Wellness Wednesday

Moisturizers play a critical role in maintaining your skin’s health and integrity. They work by creating a barrier that helps to retain moisture, preventing it from evaporating from the surface of your skin. This barrier not only keeps your skin hydrated but also protects it from environmental aggressors, such as cold winds and pollution. Switching to a richer, more emollient moisturizer can help provide the extra nourishment your skin needs. Look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, ceramides, and shea butter, which are known for their hydrating and protective properties. Cut back on products that have alpha hydroxy acid or beta hydroxy acid, which can reduce the signs of aging by smoothing fine lines and wrinkles but can be irritating for the skin even when combined with moisturizing creams.

If your skin does become very dry or raw, clothes and laundry detergent can be irritating. Consider wearing soft fiber fabrics that won’t cause irritation, such as cotton or silk, and using a laundry detergent labeled “fragrance free.”

Winter-proof your skin with these tips

1. Moisturize Daily Immediately After Cleansing: Apply your moisturizer while your skin is still slightly damp after washing your face or showering. This helps to lock in moisture more effectively.
2. Limit the use of hot water and soap. If you have “winter itch,” take short lukewarm showers or baths with a non-irritating, non-detergent-based cleanser. Immediately afterward, apply a thick cream or petroleum-jelly-type moisturizer. Gently pat skin dry.
3. Choose the Right Formula: As mentioned, a heavier moisturizer may be necessary during the winter. If you have oily or acne-prone skin, look for non-comedogenic options that won’t clog your pores. Use an ointment or cream because they are more effective and less irritating than lotions. Also, use gentle, fragrance-free skin care products. Some skin care products, such as antibacterial, deodorant, or scented soaps, are too harsh for dry, sensitive skin.
4. Don’t Forget Your Hands and Feet: These areas are often neglected but can become especially dry in cold weather. Use a thick, nourishing cream to keep your hands and feet soft and smooth.
5. Use a Humidifier: Indoor heating can dry out the air in your home, leading to drier skin. Consider adding a filtered, cool-mist humidifier in the bedroom. A humidifier can help maintain moisture levels in the air, which in turn, helps keep your skin hydrated.
6. Stay Hydrated: Remember that hydration comes from within as well. Drinking plenty of water is essential for overall skin health, even when it’s cold outside.
7. Protect Your Skin from the Elements: When venturing outside, cover exposed skin with scarves, gloves, and hats to shield it from the cold and wind. This extra layer of protection can prevent moisture loss and irritation.
8. Avoid winter tanning. Tanning beds and artificial sunlamps are always damaging to the skin and increase the risk of skin cancer. If you want to keep your summer glow, use self-tanners along with extra moisturizer, as self-tanners can also dry out the skin.
9. Consider vitamin D supplements. During the summer, your natural vitamin D production increases as a result of daily sun exposure, but when winter rolls around that exposure decreases. Taking vitamin supplements can ensure that you get the recommended amounts of vitamin D all year round.

When to See a Dermatologist

If you’re experiencing persistent dryness, irritation, or any other skin concerns despite moisturizing, it may be time to consult with a dermatologist. Sometimes, underlying conditions like eczema or psoriasis can flare up during the colder months, and professional care may be necessary.

Distracted driving is any activity that diverts attention from driving, including talking or texting on your phone, eating and drinking, talking to people in your vehicle, fiddling with the radio, entertainment or navigation system — anything that takes your attention away from the task of safe driving.

You cannot drive safely unless the task of driving has your full attention. Any non-driving activity you engage in is a potential distraction and increases your risk of crashing.

