Blog: Insight from the Health Center team
A Mindful Minute
By Anna Hickner, Psy.D.
Stress and anxiety seem to be the norm these days. In a world that runs on overdrive, we can easily get swept up in the pace if we’re not mindful about pausing to be curious about our actions, reactions, and internal state. Enter a mindful minute – a simple break to turn inwards and check on yourself.
COVID-19 Testing and Vaccines
The Health Center is open for in-person and virtual care as well as flu shots and asymptomatic COVID-19 testing. We are also helping eligible members schedule their vaccine appointments. See details on the extra safety precautions we have in place to protect our members and some frequently asked COVID-19 questions.
In 2021, Add Sleep to your Nutrition and Exercise Routine
Every January is a proverbial new beginning with well-intended resolutions to be better, usually healthier, versions of ourselves. Since last January, our experience with and definition of health has been altered amid a worldwide pandemic, which if it did not affect us physically, almost certainly affected us mentally. Three areas we recommend focusing on in 2021 are mindful eating, exercise or movement, and improving sleep.
Working from Home? 10 Tips to Keep you Productive and Grounded
By Molly Sherb, PhD
After 10 months of working from home due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it remains challenging for many to adjust and cope with the new routine, or lack thereof. If this situation is making you feel down, you are not alone. See some strategies for coping with any symptoms of stress, fear, anxiety, depression, or other emotions that you may be experiencing
Can you Resist ‘Pandemic Fatigue’?
As the pandemic continues, many individuals are experiencing ‘pandemic fatigue’ and are tempted to relax their mitigation efforts. However, as we move into the winter months and spend more time indoors where the virus easily spreads, it is especially important to continue to adhere to mitigation efforts.
How to Holiday
The holidays are going to look different this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. As we approach the holiday season, it is important that you, your family, and your friends adhere to COVID-19 mitigation efforts to keep everyone safe this year. Read on for some guidelines to consider when gathering this Thanksgiving holiday.
The Gut-Brain Connection: Two Brains Are Better than One
By now, it is well known that gut health is important for mental well-being. Over the last decade, there has been an uptick in research investigating what some people refer to as the ‘second brain,’ and the connection of the gut-brain axis (GBA,) which links our central nervous system (CNS) to our enteric nervous system (ENS). In her latest article, Dr. Anna Hickner explores how poor nutrition, lack of sleep, and excess caffeine can lead to mood issues and digestive discomfort, as well as how mental health can impact gut health.
Screening for Early Cancer Detection
Interview by Tina Sindwani, MD
Lifestyle certainly plays a role in preventing cancer, but there are other modalities that we can consider for early detection. Routine screenings for cancers such as cervical, colon and breast cancer are recommended, but there are many cancers that we don’t routinely screen for. So how can we detect those cancers at an early stage when they are treatable. I sat down with experts in the field to discuss the options of genetic testing and imaging.
Wellness Challenge Week 4: Mindfulness
In our last week of our Wellness Challenge, we focused on mindfulness and incorporating self-care micro-moments. Read the tips from our psychologist and a number of Q&A we received from members of our community.
Wellness Challenge Week 3: Nutrition
Our third week of the Wellness Challenge was focused on nutrition, specifically mindful eating. See the tips from our providers, the challenge for the week, and a number of questions we received from members of our community throughout the week.