September 2023

Welcome to September! As summer weather transitions to fall, now is the time to look ahead to the start of the school year, to changes in routines, and to exploring the great outdoors as leaves change to bright fall colors.

 

On Tuesday, we kicked off our fall line-up for our online series "Getting to Know Our Community Resources". We have invited local organizations to share information about the programs and resources that they offer our community. At the end of the presentation, participants can ask questions. Our first organization was Volunteers of America Western Washington, highlighting their 988 Crisis Services. Please take some time to check out the flyer below and see which of the incredible organizations you would like to sign up for and learn more about this Fall. If 10 a.m. on Tuesdays doesn't work for you, sign up, and we will send you a link to view the recorded presentation. Did you miss our summer line-up? Watch the recordings HERE.

 

Check out one of our upcoming cooking and nutrition classes to spark creativity and help you pack lunches for school, work, or a weekend adventure. Don't miss the recording of our Produce Pick of the Month presentation on pumpkins on September 6th. Learn how to incorporate this fall ingredient into more meals. Our popular Plant-Based Whole Foods Challenge is a 3-part series that starts Monday, September 11th and will take an in-depth look at current eating patterns and identify areas for nutritional improvement through plant-based foods. Learn how to meal plan and prep your recipes at our cooking demo on Meal Planning and Prepping on September 21st.


In response to concerns about substance use with our youth, we are working with the Arlington Public Schools to put together an event called "Building Awareness: A Look Into Substance Use and Our Youth". The event will be held on Wednesday, October 11th, at Weston High School. More details about the event and the registration link can be found further down in this newsletter.

 

Please take a few minutes to explore our program offerings listed below or on our website. I look forward to seeing you at our upcoming events.


Ardis Schmiege

Superintendent/CEO

September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month

We Can All Prevent Suicide


Understanding the issues concerning suicide and mental health is an important way to take part in suicide prevention, help others in crisis, and change the conversation around suicide. Learn more...


Suicide is a difficult topic to discuss, but it is important to know what to do when you or a loved one is experiencing a mental health crisis. Keep the number 988 in your phone contact list. In the event you or someone you know is having a mental health crisis, call or text 988 to reach trained counselors, who are available 24/7/365. We had the opportunity to interview the VOA 988 Crisis Line to learn more about this lifesaving program. To view this discussion via YouTube, click HERE.

Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR) Suicide Prevention

In Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR), participants develop the skills to make a positive difference in the lives of others. Similar to CPR, QPR is an evidence-based suicide prevention program that provides lifesaving knowledge and steps to help someone in crisis.


Thursday, October 5th | 4 - 5:30 pm

In-person at Stilly Valley Health Connections

REGISTRATION


Tuesday, September 12 | 11:30 am - 1 pm

Thursday, September 28th | 3 - 4:30 pm

Monday, October 9th | 4 - 5:30 pm

On-line at United General 304

INFORMATION PAGE & REGISTRATION

Online and In-person Training options are available!

NEW Fall Prevention Program!

To recognize Falls Prevention Awareness Week, September 18-22, we are excited to announce a new fall prevention program at Stilly Valley Health Connections called Otago. Otago is an evidence-based fall prevention exercise program that is now being delivered in a group exercise class format and is being expanded across WA state.


If you are interested in joining, REGISTER today!

Getting to Know Series: Fall Line-up

Car & Booster Seat Checks

Now scheduling appointments in

Arlington and Darrington!

Get your car seat professionally checked by a nationally certified Child Passenger Safety Technician (CPST) at no cost! Caregivers will be provided with the instruction and guidance they need to ensure their children are safely buckled in. Car set checks will be held at Stilly Valley Health Connections or Darrington Fire District #24. To participate, you must sign up and complete registration prior to the appointment date. 

If you are interested in signing up to have your car seat or booster seat checked by a certified Child Passenger Safety Technician, please contact Stilly Valley Health Connections at 360-386-9918 or email info@stillyvalleyhealth.org.

Partner Fall Programs and Support Groups

The Strengthening Families Program is for families with youth 10-14 years of age. It is an evidence-based parent, youth, and family skills-building curriculum that uses games, activities, and discussions to:

• Prevent teen substance abuse and other behavior problems

• Strengthen parent/youth communication skills

• Increase academic success in youth

• Prevent violence and aggressive behavior at home and at school


Tuesdays, September 26th - November 14th | 5:30 pm - 8:30 pm

REGISTRATION

Kidney Health Classes

Taught by a Nephrologist (kidney doctor) and renal dietitian, this class will teach you the basics of how your kidneys function, why they are important, and how you can keep them healthy through nutrition basics.



Wednesday, September 27th |

11:00 am - 12:30 pm

REGISTRATION

This 6-week program is for people with CKD stages 2-4, their family, and friends. In weekly classes, participants will learn about kidneys and what they do, how to promote kidney health with good nutrition and lifestyle changes, how to make a plan for your life, and learn about treatment choices.


Wednesdays, October 4th - November 8th | 5:00 pm - 6:30 pm

REGISTRATION

September Event

Saturday, September 23

10:00 am - 3:30 pm

Legion Park

114 N Olympic Ave.

Downtown Arlington

The Stronger Together community event aims at building unity through community. This event focuses on community education and exploration through activities focused on culture, diversity, and equity.


Come visit the Stilly Valley Health Connections booth to learn more about our upcoming programs, and pick up some health-related information.


Learn more HERE

Health and Wellness Highlights

What's cooking at SVHC!


In July, we ended our Blue Zones series with Sardinia, Italy. Participants received a demonstration led by Katie with Sound Dietitians, LLC, and a chance to taste the food. Recipes included Arugula Salad with Raspberry Vinaigrette, Stuffed Shells with Spinach Cauliflower Cream, and Sardinia Minestrone.