In 2023 Governor Whitmer signed a bill making it illegal to manually use a cell phone or other mobile electronic

The holiday shopping season is underway. December has been named as Safe Toys and Gifts Awareness Month. Because the month of December is the most popular month for gift-giving, it is important to keep safety in mind as you shop for the little ones in your life.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) urges consumers to put safety at the top of the list while toy buying. In addition, CPSC reminds families to take precautions whether shopping online or in-person, to keep family and friends safe from common holiday-related hazards. CPSC’s latest Toy-Related Deaths and Injuries report, reveals that in 2023 an estimated 154,700 children 12 years or younger were treated in emergency rooms due to toy-related injuries, and 10 children died in toy-related incidents. Other findings included

Non-motorized scooters

• Accounted for the largest share of injuries in 2023 (53,000) across all age groups
• Are involved in more than one in every five toy-related injuries for children under 15

The majority of toy-related deaths were related to

• Choking on small balls or crayons
• Drownings linked to flotation toys
• Entrapment inside a toy chest
• Ingestion of water beads

Injury diagnoses

• Lacerations were the most common toy-related injury for all ages
• Contusions/abrasions and fractures were the second and third most common for all ages
• Contusions/abrasions and internal injuries were the second and third most common diagnoses for children under 15 years old
• Ingestion and internal injuries were the second and third most common diagnoses for children under 5 years old

Nevertheless, toys help children learn, develop, and explore their surroundings. While most toys are safe, some toys can lead to injuries. These injuries can be caused by a mistake in the product design or if the toy is used in a way that does not follow the manufacturer’s instructions. When used safely, toys and games can be tons of fun for kids and adults. Whether the child in your life likes playing with building blocks or working on puzzles, it is important to know the facts about toy safety.

Gallup polling estimates that in 2025 Americans will spend $1007 on gifts this year and overall that shoppers spend over $900 billion during the final weeks of the year. If you are concerned about holiday spending, here are some tips for you.

1. Set a realistic spending plan. Decide what is the total amount you're going to spend and then divide it into categories, such as gifts, food, decorations, entertaining and/or travel.
2. Set a "gift per person" rule. Stick with a price limit for each person before you shop so that you can avoid add-ons that retailers are designed to trigger. You might not want to give your colleague the same price limit as your partner. Create a gift list for family, friends, and colleagues.
3. Avoid retail tricks. Psychological triggers fuel overspending, with ads that say "quantities limited" or "no rainchecks", holiday music and decor that hooks nostalgia with impulse and “buy more/save more” which brings the illusion of value. Beware of the targeted ads, especially connected to a store's loyalty card, limited time only or special financing deals. Beware of Black Friday or Cyber Monday sales. Notice the items at the checkout aisle such as candies to travel-sized toiletries which are designed as impulse buys.
4. Look at the true cost of the item you are purchasing. Add in shipping fees. Will you really do the paperwork for the rebate? Compare sizes and do the math on how much it is per ounce, per pound, etc. It's not always cheaper to buy the bigger item.
5. Limit "self-gifting". Avoid buying yourself something when you are holiday shopping for someone else.
6. Watch your restaurant expenditures while shopping. It's easy to grab a coffee, a pastry, fast food while you're out strolling the malls.
7. Track your purchases on a weekly basis, rather than waiting until the end of the month or when the bank statements are ready. You can stay on track with your spending and have less stress if you know where you are with your budget.
8. Look for travel deals. If flying, is the date flexible? Can you do carry-on to avoid baggage fees? Pack meals instead of spending money. Compare costs for hotels, trains, airlines.

We are offering activities that will help in maintaining wellness and creating small moments of joy over the busy holidays.

1. Savor a Sensory Moment: Our senses are made up of scents, sounds, textures, and tastes which are connected to our memory. Certain smells noises, and food can remind us of good memories or family and friends. Taking even 30 seconds to tune in to one sensory experience can help slow your mind, lower stress, and bring you back into the present.

• Smell: Inhale the aroma of freshly brewed coffee, cinnamon from a pastry, or your favorite perfume or cologne. Scents are powerful mood shifters and can offer calm in busy moments.
• Sight: Let your eyes rest on something comforting—twinkling lights, a poinsettia petal, the winter sky outside your window. Allow yourself a moment to simply observe without judgment or urgency.
• Sound: Notice the soft crackle of a candle, a favorite holiday tune, or rustling leaves. Sounds can help ground you when your thoughts feel scattered.
• Touch: Feel the warmth of a mug, the softness of a scarf, or the fur of a pet. These simple physical sensations can bring your focus into the present moment.
• Taste: Take a slow bite or drink of something seasonal such as eggnog, a peppermint candy, a gingerbread cookie and let yourself actually savor it. No multitasking, no rushing.

