by Guest | Feb 13, 2017 | Archive
Join YOW for a free seminar at the YMCA in Tillamook on Wednesday February 22nd from 1 to 3 pm. “Qigong for the Heart” – Shu Xin Pringxue Gong – exercises to benefit the heart. These easy, gentle moves can be done standing or seated. Improve the flow of vital energy (Qi – pronounce “chee”) and improve cardiovascular health through breathing, limb and torso movement.
Research has demonstrated consistent, significant results of health benefits from regular practice of Qigong. The following are some of the healing effects of Qigong exercises and meditations:
-Qigong for cardio-pulmonary function – Slow, deep, regular breathing and energy movement combine to work oxygen deeper into the tissues than regular exercises. The coronary arteries supply blood to heart wall; a lower resting heart rate; normalized EKG, blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
-Qigong for circulation/vascular function – Western aerobics increase circulation by exercising the heart. Qigong improves circulation by increasing the elasticity of blood vessels themselves. It is standard in China to prescribe Qigong exercise for both high and low blood pressure, as both are due to problems in vascular elasticity and strength. It prevents vascular spasms, and is helpful for angina, migraine and Reynaud’s Syndrome (cold hands/feet.)
-Qigong for mental health, stress and emotions – One of the largest factors in determining stress levels is the emotions; most physical exercise is at least somewhat useful for relieving anger, but typical physical activity does not necessarily balance the emotions. Many of the movements of Qigong can be refined to address problem areas, such as depression, grief, frustration, irritability or any combination of emotions that cause stress. Qigong releases stress by calming the central nervous system, and it decreases stress responses, Type A, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive behavior and depression; and it improves memory and interpersonal sensitivity.
Qigong improves blood pressure, vital capacity, cholesterol and hormone levels, kidney function, mental health, vision and hearing, skin elasticity, bone density, immune function, digestion, balance, flexibility, strength, libido, overall wellness and longevity.
Qigong is quite possibly the “fountain of youth” as it provides a path for self-healing with proven health benefits. This free seminar at the YMCA on February 22nd from 1 to 3 pm will provide an opportunity learn more about Qigong and try the breathing, exercises and meditations for yourself.
For more information, contact Kelly at 503-842-YMCA or Sherryl at 503-842-2749, or go to tillamookcountyhealthmatters.org.
by Guest | Jan 15, 2017 | Archive
Join us in examining the effects of a physically active lifestyle on the prevention and management of chronic conditions and disease. This event will be held Friday, January 20th from Noon — 2 pm at the Tillamook Forestry Department, 5005 3rd Street, Tillamook.
Dr. Gunter’s presentation will focus on how we define and achieve optimal skeletal health at every age. The primary focus of this talk will address the ways a physically active lifestyle can promote optimal skeletal health and reduce the risk for falls and fracture. Attendees will learn about the science supporting the effects of physical activity on skeletal health and resilience, gain resources to help them achieve optimal health, and have the opportunity to practice simple, bone and muscle strengthening exercises that can be done every day at home!
Kathy Gunter, PhD is an Associate Professor in the School of Biological and Population Health Sciences in the College of Public Health and Human Services at Oregon State University. She is the Director of the Healthy Lifestyles and Obesity Prevention Research Core at the Hallie Ford Center for Healthy Children and Families. Her research focuses on developing, implementing and evaluating physical activity programs and has directed efforts towards individuals, families, childcare environments, schools and rural populations.
To reserve a seat contact Stacie Zuercher at NW Senior and Disabilities Services, 503-815-2062. Light refreshments will be served.
by Guest | Dec 30, 2016 | Archive
By Michelle Jenck, YOW Coordinator
We are excited to share health and wellness news with our community through this monthly column and thank the Headlight-Herald for the opportunity. By now, you have probably heard of the Year of Wellness, or YOW, and maybe even participated by attending community events or by using our wellness tracking tool. Based on community input, what began as a one year health awareness campaign has turned into a long-term community wellness initiative. It could not have happened without our dedicated Task Force and community partners. Most importantly, our commitment to continue this effort is due to the positive feedback we have received from people like you.
If you are wondering why we need a community wellness campaign, look no further than your wallet. Local, state and national data point to some pretty lousy health statistics and the skyrocketing costs associated with those issues. It might surprise you to know that more than 80 cents out of every healthcare dollar is associated with preventable health conditions. That’s a lot of money and a lot of unnecessary suffering. YOW is our community’s approach to improving these statistics at the local level. We have a wealth of resources and positive, solution-driven energy right here in Tillamook County and they have banded together to make health and wellness a priority. We truly do believe that, “Together, we are the solution.”
We also found that people are ready to make positive changes in their lives. More than 1000 people attended a community wellness event or workshop in 2016. Our website had more than 53,000 views and is quickly becoming our county’s go-to for wellness programming and information. We had 980 people take advantage of our free, on-line tracking tool. By increasing awareness of basic health habits, participants reported improved nutrition, sleep, water intake, and activity levels. At the end of each session, people reported successes such as quitting smoking, losing weight, and just plain feeling better. This tool remains available on-line at www.tillamookcountyhealthmatters.org and is even more convenient now thanks to our new Tillamook County YOW app.
