Brain Injury Awareness Month

March is home to Brain Injury Awareness Month in the U.S.. These injuries comprise fall-related damage to the brain, forceful impact to the head, or penetration by sharp objects. At least 2.8 million people in the U.S. sustain traumatic brain injuries per year. Most people are at a loss of how to be around these injured people, which is part of the reason why Brain Injury Awareness month was created. In fact, professional sports organizations have dedicated a lot of time and money looking into making their respective games safer. Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) has been a pressing issue in contact sports.

Brain Injury; CTE In Athletics

One issue that continues to cast a shadow over athletic events is the fallout from the intense play that can lead to short-term and long-term head injuries for many athletes. For instance, Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy or CTE is a degenerative brain disease being linked physical sporting events. CTE is commonly found in athletes, military veterans, and others be linked to repeated head injuries and blows to the head. Obviously, contact sports like football, rugby and hockey come to mind when thinking of head injuries. Nevertheless, with repeated use of the head in soccer and elbows in basketball have seen problems with injuries to the head. How Sports Concussions and CTE can Impact an Athlete’s Mental Health – NextStep Solutions (nssbehavioralhealth.com). This link dives into the problem in sports and provides more information.

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World Glaucoma Week

Have you heard of glaucoma?  Do you know that it is one of the leading causes of blindness across the world, including in the United States?

The goal for this week in March is to raise your awareness and to let people know that early detection is key.

What is Glaucoma?

Glaucoma is caused by damage to a nerve in the back of your eye called the optic nerve.  You may not have many symptoms or you could begin to notice changes in your vision. You often have higher pressure in your eye, but there are cases with normal pressure as well.

Are you at risk for Glaucoma?

• Are you over the age of 60?
• Do you have a family history of glaucoma?
• Are you an African American over the age of 40 

How can you help prevent glaucoma?

There is really no way you can prevent getting glaucoma.  You can however get checked regularly by an eye doctor so that you have an early detection. Early diagnosis is very important to help manage and slow down the disease.

What treatments are available for Glaucoma?

You could have a combination of treatments or one of the following options:

• Prescription eye drops
• Oral Medicines
• Laser Surgery
• Surgery to help drain fluid from the eye

Private Home Health Care encourages annual eye exams for those at risk and every two years as a good general guide for others.  You can make an appointment with an optometrist or an ophthalmologist.

Reviving Your New Year’s Resolution

In the United States, 38.5% of adults set a New Year’s resolution. Resolutions are goals that you set for yourself to become a better person, live a healthier lifestyle, continue to improve on yourself and climb the ladder of life. At this time, two months in the books, how are the resolutions you made holding up? Why not take some time today to reignite that vigor you began this year with?

Evaluating Your Resolution

Only 9% of the U.S. population successfully keep their New Year’s Resolution. In fact, only 36% make it through the first month. However, even if you don’t strictly adhere to your resolution, you can still have a positive change in your lifestyle. Now is a great time to revisit these resolutions. When you take the time to evaluate where you are in this process, small steps and little victories along the way can provide motivation. More likely than not, If you are resolving to lose 50 pounds, you will see a drastic change right away. This can be demoralizing and cause you to stray from our plan. Now, 2 months later, you may see more results. Immediate satisfaction does not go hand in hand with most new year’s resolutions. Maybe you have been straying away from your resolution or have lost your way.

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National Women’s History Month 

March is National Women’s History Month.  This began in 1987 to celebrate amazing women who strive to make our country and the world a better place for all.

You may have heard about many women from our past. Many have been pioneers.  One of those women is Sandra Day O’Connor.

Sandra Day O’Connor was the first woman selected as a Supreme Court Justice and she is still alive today.  She held the position from 1981-2006.

Her life began on March 26, 1930 in El Paso, Texas.  She grew up on a large family ranch in Arizona.  She attended Stanford University where she received an undergraduate degree in 1950 and a law degree in 1952.

Sandra Day married John Jay O’Connor III in 1952 after graduation.  She had great academic achievements.  You may or may not be surprised to learn that she had trouble finding a job in law based on being a woman.

She was offered a job as a secretary in a law firm but instead she became a deputy district attorney for San Mateo, California. 

You will be amazed by her journey.  

In 1954 Sandra landed in Germany with her husband and she served as a civil attorney for the army until 1957.

When she returned to the US she began with a private practice in Arizona.  She then became attorney general, followed by an election to the Arizona Senate.  Furthermore, another first for her was to become the first woman to be the majority leader of that Senate. 

Consequently, she was then a Maricopa County Superior Court judge and then appointed to the Arizona Court of Appeals in Phoenix.  In 1981, she was noticed by Ronald Reagan.

President Reagan nominated Sandra Day O’Connor as the first woman to the United States Supreme Court.  She was unanimously confirmed by the Senate and was sworn in on September 25, 1981.

