Plenty of healthy choices for everyone

Local writer has ‘lived long enough to try different techniques’

By Elisa Claassen For the Tribune

WHATCOM — After years of almost perfect immunity, other than a propensity for bronchitis, I developed autoimmune issues in my late 20s. It wasn’t a fun surprise. I also had served as initially a caregiver for my father with cancer in my 20s and later as a caregiver for my elderly mother who had developed dementia in her 80s. The results to me were fatigue, low thyroid, decreased immunity, depression and anxiety.

Since the things I had been doing weren’t working, I started to explore more options for my spiritual, physical and emotional health. I asked more questions, added to my personal library with e-books and print books, and tried to be open to new approaches.

Some of these techniques involved simply researching and doing things on my own while other used the help of a trained professional, at least initially.

For the record, I am not a doctor, just a writer who has lived long enough to try different techniques.

Walking/Hiking

Several of my friends started a walking/outing/hiking club with activities or hikes during the summer and fall on weekends.

I also used to walk at lunch with a coworker to have company and accountability. We visited and got fresh air.

For a comprehensive list of hikes within Washington state, visit wta.org. The database can be searched by name of hike, region, trail features and rating, mileage and elevation, also if a pass is required.

Several of the features include coast, rivers, lakes, waterfalls, old growth forest, fall foliage, wildflowers or meadows, mountain views, summits, wildlife, established campsites, and wheelchair accessibility.

Counseling/Therapy

Since I was dealing with depression starting when my father had cancer, I went to several counselors until I found a good fit for talk therapy.

You may also want to see if the counselor has a background working with your issue, takes insurance or operates on a sliding-scale payment plan, or utilizes any spiritual approaches if you are a person of faith.

Some therapists can also offer online appointments. During the Pandemic many people of all ages have sought practitioner availability on my Facebook group pages.

Light Therapy

Winter brings those with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) down. As the clock hits 5 p.m., it’s dark outside and

Humans need sunlight and sadly Northwest Washington State has more overcast skies especially in the winter. It’s good to get as much natural light as possible or to invest in SAD lights to use in the mornings. (Courtesy Elisa Claassen) some of us simply want to hibernate.

The Mayo Clinic indicates the use of a light box can offer relief. Harvard, through its health division, has its own take on light therapy by sitting close to a special light source every morning for at least 30 minutes improves symptoms in between 40 and 60 percent of people. Light also regulates our digestion, hormonal activity, and oth- er body functions – coming back to the receptors in the retina.

I have had a special light I ordered online. I also changed light bulbs at home in winter and that seemed to help as well.

Since the Pacific Northwest tends to have more overcast skies than other places, local physicians have en- couraged the use of more vitamin D3. It is worth checking with your doctor to see if you have a deficiency.

Diet/Nutrition

These days it is not uncommon to experience food allergies or struggle with weight gain. At one point I consulted with a dietician who ran tests to see what foods I was allergic to or had intolerances for.

One was dairy products and I lived between multiple dairy farms and loved drinking milk and eating ice cream. While I didn’t want to go without dairy products, I found several supplements to help digest them better. Fast forward 20 years and now many nutrition stores have more options.

Recently I tried a juice cleanse in a one-day version and found my body felt better. I also tried a few other digestive helps and some helped and others didn’t.

Massage

One workplace used to invite local massage therapists to set up one day a week and offer 15 minute increments to loosen stiff necks and backs.

Many people who sit at desks or in cars for long commutes don’t think to get up and stretch every so often. Different massage practitioners offer different styles and may focus on rehabbing after an injury or providing relaxation.

Self-Care/Rest

The concept of self-care may look different to each person. One person may simply work a lot and want time with family. Others may want quiet time without the interrup- tion of young family members or clients. I personally enjoy soaking baths, walking, reading, and doing small proj- ects. It makes it easier to work hard again by taking breaks.

Stretching/Movement

With online resources stretching may take the form of yoga for some or simply stretching at the desk. Around 20 years ago, Homestead Fitness Center had a teacher offering Active Isolated Stretching twice a week.

One class focused on the upper body while the next one, several days later, focused on the lower body. Unlike aerobic exercise, this allowed those with possibly less energy or mobility to achieve significant benefits by doing a series of repetitions of small movements and holding them for just a few seconds to increase flexibility.

The approach was created by Kinesiotherapist and rehabilitator Aaron Mattes.

Volunteering

In a world hyper focused on self, sometimes it is nice to step away from focusing on your own problems and help someone or something else out.

The Whatcom Volunteer Center, www.whatcomvolunteer.org, has a list of places needing extra help from overseeing a severe weather shelter to delivering food to members of the Chore program.

Additionally, volunteers are sought at local schools, churches, scouting programs, Jansen Art Center, Lynden Pioneer Museum, Whatcom Humane Society, and more.

I’ve planted a lawn at a library, guided people on garden tours, helped at a school classroom. Volunteering can not only help someone else out, but also boost self-confidence and gain new skills.