June 2021

Take Control of Your Finances!

The SUCCESS Project Has Partnered with Banzai and APGFCU
to give you access to this great program!
 

COVID-19 Vaccine Mythbusters

There are now THREE authorized and CDC recommended COVID-19 vaccines available at no cost! This is what the world has been waiting for to end the pandemic and return to normal life. 

But rumors about the vaccine are causing some to hesitate about receiving the vaccine.  This helpful link can shed some light on what is true and what is false.  Find answers to your questions here.

Pre-Order from The SUCCESS Pantry

Third Stimulus Payment Available
 

FREE Training Class
Registration Open for Humanim's Administrative Assistant Course

5 Coping Tips for Summer Depression

SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) is often associated with winter months, but 1 out of 10 people who experience SAD do so in the summer.  One of the reasons for this could be due to more sun exposure.  Sunlight can actually decrease melatonin production in the body, and melatonin is a hormone that plays a vital role in mood regulation. Reduced melatonin can also cause disruptions in sleep.  Other factors that can lead to summer SAD include financial worries like paying for cooling costs or a vacation; lack of childcare for children not in school; and anxiety over body image.



Here are a 5 tips to help cope with summer SAD:

1. Find Darkness and Stay Cool. Some research indicates that people with summer-type SAD may struggle because of the high temperatures and other uncomfortable environmental factors, like intense sun or high humidity; so lower the blinds and turn on a fan or AC during the hottest parts of the day.  It could also help to walk around an air conditioned shopping center or to see a movie.
2. Maintain a Set Schedule. The shift in routine during the summer--from scheduled and rigid to unstructured--can be a trigger for summer depression. If you like order and routine, keep it up for the summer. Set specific times even for regular tasks, like getting up, eating, showering, working out, and doing chores.
3. Focus on Getting Enough Sleep. Summer SAD often causes insomnia, but adequate and high-quality sleep is essential for both physical and mental health. To combat this, try to set a regualr bed time, avoid using a computer/phone/tablet right before sleep, and avoid coffee, alcohol and heavy meals just before bed, too.
4. Exercise Regularly. Staying active is a powerful way to combat depression any time of year. During the summer try doing things indoors or swimming.
5. Plan Fun Activities. What you may want to do during a summer depression is hide inside and isolate yourself from others, but it’s important to be social and supported. Make an effort to spend time with family and friends in whatever type of situation makes you comfortable and do activities you enjoy.

Comcast Joins EBB Program

  10 Ways to Observe Mens' Health Month
 

1. Hang Out With Friends and Family-- Research shows that social ties can help you survive health problems, make you happier, and even prolong your life. 
2. Quit Smoking--As soon as you stop smoking, you start to decrease your risk of developing chronic diseases including lung cancer, heart disease, stroke and COPD.
3. Eat A Healthier Diet--Too many fatty foods and sugary drinks increase your risk of developing heart disease, diabetes, and cancer; plus you’ll risk packing on the pounds. Instead, work on eating more vegetables, fruits, lean proteins, and whole grains.
4. Get Active--Exercise can reduce your risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, colon cancer, and other health problems. It can also keep your weight down and sharpen your judgment. 
5. Unplug--Small amounts of stress can energize you and sharpen your ability to perform well. But too much stress over time can cause serious physical and mental health problems. To de-stress, get some exercise, meet up with friends, take a break from the phone and computer screens.
6. Get More Sleep--Sleeping seven to nine hours per night can improve your work performance, your physical safety, and your body’s ability to fight disease.
7. See A Doctor--Even if you feel fine, regular checkups and screenings are vital for protecting your health by helping to spot signs of serious diseases and conditions early, when you have a better chance of successfully treating them. You’ll also be more likely to find problems before they cause painful or bothersome symptoms. 
8. Lend A Hand--Studies have found that helping other people can decrease blood pressure, stress levels, and chronic pain. It can also reduce your likelihood of having depression and can even help you live longer. 
9. Use Sunscreen--Men are twice as likely as women to develop the most common types of skin cancer—basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma. because they spend an average of 10 more hours in the sun every week than women do...and they aren’t as likely to use sunscreen. Luckily, skin cancer is highly preventable. Make it a habit to wear sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher.
10. Limit Alcohol--Happy hour can be a fun time and a good deal. But too much alcohol can lead to injuries, cancer, psychological problems, damaged relationships, and high blood pressure. Try to limit alcohol to two drinks—such as a bottle of beer or one and half ounces of hard alcohol—per day. 

Senior Centers Have Reopened

Harford County Senior Activity Centers are now open five days a week. They will be open Monday through Friday and no appointments or masks will be required.   The centers are also offering two FREE programs starting in July:   The Stepping On program is an eight-week fall prevention course offered at the Edgewood Senior Activity Center on Thursdays beginning July 8, from 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. Maximum enrollment is 14. For information or to apply, please call the Edgewood Senior Activity Center at 410-612-1622.   The GeriFit class is a seated strength-training class. It will be held at the Edgewood, Havre de Grace and McFaul Senior Activity Centers beginning in July. Times may vary by location. Maximum enrollment is 25 per location. To register, contact the specific center directly.   Visit the Harford County Office on Aging to see full schedules for each Senior Center location.

 

Build A Family Bond this Summer
 

Coming Next Month: Bike Camp!

Riders must be

• At least 8 years old by the start of camp and have a disability
• Able to walk without an assistive device and sidestep to both sides
• Able to attend all sessions during the 5-day camp
• Under 220 lbs. and have a minimum inseam measurement of 20" (measured from the floor with sneakers on)
• Able to follow the outlined COVID guidelines for iCanBike Camp