March/April 2020

The content in Health Coach is not intended for diagnosing or prescribing. Consult your physician before undertaking any form of medical treatment or adopting any exercise program or dietary guidelines.

Health Coach is published bimonthly by The Outer Banks Hospital. The Outer Banks Hospital, Inc., is a part of Vidant Health and Chesapeake Regional Healthcare.

We all have those moments when

our life seems out of control and

someone or something sends us over

the edge. Our reactions in those times

have a lot to do with the way we’re

wired. Infact, it most likely links back

to our developmental years. Research

has proven that Adverse Childhood

Experiences, known as ACEs, have

long-term impacts on our health, not

only during childhood but throughout

our lives. There is a direct connection

between traumatic experiences and

chronic disease such as diabetes, heart

failure, and cancer.

“Coming to terms with things that

happened to you in childhood can

be tough,” said Rebecca Woods,

supervisor of health education and

outreach for Dare County, “but ignoring

it is even tougher because it can

come out in chronic disease and/or

Resiliency and the Link to Health and Wellness

mental health challenges like substance

abuse. It’s a matter of perspective and

connection with community resources,”

said Woods. “Sometimes just giving a

name to what a person is experiencing

is enough to start the healing process.”

Understanding why we react in a

specific way is an important first step,

but developing the skills to remodel our

reaction is really the key to improved

health and wellness. “We first want to

shift the question of, ‘What’s wrong with

me?’ to ‘What happened to me?’” said

Nancy Griffin, executive director of

the Children and Youth Partnership for

Dare County (CYP). “Adversity is a fact

of life, and once we understand that,

the real work is in building resiliency

so that we’re able to bounce back

from difficult times,” added Griffin.

“We call that stepping back into the

resiliency zone.”

Resilience is that quality which allows

someone to deal with life’s challenges

and not become drained of energy

and resolve. Dare County has worked

with community and regional partners

to provide educational events on the

topic for teachers, counselors, and

medical professionals. Their community

partners such as CYP and Dare County

Schools have developed pilot programs

focused on mindfulness in the

elementary and middle schools.

”The earlier we intervene in a person’s

life, the better,” noted Griffin. “But it’s

never too late. And it isn’t about a one-

size-fits-all solution. For some it may be

meditation, but for others it may not.

There are many ways to build resiliency,

so it’s important to determine what

works best for each person.”

Griffin’s vision is to continue to build

awareness about the resiliency zone.

“The next step in our community

is to cultivate trauma-informed

organizations in places like schools,

businesses, healthcare facilities,

churches, and government. It isn’t

complicated; it’s about practicing

compassion and understanding to

greet and engage those we come in

contact with on a daily basis.Then,

if necessary, to connect people with

resources that can help them build

their resiliency.”

The Outer Banks Hospital and Medical

Group understands the importance

Building Resiliency

While there are different ways to develop resilience, the key is to find what works for your

personal journey. Here are some basic ways to begin.

1. Make connections andbuild relationships with family,friends, coworkers, and communityorganizations. Relationships createa support system, which helps toinstill a sense of hope.

2. Reframe your perspectiveon problems. We often cannotcontrol stress, but we can controlhow we respond to it. Acknowledgeand accept your emotions, letgo of some control & practicepositive coping skills such as deepbreathing.

3. Take action. Make a decisionto address a problem. Start with asmall positive step and build on it.

4. Take care of yourself. Beingresilient starts with a healthyfoundation. Nourish your body withhealthy food, exercise, hydrationand sleep.

Marielle Silk, FNP The Outer Banks Hospital Center for Healthy Living

of the resiliency zone. That’s why

we’re offering resiliency training this

spring to team members. “Because

unresolved ACEs can affect work life,

as can the daily experience of caring

for others, we are always looking

for ways to give our team members

the perspective and tools necessary

to care for themselves,” noted Lisa

McGaha, MHA, BSN, RN, director

of inpatient services. “Empowering

others with resiliency skills is a

special gift that can improve health

and change lives.”

We’re the team behind your team. The Center for Healthy Living specializes in helping you and your family achieve personal goals as they relate to health and well-being. Ask your primary care physician for a referral or call us directly.

TheOBH.com/Services/The-Center-for-Healthy-Living

“Adversity is a fact of life, and once we understand that, the real work is in building resiliency so that we’re able to bounce back from difficult times.”

– Nancy GriffinChildren & Youth Partnership

for Dare County

Community Events Prepared Childbirth and Breastfeeding Support

Mondays in March & April | 7:00pm-9:00pm March 2, 9, 16, 30 | April 6, 13, 20, 27TOBH Port Room Classes are offered each month, with the first three classes about childbirth education.

The last class is about breastfeeding support. Classes are free of charge for any patient.

To register, call 449-5690.

Gentle Chair Yoga Fridays in March & April | Noon-1:00pm March 6, 13, 20, 27 | April 3, 10, 17, 24Baum Senior Center | 300 Mustian Street, Kill Devil Hills Community members, as well as chronic illness and cancer survivors, are invited to

participate in our gentle chair yoga program. For more information, call 449-4529.

Blood Connections Blood DriveWednesday, March 11 | 8:00am-1:00pmTOBH Main Entrance The Blood Connection will host a blood

drive at The Outer Banks Hospital.

All donors will receive a $20 Visa gift

card. Walk-ins are welcome. For more

information, call 449-4529.

