WELCOME TO WELLNESS
Dear Readers,
Welcome to the New Year! We are eager—no, ecstatic—to share the news of renewed health that our program has brought to our friends and neighbors. The following testimonials are from regular people, just like you, who needed a little help to reach their improved health goals. We are thrilled for them, and sincerely hope it inspires you to make improved health your New Year’s resolution.
Testimonials
Beth Reed, Mendocino: “Attending the 2010 Wellness Festival literally changed my life. By taking a number of tests offered for free at the festival I learned that my blood sugar and blood pressure were elevated, my balance was not up to par, and that I needed to lose some weight. I also learned how to address these issues. I’m now exercising regularly at a health club and I’ve changed my eating habits. I’ve lost weight, my attitude’s improved—everything’s better now! The MCDH Wellness Program is an amazing, wonderful gift to our community!”–
B. B. Grace, Fort Bragg: “I have been greatly improved by the Wellness Program. The information I received helped me establish a better relationship with my doctors and advanced me on my path to healing. The wellness lecture about hormones was packed full of new information. Thank you for all your hard work, and for the Wellness Program.”
Anne Kelsey RN, MCDH Home Health nurse: “I lost 40 lbs. with the Weight Watchers program offered through the Wellness Program at MCDH. Since taking the weight off, my blood pressure and cholesterol levels are normal and my doctor took me off both the blood pressure and cholesterol-reducing medications. It has been several months since I lost the weight. I have a grip on better eating and portions and have maintained the weight loss. I feel so much better!”
Pam Johnson, MCDH employee; Attends the Smoking Cessation Support Class; Quit smoking: “I am now a non-smoker. After more than 35 years of smoking, nobody is more surprised than me. It was surprisingly easy. I thought I would be more uptight, but I am now more relaxed! I breathe better, and my nose is no longer stuffed up. I just feel it is a wonderful thing!”
Wellness Calendar Introduction
The MCDH Wellness Calendar is set to help you reach your health and fitness goals. Improving the health of our community is what we do at the Wellness Center. We are looking forward to another year of providing insightful health lectures, fitness classes and workshops to help you to improve your health. Please join us!
Donna Schuler and Sarah Wagner
Wellness Coordinator and Rehabilitation and Wellness Manager
http://mcdh.org/wellness
707-961-4670
LECTURES
Move for a Healthy Life
Wednesday, January 11
Redwoods Room
6:00–7:30pm
Everyone knows that being active is an important key to reducing risk and living a healthy life. What is getting in the way? During this talk, attendees will learn about the benefits of physical activity, and how to choose activities that are likely to promote long-term engagement, and ways to overcome personal roadblocks to moving for a healthy life!
Healthy Heart
Pam Miller, FNP, CDE
Wednesday, February 29
Redwoods Room
6:00–7:30pm
Heart Disease is the leading cause of death in the United States and is a major cause of disability. Don’t let yourself become a statistic! There are reasonable measures you can take immediately to reduce your risk factors. In this talk you will learn the risk factors and lifestyle behaviors that affect Heart Disease. A health model display is included in this lecture. Pam Miller sees patients at North Coast Family Health Center.
Stress and Money:
Sensible Financial Management
Daniel Catone, Wealth Manager, President of Redwood Investments
Thursday, March 29
Redwoods Room
6:00–7:30pm
According to the American Psychological Association, 47 percent of Americans are concerned about the level of stress in their lives. Money, and how well you manage your money, is stressful for most people. Attend this free lecture where experienced financial manager Daniel Catone will give attendees strategies to tame the stress that comes with money management.
CLASS SERIES
Healthy Living
Donna Schuler
Tuesdays, March 6, 13*, 20, 27 and April 3
5:30–7:00pm
*March 13 class is in the Registration Lobby
Free; Pre-registration required
Our Healthy Living course has been the core of our Wellness program for four years. There are five classes in this course using the Create Your Health workbook. Each section teaches effective tools for supporting optimum health. Free of charge; purchase of workbook is optional.
Tai Ji
Theresa Kirke
Beginning January 9
Mondays, 4:00–5:00 pm Level I
5:15–6:00 pm Level II
Harvest Market Conference Room
8-week series, prepaid; $48 ($6 per class)
Tai Ji is the art of self-cultivation. It aims to lengthen life and maintain youthful vitality. Young, old, healthy, infirm, all can benefit from its special capacity to nourish and protect qi. Improve balance, flexibility, and muscle strength.
Self-Hypnosis: Simple Techniques to Foster One’s Own Health, Happiness & Prosperity
Alena Guest, CHt
Wednesdays, March 14 and March 21
6:30–9:30pm
Redwoods Room
Cost $50 for both classes
This Self-Hypnosis class is brought back by popular demand. In the self-hypnosis series we will explore simple techniques to foster one’s own optimal health, happiness and prosperity. The classes will focus on the art of auto-suggestion to: achieve goals, boost self-esteem, reduce anxiety, control habits, accelerate healing, ease chronic pain, improve relationships, cure insomnia, access creativity and so much more.
SUPPORT CLASS / GROUPS
Smoking Cessation Class
Cathy Fantulin, RRT, RN
Tuesdays
5:00–6:00pm
Noyo Room
This free support class is having success with smokers who are highly motivated, or who have previously quit in a supported situation. Cathy’s background as a Respiratory Therapist Registered Nurse, a Sleep Disorders nurse and a Lifestyle Coach provide an evidence-based program aimed for success.
A Confidential Eating Disorders Support Group
Sallie Werson
Tuesdays, January 24–March 13
Mendocino Office
Cost: $64 ($8 per class); Pre-registration required
This is an ongoing, eight-week, confidential, educational, and supportive group for women who are dealing with: anorexia, bulimia and compulsive overeating. Although manifested differently, each eating disorder has a similar source. By working together, group members can support each other in the healing process. As a group, we can come out of our isolation that keeps us in these patterns. Class size is limited to nine people. Please contact Sallie at 937-2082. Pre-registration is needed.
Weight Watchers
Ongoing program
Fridays, beginning January 6
11:30am–12:30pm
Neva Cannon Room
Weight Watchers at work offers the convenience of coming to the workplace at MCDH, and a supportive setting to reach your healthy weight. For MCDH employees and the public. This group is having great results. Call 961-4670 for details. Weight Watcher members lose three times more weight than people who do it on their own. Come to a meeting to see if it is for you!
FITNESS
Pilates
Sarah Wagner, PT, PI
Tuesdays and Thursdays, 5:15–6:00 pmNeva Cannon Room
This is a mat-based Pilates class which uses postural alignment, Pilates-style breathing techniques, and concentration on the core muscles to lengthen and strengthen all the muscles of the body. We will use Pilates props to activate muscles and add challenge to exercises. This class is for all levels. Please bring a mat. Mats and some props available for purchase.
Start Where You Are Yoga
Helen Jacobs, CMT, RYT
Mondays, 5:30–6:45 pm
Neva Cannon Room
Beginning hatha yoga class—no previous experience required. Helen Jacobs has taught gentle Yoga for more than 25 years. She accommodates for conditions such as arthritis, osteoporosis and scoliosis. Her yoga class will help you reduce stress and improve cardiac health. Ask Helen about her back care class to relieve chronic low back pain.