Challenge of Love: Encouraging Health and Togetherness

 As we continue our journey together with Thanksgiving, I want to encourage your health with  balancing risk factors with the development of protective factors. This includes focusing on eye health, engaging in meaningful dinnertime conversations, and nurturing our garden with plants to support our well-being.

I cherish the moments we give to learning together, whether through our adventures to the art museum, sketching nature art, or creating tie-dye clothing. These activities bring us joy and strengthen our bond.

Given Grandma Helen and her sister Betty both had glaucoma, I learn for us to take preventive measures. We have explored ideas for eye health, such as growing spinach and carrots in our garden. These plants are rich in nutrients to support vision health. Additionally, we have discussed the importance of dinnertime conversations to foster a supportive and loving environment.

Here are some cherishing behavior choices from our previous science projects we may incorporate:

1. Conversations
2. Recycling
3. Dinner/lunch together
4. Cooking
5. Art
6. Washing dishes
7. Cleaning up
8. Compliments with world news to encourage each other to make a difference
9. Coffee and warm greeting
10. Giving gifts
11. Plant care
12. Fixing lights
13. Feeder care
14. Support each other’s goals
15. Safety from hazards of eliminate, substitute, barrier, change work habits and PPE analysis monitoring plan
16. Follow up calls/emails
17. Share feelings with PTSD Coach app
18. Health Results
19. Giving Care Experience Evaluation
20. Receiving Care Experience Evaluation
21. Question Builder: Prepare for Best Possible Healthy Visit
22. Improvement 1-5 Satisfaction Score
23. Gaps: address all gaps
24. Give Cognitive Behavioral Homework
25. Reminder of Upcoming Visit
26. Ask for help to learn
27. Gather needed resources to learn
28. Give full attention to learning
29. Keep learning until successful
30. Evaluate learning
31. Socially connect to evaluate successful learning
32. Exercise to relieve pressures
33. Love, care and are able to be there for all calmly
34. Validation: molecular engagement, understand ideas, feelings, empathy with feelings, with reactions
35. SOFTEN receptive body language with Smile, Open arms with gestures, Forward lean, Touch, Eye contact, Nod
36. Start conversation- friendly greeting, open-ended questions based on interests in the moment
37. Don't take negative responses personally
38. Give oneself space to be patient and heal frustrations involving negative responses
39. Give each other reminders of supportive techniques
40. Be creative with creating new distractions with different routines, support, reassurance, affection, social stimulation, independence, meaning, learn how to reconnect and resolve negative responses by remeeting, ask about stories from the past, joys, positives, negative responses are a sign of needing care, avoid arguing by asking when and what questions if why questions are beyond them, help to feel safe and heard and healthy positive new distraction. When in danger of physical harm, difficulties with sleep and eating, encourage calling hotlines. With each sign of complicated brains hurting, important to improve care situation for individual needs and concerns. Brainstorming, formulating action plan, evaluation of action plan, solving problems, making decisions
41. Spiritual gardening of connecting to home and learning with sunlight ideas with media to support outcomes love, creativity of love, thankfulness, reduce stress and improve communication skills
42. Fun to explore joys of talking people skills, walking exercise, cooking, singing music with games play with you

I am writing to share some exciting ideas and initiatives to enhance our current health and wellness policies inspired by the recent University of Colorado webinar on healthy eating at work with details available with Thriving Together: Empowering Healthier Communities: Healthy Eating @Work. 

#### 1. **Art and Menu Integration**
We may introduce art with menu options to make our meals more appealing and enjoyable to celebrate our diverse cultures and tastes with potatos. We may also highlight healthier choices through information displays, decorations, and signage.

#### 2. **Evaluate Current Policies**
What works well and what needs adjustment?   This may include recognizing dietary challenges and preferences, such as plant-based diets, low-salt options, and incorporating a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat protein foods.  Balancing risk factors with the development of protective factors of taste and nutrition is important. We may use health data to create menus both delicious and nutritious, ensuring everyone enjoys their meals while meeting their dietary needs.  We may wish to encourage mindful eating practices, such as eating only when hungry and stopping when satisfied to help us maintain a healthy relationship with food.

#### 3. **Talk with Where Love is Leading**
Encouraging open and empathetic conversations about our health goals may foster a supportive environment. Let us discuss how we may support each other in making healthier choices.

#### 4. **Change Personal Behavior**
We may lead with example with adopting healthier habits ourselves. This includes making mindful food choices, staying hydrated, and practicing regular physical activity.

#### 5. **Share Information with the Team**
Regularly sharing information about healthy eating, exercise, and mental well-being may keep everyone informed and motivated. We may use emails, social media posts, and blog updates to disseminate this information.

#### 6. **Community Events Focused on Health and Well-being**
Helping to organize community events to promote health and well-being may bring us together and reinforce our commitment to a healthy lifestyle. These events may include cooking demonstrations, fitness challenges, and wellness workshops.

For more detailed guidelines, you can refer to the CDC's Guidelines for Federal Concessions and Vending Operations (https://www.cdc.gov/nutrition/media/pdfs/2024/06/guidelines_for_federal_concessions_and_vending_operations.pdf).

