The Science Behind Feeling Thankful This Thanksgiving

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Thanksgiving is the season of gratitude—a time to reflect on what we’re thankful for. But did you know that practicing gratitude is more than a feel-good tradition? Scientific research shows that being thankful can have profound effects on your mental and physical health.

How Gratitude Impacts Your Health

Gratitude isn’t just an emotion; it’s a practice that can significantly benefit your overall well-being. According to UCLA Health, regularly practicing gratitude has several health benefits including:

  • Mental Health Boost: Reduced symptoms of depression and anxiety. Gratitude activates the brain’s reward system, releasing dopamine and serotonin—two chemicals associated with happiness.
  • Improved Sleep: Studies show that gratitude can improve sleep quality, as reflecting on positive aspects of life reduces stress and promotes relaxation.
  • Heart Health: Gratitude has been associated with lower blood pressure and improved heart rate levels, both key indicators of cardiovascular health.
  • Stronger Immune System: Positive emotions like gratitude have been shown to boost the immune system, making you less prone to becoming sick.

Tips for a Grateful Thanksgiving

Here are simple ways to incorporate gratitude into your Thanksgiving celebrations and beyond:

  1. Gratitude Journaling: Encourage your family to write down three things they’re thankful for before dinner.
  2. Mindful Eating: Focus on the flavors, textures, and smells of your Thanksgiving meal.
  3. Thankful Walks: Take a family stroll after your meal and share what you’re grateful for—this is also a great way to aid digestion and get some light exercise.
  4. Volunteer Together: Helping others can promote feelings of gratitude and strengthen family bonds. Consider volunteering at a food bank or donating to a local charity this holiday season.

A Grateful Mindset for a Healthier You

This Thanksgiving, take a moment to pause and practice gratitude—not just for your loved ones but for your own health. A grateful mindset can lead to a healthier, happier life.

For more tips on staying healthy during the holiday season, schedule an appointment with your NOAH provider today.

Join the NOAH Patient Advisory Council – Your Voice Matters

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At NOAH, we’re always looking for ways to make your experience better. From how comfy the chairs are in the lobby to making sure everyone feels heard, we want your input! That’s why we’re launching our new Patient Advisory Council, and we’d love for you to be part of it.

Here’s what you’ll do as a council member:

  • Share your thoughts and recommendations through quick online surveys about what’s working and what could be better.
  • Chat with NOAH leaders in small focus groups to help shape changes that really matter.
  • Make an impact in your community through fun volunteer opportunities.

We’re looking for patients or their guardians who are 18 or older and want to help make a difference. Active participation is a requirement of membership and is defined by participation in at least one council activity within a rolling twelve month period. 

Help be a voice for your community! To apply, click the link below:

Patient Advisory Council Member Application

Welcome New Board Member Mary Jung

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Get to know Mary Jung, what she brings to the NOAH board of directors, and all she hopes to accomplish while serving in this capacity!

Q: Can you tell us about your professional background and current role(s)?

A: I am a business and finance executive with over 30 years of experience in public, private, and non-profit sectors, specializing in community well-being and economic empowerment through higher education, economic development, and entrepreneurship. Currently, I serve as the Community Impact Director at HonorHealth, where I align community health strategies with health system initiatives to improve patient outcomes.

Q: What inspired you to join NOAH’s Board of Directors? 

A; I’m passionate about community health and supporting opportunities for individuals and families to thrive. NOAH’s commitment to providing comprehensive, accessible, and affordable healthcare inspires me, and it’s an honor to help transform the health of our community.

Q: What are you most looking forward to as a board member? 

A: I’m excited to serve the community and work with my fellow board members to help NOAH achieve its goals.

Q: What’s one fun or interesting fact about yourself that you’d like the NOAH community to know? 

A: I’ve lived in several places across the U.S., including New York and Hawaii. I’m excited to learn more about my new home, Arizona.

Q: Is there anything specific you would like to achieve or focus on during your tenure with NOAH? 

A: I hope to focus on addressing food insecurity in our community, as it is closely tied to negative health outcomes.

The NOAH Board of Directors is a diverse group of volunteers who contribute to the mission of transforming the health of our community. Patients from the communities we serve make up 51% of our board. Learn more about NOAH’s board of directors and how they drive the organization.

Managing Your Child’s Diabetes During the Holidays

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The holiday season is a time for celebration with family and loved ones, but it can be challenging for children with type 1 or type 2 diabetes to manage their blood sugar levels. Changes in daily routines, special meals, and an abundance of new foods can lead to fluctuations in blood sugar. However, with a few mindful strategies, children can enjoy the holidays while staying healthy.

