Weekly Health Message – Managing Your Stress

by Jann Everhart | Sep 13, 2021 | Health Message, Healthy Living

Feeling stressed out? If you find yourself unable to function at the level you used to or at the level you wish to, stress may be interfering with your life. Check out these stress-busting strategies, which will provide you with a sense of control over your life and/or the situation. They also will boost your mood and your confidence in handling a stressful situation.

Some stressors are out of your control. What can you do?

1. Remind yourself that you have successfully handled similar situations in the past.
2. Reassure yourself that you will be fine regardless of what happens.
3. Find some humor in the situation.
4. Find a trusted friend to talk with about the experience.
5. Use relaxation exercises to control your physical response to the situation.

For stressors you have some control over, you can do things to actively respond to the situation, like:

1. Make a list of stressors, so that you can prioritize them and tackle them one at a time, in order to minimize feelings of being overwhelmed.
2. Change aspects of a stressful situation that give you problems. Rearrange your schedule, have a problem-solving discussion with the bothersome person, organize your workspace, schedule some time for a break, take a brief walk or ask someone for help.
3. Develop systematic problem-solving skills.

https://www.cdc.gov/howrightnow/emotion/stress/index.html

#leadahealthylife #St.TimothyLutheran

Weekly Health Message – How Much Sugar Is Too Much?

by Jann Everhart | Aug 30, 2021 | Health Message, Healthy Living

The American Heart Association recommends limiting intake of added sugar to 6 teaspoons (25 grams or 100 calories) for women and 9 teaspoons for men (36 grams or 150 calories) per day. 

Most Americans consume nearly 20 spoons of added sugars each day. That is more than TRIPLE for women and DOUBLE for men. A regular can of 12 OZ soda has about 150 calories and 10 spoons of sugar.

Start Cutting back!!

• REPLACE all the sugary beverages with water. WATER is the best.
• REDUCE the amount of sugar in your coffee and tea gradually until your taste adjusts to less sweetness.
• CARRY a refillable water bottle with you at all times.
• ADD slices of citrus, berries and even cucumbers to water for a boost of flavor.
• TRY club soda, seltzer or sparkling water if you crave the fizz.

Give up your favorite sugary product in favor of a healthier alternative (WATER)

For additional information on added sugars visit https://www.cdc.gov/nutrition/data-statistics/added-sugars.html

#Drinkwater #Healthyeating #LeadaHealthylife #St.Timothylutheran

Weekly Health Message – The Foods We Choose Will Make a Difference

by Jann Everhart | Aug 23, 2021 | Health Message, Healthy Living

While no foods or dietary supplements can prevent or cure COVID-19 infections, healthy diets are important for supporting the immune system. Good nutrition can also reduce the likelihood of developing other health problems, including obesity, heart disease, and diabetes.

It’s not difficult to include extra fruits and vegetables in your diet daily. Fruit can be substituted for other snacks, roasted vegetables for chips, and a fruit salad for breakfast.

Choose fresh fruits instead of sweet snacks such as cookies, cakes, and chocolate. When other dessert options are chosen, ensure that they are low in sugar and consume small portions.

For more information, please visit https://www.cdc.gov/healthyweight/healthy_eating/fruits_vegetables.html

#Healthyeating #LeadaHealthylife #St. Timothylutheran