Fort Scott Presbyterian Village
Reflections on the past year JANUARY 2022
Give a Hug By Bernita Hill Jan. 21 is National Hugging Day. In spite of the pandemic, try to find some way, whether it be fist or elbow bumps, or whatever, to give family, friends, even strangers a hug. Although the preferred way would be an actual physical hug, giving a hug of some sort has great physical and mental benefits. From birth, hugs improve our sleep. Hugs release oxytocin which provides many health benefits, including good hormones pain reduction. Receiving a hug reduces stress, lowers blood pressure, Bernita Hill enjoys her friends. We and lowers the risk of heart disease. It have healthy responses when we hug, also eases anxiety, something we have touch, or sit close to someone else. all experienced during this past year. National Hugging Day was founded by Rev. Kevin Zaborney in Caro, Mich., in 1986. Research shows that hugging can reduce not just the stress level of the one being hugged, but that of the one doing the hugging. Hugging can be good for your heart health. People receiving hugs showed greater reductions in blood pressure levels and heart rates. The levels of the chemical oxytocin in our bodies rise when we hug, touch, or sit close to someone else. Oxytocin increases in our bodies lead to the reduction of blood pressure and the stress hormone norepinephrine, especially in women. People with low self-esteem find their anxiety can be reduced by a touch or hug, and it may even reduce pain levels. How may hugs do we need? Family therapist Virginia Satir said, “We need four hugs a day just to survive. We need eight hugs a day for maintenance, and 12 hugs a day for growth.” u
By Megan Brillhart
Can you believe it is 2022? We made it through another year, and I am happy to say we are still smiling! We started 2021 in a much more isolated state, not knowing what would lie ahead. Zoom calls, FaceTime, WhatsApp and many other technological devices replaced in-person communication. For some this wasn’t necessarily a step back, but for many others it just wasn’t the preferred way of seeing their loved ones. With the newly approved vaccines, it was just a waiting game as to when our residents would get their shot. Once they did, a little light was starting to shine at the end of that tunnel. Slowly but surely, life was starting to reflect what we once knew. As more people got vaccinated, the term “lock-down” was heard less. By taking the necessary precautions, we were able to get back to enjoying the company of others and doing activities as before. Trips to the supermarket, doctor’s office, and seeing our loved ones in person again started to happen. The world around us began opening back up. As with many things in life, there are always going to be obstacles or hurdles. We have definitely had our fair share of setbacks. However, I can’t help but notice we are still smiling. In just a year we have come so far, and we continue to push forward. u
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