2009 News

Healthy Haywood is Honored by Governor’s Task Force for Healthy Carolinians
November 2009

Healthy Haywood was awarded its third recertification as a Healthy Carolinians Partnership by the Governor’s Task Force for Healthy Carolinians during the 17th Annual Healthy Carolinians Conference held October 8, 2009, in Greensboro, North Carolina.

Current health action teams determined by the recently completed community health assessment include Healthy Living (Scot Worley; Chair), Mental Health (Laura Janson; Chair), and Substance Abuse Prevention (Patti Tiberi; Chair).  Steering Committee Chair, Kathy Keogh said, “I commend the teams of Healthy Haywood volunteers who demonstrate how grassroots efforts can provide solutions to seemingly insurmountable public health problems. I appreciate the extraordinary efforts Steffie Duginske and this team has made to become recertified. As Health Promotion Coordinator for Haywood Regional Medical Center, I have been fortunate to work collaboratively with Healthy Haywood towards a common goal:  improve the health of our community. Because of Healthy Haywood, Haywood County members can experience the difference in the health of its members – both now and for generations to come”.
Carmine Rocco, Haywood County Health Director stated, “I am very pleased that Healthy Haywood continues to successfully engage the community in addressing important health issues.  This recertification affirms that there is a quality partnership actively helping folks be healthy.”

Healthy Carolinians is based on the concept that community members are the most qualified to effectively prioritize the health and safety problems in their community and to plan and excute creative solutions to these problems.  Recertification for Healthy Haywood means that this local partnership continues to be a vital component of a network of 76 other certified partnerships across North Carolina whose mission is to improve the health of all North Carolinians. 

Healthy Haywood has identified focus areas, established objectives and targets, and developed action plans and interventions that will improve the health of residents in Haywood County.  In order for Healthy Haywood to receive recertification, the partnership must submit an extensive application to the Governors Task Force for Healthy Carolinians.  The Governors Task Force has developed a set of rigorous standards, based on community health improvement, which all partnerships must meet in order to be certified or recertified.

The Partnership received its Recertification during the Awards Ceremony on October 8, 2009.  Over 275 people including members of the Governors Task Force, local health partnerships, and health constituents were in attendance.  Mr. Jeff Spade, the Chair of the Governors Task Force, recognized Healthy Haywood as an essential component to the improvement of overall health for the citizens of North Carolina.

To learn more about the exciting work that is being done by Healthy Haywood, or to join the partnership, please contact the coordinator, Steffie Duginske at the Haywood County Health Department at 452-6675 or sduginske@haywoodnc.net .   Healthy Haywood is a program of the Haywood County Health Department and certified Healthy Carolinians Partnership.

Balance vs Juggling Act
July 2009

Let’s face it, we’re all busy. There’s family, church/volunteer opportunities, work, play, house/yard work, and -- oh yeah -- exercise. Does this sound like the story of your life? How to get it all in, and keep a little sanity can sometimes seem next to impossible. I was thinking about this the other day, priding myself for keeping it all in balance, when I began questioning what I was really doing. Is your life about balance, or is it a juggling act? They may sound like one and the same; you know, you juggle your career, your kids’ extracurricular activities and/or your own, volunteer here and there, keep your head above the laundry pile (if you’re lucky), and, if you’re able to fit it in, squeeze in a workout here and there.
As I thought about it, I began to see the difference between the two. You know how gymnasts, with all their grace, strength and poise, make it seem effortless on the beam? Their internal strength is what supports them in keeping everything balanced and calm. Isn’t that how we all strive to be?

Take the juggler, on the other hand; constantly grabbing at one thing and then the other, moving quickly and nonstop, lest he should “drop the ball”. Are you more like the gymnast, or the juggler?  What’s wrong with being like the juggler? Nothing. The only problem is that when we spend all of our time and energy hyper-focused on the exterior things, we tend to neglect the interior. That is, ourselves. Who can afford, you may say, to exercise? Who can afford not to? “Affordably” in the sense of either money or time, exercise is always possible to fit into any budget. Money-wise, exercise doesn’t have to be expensive. Most importantly, choose something that you enjoy doing. You’ll be more likely to stick with it.

