Wellness Wednesday

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.

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, or tornadoes.

Review your insurance coverage. Verify that you have appropriate coverage with your insurance company and discuss any coverage needs. Make sure you are financially comfortable with the amount of your deductible and know how it applies to an insurance claim. Though many types of storm damage are covered by homeowners and renters insurance, flood damage is typically not covered unless you have purchased flood insurance. Water and sewer back-up is also not automatically covered under a homeowners or renters policy.

Reminder that all important documents listed below should be stored in a safe place, such as a safe deposit box, with a relative, or digitally online. Be sure to let a family member or another trusted adult know where these documents are located.

• Take inventory. Create a detailed list of personal possessions with photographs of each room on the property, and a thorough list of other valuables not seen in the photographs.
• Secure important documents. Store copies of all insurance policy declaration pages and insurance cards in a secure place.
• Protect your finances. Make sure to have a financial plan for paying an insurance policy’s deductible to help avoid severe financial strain in the aftermath of a disaster. A deductible is a certain amount of money that must be paid out-of-pocket before the insurance company will pay a claim after a loss.
• Gather emergency contacts. Make a list of important phone numbers including family members,  and insurance companies.

If your property is damaged, you should:

• Report the claim. Contact your insurance company's claims hotline and/or agent and have your policy number(s) ready as well as other relevant information easily available. To make the claims process even easier, use this Insurance Claims Tracking Sheet which has been prepared by the State of Michigan's Department of Insurance and Financial Services.
• Prevent further loss. Take steps to protect the property to avoid further loss but do not make permanent repairs until the insurance company has inspected the damage. Be sure to keep receipts for any purchases of supplies that are needed to protect the property.
• Document the loss. Take pictures or videos of the damaged items and do not get rid of the items until instructed to do so by the insurance company.
• Protect yourself from fraud. After a storm, fraudsters claiming to be adjusters, contractors, and other service providers often go door-to-door claiming to offer services, like debris cleanup or building repairs. In these scams, the work may not be completed, may be completed with poor-quality materials or shoddy workmanship, or you may be significantly overcharged for the work. Always contact your insurer before hiring a contractor, verify the credentials and licensure of these individuals, be present in the home when damage is inspected or repaired, and never sign a contract for work without understanding it first. Also keep in mind that insurance adjusters work for and are paid by insurance companies, and you should not be asked to pay them for their services. To report a scam or price gouging, contact Michigan's Attorney General at 877-765-8388 or online for further information.

The state of Michigan doesn't require renters insurance by law. However, your landlord might make it a condition of your lease specifically because it’s important to them that you have liability insurance. Even if it’s not required, it’s highly recommended.

• Your landlord's insurance is for the building, not your stuff. Any damage to your personal property due to fire, theft, etc. is your financial responsibility unless you have a renters insurance policy.
• Your “landlord’s responsibility” is limited. Yes, a landlord is responsible for fixing structural damage like a broken pipe. But, if that broken pipe destroys your belongings, and you don’t have renters insurance coverage it’s solely on you to replace your stuff.
• When determining the amount of renters insurance you may need, think about the value of your belongings. This number can add up quickly. Determine your amount of coverage by creating an inventory of the things you own or store in your residence. This will help you assess the value and determine how much coverage you need. Make sure to read into your policy to determine whether your coverage is actual cash value, which takes depreciation into account, or replacement cost coverage, which replaces your items at their retail price of today.

The state of Michigan encourages consumers to first attempt to resolve any claim disputes directly with their insurance company. If a resolution cannot be reached, contact the Department of Insurance and Financial Services at 877-999-6442, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., or submit a complaint online at Michigan.gov/DIFScomplaints.

Today we are going to provide you with resources that addresses issues you or your loved ones can face: domestic violence, human trafficking, sexual assault, being a victim of crime, and stress. Know that a person is not alone; help is available for those who reach out.

Domestic Violence Resources PDF

Human Trafficking and Sexual Assault PDF

Additional Resources in Metro Detroit PDF

For each resource listed, there is a a phone number and a website, as well as a brief description of what each resource is providing.

We also want to provide you with a State of Michigan Health and Human Services listing of victim services, including domestic violence, sexual assault, child abuse, legal assistance, and culturally-specific services: Help for Victims Database.

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.

"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

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

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 Lesson: Lesson Planning for Wellness at Share My Lesson. With over 50,000 entries, you're sure to find a few that are of interest to you.

Everyone knows the significance of the date, April 15.  Today we are going to offer up some tips on how to deescalate the stress of filing your income taxes. It is not a fun task to do, but a necessary one.

