Wellness Wednesday

WHEREAS, more than 33 million Americans have food allergies, and 5.6 million are children under the age of 18; and,

WHEREAS, research shows that the prevalence of food allergies is increasing among children and adults; and,

WHEREAS, nine foods cause the majority of all food allergy reactions in the United States: fish, shellfish, milk, eggs, tree nuts, peanuts, soy, wheat, and sesame; symptoms of a food allergy reaction can range from mild to severe, including anaphylaxis; and,

WHEREAS, anaphylaxis is a serious, rapid onset allergic reaction that may cause death; and,

WHEREAS, each year, an estimated 200,000 Americans require emergency room treatment for symptoms of a serious allergic reaction. Reactions often occur when a person ingests food they thought was safe; and,

WHEREAS, emergency medical procedures for severe allergic reactions to food increased by 380 percent between 2007 to 2016; and,

WHEREAS, food allergies are expensive, costing the American economy more than $25 billion each year; and,

WHEREAS, Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life and health of individuals with food allergies, and providing them hope through the promise of new treatments;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Gretchen Whitmer, governor of Michigan, do hereby proclaim May 11 – 17, 2025, as Food Allergy Awareness Week in Michigan.

Check out the FARE website for more information: foodallergy.org.

If you are allergic to a particular food, you may experience any of the following symptoms:

• Itchy mouth
• Swelling of the lips, tongue, and throat
• Vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps and pain
• Hives (welts), itchy rashes
• Persistent eczema
• Tightening of the throat, trouble breathing, wheezing, coughing
• Sneezing, hoarseness, nasal congestion
• Drop in blood pressure, fainting, weak pulse
• A severe allergic reaction known as anaphylaxis which can occur within seconds or minutes of exposure to something you're allergic to. Anaphylaxis causes the immune system to release a flood of chemicals that can cause you to go into shock — blood pressure drops suddenly and the airways narrow, blocking breathing. Signs and symptoms include a rapid, weak pulse; a skin rash; and nausea and vomiting. Anaphylaxis requires an injection of epinephrine and a follow-up trip to an emergency room. If you don't have epinephrine, you need to go to an emergency room immediately. If anaphylaxis isn't treated right away, it can be fatal.

It's time to look at your mouth!

We need to take proactive steps in maintaining oral health and seeking regular dental check-ups. Oral health is an essential component of overall health and can significantly impact a person’s quality of life. Poor oral health can lead to various problems, including tooth decay, gum disease, and bad breath. Additionally, research has shown that there is a strong link between oral health and systemic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and stroke.

By taking care of your oral health, you are not only preserving your smile but also protecting your overall health. Preventive care is the foundation of good oral health. This includes brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing daily, and visiting your dentist regularly for check-ups and cleanings. These simple steps can help prevent tooth decay, gum disease, and other oral health problems.

Celebrated on the last Friday of April in Michigan, Arbor Day is a nationwide tradition that encourages people to plant trees. Humans have relied on trees for their very survival so you could say they are woven into the very fabric of who we are. We find nourishment in their nutrient-rich fruits, shelter in their limbs, healing in their medicinal compounds, protection as they absorb harmful pollutants, and wonder in their presence.

# 1 Trees clean the air so we can breathe more easily.

In the contiguous United States, urban trees remove an estimated 711,000 metric tons of air pollution every

Technological advancements make life easier but they can come at a cost. Every day it seems as if a data breach story hits the news. As individuals and families use more technology, there is a lot at stake when it comes to protecting ourselves online. 

Here is a booklet that addresses identity theft: Identity Theft Booklet from FTC.

If you are the victim of identity theft, use this resource to start your recovery plan: https://www.identitytheft.gov/.

Have computer security programs running and regularly updated to look for the latest threats. Install anti-virus software to protect against

It's time for Staying Safe, Staying Covered which refers to protecting your property, whether you are a homeowner or a renter. Do you have the insurance coverage needed to prepare for the potential impact of severe weather conditions? Make sure that you have the right insurance in place now so that this can help you recover when severe weather hits.

Severe weather is especially common during rapid temperature swings in the spring warmup. These changing conditions can create dangerous weather patterns that significantly increase the potential for damaging severe weather, such as high winds, hail

We want to bring your attention to a service provided by AFT National: https://www.aft.org/health-hub.

Here are the topics that are covered in the Health Hub:

AFT also hosts many webinars that are health-related. To access these webinars, go to this link: Share My Lesson Wellness Webinars. You can scroll through the webinars that have previously been aired, go to register, and then the webinar will come through as an "On Demand". There are over 40 different topics under the category of Wellness Webinars.

