News and Updates from Seldovia Village Tribe, SVT Health & Wellness and the Seldovia Bay Ferry.
News & Updates
Get Outside
Here’s some tips from our Health & Wellness Coach Melissa Haeckel -
In seasons rich with long sunny days, the sleeping earth awakens early each day in a brilliant celebration of flowers, birds and breathtaking views. Take time to get outside, see the babies of summer arrive, watch the sandhill colts, the baby moose, and catch a low tide spring beach walk.
Research shows that up to 50% of the world’s population may not get enough sun and 40% of U.S. residents are deficient in vitamin D. In Alaska, this is partly because many people spend am abundance of time indoors in the winter and the sun does not provide enough of what we need, plus we may eat a diet low in vitamin D. As a result, we have to supplement our supply year-round, plus get as much sun as is healthy and possible in the summer months.
A daily dose of sunshine provides Vitamin D, a hormone produced by the body when the skin is exposed to UBV rays from the sun. A few more good reasons to get outside in the summer, people increase their water consumption, we eat more fruit, increases agility, relieves skin complaints, and it is one of the best ways to boost your natural immunity, bone health and ward off viruses is getting outside and exercising for at least 30 minutes daily. Foods such as wild salmon, herring, sardines, egg yolks, and local mushrooms are also good sources of Vitamin D, not to mention allowing the sun to hit your skin while you are out foraging for fiddlehead ferns, salmonberries, nettles and more.
Pro tip: Time in nature, being outdoors is one of the best ways to increase your Vitamin D, reduce stress and anxiety, boost your energy, support your immune system and improve mental health. Invite friends to do outdoor activities with you; a nice walk/hike, work in the garden, or outside yoga. Take time to put it in your schedule and commit to at least three outdoor days a week. Notice how you sleep next time you go for a hike.
Our team of health care providers is committed to making SVT Health & Wellness your medical home. Services include primary care, dental care, behavioral health, massage, acupuncture, health coaching and more. With affordable pricing and discounts available, we are the community health center for the Southern Kenai Peninsula and we always welcome new patients! Learn more at svthw.org or give us a call at 907-226-2228.
Greet the Sun
Here’s some tips from our Health & Wellness Coach Melissa Haeckel -
The days are growing longer. Rise early and listen to the songbirds and the earth as she awakens. Setting a daily route to establish a healthy sleep cycle is one the best ways to maintain optimal wellness. On average, most people need at least 8 hours of sleep to feel well rested.
Upon waking, practicing a gentle 5 min meditation and drinking a large glass of water or cup of herbal tea is a great way to help shift your nervous system into to a state of receptivity and relaxation. The gift of stillness of the morning is one that will carry you throughout the entire day.
Pro tip: The weather app on most phones lists the exact time of sunrise and sunset. Take a peek at it, set your intention to make sure the lights are dimmed at least 2 hours before bedtime and close the blinds. Using a face mask or eye pillow helps keep the light out and relaxes the eyes.
To enhance the quality of sleep, you may also try experimenting with turning off all electronics or reducing screen time at least two hours before bedtime.
Timeline PhotosFACT: 60% of stroke deaths are women. Why? Women are more likely to have subtle warning signs of stroke, like fatigue, nausea or memory problems. With all the things women have on their to-do lists every day, those symptoms can be easily missed or brushed off.
If you or someone you love experience any of these symptoms, call 911. #StrokeMonth
Learn more about our services by visiting svthw.org online, or give our Patient Services Representatives a call at 907-226-2228!