Prudence (PJ) Musser, Region 6 has prepared and is sharing for your use weekly Wellness Tips, one each focused on MIND, BODY, and SPIRIT. Please use them in your ministry as you wish. Subsequent months will be shared, so keep checking back.

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January – New Beginnings

January 25
Mind – Set one realistic goal for the next 90 days.
Body – Drink an extra glass of water today.
Spirit – Pray for patience and perseverance.

February – Love & Heart Health

February 1
Mind – Write a note of encouragement to someone you appreciate.
Body – Take a brisk walk for heart health.
Spirit – Thank God for the people who love you.

February 8
Mind – Reflect on a favorite childhood memory.
Body – Review your blood pressure or heart health habits.
Spirit – Read 1 Corinthians 13.

February 15
Mind – Practice forgiveness—release one lingering hurt.
Body – Stretch gently before bed.
Spirit – Pray for loving relationships.

February 22
Mind – Learn something new about emotional health.
Body – Limit sugary drinks today.
Spirit – Thank God for His unfailing love.

March – Growth & Reflection (Lent)

March 1
Mind – Identify something you need to let go of this season.
Body – Plan balanced meals for the week.
Spirit – Begin a Lenten devotion or study.

March 8
Mind – Spend time journaling about personal growth.
Body – Take a quiet walk and notice your breathing.
Spirit – Start each day with a short prayer.

March 15
Mind – Read an inspiring biography or testimony.
Body – Practice balance or gentle strength exercises.
Spirit – Learn about a saint or Christian leader.

 HEADLINES 
WORTH THE READ

• Nurses remain the most trusted workers. They can help counter misinformation

  At a time when there’s skepticism of the medical establishment, nurses can play a key role in helping patients and reducing confusion.

  Nurses continue to build on a remarkable streak. For more than two decades, nurses have been recognized as the most trustworthy profession, according to a new Gallup poll released this week. Nurses have held the top spot since being added to Gallup’s poll in 1999.

• US Flu activity surges; 2 additional pediatric deaths confirmed
• Yale maps US measles outbreak
  The US is facing its largest measles outbreak in over 30 years, with 1,986 cases reported as of Dec. 22, an increase of 60 from the previous week, according to a report from the Yale School of Public Health. Significant outbreaks are occurring on the Arizona-Utah border, with 14 new cases in Arizona and 10 new in Utah. Experts at Yale are tracking the outbreak and will update a map every Monday with the previous week's information.

• Why student loan limits matter for nurses, patients: 
  The exclusion of nursing from the federal list of professional degree programs may limit nurses' access to federal loans for advanced degrees, which could worsen the nursing shortage, according to Jennifer Mensik Kennedy, president of the American Nurses Association. The association is advocating for nursing to be recognized as a professional degree program.
  

• Adult respiratory disease vaccination rates on the decline:
  Vaccination rates for US adults have dropped significantly, with only 34% having received a flu shot, 25% a COVID-19 vaccine, 8% a pneumococcal vaccine and 6% an RSV vaccine, according to a National Foundation for Infectious Diseases survey. IQVIA data show a 34% decline in RSV vaccinations, a 27% drop in COVID-19 vaccinations and a 6% reduction in flu shots over the past year, while pneumococcal vaccinations rose by 27% after the CDC lowered the eligible age to 50.
  
• Measles cases top 1,900 in US for 2025
  The US has reported 1,912 measles cases this year, up 84 from last week, with 88% linked to outbreaks, according to the CDC. Large outbreaks are ongoing in Utah, Arizona and South Carolina, with significant exposures in schools and communities with low vaccination rates.
• CIDRAP, NEJM Evidence launch Public Health Alerts
  The Center for Infectious Disease    Research and Policy and NEJM          Evidence have introduced the Public Health Alerts initiative to deliver timely updates and warnings about emerging health threats. 
• New Dietary Guidelines Released

• Weight Regain, Health Benefit Loss Rapid When GLP-1s Stopped: People return to their baseline weight and lose all cardiometabolic benefits in less than 2 years after stopping semaglutide or tirzepatide, a new meta-analysis found.