These simple acts can give your mind a break from the busy work day and constant activity of the holiday season. These 30-seconds offer healing and soothing moments in which one can reconnect with their memories, friends, family, and more.

2. Create a “Joy List”: It’s easy to lose track of what genuinely brings us joy. A Joy List is a simple but powerful way to intentionally reconnect with the small things that lift your spirit.  Take two quiet minutes to write down 5–10 small, meaningful things that bring you comfort, joy, or a sense of grounding during this time of year. These should be simple, accessible pleasures—not grand plans or time-consuming activities. Think about

• Seasonal comforts: the glow of holiday lights, your favorite cozy socks, a warm drink.
• Moments of connection: a quick check-in with a trusted colleague, a text to a friend, a shared laugh during a hectic work day.
• Personal rituals: listening to a favorite holiday song, reading a few pages of a book, enjoying a quiet morning before the day begins.
• Outdoor moments: feeling the crisp air on a short walk, noticing winter birds, seeing frost sparkle on the window pane or grass.
• Creative sparks: trying a new recipe, wrapping gifts with care, or doodling

Your Joy List functions as a reminder that joy doesn’t come only from big celebrations or perfectly planned days. It shows up in small, everyday moments we often overlook during stressful seasons. Having the list written down makes it easier to intentionally choose a moment of joy when you need it most.

Keep your Joy List somewhere visible.  Pick just one item from your list each day and give yourself permission to enjoy it fully. These brief, intentional moments can help replenish your energy, boost your resilience, and create pockets of calm throughout the holiday season.

3. Practice a 60-Second Reset

A 60-Second Reset is a quick, powerful grounding technique you can use between tasks, during transitions, or whenever you feel your stress climbing. Think of it as a mini “system reboot” for your brain and nervous system. You can use this technique anywhere: your desk, your car, the copier line, or even standing in your classroom. You can even do this with students.

1. Sit or stand tall
Relax your shoulders. Unclench your jaw. Let your hands rest comfortably.

2. Breathe in slowly for 4 seconds
Feel the air expand your lungs. Imagine creating space inside your body.

3. Hold for 2 seconds
This small pause helps your mind catch up with your breath.

4. Exhale for 6 seconds
Let your breath release tension—think of it as an internal “unwind” button.

5. Repeat for one minute
You can count the breaths (about 6–8 cycles) or simply set a quiet time.

Pair your 60-Second Reset with daily cues:

• before responding to a stressful email
• between classes or meetings
• before heading home at the end of the day
• before eating meals

Governor Whitmer has declared this week as Winter Hazards Awareness Week: State of Michigan Proclamation. In that statement we are advised to learn more about winter safety and the importance of winter emergency preparedness. Is your home ready? Is your car ready? Do you have a plan for what to do before, during, and after a storm? More information can be found at https://www.ready.gov/winter-weather and https://www.cdc.gov/winter-weather/safety/index.html.

❄️☃️🌬️Be sure to review previous Wellness Wednesdays that are related to winter preparedness: Property Insurance Coverage 4/9/2025, Property Safeguards Due to Weather 5/21/2025.
 

Emotional health is one aspect of mental health.

Emotional wellness means you can recognize, express, and manage positive and negative emotions, cope with stress, and adapt to challenges and changes. Strong emotional wellness helps you handle difficulties, make thoughtful decisions, and maintain social connections.
 

Some warning signs of emotional health in need of care include:

• Isolating yourself from friends, family, or coworkers
• Lower energy than usual
• Sleeping too much or too little
• Eating too much or too little
• Increased use of substances
• Racing thoughts
• Lower performance at work
• More interpersonal conflicts than usual
• Feelings of irritability, guilt, hopelessness, or worthlessness
• Neglecting hygiene and personal care

If you're struggling with poor emotional wellness, start by acknowledging your feelings without judgment. Then, consider reaching out to someone you trust or contacting a healthcare provider for support.

