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The Cheesecake Factory is just one of the many casual dining chains that are struggling as a result of the pandemic.

In fact, according to Business Insider, restaurants like The Cheesecake Factory are currently in a state of limbo due to the pandemic.

Keep reading for more details!

These Face Masks Are Stylish, Safe And On Sale!

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Casual dining chain restaurants are being hit hard during the pandemic. These chains are currently working with limited dining capacity, and most lack drive-thru windows.

As a result, the article explains, "Casual dining brands are struggling far more than fast-food chains."

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Some chains have started closing locations as well. The article continues, "Some chains are being forced to close locations, with TGI Friday's planning to shutter up to 20% of its US locations and Ruby Tuesday quietly closing more than 150 restaurants since January."

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The Cheesecake Factory has made its own set of changes.

The chain announced their restaurant updates through their website, emphasizing that "the health and wellbeing of our staff members and guests is our top priority, and we are approaching the reopening of our restaurants dining rooms with that as our guiding principle."

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To do so, they have implemented several changes to their restaurants. Some measures include: "reconfiguring seating in the dining room, patio and bar to meet social distancing guidelines, using floor decals to remind guests in our lobby and bakery areas to keep to social distancing protocols, [and] having dedicated staff through every meal period solely."

Customers also can pay for their food with contactless mobile payment.

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This Huge Secret About The Cheesecake Factory Just Got OutWHAT Is Happening - SheFinds

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With August being National Breastfeeding Month, HSHS St. Anthonys Memorial Hospital is reminding new and expectant mothers about the importance of breastfeeding, even in this time of coronavirus (COVID-19).

The World Health Organization (WHO) says that breastfeeding is supposed to work almost like a newborns first vaccine, providing vital antibodies and an immunity boost through the mothers milk. According the U.S. Surgeon General, 75% of mothers breastfeed their newborns, but the number of infants who are still breastfed exclusively drops to 13% by the time they are six months old. Studies show that babies who are not breastfed exclusively for the first six months are more likely to develop allergies, childhood obesity, colds, flus, ear infections and more.

Mothers understandably may have concerns about breastfeeding in this time of COVID-19. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), while we cant be certain at this time whether mothers with COVID-19 can transmit the virus via breast milk, the limited data available suggest this is not likely. The CDC recommends that whether and how to start or continue breastfeeding should be determined by the mother in coordination with her family and health care providers.

If you are breastfeeding and have symptoms of or confirmed COVID-19, the CDC recommends taking the following steps to avoid spreading the virus to your baby:

Wash your hands before touching your baby.

Wear a cloth face covering, if possible, while feeding at the breast or pumping.

Wash your hands before touching pump or bottle parts and clean all parts after each use.

The WHO agrees with the CDC that following infection prevention and control measures is essential to prevent contact transmission between COVID-19 suspected or confirmed mothers and their newborns and young infants. In a recent scientific brief, the WHO recommends that mothers with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 should be encouraged to initiate or continue to breastfeed. Their study outlines that the risk of COVID-19 infection is low in infants, the infection is typically mild or asymptomatic, while the consequences of not breastfeeding and separation between mother and child can be significant. Per their study, at this point it appears that COVID-19 in infants and children represents a much lower threat to survival and health than other infections that breastfeeding is protective against. The WHO also recommends that a mother with confirmed COVID-19 should be counseled to take precautions to avoid spreading the virus to her infant, including handwashing and wearing a cloth face covering.

Whether breastfeeding by the breast or pumping breast milk, breastfeeding is so important to an infant by providing protection against many illnesses, while also encouraging bonding between mother and baby, said Ashley Davis, RN, certified lactation consultant (CLC) and nurse navigator. If mothers are concerned about COVID but still want to breastfeed, we encourage them to follow the CDC guidelines to wash their hands and wear a mask while their baby is breastfeeding but want them to know it is very safe.

The normal and natural food for a newborn baby is breast milk. Their need for breast milk continues as they grow. The following are a few benefits of breastfeeding:

Breast milk is liquid gold. Colostrum, known as liquid gold, is the thick yellow breast milk that mothers make during pregnancy and just after birth. This milk is very rich in nutrients and antibodies to protect your baby. Although your baby only gets a small amount of colostrum at each feeding, it matches the amount his or her stomach can hold.