Make 2017 your year to invest in, or maybe even reinvent, yourself. What is the best life you can make for yourself with the things over which you have control? It could be as simple as starting a gratitude journal, setting a regular bedtime, stretching, walking, or eating an extra serving of vegetables each day. Or, it could be something more challenging like quitting chewing or smoking. When we are aware of what is and isn’t working, and create a plan to make lasting changes, we can significantly improve our overall health. Start small. Don’t try to change too many things at one time. Set SMART goals that are Specific, Measurable, Realistic and Timebound. Let YOW be your guide and partner in that journey. Follow us on Facebook, sign up for the first Wellness Tracker session, beginning January 6th and check our calendar for events and activities.
by Guest | Dec 21, 2016 | Archive
“Year” of Wellness Leads to “Years” of Wellness
2016 was declared a “Year of Wellness” by the Tillamook County Board of Commissioners, and the idea was embraced by community members and organizations alike. The overwhelming support of this collaborative effort has led to the continuation of YOW as the “Years of Wellness.” Celebrate 2017 with YOW events and activities. Resources and information are available in the YOW 2017 calendar, inserted this week in the Headlight-Herald and the Tillamook County Shopper. You can also find it at your local library branches.
The calendar is packed full of useful information including classes, support groups, seasonal food recommendations, healthy tips and activity suggestions for every month. This is your go-to guide for health and wellness events and local activities. Each month features artwork by Tillamook County elementary school students giving their advice for “being well”.
During its first year, YOW engaged thousands in our community to make small changes toward healthier habits. YOW empowers our community to achieve a lifetime of wellness with fun, easy, low/no-cost ways to reach these goals. Learn how to manage stress, improve eating habits, quit smoking, and be more active. The 2017 calendar is one of the many resources YOW provides to improve our community’s health and wellness.
YOW is designed to motivate action with education and outreach at community events. Quarterly wellness sessions – available online (tillamookcountyhealthmaters.org) or as an app (Tillamook County YOW) – provide a simple tracking tool to record progress in important areas, such as eating healthier, drinking more water, improving sleep, being more active, eliminating tobacco use and reducing screen time. This is more than another fitness tracker – this is your community’s new normal. Are you in? Join the YOW wellness sessions as an individual or put together a team. There are prizes for participating, and a trophy for the winning team.
The YOW calendar, available in print and on the YOW website, is your go-to guide for health and wellness activities and events throughout the county. It includes dates for wellness classes, workshops, sports team registrations, support groups, and other community resources. This year the theme “Mind-Body Balance: Being Well” highlights the connection between physical and mental health. How we think and feel affects our health and vice versa. Make this the year that you learn “how to YOW” and take advantage of the easy, fun ways you can achieve a healthier, happier life. For more information, go to tillamookcountyhealthmatters.org or download the Tillamook County YOW app today.
by Guest | Oct 5, 2016 | Archive
The “Year of Wellness” is becoming the “YEARS” of wellness, and so it’s time for kindergarten through third graders to get out their crayons and colored pencils to provide artwork for the 2017 Year of Wellness calendar.
DOWNLOAD – coloring-template
The Year of Wellness (YOW) task force is proud to continue to recognize youth contributions and participation by requesting artwork from kindergarten through third grade students for our 2017 Health and Wellness Calendar. Last year over 18,000 calendars were distributed throughout the County. Two of the greatest protective factors for our youth are school attachment and positive public recognition. This is an effort to build resiliency in our youth regardless of other factors they face outside of the classroom. By providing a drawing for the YOW calendar, they will have both. Our calendar theme this year is Mind, Body, Balance—Being Well. We are asking all k-3rd grade students to submit a drawing that portray this health and wellness theme of “feeling good.”
Suggested prompts: “I feel good when I … ”
Move Well
Think Well
Lead Well
Create Well
Eat Well
Stay Well
Submission Process:
Be sure to include student name, grade and school on original artwork. Must be on template – available at Tillamook County Library branches or here at this link:
For homeschool and private facilities, please provide contact phone number.
Deliver back to school office or county library
SCHOOL/COUNTY LIBRARY
Place artwork in a large Manilla envelope provided by YOW.
Last Date of Submission: 10/21/2016 (To be pick up on 10/24/16)
Selection Process:
Initial selection committee will be High School ASB members
10 finalists will be selected within each of the school districts & 10 at large (40 total)
YOW Task Force members will select final 12 images for the year
Celebration of winners will include drawing featured in 2017 calendar and recognition by YOW Task Force
Contact Information: DeAnna Pearl, M.A.T, B.S., C.P.S. Steering Committee Year of Wellness DeAnnaP@tfcc.org (503) 842-8201 x 270
by Guest | Aug 1, 2016 | Archive
The YOW man made his debut at the Relay for Life in early July, preparing for the Tillamook County Fair. The Year of Wellness will be everywhere at Fair — from our booth to Playing with Food at Fair Acres to hula-hooping it up on the Courtyard Stage. And, YOW Man will be making the rounds. YOW Man will be moving around the Fair, and fairgoers are encouraged to find YOW Man and take a photo and post it on social media, tagging the Year of Wellness, for entries into special prize giveaways. YOW Man will take everyone on a tour of the Tillamook County Fair. Are you in? Together, we are the solution!