SDA Nutrition on X: "USDA understands the importance of serving traditional Indigenous foods and encourages operators of child nutrition programs to source locally grown and raised foods. Learn more with these resources: https://t.co/GzmD7GZ7NC #NAHM https://t.co/FnXe56iGHI" / X  Evaluating how to serve traditional Indigenous foods with locally grown and raised foods aligns perfectly with our health goals and supports sustainable practices. Here are some steps and considerations to help you integrate these foods into our nutrition goals:

### Steps to Serve Traditional Indigenous Foods

#### 1. **Research and Identify Traditional Foods**
Start by researching traditional Indigenous foods native to our region. This may include fruits, vegetables, grains, and proteins historically consumed by Indigenous communities. The USDA's [Indigenous Food Guide](https://t.co/GzmD7GZ7NC) may be helpful.

#### 2. **Source Locally Grown and Raised Foods**
Partner with local farmers and producers to source these traditional foods. This supports local agriculture and also ensures the foods are fresh and sustainably produced. Look for farmers' markets, co-ops, and community-supported agriculture (CSA) programs in our area.

#### 3. **Incorporate Nutritional Education**
Educate students and community about the nutritional benefits of traditional Indigenous foods. Highlight how these foods contribute to a balanced diet and overall health. We may create informational materials, host workshops, and invite guest speakers from Indigenous communities to share their knowledge.

#### 4. **Create Culturally Relevant Menus**
Develop menus to incorporate traditional Indigenous foods with respect and honor the cultural significance. Work with nutritionists and chefs to create recipes both nutritious and delicious. Consider celebrating Indigenous heritage through themed meals and events.

#### 5. **Promote Sustainability**
Emphasize the importance of sustainability in our food sourcing and preparation practices. Encourage the use of organic and regenerative farming methods, and minimize food waste with plants.

### Health Goals and Benefits

#### 1. **Improved Nutrition**
Traditional Indigenous foods are often rich in essential nutrients, vitamins, and minerals. Incorporating these foods into our diet may help improve overall health and prevent chronic diseases.

#### 2. **Cultural Connection**
Serving traditional foods fosters a sense of connection among Indigenous students and the broader school community and also provides an opportunity for non-Indigenous students to learn about and appreciate different cultures.

#### 3. **Environmental Impact**
Sourcing locally grown and raised foods reduces the carbon footprint associated with transportation and supports sustainable agricultural practices. This contributes to a healthier planet and promotes environmental stewardship.

#### 4. **Community Engagement**
Engaging with local farmers and Indigenous communities strengthens community ties and supports local economies and also provides educational opportunities for students to learn about food production and sustainability.

With evaluating and integrating traditional Indigenous foods with locally grown and raised foods, we may achieve health goals while promoting cultural awareness and sustainability. This approach benefits individual health and also supports the well-being of our communities and the environment.

Thank you for the opportunity to explore this important topic. 

### 10-Minute Guided Meditation Session

#### Introduction (1 minute)
- **Welcome**: "Welcome everyone to our guided meditation session. Today, we will take a few moments to relax, center ourselves, and practice mindfulness together."
- **Purpose**: "The purpose of this session is to promote relaxation and mindfulness, helping us to start our day with a calm and focused mind."

#### Settling In (1 minute)
- **Find a Comfortable Position**: "Please find a comfortable seated position. You can sit on a chair with your feet flat on the ground or cross-legged on a cushion. Keep your back straight but relaxed."
- **Close Your Eyes**: "Gently close your eyes and take a few deep breaths, inhaling through your nose and exhaling through your mouth."

#### Deep Breathing (2 minutes)
- **Focus on Breath**: "Begin to focus on your breath. Inhale deeply through your nose, allowing your belly to expand. Hold for a moment, then exhale slowly through your mouth, letting go of any tension."
- **Breathing Pattern**: "Continue this deep breathing pattern. Inhale for a count of four, hold for a count of four, and exhale for a count of six. Repeat this cycle a few times."

#### Body Scan (3 minutes)
- **Head to Toe Relaxation**: "Now, let's do a body scan to release any remaining tension. Start by bringing your attention to the top of your head. Notice any sensations or areas of tension."
- **Progress Down the Body**: "Slowly move your attention down to your forehead, eyes, and jaw. Relax each area as you focus on it. Continue down to your neck, shoulders, and arms, releasing any tightness."
- **Continue to Feet**: "Move your attention to your chest, abdomen, and lower back. Relax these areas. Finally, bring your focus to your hips, thighs, knees, calves, and feet. Let go of any tension you find."

#### Visualization (2 minutes)
- **Peaceful Place**: "Imagine yourself in a peaceful place. It could be a beach, a forest, or a quiet room. Picture the details of this place—the sights, sounds, and smells. Allow yourself to feel calm and at ease in this environment."
- **Positive Affirmations**: "As you visualize this peaceful place, silently repeat positive affirmations to yourself. You might say, 'I am calm and relaxed,' or 'I am at peace.'"

#### Closing (1 minute)
- **Gradual Return**: "Begin to bring your awareness back to the present moment. Wiggle your fingers and toes, and gently stretch your body."
- **Open Your Eyes**: "When you are ready, slowly open your eyes. Take a moment to notice how you feel."
- **Thank You**: "Thank you for joining this guided meditation session. I hope you feel relaxed and centered. Let's carry this sense of calm with us throughout the day."

Feel free to adjust the timing and content to suit your needs and preferences.