The Winfield Township board is being established to oversee mental health services, including building and maintaining facilities and contracting with service providers. The board members, who must reside in Winfield Township, will serve four-year terms and are responsible for supporting the enhancement, maintenance, and restoration of mental health. To apply, prospective members should submit a resume and statement explaining their interest in serving to Nancy Prater at nprater@WinfieldTownship.com.
https://www.dailyherald.com/20241231/news/winfield-township-seeks-mental-health-board-members/Talkiatry, a leading telepsychiatry provider, has been named as one of the most promising private digital health companies by CB Insights in its 2024 Digital Health 50 list. The company connects patients with high-quality care that is covered by insurance and has surpassed 1.5 million patient visits, expanded to 44 states, and built new partnerships with insurers. Talkiatry's scalable value-based care model tackles pressing challenges by improving outcomes and reducing the total cost of care through technology and strategic collaborations. The company has launched innovative partnerships and services that reach underserved populations, including mothers experiencing postpartum depression and seniors with mental health challenges.
https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/talkiatry-named-6-on-2024-cb-insights-50-most-innovative-digital-health-startups-302340348.htmlThe University of Michigan is launching a new program to provide mental health and substance use services to its students. The program will cover costs not covered by Medicaid, Blue Cross Blue Shield, or Aetna PPO plans, including co-pays, deductibles, and out-of-pocket expenses. The services will be available year-round, including during winter and summer breaks, unlike the previous program which was only available during the academic year.
https://www.dailyherald.com/20241230/news/profound-impact-opiod-settlement-funds-to-enable-counseling-at-buffalo-grove-high-school/As a health psychologist, I am setting a specific goal for 2025 by making resolutions that are measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound. Consistency and self-compassion are key factors in turning these goals into lasting habits. According to a recent survey, up to 75% of Americans are also making resolutions for the upcoming year, but many will struggle to stick to them due to the intention-action gap, a phenomenon commonly observed by psychologists.
https://www.insider.com/smart-strategy-new-years-resolution-success-tips-2024-12April, a woman with type 1 diabetes, spent 11 months in hospital after deliberately reducing her insulin intake to lose weight, leading to multiple episodes of low blood sugar. She collapsed and was taken to the intensive care ward at a psychiatric hospital in September 2022, where she began to recover under the care of a nurse who also had type 1 diabetes. April's experience has led her to become passionate about raising awareness for diabulimia, an unofficial disorder that involves intentionally restricting insulin intake to lose weight.
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-14195001/Doctors-thought-wasnt-taking-insulin-lazy-truth-darker.htmlAccording to Dr. Finney and other scientists, certain daily habits can contribute to premature aging of the brain. These include having too little social interaction, which can lead to a lack of stimulation and the formation of new neural connections. This is because socializing engages areas of the brain linked to language processing and comprehension, and triggers the release of neurotransmitters that stimulate the creation of new brain cells. Studies have shown that socially isolated individuals are at a 26 percent higher risk of dementia and have lower gray matter volume in areas linked to learning and thinking. Regular in-person socializing is recommended to counteract this effect, although online socializing can also be beneficial. Additionally, repetitive daily routines can contribute to cognitive decline by not challenging the brain enough.
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-14236269/doctors-share-everyday-habits-prematurely-aging-brain.htmlDr. Russell suggests that making New Year's resolutions may not be effective, as it coincides with a time of hibernation in nature. She recommends adopting changes on one's own schedule and reviewing progress weekly to refine and adjust goals. This approach is inspired by the scientific method, where individuals study their behavior like scientists to make informed decisions about personal growth and development.
https://www.thestar.com.my/lifestyle/living/2024/12/31/making-any-new-year039s-resolutions-here-are-some-tips-to-help-make-them-stickResearch suggests that abstaining from sex, particularly at a young age, can have negative effects on physical and mental health. A study found that men who had sex for the first time between the ages of 21-23 were more likely to experience sexual arousal issues, erectile problems, and difficulty achieving orgasm compared to those who had sex at 17 years old. This increased pressure to perform after a long period of abstinence can lead to anxiety, which can negatively impact arousal.
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-14228413/lied-girlfriend-virgin-risk-erectile-dysfunction-weak-orgasms.htmlVeterinarians recommend calming medication or anti-anxiety medication for pets experiencing stress during New Year's fireworks, but advise pet owners to follow the prescribed dosage. Alternative methods include using anti-stress jackets and playing soothing music to help alleviate their anxiety.
https://africanews.com/2024/12/31/south-african-pet-experts-urge-owners-to-protect-animals-from-fireworks/