If running is not your thing, by all means, don’t torture yourself with it. Walk instead. Here in Haywood County, we are blessed with parks, trails, and miles of new sidewalks. Take the stairs instead (if it’s safe). Park further away from the entrance when going shopping. Play with your children or do some gardening. You may be surprised at the mini-workouts you can fit in a day.  If you can afford to join a gym, the financial investment alone may be the motivation you need. Others may need to take it a step further by hiring a personal trainer for accountability and efficiency, or effectiveness.

Time-wise, look at exercise as an investment. If you’re a parent, spouse, single, whatever, being physically fit can benefit your life in more ways than one. Appearance aside, your mental/emotional health affects everyone around you. Experiment with the way you feel and react to stress and others once you’ve been exercising regularly (3-5 days/wk. minimum) over a period of a few weeks. That’s a small investment of your time for a positive mood enhancement. It can also reduce how much time and money you spend at the doctor’s office. Exercising keeps you healthy from your heart all the way to your joints to your immune system.

When you begin to prioritize your life this way, you can really justify taking just 30-60 minutes for yourself. If things seem to be spinning out of control and you can’t find the energy to keep it all in balance, just remember that there’s something you CAN control, and that’s how you feel. Remember that you can only perfect that by being stronger, like the gymnast who stays balanced, instead of the juggler, frantically grasping at loose ends. It’s all in the way we “deal with it”.
 
HEALTH TIPS
*  Do something to boost your self-esteem everyday. Do something you’re good at. Better yet, do something nice for someone else. You’ll feel good about yourself, and your good deed may make a difference in that person’s life.

*  Don’t compare yourself. Even though you can see what’s on the outside what’s on the inside is just as important. This holds true for both your physical and your spiritual self, as well.

*  Get away to somewhere quiet. It may be your sunroom or porch, Lake Junaluska, or even the sauna at the gym (when it’s empty). Go somewhere with as few distractions as possible to clear your mind and focus for good mental health.
You are what you eat. That would make a lot of us -- fast.

*  In reality, there’s very little fast about fast food. It’ll slow you down in the long run. If you do have to go the fast food route (we all do occasionally), just remember to keep it in moderation. There are also more healthy choices these days.
Keep a food journal. It’s helpful to be accountable for your choices. Those little snacks can add up throughout the day. Allow yourself a treat now and then, but remember, it’s only a treat if you don’t get it all the time.

*  Prioritize your activities. Decide if it can wait until tomorrow (be careful not to do this with exercise), and put those things last on your list. “What difference will it make if this happens - or not?” Look at the big picture instead.

*  Take time for yourself. Not only will your body thank you for taking that walk you had to make time for, but your friends and family will, too. If you’re concerned about sacrificing social time, take a walk with a friend.

*  Don’t sweat it. It may be hard sometimes, but ask yourself if those things “eating” at you are really so important. Your mental and physical health may be at stake due to your stress level. You may need to decompress with exercise or down-time, instead.

*  Praise the positive and don’t dwell on the negative. This applies to both yourself and others around you: co-workers, kids, etc. Don’t berate yourself or others for downfalls such as overeating or failure to exercise. Remember that each day is a new one and it’s never too late to start over.

Writer of this article, Lisa Cook is an AFAA certified personal trainer and fitness leader with over 20 years’ experience and a member of Healthy Haywood’s Healthy Living Action Team.

Sleep is Important for Mental Health
April 2009

It is a well known fact that enough quality sleep is critical to good physical health.  We have all seen and heard how a lack of sleep may affect our immune systems, even contributing to serious diseases such as cancer and heart disease, but how important is sleep to our mental health?

The answer is very important. 

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders produced by the American Psychiatric Association, indicates that insomnia constitutes a risk factor (or perhaps an early symptom of) subsequent Mood Disorders, Anxiety Disorders and Substance Use Disorders. Sleep disturbances (Disorders of Initiating and Maintaining Sleep and Disorders of Excessive Sleepiness)  have been identified as both a cause and effect in mental disorders.