Breast milk changes as your baby grows. Colostrum changes into what is called mature milk. By the third to fifth day after birth, this mature breast milk has just the right amount of fat, sugar, water, and protein to help your baby continue to grow. It is a thinner type of milk than colostrum, but it provides all the nutrients and antibodies your baby needs.

Breast milk is easier to digest. For most babies, especially premature babies, breast milk is easier to digest than formula. The proteins in formula are made from cows milk and it takes time for babies stomachs to adjust to digesting them.

Breast milk fights disease. The cells, hormones, and antibodies in breast milk protect babies from illness. In fact, among formula-fed babies, ear infections and diarrhea are more common. Formula-fed babies also have higher risks of lower respiratory infections, asthma obesity, and type 2 diabetes

Breastfeeding is beneficial to mothers as well. Mothers who breastfeed tend to lose their post-pregnancy weight faster, recover from childbirth faster, and are at a lower risk for developing breast and ovarian cancer.

Breastfeeding Support For mothers needing additional support to be successful in their breastfeeding journey, HSHS St. Anthonys Women's Wellness Center has a lactation consultant to answer your questions or concerns. For more information, call 217-347-1638.

For more information about breastfeeding, visit cdc.gov/breastfeeding.

We are making critical coverage of the coronavirus available for free. Please consider subscribing so we can continue to bring you the latest news and information on this developing story.

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Hospital reminds mothers about benefits of breastfeeding | Community - Effingham Daily News

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Now, in this final installment, we're looking at the key to keeping your exercise program working for you: recovery.

Whether your exercise goals are for health, aesthetics or athletics, the means to those ends all come from changing your body composition. That's why our workouts focus on losing fat and building muscle. But true transformation in our bodies doesn't actually occur while we're training. It happens during recovery.

The reality is that exercise hurts our bodies. And recovery heals them. When we work out, we push our bodies to the point of cellular breakdown with the intention of building them back up stronger and more efficient. With every strenuous bike ride, weight training session or bout of high-intensity interval training, we give rise to this process.

That's why allowing our bodies the time and support to recover is crucial to the effectiveness of our exercise programs.

How does the recovery process work?

When we work out, we feel sore it's a natural part of the process to build muscle and make changes in our body composition.

Muscle hypertrophy (growth) occurs when muscle fibers sustain damage through exercise. The body repairs damaged fibers by fusing them, which increases muscle mass.

So, what happens to the fat? It's a pet peeve of mine when people erroneously say they need to "convert fat to muscle." That's not how it works. Fat doesn't turn into muscle!

During this muscle-building and fat-burning process, we understandably feel tired and weak, as our body focuses on repairing and rebuilding itself. Most of the soreness we feel comes from the inflammation produced as a result of the cellular changes.

As uncomfortable as it is, our body's inflammatory response is an important part of the healing process. Although we can do things to help support and expedite recovery, which I share below, it's important not to stifle it by loading up on ibuprofen or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, also known as NSAIDs, which may clear the inflammation but can hinder healing and, subsequently, the effectiveness of your workouts.

That said, post-exercise inflammation is only good for you to a point. That's why it's necessary to adequately recover between workouts. Otherwise, you'll continually break down muscle and create inflammation without allowing the rebuild making exercise counterproductive. This phenomenon is called Overtraining Syndrome, which negatively affects your health and fitness level, and can lead to injuries. Falling victim to OTS can be avoided by following the recovery guidance below.

Prioritize recovery at all stages of training

Recovery isn't just about getting enough sleep! It needs to be an integrated part of your overall training program. From days off to resting between sets and cooling down at the end of workouts, recovery is as important between workouts as it is during and immediately following exercise.

Ready to start recovering? Below, I outline strategies to optimize recovery.

Optimize recovery with these strategies

Fuel with the right foods: Food is fuel for your body and mind, so it plays a vital role in recovery. For more on this, I asked my friend, Angie Asche, a registered dietician who works in professional sports and owns Eleat Sports Nutrition, to share her insights.

Asche said it helps to view nutrition for recovery as "the 3 Rs: repair, refuel and replenish." She said, "Repair represents protein because protein is essential for repairing muscle tissue. A general guideline would be to consume at least 20 to 25 grams within an hour after your workout." That equals a 3-ounce chicken breast (24 grams of protein), one 7-ounce container of 2% Greek yogurt (20 grams) or one scoop whey or plant-based protein powder (grams of protein varies depending on brand).

