Wellness Wednesday

Here is a list of the topics, arranged alphabetically, we have covered from October 2023 through June 2025.   Document: Wellness Wednesdays.

Guns are the number one killer of children and teens in the United States. Almost every other day, a child gets their hands on a gun and unintentionally kills or wounds themselves or someone else in the United States. Research shows that the most effective way to prevent children from accessing firearms is by making sure all guns are stored unloaded, locked, and separate from ammunition.

More than half of gun owners don’t lock all of their guns securely, and an estimated 4.6 million children live in a home with at least one unlocked and loaded gun in the US. When guns are not securely stored, tragedy can strike ― whether it’s a child finding a firearm and wounding or killing themselves or someone else, or someone accessing it and using it to commit a crime.
 

There are steps we can all take, gun owners and non-gun owners alike, to make sure kids cannot access guns and put themselves and others in danger. State lawmakers passed the Secure Storage Law for Firearms in Michigan. This legislation requires firearm owners to safely store their firearms when someone younger than 18 years old is, or is likely to be, present. That means keeping unattended firearms unloaded and locked with a locking device or stored in a locked box or container.

All families need to have a conversation with children about firearm safety. Also, if your child is going to someone else's home, don’t hesitate to ask if firearms are present and how they’re stored.

Be SMART about gun storage and safety:

• S: secure all guns in your home and vehicle
• M: model responsible behavior around guns
• A: ask about the presence of unsecured guns in other homes
• R: recognize the role of guns in suicide
• T: tell your peers to be SMART

Additional Resources:

Project ChildSafe

Information on how to obtain a FREE gun safety kit and where to obtain a FREE gun trigger lock in 230 cities in Michigan.

Gun Safety and Children - C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital | University of Michigan Health

• Gun Storage
• Guns at homes of others
• Teaching children about what to do in the presence of a gun
• Adolescents, teens, and guns
• Non-powder guns, BB guns, and toy guns

Parents' Guide to Home Firearm Safety (umich.edu)

Information regarding firearms safety among children and teens. Great resource for families.

https://mifrp.org/prevention-tools/firearms/

The Michigan Fatality Review and Prevention, provides information regarding Prevention Resources, and Firearm Storage resources.

Holding onto Life Toolkit (michigan.gov)

The holding onto life toolkit is discusses firearms and focuses on suicide prevention

Michigan - American Firearms Training (concealedcarryonline.com)

This course reviews the fundamentals of safety and gun handling, including transportation, storage, and firing in defensive situations. The course includes easy-to-understand safety instructions and is filmed in a professional production, with a state-certified instructor. The course takes 90 minutes to complete and is free of charge.

Online Learning | Institute for Firearm Injury Prevention (umich.edu)

• The University of Michigan has provided free online courses about the Firearm Safety Among Children and Teens, Injury Prevention for Children and Teens, and Preventing Gun Violence.

This is a day of remembrance and action to raise awareness, reduce stigma and empower people with the knowledge and tools they need to respond to opioid overdoses effectively. Overdose rates continue to rise throughout the United States. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that more than 100,000 people died from drug overdoses in a recent 12-month period, with opioids involved in nearly 75% of those deaths. (For more information about Fatal Drug Overdose go to CDC SUDORS Data).

Behind each statistic is a person — a loved one, a neighbor, a friend, a student. Overdose can affect anyone, regardless of age, race, income or background.

An overdose happens when the body is overwhelmed by a toxic amount of substance or combination of substances. It’s possible to overdose on many substances if they are abused, including alcohol, illicit drugs, and even prescribed medication. The physical and psychological signs of a drug overdose can vary depending on the type of drug taken and whether the drug was taken in combination with other substances.

Resources: Find Help in Michigan and State of Michigan Proclamation: Overdose Awareness Day in Michigan

You need a day to relax. Let us help you with some ideas and reasons why it's important to take time to  slow down and unwind. It's a day to focus on taking care of ourselves and take a moment to relax. We all need a break from the fast-paced and often hectic lifestyles we live. Taking time to recuperate and rejuvenate our tired minds and bodies may help prevent many health risks, too.  Doctors agree that finding ways to relax and thus reducing stress will improve overall health.

This video offers 8 tips for relaxation.

Other ideas are:

Taking time away from the screens

While social media and the internet have many benefits in this modern age, you can also quickly feel overwhelmed and stressed by constantly being bombarded with news and posts about other people's lives. Put your phone or computer away, and do something that relaxes you, such as reading, painting, or cooking. Make sure to especially avoid any screen time before bed, as it can mess with your sleep patterns.

