Wellness Wednesday

“The opportunity to step away from everything and take a break is something that shouldn’t be squandered.” – Harper Reed

A major upside of teaching is the summer break - and we can utilize that time to reduce stress, increase our health and change some unhealthy habits we might have gained all while having some fun. This will first mean de-stressing yourself and here are some tips:

1. Wake up and take a walk first thing in the morning. Studies show that getting some sunlight first thing in the morning helps us maintain a good circadian rhythm and will increase sleep habits and reduce stress.

2. Read a book that has nothing to do with your teaching subject. Fiction can be great for this, and will help tap back into your creative side and get your mind going first thing in the morning.

3. Give gratitude every day. Recall our Wellness Wednesday about keeping a gratitude journal (https://dft231.mi.aft.org/resources/gratitude-journal-wellness-wednesday-november-8-2023)

4. Meditate, watch this one minute video that lists the benefits of doing this simple activity: 5 Amazing Benefits of Meditation

President Bill Clinton signed a proclamation in 1994 declaring a week be set aside for Men's Health Week for the following reasons:

• Despite the advances in medical technology and research, men continue to live an average of 7 years less than women
• Likelihood that a man will develop prostate cancer is 1 in 11
• Number of men contracting prostate cancer will reach over 120,000 in 1993, with an expected one-third of the cases to die from the disease
• Testicular cancer is one of the most common cancers in men aged 15-34, and when detected early, has an 87 percent survival rate
• Number of men contracting lung disease will reach over 100,000 in 1993, with an expected 85 percent of the cases to die from the disease
• Number of cases of colon cancer among men will reach over 80,000 in 1993; with nearly one-third of the cases to die from the disease
• Death rate for prostate cancer has grown at almost twice the death rate of breast cancer in the last five years
• African-American men in the United States have the highest incidence in the world of cancer of the prostate
• Men are seven times as likely as women to be arrested for drunk driving and three times as likely to be alcoholics
• Women visit the doctor 150 percent as often as men enabling them to detect health problems in their early stages
• Significant numbers of male related health problems such as prostate cancer, testicular cancer, infertility, and colon cancer, could be detected and treated if men’s awareness of these problems was more pervasive
• Educating both the public and health care providers about the importance of early detection of male health problems will result in reducing rates of mortality for these diseases
• Appropriate use of tests such as Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) exams, blood pressure screens, cholesterol screens, etc., in conjunction with clinical examination and self-testing for problems such as testicular cancer can result in the detection of many of these problems in their early stages and increases in the survival rates to nearly 100 percent
• Many men are reluctant to visit their health center or physician for regular screening examinations of male related problems for a variety of reasons including fear, lack of information, and cost factors
• Men who are educated about the value that preventive health can play in prolonging their lifespan and their role as a productive family member will be more likely to participate in health screenings

📣📣📣📣    Where should men start? Here is a 2 minute video that has a health screening schedule for men ages 20 and older: Men's Health: Where Should You Start?

Walking relieves stress. Here are 8 reasons how the simple act of walking can help you de-stress.

1. Instant Mood Booster
2. Become More Creative and Productive
3. Energy Increased
4. Sleep Better
5. Gives You a Break
6. Reduces Stress to be Outdoors
7. Aids in Warding Off Signs of Depression
8. Improve Overall Health

Check out this article that explains the Eight Benefits of Walking.

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.

One thing is certain! Our jobs in education carry a lot of stress. April is designated as Stress Awareness Month so here are some tips we have for you. 

What is stress? Watch this 2:30 minute video that explains: Managing Stress: Brainsmart.

Utilize these tips which can be found from the National Institutes of Health. Click here: Steps to Manage Stress and Build Resilience for more information.

1. Recognize and counter signs of stress.
2. Take time for yourself.
3. Try new routines.
4. Stay in touch with family, friends and groups as well as make new friends.
5. See problems through a different lens by "reframing".
6. Seek help with problems and/or talk to a profession

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.

Awareness is the first step to making a difference. --slogan used for National Cancer Awareness Day 2023

February is National Cancer Prevention Month which focuses on the things we can control to lessen our odds of developing cancer.

• Regular exercise
• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Eating healthy foods
• Quitting or never starting smoking
• Limiting alcohol use

Don't forget about routine checkups, treating or preventing other health conditions, and knowing your risk factors. We can't stop every form of cancer yet, but we do have the tools to decrease our risk factors.

More information can be found here: Cancer Prevention Information. We have also included their 30-day checklist.

Always remember cancer awareness is the first step towards cancer prevention.--Vedantu

Information about Carcinoid Tumors

Information about Lung Cancer

Information about Pancreatic Cancer

“Trauma may happen to you, but it can never define you.” ― Melinda Longtin

We would like to recognize that October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Signs,Symptons, Risks of Breast Cancer

Breast Cancer Awareness for Men