"'Refuel' represents carbohydrates, one of the energy sources used during workouts. So, after an intense workout, you'll want to refuel that energy source by consuming a sufficient amount of carbohydrates, around 1 to 1.5 grams per kilogram body weight."

And, finally, Asche said "replenish" reflects the need to replenish fluids, which we cover below.

Leverage your breathing: There is no question that the act of breathing is important for giving your body the oxygen it needs to get you through your workouts. And, as mentioned above, your exhales expel the waste byproduct produced through fat burning.

But breathing is also the key to accessing your parasympathetic nervous system, the aspect of your autonomic nervous system tasked with recovery and restoration. In as little as 90 seconds of deep breathing, you elicit a "relaxation response," which taps your parasympathetic nervous system, lowering your heart rate, decreasing your blood pressure and inhibiting stress hormone production.

Stretch a little daily: How many times do you finish the "work" part of your workout, towel off, grab your water and hit the road? Too many people skip the cool down. As mentioned above, just a little time spent breathing goes a long way toward recovery. The same applies to doing a few cooldown stretches.

Too many people don't want to invest more time in their workouts with a cooldown, but the truth is that you only need to stretch for a few minutes after each workout to get the feel-good, circulation-boosting, flexibility-improving benefits. In fact, stretching longer isn't always better, which you can learn about here.

I use a handheld massage gun both in my work in pro sports and personally as an effective recovery device. If you have access to one, I recommend using it daily before and after training sessions to target the areas you experience the most tension.

Make your recovery work for you

Thankfully, exercise scientists have put a great deal of time and energy into researching recovery, so there are many tried-and-true strategies. However, with some modalities, like cryotherapy, research is emerging.

As long as you're optimizing your sleep and nutrition, drinking enough fluids, taking days off from intense exercise, using rest periods in your workouts and adequately cooling down after training sessions, it's up to you to decide what other strategies work best for you.

Dana Santas, known as the "Mobility Maker," is a certified strength and conditioning specialist and mind-body coach in professional sports, and is the author of the book "Practical Solutions for Back Pain Relief."

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Why recovery is the key to effective exercise: How to reboot your workout routine - CNN

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After finally establishing a gym routine, my local gym closed its doors to keep us safe during the CoronaVirus pandemic. Working out had become such a significant part of me taking care of my mental health, and I was proud of the physical progress I made. I started to transition into at-home workouts, but it wasnt as easy as I thought it would be. If youre having trouble making the switch or getting started, try these tips to get into the swing of things.

Establish a Routine Again: Set aside time to work out so you can get back into the habit. Setting your alarm early to allow yourself to get in a few sets before work is one option. Find when it works best in your schedule and stick with it.

Create a Work Out Space: It can be challenging to find room to work out but do your best to find a spot that you can designate as your work out area. Whenever you enter this area, your body and mind know that its time to put in work.

Find a Workout You Enjoy: Trying the first workout that pops up on YouTube isnt going to cut it for most of us. Check out different applications, videos, and other resources until you find the type of workout that works best for you. Dont give up! Additionally, look into programs rather than a single workout. It will give you your next few routines and create consistency.

Invest in Equipment: Bodyweight workouts are tougher than youd think. You cant replace entire workout machines, but incorporating things like dumbbells and resistance bands can elevate your workout. Resistance bands are great because they are light and easy to take to the park for an outdoor workout. A mat is a great way to protect your knees and back while also creating a space for working out.

Find a Workout Buddy: Find a person who has similar goals and hold each other accountable in a supportive manner. Make sure youre on the same page first before creating a calendar or group text to check in on each other.

Treat Yourself to Exercise Gear: Wearing clothing made for working out feels great and can help get you in the zone to work out. Pick out something that is not only comfortable but also makes you feel good about yourself so that way you want to wear it more and more.

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Having Trouble Working Out at Home? Try These Tips to Get Started - YouBeauty

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These days, Honolulu residents seeking fresh air and exercise have few options other than to use the islands limited street and sidewalk space.

Theres still no playing in public parks and no hiking on public trails under the citys latest shutdown orders, which aim to flatten the alarming spike in COVID-19. Oahus daily reported cases have hovered in the triple digits all month, including 263 new ones Saturday.

Theres no visiting a botanical garden. And dont even think of hitting the beach unless its to swim, surf or perhaps bob in the ocean.

For many looking to get outside, that leaves the public right of way.

Yet ever since the pandemic hit Oahu, city leaders have been reluctant to give the islands growing number of walkers, joggers and bikers more space in the streets for regular use, even as theyve closed access to parks, trails and beaches.