This applies to both men and women: You should visit your health care provider regularly, even if you feel healthy. The purpose of these visits is to:

• Screen for medical issues
• Assess your risk for future medical problems
• Encourage a healthy lifestyle
• Update vaccinations and other preventive care services
• Help you get to know your provider in case of an illness

. (We featured Men's Health Awareness as a Wellness Wednesday June 12, 2024 page 8​.)

You will notice many of these screenings are for all people.

Physical/wellbeing: Screenings are an important part of staying well, especially for men as they get older and face a higher risk of certain long-term health conditions. These routine checks are designed to pick up on potential problems—like heart disease, diabetes, or cancer—early on, often before any noticeable symptoms appear. Detecting these issues early means treatment can begin sooner, often making it more effective and less intensive.

Making time for regular screenings is a practical way for men to take charge of their health. It helps maintain energy, physical function, and independence over the years. More than just preventing illness, it’s about preserving your quality of life and giving yourself the best chance to stay well and active for as long as possible.

Prostate Cancer Screening: This is one of the most common cancers in men, particularly for those who are 50 and over. Many types of prostate cancer grow slowly in most men; however, early diagnosis and detection will allow for an easier and less invasive treatment. Prostate cancer screening tests that may be offered are the PSA blood test, the digital rectal exam and/or a prostate ultrasound. This is recommended for men aged 50–70 with average risk or men aged 40-45 with a family history or an increased risk.

STD Screening: A sexually transmitted disease is any infection that spreads through sexual contact. For males, an STD can take hold in the urethra, penis, prostate, testicles, rectum, throat, or bloodstream. If it goes untreated, an infection can cause pain, interfere with fertility, or lead to serious long‑term illness such as HIV. That’s why regular screening and prompt treatment matter. In general, for all sexually active men annual screenings at a minimum, even with no symptoms. If a man has multiple partners, unprotected sex, or a part of a high-risk group, every 3-6 months is the recommendation. All adults ages 18 to 79 should get a one-time test for hepatitis C. All people ages 15 to 65 should get a one-time test for HIV (human immunodeficiency virus.

Cholesterol and Blood Pressure: High levels of cholesterol increase your risk of stroke and heart disease. A simple blood test will help your primary care physician (PCP) determine your numbers and if you're at risk. If you have a family history of diabetes or heart disease, you may need yearly screenings. Blood Pressure tests measure the pressure in your arteries as your heart pumps. Biennial (every two years) checks are recommended if you have normal blood pressure or more frequently if you have high blood pressure (hypertension) or low blood pressure (hypotension). Normal blood pressure below 120 systolic (top number) and 80 diastolic (bottom number).

Diabetes Test: A diabetes test analyzes your blood glucose levels. Screening should be repeated every 3 years if you are overweight or have obesity. You should be tested more often if you have other risk factors for diabetes, such as you have a first degree relative with diabetes or you have high blood pressure, prediabetes, or a history of heart disease.

Colonoscopy: A colonoscopy is a procedure doctors use to examine the lining of the colon and rectum for signs of colorectal cancer. If you are under age 45, talk to your provider about getting screened. You may need to be screened if you have a strong family history of colon cancer or polyps. Screening may also be considered if you have risk factors such as a history of inflammatory bowel disease or polyps. If you are age 45 to 75, you should be screened.

Abdominal aortic aneurysm: If you've ever smoked, you should have an ultrasound to test for an abdominal aortic aneurysm—a weakened area of the aorta that can enlarge and rupture if it gets too large. Otherwise, men who have never smoked are at decreased risk, and your doctor can decide if this screening is necessary.

Bone Density Test:  A men's bone structure screening primarily involves a bone mineral density test, such as a DEXA scan to assess bone health and fracture risk. This screening is recommended for men 70 and older or those with risk factors including a family history of osteoporosis, long-term steroid use, low testosterone, or a history of fractures.

