December 22, 2021 Issue, Page 6 of 30

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6 Lifestyle December 22, 2021 Merritt Senior parents threw a Christmas Formal for they seniors and their guests at the Urban House in Sayre. Pictured are seniors who were present for the event. Staff photo by Sheryl Ponce. Maranda Schones, Elk City, is the first 2021-22 Cosmetology graduate from WTC- Sayre campus. Pictured above, WTC Cosmetology Instructor, Bill Helton, Maranda Schones, and WTC- Sayre Campus Director, Dee Wilhelm. Feeling low? Overcome the Mary Barnett of Elk City sent in a photo of her decorations. Don’t worry if you look closer at the window, she even put a note to let concerned passerby’s that “it’s a joke”. winter blues with self-care Photo by Mary Barnett. By Gail Ellis impacts of the holidays, we have to double down on ways Morse said it’s time to investi- Providing Comfort and Support for End of Life Choices gate. STILLWATER, Okla. – When to combat it. These feelings “If a person has been diagnosed daylight saving time ends in are part of the seasonal transi- with depression or another Hospice care provides medical services, emotional support, and spiritual re- November and end-of-year tion, and it’s a good reminder sources for people who are in the last stages of a serious illness, such as cancer psychological condition, they holidays approach, it’s com- to develop self-care habits we mon to experience symptoms should practice year-round.” need to be more aware of how or heart failure. Hospice care also helps family members manage the practical of seasonal affective disorder. Basic self-care involves getting seasonal affective disorder can details and emotional challenges of caring for a dying loved one. Less vitamin D, cold tempera- an adequate amount of sleep, affect other issues such as high tures and the stress of a busy eating vegetables and other blood pressure,” she said. For questions regarding hospice service or eligibility, contact: season can take its toll on the healthy foods and fitting in Studies have shown those who human body, physically and mentally. daily movement or exercise. Morse said she combats the live farther from the equa- Carrie Perry, RN/ Adminsistrator Also known as the winter winter blues by sticking to her tor are more impacted by sea- blues or seasonal depres- routine of weekly work and sonal depression. Oklahoma Pat Welsh, RN/ Coordinator of Patient Care sion, the temporary condition volunteer events while mak- is known for its mild weather, causes people to feel tired and ing an effort to socialize with but in the winter, that can Some of the most common conditions are: sluggish, lonely or sad. They friends and family. The key help those feeling low. Most may sleep poorly, have mood is to not attempt any drastic • Cancer • Failure to Thrive • End Stage Cardiac Disease (CHF) winter storms are short-lived, swings, overeat or avoid social changes during a volatile time • End Stage Cerebrovascular Disease (CVA) • End Stage Amyotrophic and 70-degree-days in January activities. Rachel Morse, Okla- of the year. can be an uplifting preview of Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) • End Stage Pulmonary Disease (COPD) homa State University Exten- “December is not the best time spring. • End Stage Liver Disease • End Stage Renal Disease • AIDS/HIV sion mental health specialist, to try a new way of eating or said she tries to avoid using a major diet,” she said. “That “We all cope with it in different • End Stage Neurological Disease such as Parkinson’s or Alzheimer’s the condition’s SAD acronym takes time to adjust, and your ways, but it’s not a lifelong con- because of the negative conno- body is already trying to adapt dition,” Morse said. “Talking Carrie Professional, Passionate tations it suggests. to the changing seasons.” Fresh air, light, exercise and about seasonal affective dis- Perry, RN Professional, Passionate “It’s OK to experience seasonal order is a good way to discuss affective disorder,” she said. “In the winter when our bio- socialization will help ease the heaviness of a cold, dark win- how we’re all doing this time of Advance, Attentive... Advanced, Attentive logical clock is adjusting to less ter, but when sleep is disrupt- year and normalize conversa- ..Our differenceIsisOur Our Difference our Care care daylight and the emotional ed and the symptoms linger, tions about mental health.” Have you ever considered becoming Have a photo to share? a hospice volunteer? A fulfilling experience in the spirit of giving and receiving. Email it to: C omforting [email protected] with a description! H ands Hospice LLC