Wellness Wednesday

What is health? In 1948, the World Health Organization said “Health is a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.”  In 1986, they added this:  “A resource for everyday life, not the objective of living. Health is a positive concept emphasizing social and personal resources, as well as physical capacities.”

Mental and physical health are probably the two most frequently discussed types of health. Spiritual, emotional, and financial health also contribute to overall health. Here is a short video that has ideas and resources for a healthy lifestyle: Every Mind Matters.

Calm and Strong Heart #OurHearts are healthier when we take time to relax in healthy ways. Breathe deeply, exhale slowly, and visualize something lovely, like a favorite walking trail, plant, or picture. --National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute

April is Move More Month, sponsored by the American Heart Association. What is happening in Michigan? Click this link to find out: Move More Month in Michigan.

Be aware of these heart attack, stroke and cardiac arrest symptoms: https://www.heart.org/en/about-us/heart-attack-and-stroke-symptoms

Governor Proclamation on Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), developmental disabilities are defined as impairments in physical, learning, language or behavior areas and include

• Autism spectrum disorders
• Cerebral palsy
• Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder
• Learning or intellectual disabilities
• Hearing loss
• Vision impairment
• Other developmental delays

This is a nationwide event to raise awareness about the inclusion of people with developmental disabilities and address the barriers that those with disabilities face. Inclusion is necessary since about 15% of the world’s population lives with a disability. We need to understand the relationship between the way people function and how they participate in society and making sure everybody has the same opportunities in every aspect of life to the best of their abilities.

More information about what how you can participate can be found here: National Disability Awareness Month.

“Our greatest weakness lies in giving up. The most certain way to succeed is always to try just one more time.” – Thomas A. Edison

Here are 5 tips to make your New Year's resolutions stick.

1. Start with small goals.
2. Make it measurable.
3. Be realistic.
4. Make a plan.
5. Stay positive.

Here are 2 articles, both one-pagers:  Make Your Resolutions Stick and  More Tips on Making Your Resolutions Stick.

“If you’re not staying on top of your money, you’re putting your financial well-being at risk.” – Suze Orman

The beginning of a new calendar year is a great time to look at your financial wellness. Here are many ideas you can use to examine your financial situation: 25 Tips to Improve Your Financial Wellness

We are stronger together when we study our finances.

Trauma creates change you don't choose. Healing creates change you do choose.--Michele Rosenthal

This week we are informing you of a FREE benefit that is a part of your DFT membership. The details of a trauma counseling program are outlined in the flyer. If you are not signed up as a member of AFT National, scan codes and emails can be found on the members benefits tab so you can create an account. This account will allow you to access all AFT benefits offered to you as a dues-paying member, not just the trauma counseling program. To see all the benefits of being an AFT member, check out this link on our website. Go to the membership tab, then drop down to member benefits: https://dft231.mi.aft.org/member-benefits.

We would like to recognize that October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

If someone you know is experiencing Domestic Violence, there is a hotline available: 800-799-7233.

The State of Michigan VOICEDV hotline provides materials that assist the needs of survivors, their family, friends and allied professionals, in addition to round-the-clock phone, text and chat services.  All services are confidential and free of charge. Advocates are trained to provide immediate crisis counseling, advocacy and referral. More information can be found by clicking here.

For more information, use this resource: National Coalition Against Domestic Violence.

Strokes do not discriminate...it can happen to anyone.--Linda Steuer

Start a fitness club to help prevent a stroke. A fitness club is a great way to destress, have fun with your friends, family and colleagues and help in staying healthy. 

Click here for information on 7 Ways to Prevent a Stroke.

Drinking water is essential to a healthy lifestyle. --Stephen Curry

Here is why water is a key factor in self-care: Drinking Water is Part of Good Mental Health Care.  To learn more about this initiative from the United Nations, scroll down on the page from Share My Lesson: World Water Day.

We are stronger together when we hydrate ourselves.

We are in a profession that has much stress. Here's why it is important to destress: Destressing at the End of the Day.