Missed the event? Watch the recording HERE

In August, we learned about packed lunches and snacks, just in time for the new school year! Kelsy, with Sound Dietitians, talked about back-to-school food safety, lunch planning, and how to make healthy and fun school lunches. In-person participants got the chance to sample tasty treats such as roasted garbanzo beans, green monster smoothies, and energy snack bites!


Find the recording HERE

Upcoming Cooking and Nutrition Classes

"Take Control with a Lifestyle Reset” is a course for individuals diagnosed with prediabetes or who are at risk for developing diabetes in the future. This comprehensive 12-week program, led by a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist/Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist with Sound Dietitians, LLC, will cover topics such as nutrition, exercise, and lifestyle modifications. Cost: $35, which includes a book and exercise bands.


Tuesdays, September 19th - December 5th |

6:00 pm - 7:00 pm

REGISTRATION

Are you ready to improve your dietary habits? Join us for this 3-part virtual class series, where we will take an in-depth look at current eating patterns and identify areas for nutritional improvement through plant-based foods. Each session will build upon the next, so plan to attend all three virtual sessions, which take place every other week to allow you time to practice what you learn. This series will be led by a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist as interactive Zoom Meetings and is designed for individuals ready to make dietary changes. 


Mondays, September 11th, 25th, & October 9th |

6:00 pm - 7:00 pm

REGISTRATION

Get ready to fall in love with pumpkin all over again this season! View this presentation, recorded on September 6th, for a fun and informative session on how to incorporate this gord-geous ingredient into more meals. From creamy dips to savory soups, there's no shortage of ways to enjoy the delicious taste and health benefits of pumpkin.! The class was led by Registered Dietitian Nutritionist Taelin Flores with Sound Dietitians. If you would like copies of the recipes shared in the class to be emailed to you, please email us at: info@stillyvalleyhealth.org


RECORDING


Ready to take the stress out of weekly meal planning? Join us for this class to learn realistic tips and tricks for food preparation. Recipes from the class will be shared with participants. The class will be led by a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist with Sound Dietitians, LLC, and is sponsored by Skagit Regional Health. This event is free and can be attended either in person or online via Zoom. In-person attendees will be able to sample recipes. Not able to attend? Register, and we will send you the recording.


Thursday, September 21st

12:00 pm - 1:00 pm

Online: REGISTRATION

In-Person: REGISTRATION

Recipe of the Month

Pumpkin Pepper Hummus

Ingredients

  • ¼ tsp ground black pepper
  • 1 large red bell pepper
  • 1 gram harissa seasoning
  • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 cup canned pumpkin



Source: National Kidney Foundation

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degree F.
  2. Place the red pepper (stem and seed removed) in a small baking pan and roast in the oven for an hour.
  3. Take it out of the oven and allow the pepper to cool for 15 minutes.
  4. Place the roasted pepper, the cup of canned pumpkin, and spices into a blender and pulse until it forms a creamy, thick puree.
  5. Finally, use the pumpkin pepper “hummus” just as you would regular hummus: serve with raw vegetables or low-sodium/salt-free chips and crackers. Or, for something really fun, use it as the filling for a cheese-free quesadilla.

Drug Abuse Prevention

September is National Recovery Month which started in 1989 to promote and support new evidence-based treatment and recovery practices, the nation’s strong and proud recovery community, and the dedication of service providers and communities who make recovery in all its forms possible.


The recovery journey isn’t just for the person with the substance use or mental health issue—it includes everyone who cares about them.

  • Because recovery is holistic, families and caregivers can play an important role in supporting their loved one’s journey of recovery.
  • Staying connected with supportive loved ones and trusted friends can help young people balance school and recovery.
  • Families and caregivers face unique challenges when helping a loved one who is in recovery and working to overcome mental health or substance use challenges.


Join us on October 11th for our "Building Awareness: A Look Into Substance Use and Our Youth" event, where parents, educators, and community members can learn about current youth substance use trends in our community. Check the flyer below for more information about this event.

REGISTER

Mental Health Tip

My Mental Health: Do I Need Help?


Do you need help with your mental health? If you don't know where to start, this infographic may help guide you. https://go.usa.gov/xGfxz  #shareNIMH

On Saturday, September 16th, join the local affiliate of NAMI for their free four-hour on-line seminar for community members.


NAMI's Family & Friends Seminar is a seminar that informs people who have loved ones with a mental health condition how best to support them. It is also an opportunity to meet other people in similar situations and gain community support.


Link to the NAMI Sno-Isle Registration.

Summer Recap

The annual Arlington Street Fair was a great success! Thank you to the Downtown Arlington Business Association for presenting this event. We had a blast meeting over 300 community members and getting the word out about our classes and program offerings.

Volunteers of America hosted an Arlington End-of-Summer Celebration at Presidents Elementary School, where they gave away school supplies, backpacks, and other essentials for school. Over 300 backpacks were handed out to students during this event.


Our team had so much fun interacting with parents and students at our booth, where we discussed our current class lineup and provided water bottles to students. The pictures above show our Program Coordinator, Michele, giving students the opportunity to go fishing! Participants caught a lot of delicious "Goldfish"!

This summer, we hosted a series at the Arlington Farmer's Market called Exploring Your Farmer's Market, where community members could stop by our booth and obtain health-related handouts and recipes and learn about our upcoming classes. Registered Dietitians with Sound Dietitians were available for market tours and questions. Our last day at the market was August 26th, during the Arlington Art Walk. Participants had the opportunity to practice their artistic skills with chalk art!

Questions about an upcoming program or need assistance registering?


Please contact us at (360)-386-9918 or email info@stillyvalleyhealth.org

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