Inside Kootenai
J U L I E SHO B E, M.S., R.D., L.D., C. D.E .,
C L I N I C A L D I E T I T I A N :
“Vitamin D and physical activity can help improve mood,
especially during the cold and overcast months. Since the
clouds and chilly air are a barrier to getting our vitamin D from
the sun, it is especially important to get Vitamin D from food
sources, which include salmon, tuna, milk, yogurt, sardines,
eggs and fortified ready-to-eat cereal. Also, being intentional
about adding movement to your day is sure to help beat the
winter blues, whether it is an extra 10-minute walk during
lunch or an exercise class at the gym.”
W H AT D O Y O U D O T O B E AT
T H E W I N T E R B L U E S ?
C H A R H A R R I S , N . P. ,
B E H A V I O R A L H E A L T H S E R V I C E S :
“If you know you’re prone to a changing mood during the
winter, try to prepare ahead of time. Seeing a professional and
preparing early on can make you more resistant to the winter
blues or even seasonal affective disorder.”
J E N N I G A E R T N E R , M . P. T . , M . E D . , C . I . M . I . ,
P H Y S I C A L T H E R A P I S T :
“The main thing I do is be religious about my exercise regime,
being sure to do something active five to six days per week.
I try to get outside as much as possible: bike riding, skiing,
snowshoeing, running or hiking. Even just 30 minutes can help
energize and rejuvenate my mind.”
M A D D Y H I M M E L , R . N . , B . S . N . ,
E M E R G E N C Y S E R V I C E S :
“For me, beating the winter blues is all about enjoying this
beautiful place we live in. I opt for snowshoeing because it
takes the least amount of coordination—that and we don’t
see many debilitating snowshoe injuries in the emergency
department.”
KH . ORG
21
