July 2024

July 02, 2024 by Pamela St. Aimee

“…As the flower turns to the sun, that the bright beams may aid in perfecting its beauty and symmetry, so should we turn to the Sun of Righteousness .…”

— Ellen G. White

UV Safety Month

Summer has arrived and while the sun is shining bright it's a golden time to highlight July as UV Safety Awareness Month!

We all love to take in those warm summer rays, but everyone must remember to protect their skin and eyes from the damaging effects of the sun.

The sun emits radiation known as UV-A and UV-B rays. Both types can damage your eyes and skin:

• UV-B rays have short wavelengths that reach the outer layer of your skin
• UV-A rays have longer wavelengths that can penetrate the middle layer of your skin

By learning the risks associated with too much sun exposure and taking the right precautions to protect you and your family from UV rays, everyone can enjoy the sun and outdoors safely.

Here are the harmful things unprotected sun exposure can do:

• Cause vision problems and damage to your eyes
• Suppression of the immune system
• Premature aging of the skin
• Skin cancer

Fortunately, there are things you can do to minimize the risk that comes with sun exposure.

1. Cover Up: Wearing a Hat (preferably wide brimmed) or other shade-protective clothing can partly shield your skin from the harmful effects of UV ray exposure. Proper clothing may include long-sleeved shirts, pants, hats, and Sunglasses - for eye protection.

2. Stay in the Shade: The sun's glare is most intense at midday. Staying in the shade between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. will further protect your skin. The sun can still damage your skin on cloudy days or in the winter. For this reason, it is important to stay protected throughout the year.

3. Choose the Right Sunscreen: This is extremely important. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) new regulations for sunscreen labeling recommend that your sunscreen have a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15, and should protect against both Ultraviolet A (UV-A) and Ultraviolet B (UV-B) rays.

4. Use the Right Amount of Sunscreen: According to the National Council on Skin Cancer Prevention, most people apply only 25-50 percent of the recommended amount of sunscreen. When out in the sun, it's important that you apply at least one ounce (a palmful) of sunscreen every two hours. You should apply it more often if you are sweating or swimming, even if the sunscreen is waterproof.

By taking the proper precautions and following this advice you and your loved ones can enjoy the sun. If you are having any problems after being in the sun, be sure to talk to your healthcare provider.

Enjoy the outdoors this summer and remember to protect your eyes and the skin you're in!

https://www.cancer.org/healthy/be-safe-in-sun.html

Click here to read more about the therapeutic application of Sunshine as a NEWSTART principle.

TOSS AWAY THE “COULD HAVES” AND “SHOULD HAVES” DAY | On Saturday, July 20, 2024

Across the United States, the third Saturday in July recognizes Toss Away the "Could Haves" and "Should Haves" Day. In short, don't go through life with regrets.

Created by author and motivational speaker Martha J. Ross-Rodgers, this day is intended for everyone to let go of the past and live for the present.

The first step to participating in this day is to find a pen and paper. Then write down your "could haves" and "should haves" on the paper. Finally, throw away the list.

HOW TO OBSERVE TOSS AWAY THE COULD HAVES AND SHOULD HAVES DAY

To celebrate…

Let go of the things that have been burdening you and live in the now.
Then post on social media using: #TossAwayTheCouldHavesAndShouldHavesDay
Encourage others to join in and do the same!

April 2024

April 18, 2024 by Pamela St. Aimee

“…for many, it may be the first step toward recovery.…”

— V. Lawrence, RN

National Alcohol Awareness Month

Alcohol Awareness Month was established in 1987 by the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence. The idea was then and now to help communities reach out to the public and provide answers to end the stigma associated with alcohol abuse. For more information, please visit: https://www.ncadd.org/

The month of April is National Alcohol Awareness Month in America by providing an opportunity to increase awareness of alcohol addiction by an intense focus. It is all aimed to bring understanding of alcohol’s causes, the effective treatments available, plus encouraging people into recovery. https://www.alcohol.org/awareness-month/

#Alcohol Screening Day, April 8, 2024

National Alcohol Screening Day raises awareness about the harmful effects of alcohol abuse and alcohol dependency these screens offer anonymous and confidential opportunities for those with addiction to seek help. While most people do not abuse alcohol, some do not realize the effects alcohol has on them and their lives, others do not realize the risks they take even when they only occasionally indulge in alcohol. Taking an alcohol screening may point out areas of concern we may not be aware of. For many, it may be the first step toward recovery. Take the quiz: https://alcoholscreening.org

Please click here to learn more about the therapeutic application of Temperance.

