Wellness Wednesday

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.

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.

Spice a dish with love and it pleases every palate.--Platius

Use these tips to add flavor to your holiday cooking and get nutritional value at the same time: Spice It Up!

It can be hard to celebrate and be festive during the holidays if there has been a loss, so we hope these tips will help:  Grief Loss During the Holidays.

When you arise in the morning, give thanks for the food and for the joy of living." --Tecumseh

Thanksgiving Day will be here soon and it's time to get ready: Preparing Your Holiday Turkey Safely

We have also included this 2 minute video which has tips for Thanksgiving food safety:  Thanksgiving Food Safety

"Find gratitude in the little things and your well of gratitude will never run dry." Antonia Montoya

One way to relieve stress is to maintain a gratitude journal.

https://www.verywellmind.com/writing-in-a-gratitude-journal-for-stress-relief-3144887