Also, check out lesson plans that are available under the category "Wellness" on Share My

There has been much talk of measles in the news. Here is the latest information from the US Department of Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (https://www.cdc.gov/measles/data-research/index.html.)  They will be updating this page every Friday.

• Early Stage: 4-7 days: fever, cough, runny nose, sore throat, red eyes (conjunctivitis), and Koplik's spots (small white spots inside the mouth)
• Rash Stags: (3-7 days): A red, blotchy rash that starts on the face and spreads to the rest of the body
• Other Symptoms: Diarrhea, vomiting, headache, muscle ache

Treatment:

Why is there more measles activity now?

Measles was declared eliminated in the United States in 2000. This was due to a very high percentage of people receiving the safe and effective measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine. In recent years, however

• U.S. MMR coverage among kindergarteners is now below the 95% coverage target—much lower in some communities—and is decreasing.
• Global measles activity is increasing, meaning more chances of an unvaccinated person infected with measles abroad returning to the United States.

It's time to take a look at your surroundings. More than 90 percent of the time, poisonings happen in people’s homes with the majority  occurring in the kitchen, bathroom and bedroom.

Carbon monoxide (CO)

Have a working carbon monoxide detector in your home. The best places for a CO detector are near bedrooms and close to furnaces.

Household products and chemicals

• Household cleaners and disinfectants can make you sick when not used properly. Always follow the instructions on the product label to ensure safe and effective use.
• Bleach is especially toxic and should not be mixed with anything other than water. Do not use bleach on any food products.
• Keep all household cleaners, laundry products, antifreeze and potentially poisonous substances in locked cabinets or out of the reach of children.
• Keep products in their original containers.
• Do not use food containers (such as cups or bottles) to store household cleaners and other chemicals or products.
• Never mix household or chemical products together. Doing so can create a dangerous gas.

Art supplies

• Some art products are mixtures of chemicals. Make sure children use art products safely by reading and following directions.
• Do not eat or drink while using art products.
• Wash skin after contact with art products.
• Clean equipment. Wipe tables, desks, and counters.
• Keep art products in their original containers.

Food

• Never use commercial cleaning products on food or food packaging.
• Wash your hands and work surfaces before, during, and after preparing food.
• Store food at the proper temperatures. Refrigerated foods should not be left out at temperatures above 40 degrees F (5 degrees C).
• Use clean utensils for cooking and serving.

Outdoors

• Know what poisonous snakes and poisonous plants are in the area where you will be and wear proper attire when hiking outdoors.
• Check the label on any insect repellent. Be aware that most contain DEET, which can be poisonous in large quantities.

Batteries

• Keep out of the reach of children.
• Make sure all devices in your home that use button batteries are secure.
• Do not leave batteries out where they can be mistaken for medicine or pills.
• Do not put batteries near the mouth.
• Dispose of button batteries safely and quickly.

Medicines

Never share prescription medicines. If you are taking more than one drug at a time, check with your health care provider, pharmacist, or call the toll-free Poison Help line (1-800-222-1222), to find out more about possible drug interactions.

Winter is coming to an end which signals a great time to take advantage of the benefits a new season can bring to motivate  change. Habits of any kind, but especially healthy ones, always take a little more intention, a sprinkle more accountability, and some environmental factors to really stick.

Spring brings warmer temperatures, longer days, and the gentle reemergence of natural beauty. Whereas winter can feel like a season for hibernation, springtime fosters a return of energy and motivation. We’re also well past the chaos of the winter holidays. There is less temptation in the spring as well—we haven’t yet hit the summer season of barbecues, pool parties, and family vacations.

However, spring can affect mental health. One of the major reasons people may feel more depressed and anxious in the springtime is simply because of change. For some people, change feels like an exciting opportunity, while others may feel an intense instability in their lives.

Springtime is also associated with major life events, like graduations or weddings. These special occasions are often associated with big parties, social events, and family interactions, which may trigger intense feelings of anxiety. Memories of these events may also produce feelings of deep nostalgia or melancholy, potentially triggering depressive thoughts.

Other factors may be physiological. Many people experience spring allergies, where our immune systems are working twice as hard to feel twice as crumby for days on end. Our bodies and our minds might feel helplessly depleted during the height of hay fever. Hormones, specifically melatonin, might also contribute to mood changes in the springtime.

Here are some tips that can help:

Make walking part of your daily routine

With spring upon us, getting into the habit of reaching your daily step goal feels more manageable: it’s typically pretty temperate out, it can be easy to find buddies to join you, and the daylight hours are adequate.

