Weather woes

I’m pretty sure a collective groan went up around North Texas yesterday when the forecasters said the snow and ice storm was predicted to get worse not better. It likely got louder this morning when parents woke up to see their children’s schools canceled for the day. But for many this weather isn’t merely an inconvenience anymore but is turning into a health problem.

Texas Health Springwood Center of Allen has seen an increase in calls from people suffering from anxiety and depression-related problems since last week’s storm hit, said Scott Martin, LPC and coordinator of the Springwood center. Martin encourages individuals to remember that anxiety is a normal emotion and can frequently be a sign to slow down.

Martin offers the following tips for individuals. These are even things that can be done with children cooped up at home on a snow day from school.

I don’t feel like a mom! How infant massage helped me bond with my baby

Melinda and daughter

I was so excited for the arrival of my first born child. The nine months went by so dreadfully slow, anticipating the day I would finally hold my daughter in my arms. I had been preparing for her, praying for her, thinking of little else as I went through my days in pregnant bliss. I had all of the skills that a new mother should have. I had been to the child birth and parenting classes. I had babysat since I was 11 years old. I had worked with children for years, and even had a degree in child development! I was ready to be a mom.

Remembering the day she was born still brings tears to my eyes. My long anticipated treasure, perfectly formed and gorgeous (if I do say so myself) was finally handed to me, as my husband snapped photos.  Barely dried off, I held her on my chest and nursed her for the first time. Wow! I couldn’t believe that I was a mother!

52 to a Healthier You: Week 11

Welcome back to 52 to a Healthier You from the Texas Health Fitness Center HEB.



Check back next week for Week 12: Ingredients for information on exercising for a healthy heart.

If you need help finding a physician, please call 1-877-THR-WELL or log on to www.TexasHealth.org. If you want to find a trainer to help you set a fitness program, please call 817-267-9191.

Doctors on the medical staff practice independently and are not employees or agents of the hospital.