Upcoming Meditation Series

Livingston County Health Center is excited to announce an upcoming series of Meditation Classes led by Kasey Peyton.  Classes will be held every Wednesday for six weeks, beginning on Wednesday, January 10th at 12:15 p.m. in the Health Center classroom, located at 800 Adam Drive.

A regular meditation practice can reduce stress, improve focus, stabilize emotions, promote physical health, and increase compassion towards others and ourselves. 

This six-week course will introduce students to a different type of meditation each week with instruction on proper posture and breathing.  The first class is an introduction to meditation itself.   Information and helpful tips will be shared to encourage students to develop a home meditation practice of their own. 

Those that attended the first Meditation Series held last fall are welcome to attend this series as well.  There will be some of the same meditation styles, as well as a few new ones.  Class starts a little later at 12:15 to allow those coming from work a little more time to get to the health center for class.  Classes run for 30-45 minutes, although students can leave when they need to.

Kasey Peyton is a certified yoga and meditation instructor and a 200 hour Registered Yoga Teacher through Yoga Alliance.  In a culture and age of fast-paced, outward focus, Kasey enjoys bringing people back to themselves through the inner work of yoga and meditation.  She is rewarded by the serene look of transformation on her students’ faces at the end of every class.

The Health Center requested Kasey to teach meditation to educate county residents about alternative methods of preventive self-care. 

For more information about the upcoming classes, please call 660-646-5506.

Show Me Health - Diabetes Month - Living with Diabetes

You may have heard people say they have “a touch of diabetes” or that their “sugar is a little high.” These words suggest that diabetes is not a serious disease. That is not correct. Diabetes is serious, but you can learn to manage it.  Diabetes is one of the leading causes of disability and death in the United States. It can cause blindness, nerve damage, kidney disease, and other health problems if it’s not controlled.  One in 10 Americans have diabetes — that’s more than 30 million people. And another 84 million adults in the United States are at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

Diabetes occurs when the body cannot produce enough insulin or cannot respond appropriately to insulin. Insulin is a hormone that the body needs to absorb and use glucose (sugar) as fuel for the body’s cells. Without a properly functioning insulin signaling system, blood glucose levels become elevated and other problems can occur, leading to the development of serious, disabling complications.

Many forms of diabetes exist. The 3 common types of diabetes are:

• Type 2 diabetes, which results from a combination of resistance to the action of insulin and insufficient insulin production
• Type 1 diabetes, which results when the body loses its ability to produce insulin
• Gestational diabetes, a common complication of pregnancy. Gestational diabetes can lead to complications in mother and child and substantially increases the likelihood of cesarean section delivery. Gestational diabetes is also a risk factor for the mother and, later in life, the child's subsequent development of type 2 diabetes after the affected pregnancy.

People who are at high risk for type 2 diabetes or the complications of diabetes can lower their risk by more than half if they make healthy changes.  This can be accomplished by making healthy food choices, staying at a healthy weight, moving more every day, and taking their medicine even when they feel good. It’s a lot to do.

As this year’s Diabetes Month Theme says: It’s not easy, but it’s worth it!  This theme highlights the importance of managing diabetes to prevent diabetes-related health problems such as heart attack, stroke, kidney disease, vision loss, and amputation.  The theme also serves as a reminder to people who may be struggling with the demands of managing diabetes that they are not alone. 

Taking care of yourself and your diabetes can help you feel good today and in the future. When your blood sugar (glucose) is close to normal, you are likely to:

·        have more energy

·        be less tired and thirsty

·        need to pass urine less often

·        heal better

·        have fewer skin or bladder infections

You will also have less chance of having health problems caused by diabetes such as:

·        heart attack or stroke

·        eye problems that can lead to trouble seeing or going blind

·        pain, tingling, or numbness in your hands and feet, also called nerve damage

·        kidney problems that can cause your kidneys to stop working

·        teeth and gum problems

Living with diabetes can be challenging to manage every day. You are the most important member of your diabetes care team, but you don’t have to manage your diabetes alone. Seek support from health care professionals, your family, friends, and community to manage your diabetes.  

At LCHC, we are committed to provide support and education to the people of our county who are living with diabetes. Our goal is to help in understanding that with proper care or perseverance, people living with diabetes can live normal, fulfilling lives. 
Feel free to contact our Diabetes Educator Anita Perry at 646-5506 with any questions or concerns you may have.

Health Center Announces Upcoming Flu Shot Clinics

Livingston County Health Center has announced two upcoming opportunities for county residents to receive their vaccination for influenza for the 2017-2018 flu season.