Treat yourself to a spa day

What better way to relax than by having a massage, or sitting in a nice sauna? You can go one step further and book yourself into some beauty treatments, such as a haircut, a facial, or a manicure.

Green Tea

Green Tea is an excellent remedy to lower your stress. It contains L-Theanine which helps to reduce stress and improve your mood and sleep.

Stare and Do Nothing

Sometimes, you can enjoy and relax by simply sitting near your window and staring outside at the trees, people, parks, and just nature. While staring at your phone screens all day has a negative impact, looking outside at nature helps to make you calmer and more relaxed.

It’s important to pay attention to your sun exposure when you spend any amount of time outdoors. You can minimize your risk of sunburn by taking steps to protect your skin every day.

Sunburn is red, painful, damaged skin from being out in the sun for too long. Sunburn is inflamed, painful skin that feels hot to the touch. It often appears within a few hours of being in the sun too long. When you get a sunburn, ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun or a tanning bed burn your skin. You don’t have to spend the day at the beach or pool to get a sunburn. Some people get sunburns doing everyday things without using sunscreen, like taking a lunch break outside, gardening or walking the dog. Preventing sunburn year-round by wearing sunscreen or using other skin-protection habits is important for everyone. It is especially important when you're outdoors, even on cool or cloudy days. Any exposed part of the body — including the earlobes, scalp and lips — can burn. Even covered areas can burn if, for example, clothing has a loose weave that allows ultraviolet (UV) light through. The eyes, which are extremely sensitive to the sun's UV light, also can burn.

You can get sunburn relief with simple self-care measures such as taking pain relievers and cooling the skin. But it may take days for the sunburn to fade.

How to Treat a Sunburn (short video)

See your provider if you have any concerns about your sunburn or how it’s healing. Seek medical treatment immediately if you have:

• Blisters over more than 20% of your body (such as a whole leg, your entire back or both arms) or severe swelling.
• Develop blisters on the face, hands or genitals.
• Show signs of infection, such as blisters with pus or streaks.
• Experience worsening pain, headache, confusion, nausea, fever or chills.
• Get worse despite at-home care.
• Have eye pain or vision changes.
• A fever over 103 F (39.4 C) with vomiting.
• Sunburn in a baby younger than 1 year old.
   

Stop On Red Week in August is to educate the public about the number and severity of intersection crashes. This awareness provides a great opportunity to promote safe driving and remind drivers of the dangers of running stop signs, amber and red lights.

Every day, millions of Americans head out on the road—driving to work, taking children to school and activities, or simply running errands. In the hustle and bustle of daily life, few consider the possibility of being involved in a motor vehicle crash.

Why Stop on Red Week Matters

Red-light running is one of the most dangerous — and preventable — traffic violations. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety:

• On average, 116 lives are lost and more than 6,500 individuals are injured in traffic accidents every single day in the United States.
• More than 1,000 people are killed every year in crashes involving red-light runners.
• Over 100,000 are injured annually.
• Nearly half of those killed are innocent — pedestrians, cyclists, or other drivers.

These aren’t just numbers — they represent real people, families, and futures. Help stop the heartbreak before it happens by making a commitment to STOP ON RED.

Download the 2025 Automated Enforcement PDF
 

it's important to find time to have fun with your family. Many of us get caught up in the daily activities of children, work, and family obligations.  Research shows that healthy family relationships encourage security and love. Spending time with family offers the benefits of forming unbreakable bonds.

Here are some publications you can use to find events: Metro Parent, Oakland County Moms, Hour Detroit, Little Guide Detroit, Pure Michigan.  Local newspapers and television stations also feature events.

— Picnic in a Pretty Spot
There are so many great picnic spots all around Michigan. How about a breakfast picnic to get outdoors before it gets too hot and at the same time allows you to avoid crowds.

— Enjoy the Water

We are the Great Lakes State so find a beach, municipal pool or a splash pad. Take advantage of the recreational activities you can do on the water.

— Visit Animals at a Local Zoo or Farm
Kids love visiting animal life. These places provide so many learning experiences, too.  Animals tend to be more active in the early morning or early evening.

— Get Artsy
Head out to a local museum or view some awesome public artwork for inspiration, then make your own creations at home!  Get out your own clay, paints, pencils and supplies to create a masterpiece together.

— Attend Local Concerts
Many municipalities offer concerts in the park for free. Look at community websites for areas close to you and schedule a night out. It's a great way to expose your family to different musical genres.

