12/27/2025
A Message from Interim Director and Health Officer Dr. Bruce Randolph:
The holidays are upon us—a season filled with joy, generosity, and celebration. For many, however, it can also be a time of added pressure and stress. Between the demands of work, family responsibilities, and packed schedules, it’s easy to let stress take the joy out of the season.
Don’t become distressed by the holiday hype and commercialism. Remember the “real reason for the season”. Here are some things that may help you avoid holiday blues and distress.
Practice self-care. When we care for ourselves, we are better able to care for our loved ones, our friends, our coworkers, and the people we serve.
Manage stress. Although stress is difficult to avoid, you can manage it with relaxation, meditation, prayer, and exercise.
Get rest and sleep. Rest and sleep are fundamental to both physical and mental health.
Move your body every day. Move your body by stretching, walking, dancing, exercising, and engaging in physical activity. Body movement helps relieve stress, joint stiffness, and muscle weakness.
Disconnect from technology when you can. Choose the time to turn off your phone and other devices. Use that time to read, meditate, listen to music, talk with family or friends, unwind in a quiet room, or go for a walk.
Spend quality time with loved ones. Laugh, have fun, and enjoy life with family and friends.
Celebrate in healthy ways. Avoid unhealthy relationships, unsafe sexual activity, violence, and the misuse of alcohol and other addictive drugs.
Maintain a positive spirit. Display love, joy, peace, hope, gratitude, kindness, conviction, liberty, and self-control.
I want to take this time to thank all the members of the SCHD team for your committed and dedicated service. I also want to wish you a healthy, peaceful, and joyous holiday season.