As Kentucky students head into the unofficial start of summer this weekend, advocates for children are urging families to prioritize physical activity, practice healthy eating, stay on top of vaccinations, and find positive ways to manage stress and emotions.
Ben Chandler, CEO of Kentucky Health Foundationsaid the congregation at the state level A campaign entitled “High Five for Health” It aims to ensure that children are prepared to return to learning in the fall.
“High Five for Health is a prescription for a healthy whole body and mind,” he said, “and we believe that if young people follow this prescription, they are more likely to have a successful school year. Ultimately, it leads to a successful life.”
Chandler urged parents to schedule doctor appointments in the summer for their children, for wellness visits and vaccination updates before school starts in August. According to state data, 23% of children aged 5 to 11 and nearly half of children aged 12 to 15 received the first dose of the coronavirus vaccine.
Jim Tackett, Healthy Schools Project Manager at Kentucky Department of Educationwhich funded the campaign, said he hopes families will have honest conversations in the coming weeks about how they can stay active and engaged this summer, and reduce the number of hours they spend in front of screens.
“Keep on starting those talks,” he said. “Keep on exploring new behaviors that will put them on the right track to have a successful school year starting in August.”
research showed that among adolescents, even moderate screen time is associated with lower psychological well-being. and heavy use linked It leads to poor mental health, poor sleep, increased behavioral problems and decreased academic performance.
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The epidemic had a devastating effect on people across the country. For people with disabilities, who already face a lot of social isolation initially, COVID-19 has only exacerbated mental health challenges.
a recent study It was found that adults with disabilities suffer from psychological stress more than others.
Dr. Sharon McClennon-Weir, Executive Director of the Disabled Independence Center – New York, said during Mental health awareness monthit is important to recognize the barriers to receiving mental health treatment that persons with disabilities face.
“For someone with a disability who has transportation and travel issues, they may feel stuck because they can’t physically get out and find services,” McClennon-Ware explained. “Because of their limited income, they may feel that they cannot afford mental health services.”
McClennon ware added mental health resources available through telehealth For people who may face transportation challenges. In New York, psychologists, social workers, mental health counselors, and marriage and family therapists are allowed to provide services by default.
Estimates of the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 22 million people People with disabilities may be recognized nationally as a person with a disability as a result of prolonged COVID complications.
McClennon-Weir said the big change in life can be hard for people to deal with, but they should know they are not alone.
“This newly disabled person will have a lot of different feelings associated with the diagnosis,” McClennon-Weir noted. “So it takes time to adapt and rethink how to do things that you can’t do the same way.”
According to the US Department of Health and Human Services, COVID long It may be considered a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act if it has a significant impact on major life activities.
In New York, Mount Sinai Post COVID Care Center Offers resources for managing anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress syndrome, and other emotional issues as a result of persistent symptoms.
Disclosure: Disability Independence Center New York contributes to our Disability Reporting Fund. If you would like to help support news in the public interest, click here.
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Maybe Mental health awareness monthThere are many stressors that people are experiencing right now, from the pandemic to the economy.
There is a higher prevalence of mental illness in Oregon than in other states, and organizations are discovering different ways to reach people who may be suffering.
Adrian Skavera, director of training and outreach for the Mental Health and Addiction Association of Oregon (MHAAO), said her organization has people with live experiences of providing peer support services, which she believes is a unique way to connect with people.
“The fact that people can publicly share about their past life experiences can be really helpful when it comes to reducing stigma,” Skavira explained.
Skavera noted that peer support services have become more recognized and valuable over her time with the association. that annual study From Mental Health America, Oregon ranked fifth this year for factors such as mental health prevalence and access to care.
Dr. Rhonda Randall, executive vice president and chief medical officer of UnitedHealthcare employer and individual, said she has noticed less stigma around conversations about mental health, especially among young people. For a long time, she said, mental health care was isolated from other parts of the health care system.
“Mental health is part of our health,” Randall stated. “It’s a conversation you should have with your primary care physician when you go for your annual checkup.”
Skavira notes that everyone deals with mental health issues to some degree. She added that people should not be judgmental and should be open-minded, so they can listen and learn from others about their experiences.
“It can really help to challenge the misconceptions that exist about people with live experience,” Skavira emphasized. “Because at MHAAO, we believe that everyone can recover and that what they look like will also look different from person to person.”
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From inflation to climate change, Wisconsin farmers face many sources of stress that can’t help but affect their health. One program provides mental and emotional support to farm operators who need it.
The Farmers Wellness ProgramOn the initiative of the state Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer ProtectionProvides personal and remote advice to farmers across the state.
Dan Bauer, Program Supervisor at Wisconsin Farm Centerwho runs the program, said they also have a 24/7 emergency line.
He said, “So this 24/7 line is available to farmers, and what it is designed to do is they have a very hard time. It’s not for ongoing care, or not for long-term treatment.”
at December survey of farmers and farmworkers commissioned by the American Farm Bureau ConsortiumOver 60% of respondents said they felt more stressed in 2021 than in the previous year. They cited financial issues, fear of losing their farms, and an uncertain future among their biggest stressors.
to me 2020 report from the National Institutes of HealthAbout 6.5 million rural Americans have mental health problems, but counseling services tend to cluster in urban and suburban areas.
Dr.. Rhonda Randall united health care The executive vice president and chief medical officer, said the technology has had inroads in improving rural access to mental health services.
“Behavioural telehealth has been really helpful in helping equal this access, because now licensed mental health professionals can practice and care for people in communities who might have had a very long drive to see them,” she said. in rural areas.”
The National Institutes of Health report estimated that up to 65% of non-urban counties lack a psychiatrist. Power said DAT-CAP’s “Rural Facts” podcast It can also provide helpful advice for farmers looking to prioritize their mental health.
Disclosure: United Healthcare contributes to our fund for reporting health issues. If you would like to help support news in the public interest, click here.
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