Welcome to December! The holiday season and the end of the year are fast approaching, and we know how overwhelming this can be for many families. That's why we invite you to join us for our upcoming classes that will provide you with a well-deserved break.
Many of our classes are offered as "hybrid" or online, giving everyone the option to participate in our classes from the comfort of their own home. We also have many in-person classes with the opportunity to get out of the house and interact with others.
On behalf of myself and the Stilly Valley Health Connections Staff, we wish you a very happy and healthy holiday season.
Ardis Schmiege
Superintendent
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Upcoming Events & Programs |
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Free Friends and Family CPR Training |
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Immediate CPR during cardiac arrest can double or triple a person’s chance of survival. Join AHA instructor Sheri Elhoss with Vital Signs CPR to learn adult, child, and infant CPR. The training will cover AED use and the relief of airway blockages. The training is free and open to anyone in the community. It will take place in-person at Stilly Valley Health Connections. Please visit stillyvalleyhealth.org or call 360-386-9918 to register. Please note: This free training does not include any certifications.
Thursday, December 1, 6-7pm
Registration has closed, but drop-ins are welcome.
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Family Caregiver Support Program Presentation |
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Angeles Vesely and Katie Olson from the Stilly Valley Center will be sharing information about their Family Caregiver Support Program. This amazing, no-cost resource is for the family caregivers residing in Snohomish County. Learn who qualifies as a “caregiver” and what types of support services are available for the caregiver. Please call 360-386-9918 or go to stillyvalleyhealth.org to register. This event is free and open to anyone in the community. It will be taking place in person at Stilly Valley Health Connections.
Tuesday, December 6, 10-11:30am
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Coffee, Conversation & Creativity |
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Join the Homage Wellness team for a drop-in social wellness group combining coffee, light-hearted conversation on topics of mental health and emotional exploration, as well as creative projects. This group is for individuals ages 60+ and there is no cost to participate.
Wednesday, December 7, 10-11:30am
Drop-ins only, no registration required.
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The person next to a bleeding victim may very well be the one who is most likely to save him or her from bleeding to death. By learning how to STOP THE BLEED®, you will gain the ability to recognize life-threatening bleeding and act quickly and effectively to control bleeding once you learn three quick techniques. Take the STOP THE BLEED® training course, provided by Skagit Regional Health trained instructors, and become empowered to make a life-or-death difference when a bleeding emergency happens. This training is free and open to anyone in the community.
Please visit stillyvalleyhealth.org or call 360-386-9918 to register.
Thursday, December 8, 1-2pm
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Elder Abuse Awareness and Prevention |
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Join Elder Abuse Advocate, Michelle Burke, with Domestic Violence Services, to discuss what elder abuse is and how to recognize it. She will speak about the work she does with survivors of elder abuse, share resources for victims, and discuss what to do if you or someone you know is being abused. This will be an interactive presentation (with BINGO!). There will be time for questions and discussion afterward. Please call 360-386-9918 or go to stillyvalleyhealth.org to register. This event is free and open to anyone in the community. It will be taking place at the Stilly Valley Center.
Tuesday, December 13, 1-2pm
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Cooking and Nutrition Series: Online Holiday Cook-Along
(For Ages 11-17)
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This month, we want to encourage preteens and teens to get into the holiday spirit! Join us from the comfort of your own kitchen as we move step-by-step through your new favorite holiday recipes. The class will be conducted as a Zoom meeting to encourage everyone to turn on their cameras and follow along from home. An ingredient and equipment list will be provided with recipes prior to the demonstration. The class will be led by a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist from Sound Dietitians, LLC, and is sponsored by Skagit Regional Health. This event is free and open to anyone in the community. Please visit stillyvalleyhealth.org or call 360-386-9918 to register.
Tuesday, December 15, 4-5pm
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Child and Babysitting Safety Certification |
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Join Sheri Elhoss, with Vital Signs CPR, for Child and Babysitting Safety (CABS) training. This course gives attendees (must be age 12 or older) everything they need to know for safe and successful babysitting. Participants will learn childcare basics, how to interact with parents and children, caregiving tips & tricks, what to do in an emergency, and how to promote their babysitting services. This course includes a 2-year certification in Child and Babysitting Safety. Participants will also receive a CPR/choking review and practice session. The class does not include CPR certification. The cost is $60, which includes lunch & snacks. Please visit stillyvalleyhealth.org or call 360-386-9918 to register.
Monday, December 19, 10am-2pm
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View Prior Holiday Cooking Presentations |
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Sound Dietitians dietetic intern Sarah Sofia, BS Nutrition, shares tips for navigating the holidays along with cooking demos of easy and comforting holiday recipes packed with nutrition ingredients.
