Blog---March 19, 2025---9-10—Working on Wellness Wednesday

  No Avera---no Sanford----but they know they are always welcome to be part of our Working on Wellness Wednesday Show.

  This morning---the American Red Cross Dakotas and Minnesota Region is calling for community support on Red Cross Giving Day—next Wednesday March 26th. It is GIVING DAY and we’ll rally the forces to help again next week.

   Sue Thesenga joined us— raise awareness for the event. 

   In Sioux Falls—the Arc of Dreams will be illuminated on that evening to recognize and honor the people who make the lifesaving mission of the American Red Cross possible. WHY?

   In the first 50 days of 2025, Red Cross volunteers responded to more major disasters across the US than there were days in the new year. In addition to supporting disaster relief in this region, 75 responders—more than 90% of them volunteers deployed to help people affected by wildfires, storms, and flooding. Closer to home our regional teams responded to more than 200 single and multi- family home fires in just 50 days turning lives upside down and underscoring the urgent need for help.

   This year’s disasters have set a whirlwind pace, displacing thousands of people from their homes across the country and disrupting the nation’s blood supply for patients. 

    More next Wednesday. 

    Joe Kippley-Sioux Falls Health Director—talked to us about what’s ahead---and they are preparing for—MOSQUITO SEASON + they are adding tick tracking that might just come into play this years. 

    Joe is just finishing his first year—but he shared what they had learned and why it is so important—we keep preparing residents and visitors of what is to come and what they can do about. We are planning to have Mr. Kippley and State Health Director Magsted  join us for updates as often as possible.

    Our third segment—helped take the devastating words—“Your child has cancer” to a level we perhaps should be doing more in South Dakota.

    We worked with an event called the Pinky Swear Radiothon with my friends at WHO in Des Moines. More than $400,000 was raised in just one pay, providing that listeners were given an opportunity the help. Minnesota is work it as well in Edina---but shouldn’t there be that kind of event in Sioux Falls? We shared the stories—open some ears and eyes—and we’ll see if someone wants to take it down the road.

     It allows helping kids with cancer and their families—there are heartfelt stories –turnkey events---and we’ll see if Sioux Falls or South Dakota wants to get involved.

    Mary Michaels---AARP joined us today---and we talked about the AD Council Encouraging People in their Pretirement Years to Take Key Steps Toward saving.

     According to a recent AARP Survey, 61% of older adults are worried they will not have enough money to support themselves in retirement and 20% of older adults will have no retirement savings at all. To help people plan for retirement and boost their financial security today—the Ad Council and AARP are launching new public service PSA’s titled The Pre-Game to raise awareness of free retirement planning resources at ThisisPretirement.org.

     Getting Good Sleep is Good for your health—at least says research conducted by AARP finds that 70% of adults ages 40 and older experience sleep difficulties. However 4 in 10 adults with untreated sleep issues presume that their poor sleep isn’t that serious. Untreated sleep disorders can increase your risk of several health conditions----INCLUDING

Heart FailureHigh blood pressureStrokeDiabetesDepression 

    At home steps like keeping your room dark and at a comfortable temp or avoiding heavy meals and caffeine close to bedtime aren’t helping, talk to your health care provider about your sleep habits and explore whether a sleep study might be beneficial. 

    Free Movie next Monday night—Working 9 to 5.

    Mary Michaels and I share something in common—she sings and helps at St. Michaels Catholic Church in Sioux Falls---and I read-work with the Knight’s of Columbus at St. George in Hartford. The two have share priests and deacons. And as I shared with Mary on the air---when my wife Carolyn and I went to Tuesday mass last night during lent. One of the priests St. George and St. Michaels share—celebrated the mass—and afterwards---asked if I would be willing to help him giving talks to the congregations. He ask me during lent—and then shared he has heard me read in church and other places—and wondered if I would help him. He is so believable—but like many who come from other countries or parts of this country---he is still looking to be more comfortable. My answer was YES –and we’ll meet for the first time Saturday.

     Mary may even help---he is such a genuine priest---helping so many families---that I’ll help anyway I can. It reminds us too---that helping those who need smiles and support can make a difference. We’ll work with Father---and share when it is appropriate for you know.

    Our It’s YOUR Business Show—does include a lot of businesses, a lot of professionals, and we are here to help. 

    Our It’s YOUR Business Show can be heard live at 1320, 105.1, 107.9—use the KELO App—streaming on line or just ask ALEXA.

    Norm Anderson posts the podcast---my job is to schedule the guests and get them ready to share their stories. I write a blog (this document) to let you know what is in the show---and generally the time frame it is in. Questions for me feel free to call 605-728-BILL (728-2455)  or email me at bill.zortman@mwcradio.com.