1. Gather all your documents. Here are a few common forms to look for:

• W-2 for employment earnings
• 1099-DIV for dividends
• 1099-INT for interest received
• 1099-NEC for non-employee compensation
• 1099-R for distributions from 401(k), IRA or pension plans
• Form 1098 for mortgage interest paid
• Form 5498 for IRA, SEP-IRA and SIMPLE contributions

Make a folder on your home computer as well, to keep digital tax forms, online receipts, year-end account statements and other relevant documents. For security's sake, you may want to encrypt and password protect tax-related documents on your computer. Store paper documents in a safe place for at least three years after you file your taxes, along with your completed tax returns.

2. Know your filing status. Not sure what your status is? It's based on your marital status on the last day of the year.

• Single: You are unmarried, divorced or legally separated.
• Head of household: You are single and pay more than half of your living expenses for yourself and a qualifying dependent.
• Married filing jointly: You are married or your spouse passed away during the year, and you are filing only one tax return.
• Married filing separately: You are married and don't wish to file jointly. In some cases, filing separately may save you money.
• Qualifying surviving spouse: Your spouse died within the past two years and you have one or more dependent children.

The IRS has an interactive tax assistant to help you figure out which filing status fits you and, if there's more than one option, which saves you the most money.

3. Do you have life changes?

home computer as 

4. Be aware of tax scams.

Scammers posing as the IRS may go after your personal information or demand payment; fraudsters posing as you may attempt to file taxes in your name.

• Report phishing scams to the IRS. If you receive a suspicious email or text pretending to be from the IRS, report it. The IRS does not make unscheduled phone calls or send unsolicited email or texts requesting personal identifying information or immediate payment.
• Watch out for tax identity theft. A scammer also may use your identity to file a fake tax return and collect a refund. Notify the IRS if you can't e-file your tax return because a return has already been filed under your Social Security or tax identification number.

5. Get help by phone or in person.  Here's how to start:

• Call the IRS at their toll-free IRS helpline.
• IRS Taxpayer Assistance Centers (TAS) are available nationwide to provide in-person service for 2025. Many offer extended hours.
• Get volunteer help with tax preparation. Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) provides free tax prep assistance for taxpayers who have lower incomes, disabilities or limited English-speaking skills. Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) offers free tax advice for taxpayers ages 60 and older. Find a VITA or TCE site near you using the VITA Locator Tool.
• Access expert help with difficult cases. Contact the TAS if you have an unresolved issue with the IRS that involves financial hardship, systemic problems (such as lengthy delays) and issues related to fairness and equity.

6. File an Accurate Return.  Inaccuracies on your tax return are a potential trigger for an IRS audit. When you file your taxes, the IRS checks the information in it against W-2 forms from your employer; 1099s from clients, banks or investment companies; and its own record of payments you've made. If your tax return differs from what the IRS has on file, it may be flagged for a manual review, which could delay your refund.

To be extra safe, check your return for accuracy against the information the IRS has on file. You can get a free digital copy of your tax transcript by visiting the IRS's Get Your Tax Record site.

Here's the best advice we can give!

Start early and file on time. This makes the tax preparation process much less stressful. The sooner you can start, the better. Do everything you can to file on time so you can avoid penalties and interest. Your taxes don't get easier to do the longer you wait to do them. Good luck! 🤞

Do you wear comfortable shoes? Do your feet ache after a day at work? Do you stand all day long without giving your feet a rest? It's estimated 75% of American adults have a complaint of a foot problem.

The causes of foot pain in the teaching profession are multifaceted. Prolonged periods of standing on hard surfaces without adequate foot support are a primary culprit. Inadequate footwear that fails to provide sufficient support or cushioning exacerbates these issues. Often, the combination of these factors, coupled with a lack of rest and recovery time for the feet, leads to chronic foot problems.

1. Flat Feet: This is a condition where the arches of the feet collapse, leading to pain and discomfort. This issue is particularly prevalent in those who spend long hours standing, as the continuous pressure flattens the foot's natural arch.
2. Plantar Fasciitis: This is a common ailment where the plantar fascia, a band of tissue running across the bottom of the foot, becomes inflamed. A person with plantar fasciitis often experience a stabbing pain in the heel, especially with the first steps in the morning or after long periods of standing.
3. Heel Spurs: These are growths of bone on the underside of the heel bone, often resulting from strain on foot muscles and ligaments. Educators are at risk due to the repetitive stress on their feet from standing and walking on hard surfaces.
4. Achilles Tendonitis: This condition is the inflammation of the Achilles tendon, the band of tissue connecting calf muscles at the back of the lower leg to your heel bone. Educators may develop this from overuse, particularly if they are active in sports or other physical activities outside of their teaching duties.
5. Varicose Veins: Standing for long periods of time can block blood flow, which can cause signs like tingling, swelling, and numbness. Not having enough blood flow to the lower limbs can make varicose veins worse, which can be painful and make you feel bad about your appearance.

