Educational health information to improve your well-being.
Posts in Nurses Health Corner
Mental Health of America helps Americans live healthy lives
May 2, 2018
Mental Health of America is focused on helping Americans live physically and mentally healthy lives. Considering May is Mental Health Month, they have released special tools, materials, and fact sheets about mental health. There are many components to mental health, many of which are tied to physical health as well. All parts of a healthy lifestyle improve the health of the whole person. Below is an outline of Mental Health America's focus points for achieving a fit mind and body as well as some information about them. Have a healthy diet. Individuals who have diets rich in fruits, vegetables...Continue Reading
A Month of Laughter
April 2, 2018
April is National Humor Month . National Humor Month was founded in 1976 by comedian and best-selling author Larry Wilde, Director of The Carmel Institute of Humor. Steve Wilson, Psychologist, Joyologist, Cheerman of the Bored and Founder of World Laughter Tour, is the Director of National Humor Month. Fun and Happy designated days in April are International Fun-At-Work Day on April 5 th and Pursuit of Happiness Day on April 13 th . (April 13 th is Thomas Jefferson's birthday. He is author of the famous 'pursuit of happiness' phrase in our Declaration of Independence.) To bring joy into your...Continue Reading
The Organized Kitchen
March 1, 2018
You want to eat healthier and lose some weight? As with many things in life, in order to achieve your goal, you need to plan and set yourself up for success. One of the most important, and often overlooked, steps in this process is to organize your kitchen! By organizing your kitchen, you will create a welcoming environment where you will be more likely to want to prepare healthy foods and eat at home. Here are some tips for setting up your kitchen to encourage healthy eating. Clear the counters, cabinets, and the refrigerator It is hard to choose and/or prepare healthy menu items when we...Continue Reading
Goals for the care of Cardiovascular Disease
February 5, 2018
Great strides have been made in the last several years for the care of those with cardiovascular disease (CVD). Immediate action to enter emergency medical care continues to be the number one goal to save lives. Even 15 minutes can be the difference between death and disability, and returning to a fulfilling life. The second goal is primary and secondary prevention of the causes surrounding CVD and reducing these risk factors. Goal #1: Immediate Action Two of the most common reasons of cardiovascular emergencies are heart attack and stroke. The cause for a heart attack or stroke is similar...Continue Reading
Teens and Drug Misuse
January 22, 2018
National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week ® (NDAFW), January 22-28, 2018, is a national health observance linking teens to science based facts to SHATTER THE MYTHS® about drugs! Over 18.5 million persons 12 and older have misused prescription drugs in the past year. When asked how they obtained prescription opioids, a majority of the 12th graders surveyed said they were given the drugs or they bought them from a friend or relative. These statistics are particularly worrisome as youth who misuse prescription medications are more likely to report use of other drugs. Monitoring the Future is an...Continue Reading
Cope with Stress and Depression During the Holidays
December 1, 2017
The holiday season, stretching from Thanksgiving through New Years, can be a time of joy, celebration, gatherings with family and friends and reflection of blessings. This is not the case for all, as many people reflect on their current situation, be it financial, relational, spiritual or other. They look at the past with disappointment and to the future with uncertainty. Holiday Depression and SAD – Seasonal Affective Disorder are two distinct mental health conditions that are real during this time of year. According to Mental Health America, many factors can cause the "holiday blues":...Continue Reading
National Take a Hike Day
November 17, 2017
The Shenandoah Valley offers the fortune of having the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains to look at every single day. On November 17 th , we celebrate National Take a Hike Day. According to WebMD, hiking increases the amount of calories burned compared to walking on a flat surface. With the fortune of having mountains all around us, we have plenty of opportunities to take advantage of this day, or any sunny day in the Shenandoah Valley. Days like National Take a Hike Day reminds us to get off of the couch and exercise. Some examples of health benefits to walking and hiking are: Reduces the risk...Continue Reading
Teeth are Essential to get Vital Nutrition
October 2, 2017
Teeth are an essential piece to individuals getting vital nutrition. Without teeth, we would not be able to enjoy a lot of the foods that we eat. Have you ever thought about how well you take care of your teeth? Many of us can still hear our moms in the back of our heads nagging us to brush our teeth before bedtime. But sadly, there are many people that are skipping out on the necessary measures that need to be taken when it comes to oral health. Fluoride is a paste that the dentist often uses on our teeth right before we leave the dentist's office, but only getting fluoride at the dentist's...Continue Reading
Chronic Pain Awareness
September 1, 2017
Chronic pain is pain that usually persists for months or even years. This type of pain is experienced by nearly 100 million Americans every year. Two of the most common types of chronic pain are lower back pain and headaches. September is Pain Awareness Month , a public awareness campaign launched in 2001 that is led by the American Chronic Pain Association . The goals of Pain Awareness Month are to educate the community on the severity of this health issue, spread awareness about treatment and encourage community members to get involved with pain awareness programs. It is estimated that...Continue Reading
Children’s Eye Health and Safety Month
August 2, 2017
With school starting back soon, it is important to make sure your children, younger siblings and their friends are all in good health. Back to school time can be overwhelming between orientation forms, schedules and immunizations but it's important to make sure their eyes are also checked. August is Children's Eye Health and Safety Month, bringing forth education and awareness to the health and safety of children's eyes. This initiative is in connection with the American Academy of Ophthalmologists and Prevent Blindness America. Routine vision screenings are crucial in preventing long-term...Continue Reading