Public Health Week, April 4-11, 2024

APHA is hosting NPHW events entirely online this year, to protect our partners and neighbors during the COVID-19 pandemic. Learn more about what APHA is doing, and what you can do to prepare without panic. http://www.nphw.org

Healthy Kids Day, April 20, 2024

https://www.ymca.org/what-we-do/healthy-living/family-time/healthy-kids-day

National Earth Day, April 22, 2024

Participate by supporting and using recycling programs, volunteer to clean up local parks and streets, support green businesses, use reusable products instead of disposable, repurpose items, walk or ride a bike to work if possible, and carpool or make one trip instead of multiple car trips for shopping.

Every Kid Healthy Week, April 22-26, 2024

https://www.actionforhealthykids.org/get-involved/every-kid-healthy-week/

National Zucchini Bread Day, April 25, 2024

#NationalZucchiniBreadDay - Mom’s Zucchini Bread Recipe: https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/6698/moms-zucchini-bread/?mxt=t06dda

World Healing Day, April 27, 2024

www.worldhealingday.org

March 2023

March 14, 2024 by Pamela St. Aimee

“…bite into a healthy lifestyle…”

— V. Lawrance, RN

National Nutrition Month

National Nutrition Month is an educational campaign focusing on the significance of physical fitness as well as eating nourishing meals. Taking charge of your health contributes to overall well-being; as well as losing weight or staying at your ideal weight, which reduces risks of chronic illnesses such as heart disease and diabetes. https://www.eatright.org/food/resources/national-nutrition-month.

This year's theme is "Fuel for the Future." Eating with sustainability in mind is a tasty way to nourish ourselves during every phase of life and protect the environment. A Registered Dietitian Nutritionist can help you create healthy habits that are sustainable and celebrate your unique needs:

Week 1: Eat with the environment in mind.

Week 2: See a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN).

Week 3: Stay nourished and save money

Week 4: Eat a variety of foods from all food groups.

Week 5: Make tasty foods at home

Click here to read more details at www.eatright.org/national-nutrition-month-2023

Also, click here to read more about the NEWSTART program an S.D.A. endorsed therapeutic application of Nutrition.

Mediterranean Diet Month

Mediterranean diet is named the best diet for 2021 and continues to be lauded as one of the best to date. https://nationaltoday.com/national-mediterranean-diet-month/. The diet can reduce the risk for diabetes, high cholesterol, dementia, memory loss, depression, and breast cancer. See the following article for the complete CNN report. https://www.cnn.com/2021/01/05/health/mediterranean-diet-2021-best-diet-wellness/index.html.

Activities:

Explore this cuisine; Google recipes with foods you’ve never tried.
Start a 30-day challenge; try one new food, condiment, or spice every week.
Make a Mediterranean-inspired dinner/party.

World Sleep Day March 15th

https://worldsleepday.org/

National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week, March 22-28th

https://nationaltoday.com/national-drug-and-alcohol-facts-week/

SAMHSA’s National Helpline: 1-800-662- HELP (4357)

https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline

National Spinach Day, March 26th

A source of iron, calcium, folic acid, fiber, protein, calcium, and vitamins A, C, and K. It is loaded with cancer-fighting antioxidants and helps to improve cardiovascular and gastrointestinal health. Try it in a salad, on a pizza, in lasagna, or add to scrambled eggs.

https://nationaldaycalendar.com/national-spinach-day-march-26/

January 2023

March 12, 2023 by Pamela St. Aimee

“…and He has made, from one blood…”

— Acts 17:26-28

January is National Blood Donor Month

There is usually an increase in need in the winter months. But with the occurrence of any crisis situation the need for blood donations exponentially increase. Participating in an American Red Cross community blood drive serves the community in several ways:

Helps meet the demand for blood: Blood drives are organized to help meet the ongoing demand for blood products in hospitals and other medical facilities. Blood is required for various medical procedures, surgeries, and treatments, and donating blood helps ensure that there is a sufficient supply available for those who need it.
Saves lives: By donating blood, you are contributing to a life-saving process. Your donation can help patients who are suffering from various illnesses and injuries, including cancer, trauma, and surgeries. One donation can potentially save up to three lives.
Raises awareness: Blood drives also help raise awareness about the importance of blood donation and encourage others to become donors. By participating in a blood drive, you are helping to educate your community about the vital role blood donations play in saving lives.
Promotes community engagement: Blood drives are often organized by local communities and involve volunteers, donors, and organizers working together to support a common cause. Participating in a blood drive can help build a sense of community and promote civic engagement.
Helps during emergencies: Blood donations are particularly important during emergencies and natural disasters when the demand for blood products may increase. By participating in a blood drive, you are helping to ensure that there is a sufficient supply of blood available during times of crisis.

