June Is National Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Awareness Month

Posted by & filed under Behavioral Health, Brain Health, Complementary and Integrative Health, Holistic and Integrative Health, Integrative Mental Health, Meditation, Mental Health, Stress Management, Wellness.

In 2010, Congress named June 27th PTSD Awareness Day and in 2014, the Senate designated the full month of June for National PTSD Awareness. The purpose of this designation is to encourage everyone to raise public awareness of PTSD and effective treatments. We can all help those affected by PTSD.

When someone is in danger, it is natural and normal to feel afraid. This fear triggers the fight-or-flight response, causing split-second changes in the body to help it prepare against danger or to avoid it.… Read more »

Pesticides, the Dirty Dozen, and the Clean 15

Posted by & filed under Community Health, Education, Healthy Aging, Men's Health, Nutrition, Wellness, Women's Health.

fruits and vegetables

Does it really matter if we buy organic versus non-organic foods? What is the real difference between the two? Well, you might be surprised. There are over 400 pesticides currently licensed to be used on U.S. foods, but our exposure to thousands of others is “tolerated.”

“Pesticides” is a general term that the government and other agencies use to include insecticides, fungicides, rodenticides, insect repellants, weed killers, antimicrobials, and swimming pool chemicals designed to prevent, destroy, repel, or reduce pests of any sort.… Read more »

Earth Day 2018 – Help End Plastic Pollution

Posted by & filed under Community Health, Healing Environments for the Body, Mind, and Spirit, Wellness.

This year, Earth Day is focused on eliminating the use of plastic pollution. From disrupting human hormones, poisoning, and injuring marine life, to clogging our beaches, streams, and landfills, the explosive growth and use of plastics is threatening our health and the survival of our planet.

Most of the perishable foods and beverages in the United States are stored in packaged plastic or cans lined with a plastic resin. These plastics can leach substances that may be very harmful to health, especially to the health of a developing fetus and young children.… Read more »

Mindful Morning Practice

Posted by & filed under Brain Health, Holistic and Integrative Health, Meditation, Mindfulness, Stress Management, Wellness.

Blissful Woman

Starting the day out right with your mindful morning practice may help you feel less stressed and more focused, so you will be able to accomplish what you want to do throughout the day. Being busy isn’t an excuse. In fact, the busier you are the more you need a mindful morning practice.

You can create an effective routine that helps you start your day! Think of your morning ritual as tuning your mind, body, and spirit. Create a practice that supports your lifestyle and personality.… Read more »

Heart Disease in Women

Posted by & filed under Cardiology, Healthy Aging, Nutrition, Stress Management, Wellness, Women's Health.

Heart in hands

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in women. The more you know about heart disease and the symptoms, the better chance you have of surviving. Heart attacks in women can have different symptoms than in men.
 
Symptoms of heart disease can include discomfort in your chest, nausea, heartburn, throat or jaw pain, feeling dizzy, swelling in your legs, feet and ankles, and pain that spreads to the arm. It is important to be aware of a few facts about gender differences as well as risk factors relating to women.… Read more »

Food and Your Soul

Posted by & filed under Complementary and Integrative Health, Food, Nutrition, and Health, Healthy Aging, Nutrition, Nutrition, Chronic Disease, and Health Promotion, Wellness.

vegan food

Food is fundamental to all life. It is basic to survival, meets security needs, can be used as a gift or reward, involves pride in preparation, and food can help us express our creativity through its innovative use and new recipes.
 
Besides being nutritious, food plays many different roles in our lives. Food is used to support religious and spiritual traditions, rituals, and ceremonies. For many of us, the type of foods we eat is dependent on where we live and what is available at any particular time.… Read more »

Now That The Holidays Are Over: Self-Care for Health and Well Being

Posted by & filed under Healing Environments for the Body, Mind, and Spirit, Healthy Aging, Holistic and Integrative Health, Men's Health, Stress Management, Wellness, Women's Health.

holiday watercolor

Now that the travel, and obligations, and stress of the holidays are over, you can catch your breath and think about the New Year. What will you do for yourself this year that will support your goals for health and well-being?
 
Caring for yourself is one of the most important things you can do for yourself, and it is also one of the easiest things to forget to do or put aside in favor of tending to others. Some say self-care “is like pouring water from a vessel.” You can only keep pouring the water if you’re refilling the vessel.… Read more »

Take the Kindness Challenge

Posted by & filed under Community Health, Mental Health, Mindfulness, Spirituality, Health, and Healing, Stress Management, Wellness.

How great would it be if we could walk into any store and buy lifelong happiness? It’s actually not that hard to do—as long as whatever we buy is meant for someone other than ourself.
 
Research suggests that when we give to others, it makes us happy—even happier than if we spent money on ourselves. And when kindness is given, it creates a cycle that promotes lasting happiness and altruism. Thus, when you engage in a kind deed, you feel happier and the happier you are, the more likely you are to do another kind act.… Read more »

Pre-Pet Checklist

Posted by & filed under Community Health, Healing Environments for the Body, Mind, and Spirit, Healthy Aging, Stress Management, Wellness.

Many people receive pets as a gift during the holidays. Maybe you saw a cute kitten during your holiday shopping spree or your child has wanted a puppy for months. Holiday movies, television programs, and advertisements seem to make it seem like the best time to give a pet is under the tree on Christmas morning. However, not all Christmas pets live up to the hype and bringing a new animal into the home during a chaotic holiday season can lead to just the opposite of a positive beginning for the pet and the family.… Read more »

Deep Peace

Posted by & filed under Mental Health, Mindfulness, Spirituality, Health, and Healing, Stress Management, Wellness.

 
 

During this time of reflection, holy days, and holidays, we’d like to offer you a blessing to consider as you share time with family members and friends and begin a new year. We hope it provides you with a sense of peace and serenity during frenzied times, and renews your sense of hope and joy for the future.

 
 
 

Deep peace

Of the running wave to you

 

Deep peace

Of the flowing air to you

 

Deep peace

Of the quiet earth to you

Deep peace

Of the shining stars to you

 

Deep peace of the gentle night to you

Moon and stars

Pour their healing light on you

 

Deep peace to you

 

—Gaelic Blessing… Read more »