Private Home Health Care honors the many women who have helped to pave the way and created a land of opportunities for everyone.

#WomensHistoryMonth

National Celery Month

As with every month of the year, March also contains many things to celebrate and one of those celebrations is for celery.  Celery really?  Yes.  

You will be surprised about this versatile green vegetable.  Basically, celery is one of those vegetables that is easy to find and it is full of health benefits.

Let’s start with what good things you can get from a cup or a stalk or two of celery. It’s super low in calories at just 16. In addition, celery is also rich in fiber.  Low in calories and rich in fiber.  Wow.

Furthermore, celery is a great source of Vitamins A, C and K and Potassium along with Folate.  (Folate is good for red cell formation and healthy cell growth and function.)

You can eat it with some peanut butter to bump up the nutrition or you can blend it with a green leaf smoothie.

Versatile is really a great word for celery.  You can eat it raw, in a vegetable tray with hummus or tzatziki or cooked.  Do you like to make soups?  Celery is a perfect addition.  

Likewise, you can add celery to a stir fry, a slow cooker pot roast or even a tunafish sandwich.  

Where do you think celery is grown in the US?  Most of the plants are grown in California, Florida and Michigan, (yes Michigan!).  

When buying celery you should look for tightly packed stalks.  Be sure to check that the stalks are crisp and snap off easily.  In addition, the leaves should not be wilted.

Celery is best if stored in a drawer in your refrigerator and wrapped in tin foil.  You have two weeks to use it if properly stored.  You can also freeze celery in a tight freezer bag.  If frozen it’s probably best to use it in a dish you are cooking rather than eat it raw.

Private Home Health Care loves to eat celery.  It’s easy to find, inexpensive and full of health benefits!

Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race 2023

This past Saturday kicked off the Iditarod Sled Dog Race.  This has happened on the first Saturday in March since the first official start in 1973.

The trek is in Alaska and it spans 1,000 miles.  The kick off is in Anchorage then the race officially starts in Willow Lake and ends in Nome, Alaska.

The actual course can vary from year to year but it crosses two mountain ranges, travels along the Yukon River and traverses frozen waterways.  The weather is harsh and cold.

The land was actually first cleared in 1908 and marked by the Alaska Road Commission in 1911-1912.  When sled dog teams first started the main focus traveling through harsh arctic weather conditions was for communication and transportation.

The competition of the Iditarod Sled Dog Race has attracted many participants and a lot of visibility over the years.

The race has both men and women competing.  These men and women have been anywhere between 18 years old and 86 years old.  

The sled dog team consists of the driver called a musher and between 12 and 16 dogs. The sled dogs are not just any dog of course.  The dogs have a “natural fur” that can protect them. 

According to the American Kennel Club the dogs used are Samoyed, Alaskan Malamutes, Siberian Huskies and Chinook.  There is a lot of training and nutrition that go into these dogs in preparation.

In general, the race on average usually has about 63 teams.  This 2023 race is the smallest so far with a total of 33 teams.  There are nine rookie mushers and last year’s champion, Brent Sass among those teams.

It is a grueling journey but exciting and challenging.  The winner earns around $50,000.  The field is a bit smaller this year due to inflation and the rising cost of dog food among the factors. 

It happens once a year and it’s truly amazing what these mushers and dogs accomplish.   

Here is one place where you can follow the race:  alaskapublic.org/Iditarod!

National Kidney Month

One of the National days in March is on the kidneys.  The purpose of setting the day is to remind you to have your kidneys checked out by a medical professional.  

Those bean-shaped organs that sit in the lower back area of your abdomen are each about the size of a fist.  They are part of your urinary tract.

The kidneys main jobs are to clean toxins and waste out of your blood. They filter about a half of a cup of blood every minute.

Other important functions include: controlling the acid-ph balance of your blood and making glucose (sugar) if your blood doesn’t have enough. 

Kidneys also produce a protein that increases blood pressure and produces hormones that help with your calcium and with making red blood cells.

Your kidneys actually do quite a bit of work!

There are ways you can keep your kidneys healthy.  Check these out and see if there are any changes you should make.

• Drink water.  On average, men should drink about 3 liters a day (about 13 cups) and women should drink about 2 liters a day (9 cups).
• Quit smoking. You also stop using tobacco products.
• Watching your salt intake is important. Foods contain sodium so monitor labels.
• Keep a healthy weight. This has been said before and is key to keeping many areas of your body fit.
• Monitor your blood pressure.  High blood pressure can cause damage to your kidneys.

Private Home Health Care knows that you can live with one kidney and that’s great news.  We also know that it’s important to raise awareness on how to keep your kidneys well.

