winter – Here for Life

Grieving during the holidays – the 4 R’s

December 22, 2021

Adapted from National Hospice & Palliative Care Organization Bereavement Professionals Chat, Grief Support and the Holidays, Kara Thoma, LCSW, ACHP-SW, Joelle Osterhaus, LCSW, ACHP-SW, October 2021.

The holidays are an emotional and often stressful time for most of us, which are often further intensified for the bereaved. As the time approaches, dread, anxiety, and worry can wash over us, filling our heart and mind. We may feel isolated because during a time when others are “merry,” we may not feel merry at all to the point where it feels like no one understands. Others may want to keep things exactly as they used to be. It can feel like the progress we made with our grief takes ten steps back. How can the bereaved enjoy the holidays while also grieving? The four R’s can serve as a guide. (more…)

Get your skin ready for the winter

October 8, 2019

October is National Eczema Awareness Month. Sounds like a good time to talk about winter and how the cold upcoming weather can be harsh on our skin. Dry skin and eczema are two of the most common conditions the dermatologists at Hennepin Healthcare see this time of year. Dr. Jenny Liu, from the Dermatology Clinic, shares some easy and simple gentle skin care tips that everyone can use.

Bathing tips:
1. Daily bathing is recommended. Baths are better than showers as soaking can help hydrate the skin.
2. Avoid super-hot water. Although it feels good with the cold weather, hot water can dry out the skin. (more…)

Seasonal affective disorder a.k.a. the winter blues

January 2, 2018

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that’s related to changes in seasons. Although SAD can occur for some people in the summer, it is most common in the late fall or winter months. SAD is also referred to as “the winter blues”, although it’s important to see your doctor if it becomes serious.

Symptoms of the winter blues and SAD –

Feeling sad, grumpy, moody or anxious
Losing interest in usual activities
Gaining weight and craving and eating more carbohydrates such as bread or pasta
Tiredness or low energy
Having difficulty concentrating and sleeping

(more…)

Interview: How Hennepin EMS is preparing for Super Bowl LII

December 27, 2017

Did you know that Hennepin Emergency Medical Services (EMS) staff every home game for the Twins, Lynx, Timberwolves, MN United, and the Vikings? As seasoned experts at staffing major sporting events, Hennepin EMS staff are hard at work preparing to staff EMS and paramedic services for Super Bowl LII – before, during, and after.

We interviewed Mike LeVake, Jordan Wardell, and Charles Sloan III of Hennepin EMS for the inside scoop on how they’re getting ready, their favorite parts of staffing NFL games, and tips for all of us – local or visiting – as we rapidly approach the Super Bowl. (more…)

5 tips to get your skin ready for summer

March 27, 20171

Dermatologist Dr. Jenny Liu offers some tips to get your winter skin ready for summer.

Exfoliate
Get ready to reflect that summer glow! Healthy skin glows because light reflects off of it. If it doesn’t, it could be due to the buildup of dead skin. Using a mild exfoliating scrub or mild glycolic acid wash can help remove this buildup that can make your skin look dull.

Use an antioxidant
Apply an antioxidant serum every morning. This is will not only help prevent the skin from sun damage, but products containing vitamin C can also help lighten and brighten your skin. (more…)

Take the bite out of frostbite

February 7, 2017

Frostbite can happen quickly during Minnesota winters and infants and children are at high risk. Although adults should be aware of frostbite prevention as well, children are at a greater risk because they lose heat from their skin more rapidly than adults. Following are 5 ways to avoid frostbite in children:

Always check the weather forecast before letting young children go outside to be sure they are dressed appropriately and they are dressed in layers – it’s best that the first layer be cotton because it absorbs moisture.
Make sure your child wears a hat that covers their ears and in extreme cold a scarf that covers their lower face and tip of nose.
Choose mittens instead of gloves to keep little fingers warm.
Make sure boots are waterproof – toes are prone to frostbite.
Remove wet clothing especially mittens or socks as soon as possible to avoid the water freezing directly in contact with skin. Wet clothes draw heat away from the body.

(more…)