— Take a Family Hike or Bike Ride
You can’t beat fresh air and some nature exploration! We know it can be hot but you can take a stroll in the early morning or at dusk (take lots of water with you) and pick a spot that takes you near water to cool down.

— Take a Local Family Field Trip
Pop over to Belle Isle or one of the 13 Huron-Clinton Metroparks for some hands-on learning mixed with tons of fun! If you have passports in hand, cross the river to visit another country.

— Go Out for Sweet Treats
Nothing beats a nice cold treat on a hot summer day. Going out for milk shakes, ice cream sundaes or snow cones offers guaranteed smiles for youngest to oldest.

— Plan a Family Game Night
Playing games is a great way to get away from the screens and lead to personal interactions with one another. Choose board games that are appropriate for the entire family. Don't forget outdoor activities such as tag or hide and seek.

Let's look at safety tips for cycling.

1. Wear a Helmet

Research shows that wearing a helmet can reduce the risk of a serious injury by 70 percent. Head injuries are the leading cause of fatal bike accidents. Unfortunately, 97 percent of victims do not wear helmets. Simply wearing a helmet can prevent many unintentional bike deaths.

2. Check Your Equipment Before You Ride

Bicycle equipment malfunctions contribute to a significant number of crashes. You can reduce the risk of an equipment-related accident by checking your bike, helmet, and gear before you hit the road.

Make sure your tires are properly inflated. Check your reflectors and lights to make sure that they’re working. Inspect your chains and gears for any defects, fractures, or issues. These simple steps can prevent an accident that could change your life.

3. Wear Reflective Materials

A leading cause of bike accidents is limited visibility. If a driver cannot see you, an accident is more likely to occur. This is particularly true at intersections when your paths are likely to cross. While installing reflectors on your bike can help, it’s also important to wear bright and/or reflective clothing. Increasing your visibility will reduce the risk of a bike accident.

4. Keep Your Hands on the Bike

You may have a great sense of balance but think twice before riding hands-free, particularly when you’re sharing the road with other vehicles. If your hands aren’t on the bike, it will take you much longer to react to unexpected circumstances, such as a pedestrian in your path or debris in the road. As a result, you’re more likely to either fall off of your bike or cause an accident because you cannot brake in time.

5. Know Your Signals and Use Them

It’s important to make sure that you’re fully familiar with bike hand signals. You need to be able to communicate with nearby drivers and other cyclists. A driver cannot anticipate what you’re going to do unless you provide fair warning. Make sure that your hand signals are obvious and clear to others.  For a detailed description of hand signals, refer to Basic Bike Hand Signals.

6. Limit Your Distractions

It can be  dangerous to ride a bike while distracted. In fact, since you’re already more vulnerable to serious injury and death, distracted cycling can be even riskier. Take full advantage of your bike ride by stashing electronics in your bag or pocket. If you need to drink, opt for a water bottle that’s easy to operate with one hand. Keeping your eyes on the road and tuning into your surroundings will help to keep you safe.

7. Ride As If You’re In a Car

You may be able to reduce the likelihood of an accident if you act like you’re driving a car. Studies show that drivers become used to the patterns and behaviors of vehicles on the road. Cars don’t weave in and out of traffic, ignore traffic signals, or cut across multiple lanes at once. When you ride a bike, it’s easier to do these things. However, you’re more likely to catch a driver by surprise or limit your visibility when you do. Keep yourself safe by riding predictably and mimicking the behaviors of larger vehicles whenever appropriate.

8. Ride With the Flow of Traffic

Always ride your bike with the flow of traffic (travel in the same direction as other vehicles on the road). Accidents are much more likely to happen when you go against the grain. If an accident does happen when you’re riding against the flow of traffic, you’re more likely to be at fault for the crash.

9. Stay Off of the Sidewalks

Sidewalks may seem like a safe alternative when you’re riding alongside larger vehicles. Sidewalks belong to pedestrians. You’re more likely to crash into a pedestrian or lose control when the sidewalks are crowded. Sidewalk pavement is more likely to be uneven than asphalt on the road. You can hit a crack or bump in the sidewalk and go flying. Cars don’t expect to see a bicyclist enter the road from a sidewalk. You’re more likely to take a driver by surprise and get hit when you use the sidewalk. Remember, drivers are used to behaviors of other cars.

10. Use Dedicated Bike Lanes

An increasing number of cities and municipalities across the country are embracing dedicated bike infrastructure. However, protected bike lanes can only keep you safe if you ride in them. Whenever you see a bike lane, make sure to use it.

