Resources

Governor Proclamation on Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), developmental disabilities are defined as impairments in physical, learning, language or behavior areas and include

• Autism spectrum disorders
• Cerebral palsy
• Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder
• Learning or intellectual disabilities
• Hearing loss
• Vision impairment
• Other developmental delays

This is a nationwide event to raise awareness about the inclusion of people with developmental disabilities and address the barriers that those with disabilities face. Inclusion is necessary since about 15% of the world’s population lives with a disability. We need to understand the relationship between the way people function and how they participate in society and making sure everybody has the same opportunities in every aspect of life to the best of their abilities.

More information about what how you can participate can be found here: National Disability Awareness Month.

We are in a profession that has much stress. Here's why it is important to destress: Destressing at the End of the Day.

February is National American Heart Month and its focus on reducing the risk factors of heart disease.

1. High blood pressure. Millions of people in the United States have high blood pressure, and millions of them are as young as 40 or 50.
2. High cholesterol, diabetes, and obesity are all conditions that can increase your risk for heart disease. Work on eating healthy and getting some physical activity a few times a week.
3. Smoking cigarettes. Over 35 million adults in America are smokers.  If you’re a smoker, do your best to quit or cut down.

Even small changes help make a difference. Reduce the amount of fast food. Eat more greens. Take the stairs. Walk the kids to school. Go outside and play with the kids or walk the dog. Walking is one of the healthiest and safest activities we can do for ourselves.

Sign up for these tips: 100 Ways in 100 Days to Better Health.

Take care of your body. It's the only place you have to live.--Jim Rodin

We all have our reasons for avoiding a checkup or self-check. We're too busy. We don't want to know the truth.  It slipped our minds. It costs too much money. National Self Check Month is a way to concern ourselves with early detection and preventative resources to guide us through healthcare-related fears and concerns.

Even if you are proactive, someone in your life may not be. This is an opportunity for you to sit down with someone to share your concerns and offer ways to better health.

A list of proactive resources and tools can be found on Self Chec.

Awareness is the first step to making a difference. --slogan used for National Cancer Awareness Day 2023

February is National Cancer Prevention Month which focuses on the things we can control to lessen our odds of developing cancer.

• Regular exercise
• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Eating healthy foods
• Quitting or never starting smoking
• Limiting alcohol use

Don't forget about routine checkups, treating or preventing other health conditions, and knowing your risk factors. We can't stop every form of cancer yet, but we do have the tools to decrease our risk factors.

More information can be found here: Cancer Prevention Information. We have also included their 30-day checklist.

Never underestimate the power of a random compliment. To a stranger, it‘ll make their day. To your partner, it‘ll increase affection in your relationship. To your child/student, it‘ll raise their self-esteem. Compliments don’t need to be excessive & exaggerated. Simple and honest works. -- Ustaz Mizi Wahid

Today is National Compliment Day. Take a moment to see why it's a great mental health strategy to give and receive compliments: National Compliment Day is January 24.

“Our greatest weakness lies in giving up. The most certain way to succeed is always to try just one more time.” – Thomas A. Edison

Here are 5 tips to make your New Year's resolutions stick.

1. Start with small goals.
2. Make it measurable.
3. Be realistic.
4. Make a plan.
5. Stay positive.

Here are 2 articles, both one-pagers:  Make Your Resolutions Stick and  More Tips on Making Your Resolutions Stick.

“If you’re not staying on top of your money, you’re putting your financial well-being at risk.” – Suze Orman

The beginning of a new calendar year is a great time to look at your financial wellness. Here are many ideas you can use to examine your financial situation: 25 Tips to Improve Your Financial Wellness

We are stronger together when we study our finances.

It's never overreacting to ask for what you want and need--Amy Poehler

The holidays are a tough time for many people. Whether you simply don’t get along with family members, or the current political climate is causing tension, holidays are hard. You might struggle with depression or anxiety that is heightened by time spent with immediate and extended family. There are techniques to employ that can help you deal with difficult people.

For a detailed explanation of each tip listed below, check out this article: Difficult Family Holidays.

Trauma creates change you don't choose. Healing creates change you do choose.--Michele Rosenthal

This week we are informing you of a FREE benefit that is a part of your DFT membership. The details of a trauma counseling program are outlined in the flyer. If you are not signed up as a member of AFT National, scan codes and emails can be found on the members benefits tab so you can create an account. This account will allow you to access all AFT benefits offered to you as a dues-paying member, not just the trauma counseling program. To see all the benefits of being an AFT member, check out this link on our website. Go to the membership tab, then drop down to member benefits: https://dft231.mi.aft.org/member-benefits.