In an interview earlier this month, Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell said its not something he would consider until after Oahu gets a better handle on its COVID-19 cases. They threaten to overwhelm the islands intensive care units if their numbers continue to grow.

I think down the road, if we have a better control, yes, Caldwell said. But not right now.

Meanwhile, the so-called slow streets or open streets trend has taken off in at least 100 other cities around the world during the pandemic.

Its often an outlet for residents to cope during stringent stay-at-home orders, such as the latest one Honolulu just entered.

Generally, these programs limit vehicular access on designated streets, giving those stuck at home the space they need to safely exercise outdoors. They can keep their distance from one another by moving off curbs and sidewalks.

Some cities use cones and barricades to close a lane normally used by cars. Others limit the vehicle traffic on those streets to local cars and emergency responders.

But on Oahu, a growing number of bicyclists and pedestrians must still take their chances with passing cars on the same, narrow roads.

Pedestrians and cyclists pack the shoulder of Mokulua Drive to try and avoid cars.

Cory Lum/Civil Beat

In Kailua, for example, residents report that more bikers and joggers started crowding North Kalaheo Avenue and Kainalu Drive after the city recently barred access to public outdoor spaces.

Its a mess, one of those residents, Jason Santosuosso, said of the situation.

Pedestrians often walk in the middle of those streets to maintain proper physical distance. Sometimes, when they encounter someone else not wearing a mask, they either literally leap out of the way or stand to the side, he said.

Many more surfers on bikes are using Kalaheo to access the beach, and pedestrians often have to jump out of the way to dodge them and their boards, Santosuosso said.

Notably, both Kalaheo and Kainalu also lack sidewalks along with about 800 other miles of road on Oahu.

Santosuosso said hes observed more drivers speeding through the neighborhood since the pandemic started. Its extremely dangerous when you combine that with the growing number of pedestrians and cyclists, he said.

Indeed, state transportation officials say theyre concerned with what appears to be an uptick in unsafe driving.

So far this year Oahu has seen eight pedestrian deaths. Thats half as many compared to the same time last year, according to the Department of Transportation. But fatalities among those in cars are up even though theres been a substantial dip in traffic. Oahu has seen nearly twice as many vehicle-occupant deaths through Aug. 19 compared to the same time last year 21 versus 11.

Ed Sniffen, the DOTs deputy director for highways, called the trend alarming at a recent press conference. The state recently started posting messages on its signs around town encouraging people to drive safer.

At least 291 cities around the world have taken some sort of action to expand pedestrian and bicycle access during the pandemic, according to a tally by researcher Tabitha Combs at the University of North Carolinas Department of City and Regional Planning. The tally includes numerous slow streets programs.

Some cities, including Seattle, are moving to make their slow-street redesigns permanent.

Honolulu city officials did hold Open Street Kalakaua earlier this summer, which was similar to slow streets. It closed one of Honolulus busiest roadways in the heart of Waikiki to cars on Sunday mornings so that pedestrians, bicyclists, skaters and others could have exclusive use of Kalakaua Avenue.

But Open Streets Kalakaua was a weekly event held in one location. Many other cities slow and open streets programs give residents regular access in multiple neighborhoods. The Waikiki events limited scope attracted heavy crowds on an island where people are hungry for more space to exercise and get around without a car.

Each week, several hundred people showed up in Waikiki to exercise and enjoy themselves, including families. But the crowds at Kalakaua helped prompt the very physical distancing challenges that slow streets programs aim to solve.

Biki bikeshare riders cruise Kalakaua Avenue during one of the citys weekly open street events there. The Sunday morning events saw high demand, drawing hundreds of people.

Biki

About a month after the launch, the city stressed in a news release that people at the event could cluster in groups no greater than 10 and they had to keep moving along the street. The event was canceled when Hurricane Douglas nearly struck Oahu in July. It hasnt returned amid the islands spike in COVID-19 cases.

Meanwhile, people living in apartments and condominiums in town are growing desperate for outdoor options amid the latest restrictions.

Christian Stettler, who lives in the Marco Polo building in Moiliili, can no longer take his three young children, ages 3, 2 and 10 months, to Kapiolani Park or Ala Wai Park to escape the constant banging and drilling of construction upstairs.

Instead, hell bring them for a quick dip at Kaimana Beach or he brings the kids on walks. But he uses a sling for the youngest instead of a stroller because people dont move.

