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Staying Safe and Healthy for Christmas  It's the 21st of December; where has the month gone?! This week is full of excitement and anticipation as Christmas inches closer and closer. A couple of things things we can do this week to make Christmas more enjoyable is by being safe and healthy. Listed below are some ideas on how to take care of ourselves throughout the week and into the holiday. Safety FirstSafety on the Road: There will be more cars on the road this week filled with last minute shoppers, families and friends out and about, and travelers coming and going for the holiday. Add in the possibility of snow and the roads may not be your favorite place this week. Drive carefully, be courteous to other drivers and plan for extra time so you are not rushing to your destination. If you are leaving town, make sure your car is ready: the lights work, windshield wipers and tires are in good shape, you have plenty of oil and gas. Check road conditions and always travel with an emergency kit. If you are attending a celebration where alcohol is involved, remember to drink in moderation and, if necessary, plan ahead and designate a sober driver.  Fire Safety: Fires are all too common during the holiday season caused by Christmas lights, Christmas trees, candles, and accidents in the kitchen. Inspect Christmas lights for frayed wires. Make sure to water your tree daily; a dry tree can quickly become a danger. Keep candles away from anything flammable; make sure they are in a sturdy holder and do not leave candles unattended. When cooking, stay in the kitchen and minimize distractions. Keep decorations away from your range. Keep a lid near by if cooking with grease. Staying HealthyCOVID-19 and Christmas: Sadly, COVID-19 will not be taking the holidays off this year. Although a vaccination is now being administered to a select few, it is still a cause of concern as cases continue to rise throughout the general public. Please keep COVID-19 in your holiday plans: stay home and away from others if you feel sick, social distance when possible, mask up and keep gatherings small. Click on this CDC link to read the holiday recommendations. Stress and the Holidays: Holidays are a wonderful time of the year, but they can also be a very stressful time. Make sure to make time for yourself to unwind and relax. Make a schedule: plan when you want your shopping, wrapping, cooking, etc. accomplished. Be realistic, especially with COVID-19, that this year's celebration may look different than in the past; the holiday experience will be more enjoyable if you do not try to reach some unattainable ideal of a perfect holiday season. Refer back to the blog from 11/1/2020 for more reading on a stress free holiday.  Eating Healthy: One of the best things about the holidays is the food. And, there is no harm in letting ourselves indulge and enjoy some of our favorite goodies during this time of year. However, it is also not a good idea to have a free for all and eat everything in sight because it is the holidays. Also, don't ruin your holidays with guilt and shame for "ruining your diet." There is a lot of advice online for eating healthy during this time of year. Some of the ones I find the most helpful are: don't skip meals, don't skip the fruits and vegetables, take small serving sizes, stay hydrated, spend more time socializing, and don't forget your workouts. On behalf of the Logan Family Center: Have a very Merry Christmas
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Vaccinations- |
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.
Halloween during a pandemic
To many of you, the pandemic caused by Covid-19 may seem surreal. There may be times where life feels completely normal as you head off to work, school or maybe out to dinner. But, the new normal quickly kicks in as, before you leave the house, you make sure you have an extra face mask, a pair of gloves and a bottle of hand sanitizer.
It can sometimes seem difficult to know exactly how to make the right adjustments in life during this time, adjustments that will keep ourselves and families safe but also allow for enjoyment and satisfaction.
One of the many questions we are facing right now is what to do about the upcoming holidays. With infection rates rising and flu season quickly approaching, it is important to be cautious in any type of activity we may be participating in. This is especially true with the holidays where gatherings can quickly grow in number and are held indoors where social distancing may not be possible.
With Halloween coming up at the end of this week, many of you may feel undecided about how to celebrate and what activities to participate in this year. Talking with residents throughout the valley, there are many families who will be out trick or treating while others are planning on staying home. Make your decision based on what you feel is best for your family.
Although the CDC has discouraged Trick or Treating this year, they are aware that many will continue to participate in this most favored traditions of Halloween. In response, the CDC has composed a few guidelines on how to best keep you and families safe while Trick or Treating and also some tips on how to enjoy Halloween if you choose not to Trick or Treat.
