Wellness Wednesday

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

“Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.”  — World Health Organization

The World Health Organization’s definition of health highlights the holistic nature of wellness. It’s not just about being free from illness but encompasses a range of physical, mental, and social factors that contribute to our overall wellness.

Here is an Emotional Wellness Toolkit, provided by the National Institutes of Health, that features 6 strategies for improving your emotional health. Click the Emotional Wellness Toolkit to get started.

PTSD is a mental health problem which can only develop after you go through or see a life-threatening event. It's normal to have stress reactions to these types of events, and most people start to feel better after a few weeks.  It's normal to have upsetting memories, feel on edge, or have trouble sleeping after a traumatic event. At first, it may be hard to do daily activities you are used to doing. Going to work or school, even spending time with people you care about, can feel difficult right after a trauma. But most people start to feel better after a few weeks. For some people, PTSD symptoms may start later, or they may come and go over time.

Symptoms include:

• Sleep issues
• Irritability
• Anger
• Recurrent dreams about the trauma
• Intense reactions to reminders of the trauma
• Relationship disturbances
• Isolation

If you suspect PTSD, seek help. Talk to a doctor or mental health care provider such as a psychiatrist, psychologist, counselor or social worker.

"Getting better" means different things for different people. There are treatment options for PTSD. For many people, these treatments can get rid of symptoms altogether. Others find they have fewer symptoms or feel that their symptoms are less intense. Your symptoms don't have to interfere with your everyday activities and relationships.

We've all had them....those nights where you just cannot fall asleep. Nearly everyone is familiar with that inescapable feeling of being awake in the middle of the night, with everything quiet – except for your brain. We are offering up tips that may help you. Let's begin with this 3 minute video: 5 Ideas To Help in Falling Asleep.

Here are some other ways you could consider to help you catch those ZZZZZZs.
 

6. Controlled Breathing

1. Place one hand on your stomach and the other on your chest.
2. Inhale slowly, directing your breath deep into your belly. The hand on your stomach should gradually rise, while the one on your chest should have little to no movement.
3. Exhale gently, allowing the hand on your stomach to gradually fall.

7. Body Scan Meditation

1. Lie in bed face up with your hands at your side.
2. Spend a few moments practicing controlled breathing.
3. Direct your attention to sensations in your feet without labeling them as good or bad.
4. Breathe deeply and imaging the breath traveling all the way to your feet. As you exhale, direct your attention to your ankles and calves.
5. Move your attention progressively upward until you reach the head.
6. Take some deep breaths.

8. Progressive Muscle Relaxation

1. Sit or lie in a comfortable position and become aware of your breath.
2. As you slowly breathe in, clench your fists, noticing sensations that accompany tightening your muscles.
3. Gently exhale, relaxing your hands. Notice tension draining out of your muscles.
4. Repeat this process, tensing as you inhale and releasing as you exhale, for muscle groups throughout your body.

9. Military Method

1. Relax your face, moving from your forehead to your jaw.
2. Release any tension in your shoulders and arms, allowing them to rest at your sides.
3. Take a slow, deep breath and then gradually exhale.
4. Relax your legs, beginning with the hips and thighs and working your way to the tips of your toes.
5. With your eyes closed, imagine a peaceful scene. If you get distracted, repeat a simple phrase in your mind, like “be still.”

10. 4-7-8 Breathing

1. Close your eyes and place the tip of your tongue on the roof of your mouth, just behind your teeth. Keep your tongue in this position for the whole exercise.
2. Close your mouth and breathe in through your nose as you count to 4 in your mind.
3. Hold your breath, and count to 7.
4. Open your mouth and exhale as you count to 8. Allow the breath to make a whooshing sound as it leaves your body.
5. Repeat steps 2-4 three more times, making sure that your breathing pattern follows the 4-7-8 ratio.

WHEREAS, more than 33 million Americans have food allergies, and 5.6 million are children under the age of 18; and,

WHEREAS, research shows that the prevalence of food allergies is increasing among children and adults; and,

WHEREAS, nine foods cause the majority of all food allergy reactions in the United States: fish, shellfish, milk, eggs, tree nuts, peanuts, soy, wheat, and sesame; symptoms of a food allergy reaction can range from mild to severe, including anaphylaxis; and,

WHEREAS, anaphylaxis is a serious, rapid onset allergic reaction that may cause death; and,

WHEREAS, each year, an estimated 200,000 Americans require emergency room treatment for symptoms of a serious allergic reaction. Reactions often occur when a person ingests food they thought was safe; and,

WHEREAS, emergency medical procedures for severe allergic reactions to food increased by 380 percent between 2007 to 2016; and,

WHEREAS, food allergies are expensive, costing the American economy more than $25 billion each year; and,

WHEREAS, Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life and health of individuals with food allergies, and providing them hope through the promise of new treatments;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Gretchen Whitmer, governor of Michigan, do hereby proclaim May 11 – 17, 2025, as Food Allergy Awareness Week in Michigan.

Check out the FARE website for more information: foodallergy.org.

If you are allergic to a particular food, you may experience any of the following symptoms:

• Itchy mouth
• Swelling of the lips, tongue, and throat
• Vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps and pain
• Hives (welts), itchy rashes
• Persistent eczema
• Tightening of the throat, trouble breathing, wheezing, coughing
• Sneezing, hoarseness, nasal congestion
• Drop in blood pressure, fainting, weak pulse
• A severe allergic reaction known as anaphylaxis which can occur within seconds or minutes of exposure to something you're allergic to. Anaphylaxis causes the immune system to release a flood of chemicals that can cause you to go into shock — blood pressure drops suddenly and the airways narrow, blocking breathing. Signs and symptoms include a rapid, weak pulse; a skin rash; and nausea and vomiting. Anaphylaxis requires an injection of epinephrine and a follow-up trip to an emergency room. If you don't have epinephrine, you need to go to an emergency room immediately. If anaphylaxis isn't treated right away, it can be fatal.

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.

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

There has been much talk of measles in the news. Here is the latest information from the US Department of Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (https://www.cdc.gov/measles/data-research/index.html.)  They will be updating this page every Friday.

• Early Stage: 4-7 days: fever, cough, runny nose, sore throat, red eyes (conjunctivitis), and Koplik's spots (small white spots inside the mouth)
• Rash Stags: (3-7 days): A red, blotchy rash that starts on the face and spreads to the rest of the body
• Other Symptoms: Diarrhea, vomiting, headache, muscle ache

Treatment:

Why is there more measles activity now?

Measles was declared eliminated in the United States in 2000. This was due to a very high percentage of people receiving the safe and effective measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine. In recent years, however

• U.S. MMR coverage among kindergarteners is now below the 95% coverage target—much lower in some communities—and is decreasing.
• Global measles activity is increasing, meaning more chances of an unvaccinated person infected with measles abroad returning to the United States.

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.