April is National Stress Awareness Month!Â
Here are a few tips to help ward off the negative impacts of stress:
Take breaks from news stories: It’s good to be informed, but constant information about negative events can be upsetting. (Think about setting boundaries before this upcoming election!)
Eat healthy. Have fruits and vegetables, lean protein, whole grains, and low-fat or no-fat dairy. Limit foods with unhealthy fats, salt, and added sugars. Cut back on processed foods and choose more whole foods!
Get enough sleep. Go to bed and wake up at the same time each day to help you sleep better. Adults need 7 or more hours per night. Sleep is what helps to reset our emotions and stabilize our hormones.
Move more and sit less. Every little bit of physical activity helps. Start small and build up to 30 minutes a day. Rome wasn't built in a day--add a few more steps today than you had yesterday!
Limit alcohol intake. Choose not to drink, or drink in moderation on days you drink alcohol. Moderation means having 2 drinks or less a day for men or 1 drink or less for women.Â
Continue with regular health appointments, tests, screenings, and vaccinations. Talk to your doctor if you're feeling overwhelmed or anxious. They are here to help and can find you additional resources if needed.
 Make time to unwind. Take deep breaths, stretch, or meditate. Try to do some other activities and make time for the hobbies that you enjoy.
Connect with others. Talk with people you trust about your concerns and how you are feeling. Connect with your community-based or faith-based organizations.
Spend some time outdoors.  Your mom was right--get outside! Research shows that being outside is good for us. Sunshine and fresh air can help our physical and mental health.Â
We are having so much fun with chair yoga at the senior centers. If you haven't given it a try--now is the time! The Council Grove Senior Center meets on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays of the month and the White City Senior Center meets on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of the month.  Everyone is welcome to join us for some great movement (and it's a great stress reliever too!)
Can walking be a super power? Join us on April 17th to learn more about how walking can affect our mood levels, our pain levels, and our overall health! We will also create a plan to get started--no matter where your fitness level is today. Let's Start a Heart-Healthy Walking Program! Lunch is $6 and you do need to reserve your spot. You can call 620-767-6811 ext. 148 or email szeigler@mrcohosp.com to reserve a spot.
This month we welcome The 36-Hour Day Group. It is a support group for caregivers who are caring for those with dementia. It will meet every Thursday from 1:00 -2:00 PM in our Hospital Chapel. The group discusses various topics from the book, "The 36-Hour Day". You can email Stacy with any questions you have,
Join us for an open house this week, Friday, April 12th from 3:00-5:00 pm at our Chase County Clinic in Cottonwood Falls. We will be celebrating the retirement of Christy Watts, wishing her well, and thanking her for years of service to our community. All our welcome!
Morris County Assisted Living is an important part of our community and provides excellent housing options for our seniors. We appreciate your referrals as we look to rent our last couple of renovated apartments and we are looking for a few more great neighbors to call this unique space home. Call 620-767-5600 to schedule a tour.