STRESS

This is my Achilles’ heel. Modern life is so fast and furious, there is so much calling for my attention, and the complexity of our modern, technological age is such that staying calm and focused takes continual effort. Anxiety and depression are epidemic. I try to wake up each day grateful for another day of life. I try to count my blessings and keep my eye on the proper ordering of priorities: faith, family, fulfillment, fun, fitness, and, last of all, finances. When bad things happen, I try to learn from them and move on. When good things happen, I thank God for undeserved grace and appreciate them.

When I look back on 63 years, what I mostly feel is grateful.

Richard Carlson, author of the “Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff” series of books, made a career based on two premises. 1. Don’t sweat the small stuff 2. It’s all small stuff.

el Modern life is so fast and furious, there is so much of our modern, is d focused takes continual and y roper of un, fitness, and, last of all, s When served and 3 years, what I or of the ll career based n’t sweat the all stuff

Pre-plan meals. When we do this and take our meals with us we have no excuse not to eat right. Meal prepping may take some extra time on Sunday but can save a lot of stress throughout the week when you have to work through lunch or have unexpected things come up. You have your food ready to go when you are.

Minimize stress. Easier said than done right? Stress can make us worry, eat more, lose self-esteem, and do things generally not healthy for us. I tell people many times to “Live life at 90 percent.” What this means is life is 10 percent what happens to you, 90 percent how you deal with it. Focus on the 10 percent you can control and do the best you can.

Don’t make excuses. In college, a coach of mine told me to not make excuses or blame other people/circumstances for our condition. When you start pointing fingers, realize there are three more pointing back at you. We ultimately control our own destination and success. No one cares more about you and your success than you do.

We all have the same struggles but with a great support system and realizing we aren’t alone everyone can do it. We can make this a more successful year than the last.

WHAT’S GOING AROUND

WAKE UP WITH eyes that are swollen, itchy and pink all over? You’re not alone. Many urgent care locations report that Conjunctivitis, better known as Pink Eye, typically goes around this time of year.

PINK EYE IS AN INFLAMMATION OR INFECTION OF THE CONJUNCTIVA AND IS VERY CONTAGIOUS.

The conjunctiva is a thin film that covers the inside of your eyelids and the whites of your eyes. Conjunctivitis can be caused by a bacteria or a virus so prescription eye drops may be needed to heal the infection.

Symptoms include:

• Redness in the whites of the eye

• Red and swollen eyelids

• Tears

• Itching and burning

• Sensitivity to light

• Discolored drainage or matting of the eyelashes

If you suspect you or one of your family members have Pink Eye, there are a few things physicians recommend:

• Don’t rub or touch your eyes or it could spread to both eyes.

• Remember to wash your hands often – you can easily spread Pink Eye to your children and others.

• Do not share towels.

• Change pillowcases frequently.

• If you wear makeup, wash/ disinfect makeup brushes and discard of any eye makeup (i.e. mascara) that may have become contaminated.

• If you wear contact lenses, stop wearing the contacts and either sanitize the lens or throw it out if it is a disposable lens.

Only a doctor can determine if you need an antibiotic to heal your Pink Eye and once you’ve started the antibiotic, you should stay home from work or school until you’ve applied the drops for 24-hours.

WHAT’S GOING AROUND

If you want to know more of What’s Going Around in this area throughout the year, visit CentraCare.org and sign up to receive weekly health email alerts m

CONTENT PROVIDED BY CENTRA CARE , FLORIDA HOSPITAL URGENT CARE

Mediterranean Tuna Salad

INGREDIENTS:

4 cans albacore tuna, drained well

1 can quartered artichoke hearts, drained

1/2 cup chopped red bell or piquillo peppers

3/4 cup sliced Greek olives

1/2 small red onion, finely chopped

1/4 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley

1/4 cup sliced fresh basil

2 cloves garlic, finely chopped

1 teaspoon dried or 1 tablespoon chopped fresh oregano

1/2 cup mayonnaise

3 tablespoons lemon juice

Salt and ground black pepper, to taste

METHOD:

Put all ingredients into a large bowl and gently fold together until well combined. Serve on sliced bread as a sandwich or spoon over a green salad.

Source: wholefoodsmarket.com

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