PAMPA, Texas — It’s here! The beginning of a new school year is filled with amazing opportunities and challenges for students, parents and teachers. The therapy department at Pampa Regional Medical Center wants to remind you about a few tips to help make this year a little smoother.
1) SLEEP! The Mayo Clinic advises that the average teen needs 8-10 hours of sleep per 24 hours while the average adult needs 7 hours per 24 hours. Factor in your busy schedule and it’s safe to assume that you might need even more sleep each night. Schedule sleep just like you schedule the other events in your day. As the Mayo Clinic warns, sleep deprivation in adults is linked to higher incidences of depression, weight gain, high blood pressure, and heart disease whereas sleep deprivation in kids has been linked to problems with attention, behavior, learning, and memory. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/expert-answers/how- many-hours-of-sleep-are-enough/faq-20057898
2) POSTURE MATTERS! Stand up straight, move often, and don’t overload yourself when carrying objects. You ask the muscles in your spine to literally carry you all the years of your life so make their job a little easier by honoring the natural curves of your neck, mid-back, and low back. Also, try to keep the load on your muscles and bones a little lighter by maintaining a healthy weight and avoiding large loads like over-stuffed backpacks and bags.
3) EAT RIGHT AND STAY HYDRATED! Choose healthy snacks over sugar-filled snacks to help keep you alert and focused. Find or plan for healthy, heart-friendly options for your meals, especially when your schedule is full. Most importantly, drink water. The Mayo Clinic cites the most recent recommendations for daily fluid intake at 15.5 cups for men and 11.5 cups for women. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/water/art-20044256
4) EXERCISE! Both your mental and physical health can be positively affected by adding exercise to your weekly routine. Exercise improves cognitive and motor development in kids and can help prevent and manage certain diseases and mental health conditions in adults.
5) SEEK HELP WHEN YOU NEED IT! Talk to your doctor or other health professionals when you notice problems. They may be able to make a referral for modalities and exercise if you’re having back pain or may be able to refer your child to an expert who can help with handwriting or communication difficulties. Don’t forget, we’re all in this together.
GO HARVESTERS! MAKE THIS THE BEST YEAR YET!
For more information, please contact please contact Keith Anderson, Business Development and Marketing, at 806-665-2361, or email kanderson8@primehealth.com.
About Pampa Regional Medical Center: Located in the center of the Texas Panhandle, Pampa Regional Medical Center is a 25-bed, not-for-profit, critical access hospital, and a member of the Prime Healthcare Foundation, a 501(c)3 public charity. PRMC serves a population of approximately 65,000 residents in the Texas Panhandle. Founded in 1950, Pampa Regional employs more than 275 full-time and part-time staff members. Pampa Regional is accredited by The Accreditation Commission for Health Care. In partnership with more than 30 area physicians, the hospital provides a full range of medical services to meet the healthcare needs of the community it proudly serves. For more information visit www.prmctx.com