Click on this link for the CDC's website for tips on how to keep Halloween safe.
It can sometimes seem difficult to know exactly how to make the right adjustments in life during this time, adjustments that will keep ourselves and families safe but also allow for enjoyment and satisfaction.
One of the many questions we are facing right now is what to do about the upcoming holidays. With infection rates rising and flu season quickly approaching, it is important to be cautious in any type of activity we may be participating in. This is especially true with the holidays where gatherings can quickly grow in number and are held indoors where social distancing may not be possible.
With Halloween coming up at the end of this week, many of you may feel undecided about how to celebrate and what activities to participate in this year. Talking with residents throughout the valley, there are many families who will be out trick or treating while others are planning on staying home. Make your decision based on what you feel is best for your family.
Although the CDC has discouraged Trick or Treating this year, they are aware that many will continue to participate in this most favored traditions of Halloween. In response, the CDC has composed a few guidelines on how to best keep you and families safe while Trick or Treating and also some tips on how to enjoy Halloween if you choose not to Trick or Treat.
Click on this link for the CDC's website for tips on how to keep Halloween safe.
Fire Prevention
Can you believe how quickly October has gone? We are in its final week and with it quickly drawing to an end, let us reflect on one more thing about October before it is over. This is National Fire Prevention Month. If you haven't already this month, please take some time during this last week of October to test your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and replace batteries, if needed. Also, make sure your fire extinguishers are in good, working condition. Go over your emergency plan with your family; if you do not have an emergency plan, take time to sit down and create one, there are plenty of good ideas online. Remember, you only have 2-3 minutes to evacuate your house during a fire. Make sure you are prepared.
The Power of Sleep
How many of you woke up peacefully this morning feeling refreshed, well-rested and ready to start the day?
How many of you jerked awake to the sound of an alarm, groaned and slowly rolled out of bed with only one eye open; or, how many of you hit the snooze button once, twice or even three times before getting out of bed.
If you answered no to the first question and yes to any of the rest, you are not alone. It is estimated that around 75% of Americans are waking up abruptly to the sound of an alarm clock and around half of those are hitting the snooze button.
So, how do we get away from these mornings that start way too early and are never greeted with the enthusiasms that a new, beautiful day should? The answer is very simple; and, we all know it: we need more sleep.
The CDC estimates that 1 in 3 Americans are not getting enough sleep. Why is it that sleep is one of the most important things our bodies need but is also the first things we sacrifice when looking for extra time in the day?
Sleep is the time for our brains and many other systems in our body to recharge, restore and replenish. How many of us are more concerned about our phones being fully charged than we are about our own bodies?
According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, sleeping impacts our brain functions and its ability to adapt input; without enough sleep, our brain may not fully process what we've learned during the day and may affect our future memory.
The CDC reports that being sleepy throughout the day and constantly depriving ourselves of getting enough sleep may be linked serious health consequences such as: depression, obesity, diabetes and heart disease. And, according to the Mayo Clinic, not enough sleep can cause impairments in our attentiveness, coordination and reaction times that may lead to workplace accidents or accidents on the road.
Now that we may understand a little more of the importance of sleep, how much sleep do we need exactly? Click on this link from the National Sleep Foundation outlining the recommended sleep times.
The most important step in getting the sleep we need is by making it a priority. Click on this link from the National Sleep Foundation that is filled with many tips on getting a better night's sleep, or watch the quick video below from the Mayo Clinic. If you have more time, there is also a link to a great Ted Talk about sleep.
How many of you jerked awake to the sound of an alarm, groaned and slowly rolled out of bed with only one eye open; or, how many of you hit the snooze button once, twice or even three times before getting out of bed.
If you answered no to the first question and yes to any of the rest, you are not alone. It is estimated that around 75% of Americans are waking up abruptly to the sound of an alarm clock and around half of those are hitting the snooze button.
So, how do we get away from these mornings that start way too early and are never greeted with the enthusiasms that a new, beautiful day should? The answer is very simple; and, we all know it: we need more sleep.
The CDC estimates that 1 in 3 Americans are not getting enough sleep. Why is it that sleep is one of the most important things our bodies need but is also the first things we sacrifice when looking for extra time in the day?