Overall, participating in an American Red Cross community blood drive is an essential way to serve the community by helping to meet the demand for blood products, saving lives, raising awareness, promoting community engagement, and supporting emergency preparedness efforts.

Contact your local American Red Cross. www.redcross.org

February 2023

February 12, 2023 by Pamela St. Aimee

“…for God so loved the world …”

— John 3;16 KJV

American Heart Month

Learn more about the American Heart Association's efforts to reduce death caused by heart disease and stroke. Also learn about cardiovascular conditions, ECC and CPR, donating, heart disease information for healthcare professionals, caregivers, and educators, and healthy living.

https://www.heart.org/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIm_mP89zS_QIVGObjBx2OLQUyEAAYAiAAEgJ0IPD_BwEP

National Wear Red Day

https://nationaltoday.com/national-wear-red-day/

Pay a Compliment Day, February 6th

Taking time to compliment a friend, loved one or even a stranger can give them, and you, a big boost. In a study conducted by Health-span in the U.K., researchers found that receiving a compliment from someone you know and being complimented by a stranger were two of the top 10 confidence boosters. Previous research by Neuron found that when a person is compliment, it lights up the brain’s “reward center.” Moreover, studies show that giving out three compliments a day can significantly increase one’s sense of well-being. Get started today.

Valentine’s Day, February 14th

As we remember all of the loved ones on our list this day, don’t forget the Supreme Love and “ultimate” gift, “for God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him shall not perish, but have everlasting life” {John 3:16, K.J.V}

F.A.S.T.

F.A.S.T is an acronym that is commonly used to help people quickly recognize the signs and symptoms of a stroke. It stands for:

Face drooping: Does one side of the face droop or feel numb? Ask the person to smile to check if their smile is uneven.
Arm weakness: Is one arm weak or numb? Ask the person to raise both arms to see if one arm drifts downward.
Speech difficulty: Is speech slurred or hard to understand? Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence and see if they can do so correctly.
Time to call 911: If someone shows any of these symptoms, call 911 immediately.

F.A.S.T is important because time is critical when it comes to treating a stroke. The longer it takes to receive treatment, the more damage a stroke can cause to the brain. By recognizing the signs of a stroke and calling for emergency medical assistance immediately, treatment can be started sooner, which can greatly improve the chances of recovery and reduce the risk of long-term disability. Therefore, F.A.S.T. can help to save lives and minimize the impact of a stroke.

Learn More at: https://www.heart.org/-/media/stroke-files/fast-resources/ucm_467905.pdf?la=en

September

September 02, 2022 by Pamela St. Aimee

“… For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.…”

— Ephesians 2:10 ESV

September is National Wellness Month

September is National Wellness Month, and it's a perfect time to focus on taking care of yourself physically, mentally, and emotionally. Especially during these stressful times, it's important to make self-care, healthy eating, and stress management a priority in order to feel better than ever!

https://eatmightymeals.com/8-ways-to-celebrate-national-wellness-month/

National Recovery Month

https://www.samhsa.gov/recovery-month

Healthy Aging Month

https://health.gov/our-work/national-health-initiatives/healthy-aging/about-healthy-aging

Blue Zone Diet

https://www.bluezones.com/recipes/food-guidelines/

National Food Safety Education Month

https://www.fightbac.org/nfsem/

August

August 02, 2022 by Pamela St. Aimee

“…Sun protection doesn’t need to be complicated or expensive — it needs to be consistent…”

— Hillary Fogelson

UV Damage Prevention Month

This month’s goal is to discuss a few of the many issues that might arise when your skin is subjected to an excessive amount of ultraviolet (UV) light.

In addition, you can get recommendations on how to shield yourself and the people you care about from the damaging effects of the sun's rays.

Follow the link provided below for more information on the topics listed including some pointers on how to avoid being exposed to ultraviolet light (UV):

UV Exposure

Protect yourself

Sun Safety Quiz

Check your Skin

Self Exam

Learn more:

https://www.cancer.org/healthy/be-safe-in-sun.html

7 Ways to Start the School Year Right

By Janeen Lewis

Welcoming structure and routine back into family life helps get kids who are reluctant to return to school more motivated to go. With a positive attitude and a few back-to-school motivators, even reluctant school goers can start the school year off right. And getting off on the right foot paves the way for school success for the entire year.