Here are some tips to help keep holiday eating fun and balanced:

  1. Follow the “MyPlate” Method: Encourage your child to fill half their plate with non-starchy vegetables, a quarter with lean protein, and a quarter with carbohydrates.
  2. Choose Non-Starchy Vegetables: During holiday meals, load up on options like broccoli, cauliflower, peppers, zucchini, Brussels sprouts, and asparagus.
  3. Carb Counting: Help your child keep track of carbohydrates to manage blood sugar levels and medications effectively. Work together as a team to monitor intake throughout the day.
  4. Don’t Force Finishing Meals: If your child takes more food than they can eat, don’t pressure them to finish everything.
  5. Sweets in Moderation: It’s okay for your child to have sweets, just aim for small portions and keep an eye on their overall intake.
  6. Monitor Blood Sugar Frequently: With holiday treats and activities, be sure to check your child’s blood sugar levels more often to stay on top of any changes.
  7. Stay Active: Incorporate physical activity, like a family walk or fun games, to help regulate blood sugar and keep everyone moving.

Most importantly, enjoy the holiday festivities together and don’t stress too much over perfect routines. The key is balance and enjoying the moment!

If you have questions about managing diabetes during the holidays, schedule an appointment with your NOAH provider today. Our team can connect you with one of NOAH’s in-house dietitians to create a personalized plan for navigating the holiday season with ease.

Caring for the Caregivers: Essential Tips for National Family Caregivers Month

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November is National Family Caregivers Month, a time to honor and support the millions of people who dedicate their time, energy, and compassion to caring for loved ones. Caregiving can be a rewarding but challenging responsibility, often leading to emotional and physical stress. Here are essential tips for caregivers to help balance their well-being with the demands of caregiving.

1. Prioritize Self-Care
Taking time for yourself each day is crucial. Simple activities like walking, reading, or meditating can recharge your energy and relieve stress, making you a stronger caregiver.

2. Seek Support Networks
Connecting with other caregivers can provide comfort and insights. Support groups, whether in person or online, offer a space to share experiences and gain encouragement from those who understand.

3. Set Boundaries and Delegate
Asking for help is not only okay—it’s essential. Family members, friends, or even hired aides can assist with caregiving tasks to prevent burnout and allow you to focus on your health.

4. Stay Organized
Tracking appointments, medications, and important information can relieve stress and ensure your loved one’s care is well-managed. Use a calendar, planner, or mobile app to stay organized.

5. Learn Stress-Relief Techniques
Practices like deep breathing, mindfulness, or gentle stretching exercises can help caregivers cope with daily challenges and support their emotional well-being.

6. Educate Yourself
Understanding your loved one’s condition empowers you to provide better care and reduces anxiety. Many health organizations offer educational resources tailored for caregivers.

7. Take Advantage of Respite Care
Respite care services provide temporary relief, allowing caregivers to take a much-needed break. Caring for yourself is essential to maintaining your ability to care for others.

8. Celebrate Small Wins
Caregiving is full of little victories, like a good day or a small improvement. Celebrating these moments adds positivity and keeps you motivated.

9. Focus on Nutrition and Rest
A nutritious diet and adequate sleep are crucial to maintaining your strength and resilience. By caring for your health, you’ll be better equipped to care for your loved one.

10. Consider Professional Guidance
If caregiving becomes overwhelming, speaking with a counselor or therapist can provide tools and support to manage the emotional demands.

These tips aim to support caregivers in finding balance, managing stress, and recognizing that taking care of themselves is as important as taking care of their loved ones. This November, let’s celebrate caregivers and offer them the resources and support they deserve.

Get Cooking with NOAH’s Must-Have Fall Cookbook!

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Fall is here, and what better way to embrace the season than with the irresistible flavors of NOAH’s Fall Cookbook? 🍂 Compiled by NOAH’s expert team of nutritionists, this cookbook is your go-to guide for cozy, healthful, and delicious meals that will warm your heart and satisfy your taste buds all year long.

From simple, tasty snacks to impressive sides, drinks, and desserts, the Fall Cookbook has it all! Whether you’re looking for quick and easy dishes or recipes that will take your culinary skills to the next level, this collection has something for everyone. Each recipe has been thoughtfully designed and adapted by our Registered Dietitian Nutritionists to be nutritious and bursting with flavor.

These recipes are perfect for everyone—from heart-health-conscious foodies and those managing diabetes to anyone who loves food that tastes amazing and nourishes the body. With NOAH’s Fall Cookbook, you’ll discover new favorites to make again and again.

Registered Dietitian Nutritionists at NOAH care about the food you eat, and how it tastes. That’s why each recipe has been thoughtfully created and adapted to be healthy, nutritious, and something you will enjoy eating. So whether you or a loved one are looking for fall flavors that support heart health or a diabetic-friendly diet, or you just love food and want it to taste good and be good for you, these recipes have you covered.

Get the NOAH Fall Cookbook

Get Your NOAH Fall Cookbook Today!
Cozy up with a homemade pumpkin spice latte, whip up a batch of pumpkin gnocchi, or enjoy the crunch of spiced pumpkin seeds. Whatever you’re craving, NOAH’s Fall Cookbook has it covered.

For personalized guidance or to make healthy eating even easier, reach out to NOAH’s nutrition services. Your health journey starts with delicious, healthy choices—download your copy of NOAH’s Fall Cookbook now! 🌟

If you have any questions about your healthy diet or ways to make changes, contact NOAH about our nutrition services.