November/December 2019

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.

Many of us have great intentions for

the new year. Resolutions with lofty

goals around weight loss, smoking

cessation, and increased exercise are

common this time of year.

Unfortunately, after just 30 days, less

than 25% of people actually stay

committed to their New Year’s

resolutions, and only 8% accomplish

them, according to Forbes magazine.

Not very inspiring.

What if instead we made a “New

Day’s” resolution, something that was

simple and easy to accomplish? We

don’t have to wait for 2020; we can

start tomorrow with a commitment to

increase our daily water intake by 8

ounces. Once that becomes a habit,

we can make another New Day’s

resolution to increase intake by 8 more

ounces.

“Setting unrealistic goals is often met

with failure,” notes Christina Bowen,

MD, of The Outer Banks Hospital’s

Center for Healthy Living (TCFHL).

“Setting simple, attainable goals

enables individuals to succeed, and

it’s those little successes that help us

make better lifestyle choices.”

While genetics plays a role in our

predisposition to various health

challenges, it doesn’t mean that they

must be our destiny. Our future is in

What’s Your “New Day’s” Resolution?our hands when we make lifestyle

choices.

"Living your best life comes down

to behavior and choices made on a

daily basis," says Denise de Pedro,

a certifi ed health coach at TCFHL.

"We have the potential to change

our health by adjusting our approach

to food, smoking, alcohol use, and

managing stress."

Making a shift in lifestyle, whether large

or small, is never as easy as it sounds.

“It’s important to focus daily on efforts

and success,” notes Marielle Silk, FNP,

of TCFHL. “Making something routine

requires consistency, so it should be

performed every day. Doing something

just a few times a week makes it tougher

to establish as a habit.”

Silk also noted that the fi rst resolution

may be the toughest, “Success builds on

success, and once we experience it, the

next shift comes a little easier. Before

we know it, the small shifts have a

noticeable impact on our quality of life.”

“Setting simple, attainable goals enables individuals to succeed, and it’s those little successes that help us make better lifestyle choices.”

– Christina Bowen, MD

Improving Health with a Focus on 10 Lifestyle Choices

More Health Tips

There’s Good News About Smoking! Once you quit:1. You’ll have more money.2. You’ll smell better.3. You’ll have more energy.

Need more reasons? Call The Center for Healthy Living and discover how we can help you with a tobacco cessation plan.

252-449-5978

1. Choose not to smoke.One of the most important lifestyledecisions is to quit smoking orchoose not to start. Smokingcauses cancer, emphysema, andheart disease.

2. Get an annual wellnesscheckup.Routine blood pressure checks,cancer screenings, andimmunizations are all ways thathelp you stay on the wellness road.

3. Watch your weight.Carrying too much weight increasescommon disease risks as well asputting stress on your weight-bear-ing joints, which can contribute toarthritis.

4. Take care of your teeth.Brush your teeth twice a day, fl oss,and adhere to regular checkups.Poor dental health can affectoverall wellness.

5. Pay attention to youremotional well-being.Take time for yourself. The mindand body are naturally linked, anda healthy mental state affects howwe handle stress and make choices.

The graphic above offers 10 positive

lifestyle choices. Pick one. Start small,

form the habit, and then make your

next resolution. “It’s one thing to know

what to do to stay healthy,” says Silk.

“It’s another to actually make the

choice. This is a great way to start.”

November/December 2019

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

Calendar of EventsHealth Education

Interested in Changing Your Habits to Live Your Best Life? A panel discussion featuring Christina Bowen, MD, Marielle Silk, FNP, and members of The Center for Healthy Living teamWednesday, December 4 | 6:00pm-7:30pm All Saints’ Episcopal Church | 40 Pintail Trail, Southern ShoresThe lifestyle choices you make can help prevent cancer and/or chronic disease. Join our

panel of experts from The Outer Banks Hospital’s Center for Healthy Living for strategic

insights to help you make daily decisions about your nutrition, exercise, sleep, and

alcohol intake. Space is limited. A healthy meal will be provided. To register, call 449-7300.

