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More Healthy Eating Tips for the Holidays
Keep Moving
You've got a lot on your plate this time of year, and physical activity can get crowded out. But being active is your secret holiday weapon; it can help make up for eating more than usual and reduce stress during this most stressful time of year. Get moving with friends and family, such as taking a walk after a holiday meal.
Outsmart the Buffet
When you face a spread of delicious holiday foods, make healthy choices easier:
- Have a small plate of the foods you like best and then move away from the buffet table
- Start with vegetables to take the edge off your appetite.
- Eat slowly. It takes at least 20 minutes for your brain to realize you're full.
- Avoid or limit alcohol. If you do have an alcoholic drink, have it with food. Alcohol can lower blood sugar and interact with diabetes medicines.
Also plan to stay on top of your blood sugar. Check it more often during the holidays, and if you take medicine, ask your doctor if the amount needs to be adjusted.
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Get Active with the Fitness Warriors
Fitness Warriors are dedicated to bringing FREE fitness opportunities to Richmond and surrounding communities.
Warriors are going out and working in communities with church groups and in schools, at senior residences and in community centers with ongoing supportive site visits from our team. By teaching these weekly classes around Richmond, Warriors get to hone their skills AND provide an important resource to Richmonders who are trying to stay healthy.
Generous support for the Fitness Warriors is provided by the Anthem Foundation & the Richmond City Health District.
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Drug abuse and addictions have touched many lives in Virginia where drug overdose deaths now outnumber those from car crashes. By the end of 2016, the numbers of fatal opioid overdose deaths are expected to increase by 77 percent compared to five years ago. Hospital emergency department visits for heroin overdose for January-September 2016 increased 89 percent, compared to the same nine-month period in 2015. In the first half of 2016, the total number of fatal drug overdoses in Virginia increased 35 percent, when compared to the same time period in 2015, and in 2013, fatal drug overdoses became the number one cause of unnatural death.
In recent weeks, the health commissioner has declared the opioid addiction crisis a public health emergency. Besides the threat of prescription pills and heroin, Virginia is now seeing the emergence of Carfentanil, an extremely potent and deadly synthetic opioid so strong it is used to sedate large animals such as elephants. Partners in Prayer and Prevention (P3) has resources for congregations interested in more information on the topic, including how to prevent addiction, recognize addiction, and give the life-saving drug Naloxone to reverse overdoses and save lives. Too many families across the state are caught in the grip of this heartbreak, and P3 has resources to help.
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Virginia's Plan For Well-Being
Health begins where Virginians live, work, and play. Virginia's Plan for Well-Being lays out the foundation for giving everyone a chance to live a healthy life. The plan highlights specific goals and strategies on which communities can focus so the state can make measurable health improvement by 2020. Every Virginian deserves the opportunity to be healthy, and you, too, can help make that possible. Join in this effort to assure well-being for all Virginians.
Virginians Live Longer, Healthier Lives
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The Mouth-Body Connection
Diabetes, heart disease, pregnancy complications - you probably know someone who has suffered from one of these health challenges. But, did you know that poor health can worsen each one of these health conditions?
Research has linked chronic oral infections and disease to many illnesses in the body. Adults with dental issues may also face poor nutrition, social isolation and fewer employment opportunities. Taking good care of your mouth can improve blood sugar, reduce the risk of preterm birth and enrich quality of life. Yet, many vulnerable Virginians have a hard time accessing dental care. Some individuals have no dental insurance or limited dental benefits; others many suffer from a health condition or disability that makes dental care difficult.
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The Virginia Oral Health Coalition is a statewide organization committed to ensuring all Virginians, regardless of age or ability, can access affordable, comprehensive oral health care. The Coalition brings together communit
y members, organizations and decision-makers to advance oral health advocacy, education and public awareness.
The community's voice is critical to the Coalition's mission. Simply sharing the oral health issues that affect your neighborhood can make an impact statewide. There are many opportunities to get involved with the Coalition through workgroups, events and regional meetings. To get started, visit
www.vaoralhealth.org and
join our email list. Contact Lauren Gray at 804.299.5506 or
lgray@vaoralhealth.org if you'd like to share ideas, ask questions or get involved in our activities.
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In the Spotlight....
Faith Community Nursing
A pilot program under development with local churches to positively impact health outcomes for the most vulnerable in our community by expanding access to excellent physical and spiritual care through local faith communities.
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Make Your Voice Heard in the Fight Against Breast Cancer!
No previous advocacy experience needed. Your personal perspective and passion about ending breast cancer area all you need to help make a difference. VBCF will provide orientation and training and transport advocates to the General Assembly to meet with individual elected officials and attend a reception with state legislators, including remarks from Secretary of Health and Human Resources Bill Hazel.
Key legislative issues this year include preservation of the State's "Every Woman's Life" program, protection of and improvements to Medicaid, access to palliative care and caregiver support, and monitoring access to medications.
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Happy Holidays!
Is your congregation a part of the Virginia Congregations for Million Hearts?
Congregations for Million Hearts is a faith-based program designed to help guide congregations toward a heart-healthy lifestyle.
Joining is easy, and the benefits of signing up could mean the difference of life and death for members of your congregation. Complete the Million Hearts Sign Up Form available on our
website and send it via email to Augustine Doe, Health Equity Specialist at the Virginia Department of Health, Office of Health Equity at
augustine.doe@vdh.virginia.gov or fax to 804-864-7440.
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Central Virginia Task Force on Domestic Violence in Later Life
Resources & Riveting Reads
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