CREATION Life Conference

DELAND, Fla., November 17, 2017 On Nov. 12, Florida Hospital DeLand hosted a free conference for the community centered on CREATION Life.

A lifestyle transformation program, CREATION Life was created to help people reach their goals and live a full and complete life.

The event featured guest speakers on a variety of health topics, as well as healthy food tastings, interactive discussions, and presentations on evidence-based medical data to encourage a healthy lifestyle.

Beginning in the memory garden at the DeLand hospital, attendees started the day with a brisk walk, as well as light stretching and exercises led by Joyce Parrillo, Florida Hospital DeLand diabetes and wellness program coordinator.

Attendees also learned about nutrition and used mason jars to create a single serving of pumpkin spice overnight oatmeal.

To achieve proper mental function throughout the day, we must consume carbohydrates for energy, Parrillo said. Choosing complex carbs and foods with a low glycemic index for breakfast, such as oatmeal or bran cereal, can help you start the day off right. These foods breakdown more slowly in your body, help you feel fuller for longer, and provide a gradual, continuous supply of energy throughout the day.

Mary Dusenbury, Florida Hospital DeLand patient experience specialist, spoke to participants about how important rest can be in ones health. Dusenbury provided relaxation tips and explained various activities that can help exercise the mind.

Embracing your body's natural sleep-wake cycle is one of the most important strategies for sleeping better. As nice as it is to catch those extra hours on Saturday morning, its best not to overcompensate by sleeping in. The more your weekend and weekday sleep schedules differ, the more fatigued and disoriented you'll feel throughout the day, Dusenbury said. Try to eat dinner earlier and avoid heavy, rich foods within two hours of bed. Spicy or acidic foods can cause stomach trouble and heartburn that can lead to a disappointing nights sleep.

Joel Rivera, Florida Hospital DeLand chaplain, spoke to participants about how trust and interpersonal relationships can also play a pivotal role in health and wellbeing.

It is no surprise that good relationships improve your life. The support and love that is reciprocated in a good relationship gives strength through a sense of connectedness. Take the time to meet new people and invest in your friendships, Rivera said. Trust can be challenging at times, especially if you have been hurt in the past, but try practicing forgiveness. It will not only increase spiritual well-being, but forgiveness has been shown to reduce anger, hurt, depression, and stress. It also leads to greater feelings of hope, peace, compassion, and self-confidence.

About Florida Hospital DeLand

Florida Hospital DeLand is a member of Adventist Health System, a faith-based health care organization with 45 hospital campuses and 8,200 licensed beds in nine states, serving more than 5 million patients annually. With a mission to extend the healing ministry of Christ, Florida Hospital DeLand has 164-beds and is one of the seven Florida Hospitals in Flagler, Lake and Volusia counties that composes the Florida Hospital Central Florida Division - North Region. As the largest hospital system in the area, the Florida Hospital Central Florida Division - North Region has 1,226 beds and more than 7,800 employees.