We have to move out of the way, which is not ideal right now while youre told to move off the grass, he said, referring to public park property.

Its stressful. Imagine having three little kids, Stettler said. Its really confusing to try to tell them how to act appropriately.

Having more street space to maneuver wouldnt be a perfect solution to the current restrictions, he said.But it would definitely help.

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Honolulu Closed Its Parks And Beaches For COVID-19. Why Not Open - Honolulu Civil Beat

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Chris McKenna|Times Herald-Record

Gyms re-open with new safety measures

Members were happy to return to their workouts at Powerhouse Gym in Nanuet

MONROE - The weight-lifting stations and treadmills are all spaced at least six feet apart now, lugged into place by a moving company this summer. Disinfectant spray bottles are set up on table near the front desk. Signs on the walls tell members and staff how many people are allowed in each area.

The South Orange Family YMCA is ready to open its doors for inside activities on Wednesday for the first time in nearly six months as gyms and fitness centers across New York return to life after a long dormancy. They areone the last types of businesses the state has allowed to reopen after being shut down for the virus pandemic.

It will not be business as usual.

Gyms may operate at no more than one-third of their normal capacity to avoid crowding. Customers must wear masks at all times and stay six feet apart. Water fountains and communal showers are off limits. Indoor group classes may be forbidden if county health officials so choose.

The Middletown YMCA and its nine-year-old branch in Monroe have made the needed adjustments and will reopen on the same day. Both had a leg up on the distancing-and-disinfecting drills of the new era because they have run certain programs for months, starting with child care for essential workers and then permitted activities such as outdoor yoga and spin classes in Monroe and swimming in Middletown.

"I feel very confident reopening because we've been doing this for the last four, five months," Ross Miceli, chief operating officer of the Middletown YMCA, said Friday during a tour of the Monroe facility.

The YMCA also ran three summer camps at half capacity in Orange County that served about 375 childrenand had no COVID-19 cases, Miceli said.

The Monroe YMCA now has MERV-13 air filters, as required by the state to avoid spreading the virus indoors through airborne droplets. The YMCA hadn't planned on requiring its members to wear masks, since many said they didn't want to when surveyed, but the state made masks mandatory in its reopening rules this month.

About 50 gyms and fitness centers in Orange County have asked the county Health Department for approval to reopen, which requires that they be inspected no later than two weeks after reopening to ensure they meet state guidelines. Sullivan County has five gyms requesting inspections. Ulster County had inspected 22 and had five more to go as of Friday.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced reopening rules for gyms on Aug. 17, several days after roughly 1,500 gym owners across New York sued him to reopen and demand compensation for losses they sustained during the shutdown. Cuomo had said earlier that gyms were found to be a source of virus spread in other states and would stay shut.

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Cuomo's order let gyms begin reopening on Aug. 24 if they met all requirements, but allowed counties to postpone the openings until Sept. 2 to leave time for inspections.

During the YMCA tour in Monroe on Friday, Miceli and Ellen Beadle, the executive director, showed the precautions the gym is taking when members return next week.

Each member takes a disinfectant spray bottle when they enter and returns it when they leave, so it can be cleaned for the next user. Each piece of equipment is cleaned three times before someone uses it: by the departing and arriving users, and by a staff member. Workers will monitor each area to clean and make sure capacity limits are met.

The full gym is limited to 139 people, one third of the normal capacity of 421.

The YMCA laid off about 300 workers in Middletown and Monroe during the pandemic, and has brought many of them back as it prepares to reopen. Miceli said the organization endured financial losses like other gyms, but has a devoted membership that continued paying dues and it drew income from activities other gyms don't offer.

"We're more of a community center, I think," Miceli said.

Throughout the shutdown, the YMCA has continued work on a long-planned expansion of its Monroe facility with no interruptions except at the outset of the pandemic. The 20,000-square-foot addition will add a four-lane pool, a gym and other amenities, nearly doubling the size of the operation. The pool is expected to be done by January.

cmckenna@th-record.com

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Gyms prepare to reopen with mandatory masks, spaced equipment and limited capacity - Times Herald-Record

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Imagine going for a checkup and receiving some not-so-great newsbut instead of your physician adding another pill to add to your morning routine, she hands you a slip of paper that reads:

One heaping bag of farm-grown fruits and vegetables. Take daily.

