Patient Centered Care

12/26/2025

😴 Sleep Reset After the Holidays 😴
Late nights, disrupted routines, and extra screen time catch up fast. By January, poor sleep shows up everywhere.

Why sleep matters more than people think:
• Raises blood pressure
• Disrupts blood sugar control
• Worsens mood, focus, and energy
• Weakens immune function
Back-to-basics sleep reset:
• Go to bed and wake up at the same time daily
• Limit screens at least 1 hour before bed
• Keep the bedroom dark, quiet, and cool
• Avoid caffeine late in the day

Sleep isn’t optional—it’s foundational. A regular sleep schedule is one of the simplest, most powerful health tools you have.

12/23/2025

🎄 Healthy Through the Christmas Holiday

The holidays don’t ruin health — abandoning routines does.

A few simple habits make all the difference:
• Eat with intention, not restriction
• Keep moving (a walk still counts)
• Hydrate — winter dehydration is real
• Prioritize sleep over “one more thing”
• Enjoy treats without overdoing it

Health isn’t about perfection this week.
It’s about consistency, balance, and getting back to routine after the celebration.

Take care of yourself — your body carries you into the New Year.

12/16/2025

Hanukkah: Light That Lasts

Hanukkah reminds us that faith, perseverance, and tradition matter—especially when the odds are stacked against you. It’s the story of a small flame that refused to go out, of a people who held fast to their values, and of light overcoming darkness one night at a time.

For eight nights, families gather to light the menorah, say the blessings, share meals, and pass down customs that have endured for generations. In a world that moves fast and forgets easily, Hanukkah calls us to slow down, remember where we come from, and honor what has always anchored us. There’s nothing flashy about a single candle—but together, they change the room.
May this season be a reminder to protect your light, stand firm in your beliefs, and keep traditions alive for the next generation.
Happy Hanukkah. 🕎

11/27/2025

Hope everyone has a HAPPY THANKSGIVING! Full of time with loved ones & full bellies.

11/11/2025

10/28/2025

.Holiday Stress & Healthy Boundaries
Reduce holiday stress by setting healthy boundaries
Learn to say "no" without guilt
It's okay to say "no" to invitations or to skip an event depending on your energy level
You don't need to apologize or over-explain your decision to decline an invitation or request
Create a realistic schedule that includes downtime and self-care
A balanced holiday schedule will include intentional time for rest, self-care, and activities you enjoy
Identify how much time you can realistically spend with others, and what activities you can manage
Schedule downtime:
Take breaks to recharge your batteries
Engage in relaxing activities, even if it's just for a few minutes

10/26/2025

🧠 Mental Health
Seasonal Affective Disorder Awareness (SAD)
SAD is a form of depression triggered by shifts in the seasons, affecting your mood and energy levels
Most often, symptoms appear in the fall and winter months, but less commonly they can occur in the spring and summer
Common Symptoms:
Feeling sad or down most of the day
Loss of interest in activities once enjoyed
Low energy and feeling sluggish
Oversleeping and daytime drowsiness
Change in appetite including cravings and over eating
Difficulty concentrating
Feeling helpless or worthless

Coping Strategies:
Maintain a consistent sleep schedule
Stay physically active
Get as much natural daylight as possible
Connect with friends/family to fight social withdrawal
Talk to your Provider about therapies available including medication

10/24/2025

🧣 Safety & Environment
Home Safety Reminders (heaters, CO detectors)
Distance from Flammables: Keep portable heaters at least three feet from anything combustible such as furniture, curtains, and bedding
Never Leave Unattended: Turn off space heaters when you leave the room or go to bed to prevent accidents

Use Proper Surfaces: Place heaters on a level, stable surface
One Device per Outlet: Do not plug any other electrical devices into the same outlet as a heater
Do Not Use for Other Purposes: Never use an oven, stovetop, or charcoal grill to heat your home, as this can produce dangerous levels of carbon monoxide

Maintain Appliances: Inspect the flame of natural gas appliances; a blue flame indicates proper operation, while a lazy yellow or white flame is a warning sign.

Install CO alarms on every level of your home and outside sleeping areas to ensure you're alerted in an emergency.

Test your CO alarms monthly and change batteries at least every six months to ensure they work.

10/20/2025

Asthma & COPD Triggers in Winter
Winter asthma and COPD triggers include
cold, dry air
indoor allergens like dust mites
respiratory infections such as the flu
indoor air pollutants from heating systems and fireplaces
fragrances from holiday decorations
To avoid triggers,
wear a scarf over your mouth and nose
ensure vaccinations are up-to-date
maintain indoor humidity with a humidifier
keep a clean home
avoid exposure to smoke and artificial scents
stay hydrated

10/20/2025

SUPPORT OUR VETERANS
via New Hanover County Government:
NEW HANOVER COUNTY, NC – New Hanover County is once again encouraging the community to join Operation Green Light, an annual, national initiative from the National Association of Counties (NACo), designed to recognize the service and sacrifice of veterans by using green lighting as a symbol of appreciation.

The event, which runs November 4-11, asks residents to place a green light in a window or use a green bulb in an exterior light to show support for veterans throughout the community. For the fourth straight year, the exterior of the New Hanover County Health and Human Services building (1650 Greenfield Street) will feature green lighting, along with lights at the Senior Resource Center (2222 South College Road). This year, the front lawn of the Government Center will also feature green lighting in recognition of local veterans.

“Since joining this national initiative, we have seen local participation in Operation Green Light grow as our community shines a literal light of support for those who have served our nation,” said Veteran Services Director Betsy Graham. “This is a great way for residents and businesses to display support for veterans in our community, letting them know how much we appreciate all they bring to our county.”