Greetings AFSPA Family,

It is time for a physically and mentally uplifting April! This month is jam packed with health awareness activities and new developments here at AFSPA. Below I have outlined some things to look forward to as we start the new quarter. Don’t forget that many of our wellness programs can help keep you on track for each of them.

Defeat Diabetes Month 

Type 2 Diabetes is a highly preventable disease. One of the goals of Defeat Diabetes Month is to help halt the spread of this rapidly rising global epidemic by encouraging people to balance healthy diets with active lifestyles. Additional resources can be found on the Defeat Diabetes website.

To kick off Defeat Diabetes Month, we have written a new blog post with tips to prevent type 2 disease. We have also detailed how some of our special programs can help. Read our latest post on the website here.

Strhttps://www.afspa.org/blog/2877/Preventing-Type-2-Diabetesess Awareness Month

Stress Awareness Month takes place every April as an effort to increase awareness about the causes and cures for the modern stress epidemic. While we can’t completely eliminate stress from our lives, learning to be more mindful of the causes, effects and coping mechanisms can help us manage it. Next week we will be featuring a blog post on ways to relieve stress while working from home. Stress management ties in closely to our 2021 theme of Mental Wellness Leads to Better Physical Health, so check our social media pages for additional tips and related content throughout the month as well.

Mental Wellness Podcasts for Teens and Parents from Trestle Tree 

COVID-19 has had an effect on all of us- but especially for our teens. Many parents are uncertain about how then can help their teen adjust to this new “non-normal,” and many teens are feeling anxious, depressed or even suicidal.  Our partners at Trestle Tree have developed a five-episode podcast series designed for teens and parents who are struggling with the weight of the COVID-19 pandemic. The podcasts use an interview and Q&A format, with each one focusing on a single issue relevant to today’s parents and teens. Be on the lookout for more information on this special series in the coming weeks.

Let’s not forget to laugh… National Humor Month – yes, for real 

Laughter benefits our mental and physical health in many ways, and April is the perfect time to capitalize on that. National Humor Month aims to heighten public awareness of the therapeutic value of humor. Laughing helps with stress relief, boosting morale and even improving communication skills. The National Humor Month website includes numerous resources and projects related to humor. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by life’s daily stressors, don’t be afraid to decompress with a good laugh. After all, you are laughing your way to a healthier you.

Annual Member Meeting Recap 

Last month we held our first completely virtual Annual Member Meeting. We were happy to connect with members for a fantastic event they could enjoy from the safety of their own homes. The meeting included a special presentation on mental resilience during the COVID pandemic by Dr. Charles Rosenfarb, former Medical Director of the State Department’s Bureau of Medical Services. If you missed the meeting or would like to re-watch, you can view a recording of the event on our YouTube Channel or website.

Check your mailboxes for the newest edition of the AFSPA in Action spring newsletter out later this month. It features the latest program enhancement updates, spring cleaning tips, and other news we are excited to share with you. Spring is a busy time for many of us, but that has not stopped AFSPA from working diligently to provide resources and services that help keep you healthy. As always, thank you for your continued trust and loyalty.

To Your Health,

Paula S. Jakub, RHU
CEO, AFSPA
Executive Director, Senior Living Foundation