On Friday, November 3rd, Health Center nurses will be holding a walk-in clinic at their office, located at 800 Adam Drive, for residents 19 and older from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. 

On Tuesday, November 21st, another walk-in flu clinic will be held at the health center, from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Those with private insurance or Medicare should bring their card to the clinic. 

More opportunities to get vaccinated will be announced until vaccine supply runs out. 

Smart Connections Class Series

Livingston County Health Center would like to announce a Smart Connections® class series at the Livingston County Health Center, located at 800 Adam Drive.

Smart Connections® is a free program from Trauma Smart® for caregivers to connect, network and enhance skills in a relaxed and engaging atmosphere. Anyone who deals with kids can add tools to address challenging behaviors as well as to increase connection with your child.

Mary Taylor, RN and Maternal Child Health Coordinator at the Health Center will be the instructor. Classes will be held through the school year, 5:30-6:30 p.m. in Classroom at the Livingston County Health Center.   Classes include: “Managing the Ups & Downs”; “Reading the Signs”; “Creating Comfort”; “Encouraging Growth”; “Feelings Detective”; “Expressing Feelings”; “Blowing Worries Away”; “Build a Calm Down Spot”; “Encouraging Learning” and “Identifying the Superhero in Your Child.”

The first class will be held next Wednesday, October 18^th at 5:30 p.m. in the Health Center Classroom.  Visit www.livcohealthcenter.com for more dates through March of 2018.

Classes are interactive, featuring educational information and an activity to craft things that can help a child calm themselves down when they’re in hard and scary situations.  

Teaching behaviors at home will reinforce the in school program, which hopes to make it easier for kids and school staff to deal with issues that come up in the classroom.

Smart Connections® complements the Trauma Smart program implemented in Chillicothe R-II grades Kindergarten through 5th grade.  The project was initiated by the Livingston County Health Center, Chillicothe R-II School District and the Crittenton Children’s Center.

There is no charge to attend classes.  Parents and Caregivers who are interested in attending should visit our website: www.livcohealthcenter.com to access the online registration.  Those who don’t have Internet access can call the Health Center at 646-5506.

For more information about the program, contact Mary Taylor, RN at 646-5506. 

Smart Connections - Show Me Health

Trauma Smart is a program created by Crittenton Children’s Center to provide support to children who have experienced trauma as well as caregivers and teachers who love and take care of them. 

Un-resolved trauma in childhood can have life-long effects and is linked to adult aggression, substance abuse, eating disorders, depression, and suicide.  Trauma Smart helps resolve the effects of trauma so children can live confident, productive lives. 

Trauma can be one event or a series of events that frighten, confuse or hurt a child.  What is hard and scary for one child, may not be hard and scary for another.  Some examples of trauma are; death of a loved one, painful or extended medical procedures, separation from family, physical or sexual abuse, violent crime, incarcerations or arrest of a loved one, house fire or car accident, hurricane, tornado or flood.

Children may show these signs if they are suffering the effects of trauma.  Children may have a change in sleep pattern, nightmares or night terrors.  You may see frequent crying, anxiety, nervousness, more quiet than normal or a change in eating habits.  Other signs are frequent temper tantrums, aggressive behavior, acting younger than their age or trouble separating from caregivers. 

In the event of a traumatic event, parents and caregivers should remain calm, soothe and comfort your child.  Then parents can encourage their children to express their emotions while maintaining a consistent routine and preparing children ahead of time for any changes to routine.

Smart Connections, the parent education piece to Trauma Smart, teaches parents the skills to connect with their children.  Starting October 18^th, Mary Taylor from the Livingston County Health Center will offer Smart Connections at the Livingston County Health Center.

On October 18, parents and caregivers can learn how to Manage the Ups and Downs by learning how to take care of themselves so they can better care for their children.

The next session on November 1, will teach parents how to Read the Signs and strengthen connections with your children.

On November 15, you learn how to Create Comfort by implementing routines and rituals with your children.

At the November 29 class, parents will find out about Encouraging Growth by learning about praise and how it affects behaviors.

After the first of the year on January 10, learn how to become a Feelings Detective and help your child identify his/her feelings, energy and moods.

At the January 24 session, parents and caregivers learn ways to teach children to Express Feelings and the effects of grief and loss.

On February 7, Blow Worries Away and help the child regulate their energy level, mood or feelings.  Also learn the calm down steps and how to implement these steps.

Build a Calm Down Spot is the topic for February 21, where participants will and learn the importance of having a safe place for every child.

