Mental Health Awareness

Mental health is how we act, feel, think, and handle the experiences in our lives. Most individuals undergo stress, fear, or anxiety during certain moments in life. Yet, those who suffer from mental disorders are completely hindered by these feelings. Mental disorders can affect job performance, social life, and daily living.

• One in four adults experience a mental disorder in a year. Some of these disorders include anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, phobias, bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. Yes, these are diseases but they can go away.

• Psychiatrists provide therapy and psychoactive medication to combat mental disorders. There are several types of psychological treatments depending on the individual and the disorder.

• Individuals are afraid to seek treatment for fear of revelation and rejection. But remember that if you or a loved one seeks treatment earlier on, you will prevent further relapses from occurring and prevent the ongoing disorder.

• You can find mental health services in hospitals, clinics, or your community.

Visit NAMI, National Alliance on Mental Illness, for help and support.

Childhood Obesity

Childhood obesity has become a major health concern in the United States. More than 17% of children in the United States are overweight. Scientists and doctors are concerned about the rise of obesity in todays youth because of the various health related consequences.  In particular, being overweight has psychosocial risks for adolescents and children. Children often become the target of social discrimination and even develop health problems like heart disease and sleep apnea.

September is childhood obesity awareness month. And many organizations including Alliance for a Healthier Generation and are taking action in the fight against obesity. Here is some advice from CDC on how to keep your kids healthy.

• Children & teens should participate in 60 minutes of moderate intensity activity most days of the week
• Reduce sedentary tim. Limit television, video games and web surfing to 2 hours a day
• Remove calorie – rich temptations
• And remember, children imitate adults so set a good example for health and fitness for them

National Celiac Awareness Day

September 13th is National Celiac Awareness Day. There are 97% of people who suffer from this disease and are not even aware that they have it! Celiac disease is an autoimmune disease that damages the small intestine and prevents the absorption of nutrients into the body. The disease can develop at any point in life.

Symptoms include:

abdominal pain

constipation

decreased appetite

lactose intolerance

nausea and vomiting

unexplained weight loss

breathlessness

The exact causes of celiac disease are unknown. But it can be linked to heredity, diabetes, arthritis, thyroid disease and Downs syndrome. The disease is entirely controllable by diet. Sufferers must follow a lifelong strict gluten-free diet to eliminate all damage to the small intestine.

Information sources:

Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta

Google Health

Celiac