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FOUR SEASONS BREEZE | MAY 2026 53 Life After Loss "Health and Self-Care," Part 2 When a loved one dies, grief initiates a huge stress response. Food and proper nutrition quickly fade into the background. Commenting on this fact, the American Psychological Association relates that 40 percent of people, regardless of gender, noticed appetite changes during times of intense stress. is article is the second in a four-part series focused on the importance of maintaining life's basics in times of intense grief e Grief–Gut Connection e stress response, known as "ght-ight," is a biological response to a perceived threat. Blood is diverted away from non- essential organs such as the stomach and goes to the heart, lungs and limbs enabling them to respond to danger. When the stress subsides, the body relaxes, blood returns to the body, including the digestive system. However, during intense grief, the stress response is prolonged. e body does not return to a resting state and can enter a state of chronic stress. is causes inammation around the body, digestion slows and becomes more disrupted. us during grief, it is vital to consider what is being put into your body. Food that requires more energy to digest, or that causes gastro-intestinal problems should be avoided and replaced with food that is gentler to the stomach. Impact of Grief on Nutrition 1. Physical Changes: Stress (cortisol) can cause a loss of appetite or intense cravings. 2. Behavioral Changes: Lack of motivation can lead to skipped meals, eating alone, or relying on processed, high-sugar, or high- fat convenience foods. 3. Physical Eects: Unintentional weight loss or gain is common. Nutritional Strategies for Grief 1. Prioritize Hydration: Increase water intake; reduce caeine and alcohol (dehydration). 2. Simple, Nutrient-Dense Foods: Focus on easily-prepared, healthy options like nuts, berries, yogurt, and dark leafy greens. 3. Small, Frequent Meals: Try eating smaller amounts of food more frequently. 4. Keep It Simple: Utilize pre-cut vegetables, smoothies, or healthy meal delivery services to reduce cooking eort. 5. Eat the Rainbow: Incorporate colorful vegetables to improve nutrient intake. 6. Accept Support: Allow friends/family to help with shopping or meal preparation. e Life Aer Loss Group is about "people helping people" who have encountered a form of grief/loss in their life. Unless otherwise notied, we meet the rst and third Mondays of each month from 1 to 3 pm in RCN, Activity Room #3. All information is kept condential. If you have experienced a form of grief/loss and would like to join the group, please text/call Byron omsen beforehand at (909) 936-7097 or email him at byron.thomsen@yahoo.com. ~ Byron omsen As we slowly study the Epistle of Hebrews in depth, we realize that (according to Hebrews 5:12-14) if we do not study the Bible daily and have consistent devotion time, we will become as the Hebrews in that day who, although being taught about Jesus, understood very little of His teachings. They were not growing their testimonies and, per the Bible's metaphor "needing only milk instead of meat," inferring that they were still babies in the Gospel. Each week in class we are learning and growing together by partaking of the incredible teachings in the Bible, which enable us to grow and thrive, and become the women we are meant to be. If you would like to join an amazing group of Godly women who are studying the Bible together, we meet every Friday at 10:30 am in the Game Room. Come join us! ~ Eileen Gilbert-Antoine, (951) 922-6829 or egcellent@msn.com The monthly Gathering offers a wide variety of Christian teaching, sharing, and praise on the last Sunday of each month from 6 to 7 pm at The Courts. For example, the March meeting featured a wonderful mixture of this praise singing and personal sharing. On May 31, four of our leaders will relate how they came to a personal knowledge of Jesus Christ. The June Gathering will focus on God's blessing on America, celebrating 250 years of Independence. In July only, there will be a potluck dinner. Our aim is to use the people and resources of the Four Seasons community to focus on Jesus Christ and His wonderful work of grace in our lives. We look forward to seeing you there. If you have questions or need transportation, please call Jim Dobos at (760) 486-8606 or Kathie Sundstrom at (303) 903-6850. ~ Jim and Julia Dobos, (760) 486-8606 "Believe …" Women's Bible Study The Gathering

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