As spring arrives, we should focus on eating well and sleeping soundly

Three down and nine more months to go…it’s hard to believe that we are almost a quarter of the way through the year! If you are like me, you are struggling to meet the demands of the year and find time to breathe. The bright spot is that warmer weather is arriving soon, the flowers are blessing us with their beauty, and our days are longer so that we can get out and enjoy a little more sunshine.

With Daylight Savings Time having happened March 7, springing forward seems to have some impact on our health related to losing an hour of sleep. Missing sleep or events like daylight savings can disrupt circadian rhythm, affect mood, impair concentration, and increase cardiovascular risk. This change is usually temporary, but if we continue to lose sleep or have poor sleep, it can have long-term effects.

Some of those include weight gain, high blood pressure, immunity issues, and mood/mental health challenges. Be mindful of your body and ensure that you are receiving the amount of sleep recommended for your age group. Adults should be getting seven hours or more of sleep and your children should get at least 11 hours of sleep on average.

These hours vary per age, so be aware if you are getting a healthy amount of rest and sleep. If you aren’t getting enough sleep, here are few ideas to get you jumpstarted in establishing a consistent sleep schedule: limiting computer/phone/TV time before bed, reducing stimulant intake (caffeine, medications), and preparing the environment for sleep by making it dark and cooler. As we know, getting enough high-quality sleep is one of the basic pillars of health.

March also brings awareness about nutrition. I first want to give some kudos to the Angel Medical Center Food and Nutrition team and our dietician. This team truly gives of themselves to make sure that high-quality, nutritious food is prepared daily for our patients and community. Our meals here are a good reference for what a nutritious meal should look like.

I think one area we fail in is how we think of food and nutrition. We fixate on one meal at a time or what we cannot have rather than looking at the day and trying to find balance in our choices over the day. No matter what the food pyramid looks like, we have all been taught what healthy foods are and what a good diet should entail. We always want to limit sugar and carbohydrates — not only do they add unnecessary calories, but they also increase inflammation and can lead to diabetes. Proper portions of other nutrient-rich foods are the way to go, such as fruits, vegetables, meats, and grains. Moderation is key and maintaining a balance will help fortify your body.

One topic that comes up about health and food is the cost of healthy food. This is a real dilemma for many people and especially families. Nutritious food is more costly than processed or convenient foods. If this is the case, look for the best food options and work at moderation. Sugar and cholesterol seem to be the easier ones to avoid. One of the harder ones is sodium. Read labels and make the best choices that you can. There are also community resources that can aid in finding healthier options.

I must also note in closing that March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, something about which we should all be conscious. It’s important to speak with your provider about your individual risk factors, and if you are 45 years old and at normal risk for colon cancer, schedule that colonoscopy. This screening is the best way to test for signs of colorectal cancer, and if a polyp is found during your screening, it can be removed immediately and tested for any abnormalities. When it comes to any type of cancer, including colorectal cancer, we know that earlier detection translates to better outcomes.

Clint Kendall, FACHE, MBA, MSN, BSN, RN, is Chief Executive Officer/Chief Nursing Officer of Angel Medical Center. He started his career as a nurse, and that perspective still informs his work and passion for the patient experience. Clint holds a Master’s Degree in Business Administration, Nursing, and Health Care Management from the University of Phoenix, and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Western Carolina University. Clint has also earned the Certified Professional in Patient Safety (CPPS) certification, and is a member of the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE), the American Organization of Nurse Executives (AONE), and the American Nurses Association (ANA).