| Join Our List
|
|
| Are you prepared for an emergency? |
 |
|
The fall is a great time to assess your family's preparedness for an emergency. Do you know what you will need in the event of a natural emergency such as hurricanes, tornados, fires, floods, or excessive heat?
The Environmental Protection Agency has a wonderful website that discuss each of the disasters listed above at: http://epa.gov/naturalevents.
In general, a family preparedness plan will include the name of each family member, their social security number, (address, and phone number if different). Also include the name of a family emergency contact. Include the location of the pharmacy, and your medical insurance as well as your home owners information aand the name and location of your veterinarian. Keep a copy of your plan in each automobile as well as with your important papers in your home.
A few handy tips include:
1.Create a family evacuation plan. Include specific information on where you will go and all family members will meet.
2. Store one gallon of water per person per day for a minimum of 3 days.
2. Purchase a whistle, crank operated weather radio and flashlight as well as a life hammer.
3. Have a family first aid kit that includes an emergency supply of medication, infant formula, or pet food, a copy of family emergency plan, pen, pencils, paper and children activities. Also include a can opener, paper towels, a disposable thermometer, antibacterial and adhesive bandages, adhesive tape, elastic bandage, antiseptic wipes, instant hot/cold pad, disposable gloves, 2 X 2 gauze, moleskin, tweezers, scissors, bite sting relief, and a first aid manual. In addition, a few nonprescription drugs could include analgesics, antacids, antibacterial ointment, antidiarrheal, burn ointment, cough syrup, decongestant, and hydrocortisone cream.
|
|
|
 |
Dear Reader,
Growing up in rural Kentucky, September meant change. Fall represented a change in atmosphere. The air cools, leaves begin their transition from a deep green to vibrant shades of yellow, purple and orange. As a child, the theme of September change was underscored in our preparation to go back to school, anticipation of the new fall television shows, and planning the last visits of the season with our family, friends and neighbors. Today, I live in Scottsdale, Arizona where a change in seasons from summer to fall may not be the same as the forests that seemed to change color en masse as I had experienced in Kentucky. Yet southwestern residents anticipate fall changes just the same as their eastern counterparts. Wildlife such as bats and hummingbirds begin preparing for migration and the cactus wrens begin building their nests in the mighty saguaros. Meanwhile students anxious about returning to school have the same concerns in Arizona as they have in Kentucky. Yet, in my mind, the truly most powerful images connected to the terms of "change" and "September" have to be the many events we witnessed as a result of the attacks that occurred in New York on September 11, 2001. We stood together in disbelief as we saw our own lives, families, and communities try to understand these events and to realize the implication of this profound change. So it is with deepest respect and humility I would like to encourage each of us to face changes as they are presented in our lives this fall. It doesn't matter whether the changes are large or small, I encourage you to embrace them with a plan and face them without fear. I ask you to respect the anxiety that change brings. Feel uncomfortable and adapt to the best of your ability. Change is everywhere and it is certain and for those who choose to embrace change with as little fear as possible, I have no doubt that you will become stronger and more resilient as a result. |
|
Find comfort in a time of change |
|
 To Change is to be alive!
Let's face it, adapting to change is an integral part of living. Our health and quality of life is based, in good measure, on our ability to adapt to change. In those instances where we are unable to adapt, anxiety and illnesses are likely to result. Change can be present in nearly every part of our lives. We see change in our bodies, as we mature and age; when our reality does not live up to our expectations, whether in the type of job we have, home we live in or the success of our children. We find ourselves wishing to change by either keeping or discarding relationships we once thought permanent. Relationships are often fleeting as evident in the passing of friends, pets, or family. We worry about change in our communities as our neighborhoods shift, our homes rise or decline in value, and we become aware of environmental changes as weather patterns produce hurricanes, floods, tornados, dust storms or fire. We see change in our politics as power moves among parties pending next elections. Along with change in leadership comes changes in laws, taxes, allies and enemies. In my opinion, it is not the fact that we witness these changes that builds our character, but our response to those changes that do.
So, what steps can you take to become comfortable with change?
