BLOG OF FIRST LADY OF LOUISIANA DONNA EDWARDS
LOUISIANA FIRST FOUNDATION
Power of Community
Louisiana Elite Advocacy Force (LEAF)
Hurricane Preparedness and Human Trafficking Prevention
GOVERNOR’S MANSION
The Governor’s Mansion Preservation Foundation is proud to present its newest publication, A Place Worth Preserving, Vol. 2, which features updates to the historic mansion during the John Bel Edwards administration. To learn more about the mansion’s preservation efforts, grab a copy of this incredible book by clicking the link below.
Summer Check-In
by Kimiyo Harris Williams, MD, FAAP
Associate Professor of Clinical Pediatrics in the Division of Ambulatory Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine at LSU School of Medicine
As we enjoy the warm breezes and summertime fun, it’s a great time to ask yourself, “Girl, how are you doing?” Are you resting well, eating healthy, breathing normally, thinking clearly, having meaningful relationships, and experiencing physical wellness? If you haven’t posed these questions to yourself lately or at all, I encourage you to set aside some time to “check-in” with yourself this summer. Even though you may be juggling kids’ activities, business meetings and conventions, volunteering, and family obligations, the lovely ladies of Louisiana should add a self “check-in” to your agenda.
When you do your summer “check-in” on yourself, assess the amount and quality of sleep you get. One factor that impacts our health is sleep. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommends that teens ages 13-18 years should get 8-10 hours of sleep per 24 hours; adults ages 18-60 years should get 7 or more hours of sleep per night; ages 61-64 should get 7-9 hours of sleep per night; and ages 65 years and older need 7-8 hours per night. In addition to the amount of sleep, sleep quality is essential for well-being. Some signs of poor sleep quality include not feeling rested after sleeping the recommended number of hours based on age, repeated nighttime awakening, snoring, and gasping for air. The latter are symptoms of a possible sleep disorder.
If these symptoms are discovered during the self “check-in,” you should seek help from a physician for diagnosis and treatment.
Below are some tips from the CDC to help you develop good sleep habits or good “sleep hygiene.”
- Be consistent. Go to bed at the same time each night and get up at the same time each morning, including on the weekends
- Make sure your bedroom is quiet, dark, relaxing, and at a comfortable temperature
- Remove electronic devices, such as TVs, computers, and smartphones, from the bedroom
- Avoid large meals, caffeine, and alcohol before bedtime
- Get some exercise. Being physically active during the day can help you fall asleep more easily at night.
In addition to good sleep habits, “check-in” with yourself on what foods and drinks you consume regularly. Nutrition has a huge impact on our well-being. Increasing fruits and vegetables in your diet is very important for improved health and health outcomes. In addition, adequate water intake is important in living a healthy lifestyle.
Per the CDC and according to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2020–2025[PDF-30.6MB], a healthy eating plan:
- Emphasizes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and fat-free or low-fat milk and milk products
- Includes a variety of protein foods such as seafood, lean meats and poultry, eggs, legumes (beans and peas), soy products, nuts, and seeds.
- Is low in added sugars, sodium, saturated fats, trans fats, and cholesterol.
- Stays within your daily calorie needs.
Moreover, sufficient water intake is important in living a healthy lifestyle.
Water helps your body:
- Keep a normal temperature.
- Lubricate and cushion joints.
- Protect your spinal cord and other sensitive tissues.
- Get rid of waste through urination, perspiration, and bowel movements.
Your body needs more water when you are:
- In hot climates.
- More physically active.
- Running a fever.
- Having diarrhea or vomiting.
As you enjoy the sunny, hot summer days with family and friends, remember to take time for your summer “check-in.” Incorporate good sleep habits and a healthy diet with adequate water intake into your normal routine. In addition, make sure you are keeping your annual wellness checks and seeking mental health services if needed. The summer self-check-in practice will help you to move toward being more intentional about your wellness.
Self-care is healthy living.
Kimiyo Harris Williams, M.D., FAAP
Resources:
People of
Louisiana
LEMON BALM ICED TEA
from the Louisiana Governor’s Mansion
Celebrate National Iced Tea Month with a refreshing twist on a classic favorite.
Memorable Verse
June 2023
THE FIRST DOGS
June 2023
Dog Days of Summer Pool Pawty!
A native of New Orleans, Louisiana, Delery has lived there all of her life except during undergraduate school and a brief stint in Seattle, WA. She is a mother to four boys, ranging in ages from 21 to 16, and they are the heart and soul of her life.
Delery earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Southern Mississippi and Master’s Degree from Louisiana State University. She completed a fellowship at Loyola University, New Orleans Institute of Politics, and currently attends Harvard Kennedy School of Public Policy. Her volunteer work has mostly evolved from issues that have affected her personally. Actively engaged in disability rights advocacy, Delery has testified numerous times in the Louisiana Legislature regarding issues that affect persons with developmental disabilities. She served as the chair of the Louisiana Developmental Disabilities Council, worked for seven years directing regional advocacy efforts and is a graduate of Louisiana’s Partners In Policymaking.