New studies report that lost sleep can impact the brain in ways that is similar to that of a mental illness.   If we are in a bad mood after a particularly stressful or busy period, can that really be related to lost sleep and could even more serious mental health disorders be attributed to a lack of sleep?

The answer is yes.

We live in a twenty four hour world.  It is not unusual to be on an airplane for many hours, experience a major change in time zones, or work until late into the night.  Medical schools and hospitals are known for shifts that leave workers bleary eyed and exhausted.  Truckers are being prescribed medication to help them stay awake, and shift work is a fact of life. 

In one large study of people with sleep complaints and psychiatric symptoms, the Journal of the American Medical Association examined the importance of sleep to good mental health.  According to the study 40.0% of those with insomnia and 46.5% of those with hypersomnia, had a psychiatric disorder compared to 16.4% of people who had no sleep complaints.

Another report from the American Journal of Psychiatry states that impaired sleep in those with bipolar disorder can induce and predict manic episodes.  According to one study, one quarter of bipolar patients who suffered from depression switched to mania after only one night of sleep deprivation.   At the same time, sleep deprivation (multiple nights with insufficient sleep) can lead to depression.  In addition, 85% of depressed patients report insomnia symptoms and approximately 12% report hypersomnia.   In children, one-fifth of those diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) are actually suffering from insufficient sleep.

While estimates of the prevalence of sleep disorders in the United States ranges from 13% to 49% and there has been a proliferation of treatment options, most sleep disorders remain under diagnosed, untreated or entirely missed.  Traditionally most insomniacs  suffer for ten to fourteen years before seeking treatment because they think they cannot be helped.  This coupled with the fact that most patients have the erroneous belief that sleep disorders cannot be successfully treated without medications has resulted in an increase in sleep problems and psychopathology.

 A recent study indicated that the treatment of insomnia significantly reduced both depression and anxiety in patients without the use of medication. These patients eliminated their depression with a good night's sleep.

There are several “Good Sleep Practices” that can help you get a more restful night's sleep:
1. Get up at the same time 7 days a week.
2. Cut down on or eliminate all caffeine products.
3.Exercise regularly.
4.Don't take your problems to bed.
5. Don't let yourself be afraid of insomnia.

This information may give a new meaning to the expression sleep well.

Dr. Jeffery Dunn is a psychotherapist at the Center for Living Enrichment and a member of Healthy Haywood’s Mental Health Action Team.  Dr. Dunn can be reached at 456-1999.

2009 Fitness Challenge Begins March 16
February 2009

If you need just a little nudge to help you get serious about improving your health, Healthy Haywood’s annual Fitness Challenge may offer just the ticket.

Beginning March 16, Haywood County residents can visit participating local fitness centers and private businesses offering activity classes up to 24 times over the following eight weeks, all for a registration fee of $10.  Participants can mix and match which centers they want to go to or they can exercise at one place.  It’s their choice.  Free prizes will be given to the first 100 who attend the Kickoff festivities on March 18 at Waynesville Recreation Center from
6-7pm.

There is no point system in this challenge, but participants are encouraged to “CREATE YOUR OWN CHALLENGE.”  “Maybe you want to track hours exercised per day/week/month, steps walked or ran, or see how many different activities you can try in 8 weeks - designing a fitness program that is unique to each person’s abilities and life I believe is one of they keys to success, says Duginske.” 

This year, participants are encouraged to attend the kickoff, and midpoint festivities, because when they attend these events, this increases their chances to win prizes at the grand finale.  Prizes include gym memberships, classes from participating sponsors, a wii, ipods, gift certificates and much more.

For our Midpoint festivities this year, we will hold the second annual Healthy Taste of Haywood at the Haywood Regional Health & Fitness Center.  All Fitness Challenge participants are invited.  Come and enjoy a wide variety of vendors from restaurants, grocery stores, and other informative booths focusing on how to eat healthy whether it’s at a restaurant or in your own home.  Must show Fitness Challenge card to participate in this event.