1. Reintroduce routines

It’s easy to get off schedule during the summer when longer days beckon kids outside late and sleeping in is easy to do. Introduce routines for going to bed and waking up before school starts to adjust. Read a book together as a family to simulate academic routine before daily homework starts. If you have tweens or teens that have been staying up late, take their bedtime back 15 minutes every night until you get to the desired bedtime, so it isn’t too much of a shock to kid’s sleep cycles.

2. Get organized

Organize those areas that you will use for school preparations. Make a place for lunch and breakfast items in the refrigerator and pantry so they will be ready to go when making lunches or breakfast. Restock home desk supplies and prep study areas. Organize your laundry room with baskets for school uniforms, sports uniforms, and individual kid’s clothes. Don’t overlook your vehicle. Keep a basket with all the things you might need for those busy hectic drives between school, work, and after-school activities.

3. Purge last year’s items

Go through backpacks and closets and get rid of anything that is outgrown or worn out. Sell the nicest items at consignment stores or a yard sale and save what you make to put toward new items this school year. If your child has a hard time letting go of items even though they are worn out or do not fit, try putting them in storage for a month or two, then bring them back out. I have done this with my own kids, and usually they are willing to give up the items when they realize they have not missed them.

4. Devise a shopping strategy

After you have purged your home of old items, it is fun to replace them. Sometimes kids get excited about returning to school because they get new clothes and supplies. Check out all the sales flyers and compare prices for the things your child needs. Make a shopping list of needed school supplies, clothing items and any organizing tolls you might need for closets. If your school has already sent a supply list, you can ship early and avoid the crowds and out-of-stock items. Sometimes I even shop late in the evening for school supplies when the aisles are less crowded so I can look carefully for what my kids need. The more you plan, the more you can do in one trip. You might even make it a special day out with [the] kids.

5. Attend school orientation

Sneak-a-peak. Back-to-School Night. Readyfest. They are called a variety of names, but back-to-school orientations are another way to create a desire to go back to school. Students can meet their teacher, check out their classroom and see friends they haven’t seen all summer. This can make students previously hesitant to return to school eager to get started.

6. Set goals

Help your child set a goal for the school year or set a family goal together. Maybe your child wants to ace pre-algebra, start a kid blog, or read more books than they read last year. Or maybe he or she wants to kick more goals in soccer this year or nail that back handspring they have been working on in gymnastics. As a family, maybe you want to volunteer together at school or raise money for a worthy cause in the community. Setting goals can motivate kids and families to have an amazing school year.

7. Celebrate with back-to-school tradition

It can be simple, like snapping a morning photo shoot before the first day of school, or elaborate, like hosing a neighborhood back-to-school bash at your house. Have a family meal at your favorite restaurant after the first day or plan a special weekend getaway before homework and sporting events kick in. Whatever you choose, model an upbeat attitude about the start of a new school year, and chances are your child will too.

Janeen Lewis is a writer, elementary teacher, and mom. She has been published in several parenting publications across the country and Chicken Soup for the Soul: Teacher Tales.

Drowning Prevention: KNOW THE SIGNS

Know the Signs

What does drowning look like? You may think of the violent splashing and cries for help that you see on television. However, this is often not the case. Drowning is generally quick, silent, and can happen in smaller inflatable pools and even bathtubs. The instinctive drowning response disables victims from being able to wave or call out for help. Drowning people often cannot control their arm movements.

Some common signs that someone is drowning include:

1. Head low in the water tilted back, mouth open at water level.

2. Glassy (or closed) eyes.

3. Hair over forehead or eyes.

4. They don’t appear to be using their legs—upright in a vertical position.

5. Hyperventilating or gasping.

6. Trying to swim in a particular direction but not moving.

7. Trying to roll onto their back.

Prevention

You do not have to avoid beaches and pools during the summer to ensure your child’s safety. But, how can we prevent drowning?

Always be sure to:

1. Watch kids when they are in or around water. If there is more than one adult present, taking turns can be helpful for avoiding distractions.

2. Empty bathtubs, buckets, containers, and kids’ pools immediately after use to avoid accidents.

3. Install fences around home pools. Fences should be at least 4ft tall with self-latching gates.

4. Learn CPR and basic water rescue skills – it could help save a life.

--[For full article, see Boston Parents Paper, August 2022]

July

July 14, 2022 by Pamela St. Aimee