To view recording, click HERE
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What's for Breakfast?
Healthy Ways to Fuel Your Day
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You may have heard that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. We will discuss the science behind the breakfast claims and show some easy ways to make “breaking your fast” fun and full of nutrients. Quick and tasty recipes will be shared.
To view recording, click HERE
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Holiday Favorites for Better Blood Sugar |
The holidays can be a difficult time of year for managing blood sugar and general health. With all the parties, treats, and beverages, how does one stay on track? We will discuss strategies and share recipes for enjoying this time of year while keeping your health goals in mind.
To view recording, click HERE
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Safe Kids Holiday Safety Guide |
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- Buckle up every ride, every time, whether it’s the long trip to visit family or around the block to the mall.
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Check your child’s car seat or booster before holiday travel. Seventy-three percent of car seats are not used or installed correctly, so check it before you hit the road. Click HERE for a quick car seat checklist to help you out. If you are having even the slightest trouble, questions or concerns, certified child passenger safety technicians are available to help or even double-check your work. Find a Safe Kids car seat checkup event near you.
- Keep an eye out for distracted pedestrians and drivers who may not be paying attention to you, especially when backing out of parking spaces. Shopping center parking lots are busier during the holidays.
- Remind your teen driver to be extra alert during this holiday season when conditions are more challenging even for experienced drivers.
- Be a good role model by avoiding distractions. Commit to keeping your phone down. No text message or play list is worth the risk.
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Keep medicine up and away, out of reach and sight of children, even medicine you take every day. Click HERE to find the safest way to dispose of expired and unwanted medication laying around the home and in medicine cabinets.
- Keep liquid laundry packets and cleaning products in their original packaging. Storing them in clear containers for laundry room aesthetics increases the potential for poisoning exposures for kids.
- Store guns securely – unloaded, locked, and separated from ammunition – to keep them out of children's reach and sight. Leaving guns unsecured – on a nightstand, table, or other place where a child can gain access – can lead to injuries and fatalities.
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When cooking, create a kid-free zone. Teach younger children to stay at least 3 feet away from your cooking space. Keep hot foods and liquids out of children’s reach. Cook on the back burners of the stove and keep hot foods away from the edge of your counters to prevent burns.
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- Water natural trees regularly. When needles are dry, they can catch fire easily.
- Turn off decorative lights before leaving home or going to sleep. Regularly check lights for exposed or frayed wires and loose connections.
- Keep candles and matches out of reach. Lit candles should be at least 12 inches away from anything that can burn, and don’t forget to blow them out when you leave the room or before you go to sleep. Store matches and lighters out of children’s reach and sight.
- Check smoke alarms. Make sure there is a working smoke alarm on every level of your home, inside bedrooms and near sleeping areas. Review your fire escape plan with family members and guests.
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- Keep harmful plants out of reach. Some popular holiday plants are poisonous to children and pets, including mistletoe and holly berries. In a poison emergency, call the national Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222.
- Be aware of devices with button batteries. Keep decorations with button batteries, such as greeting cards and small remote controls out of children’s reach.
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Read instructions and warning labels when choosing toys for children. Make sure the toy or game is appropriate for your child’s age and development.
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Separate toys by age. Toys intended for older children may contain small pieces, including button batteries, that can pose a risk to curious, younger siblings.
- Don’t forget a helmet. If you are giving a bike, skateboard or scooter this holiday season, be sure to include a helmet to keep them safe while they’re having fun.
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Stay up to date on toy recalls. Safe Kids Worldwide compiles product recalls specific to children and sends monthly email alerts for recent recalls.
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Coming Winter 2023 to
Stilly Valley Health Connections
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Be sure to check stillyvalleyhealth.org or follow us on Facebook to sign-up for our upcoming classes as soon as registration is posted! |
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Join Jasmine McCarthy with the Women and Family Wellness Studio for four online classes focused on self-care and mindfulness. |
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Cooking and Nutrition Series |
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Join us once a month for live hybrid cooking demonstrations on a variety of topics, including five classes focused on each of the Blue Zones! |
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Skagit Regional Health Provider Presentations |
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Once a month a provider from Skagit Regional Health will join us to discuss subjects of physical health and wellbeing. |
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Families with youth 10-14 years of age are encouraged to participate in this seven-week evidence-based program. The series will be free of charge and dinner will be provided for all attendees. |
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Homage Presents: Winter Blues and Coping Tools |
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Join Nancy Brosemer, MS, CC, CGCS, with Homage Senior Services to learn what you can do about seasonal depression, improving your mood, and positive steps to well-being. |
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Questions about an upcoming program or need assistance registering?
Please contact us at
(360) 386-9918 or info@stillyvalleyhealth.org
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