Good morning. With June beginning and summer just around the corner, here’s a look at what’s new at your Big Sur Health Center.

Since we wrote to you last, there has been much cause for celebration in and around the Health Center.

On April 27, Senior Officer Manager Fela Tejeda competed in her first Big Sur Marathon. We're all so proud of Fela!! Board member Tajha Chappellet-Lanier also ran the race—congratulations to Tajha and to all the other Big Sur-based participants in the marathon events!

On April 30, former board member and devoted volunteer Barbara Ray received the Lifetime of Service Award at a United Way recognition of outstanding volunteers. Congratulations Barbara, and thank you for all that you do for the Health Center.

Coming up, the Health Center has set a date for this year’s Health Fair—October 14, 2025. The Health Center would like to increase attendance at the fair this year, so we’ve written a survey to help us get a sense for who comes to the fair, why and what you would like to see there. Please help us make this Health Fair better by taking five minutes to fill out this survey. Thank you in advance!

Finally, the Big Sur Health Center board is always looking for willing board members to help support the Health Center’s vital community mission. Many hands make light work—reach out to Sharen, or any of the Health Center’s board members, if you are interested in learning more.

Take care,

The Big Sur Health Center Team

June is Men’s Health Month

⚕️ Prioritize Prevention. Invest in Your Health.

This month is a reminder for men and boys to take proactive steps toward better health. At Big Sur Health Center, we’re here to support every member of our community in making informed, empowered choices about their well-being.

Why Men’s Health Deserves the Spotlight:

Men are often less likely to seek routine care or discuss health concerns—but early detection and healthy habits can make all the difference. This month, we encourage all men to check in with their health and take simple steps that can lead to a longer, stronger life.

🔍 Health Tips for Men at Every Age:

• Book Your Annual Check-Up – Don’t wait for symptoms to take action

• Move Daily – Even a 30-minute walk can boost your heart and mental health

• Eat Well – Choose whole foods that fuel your body and support longevity

• Manage Stress – Prioritize rest, mindfulness, and time away from screens

• Track Key Health Numbers – Know your blood pressure, cholesterol, and glucose levels

Your health matters—not just for you, but for the people who count on you.

Let’s take this month to raise awareness, support one another, and make men’s health a priority in our homes and communities.

Honoring Juneteenth: A Celebration of Freedom

Observed annually on June 19, Juneteenth marks the date in 1865 when Union troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, to announce the end of the Civil War and the emancipation of all enslaved people—over two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was issued.

At the time, nearly 250,000 enslaved individuals in Texas were unaware that their freedom had been secured. Juneteenth serves as a powerful reminder of delayed justice—and the importance of remembrance, resilience, and ongoing progress.

✨ As the oldest nationally recognized commemoration of the end of slavery in the U.S., Juneteenth is both a historic milestone and a celebration of Black culture, freedom, and community.

📚 Learn more about the history and legacy of Juneteenth from the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History & Culture

📰 And explore how it’s honored today in this New York Times article

Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month

💜 Prioritize Brain Health. Support. Educate. Empower.

At Big Sur Health Center, we recognize June as a time to raise awareness about Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia—conditions that affect millions of individuals and families around the world. Our commitment is to support those impacted, provide education, and promote lifelong brain health within our community.

🧠 Understanding Alzheimer’s

Alzheimer’s is a progressive neurological condition that disrupts memory, thinking, and daily functioning. It remains the leading cause of dementia. While there is currently no cure, early detection and proactive care can make a meaningful difference in quality of life and long-term outcomes.

🧩 Simple Steps Toward Better Brain Health:

• Challenge Your Mind – Try crosswords, reading, or picking up a new hobby

• Move Your Body – Regular exercise supports circulation and cognitive health

• Fuel Smart – Eat brain-friendly foods like leafy greens, berries, and healthy fats

• Prioritize Rest – Good sleep is essential for memory and mental clarity

• Stay Connected – Social engagement protects against cognitive decline

Let’s take this month to care for our minds and support one another.

Together, we can raise awareness, reduce stigma, and move closer to a world without Alzheimer’s.

Honoring the Dads Who Make a Difference

💙 Happy Father’s Day from Big Sur Health Center 💙

Whether you're exploring the trails, teaching life lessons, or simply showing up day after day—your impact is lasting, and your presence is powerful. From our Big Sur family to yours, we thank you for all that you do.