Those fitness centers and private business offering activities for this year’s challenge include:  Basulto Gracie Jiu Jitsu, Club 56—Frog Level, Curves—Waynesville, Fred Riley Academy of Martial Arts, Haywood Regional Health & Fitness Center, Junaluska Driving Range, Raqs Beledi—Belly Dancing, Smoky Mountain Dance Center, The Fitness Connection, Waynesville Recreation Center & Armory, World Gym—Canton and much more.

The Fitness Challenge is a project of Healthy Haywood’s Healthy Living Action Team.  The program has received two statewide awards: the Golden Project award from the NC Public Health Association Wellness and Prevention Section and the Outstanding County Program Award from the NC Commissioners Association because of the successful model it has created for collaboration between county agencies, businesses and the community.

“Last year, we had 1600 people sign up for the challenge!” said Steffie Duginske, Healthy Haywood coordinator. “It would be great to have that many and more participate in 2009!  Every year we try to make the challenge even better.  This year we continued to strive for a wide range of fitness and nutrition opportunities including fitness centers and private businesses who offer activities like martial arts and dance.  By continuing to involve the community, we are able to offer more choices to the participants.  New this year is our website, www.healthyhaywood.org.  We hope that by keeping participants informed about the details, more people will know about this amazing opportunity to exercise at a very low cost. 

Overall, it’s the support of those facilities offering their services, equipment and staff that make this challenge possible.  Hopefully the low cost allows more people in the community to take advantage of the abundance of fitness opportunities available in Haywood County.”

Duginske pointed out that the proceeds from the registration fees are used to support activities of the Healthy Living Action Team and to encourage healthy habits such as physical activity and healthy eating for all Haywood County Citizens.

Registration for the 2009 Fitness Challenge is March 16, 17, 18 and 19 for a cost of $10. Registration takes place on the following days:

Monday, March 16 -
World Gym-Canton……..8am-7pm

Tuesday, March 17 -
Haywood Regional Health & Fitness Center…….8am-7pm

Wednesday, March 18 –
Waynesville Recreation Center
(kickoff festivities from 6pm-7pm)

Thursday, March 19 –
Club 56 – Frog Level……….8am-7pm

Late registration takes place on March 20 from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. at the Haywood County Health Department.  The cost is $20.00.  The Mid-Point festivities will take place on April 21 at Haywood Regional Health & Fitness Center from 6-8pm and the Grand Finale will take place on May 12 from 6-7pm at Allen’s Creek Park where participants can enjoy prizes, fellowship, food, and fun! 

Healthy Haywood is a program of the Haywood County Health Department in collaboration with numerous partners in the county.  For more information about the Fitness Challenge and/or Healthy Haywood, contact Duginske at 452-6675, ext. 2270 sduginske@haywoodnc.net or go to www.healthyhaywood.orgRestaurant

The Perils of Teen Smoking are Numerious
January 2009

“But, everybody’s doing it!”  How often have we heard those words uttered (or, uttered those words ourselves so many years ago) by those we lovingly call teenagers?  But the truth is, according to the 2007 North Carolina Youth Tobacco Survey, only 19% of North Carolina teens smoke.  Thankfully that is a lower number than most would guess, and it is definitely a much lower number than most teens suspect.  That means that, while tobacco is claiming the lives of millions of Americans every year, most teens are making a healthy decision and choosing to say no to tobacco.

We also know that 90% of smokers started the habit before they turned 18.  Because of this we all, as a community, have a responsibility to help our teens stay away from tobacco.  So, if you know a teen who might be tempted by tobacco, encourage them to spend their time and money doing more productive things – and remind them that the majority of their friends don’t smoke either!

Here’s a list of great (dare I say “cool?”) things that will keep your beloved teen busy and tobacco free in Haywood County.  You might have a little fun yourself if you tag along.