Prioritize a consistent bedtime routine

We’ve moved past the change to daylight savings time and days are getting longer. It can be tempting to let your bedtime inch later and later, but prioritizing sleep is important for both your physical and mental health. Stick to a set bedtime and start to train yourself to be getting those 7+ hours of sleep each night.

Pick up a new hobby

Many of us don’t know how to engage in actual leisure time, which can be a protective factor against burnout, anxiety, depression, and so much more. Spring can be the ideal time to try out an outdoor activity like biking or hiking. If indoor activities are more your speed, reading, crafting, or puzzles are just a few options. Take a stroll through a craft store and see what catches your eye! Try out a few things. And remember: you don’t have to be good at whatever you choose, you just have to enjoy it!

Cook at home

A lot of people don’t really like cooking.  It can feel daunting and time-consuming. But this can be a time to practice the art of cooking. It also increases the likelihood that you are eating nutrient-dense foods (which is fantastic for your mental health), saving money (less financial stress is a big win), and picking up a new hobby. Farmer’s markets return and the produce section of the grocery store has more in-season fruits and vegetables. Start small: grab a cookbook or check out a new food blog.

Find a routine

Try to find at least one consistent activity during the week to look forward to. This could look like Monday evening walks with your dog, a self-care activity mid-week, or a Saturday lunch with friends.

The importance of maintaining good eye health can be overlooked. March is National Save Your Vision Month  which serves as a reminder to prioritize the health of our eyes and maintain a clear and bright outlook on life. This annual observance is dedicated to promoting the significance of regular eye check-ups, understanding the risks of digital eye strain, and adopting habits that ensure optimal eye health.

1. Stop Staring

A record number of people of all ages are spending many of the hours each day looking at a computer, tablet or phone.  Limit your digital eye strain by adopting the 20/20/20 rule developed by the American Optometric Association. Take a break from your screen every 20 minutes, focusing on something at least 20 feet away for 20 seconds.

2. Make-Over Your Make-Up

Eye make-up should be routinely replaced. Mascara and liquid liners should be used no more than 3 months, eye shadows and pencil liners no more than one year. Try and look for make-up that is free of metallic and harsh ingredients such as parabens and aluminum. Avoid water-proof eye make-up if you are a contact lens wearer. Use extreme caution when using eye-lash extensions, as they are not approved by the US Food and Drug Administration because of the ingredients in glue that can potentially harm your vision.

3. Quit the Spit

85% of Americans are not properly cleaning or storing their contact lenses. Be sure to only use a high-quality solution to cleanse your contact lenses, and not your saliva or tap water.

4. Eat the Rainbow

Key nutrients in leafy greens, berries, beets, citrus and even certain fish (high in Omega 3s) are important for healthy vision. A balanced diet of colorful fruits and veggies, eggs and fish is incredibly beneficial in maintaining all areas of your health.

5. Work it Out

Running or walking can reduce the risk of age-related cataracts, glaucoma and reduce your risk of age related macular degeneration (AMD). Since many eye diseases are related to high-blood pressure and diabetes, a well-rounded week with physical activities and a healthy diet can help alleviate progression of the diseases.

6. Drink Up

Staying hydrated is important for the health of your eye. Dehydration reduces the lubrication of your eye, which can make eye-strain and dry-eye even more uncomfortable. Dehydration can even cause blurred vision and headaches. Drink green tea as it has Vitamins A and C, lutein and zeaxanthin which are known as ” the eye vitamins”.

7. Ditch the Smokes

Smoking has been linked to notable increased risk for Glaucoma, Cataracts, AMD and diabetic retinopathy. Smokers are also twice as likely to develop Uveitis, an inflammation of the uvea that can lead to vision loss. Smoke also exacerbates dry-eye conditions.

8. Cover Up

When the days are longer and the sun is shining, don’t forget to protect your eyes with 100% UV blocking glasses. Donning a hat is also an extra layer of protection. Just like sunscreen protects your skin, these protect your eyes from light damaging rays. Remember to wear those glasses while driving in the sun!  Protective eye wear is key in reducing sports-related eye injuries. Even in your garage, protective goggles can reduce the risk of airborne particles from woodworking or other projects entering your eyes.

9. Get to your Eye Doctor

Annual exams go well beyond just having blurry vision. They can detect serious health concerns.

10. Don’t forget the Kids

Often parents don’t take their children in for a comprehensive eye exam because they are being substituted for school offered vision screenings. Vision screenings can alert parents to a possible issue but be sure to get your children in for a comprehensive eye exam with a ophthalmologist or optometrist.