August is National Wellness Month

Mental health. Lake County Behavioral Health Services Department’s Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) program provides education about wellness, recovery, and resiliency with the belief that individuals experiencing mental health challenges can get better and use their strengths to stay well. The Prevention Team at Lake County collaborates with a variety of agencies to bring the program to schools, workplaces, and the broader community, ensuring that the MHFA training is accessible and impactful, reaching those who need it most. The program is available in both English and Spanish to cater to Lake County's diverse population, and serves all residents, such as:

• Adults and youth

• Public safety workers

• Fire/Emergency medical service (EMS) workers,

• Workplaces,

• Veterans,

• Older adults,

• Rural communities,

• and higher education institutions.

The MHFA program also includes the Teen Mental Health First Aid component, specifically designed for high school students starting in the 10th grade. Providing mental health first aid training to students, families, and adults who work with youth, helps increase awareness and equip individuals with the tools and strategies needed to prevent and address mental health issues. This proactive approach helps reduce stigma and fosters open communication about mental health.

Older adults. Lake County’s Social Services Department offers adult day cares in a licensed facility for persons with moderate to severe Alzheimer's disease, dementia, or other cognitive and mental impairments who might otherwise be placed in a skilled nursing facility. Services are provided in a supervised, protective setting during the day. Studies have shown that older adults benefit from attending adult care centers: it helps them to stay mentally and physically active and improves their emotional health by reducing their isolation. To learn more about the adult day cares, visit here: https://www.lakecountyca.gov/767/Adult-Day-Care.

Some services include the following:

• Support groups, counseling, consultation,

• Caregiver respite,

• Medical monitoring,

• Therapeutic activities,

• Social and recreational activities.

Physical and mental health go hand in hand. In addition to mental health, National Wellness Month highlights the importance of physical wellness. Health experts emphasize that maintaining a well-rounded diet rich in nutrients, engaging in regular physical activity, and incorporating stress management techniques such as mindfulness and relaxation exercises are crucial for overall health. They advocate for a proactive approach to wellness that includes setting realistic health goals, creating structured daily routines, and seeking professional support when needed. To support mental and physical wellness, we recommend five key activities:

1. Regular exercise.  Engage in at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise most days of the week, such as walking, jogging, cycling or doing yoga.

2. Balanced nutrition. Stay hydrated and limit your intake of processed foods and sugar. Eat a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins.

3. Mindfulness and relaxation. Practice mindfulness or meditation for 10-15 minutes daily. Techniques can include deep breathing, guided imagery, or progressive muscle relaxation.

4. Adequate sleep. Aim for seven to nine hours of sleep each night. Also establish a consistent sleep routine and create a restful environment.

5. Social connections and hobbies. Spend time with friends and family, and engage in activities that bring joy and relaxation, such as reading, gardening or painting. Also allocate time for hobbies to reduce stress and improve mood.

COVID-19 summer surge. The country is in the middle of another COVID-19 surge this summer for the fourth consecutive year, and our neighboring counties have reported cases of infection. The latest variant, called the FLiRT variant, is behind this latest surge as people gather and participate in summer activities. To protect you and your family from the latest strain, here are some tips:

• Staying updated on vaccinations and boosters.

• When in doubt, test for COVID-19. If you believe you might have been exposed, it is recommended to stay away from friends, family and neighbors who are immunocompromised.

• Practice good hygiene by regularly washing your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds and using hand sanitizer if you do not have access to soap and water.

• Open windows to increase air circulation and ventilation.