• Suggest a continuing ed. class at Haywood Community College.  Classes are offered on arts, gardening, auto work and even upholstery.
• Go to the movies
• Haywood County Recreation offers youth activities.  Call 452-6789.
• Tell them to take a hike – we live in one of the most beautiful areas in the whole state!  Go to www.mountaintravelguide.com and check it out!
• They could join the TRU (Tobacco Reality Unfiltered) Club at Pisgah or Tuscola High and teach tobacco peer education classes or on other tobacco prevention projects.  If peer education isn’t your teen’s cup of tea there are tons of great clubs, sports and other activities at the schools.
• Speaking of tea – there’s an idea, enjoy a cup of tea or coffee.
• Join a local gym or fitness center (get a family membership).  Most offer great group classes if individual workouts aren’t your thing.  Your family can stay busy and tobacco free and exercise!
• Get them involved in the community.  Healthy Haywood would love input from local, vocal teens (contact Steffie Duginske at sduginske@haywoodnc.net or 452-6675).

So get out there!  Drag your teen if you have to – and get busy, have fun, and be TOBACCO FREE!  If you know someone who wants to quit encourage them to call the NC Quitline at 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669) or visit www.QuitlineNC.com for expert quitting support.

Diana Manee, Program Coordinator for the TRU-6 Health and Wellness Trust Fund Grant, is a member of both the Substance Abuse and the Healthy Living action Teams.

Indoor Air Quality Study Reveals Risks
January 2009

A recent air quality study in Haywood County found that restaurants which allow smoking expose patrons and staff to three times the level of hazardous particulates than what is considered safe by the US Environmental Protection Agency.

The study was sponsored by the NC Tobacco and Prevention Control Branch, Hi-Top ASSIST Consortium and Healthy Haywood's Asthma Action and Cancer Action Teams.  Volunteers visited 22 restaurants in Hi-Top ASSIST Consortium Haywood County to measure air quality.  The study team members used state-of-the art equipment (The TSI Sidepak AM510 personal aerosol monitor) to measure particle levels while dining at the restaurants.

The study quantified the differences in indoor air pollution by measuring particles in the air that are smaller than 2.5 microns (PM 2.5) in diameter at three different types of places: smoke-free restaurants, restaurants with non-smoking sections, and restaurants that freely allow smoking. EPA studies have found that cigarettes emit large quantities of these particles (PM 2.5) that are easily inhaled into the lungs.  They are associated with heart disease, heart attacks, cancer, and breathing problems.

"Sitting in non-smoking sections does not prevent you from breathing these toxins because they travel easily through air currents.  We're putting ourselves and our families' health at risk when we go to places that allow smoking inside," stated Traci Clark, Coordinator of the Hi-Top ASSIST Consortium which addresses tobacco use prevention, cessation and policy issues. Clark also said that "According to the US Environmental Protection Agency, the workplace is a major source of exposure to secondhand smoke-a
Class A carcinogen. In fact, workplace exposure to secondhand smoke causes more death and disease than all other regulated occupational substances combined."

"The results from Haywood are consistent with other counties in N.C. and other states that have monitored restaurants using a standard protocol developed by Roswell Park Cancer Center in N.Y.," said Mike Placona, Evaluation Specialist for the NC Tobacco and Prevention Control Branch. "The bottom line is that even limited amounts of cigarette smoke from tables across the dining room from your table put your family at greater risk. Venues that continue to allow smoking pose a real, quantifiable health hazard, compared to establishments that are Smoke-free."

"This study shows that people are exposed to secondhand smoke even when businesses have non-smoking sections," stated Traci Clark.  The names of the restaurants included in the study will not be released.  Clark noted that the purpose of the study was not to "point fingers at specific restaurants" but to show that "even in non-smoking sections, people are exposed to secondhand smoke."

"The Surgeon General's Report from June 2006 confirmed that there is no known safe level of exposure to secondhand smoke, and that ventilation does not work to remove the hazards from the air," said Carmine Rocco, Haywood County Health Director.

Local pediatrician Stephen Wall agreed that secondhand smoke poses many health risks for people of all ages.   "Infants and young children are especially vulnerable to the poisons in it, because their bodies are still developing.   We know from all of the evidence that exposure to secondhand smoke can cause lung cancer, heart disease, and severe respiratory problems. It can trigger a severe asthma attack in those who suffer with asthma.  And, it causes a multitude of other infections and severe respiratory problems, including bronchitis, and pneumonia.  It's important that parents protect their children and families from exposure."