Cancer Conversations: Lung Cancer Screening Friday, November 22 | 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.

Lunch & Learn: Importance of Self-Care for Caregivers featuring Dr. Cara SumnersTuesday, December 10 | Noon-1:00pm Roanoke Island Presbyterian Church | 855 US Hwy 64, ManteoCaring for our loved ones can often lead to stress and other issues for caregivers. At this

group discussion led by Dr. Cara Sumners, participants will receive insights on how to care

for the caregiver and why self-care for caregivers is so important. Space is limited, and a

healthy meal will be provided. 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 Saturday, November 16 | 8:30am-11:30pmPiggly Wiggly | 118 S. Hwy. 64, Manteo

Tuesday, December 10 | 9:00am-NoonMax’s Italian Restaurant | 1712 N. Croatan Hwy., Kill Devil HillsThe Health Coach will be on-site offering free wellness screens and flu vaccines. For more

information, call 449-4529.

Free Flu Vaccinations for Adults 18+ Tuesday, November 5 | 7:30am-11:00am | TOBH Main Entrance Friday, November 22 | 2:00pm-4:30pmSanderling Resort | 1461 Duck Rd., DuckFriday, December 6 | 8:00am-11:30am | TOBH Main Lobby

Stroke Risk AssessmentMonday, November 4 | 8:30am-11:00amBaum Senior Center | 300 Mustian Street, Kill Devil Hills

Thursday, November 14 | 8:30am-11:00am Dare County Center | 950 Marshall C. Collins Drive, ManteoDo you know if you are at risk for a stroke? The Health Coach will be offering free

stroke risk assessments to the community. This assessment will include blood pressure,

heart rate, cholesterol, blood sugar, body mass index, and health coaching. All ages are

encouraged to participate; stroke can impact anyone. For more information, call 449-5683.

Skin Checks Wednesday, November 20 | 10:00am-2:00pmWalgreens | 1200 S. Croatan Hwy., Kill Devil Hills   The Health Coach and Walgreens are partnering to provide two types of skin checks to

the community. The Health Coach will be offering skin spot checks on the body, while

Walgreens will be providing the Woods Light Exam which highlights facial sun damage. To

schedule your appointment for a skin spot check, call 449-7300.

Community Events Gentle Chair Yoga

Fridays in November and December | Noon-1:00pm November 1, 8, 15, 22 | December 13, 20, 27Baum 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.

Prepared Childbirth and Breast-feeding Support Mondays in November | 7:00pm-9:00pm November 4, 11, 18, 25 | TOBH Port Room Classes are offered each month, with the first three classes about childbirth education.

The last class is about breast-feeding support. Classes are free of charge for any patient.

To register, call 449-5690.

Blood Connections Blood DriveWednesday, November 20 | 8:00am-1:00pmTOBH Main Entrance The Blood Connection will host a blood drive at The Outer Banks Hospital. All donors

will receive a $10 Food Lion gift card. Walk-ins are welcome. For more information,

call 449-4529.

American Lung Association Better Breathers Club Third Monday of Each Month November 18 and December 16 | Noon-1:00pm TOBH Anchor Room Taking care of your emotional health is a key part of managing your COPD or other lung

disease. The Better Breathers Club offered through The Outer Banks Hospital provides

a place to share thoughts with others who know what you are going through. Family

members and caregivers are welcome. Call 449-7300 to let us know you are coming!

Dare CASA’s Breakfast with SantaSaturday, December 14 | 8:30am-11:00amSugar Creek Restaurant | 7340 S. Virginia Dare Trail, Nags HeadJoin Dare CASA for a magical morning of family fun, cherished photos, and delicious

morsels for local children and families! For more information, email amber@darecasa.org.

Cheers to 15 Years: A Black and White AffairSaturday, February 8 | 6:30pm-Midnight

Duck Woods Country Club | 50 S. Dogwood Trail, Southern ShoresJoin us for the annual Outer Banks Hospital Gala. Proceeds from this event help the

Development Council fund leading-edge programs and equipment that allow residents to

receive the care they need close to home on the Outer Banks. To learn more about the

Gala, call 449-5933.