logo below.
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