Coffee Break with Sharp Best Health

The COVID-19 pandemic continues to affect our lives as we know. During this time of uncertainty, it is more important than ever to nurture our mental and emotional well-being.

On this episode, Sharp Best Health sits down with Kim Eisenberg, LCSW, Clinical Social Worker at Sharp Mesa Vista Hospital, to talk about the impact of the pandemic on mental well-being and to offer tips to help us manage our mental health during these trying times.

Additional Resources

• Cultivating Joy Series: visit SharpNET and type in "Cultivating Joy Series" into the search bar. Or copy and paste this link into your browser: https://sharpnet.sharp.com/hr/benefits/sharpbesthealth/joy-cultivation.cfm
• Whil: Free digital mindfulness and yoga app for Sharp employees. Visit https://connect.whil.com/sponsor/SharpHealthCare to get started. All you need is your Sharp email address.
• Progressive Muscle Relaxation technique (video) 
• Grounding Exercises (PDF)

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Visit Sharp Best Health on SharpNET for more information on our programs and resources.

Music: https://www.bensound.com

When it comes time to take a vacation, your options may be quite limited during the COVID-19 pandemic. Yet, taking some time off from work to care for your physical and mental health is one of the best things you can do for yourself, your colleagues and our patients.
While you may not have unfettered access to luxurious beaches or big cities, you can still reap some of the biggest benefits of a vacation without ever leaving your house or your town. How? By going on a  Staycation!

On today’s podcast, Sharp Best Health hosts Megan and Emily talk about the importance of taking time off and share a wealth of staycation ideas to help you unwind and reboot and enjoy your well-deserved break while still being conscious of health and safety.

Additional Resources

San Diego County Parks and Recreation
Stay Healthy During Covid-19

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Visit Sharp Best Health on SharpNET for more information on our programs and resources.

Music: https://www.bensound.com

Gyms are starting to reopen and we are itching to go back to our familiar workout routines. And as we are doing it, let's not forget about the importance of proper recovery after exercising. Rest and recovery is an essential part of any workout routine and will help us keep our fitness plans on track!

SHOW NOTES:

• (podcast episode): Sleeping Tips for Night-Shift Workers
• (podcast episode): Can Mindfulness Really Help You Sleep Better?
• Whil: Free digital mindfulness and yoga app for Sharp employees. Visit https://connect.whil.com/sponsor/SharpHealthCare to get started. All you need is your Sharp email address!

Submit your question for Sharp Best Health or a podcast idea here.
Visit Sharp Best Health on SharpNET for more information on our programs and resources.

Music: https://www.bensound.com

As gyms and fitness centers start to reopen across the country, Sharp Best Health sits down with Mike Rein, clinical physiologist and the supervisor of Sharp Memorial Hospital's Rehabilitation Program and the Cushman Wellness Center at the Sharp Memorial Hospital Outpatient Pavilion, to talk about returning to your fitness routines safe and injury-free.

Additional Resources:

• (podcast episode) Simple Ways to Sneak Exercise into Your Day
• (podcast episode) How to Make Exercise a Habit That Sticks!
• Holistic therapies and health screenings at the Cushman Wellness Center
  
  

Submit your question for Sharp Best Health or a podcast idea here.
Visit Sharp Best Health on SharpNET for more information on our programs and resources.

Music: https://www.bensound.com

Physically distancing ourselves from one another plays a crucial role in limiting the spread and effects of COVID-19. Yet, it is equally important to practice good mental and emotional health by staying connected to our friends, family and community during this uncertain time.
On this episode, Sharp Best Health team highlights the importance of positive relationships and offers some creative suggestions for connecting with others while staying apart.

Additional Resources:

• Cultivating Joy Series: On-Demand Modules to Boost Resilience and Prevent Burnout

Submit your question for Sharp Best Health or a podcast idea here.
Visit Sharp Best Health on SharpNET for more information on our programs and resources.

Music: https://www.bensound.com

Sharp Best Health team members discuss useful resources available at Sharp HealthCare to support your physical, emotional, and mental well-being during these times.

Wellness resources during COVID-19

Submit your question for Sharp Best Health or a podcast idea here.
Visit Sharp Best Health on SharpNET for more information on our programs and resources.

