of EVENTS - Enloe Medical Center

Staying healthy through winterWith the majestic Sierra Nevada mountains to our east, theSacramento River area to our west and countless greenwaysin between, the Chico area is known for its natural beauty.Unfortunately at this time of year, the days are so short that it’shard to see and appreciate our fortunate surroundings.Add in lingering winter coughs, colds and flu and it can bedownright dreary. Keeping your body healthy and mind focusedon the positive can help you prevent sicknesses and keep yourhead above the clouds.Mind-body connection:Beat the winter bluesEnloe Medical Center’s Planetree model of holistic, patientcenteredcare recognizes the mind-body connection thatpromotes optimal health for all ages. When the mind is off-kilter,it affects our bodies. “When the sun rises later and sets earlier, itaffects our energy levels,” says Katie Hart, Nurse Educator, EnloeBehavioral Health. “We call it the ‘winter blues’ when you feeldepressed or sad when daylight hours decrease.”The winter blues are common in northern climates like oursand experienced four times more often by women than men.They’re caused primarily by unstable levels of serotonin, whichhelps regulate mood, and tend to lift when the amount of dailysunlight increases in late spring. “The winter blues are not assevere as seasonal affective disorder (SAD), but they still affecthow you deal with everyday challenges,” Hart says.You may have the winter blues if you have two or more symptoms:> Feel lethargic and have difficulty awakening.> Can’t concentrate.> Blame yourself for things beyond your control.> Crave sweets and other carbohydrates.Research suggests “light boxes,” which emit light similar to thesun’s natural rays, can help. “Or get full-spectrum light bulbs athome, which are less expensive,” says Hart, who also offers thefollowing suggestions:Exercise – outside if possible. “One hour of aerobic exerciseoutdoors – walking, sledding, skiing – has the same effect as twoand a half hours of light-box therapy,” Hart says. “And aerobicexercise releases natural feel-good chemicals in our bodies.”Give into carb cravings. Complex carbohydrates are ofteneffective in increasing serotonin levels in the brain. “Eat complexcarbohydrates – whole-grain pasta, brown rice, fruits andvegetables – not junk foods,” Hart advises.Sleep soundly. “Sleep regulates your body’s hormones,” Hartsays. “Lift your bedroom curtain when the sun rises or install adimmer switch in your bedroom that allows you to gradually turnon your light a half hour before your alarm clock goes off.”Embrace the good things. “The days are going to be short andit is going to get dark early – but don’t focus on dreariness,” Hartsays. “Try to appreciate the good things. The winter blues are achemical disorder, but your mindset matters, too.”Stay well with these tips to fend off some of the most commonailments of each age group.For babies and childrenAn adult may miss a few days of work from respiratorysyncytial virus, or RSV, but it’s one of the main reasonsbabies under 6 months old are hospitalized.* “RSV isa miserable cold with an excessively runny nose withElise Debord, RN, MSN, (top left) Manager of Enloe’s PatientService Excellence Department, works with patients, families,community members, employees and physicians with the goalof making the patient experience the best it can be. An Enloeemployee for 25 years, Elise is about as dedicated as you canget. Elise is also a loving mother, daughter and wife. She isphotographed here with husband Greg, parents Selma and Vic,and children Nique, Ben, Drew and Brad. Son Alex was away atcollege during this photo shoot.4 Stethoscope - WINTER 2009