Category: Health

Self Care for Your Mind and Body

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Self Care for Mind and Body

Self Care for Your Mind and Body

By practicing self care for your mind and body, you are setting yourself up for overall wellness. There is a direct relationship between the health of one’s mind and body. By understanding the connection between physical and mental health, you can take the steps you need to achieve both.

There are many methods of practicing self care. Everyone’s needs are different so it is important to find what works for you. The following consists of ideas to help you get started on your self care journey.

Prioritize and Set Goals

Thinking about all that you need to get done can often cause stress. Take time to prioritize your to-do list and decide what can wait. For complicated tasks, you can make them feel more manageable by breaking them down into smaller parts. At the end of the day, try to reflect on the goals that you achieved. 

Practice Gratitude

Take time to think about what you are grateful for in life. You may also find it helpful to write these things down, that way you can reflect back on them. By bringing focus to the joys in life, we spend less time thinking about the negatives and often feel happier.

Get Physical

Exercise can be greatly beneficial to the health of your body and mind. Even in small amounts, exercise can improve your health. Try to make exercise enjoyable by finding a form of physical activity that you enjoy. This will help you stay motivated and consistent with your activity. 

Improve Your Nutrition and Hydrate

A balanced diet and proper hydration can help improve your overall health. With improved nutrition, you may find yourself feeling more energized and focused throughout the day.

As nutritional needs vary, we encourage you to speak with your healthcare provider to help you create a plan tailored to you.

Stay Connected with Others

Reach out to friends and family for support. Connecting with others can help you build a sense of belonging and improve your mental health.

Know Your Limits

Recognize your limits and learn to say “no” when necessary. When you begin to feel overwhelmed, it can be hard to shake the feeling. Remind yourself that it okay to take a step back for the sake of your own health.

Make Time For Yourself

Prioritize taking time to make yourself happy. This may be done in many ways, such as by reading a book, playing a game, or by doing anything else that might make you happy. Taking time to engage in something that you enjoy can help relieve stress and motivate you to reach your other goals.

Learn More

There is no “one way” to practice self care for your mind and body. Rather, there are many steps you can take towards improving your overall health. It is important to find what works best for you.

To learn more about self care, we recommend speaking with your healthcare provider.

To read more about how to practice self care for your mind and body we recommend the following links:

Psychology Today: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/click-here-happiness/201812/self-care-12-ways-take-better-care-yourself

NIMH: https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/caring-for-your-mental-health

NAMI “Self Care Inventory”: https://www.nami.org/NAMI/media/Extranet-Education/HF15AR6SelfCare.pdf

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Autism Spectrum Disorder

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Autism Spectrum Disorder

Autism Spectrum Disorder

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental disorder that can effect one’s ability to interact with others, communicate, learn, and more. As the symptoms and severity of ASD varies person, the disorder can be seen as a “spectrum.” Some individuals are mildly impaired by symptoms, while others may be severely disabled.

Although autism can be diagnosed at any age, symptoms generally appear within the first two years of life which makes it seen as a “developmental disorder.” According to the CDC, males are four times as likely to develop symptoms of ASD. However, people of all genders, ages, and demographics can develop autism spectrum disorder.

SYmptoms

The signs and symptoms of autism varies by person, but typically the disorder causes difficulties in communication and interaction, restricted interests, and repetitive behaviors. While symptoms vary, they commonly include:

  • Social communication and interaction symptoms
    • Avoiding eye contact
    • Not responding to one’s own name
    • Appearing to not listen to people who are talking
    • Facial expressions or body language that does not match what is being said
    • Trouble adjusting behavior in varying social settings
    • Difficulties understanding other people’s point of view
    • Talking in length about a specific favorite subject without observing if others are interested or wanting a chance to speak
    • Difficulties making friends
  • Restrictive and repetitive behavior symptoms
    • Having an intense, lasting interest in specific topics
    • Overly focused on interests
    • Trouble transitioning or changing routine
    • Repeating certain behaviors that are often unusual
    • Feeling more or less sensitive to sensory input (including sound, light, touch, and more)

In addition to the challenges one with autism may face, there are also common strengths individuals with ASD may have. These include, but are not limited to:

  • Being able to learn and remember many details
  • Excelling in math, science, or art
  • Strength in visual learning

Causes and RIsk Factors

Although the primary causes of autism spectrum disorder currently remain unknown, studies have shown genes and other environmental factors may both play a role in the development of autism. Contributing factors to may include:

  • Having older parents
  • Having a low birth weight
  • Having a sibling with autism
  • Having certain genetic conditions

Treatment

It is best to begin treatment for ASD as quick as possible after diagnosis. With the help of early treatment, individuals can receive proper care and accommodations to help them succeed.

As ASD has varying severity and symptoms, treatment needs to be individualized. A health care provider can help determine the best path for treatment. Treatment plans may include a combination of:

  • Medication
    • Medications may be used to help treat symptoms of ASD. Often, medication can help provide relief from symptoms of hyperactivity, attention problems, aggression, anxiety, depression, and more.
    •  
  • Behavioral and Psychological Treatment
    • Individuals diagnosed with autism may be referred to a health care provider who can help them learn communication and behavioral skills. Treatment interventions are typically intensive. In addition to the health care providers involved, often caregivers and family members play an important role in these programs.
    • Behavioral and psychological interventions may help those with ASD learn better social, communication, and life skills. Also, the programs can help reduce behavior patterns that interfere with daily functioning and life.

Learn More

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National Public Health Week

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National Public Health Week

National Public Health Week

National Public Health Week (NPHW) is recognized annually on the first week of April. The week aims to bring awareness to the importance of public health. This year, the theme is “Public Health is Where You Are.” Access to healthcare varies by where you are physically and societally. However, as a country we can promote equitable healthcare for all, regardless of location. Together, we can prioritize and make access to mental and physical healthcare a reality for everyone.

Each day of National Public Health Week has a specific theme. Daily, an important issue connected to public health will be highlighted. The following features information about some of this year’s NPHW topics, and how they relate to public health.

Community: Collaboration and Resilience

The community we live in can drastically affect our accessibility to healthy living resources and healthcare. By working together, we can help reduce these discrepancies in health. There are a variety of ways one can help work towards these goals. A few ways people can help their community are to donate to food shelters, volunteer at local events, or advocate for health equality.

 

 

Health is a Human Right

Many citizens do not have access to basic health services. These include, but are not limited to, seeing a doctor, getting mental health care, and being able to visit an emergency room. 

Studies have shown strong connections between poverty and lack of healthcare. People often are faced with the choice of paying for living expenses or being able to receive healthcare. Due to this, many go without receiving necessary care. 

Together we must stand up to inequality and work towards health for all, as health should be a human right.

 

 

Mental Wellness: Redefining the Meaning of Health

Mental health is a critical piece to overall health and wellness. Many people live with mental illness, but not everyone has access to mental health services. Unaddressed mental health conditions can create difficulties in one’s work, relationships, and overall life. Advocacy for mental health is vital, as together we can bridge the gap. 

 

 

Learn More

To learn more about National Public Health Week, we recommend the following resources:

NPHW: https://nphw.org/

APHA: https://www.apha.org/Events-and-Meetings/APHA-Calendar/2022/NPHW-2022

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