Desert Health News - November-December 2023

. Medical News The Valley ' s Leading Resource for Health and Wellness 3 www.desertcarenetwork.com/strokequiz Coachella Valley High School (CVHS) recently received the distinct honor as one of America’s Healthiest Schools, a recognition awarded to only 781 schools nationwide for the 2022-2023 academic year. Presented by the Alliance for a Healthier Generation, the distinction celebrates the key role schools play in advancing the health and well- being of students, staff, families and their communities. Awardees are recognized for implementing best practices in up to nine areas including cultivating staff well-being, improving nutrition and food access, bolstering physical education and activity, and promoting tobacco-free environments. On a national level, CVHS stands apart from all others for meeting the highest standards in the category of “implementing local school wellness policy.” In the face of numerous challenges that schools encounter today, such as learning disruptions, declining youth mental health, post-pandemic effects, school shootings, vaping and curriculum changes, CVHS has consistently prioritized and promoted good health within its community: • Multiple classroom visitations and large audience presentations on the subject of mental, physical and emotional health and well-being are held. • Students have the opportunity to join small group workshops with 10 or less classmates who meet once a week on topics like healthy relationships, time and stress management, and healthy coping skills for stress, anxiety and depression. • Creation of The Wellness Center, relaxing space featuring calming colors, soothing music, pleasant aromas with an essential oil diffuser, and multiple stations to talk one-on-one, engage in art therapy or meet in small groups. Educator, functional healthcoachandwellness specialist JasonTatewas instrumental in developing and launching The Wellness Center at CVHS. “As a classroom teacher for 17 years, I knew students were struggling and needed a place like The Wellness Center. Last year, I made the leap from a neighboring district to CVHS to open and lead one of the first organized wellness centers in the Coachella Valley. I am honored to have the opportunity to play a part in something truly remarkable and what I believe is necessary for all schools across the country.” Recognizing the need for mental health support, and dedicated staff to help meet those needs, the Coachella Valley Unified School District now has wellness centers in all of their high schools and middle schools. "We are deeply honored to receive national recognition for our unwavering commitment to fostering an environment where all members of our school community can learn and thrive,” CVHS Principal Socorro Sanchez proudly expressed. "Our wellness centers have been transformative in nurturing a healthier and more empowered student community,” added Superintendent Luis Valentino, Ed.D. “The heartfelt testimonials from our students reaffirm the positive impact of these centers in promoting emotional well-being, resilience and personal growth. We are dedicated to continuing our mission of fostering a supportive environment where every student can thrive academically and emotionally." Desert Health congratulates CVHS and their entire faculty, staff and student body on this outstanding honor. For more information and a list of all schools honored, visit www.HealthierGeneration.org . www.DesertHealthNews.com November/December 2023 The holiday season is a time of joy, celebration and togetherness, but it can also bring a fair share of stress and anxiety. From the hustle and bustle of shopping for gifts to the pressures of hosting family gatherings, it's easy to become overwhelmed. However, there are ancient practices that can help you navigate this season with more ease and mindfulness. Yoga and meditation, when incorporated into your holiday routine, can provide you with valuable tools to manage stress, cultivate gratitude and find moments of peace amid the chaos. Stress reduction. The holidays often come with a long list of tasks and commitments. Yoga andmeditation can help youmanage stress by promoting relaxation and reducing the production of stress hormones. A few minutes of deep breathing or a gentle yoga session can do wonders for calming your nerves and keeping you grounded and centered. Mindful presence. One of the gifts of yoga and meditation is the practice of being present in the moment. Amid the whirlwind of holiday preparations, the conscious effort of taking a moment to be fully present with loved ones can enhance your connections and bring more meaning to your celebrations. Emotional balance. The holiday season can evoke a wide range of emotions, from joy and excitement to sadness or loneliness. Meditation can help you acknowledge and process these emotions, providing a healthy outlet for expression and preventing emotional overwhelm. Improved sleep. A good night's sleep is essential for maintaining your physical and emotional well-being. Yoga and meditation can help improve sleep quality by relaxing the body and calming the mind, making it easier to drift into a restful slumber. Gratitudepractice. The spirit of gratitude is central to the holiday season.Meditation encourages you to focus on the things for which you are thankful, fostering a sense of contentment and appreciation for the people and experiences in your life. Setting intentions. As you approach the new year, yoga and meditation can assist you in setting positive intentions for the months ahead. Reflecting on your goals and aspirations during this time can be a powerful way to begin the year with purpose and clarity. Mindful eating. The holiday season often involves indulgent feasts. Yoga can help you stay in tune with your body's hunger cues, while meditation can encourage mindful Finding Peace During the Holiday Hustle By Jennifer Yockey CV High Honored as one of America’s Healthiest Schools Simple practices can help you manage stress during the busy holiday season. CVHS students pose in front of the newly arrived award banner. (Photo by Jason Tate) Continued on page 7 When every second counts, the team at Desert Care Network is ready to provide stroke care close to home. Combining speed and expertise, we o er fast diagnosis and treatment of stroke to help minimize disability and help you get back on your feet. Our Comprehensive Stroke Services Include: • Accredited Comprehensive Stroke Center at Desert Regional Medical Center • Accredited Primary Stroke Center at JFK Memorial Hospital • Accredited Acute Stroke Ready Hospital at Hi-Desert Medical Center • Neurological critical-care unit • Minimally invasive technology • In-patient and outpatient rehabilitation Providing an advanced network of when every second counts. Stroke Care Take a quiz about stroke and your possible risks. Scan this QR code with your phone’s camera or visit DesertCareN twork. /StrokeQuiz