Thats exactly how things work at the FARMacy, an initiative byWVU Extension ServiceFamily Nutrition Programthat aims to help people living with diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol and other chronic conditions by providing them with healthy, fresh foods.

FARMacy participants dont just get fresh fruits and vegetables they get a team to help them on their way toward better health. FNP nutrition educators organize physical fitness challenges, provide taste tests of healthy recipes and sign up participants for Eating Smart Being Active classes that teach cooking skills, budget shopping strategies and exercise habits. The farmers who grow the food also show up to answer participants questions and to help them put a face with their food.

The FARMacy program has been changing peoples lives for years. Now, the Walmart Foundation is helping us take this tried-and-true program to more West Virginians than ever before, said Gina Wood, FNP specialist and West Virginia Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program program coordinator.

Samantha Farson joined the Sistersville program in 2019 and is one of the programs success stories. Diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes in 2013, Farson had difficulty controlling the disease. Her doctors tried medicine after medicine, but her body did not respond.

The fruits and vegetables along with the healthy cooking techniques and exercise habits she picked up from the Eating Smart, Being Active classes have changed her way of life, which has had a dramatic effect on her health. Just halfway through the 2019 program, Farsons A1C dropped to 7 percent. If her numbers continue to improve, she might be able to stop her insulin shots altogether.

Farson said in addition to providing healthy foods, FARMacy has also given her more confidence at the grocery store.

If you buy something and you dont like it, that could be a significant portion of your money thats just gone now. So, you end up sticking to things youve tried and you know you like, she said. When you limit yourself to that little bit, theres a lot of the nutrients you just dont get.

Dumars said she now regularly sees FARMacy participants at the local farmers market.

Theres nothing better than spending all your blood, sweat and tears growing something and seeing somebody really enjoy and appreciate it, she said. If it gets them healthier on top of that, thats an even better bonus.

Farson is getting in on the act now. With some help from Dumars, shes growing stevia seedlings that she plans to give to farmers, so future FARMacy participants have a fresh, locally grown alternative to sugar. Shes also telling anyone who will listen about the FARMacy program.

When you take people and show them just how good this stuff is, and the impact itll have, its very easy to change, she said.

The COVID-19 global pandemic has forced the program to make some temporary changes for 2020. All FARMacy staff wear masks and participants pick up pre-packed boxes of farm-fresh food.

WVU Extension Family Nutrition Programs work is supported by the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program from the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture as well as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program from the USDA Food and Nutrition Service.

The original FARMacy program started in 2014 at a clinic in Wheeling. Nine FARMacy programs now operate at hospitals and clinics around West Virginia. Eight of those are new for 2020,funded by a $658,000 Walmart Foundation grant that is helping FNP expand its programming to 10 West Virginia counties Barbour, Boone, Cabell, Greenbrier, Lincoln, McDowell, Mercer, Mingo, Roane and Upshur.

About Philanthropy at Walmart

Walmart.org represents the philanthropic efforts of Walmart and the Walmart Foundation. By leaning in where our business has unique strengths, we work to tackle key social issue and collaborate with others to spark long-lasting systemic change. Walmart has stores in 27 countries, employing more than 2 million associates and doing business with thousands of suppliers who, in turn, employ millions of people. Walmart.org is helping people live better by supporting programs that work to accelerate upward job mobility for frontline workers, address hunger and make healthier, more sustainably-grown food a reality, and build strong communities where Walmart operates.

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WVU Extension Service's Family Nutrition Program partners with farmers and health providers to prescribe fresh fruits and vegetables - My Buckhannon

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This isnt a wellness program; its more than that. Its about relationships and mental health.

By LUCIANA CHAVEZ

Jonae Pistoresi found herself swimming in research that kept shouting at her, Theres more here!

Pistoresi was keeping up with best practices on employee development, which is her purview as a business professor at the Merced College Business Resource Center.

But she kept reading the same conclusions: There is no company glory or gain in the 80-hour work week if it costs employees physical or emotional health.

The evidence is overwhelming that employees who have high well-being offer better customer service, make fewer mistakes, have fewer accidents, miss fewer days, and are just better for an organizations bottom line, she said.

Pistoresi, the force behind professional development programs like Customer Service Academy and the Emerging Leaders Institute at the BRC, saw in the research a chance for the center to grow.

The Well-Being Institute is the result.

This isnt a wellness program; its more than that, she explained. Its about relationships and mental health.