Encouraging Learning and ways to help a child problem solve will be the topic on March 7^th.

The final class of the series on March 21 parents will learn how to “Identify the Superhero in Your Child”, by identifying their unique, positive, coherent ad future selves.

If you would to attend please call the Health Center at 646-5506 to sign up. Every parent and caregiver is welcome.

Meditation - Show Me Health

If stress has you anxious, tense and worried, consider trying meditation. Spending even a few minutes in meditation can restore your calm and inner peace.

What is Meditation?

Meditation is the practice of focusing your attention to bring the mind to a deep state of concentration. Our mind wants to think in a linear fashion about past worries and future anxieties.  Meditation brings our mind to the present moment to witness what is happening here and now.

There are many different meditation styles and techniques. Some are practiced sitting still while others can be set in motion, such as Tai Chi.

Why Meditate?

A regular meditation practice can reduce stress and anxiety, improve focus, stabilize emotions, promote physical health, and increase compassion towards others and ourselves.

■ It brings your attention to the current moment and helps you realize that life’s conditions
are not permanent which can reduce stress and anxiety.

■ It shifts your mind from a state of distraction to deep concentration and focus.

■ It trains you to observe your thoughts and feelings before acting on them which stabilizes emotions.

■ It changes gene expression patterns that bring biological systems into better balance which improves physical health.

■ It disrupts habitual thought patterns which can increase compassion towards others and ourselves.

■ It allows you to discriminate between useful and non-useful thoughts. With practice, you will be able to identify the non-useful and negative thoughts quickly and push them away to find ease in everyday life.

Anyone can practice meditation. It's simple and inexpensive, and it doesn't require any special equipment.

You can practice meditation wherever you are — whether you're out for a walk, riding the bus, waiting at the doctor's office or even in the middle of a difficult business meeting.

Meditation has been practiced for thousands of years. Meditation originally was meant to help deepen understanding of the sacred and mystical forces of life. These days, meditation is commonly used for relaxation and stress reduction.

Meditation is considered a type of mind-body complementary medicine. Meditation can produce a deep state of relaxation and a tranquil mind.

During meditation, you focus your attention and eliminate the stream of jumbled thoughts that may be crowding your mind and causing stress. This process may result in enhanced physical and emotional well-being.

Benefits of meditation

Meditation can give you a sense of calm, peace and balance that can benefit both your emotional well-being and your overall health.

And these benefits don't end when your meditation session ends. Meditation can help carry you more calmly through your day and may help you manage symptoms of certain medical conditions.

Meditation and emotional well-being

When you meditate, you may clear away the information overload that builds up every day and contributes to your stress.

The emotional benefits of meditation can include:

•  Gaining a new perspective on stressful situations

•  Building skills to manage your stress

•  Increasing self-awareness

•  Focusing on the present

•  Reducing negative emotions

•  Increasing imagination and creativity

•  Increasing patience and tolerance

Meditation and Illness

Meditation might also be useful if you have a medical condition, especially one that may be worsened by stress.

While a growing body of scientific research supports the health benefits of meditation, some researchers believe it's not yet possible to draw conclusions about the possible benefits of meditation.

With that in mind, some research suggests that meditation may help people manage symptoms of conditions such as:

•  Anxiety

•  Asthma

•  Cancer

•  Chronic pain

•  Depression

•  Heart disease

•  High blood pressure

•  Irritable bowel syndrome

•  Sleep problems

•  Tension headaches

Be sure to talk to your health care provider about the pros and cons of using meditation if you have any of these conditions or other health problems. In some cases, meditation can worsen symptoms associated with certain mental and physical health conditions.

The health center is hosting an “Introduction to Meditation” Class Series every Wednesday at 12 Noon for six weeks.  The class is led by Kasey Peyton, a local yoga instructor popular with many of our residents.  The first class was an introduction to meditation and a short practice of one style.  The remaining classes will feature a different type of meditation each week

Meditation isn't a replacement for traditional medical treatment. But it may be a useful addition to your other treatment.

Sources: WebMD, Kasey Peyton

Upcoming high-dose flu clinic for county residents 65 and older

Livingston County Health Center has announced an upcoming high-dose flu clinic for county residents 65 and older on Tuesday, September 19^th from 8:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Livingston County residents 65 and older can walk-in anytime during the hours of the clinic to receive their high-dose vaccination.

Those with private insurance or Medicare should bring their card to the clinic. 

More opportunities to get vaccinated will be announced until vaccine supply runs out.