Good sleep equates to a good life.
That was the message at a recent meeting of the Willing Workers of White Hall Homemakers Club.
The club met Jan. 28 at the White Hall Library. Vice President Dee Kindrick welcomed everyone. Tonia Dalby read the Thought of the Month: He who has health has hope, and he who has hope has everything.
Kindrick led members in the Homemaker’s Creed. Penny Scholes read the Handy Hint: Spending time on an activity that you enjoy can improve mental health and well-being. Jo Ann Carr read the Inspiration from Proverbs 17:22.
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Carr called the roll with members answering the question: Do you take multivitamins? All members were present.
President Karen Needler was welcomed back and presided over the remainder of the meeting.
Jim Wilson blessed the food and members had sloppy Joes, chips, baked beans and several desserts.
Kindrick presented the program on “The Importance of Sleep.” She said sleep is the cornerstone of overall health and well-being. Research consistently shows that inadequate or poor-quality sleep can significantly increase the risk of chronic diseases and other health challenges, no matter one’s age, according to a news release.
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention reports that about one-third of adults in the United States are not getting enough sleep.
Kindrick said that signs of poor sleep quality include difficulty falling asleep, waking up repeatedly during the night and feeling sleepy or tired even after what seems like enough sleep.
She went over the recommended hours of sleep per day for each age group and said getting enough sleep helps the body recover, supports mental and emotional health and reduces the risk of chronic diseases. Foods for better sleep were discussed, along with foods to eat before going to bed and foods not to eat.
A list of helpful tips was included in the handout to ensure you get the quality sleep needed to stay healthy and productive.
Kay Cromwell, community service chairman, reported on items recently delivered to the White Hall Food Pantry and asked members to bring oil, sugar or flour to the February meeting for the food pantry. Members will also bring cookies for a Club Community Service Project.
Kindrick announced that she is representing the club on the Jefferson County Extension Mental Health Walk that is on May 3 and asked members to participate and help get other teams for the walk.
The next meeting will be Feb. 25 at the White Hall Library.
If you are interested in visiting or learning more about the Jefferson County Extension Homemakers, contact any member or Mary Ann Kizer, Jefferson County Extension Family & Consumer Sciences agent, at (870) 534-1033. Also contact Kizer for more information on the sleep program or a copy of the handout.