#NationalKidneyMonth

National Nutrition Month

National Nutrition Month is an annual campaign started in 1973 by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. (Also known as “The Academy”) Celebrated in March, this time is meant to stress the importance of a balanced diet and exercise. This month gives us an opportunity to reflect inward and make tangible changes to our diets or workout regimens. “The Academy” is the largest organization of food and nutritional professionals. Their main focus is to accelerate improvements in global health and well-being through food and nutrition. There are many factors involved in keeping a healthy lifestyle.

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, also known as “The Academy”, promotes the transformative powers of healthy food choices. To celebrate the 50^th anniversary of this day This year’s theme is “Fuel for the Future.” Eating with sustainability in mind is a tasty way to nourish ourselves while protecting environment. The Academy encourages using a registered dietitian to develop and stick with a healthy eating plan. Additionally, making exercise an integral part of our lives is important. Try a new activity like Zumba, swimming, or spinning to keep workouts fresh and exciting. Furthermore, they offer information on nutritious eating and health, from meal planning and prep to choices. This information can help prevent or manage health conditions and more. Check out the National Nutrition Month® (eatright.org) for additional information.

Juice Plus+

The Juice Plus+ is a health and wellness company that is pioneering the way to healthy lifestyle. The company’s mission is to inspire and enable healthy change that impacts lives and communities. Simple dietary changes, like taking Juice Plus+, lead to positive health habits that easily become part of your routine. You can check out their website at, Fruit & Vegetable Nutrition for a Healthy Lifestyle | Juice Plus+. In addition, the site provides helpful tips to leading a healthy lifestyle.

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Positive Reinforcement: World Compliment Day

World Compliment Day, celebrated March 1, addresses the basic human need for recognition and appreciation. On this occasion, the hope is to spread joy through simple verbal affirmations of appreciation and positive reinforcement. Receiving recognition feels amazing. Likewise, giving recognition is just as enjoyable. Furthermore, watching someone’s face light up after offering them a nice compliment is a full-on win-win. Compliments and praise for a job well done can have a major impact on the productivity and positivity in the workplace.

Sharing A Compliment

A compliment is an expression of praise, congratulations, encouragement, or respect. Giving a compliment is easy. It costs no money. There is no preparation needed. Yet, a genuine and sincere offering of praise can have an enormous impact on a person. Whether you are applauding their work, showing appreciation or admiring their outfit, you can make someone’s day. This day is a reminder to vocalize your positive thoughts. In addition, extending a compliment will not only make the receiver feel good, but the person giving it as well.

Positive Reinforcement in the Workplace

Studies have shown that positive reinforcement works better than pay increases when it comes to a person’s motivation and productivity. Generating an atmosphere of positivity helps getting the creative juices flowing. Additionally, complimenting employees results in a happier and more creative workplace. When a boss is acknowledging someone for a job well done, they will feel as though their hard work is worthwhile. Expressing praise and gratitude is particularly important for keeping up morale. Gratitude makes people feel valued.

Mark Twain’s Take on Compliments

Mark Twain once said, “I can live for two months on a good compliment.” Twain’s quote expresses the positive impact that offering appreciation goes to the person receiving it. The reason being that a sincere personal compliment cost nothing. Yet, has the potential to make an enormous impact. You can take a further look into what this day is all about by visiting their website at, World Compliment Day.

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National Peanut Butter Lover’s Day

Peanut butter is popular in our United States.  Basically, there is peanut butter in 9 out of 10 households.

Peanut butter is a delicious and healthy food for most of us.  If you are one of the estimated 6.1 million people with a peanut allergy you of course have to find other healthy alternatives.*

You will find that peanut butter has good nutrients for our bodies.  These include Vitamin E, Niacin (B3), Manganese, Vitamin B6 and Magnesium.

Additionally, if you are looking for protein, peanut butter is a good source.  It also contains both soluble and insoluble fiber good for our digestion.

There are actually four types of peanuts that are used to make peanut butter.

• Runners – 85% of peanut butter is made by these plentiful nuts
• Virginia – the largest kernels.  Sold also for eating peanuts out of hand from the shell
• Spanish – smaller kernels and very good for use in candy
• Valencia – very sweet, often boiled and the best to make natural peanut butter

Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches are not the only way to enjoy it.  As you can see, you can find many recipes for adding peanut butter to your diet.

• Try eating an apple with peanut butter
• Add chocolate protein powder and peanut butter to almond milk and make a protein shake
• Don’t chocolate and peanut butter energy balls sound good (no cooking involved)
• Toast a slice of whole wheat bread and add some peanut butter and bananas

When you shop be sure to check labels.  Some peanut butter can be high in sodium and other additives.  You want to try and buy the best to get good health benefits.  

Eating peanut butter in moderation is important too.  Peanut butter can be high in calories and likewise in fat so keep a balance with other foods.

Private Home Health Care loves peanut butter and the healthy nutrients we get.  We try different kinds including naturally made peanut butters.  We hope you find what is best for you.

*2018-2019 data from FoodAllergy.org