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Casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7, NKJV
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Doing good for others can help you feel better and live longer. Pay It Forward by Volunteering.
When life gets you down or you’re feeling especially overwhelmed, helping others may be just what you need. Make a plan to give back April 16-May 3, 2023 for National Volunteer Week. Whether you lend a helping hand at various community service organizations or by tutoring or mentoring youth, you’ll not only experience the emotional rewards of making a difference in the lives of others but there are many other upsides too.
Don’t forget everyday acts of kindness. Holding a door, offering to lend a hand to someone who is going through a tough time, or giving compliments to others can all go a long way to brightening someone’s day. Learn more about the benefits of volunteering and some specific ideas to get you started here.
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Save the Date for the Wellness Fairs
North Wilkesboro: Wilkes Training Center
April 20, 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Boone: OCC Warehouse
May 3, 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
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6 Reasons Why You Should Schedule Your Annual Physical
You may have heard the old saying, “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”
When it comes to our health, this means it’s easier to take steps to stay on top of and prevent illness than it is to treat and manage it. So, even if you’re feeling well, an annual physical is an important way to keep tabs on your overall health. It can also help to identify and treat health issues early on.
Here are some other important benefits
- It will give you and your primary care provider an overall picture of your health. Your blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar level, and weight will be checked, along with other health measures.
Make sure to share any new information about your health (for example, any injuries, hospital visits), as well as how you are doing generally – for example, if you’re dealing with a lot of stress, have trouble sleeping, are feeling depressed, all of which can affect your health.
- It’s a chance to talk about any bloodwork or health screenings you might need and when. For example, a colonoscopy, mammogram or bone density test, in addition to making sure you are keeping up with eye and dental exams.
- You’ll review and revisit the medications you take, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements. Your doctor can determine if there are any you don’t need and if others might need to be added – for example, calcium, B12 or vitamin D supplements.
- It helps you stay up to date with vaccinations. Vaccines aren’t just for kids. In addition to those that protect against COVID-19 and the flu, there are a number of other vaccines that adults need at different ages.
- Get advice about lifestyle habits. For example, quitting smoking, cutting back on alcohol, how to be more physically active or eating healthier.
- You’ll be able to ask questions and strengthen your relationship with your primary care doctor and talk about coordinating with any other specialists you see.
Get your annual physical completed, which is required to maintain your wellness credit of $60 per month in premium savings.
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April is Stress Awareness Month. Know the harms and how to destress or ask for help.
We all have stress in our lives. Some level of stress can actually be helpful. It can keep us motivated and energized.
Too much stress, especially over long periods of time, can wreak havoc on your health, general mood and relationships. When faced with high levels of stress, your body reacts by releasing stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol. It can also cause your heart to race and your blood pressure to spike. This is often called the “fight or flight response,” which happens when the body prepares to defend itself.
What are some healthy ways to cope with stress?
- First, know what triggers a stress response for you. Keep a notebook and write down your top sources of stress. Common causes of stress are usually related to money worries, loss of a job, work-related pressures, poor health, divorce, death in the family and moving.
- Fuel your body with good nutrition. Try not to let your body run on empty, which can leave you feeling jittery and weak. Eating a well-balanced diet is important and there are even some foods that are said to help relieve stress naturally – for example, oatmeal, berries, chamomile tea, oily fish and dark chocolate.
- Carve out time to destress. Listen to calming music, practice deep breathing or give yoga a try.
- Talk it out. Things often seem worse when we bottle up our feelings and aren’t entirely honest with ourselves or those around us. Share your worries and how you are coping with a trusted family member, friend, doctor, pastor or counselor. Doing so will also deepen your connections.
- Get into a regular sleep routine. Try to get 7 to 8 hours of uninterrupted sleep each night. That means putting away devices and not exercising for at least one hour before bedtime. Try taking a warm bath or shower instead.
- Make plans with people who are life-giving and boost your spirit. Limit time with people you find to be overly judgmental or who see the glass as half empty.
- Accept that some things are beyond your control. When you do, you’ll find a sense of peace.
- Find a positive outlet, whether it’s getting together with friends, going to a concert, or picking up a new hobby like painting or taking a cooking class. Exercise is a natural stress buster. When you’re active, your body releases feel-good endorphins. Exercise also helps you sleep better, boosts your mood, and helps you focus and make healthier choices overall.
- Lighten your load. Make a purposeful decision to live more simply. Clear your life – whether it’s your living space or calendar – of things that stress you out.
- Find ways to give back to your community or to people who may not have as much as you. Doing so can often help you feel better and put your worries into perspective; perhaps things aren’t as bad as they seem.
- Know when you need to ask for help. If you start to feel consumed by anxiety, are short with loved ones or no longer feel the same joy from activities that you used to find fun, you should talk with a psychologist, social worker or counselor.
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