Want a way to improve your mood, find some stress relief, and improve your health all at the same time? Hop on a bike (they're not just for kids). Cycling, while being eco-friendly and great on the wallet, is a way to raise your spirits and it's "heart-smart".

• Improved Mood: Cyclists can experience a similar euphoria to "runner's high" thanks to the release of endorphins during exercise. These feel-good chemicals flood your brain, lifting your mood and boosting your overall sense of well-being. Even a short bike ride in the morning can leave you feeling energized, happier, and more optimistic about the day ahead. Plus, the sense of accomplishment from completing your ride can provide a lasting 
• Improved Mental Clarity: Physical activity stimulates blood flow to the brain, increasing oxygen and nutrient delivery to support cognitive function. As you pedal along, your mind has a chance to wander and process thoughts free from the distractions of screens and schedules. This mental clarity can lead to greater creativity, problem-solving abilities, and productivity to tackle your to-do list.
• Connection with Nature: Biking offers a unique opportunity to reconnect with the environment around you. Whether you’re weaving through tree-lined streets, cruising along river paths, or enjoying panoramic views of the city skyline, each ride becomes a mini-adventure filled with sensory experiences. Breathing in fresh air and soaking up sunlight can have a profound impact on your mental well-being, fostering feelings of peace, gratitude, and interconnectedness.
• Stress Relief: Studies have shown that regular exercise, like biking, can reduce levels of stress hormones in the body, leaving you feeling more relaxed and centered throughout the day.
• Community and Social Interaction: Biking can help you forge connections with like-minded individuals and strengthen your sense of community. Whether you’re joining a group ride, participating in bike-to-work events, or simply exchanging friendly waves along your route, biking fosters a sense of camaraderie and belonging. These social interactions provide opportunities for meaningful conversations, shared experiences, and the cultivation of supportive relationships, all of which are essential for maintaining good mental health.
• Health and Fitness: Cycling is mainly an aerobic activity, which means that your heart, blood vessels and lungs all get a workout. You will breathe deeper, perspire and experience increased body temperature, which will improve your overall fitness level. It only takes two to four hours a week to achieve a general improvement to your health.
• Low impact – it causes less strain and injuries than most other forms of exercise.
• A good muscle workout– cycling uses all of the major muscle groups as you pedal.
• Easy – unlike some other sports, cycling does not require high levels of physical skill. Most people know how to ride a bike and, once you learn, you don’t forget.
• Good for strength and stamina– cycling increases stamina, strength and aerobic fitness.
• As intense as you want– cycling can be done at very low intensity to begin with, if recovering from injury or illness, but can be built up to a demanding physical workout.
• Decreases sitting – as a mode of transport, cycling replaces sedentary time spent driving motor vehicles or using trams, trains or buses with healthy exercise.

This recognition was established to spread awareness about the damaging effects of loneliness and asks for people to give some of their time to bring happiness and cheer into the lives of those who may be lonely.

Unfortunately, whether it is being alone or feeling alone; loneliness is an inevitable part of life. For some people, it can be temporary, and for others it may be a daily struggle; affecting all ages, and people from all walks of life. Whether it’s a close friend, family member, old neighbor, new coworker, parent, child, or anybody else in your life, surprise them on Friday with a phone call, a visit, a hug, or organize a get-together to help get the word out and spread the spirit of friendliness!

Loneliness can be caused by health issues, financial troubles, or grief from loss, and it can be very overwhelming. This day serves as a reminder to all of us that everyone needs a little extra love and attention, especially the lonely. A small act of kindness can make a big difference.

Human beings are social creatures, and loneliness threatens our emotional and physical well-being. Despite having more ways than ever to connect digitally, many of us are physically isolated. Too much time alone can be dangerous to your health.

According to L.J. Pesek, Cheer Up the Lonely Day was created by her father, Francis Pesek from Detroit. She said her father "was a quiet, kind, wonderful man who had a heart of gold. He got the idea as a way of promoting kindness toward others who were lonely or forgotten with no relatives or friends to look in on them." The July 11th date was chosen because it was his own birthday. Mr. Pesek decided to spend the day after his birthday visiting shut-ins and people in nursing homes.  

Everyone is susceptible to loneliness. Reach out, listen, and encourage others, not just on National Cheer up the Lonely Day, but every day. You never know how a simple ‘Just checking on you’ or ‘How was your day?’ can impact another’s life.