Hearing and Vision Screening: Hearing and vision screening tests look for whether you have problems hearing and seeing. Unless you notice problems in your vision or hearing, these are the guidelines for adults age 20-39, vision tests every 10 years, adults 40 to 64 vision checks every 2-4 years, adults over age of 65, annual vision test. For hearing tests adults ages 18 to 49 should be checked every 10 years, over the age of 50 every 3 years

Oral Health Checkup: An oral health checkup involves getting a teeth cleaning, an oral health exam, and X-rays of your mouth.  Your dentist can also diagnose oral cancer, gum disease, mouth infections and other conditions that can spread to the rest of your body. You should have an oral health checkup and teeth cleaning one to two times a year throughout your adult life.

The pink ribbons for breast cancer awareness are on display throughout the country for breast cancer awareness month (more on this topic on the 10/25/2023 Wellness Wednesday page 5: https://dft231.mi.aft.org/sites/wellness-wednesday).

This is to bring your attention to the top 10 health screenings women should be having: women's bodies develop and change in many stages: puberty, childbearing years, menopause, and many smaller stages along the way. (Next week we will be examining the top health screenings for men in which you will notice some overlaps.)

Physical/wellbeing: Physicals are visits with your doctor to ensure that you are healthy and receiving necessary medications and treatments. Your doctor will also give you any immunizations that you might need. In general, you should visit a primary care doctor once a year your entire adult life for a general health check.

Mammogram:  A mammogram is an X-ray of your breasts. It is used to find signs of breast cancer, the second leading cause of cancer-related death of women in the United States. Some guidelines suggest you start getting mammograms when you turn 50, but others recommend getting a mammogram every year, or every other year, starting at age 40. Talk with your doctor about your individual risk of breast cancer.  

Pelvic Exam and Pap Test: A pelvic exam is an examination of your female reproductive organs to check for infections, cancer, and other conditions. During a pelvic exam, your doctor will look at your external organs, including your labia and rectum, as well as your internal organs, including the inside of your vagina and your cervix (the opening to your uterus). A Pap test is a common screening done during a pelvic exam to help detect cervical cancer. A pelvic exam is recommended once a year starting at age 21; a Pap test every three years between the ages of 21 and 29. If you are between 30 and 65, a Pap test every three years, or every five years if your doctor combines the Pap test with a test for human papillomavirus (HPV). You can also opt to have the HPV test alone every five years. Ask your Ob/Gyn or primary care provider (PCP) how often you should have a Pap test.

STD Screening: STD screening tests look for evidence of infections that you have contracted through sexual contact. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force has the following guidelines: Nonpregnant, sexually active women younger than 25 should be screened for chlamydia and gonorrhea.  Nonpregnant, sexually active women who engage in high-risk sexual practices should be screened for chlamydia, gonorrhea, HIV, and syphilis. Pregnant women should be screened for hepatitis B, hepatitis C, HIV, and syphilis. Pregnant women younger than 25 and pregnant women engaging in high-risk sexual behavior should be also be screened for chlamydia and gonorrhea. For other STDs, how often you are tested is largely up to your Ob/Gyn or PCP depending upon individual circumstances and risk factors.

Cholesterol and Blood Pressure: A cholesterol test measures the level of cholesterol in your blood and can help indicate your risk of heart disease and stroke. Blood pressure monitoring is an important element in evaluating most diseases and conditions. The American Heart Association recommends you have a complete blood cholesterol test called a fasting lipoprotein profile every five years starting at age 20. Your blood pressure should be checked every two years if you have normal blood pressure (lower than 120/80).

Diabetes Test: A diabetes test analyzes your blood glucose levels. Higher blood glucose can indicate that you have diabetes or prediabetes, a condition that puts you at high risk for diabetes. The American Diabetes Association recommends you have a diabetes screening test once every three years once you turn 45. However, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention does not recommend diabetes testing unless you have symptoms of diabetes, such as urinating more often and being more thirsty, or if you have a high risk of diabetes, such as high blood pressure, metabolic syndrome, or obesity. Talk to your PCP if you have concerns.

