Goldsboro, April 27, 2010 – Mental illness affects 1 in every 4 persons in the United States, but the Mental Health Association in Wayne County is raising awareness and promoting good mental health through the month of May. Mental Health America and all affiliates across the country are promoting the Live Your Life WellSM campaign.
The association is doing this through a May is Mental Health Month Live Your Life WellSM proclamation ceremony Monday, May 3, 2010, at 10 a.m. on the steps of City Hall.
Mayor Al King will proclaim May is Mental Health Month and members of the Wayne County Sheriff’s Honor Guard will raise the Mental Health Association flag.
This annual proclamation ceremony, according to Penny Withrow; chairperson of the May is Mental Health Month committee, “is held to spread awareness in the community that May is Mental Health Month,” she said. “Research is clear that mental health is essential for overall health and well-being. These ten wellness tools will help improve your overall health and well-being.”
Ten tips to Live Your Life WellSM -
Tool # 1 – Get Connected
Humans are social animals. Research suggests that people who feel connected are happier and healthier – and even live longer. Try joining a book group, hiking club or another kind of group. Enroll in a class or commit to a certain amount of time with your loved ones each week.
Tool #2 – Stay Positive
Thinking negatively can drag down your mood and your health. People who regularly focus on the positives in their lives are less upset by painful memories. Stay positive by not assuming the worst. Write down anything that makes you smile, like great relationships or special occasions and remember your achievements.
Tool #3 – Get Physically Active
Our bodies were built to move, especially when they’re pumping out stress induced hormones. Exercise can help prevent heart disease, relieve insomnia and reduce anxiety and depression. Make sure you get physically active by putting it on your calendar or working out with a friend. Also, try walking a bit faster or further when you stop for groceries.
Tool #4 – Help Others
If you help your neighbor, it’s good for her, but its goof for you too. Research suggests that those who consistently help other people experience less depression, greater calm and fewer pains. Volunteering is a great way to help others whether it is in the community or telling someone that you admire them. You can make a great contribution while developing your skills and learning more about an area that interests you.
Tool #5 – Get Enough Sleep
Sleep may seem like a waste when there’s so much to do, but you’re more likely to succeed at your tasks if you get nough rest. People who don’t get enough sleep face a number of possible risks, including weight gain, decreased memory, impaired driving and heart problems. Get a good night’s sleep by avoiding caffeine and avoiding stress and frustration.
Tool #6 – Create Joy and Satisfaction
Go ahead, kick up your heels or just kick back. Feeling good is good for you. Positive emotions can boost your ability to bounce back from stress. Increase your joy and satisfaction by listening to a funny CD, doing something you loved as a kid and identify the high points of your day.
Tool #7 – Eat Well
Our bodies –and our brains- need good fuel to function well. Eating healthily food can boost your energy, lower the risk of developing certain diseases and influence your mood. Promote good nutrition by eating well, snacking often and striving for a balance of nutrients.
Tool #8 – Take Care of Your Spirit
Taking care of your spirit means connecting to whatever you consider meaningful and holy, whether that’s God, nature, art or something deep within yourself. People who have strong spiritual lives may be healthier and live longer. Connect with your spiritual side by praying, talking with other people or reading inspirational texts for insights to enrich your life.
Tool #9 – Deal Better with Hard Times
Most of us will face some particularly tough times in our lives, like a loss or divorce. Having ways to cope with these challenges can protect your health and well-being. Tackle your problems by making a list of possible solutions. Pick one and then break it down into more manageable chucks. Try getting support from other people who have gone through similar situations and can offer concrete advice. Also, writing out an important event can make you feel better. It helps organize your thoughts and help you file the problem away. People coping with stress feel less depressed after problem-solving.
Tool #10 – Get Professional Help If you Need It
If the problems in your life are stopping you from functioning well or feeling good, professional help can make a big difference. More than 80 percent of people who are treated for depression improve. To find names of mental health care providers, you can ask your doctor, friends, and clergy, Eastpointe or MHA in Wayne County.
Please join the Mental Health Association in Wayne County as Mayor Al King, the City of Goldsboro and Community partners proclaim May is Mental Health Month.
You may visit www.mha-wc.org for a link to www.LiveYourLifeWell.org for tools that can combat stress and promote health and well-being.
August 11, 2010 - GOLDSBORO - Congressman G.K. Butterfield will be in Goldsboro, NC, Monday, August 16 to make an announcement about the Union Station project. The event will take place at Union Station located at 101 N. Carolina Street and will start at 3:45 pm. Mayor Al King will make a welcome comment followed by Congressman Butterfield’s announcement and comments from Don Chatman, Gateway Chairperson and representatives from North Carolina’s Department of Transportation, Transit Division.
April 22, 2010 - Western NC - Crews are finishing up several tasks that makes the reopening I-40 in Western North Carolina a soon-to-come event. This section of I-40 has been closed since October 25th. Work will continue in the area through the summer as crews complete stabilization efforts – including the installation of rock bolts and anchor mesh – at five additional sites. I-40 is scheduled to reopen next Tuesday, April 27th.