1. Objectively assess your situation. Step back. Is this change really worth the energy, worry and fear you are giving it? Is it possible to accept the change without further action or worry?
2. Identify the changes that are occurring that are of concern to you?
Do you fully understand why this situation is causing you concern? If not, spend some time thinking about why these changes are eliciting such a response.
3. Is it possible to reduce or eliminate the change? For example, if you are concerned about losing your job, or an unpaid bill, is it possible to anticipate and plan for these things? Could you set up an emergency fund?
4. Even if you are capable of removing the change, should you?
Much growth and life lessons are a result of your response to changes that arise in your life.
5. Anticipate your response to the change. Think about how you have reacted to a similar change in the past, and how you would like to react in the future. Work toward your goal of the ideal way to handle change.
6. Accept, modify or reject. Make a decision on how you will respond to change. A former college professor I truly respected, Dr. Les Ramsdell, said for every challenge there are only three solutions, accept, reject, or modify either the situation or your response. Years and years later I believe he is correct and hardly a week goes by that I do not think of these words.
7. Move forward with courage, enthusiasm, and a positive outlook. You will make mistakes, we all do. You will become anxious and frustrated about things beyond your control. But be kind to yourself and continually move forward with the thought of how you can make the most of this situation.
|
|
Back to School: |
 Tips and Techniques to Smooth the Transition of Going Back to School
Many students dread the end of summer, not only does it signify the end of lazy days and late nights, but it reminds us that it is time to go back to school. This transition of going back to school can create anxiety over the changes that await in the new classroom. Many children are elated as the new school year begins, however many students are filled with fear of the unknown that may await them during the first school days. Children, like adults, typically desire a certain amount of stability, safety and predictability. Anticipating and addressing the needs of students can help alleviate their fear. Below you will find several tips that can help your student to reduce their fear during the start of a new school year.
1. Remind your student that the anxiety they feel is normal and a feeling shared by many of their classmates.
2. Make an effort to meet new students who will also be attending the new school.
3. Contact the school to learn about the rules, dress code and any expectations of students. Specifically ask about the start and stop time and learn about the rules of providing medication to your student.
4. Anticipate and purchase back to school supplies including pens,
paper, calculators and backpacks. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommend backpacks that have wide straps, encourage students to pack as light as possible, and consider using a rolling backpack.
5. Make medical, dental and vision appointments before the start of the new school year.
6. Make sure younger students have address labels that include the parent's name and address.
7. Foster healthy eating by providing a healthy breakfast, snacks and packed school lunches every day.
8. Encourage students to receive adequate sleep. According to the Citizen Information Center, students between ages 6 - 9 need 10 hours each night, and pre-teens need a little more.
9. Encourage your student to engage in exercise everyday.
10. Lead by example, show respect and ask your student to do the same, require your student to follow safety rules such as look both ways before crossing the street, wear safety helmets and respect bus drivers.
11. Help your student to be organized. Use a common calendar to track homework assignments, exams, and sports activities.
12. Limit TV viewing to a few hours per day.
13.Be an active participant in school matters. Be a member of the Parent-Teachers Association at your student's school. 14. And lastly, reinforce positive thoughts whenever possible. |
|
|
The primary purpose of developing Vital Health Strategies is to convey to others that their actions can directly impact their well being. One can begin where they are and make small but meaningful changes, that when repeated, can produce significant results. It is my desire that Vital Health Strategies can serve as a leading resource for education, information, products, services and philanthropic contributions with the desire to nurture, motivate and facilitate healthy lifestyles. I have spent a lifetime in all types of health programs including public, private, non-profit, university and corporate. I hope you will find that my philospohy reflects my desire to integrate body, mind, and spirit. Our tagline at Vital Health Strategies is to Imagine, Inspire, Innovate and Inform. I hope you find this is true for every newsletter. I want you to feel free to contact me should you find any information that is inaccurate or ideas you would like to see in the future. Meanwhile, I am wishing you and yours Vital health!
Kindest regards,
Henrietta Williams, EdD, MPA
vitalhealthstrategies.com
Imagine, Inspire, Innovate and Inform |
|
|
vitalhealthstrategies.com