Healthy Haywood member Carole Dennis and her son both have asthma.  Mrs. Dennis stated, "Businesses that allow smoking in a separate section pose a problem for me and my family.  Smoke does not stay with the smoker. Cigarette smoke, pipe smoke, cigar smoke all circulate with the rest of the air that we breathe, and although we choose not to smoke, we can't choose not to breathe air with smoke in it."

According to local restaurant supervisor Andy Matheson at Nick and Nate's Pizzeria, "Most customers are happy with the smoke free policy we have had for about a year and a half.  It has not hurt business at all."  Restaurants without Smoke-Free policies who are interested in becoming smoke-free or those who want to participate in the Smoke-Free Dining Campaign may contact Health Promotion Coordinator Anita Wilkins or Hi-Top ASSIST Coordinator, Traci Clark at 452-6675 or hitop9@dnet.net.

A list of Haywood County’s 80+ smoke-free restaurants is available by calling the Haywood County Health Department (HCHD) at 452-6675.

Overweight? Give Yourself Some ‘TLC’
(Therapeutic Lifestyle Change)
January 2009

Leslie D. McDowell, a nurse practitioner at Haywood Health Clinic and member of Healthy Haywood’s Healthy Living Action Team, has some healthy tips for you.

If you’ve ridden that roller coaster of dieting, losing weight, gaining weight and dieting again, you have PLENTY of company.  Long term successful weight loss is tough.  Making healthier changes to many facets of your life, and being consistent, will result in slow but steady weight loss, and improved overall health.

Change starts with YOU.  Just as people are more successful at quitting smoking when they alone are ready to do so, only you can make therapeutic changes in your life. As Dr. Bernie Siegel, author, surgeon and speaker says, ‘Only you can change yourself’.  A health care professional, a relative, spouse or loved one may prescribe, advise, admonish, encourage, bribe, threaten or otherwise try to motivate you to adopt ‘TLCs’ but only YOU can do it.

Here are 10 TLC’s to start giving yourself NOW.

1.    Gradually change the types of foods you eat.  Eat a variety of foods. Eliminate fast food.

2.    Eat only when you are hungry (and not for any other reason) and stop before you feel completely full. It takes a few minutes for the ‘full’ signal from the belly to get to the brain.

3.    Use many fresh fruits and vegetables in your diet each day (ideally, at each meal).

4.    Look at your portion sizes. Be honest. They are probably too big.  Try using a lunch sized plate instead of a dinner plate. Share!

5.    Eliminate all soft drinks. They are nothing but sugar, chemicals and bubbles, and can pack on the pounds. Try keeping a jug of water in the fridge, squeeze a little fresh lemon, lime or mint sprigs for flavor. How about low-fat milk or soy milk?

6.    Turn off the TV. Do not eat a meal while watching TV. You will miss your ‘full’ signal, and eat more than you need. After your evening meal, take a walk or do some other activity that gets you moving.

7.    Choose breads, cereals. rice and pastas made from whole grains. The fiber is filling, takes longer to digest (so you avoid swings in blood sugar) and keeps your plumbing working!

8.    Choose lean proteins and do not fry them! Eat only naked (skinned) chicken, and try salmon, tuna or soy proteins. Remember portion sizes too (about the size of a deck of cards). Add herbal seasonings instead of salt.

9.    Eat ‘foods of color’! The more vibrant the color, the higher the amount of anti-oxidants (the good guys who take out your cellular trash).

10.    Take small steps to increase your overall physical activity level. At lunch, invite a co-worker and take a walk around your building. Park far away from the entrance to the store. Take up dancing or some other fun, active pastime.

We all make choices! Choose today to give yourself a large healthy portion of TLC. Good health habits are in your hands. As you begin, or if you slip up, remember these tiny but important words, “If it is to be, it is up to me.”