The Institute opens this month for anyone who wants to improve how comfortable and healthy employees feel with their work.

Because were still battling COVID-19, the curriculum will be delivered remotely to start. Designed to train people to handle work and life stress, yes, the Institute will launch during a stressful time in history

When I started this journey, I had no idea we would find ourselves in this difficult place, Pistoresi said. I had no idea we all would so urgently need to invest in our well-being.

Pistoresi was fine-tuning the Emerging Leaders Institute when she was inspired to dig deeper.

She took a year-long sabbatical, completing three courses at the Greater Good Science Center at UC Berkeley and an extremely popular one on happiness at Yale University.

She read dozens of books on everything from workplace dynamics to gratitude and mental health, and interviewed experts all over the spectrum.

She had set out to build a curriculum for another leadership class, but quickly saw the bones for a workplace well-being program.

My passion is for Merced College to be seen as an important resource for employers, Pistoresi said. We always want to be on the cutting edge. And, just over the last decade, weve learned how happiness at work affects the bottom line.

Pistoresi originally thought she would run a pilot program, then fine-tune and market it before a full release.

But I think there will be a huge demand for it right now, she said.

Think about it: Since March, the pandemic has cost Americans jobs, homes and lives. How do we pick up the pieces? Pistoresi hopes the Well-Being Institute will guide employers and employees through that work.

For example, organizational leaders could benefit from the first class, which looks at the foundations of workplace well-being.

How will healthcare workers, after months of unrelenting physical and emotional stress on the front lines, bounce back? Perhaps theyd value learning how to build resilience, which is the goal of the second class.

Farm workers and farmers have been taxing their bodies to keep the food supply moving. The rest of us, while locked indoors, are not getting enough sun or exercise. The third class offers ways to strengthen bodies and minds with exercise and nutrition.

Also, millions of people whove lost jobs in recent months might want to zero in on and maximize their strengths while they look for work. Thats the goal of the fourth class.

The fifth class will connect the concepts of well-being, happiness and productivity in the workplace.

Ironically, Pistoresi had to confront her own pandemic struggles while creating the Well-Being Institute.

As we reported this article, Pistoresi had just spent 10 weeks, seven days per week and eight hours per day, studying for a certificate in online instruction. Shes still adapting 30 courses for distance learning.

One of our well-being classes is about recognizing and nurturing strengths, she said. Mine is working with and energizing people. But the technology is new to me. Ive had moments of, How am I going to do that on a computer?!? It bummed me out.

Yet Pistoresi knew how to sort it out.

I knew I had to be mindful about what I was grateful for in the midst of this craziness, she said.

UC Davis professor Robert Emmons, the leading voice on the science of gratitude, ran a famous study where he had people keep daily journals on either (1) things they were grateful for, (2) the days events or (3) the days hassles.

Those who tracked gratitude were 25 percent happier.

Who wouldnt want to be 25 percent happier? Pistoresi said.

Her point is well-taken and the impetus for the Well-Being Institute.

She said, I think by applying these skills we can give people hope.

The new Well-Being Institute is now open for September enrollment through the Merced College Business Resource Center for the Fall 2020 cycle. The first of five online courses start Sept. 14. Each online course runs for two weeks. The final offering in the program concludes on Dec. 14. Topics to be covered are (1) the foundations of well-being in the workplace, (2) building resilience, (3) fueling a body for success, (4) developing and maximizing strengths and (5) connecting the concepts of well-being, happiness and productivity. Students may take any seminar by itself, or complete all five classes to receive a certificate of accomplishment from Merced College.

Register online with the following link: http://www.mercedcommunityservices.com/newtrainings.html

Need help: Call (209) 381-6176.

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Well-Being Institute poised to support stressed, working adults - Merced County Times

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Distinguished Hindu statesman Rajan Zed, in a statement in Nevada today, called it a step in the positive direction. He urged State Board of Education President Governor Kay Ellen Ivey and State Superintendent Dr. Eric G. Mackey to completely lift yoga ban asthis prohibition was clearly doing a disservice to Alabamas K-12 public school students and denying them the valuable opportunities the multi-beneficial yoga provided.

Despite Yoga prohibited to be taught/done on public school property before, during, or after school hours in Alabama; various yoga linked programs appeared on the ALSDE website; Zed, who is President of Universal Society of Hinduism, pointed out.

