Anniversaries
Rachel Brady Rachel Brady FTO T FTO T 9 Ye 9 Ye
Singh, EMT Kiran Singh, EMT 3 Years 3 Years
Thank you for being a part of our team! Thank you for being a part of our team!
Amanda Lee, Amanda Lee, 2 Years 2 Years
Desiree Shields, EMT
Desiree Shields, EMT 2 Years 2 Years
David Mirams, AEMT
David Mirams, AEMT 1 Year 1 Year
g p , , p p g p g g take the kids on vacation this year? Gas and grocery prices are rising; will I even be able to afford any unexpected expenses? Is my job stable, what happens if I become ill or injured? Sleep is harder and harder to come by, everything is just so busy so stressful
April is National Stress Awareness month Though stress is part of life, chronic stress can be harmful to your overall health Both stress awareness and stress management are proven ways to manage stress and improve health
Our bodies are designed to handle short-term stress By releasing cortisol and adrenaline, our bodies have an increased ability to perform under pressure However, when these chemicals are constantly being released, long term effects of chronic stress become apparent Chronic stress can be extremely disruptive to our bodies and minds Headaches, neck and shoulder pain, muscle tension, and profound fatigue are common symptoms of chronic stress However, chronic stress also has a deep impact on our digestive tract leading to things like irritable bowel disease, indigestion, upset stomach, nausea, and appetite changes Chronic stress can also lead to insomnia, which is very detrimental to our health Chronic stress can also compromise our immune systems and lead to serious cardiovascular issues including elevated blood pressure and an increased risk for heart problems We even see skin being affected by chronic stress, as it manifests in acne breakouts and eczema flareups. Weight loss and weight gain are common symptoms as well as thinning hair and hair loss. Chronic stress can even morph into anxiety disorders or depression and social withdrawal.
Lifestyle adjustments are the foundation for overcoming stress. Managing stress begins with self-awareness. Selfawareness is the ability to recognize and understand your own thoughts, emotions, behaviors, and identity and how they affect both yourself and others.
Self-awareness involves:
Noticing what you’re feeling (“I’m anxious/mad/happy right now”)
Understand the reason you feel that way
Recognize your strengths and weaknesses
See how your action impacts the people around you
Reflect on your beliefs, values and motivations
Self-awareness can also help identify certain triggers that can cause stress. Self-awareness is an important first step of stress management. Without identifying your feelings, you may not realize you are under stress until the stress becomes overwhelming, making it more difficult to address.
Building awareness is a lifelong journey that grows and adapts. It takes time and practice but is a worthy investment for us.
Building stress and self-awareness involves:
Identifying or stressors and recording them. By recording the stressors, you can identify a pattern and gain insight as to what may be causing you stress
Identify “warning signs” When you can identify what stress looks like, you are better able to stop it from rising
Identify physical cues Stress causes biological response in our bodies like muscle tension, headaches, clenched jaw, increased or decreased appetite, increased or decreased sleep
Once stress is identified, the Center for Disease Control offers some tips on how to better manage stress
Tips for managing stress include:
Taking a break from news or social media as constant news on negative events can be upsetting
Make time to unwind, stretch, medicate, journal
Spend time outdoors either relaxing or being active
Connect with others you trust to talk about your concerns and feelings
Ensure you are getting enough sleep
Increase physical activity
Eat healthy and limit alcohol intake
There are numerous options for those seeking professional help to address and manage stress including:
Primary care providers- often the first line of defense that can help identify physical symptoms, offer lifestyle advice, and provide referrals.
Psychiatrists who specialize in mental health and can offer therapy and medication for managing stress
Integrative medical specialist who emphasizes holistic approaches including lifestyle changes, mindfulness and meditation
Psychologists and therapists who specialize in cognitive behavior therapy and talk therapy
Managing stress is crucial to our long-term health It is not about feeling calmer in the moment, but rather achieving long term wellness and stability Managing stress can directly lead to improved mood, better memory and focus, greater emotional control and decreased risk of depression and anxiety disorders Lowering stress can lower blood pressure and reduce the risks of heart problems It can also improve sleep and strengthen the immune system Improved energy, productivity and resilience, and quality of life are all achieved by lowering stress
In the end, lowering stress is an investment in your long-term healthy, happiness and quality of life By managing stress effectively, you give yourself the clarity, energy, and resilience needed to handle challenges, build stronger relationships, and live more fully each day
Collaboration with iconic Pocono attraction provides benefits for Collaboration with iconic Pocono attraction provides benefits for both resort employees and guests both resort employees and guests
The resort, which features a 220,000-square foot waterpark, attracts more than 2 million people each year and is a major factor in Poconos tourism.
Did You Know?
Kalahari has the first virtual reality waterslide in the country and the slide was named best in the country in a 2025 USA Today Readers’ Choice poll.
““We’re honored to be Kalahari’s official health and wellness partner and bring world-class expertise that will benefit all who work and visit there,” said Joseph Pinto, Regional Chief Operating Officer for Lehigh Valley Hospital (LVH)–Pocono, LVH–Pocono Creek, LVH–Dickson City and LVH–Hecktown Oaks campuses.
“We have been the Poconos’ premier health care provider for many years and now and we are continuing our commitment to continued investment, in the communities and people we serve,” Pinto said. Jefferson recently opened its newest neighborhood hospital – LVH–Pocono Creek and Health Center at Pocono Creek – nearby in central Monroe County
“We are so excited about our collaboration with Jefferson Health,” said Don Pleau, general manager, Kalahari Resorts & Conventions. “It will enhance our guest resort experience with new sensory elements and training and provide a valuable resource for the community and our team members.”
Jefferson Health is participating in the development of a new sensory-friendly Calming Room – set to open in summer 2026 – providing a key resource for neurodiverse families to stay close to the fun while enjoying the resort
Additionally, the collaboration will enhance water and sun-safety messaging for guests throughout the resort, host employee wellness activities for Kalahari associates, and on-site participation in Kalahari community offerings throughout the year
Kalahari Resorts, which opened its Tobyhanna Township, Monroe County, resort in 2015, employs about 1,400 people. The resort, visible from Interstate 380, also features an outdoor waterpark and the Gorilla Grove outdoor park area with numerous attractions. In addition, there is more than 200,000 square feet of flexible space for meetings, conventions and more.