Namaste with the SharksWednesday, March 11 & 25 | 5:30pm-6:30pmNorth Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island |374 Airport Road, ManteoJoin us for FREE yoga classes in the Graveyard of the Atlantic Gallery exhibit at the NC

Aquarium on Roanoke Island. This offering is designed for both men and women of

all skill levels. Gate opens at 5:00pm. Please bring your own yoga mat. Registration is

recommended; call 449-4529.

Cancer Transitions Wellness ProgramTuesday, March 24 & 31 | 5:00pm-7:30pmThursday, March 26 & April 2 | 5:00pm-7:30pmTOBH Cancer Resource CenterCancer Transitions is a free 2.5-hour, four-session program designed to help cancer

survivors make the transition from active treatment to post-treatment care. Expert

panelists including physicians, fitness specialists, and nutritionists will discuss training in

relaxation and stress management, exercises tailored to each participant’s ability, and tips

for nutritious eating. Reserve your opportunity today by calling 449-5935.

Medication Drop Drive-ThruWednesday, April 8 | 9:00am-NoonBaum Senior Center | 300 Mustian Street, Kill Devil Hills

Wednesday, April 29 | 9:00am-NoonBro’s Sandwich Shack | 41934 NC-12, Avon Unused/unwanted prescriptions or over-the-counter medications will be collected by the

Dare County Sheriff’s Office for proper disposal. Animal medications are also accepted.

Hello GameTuesday, April 21 | 6:00pm-7:30pm Mako’s |1630 N. Croatan Hwy., Kill Devil HillsThe Hello Game is an experiential learning tool that helps people break down barriers and

talk openly about personal values, what matters most to them, and may in turn encourage

participation in advance care planning. Personalized booklets and game chips will be

provided to each attendee. Heavy appetizers will be served and seating is limited. To

register, call 449-7300.

Look Good, Feel Better Monday, April 27 | 2:00pm-4:00pm TOBH Cancer Resource Center Does cancer treatment have you feeling sluggish and looking a little bit less like yourself?

Local licensed beauty professionals have volunteered to show you how to use make-up

and skincare products to bring back your natural beauty and lift your spirits. All instruction

and beauty products are provided free of charge to women in active cancer treatment.

Reserve your opportunity to Look Good and Feel Better today by calling 449-5935.

March/April 2020

TheOBH.com | 252.449.4500 | Milepost 14 | 4800 S. Croatan Hwy. | Nags Head

Calendar of EventsHealth Education

Road to a Healthier YouWednesday, March 4 | 1:30pm-2:30pm Hatteras Library | 57709 NC-12, HatterasThe new year is here. Are you ready to move toward a healthier lifestyle? Please join

experts from the Center for Healthy Living who will discuss topics surrounding plant-

based nutrition, weight management, and health coaching. Seating is limited. To

register, call 449-7300.

Cancer Conversations: Caregiver BurnoutFriday, March 27 | Noon-1:00pm TOBH Cancer Resource Center Cancer Conversations are geared toward cancer patients, survivors, family, friends, and

caregivers/supports, but anyone interested in learning more about cancer is welcome to

join us. Lunch will be served. Seating is limited. To register, call 449-7300.

Cancer Conversations: Understanding Head and Neck CancerFriday, April 24 | Noon-1:00pm TOBH Cancer Resource Center Cancer Conversations are geared toward cancer patients, survivors, family, friends, and

caregivers/supports, but anyone interested in learning more about cancer is welcome to

join us. Lunch will be served. Seating is limited. To register, call 449-7300.

Health Screenings and Services All Aboard The Health Coach!

The events listed below are open to the public.

The Health Coach also visits local businesses and

organizations to serve their employees and patrons

directly. These events are not listed and are not

open to the public. If you would like The Health

Coach to visit your business or organization, call

449-4529.

Free Wellness Screenings Monday, March 30 | 8:30am-NoonBaum Senior Center | 300 Mustian Street, Kill Devil HillsThe Health Coach will be on-site offering free wellness screens as a follow up to the New

Year’s Wellness Challenge with the Baum Center. Walks-ins are welcome. To reserve an

appointment time, call 449-7300.

Colon Cancer Screening EventFIT Pickup: Friday, March 6 | 9:00am-NoonFIT Drop-off: Monday, March 9 | 2:30pm-4:30pmTOBH Main LobbyMarch is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness month. Should you be screened?

Individuals ages 50-75 will be offered a Fecal Immunochemical Test (FIT) kit, a tool used

to screen for colon cancer that can be completed in the comfort of one’s home. If you

have questions about FIT test criteria, call 449-4529.

Stroke Risk AssessmentTuesday, March 31 | 8:30am-11:30amWestside Athletic Club | 101 Wimbledon Court, Powells Point

Thursday, April 9 | 8:30am-11:30am Fessenden Center | 46830 NC-12, Buxton Do you know if you are at risk for a stroke? The Health Coach will be offering free stroke

risk assessments to the Outer Banks community. This assessment will include blood

pressure, heart rate, cholesterol, blood sugar, body mass index, and health coaching.

All ages are encouraged to participate, as a stroke can impact anyone. For more

information, call 449-5683.

Senior Games Revitalize Your Senses Health FairFriday, April 24 | 9:00am-11:00amBaum Senior Center | 300 Mustian Street, Kill Devil HillsCome and get acquainted with staff from The Outer Banks Hospital and Medical Group!

This fun and free event will feature information and screenings that relate to all of the

primary senses: smell, hearing, taste, sight, and touch. No appointments required.