Website offered links to various yoga related iPhone/iPad Apps (saying You can use these apps) under Resources for Physical Education Teachers; including FitStar Yoga, Simply Yoga, Super Stretch Yoga HD, MINDBODY, Fitnet, Sworkit. Yoga is listed as a supplementary intervention under Treatment and prevention of suicidal behavior in adolescents.

Social and Emotional Learning Roadmap for Reopening School given on the website states: Engage community partners in providing selfcare activities (e.g., yoga, exercise, mindfulness). Covid-19 Plan posted on its website, indicates: Families will be offered and provided invaluable support networks and opportunities that promote self-care, education and empowerment, which includes Virtual Yoga. Video titled Kids Adaptive Yoga is posted at two places on ALSDE website.

Under Physical Education Elective Examples for Grades 9-12, it is stated thatstretching can be included in the Course Content under Fitness and Conditioning; but a note below adds: Course may not be called Yoga; however, only Yoga technique poses/exercises and stretches may be included in the content.

Various public universities of Alabama had been reportedly offering yoga in some form to their students and some Alabama churches had also reportedlyoffered/announced yoga programs.If yoga was rewarding for the students of Alabama public universities, why Alabama was keeping it away from its K-12 public school students; Rajan Zed wondered.

Zed further said that yoga, although introduced and nourished by Hinduism, was a world heritageand liberation powerhouseto be utilized by all. According to Patanjali who codified it inYoga Sutra,yoga was a methodical effort to attain perfection, through the control of the different elements of human nature, physical and psychical.

According to a report of US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Yoga is the most popular complementary health approach in the United States - used by 14.3% of the adult population, or 35.2 million people.According to US National Institutes of Health; yoga may help one to feel more relaxed, be more flexible, improve posture, breathe deeply, and get rid of stress.Yoga was the repository of something basic in the human soul and psyche, Rajan Zed added.

Alabama State Department of Education Administrative Code 290-0400-40.02, however, states: School personnel shall be prohibited from using any techniques that involve the induction of hypnotic states, guided imagery, meditation or yoga.

It defines yoga as: A Hindu philosophy and method of religious training in which eastern meditation and contemplation are joined with physical exercises, allegedly to facilitate the development of body mind spirit.

A 2006 memorandum from State Superintendent of Education,still posted on ALSDE website,advises that: yoga not be offered during regular school hours or after regular school hours to public school students on a public school campus in Alabama.

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Hindus welcome Alabama Education Dept. for softening-up on yoga despite ban - Hindus have welcomed Alabama State Department of Education (ALSDE) for...

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This article was originally published here

Sleep Med. 2020 Aug 7;74:199-203. doi: 10.1016/j.sleep.2020.08.002. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: Sleep status can affect the bodys immune status and mental health. This study aims to investigate the sleep status of Chinese residents during the outbreak of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) and to evaluate its related risk factors.

METHODS: This research carried out a cross-sectional survey in February 2020 (during the COVID-19 outbreak) to investigate the sleep status of residents nationwide in the form of an online questionnaire. Of the 8151 respondents, 6437 were eventually included in the analysis. Logistic regression is applied to analyze the associated factors affecting residents sleep quality.

RESULTS: During the COVID-19 outbreak, the incidence of sleep disturbances in residents was 17.65%. Increased risk of sleep disturbances was found to be associated with older age, female gender, and poor self-reported health status. Moreover, the odds ratios (ORs) were 1.42 (95% CI: 1.1-2.64), 1.35 (95% CI: 1.16-1.59), 5.59 (95% CI: 4.32-7.23), respectively. Those residents who believed COVID-19 had caused a high number of deaths or who thought COVID-19 was not easy to cure were more likely to experience sleep disorders, and the ORs were 1.73 (95% CI: 1.43-2.09), 1.57 (95% CI: 1.29-1.91), respectively. Regular exercise was a protective factor for sleep disturbances, OR = 0.77 (95% CI: 0.63-0.93).

CONCLUSIONS: During the outbreak of COVID-19, nearly one-fifth of participants had sleep disorders. It is necessary to pay more attention to people at high risk for sleep disturbances during the outbreak, adopt effective risk communication methods, enhance residents rational understanding of COVID-19, and develop practical indoor exercise programs for general public to improve sleep quality.

PMID:32861011 | DOI:10.1016/j.sleep.2020.08.002

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Sleep disturbances among Chinese residents during the Coronavirus Disease 2019 outbreak and associated factors - DocWire News

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