Wellness Wednesday

Have a cuppa health?

Recent research supports keeping coffee or green tea as part of a routine for health, especially for those with Type II Diabetes. Those drinking two cups of coffee or four cups of green tea daily were found in recent research to have decreased mortality rates of 40% or greater in a study involving more than 4,900 subjects in Japan with diabetes.* 

Pros: Please keep in mind, there is no one food or drink that cures or kills. What we do know from trending research over time is that drinks that are both calorie-free and contain antioxidants such as black coffee and green tea can impact health in positive ways.

Cons: Caffeine can negatively impact sleep, both getting to sleep and staying asleep, as it takes approximately 10 hours to process caffeine out of the body. Especially for those of you struggling with sleep during these times, pay close attention to your timing to prevent sleepless nights, which may have sizable negative impacts on your health and more. Caffeine may also impact blood pressure, so a “more is better” approach isn’t beneficial.

If you like coffee or green tea, consider starting your day with these drinks, especially in place of sugary substitutes. As my British friends say, “Have a cuppa” as one of many ways to support your health. Being able to do so with someone you care about makes it even better.

Resource: Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, study in BMJ Open Diabetes Research and Care 

How would you answer?

According to a recent survey by the American Psychological Association of 3,400 US adults, 19% reported their mental health to be worse than one year ago. In addition, 61% of those surveyed stated they need more emotional health support than they receive. Issues contributing to reduced mental health included world events such as the pandemic, health care and election concerns.*

We feel it. We see it. People are struggling. We are struggling. Some days more than others, but the struggle is real. Often a good chat or laugh with a friend can prop us up and help us rediscover our mojo. Other times it’s time to seek additional help beyond that of friends and family. 

Asking for help shows strength. Continuum, our Employee Assistance Program, is a benefit to consider taking advantage of during this time. Beyond you, this service is there to help your spouse and/or kids, too, if they are the ones needing support. Contact them at 402-476-0186. 

If this time of year is usually tough for you due to Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) with diminishing daylight hours, talk with your health provider now. If you need the support of medications, many of them take several weeks to reach therapeutic levels in your system, so getting ahead of the curve now can help keep from having such a severe impact. Other, non-pharmacological options include use of special lights, improving activity and nutrition, along with boosting sleep all can contribute to a better, brighter outcome this fall and winter.

I care and am rooting for you. What is helping you? Feel free to drop me a line at mwelch@lps.org. Also, feel free to use our Mood Booster Bingo as a great reminder of ways to help lift your spirits. Here is the link.

Resource: Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, Health Day News (10/20)

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