September, for many of us, presents a tinge of the fall season, signs of the togetherness and holidays moving, somewhat rapidly, toward us. The changing leaves can sometimes parallel changing habits or attitudes ourselves, and what areas we want to improve in. The shades red, orange and yellow are really a reflection of the variance in us and continued growth as individuals. The September 2024 Health Tip Wednesday attempts to capture all of that and more.

September 4th

Mental Health and Traffic 
Plan Ahead – Try to leave for your destination with plenty of time to arrive, regardless of road delays. This helps prevent rushing and the stress that accompanies it. 

Leave Worries Behind – Once you get into a vehicle, whatever difficulty or disagreement you may have just encountered, try setting it aside while traveling. When you’re behind the wheel, the present task of driving is all that should matter. 

Set Up a Playlist or Podcast – Before getting on the road, setting up a favorite music playlist or podcast can aid in keeping the mood in the vehicle as positive as can be. 

Stay Focused – No matter what distractions arise, maintaining complete focus on the road is better for you and everyone else. Plus, it may even get you to your destination quicker. 

Breathe Well – During your drive, whether you’re in the middle of a traffic jam or cruising through the country, constant concentration is vital. Taking full, meditative breaths can aid in minimizing your stress level and help keep your awareness strong. 

September 11th

Improving Hand Dexterity 

1. Do Finger Lifts 
Place your hand palm down on a flat surface such as a table. Lift a finger off the table one at a time, which can be a challenge as your fingers may tend to move together. Repeat each finger several times before moving on. This will help you gain flexibility in each finger. 
2. Make a Fist 
Squeeze inward on the fist as hard as you can manage. Hold for three to five seconds, and release. Do the same with the other hand and repeat five times for each. 
3. Play String Games 
Cat’s cradle and other string games keep your hands and fingers strong and flexible. Plus, it’s something you can do by yourself. Get a length of string, yarn or shoestring, about 30 to 80 inches in length. Follow the instructions in a book or online. This will work your fingers, hands and your mind. 
4. Practice Handwriting 
Start with picking up a pencil or pen without your thumb and then write as normal. This fun exercise gives your brain a workout, as well. Then, write with your non-dominant hand, which is more likely to lose dexterity faster than your dominant hand. 
5. Sort Small Items 
Use beads, buttons, coins, jewelry, pasta shapes, seeds – anything that can be picked up and sorted. Use small cups or empty ice cube trays to keep the pieces sorted. 
6. Try Knitting and Sewing 
Not only can you create fun and useful items, sewing and knitting can make your fingers more dexterous. Consider other needlecrafts such as crochet, cross stitching and needlepoint, or non-needle crafts such as macrame. 

September 18^th

Hearing Loss Prevention 

Noises 
It helps to be aware and know which noises may cause damage such as sirens, sporting events, concerts and motorcycles. 

Protect Your Ears 
Wearing earplugs or similar devices is recommended when involved in a loud activity. Activity-specific earplugs are usually available at hardware and sporting goods establishments. 

Relocate 
If you can’t reduce the noise or actively protect yourself from a high decibel situation, consider moving away from it or make alternate plans. Additionally, it’s important to help children who are too young to protect their ears themselves. 

September 25th

Eye Care 101 

Wear Sunglasses 
Protect your eyes from the sun by wearing sunglasses – even on cloudy days. Be sure to look for sunglasses that block 99 to 100 percent of both UVA and UVB radiation. 
Protective Eyewear 
Wearing safety goggles and glasses is important, as they are designed to protect your eyes during certain activities, like playing sports, performing construction work, or doing home repairs. 
Rest Away 
Looking at a computer screen for an extended period can tire out your eyes. Rest your eyes by taking a break at least every 20 minutes and looking away from the screen at something else in the distance. 
Visit an Optometrist 
It’s best to visit an eye doctor at least once a year as regular checking of the condition of one’s eyes is essential, especially as we age. 
Lens Care 
Give special attention to the cleanliness of prescription eyeglasses, as it helps keep your vision clear and may prevent unnecessary strain. Additionally, if you wear contacts, always wash your hands before you put your contact lenses in or take them out, to help prevent infections. It’s also important to replace your lenses as directed. 

This concludes another edition of Health Tip Wednesday Recap. Hopefully you garnered as much engagement reading it as we did crafting it. Check out our previous editions July 2024 and August 2024.