May 21, 2020
May is Mental Health Awareness Month and it's up to all of us to talk about it.

Each week in May, we will focus on healthy habits for your mental health and well-being. This week, our focus will be on Relax. Relax is all about taking care of your mind, body and community. Allow yourself to rejuvenate and unwind by doing activities and hobbies that you enjoy.
How to Relax During Stressful Times

GET CREATIVE:
#ChalkYourWalk

If you’ve got kids or if you’re a kid at heart, get some sidewalk chalk and inspire neighbors with a creative or inspirational message. Sunshine and fresh air are added benefits!
Color Your Thanks

Break out the crayons and show your thanks to the frontline workers, healthcare workers, first responders, delivery drivers and all of those making a difference.

Post your colored page up in your window or share on social media!
GET MINDFUL:
MindUP at Home

Families can now bring MindUP, BCHD's mindfulness program taught in schools for kids, home.  

New videos just added on mindful observation!
Mindfulness Exercises

Downshift and unwind with a guided mindfulness exercise.
Exercises are for all abilities and range from 1-20 minutes.
Free Subscription for Headspace

Headspace in partnership with the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health is offering free subscriptions to access meditations and sleep and movement exercises. Sign up here.
GET ACTIVE:
Walk Your Neighborhood

 Get some fresh air in your neighborhood. Take a walk, jog or ride your beach cruiser. 
Kids Scavenger Hunt

How many things can you spy in your neighborhood? A dog, a bicycle, a blue car? Check them off on our kids scavenger hunt!
Have a Dance Party!

Get moving and follow one of our AdventurePlex Dance Alongs!
Watch an Exercise Video

Work out from the comfort and safety of your home. Choose from chair yoga, tai chi, stretching, core exercises and much more!
Break a Sweat at the Beach

LA County beaches are reopen for active recreation only including surfing, swimming, walking and running.

#BeachResponsibly and remember to practice physical distancing by staying at least 6 feet apart from others and wear your cloth face covering when you are out of the water and around others.

The Facts on Cloth Face Coverings

Wearing a cloth face covering is a sign of respect and care for one another. We don't have a vaccine, but we have each other. Each of us has the power to protect one another by practicing physical distancing and wearing cloth face coverings. And remember to wash yours daily!
Mental Health & Happiness Series
Learn how to boost your well-being through evidence-based practices to build resilience, feel more connected and be happier.

Tuesday, May 26
12:30 - 2 p.m.
Reaffirm Purpose
Navigate transitions
and focus on meaning
Go Red Series:
From Stressful to Grateful: When You’re Too Busy to Be Mindful

Join BCHD for a session to maximize gratitude as part of the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women. Learn techniques to build a personal practice supporting stress resilience and positive social connection, especially in your busy life.

Wednesday, May 27
12 p.m. 
Talk About It Parent Workshops
BCHD, in partnership with our Student Mental Health Provider Task Force, is hosting the virtual “Talk About It” Small-Group Parent Workshop Series in May and June. This series will support families at home as they navigate distance learning and help create balance for students and parents.



All Workshops will take place on Thursdays from 1 2 p.m.
Families Connected Parent Chat
Free parent support group

Mondays
9:50  –  10:50 a.m.
(No chat on Memorial Day, May 25)

Open to all parents. A support group led by a licensed professional from the Thelma McMillen Center for Alcohol and Drug Treatment at Torrance Memorial Medical Center.
Powerful Tools for Caregivers
Free course for family caregivers

POSTPONED:
 Now starting Tuesday, June 2
1 – 2:30 p.m.

An evidence-based, self-care program for family caregivers who are currently involved with providing care to children or adults with chronic conditions.
Mindfulness Drop-in
Guided meditation

 Wednesday, June 3
NEW TIME: 4 – 4:30 p.m.

Take 30 minutes to downshift and practice mindfulness techniques the first Wednesday of each month
#LiveWellAtHome
Get unlimited access to all of CHF's live virtual exercise classes for $22 during June. Small Group Training is also available virtually for $12 per class.
FREE on demand exercise classes you can access from the comfort of your own home, anytime.
Get Social!
Add our Facebook frame to your profile picture!  Click here  to update your frame.
Share your #SaferAtHomeSelfie!  Let us know how you are spending time physical distancing and helping slow the spread of COVID-19.
Donate to the Beach Cities COVID-19 Fund
Donations will provide assistance to Beach Cities residents who are income qualified with essentials like groceries and household and cleaning supplies.
Roadmap to Recovery

BCHD’s AdventurePlex and Center for Health & Fitness facilities will remain temporarily closed until further notice in accordance with the Los Angeles County Dept. of Public Health’s Health Officer Order. BCHD is complying with the Order in a continued effort to slow the spread of COVID-19. As a public health agency, our top priority is the health and well-being of the community and we are taking extra precautions to protect the most vulnerable. We will continue to monitor the situation and reassess as needed. Please check our website and social media channels for updated information.
COVID-19 Testing at the South Bay Galleria
COVID-19 testing is available to ALL Los Angeles County residents, whether or not you are experiencing symptoms.

Priority for the same or next day testing is still given to people with COVID-19 symptoms.

Testing is also prioritized for certain critical frontline workers who interact with the public while working. 

All tests at the South Bay Galleria are free of charge and are  by appointment only. 
As of 5/20/2020
28
74
128
Beach Cities Cumulative Cases:
#SaferAtHomeBeachCities

It is important to remember, as restrictions relax, residents will need to continue to observe and practice physical distancing and take infection control precautions. Increased interactions between residents and workers can increase the risk and rate of transmission of COVID-19 within the community. Asymptomatic (not exhibiting symptoms) individuals are capable of spreading the virus to others. We should assume that each of us can infect others even when we aren’t sick, and that others can infect us.

People who have underlying health conditions will still be at much greater risk for serious illness from COVID-19, so it will continue to be very important for the County's vulnerable residents to stay at home as much as possible.
Need Help with Health Information and Referrals?
If you or someone you know in the Beach Cities needs assistance with errands, health-related information or referrals, please call our Assistance, Information & Referral line at  310-374-3426, ext. 256 , seven days a week, 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. You can also visit us online at  bchd.org/resources