January 2025 eNewsletter

Welcome to the New Year 2025! We have some new programming we are excited to role out this year.

We are offering several programs to support and help women “Flourish through Menopause.” We also have brain health programming, “Wise Minds,” and support programming to address mild cognitive impairment and decline as we grow older and help those that we love. We are growing our medically-based fitness programming, “Heart to Heart,” and continue to focus on building resilience with some of our restorative programs including Acupuncture and Massage Therapy.

We hope to see you soon!

The start of the New Year is the perfect time to self-reflect, give thanks and practice compassion and love for those around you and, especially, yourself. In recent years, the prevalence of negative body image has grown, impacting mental health and diminishing overall quality of life. Now is your opportunity to shift perspectives and cultivate body positivity, a practice that empowers self-love, acceptance, and holistic well-being. Below are meaningful and actionable strategies to discover ways to celebrate yourself this season with the compassion and kindness you truly deserve.

Here are some ways to practice body positivity:

• Challenge negative thoughts: Identify negative thoughts about your body and replace them with positive ones – replace self-criticism with self-compassion. Would you say some of the negative things you tell yourself to someone you love? If you wouldn’t say it to your loved ones, don’t say it to yourself. Treat yourself with the same kindness and understanding that you would offer to someone you cherish – treat your body like your best friend!
• Wear clothes that make you feel good: Choose comfortable clothes that work with your body, not against it.
• Practice movement that’s right for you: When we exercise for pleasure, strength, and accomplishment (instead of movement from obsession or body image) we can get so much out of it. The best form of exercise? The ones that you ENJOY doing!
• Take a break from social media: Social media can lead to negative self-talk and comparisons, so try taking a break from the apps and sites you use frequently. (Bonus points if you follow those who practice body positivity and share the “behind the scenes” of their posts).
• Do something nice for yourself: Show your body appreciation by doing something nice, like getting your hair done or taking a nap.
• Surround yourself with reminders: Surround yourself with objects and messages that embody positivity – like photos of loved ones, positive mantras or quotes, making a list of your positive attributes and things you love about your body – to help you focus on the good in life. The more you practice these habits, the more your brain will seek out the positives!
• Seek support when needed: consider seeking guidance from a professional. A licensed mental/behavioral health therapist can help guide you towards becoming more body positive.
• If you can’t be positive, work towards neutrality: We don’t need to be defined by our bodies. Our lives are rich, interesting, and multifaceted in a way that is largely unrelated to what sort of body we exist in.
• Stop focusing on numbers: Please remember that neither the weight on the scale nor Body Mass Index (BMI) tells us anything significant about body composition and health. It is more important to focus on LIFESTYLE such as eating habits, activity patterns, and other self-care choices are much more important.

Embracing body positivity is a journey of self-compassion, mindfulness, and intentional actions that cultivate self-love. Remember, small steps like challenging negative self-talk, engaging in enjoyable movement, dressing comfortably, and taking breaks from social media can make significant differences in how we view ourselves. Prioritize your well-being and focusing on what truly matters – a fulfilling life defined not by numbers or appearances but by health, kindness, and self-respect. Let this year be an opportunity to embrace who you are and celebrate the unique qualities that make you, you.

Provided by Brooklyn Dreher, MS, RDN, LD, and Wellness Dietitian at Tahoe Forest Health System. Schedule an appointment with a Registered Dietitian to create a personalized nutrition plan that works for you! Call the Tahoe Forest Center for Health at (530) 587-3769 to schedule today.

Jump start healthy weight loss and refresh your wellness habits. Our goal is to help you develop sustainable changes that will promote a lifetime of well-being. We’ll take a deep dive into eating habits, exercise patterns, and our relationship to food and weight. Led by our Registered Dietitian, Lisa Fligor.

When: Begins January 15th, Wednesdays 5:15 – 6:30pm. Meets every-other week.
Cost: $150
Location: Tahoe Forest Wellness

Menopause is a natural process but we are often not prepared to adapt our lifestyle habits to our changing bodies. Learn the latest research on how you can flourish through the menopause transition with Certified Menopause Health Coach, Liz Schenk.

When: January 29th, 5-6pm
Cost: FREE
Location: Tahoe Forest Wellness and on Zoom

Learn how lifestyle habits can work together to boost memory, improve focus and lower the risk of cognitive decline. Whether you want to preserve your brain health or support someone you love, this series will give you the tools and confidence to cultivate a sharp and resilient mind.

When: First Wednesday of each month 5-6:30pm, kicks off on January 22nd, 2025!
Cost: FREE
Location: Eskridge Conference Room, Main Lobby of Tahoe Forest Hospital

An exercise class for people with Parkinson’s disease that is an energizing and active power class. Our goal is to give you the tools to live your healthiest and most active life in the mountains.

When: 6 Week Series starts Mondays, 5-6:00pm
Cost: $90 for 6 week session
Location: Incline Village Therapy Services

See all of our current classes and programs

Ingredients:

•  1 15-ounce can no salt added chickpeas, rinsed and drained
• ½ cup plain nonfat Greek yogurt
• 1 teaspoon curry powder
• ½ teaspoon granulated garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon ground turmeric
• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
• ½ cup shredded carrot
• ½ cup diced celery
• ¼ cup diced red onion
• ¼ cup unsweetened golden raisins

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, stir together chickpeas, nonfat Greek yogurt, curry powder, granulated garlic powder, ground turmeric and black pepper.
2. With a potato masher or the back of a fork, gently mash chickpeas until desired consistency is met.
3. Stir in carrots, celery, red onions, and golden raisins and continue mashing until desired texture is met. Another dollop of Greek yogurt can be added for a smoother consistency.
4. Chill until ready to serve.

Pritkin Chef’s Tips

• Serve this Curried Chickpea Salad mix on low sodium whole grain bread, tortilla or wrap it up with a piece of iceberg lettuce.
• If you like your chickpea salad a bit spicier, add in one tablespoon diced  jalapeno or ½ teaspoon cayenne powder.
• Add diced red apple or halved red grapes, for a bit more sweetness and crunch.

Makes 6 – 1/2 cup servings
Recipe Source: PRITIKIN Intensive Cardiac Rehab

Sunee Zrno, LMFT, will discuss the importance of social connection and how it plays a pivotal role in maintaining our mental and emotional well-being at Truckee-Donner Rec & Park District Golden Hour Thursday, January 30th from 9:00-11:00 am. This is a free weekly social event every Thursday for seniors and retirees. Visit Senior Programs for more information.

Join us for Dry January! This challenge encourages mindfulness around alcohol consumption. It’s a choose your own adventure challenge: set your goal to abstain from alcohol for a weekend, a week, the whole month, or simply track your drinking habits.

Sign up for Dry January Community Challenge

All participants will be entered into a drawing to win a prize!

Questions? Email [email protected]