Neglecting these foot issues can have serious long-term implications. Chronic pain can lead to a reliance on pain medication, reduced mobility, and even more severe foot deformities. In severe cases, untreated foot conditions might necessitate medical interventions, such as surgery.

TIPS FOR FOOT CARE

• Appropriate Footwear: Choose shoes that are comfortable, have good arch support, padding, and a low heel. Make sure that your shoes fit properly and are appropriate for the workplace’s dress code (see shoe buying guide below). Open back and sling-back shoes do not provide as much support as styles with a full heel. Slip-resistant shoes are essential, as students often track elements from outdoors into halls and classrooms. Take your time breaking in new shoes.  Trying to wear new shoes for a full day of teaching is likely to lead to pain and blisters. Instead, wear new shoes a bit at a time – for example, walking around the house or running quick errands – so that they loosen naturally.
• Rotation of Footwear: Shoes should be switched out every so often. This helps spread pressure more evenly across the feet and keeps certain areas from wearing out too quickly, which lowers the risk of getting foot problems.
• Comfortable Socks: To keep your feet dry and lower your risk of getting blisters or fungal infections, choose socks that wick away wetness and let air flow through them. When worn with shoes that fit well, comfortable socks generally make for a more comfortable foot environment.
• Incorporating Foot-Friendly Practices in the Classroom: Use techniques that are good for your feet during class time. Encourage students to do things that give teachers a chance to sit down every so often, which will help their feet. Incorporating short breaks and movements during the day is vital to prevent stiffness and discomfort associated with prolonged static positions.  Also, think about putting anti-fatigue mats in places where teachers stand for long periods of time.
• Proactive Foot Care Routine and Professional Check-ups: Make a routine for proactive foot care that includes cleaning, inspecting, massaging, and maintaining your toenails every day. This routine not only helps keep your feet clean, but it also helps you find and treat possible foot problems early on. Check your feet often for any signs of pain, such as blisters, calluses, or changes that don’t seem right.  See a podiatrist for regular check-ups.  
• Posture and Balanced Stance: Stand tall with shoulders relaxed and aligned with the ears to maintain a straight line from head to toe.  Adopting a stance with feet shoulder-width apart helps distribute body weight evenly, preventing excessive pressure on specific areas of the feet. Avoid locking your knees and consciously shift your weight from one foot to the other, promoting better circulation and minimizing fatigue.
• Stretching Exercises: Regular stretching of the calf muscles, Achilles tendon, and arches helps maintain flexibility, reduces muscle tension, and enhances overall foot health.
• Supportive Classroom Furniture: Standing desks and adjustable chairs can make a space that encourages good posture and eases stress on the back, legs, and feet.

SHOE SHOPPING GUIDE

• Shop late in the day. Because your feet tend to expand by the end of the day, it's best to try on new shoes when your feet are at their largest.
• Choose socks first. The thickness of your socks affects how your shoes fit, so find some you like and take them to the shoe store. Avoid 100% cotton socks, which stay damp if they get wet, setting you up for a blister. Synthetic or cotton-synthetic blends will wick away moisture.
• Give it a bend. Grab the toe and heel of a shoe and pull them toward each other. The shoe should bend easily at the ball of the foot. If it doesn't, look for another style that does. The flexibility offers a greater range of motion and an easier push-off.
• Look for a low heel. Stay away from shoes with big bulky heels, which can hinder the natural rolling foot motion of walking and may make you more prone to tripping.
• Take a test walk. Take a few laps around the store. Try on different brands, with one on each foot for a side-by-side comparison. You should not notice any rubbing, discomfort, or sore spots.

Many of us are providing caregiver services to family and friends. This can be a daunting task. We want to make you aware of a new publication that can provide valuable information to caregivers and their families.  Connect Senior Resource Guide is a booklet, courtesy of Ageways, a nonprofit organization that serves as the Area Agency on Aging for a six-county region that includes Livingston, Macomb, Monroe, Oakland, St. Clair and Washtenaw counties.

Although the resource guide does not include Wayne County, the guide has useful articles and guides for

• caregiving from a distance
• figuring out how to get around if you’re no longer driving,
• making your home injury-proof,
• finding the right in-home aide

For Wayne County families, caregivers can find the phone numbers of resources available at The Senior Alliance. The phone number for Wayne County's Area of Aging Agency is 734-722-2830.

To download a copy of Connect Senior Resource Guide: Connect Senior Resource Guide.

If you are a caregiver, here are some tips:

Practice the following to reduce your stress: