A Pima County Collaboration
December 2020 | Issue 2
Happy Holidays!

Our celebrations will look different this year. For tips on staying healthy and safe while still celebrating your holidays, visit www.pima.gov/healthyholidays.
National Flu and Influenza Week December 6-12

In light of the on-going COVID-19 pandemic, flu vaccine uptake is very important among all populations for the 2020-2021 flu season. Flu vaccines are safe, effective, and if you do get the flu, you’ll be less sick. Protect yourself and others and get your flu shot! Click here to learn about FREE flu shot resources across Pima County.
New Year’s Resolutions: What Less Than Healthy Coping Skills Could You Leave Behind in 2021?

2020 has required a lot of energy and coping skills to navigate stress and uncertainty. There are good forms of coping and not so good ways to cope. Having positive ways to cope are key to supporting your mental health and well-being. 

How might you incorporate some positive forms of coping and leave some behind in 2021?
Looking for Some Healthy Holiday Recipes?

It is so easy to have “just one little nibble” or “one more special treat”, especially during the holidays. There are small changes you can make to help you and your family eat healthy for the holidays and the new year! 

Consider these small and easy substitution ideas from the American Heart Association. Learn more and download a guide of delicious (and healthy!) recipes at www.heart.org/EatSmart.

  • Instead of butter, use a healthier nontropical oil, light tub margarine or substitute equal parts unsweetened applesauce when baking.
  • Use fat-free or low-fat milk instead of whole milk or heavy cream.
  • Instead of only white flour, use half white and half whole-wheat flour.
  • Instead of adding chocolate chips or candies, use dried fruit, like cranberries or cherries.
  • Use extracts like vanilla, almond and peppermint to add flavor, instead of sugar or butter.
  • Use whole-grain breads, rice and pasta instead of white.
  • Bake, grill, roast, steam or air-fry vegetables instead of deep-frying.
  • Compare labels of your holiday ingredients when possible and choose options with lower amounts of added sugars, sodium, saturated fat and no trans fat.
  • Use spices, fresh herbs and citrus juices to flavor foods instead of too much salt, saturated fats and added sugars.
Four Ways to Start a Gratitude Practice in 2021

Thinking intentionally about what you are thankful for has instant effects like supporting your mental health, strengthening your immune system, improving your sleep, deepening your relationships, and helping you notice the little things (think waking up to a gorgeous desert winter morning). 

It is a practice that is easy to begin and with a little practice, you can integrate it into your daily routine!

Begin by Observing
  • Activate all of your senses (what do you hear, taste, smell, see, touch?)
  • Notice the good around you
  • Notice the thank yous that you offer and that are offered to you
  • Notice the people in your life that make it better

Have a Visual Reminder of Gratitude
  • What could you put in your living or work space (or now both combined!) that reminds you aboabout feeling thankful? 

Keep a Gratitude Journal
  • Each day write down the gifts, grace, and goodness that you enjoy. Could it be a snuggle with a pet? A call from a friend? A kind grocery store employee? Be specific as you can and start with “I am grateful for…” 

Share Your Gratitude with Others
  • Sharing your gratitude for the people around you is a fantastic way to improve your relationships. The next time your partner, friend, or family member does something you appreciate, be sure to let them know!
Stay Active During the Holidays

Physical movement is important to our physical and mental health. Thanks to our friends at Playformance for offering some virtual PE classes for kids to do at home! Click here to see fun and active videos!
This is Your Opportunity to Protect the Life of a Child!

Join us for this virtual jam-packed event with exciting speakers and true student stories!

Line-up of speakers include:
  • Bill Woolf, Director of Human Trafficking Programs, U.S. Department of Justice
  • Laura Lederer, President, Global Centurion
  • Dustin Williams, Pima County Superintendent of Schools
  • Sgt. David Allen, TPD Operations Division West Community Response Team
  • Dr. Amy Cislak,Principal, Tanque Verde High School

The Power to Prevent event is a community effort to safeguard our kids. Make your move to empower kids to overcome the threats of bullying, sexual exploitation, and suicide.

It’s a brutal time to be a kid, especially in an online world. Online child exploitation activity has increased by 98.66% from January through September 2020.

Our national, educational, and community leaders are in, how about you?
Upcoming PD: Save The Date

  • January 21, 12 PM | Navigating the Impacts of COVID-19
  • February 11, 3:30 PM | Question. Persuade. Refer. Gatekeeper Training

Registration coming soon. Both sessions presented by Mayra Jeffrey, Program Coordinator, Community Mental Health & Addiction, Pima County Health Department.

CLICK HERE to see more upcoming professional development offered by the Pima County School Superintendent's Office.
Do You Know Someone at Risk for Not Having a Home for the Holidays? 
STAY CONNECTED
FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA
Pima County School Superintendent's Office
Pima County Health Department
A Pima County Collaboration