Official Government Website
Month: February 2022
Crisis Coping Resources
ComPsych’s Guidance Resources®, the State of Idaho’s Employee Assistance Program provider, has shared the following resources to help cope with the anxiety and stress associated with global crisis and conflict.
Through the Employee Assistance Program, benefit eligible employees and their dependents may receive 1 to 5 visits per person, per issue, per plan year to confidential counseling services with no copayment required. Visit the Office of Group Insurance website to learn more.
Coping with Conflict Guide
- Dealing with the effects of social upheaval
- Coping with a traumatic event
- When anxiety becomes a problem
- Workplace resiliency in response to political discord
- Answering questions children have about tragedy
- Helping children cope with trauma
- Talking to a child during uncertain times
- Coping with grief
- Infographic: coping with stress and anxiety
- Infographic: when anxiety becomes a problem
Crisis Portal
- Coping with a traumatic event
- Coping emotionally after a disaster
- Talking to a child about a traumatic event
- What should I do when I am told to evacuate?
- Coping with grief
- Coping with a crisis or traumatic event
Coping During Uncertain Times Webinar Recording
People have a powerful need to understand and predict their environments in order to feel in control. When we are exposed to potential threats to our well-being, we naturally respond to this uncertainty with anxiety and fear. This training will address ways of effectively coping with uncertainty and will examine how to remain positive and functional, despite the risks of living in a changing world. Included will be practical tips for coping with uncertainty, re-establishing control, and tips for speaking to children about fear.
Senior Nutrition Program
Let’s celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Senior Nutrition Program!
According to Feeding America, one in six seniors are considered food insecure. This means about 57,000 seniors in Idaho may be dealing with the issue of food insecurity, which can create negative impact on their health.
In addition to causing a few extra wrinkles and unexpected aches and pains, getting older also impacts metabolism and the body’s ability to absorb nutrients. Because the way the body processes food changes as we age, nutrition becomes vitally important. For older adults, eating the right foods can not only improve health, but also protect against preventable diseases and even enhance quality of life. As with most health-related issues, the first step towards developing better nutrition is awareness.
‘Hippocrates, a famous Greek physician, stated in 440 BC “Let food be thy medicine and let thy medicine be food”. We have finally come to fruition with that fact, 2,383 years after his death.
Each March, the Administration for Community Living (ACL) leads the celebration of the Senior Nutrition Program and the Idaho Commission on Aging promotes its anniversary by celebrating the program’s rich history and tremendous value across the nation with Area Agencies on Aging and meal providers.
The purpose of the nutrition program is to:
- (1) to reduce hunger, food insecurity, and malnutrition;
- (2) to promote socialization of older individuals; and
- (3) to promote the health and well-being by assisting such individuals to gain access to nutrition and other disease prevention and health promotion services to delay the onset of adverse health conditions resulting from poor nutritional health or sedentary behavior.
ACL funds senior nutrition services, including home-delivered and congregate meals. For more resources follow ACL on Facebook and Twitter and join the conversation via #SNP50.
Please join the Idaho Commission on Aging in spreading awareness about malnutrition and food insecurity and help to reduce hunger. Encourage the elders to consider attending a meal at least weekly for healthy benefits for mind and body!
For more information on Congregate Meal Sites and Home-Delivered Meals, please contact your local Area Agency on Aging.
Please join our free educational webinars on March 8th and on March 23rd. For additional nutrition information please visit the ICOA website and follow us on Twitter and Facebook.
See how the healthcare system benefits if seniors eat a nutritious meal at a congregate meal site.
4 Mood and Energy Boosters
Your energy levels can be depleted by many factors. The external world is full of distractions, noise, sadness, and stress. It is valuable to remember that you, and only you, are responsible for your mood. Here are some helpful tips to keep your mood and energy levels in check so you can build them back up when they are depleted.
Music
A quick way to inject feelings of happiness and positivity is to include music. Music can provide an instant energy boost and has been used therapeutically in clinical settings for both pain management and emotional well-being. When you are feeling down or just need a dose of happiness, put on your favorite upbeat tunes, and groove your way to a better mood.
Laughter
It is true, laughter really can be the best medicine! Laughter has been shown to elevate mood, enhance immunity, and even prolong life. These benefits come from hearing laughter, having expectations of laughter or fun, and by the act of laughing itself.
Affirmations
Affirmations are phrases that you repeat to change, increase, or improve your state of mind. The power of affirmations is not in the words themselves, but the practice of visualizing a different reality. When you combine intentional actions with the refreshed mindset from your affirmations, you will find you can accomplish great things.
Good Deeds
When you do something nice for someone, it turns your focus away from yourself and your concerns and allows you to focus on helping somebody else feel good. Spreading kindness is the best way to spread happiness. Something as simple as a compliment, a kind word, or an act of generosity can start a positive domino effect of positive feelings.
Source: WELCOA’s COVID-19 Employee Education Toolkit: “Acknowledging and Lifting Your Mood and Energy Level“