Sleep is the time for our brains and many other systems in our body to recharge, restore and replenish. How many of us are more concerned about our phones being fully charged than we are about our own bodies?
According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, sleeping impacts our brain functions and its ability to adapt input; without enough sleep, our brain may not fully process what we've learned during the day and may affect our future memory.
The CDC reports that being sleepy throughout the day and constantly depriving ourselves of getting enough sleep may be linked serious health consequences such as: depression, obesity, diabetes and heart disease. And, according to the Mayo Clinic, not enough sleep can cause impairments in our attentiveness, coordination and reaction times that may lead to workplace accidents or accidents on the road.
Now that we may understand a little more of the importance of sleep, how much sleep do we need exactly? Click on this link from the National Sleep Foundation outlining the recommended sleep times.
The most important step in getting the sleep we need is by making it a priority. Click on this link from the National Sleep Foundation that is filled with many tips on getting a better night's sleep, or watch the quick video below from the Mayo Clinic. If you have more time, there is also a link to a great Ted Talk about sleep.
What happens when you just cannot sleep? There are nights where you may find sleeping more difficult than others and this can be normal. However, if this becomes a reoccurring problem and you find sleep difficult night after night, even after following every tip available, it may be time to speak to your doctor. The CDC recommends that keeping a sleep diary to track your sleep habits for ten days and talking to your doctor may be necessary in getting better sleep. There are also many disorders that cause sleep disturbances that may need to be addressed in order for you to receive the sleep needed; these may include insomnia, sleep apnea, narcolepsy or more. Please click on this link from the National Sleep Foundation to learn more about sleep disorders.
Now, that we've learned a little more about the importance of sleep and how to get a better night's rest, let us put into practice the things we have learned and give our bodies the sleep it needs.
October is in full swing. The temperature is beginning to drop and the sun seems to disappear behind the mountains at a quickening pace. Before we get too much further into October, let us not forget about one of the most important health awareness campaigns that are going on throughout this month, Breast Cancer Awareness.
According to the American Cancer Society, breast cancer is one of the most common cancers for women and 1 in 8 will receive a diagnosis in their lifetime. This can seem very frightening since breast cancer is the second leading cancer death in women (American Cancer Society). For this reason, early detection and treatment is crucial in fighting breast cancer. Cancer screenings such as self-examinations and mammograms should be a routine part of our lives as women.
Although breast cancer may not be preventable there are ways that may help lower the risk of getting breast cancer. The below video, provided by the CDC list a few ways in which we can reduce our chances of breast cancer. Or click on the CDC link below to read about risk factors and how to reduce your risk.
According to the American Cancer Society, breast cancer is one of the most common cancers for women and 1 in 8 will receive a diagnosis in their lifetime. This can seem very frightening since breast cancer is the second leading cancer death in women (American Cancer Society). For this reason, early detection and treatment is crucial in fighting breast cancer. Cancer screenings such as self-examinations and mammograms should be a routine part of our lives as women.
Although breast cancer may not be preventable there are ways that may help lower the risk of getting breast cancer. The below video, provided by the CDC list a few ways in which we can reduce our chances of breast cancer. Or click on the CDC link below to read about risk factors and how to reduce your risk.
October 13, 2020 Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day
This day is to bring awareness to those who are fighting in this advanced stage of the disease and also those working tirelessly in research and treatment options.
October 16, 2020 National Mammography Day | |
This day is designated to remind and encourage women to set up an appointment for a mammogram as recommended. Click on the link below to read the guidelines for cancer screening recommendations from the American Cancer Society.
October 14, 2020 National Dessert Day |  |
Life is full of many things that cause us stress: illnesses, employment, financial issues, school, family life and so much more...With all this, it is important to take a break and find a little joy in life every once in a while. This upcoming Wednesday is the perfect time to take that little break. It is National Dessert Day! So, take a break and indulge in your favorite dessert. Or, get creative and make one of these treats that tops the list as America's most popular desserts:
- Ice Cream
- Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Boston Cream Pie
- Apple Pie
- Banana Pudding
- Cheesecake
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