Page 11 - Mid Valley Times 1-7-21 E-edition

Thursday, January 7, 2021 | A11 | Mid Valley TiMes
He
What to do about worry and anxiety
H
ealth &Fitne
ealth &Fitn
ss
ss
By Jim Dueck
2020 has been a very unusual year to say the least with many twists and turns, closures and openings, masks and so- cial distancing and a virus that has wreaked havoc around the globe. There are many things about the past ten months and the year ahead that could be cause for worry. So,
2. Stay away from alcohol. It is a sedative, turns
to sugar, can
cause weight
gain and kills
brain cells. It will only temporarily provide relief from anxiety, is not a long-term remedy and can lead to serious health problems.
3. Avoid all tobacco
sistant position was started for nursing home care, it quickly became recognized that their value was needed in other parts of health care including hospi- tals, clinics, homecare, and assisted living. Si- erra View hires mainly CNAs for the Resi- dential/Assisted Living section. So, I talked to a couple of people there. A Memory Care staff member reports, “This job is really hard but I love it. These folks find a way into my heart and IknowIammakinga difference.”
Another CNA
5.
Continued from Previous Page
her long-held interest in the geriatric field. “ I cared for several of my immediate family and I really enjoy the inter- action I have with older adults.” A male CNA responded to my ques- tion by telling me his inspiration is his mother and his grandmother, both were nurses. He enjoys the chance to re- ally get to know the res- idents in his care and to learn what makes them comfortable and happy. Another CNA did not
what can we do to reduce worry and anxiety?
You know the song, “Don’t worry, be happy” by Bobby McFarrin. The lyrics say, “In every life we have some trou- ble, when you worry you make it double. Don’t worry, be happy.......” Sounds simple enough but this isn’t so easy for many of us. Logically, we all know worry and anxiety does not promote good health. Emotion- ally, it can be hard to get out of the habit of wor- rying and being anxious.
Here are a few things to consider if you find yourself worrying too much or start to feel anxious:
start out in the health field. She spent 19 years working in a business. She became a CNA when her son became very sick and that lead her to come to Sierra View Homes. Now she states, “I get real satis- faction in providing care to those who cannot take care of themselves.” The last CNA I inter- viewed stated, “When I was little I wanted to help people becoming a CNA gave me skills and has fulfilled my dream of helping those who need help.”
Although the Certified Nursing as-
1. Try to stay as
active as you
can even with all
the restrictions currently in place.
Get creative and
find new ways to
move about and exercise. 4.
and vaping products. Once again this only provides a temporary respite from anxiety and will likely cause serious health problems.
Avoidcaffeine. I know, you want and maybe feel you need your morning coffee fix or your afternoon soda, but caffeine and anxiety can be a toxic mix.
Know the source of your anxiety. Being aware of the things and activities that trigger your anxiety will help
you know what to avoid. Findwork arounds for the things that trigger your anxiety or see if there is another way to approach this.
6. Schedule a quiet time everyday when you can relax, take a breath and quiet the noise inyourlife. We
all can live such busy lives that we forget to slow down and breath.
7. Eat a healthy
diet. This, like
the other tips, is easier said than done but we all can do it if we put ourmindtoit. Eat
the job no matter how challenging the situa- tion may be. I am really proud and grateful of the staff who have been the heroes for the residents
smaller portions, drink the right amount of water, balance proteins, vegetables and fruit and avoid all sugar and highly processed foods.
8. Get a good night’s sleep. Turn off the TV many hours before bedtime and consistently go to bed at the same time every day. Find what works for you and your schedule.
It just might be worth it if even one of these tips helps reduce your anxiety.
of Sierra View Homes. Both the Assisted Liv- ing and Nursing Care have some amazing health care givers.
CARING
summarized her work this way: “We encour- age our residents to be as independent as they possibly can be and yet be ready to assist when the task at hand be- comes overwhelming. We make sure the resi- dent has the best quality of life possible. When we leave for the day we know we have made someone’s life a little bit better.”
The year 2020 has really put the CNAs to the test. COVID-19 has really challenged each one’s dedication to the residents and the will- ingness to stick with
Call to Advertise 638-2244
Health&Fitnessruns the first week of each month
Call Janie Lucio to advertise
638-2244
006509
006432