Colonoscopy: A colonoscopy is a procedure doctors use to examine the lining of the colon and rectum for signs of colorectal cancer. It can also help your doctor find the reason for intestinal symptoms, including rectal bleeding, abdominal pain, and changes in bowel movements. You should have a colonoscopy every ten years starting at age 50. Ten years may seem like a long time between tests but colorectal cancer grows slowly and a colonoscopy is very effective at finding and removing small areas of precancerous cells. The frequency and initial testing time frame differs for people with a family history of colon cancer.

Bone Density Test: A bone density test measures bone mass in key areas of your body, such as your wrist, hip and heel. It is currently the only test to diagnose osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is a condition in which your bones become weak and brittle, and become more susceptible to breaking. Healthcare organizations recommend you have a bone density test at age 65. If you are younger than 65, you should consider a bone density test if you have rheumatoid arthritis, a family history of osteoporosis, previous fractures, or have taken a long course of steroids. You may also want to consider the test if you smoke or have smoked, or if you are a heavy drinker.

Hearing and Vision Screening: Hearing and vision screening tests look for whether you have problems hearing and seeing. Unless you notice problems in your vision or hearing, these are the guidelines for adults age 20-39, vision tests every 10 years, adults 40 to 64 vision checks every 2-4 years, adults over age of 65, annual vision test. For hearing tests adults ages 18 to 49 should be checked every 10 years, over the age of 50 every 3 years

Oral Health Checkup: An oral health checkup involves getting a teeth cleaning, an oral health exam, and X-rays of your mouth. Dental checkups help you keep your ability to chew, speak and smile. Your dentist can also diagnose oral cancer, gum disease, mouth infections and other conditions that can spread to the rest of your body. You should have an oral health checkup and teeth cleaning one to two times a year throughout your adult life.

There's been much in the news about the Coxsackie virus, also known as hand, foot, and mouth disease. Doctors warn that this highly contagious illness primarily spreads quickly among young children due to the proximity of students in classrooms and on playgrounds. Kids under age 7 are most at risk for HFMD. It is usually not serious. Most people get better on their own in 7 to 10 days with minimal or no medical treatment. You can take steps to manage symptoms while you or your child are sick.

The Center for Disease Control states because HFMD is normally mild, children can continue to go to childcare and schools as long as they:

• Have no fever
• Feel well enough to participate in class
• Have no uncontrolled drooling with mouth sores

If a parent is not sure if it is okay for them to return, they can talk with their child’s healthcare provider.

The following information comes from the Health Department of the City of Detroit which prepared a fact sheet about HFMD. See it here: HFMD Fact Sheet from Detroit Health Dept.

How is it spread?

The disease is spread person-to-person through direct contact with the discharge from the infected person’s nose, throat, feces, or fluid in blisters. Infected persons are the most contagious during the first week of illness but can still pass the infection weeks after their symptoms have gone away. The illness is usually not serious but is very contagious. It can spread quickly at schools and day care centers.

What are the symptoms?

• Sudden onset of fever
• Sore throat
• Small white blisters in the mouth 1-2 days after the onset of the illness
• Loss of appetite
• Sores on palms, fingers and soles of feet
• Sometimes no specific symptoms

How is it diagnosed and treated?

There is no specific treatment for hand, foot, and mouth disease. However, a person can do some things to relieve symptoms:

• Take over-the-counter medications to relieve pain and fever (Caution: Aspirin should not be given to children)
• Use mouthwashes or sprays that numb mouth pain
• If a person has mouth sores, it might be painful for them to swallow. However, it is important for people with hand, foot, and mouth disease to drink enough liquids to prevent dehydration due to loss of body fluids. If a person cannot swallow enough liquids to avoid dehydration; they may need to receive fluids through an IV within their vein
• A health care provider should be contacted if anyone is concerned about symptom management

How is hand, foot and mouth disease prevented?

There is currently no vaccine in the United States to protect against the viruses that cause hand, foot, and mouth disease. A person can lower his/her risk of being infected by doing the following:

• Wash hands often with soap and water, especially after changing diapers and using the toilet
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces and soiled items, including toys toilets
• Avoid close contact such as kissing, hugging, sharing eating utensils or cups with people with hand, foot, and mouth disease