Music: https://www.bensound.com

In this episode, Sharp Best Health's guest, Kathryn Riggs, Manager of the Sharp Employee Assistance Program (EAP), shares lots of great information about Sharp EAP - a free benefit that offers Sharp team members confidential, voluntary counselling and advice to assist with many challenges that may be impacting you and your families during these unprecedented times:

• Depression and anxiety
• Fear and isolation
• Stress
• Substance use disorder
• Sleeplessness
• Grief
• Child-care and virtual schooling issues
• Elder-care issues
• Financial challenges (e.g., wage reductions, student loan repayment, debt, investment losses)
• Family issues (e.g., marriage/partner conflicts, parenting challenges)
• Workplace concerns (e.g., sudden work-from-home, job stress, co-worker communications)

Same-day virtual appointments are available via Zoom Conference Services.
To schedule an appointment or to obtain more information about EAP, please call (619) 681-0022 during business hours, 9:00 am – 6:00 pm, Monday through Friday. 

For more information and the list of EAP locations, please visit http://sharpnet.sharp.com/eap/ 

Submit your question for Sharp Best Health or a podcast idea here.
Visit Sharp Best Health on SharpNET for more information on our programs and resources.

Music: https://www.bensound.com

While staying at home during the pandemic is a crucial part of stopping the spread of the virus, it may disrupt many of our usual routines and make it harder to maintain healthy habits. But even when you're spending most of your time at home, there are still lots of ways you can weave wellness into your daily activities.

On today's episode Sharp Best Health is sharing a few essential tips to enhance your health while teleworking to make sure working from home works for you!

Additional Resources:

• Simple stretches to add to your day (SharpNET page)
• How To Activate Your  Stretch Break Timer (SharpNET page)

Submit your question for Sharp Best Health or a podcast idea here.
Visit Sharp Best Health on SharpNET for more information on our programs and resources.

Music: https://www.bensound.com

In this episode, Sharp Best Health's guests -Dr. Jocelin Friedman, a physical therapist at Sharp Memorial Rehabilitation Services, and Chris Pryor – Director of IT at Sharp HealthCare, and a certified group exercise instructor/personal trainer and a member of your Sharp Best Health Committee -  discuss body balance and why balance is an important part of maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

NOTES
Dr. Friedman's Balance Test:
In a corner of the house, stand on a 3-inch foam cushion or a pillow, feet together with ankle bones touching and eyes closed. Hold for at least 20 seconds.

Tai Chi Classes at Sharp Memorial:
Every Wednesday, 4-5 pm
Sharp Allison de Rose Rehabilitation Center East Gym
2999 Health Center Drive
San Diego, CA 92123

Sharp Rehab's Balance and Vestibular Program
Sharp Rehab's Balance and Vestibular Program provides comprehensive rehabilitative therapy for individuals who have difficulty with balance, equilibrium or complaints of dizziness. Dedicated teams of therapists work together under the direction of a physician to return each person to their highest level of independence, productivity and well-being. Find more information on sharp.com:
https://www.sharp.com/services/rehab/balance-vestibular.cfm

Type I and Type II Muscle Fibers
There are two important types of skeletal muscle. Type I, also called slow-twitch, is composed of small fibers. They fire more slowly than fast twitch fibers and can go for a long time before they fatigue. For that reason they are used primarily for long-endurance feats such as distance running or cycling. 
Type II muscle fibers, also called fast-twitch, are large muscle fibers that that fire rapidly but fatigue faster. They are used in powerful bursts of movements like sprinting where one needs to quickly generate a lot of force. 

On average, people have about 50 percent slow twitch and 50 percent fast twitch fibers in most of the muscles used for movement.

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Visit Sharp Best Health on SharpNET for more information on our programs and resources.

Music: https://www.bensound.com

This episode was recorded in January 2020.
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An average smartphone user, touches her/his phone approximately 211 times a day. Our phone is in our hands from the moment you wake up until you go to bed, with little down time in between. What we may not be realizing is that excessive smart phone usage can be wrecking havoc on our health.
On this episode Sharp Best Health team discusses four ways smartphones can have a negative effect on our physical and mental well-being.

Additional Resources:

• Checky App - Phone Habit Tracker
• Moment App - Less Phone. More Life.
• Sharp HealthCare Employee Assistance Program: To schedule an appointment or to obtain more information about EAP, please call (619) 681-0022 during business hours, 9:00 am – 6:00 pm, Monday through Friday. For more information and the list of EAP locations, please visit http://sharpnet.sharp.com/eap/ 

Submit your question for Sharp Best Health or a podcast idea here.
Visit Sharp Best Health on SharpNET for more information on our programs and resources.

Music: https://www.bensound.com