Showing posts with label health. Show all posts
Showing posts with label health. Show all posts

Wednesday, February 5, 2014

Healthcare Reform is working as planned, with good reason, as it will reduce the (slave/forced) labor force by 2.5 million



 Health Care Law Projected to Cut the Labor Force

WASHINGTON — A Congressional Budget Office analysis released Tuesday predicted that the Affordable Care Act would shrink the work force by the equivalent of more than two million full-time positions.   NY Times 

No, CBO did not say Obamacare will kill 2 million jobs

The Fact Checker had to repeatedly explain that the Congressional Budget Office never said that the Affordable Care Act “killed” 800,000 jobs by 2021. Now, the CBO has released an updated estimate, nearly the triple the size of the earlier one: 2.3 million in 2021.   The Washington Post. FACT CHECKER: The Truth Behind the Rhetoric


Healthcare Reform is working as planned and it's fantastic news for our country and our people.  The CBO (congressional budget office) projects that 2.5 million full-time positions in the next ten years.

Because workers will CHOOSE NOT TO WORK FULL-TIME.

In my educated opinion, this is a totally healthy choice from a mental health and self-care perspective.  So many people feel forced to get and keep jobs that they don't want, are bad for them, and don't even need to be full-time positions.  Probably a third of full-time job hours are spent by employees not working, simply because they have to be there, it's a stable job, and they can't afford to leave the job because they need health care and so do their children and/or spouses.

That's one of the purposes of this reform measure, to reform the system away from this quid-pro-quo situation that is simply taken for granted now.  FT work means benefits and a salary, and that also lots of times means working over-time for no extra pay.  We want people to HAVE more choice so that they AREN'T tied to their jobs because they need healthcare and insurance!

Corporations and the power-brokers in Washington want you to have less choice and to keep you as a slave to their needs.  Opponents of the ACA, who derisively call it Obamacare (namely GOP Republicans) will spin this as bad for "business" and the economy and for people in general.

But, it's fantastic for everyone - individuals, families, children, for the job market, especially job seekers, and anyone who values being able to have control over their own lives.  Congratulations, Americans, we are finally doing what's right and best for us.  Let's keep it up!

Tuesday, December 11, 2012

News: ADHD Can Cause Lifelong Problems, Study Finds - US News and World Report

ADHD Can Cause Lifelong Problems, Study Finds


Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder that persists into adulthood may affect physical and mental health


If children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD, continue to have the condition in adulthood, a new study suggests that they may face an array of physical and mental health issues.
The study, which spanned more than 30 years, found that people who had ADHD as teens and adults face a greater risk of stress, work problems, financial troubles, physical health issues and additional mental health issues, such as depression or antisocial personality disorder.  
They also had difficulty in terms of work and experienced a great deal of financial stress.  82 percent higher odds of having impaired physical health. They were also more than twice as likely to have another mental health problem
 The study included 551 children. Seventy-two of those children were diagnosed with ADHD in 1975 when they were between the ages of 14 and 16. The researchers followed up with the children as they grew, and the final of five outcome surveys was given at an average age of 37.

ADHD Study - US News and World Report 

Monday, September 24, 2012

License Exam: Clinical Practice

Clinical Theories and Interventions

Links



Theories


 

Therapy / Counseling


 

Group Therapy

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Group_psychotherapy
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Group_dynamics
 

Behavioral Theory / Behaviorism (WATSON, SKINNER)

Behavioral Theory (Behaviorism) , Behaviorism , Behavior Therapy
We practice with human beings in their social environments, so this comment from one of the founding fathers of Behaviorism speaks volumes about the causes of human behavior, as well as methods we can employ to assist them in changing those very things that challenge them:
Give me a dozen healthy infants, well-formed, and my own specified world to bring them up in and I'll guarantee to take any one at random and train him to become any type of specialist I might select -- doctor, lawyer, artist, merchant-chief and, yes, even beggar-man and thief, regardless of his talents, penchants, tendencies, abilities, vocations, and race of his ancestors.         --John Watson, 1930
Behavioral theory is based on the belief  that our responses to environmental stimuli shapes our behaviors.  There are two major types of conditioning that produce behavior: Operant conditioning - a method of learning that occurs through rewards (reinforcements) and punishments for behavior, and Classical (Pavlovian or Respondent) Conditioning) where a stimulus is paired with a response to produce a behavior.  See also Behaviorism on Wikipedia. 
Major Thinkers in Behaviorism: Ivan Pavlov , B. F. Skinner , Edward Thorndike  John B. Watson , Clark Hull .
 


REBT / Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy  (ELLIS)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/REBT
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Albert_Ellis_(psychologist)
 


Family Therapy

Family Therapy
The family is a psychological unit, in which changes in one member affect other members and the family's functioning.  Therapy usually focuses on present problems and their practical solutions, in the context of its cultural beliefs.  Family therapy is inappropriate in circumstances where destructive behavior or abuse is present.  See also Family Therapy on Wikipedia

Types of family therapy: Family Systems (Bowen) , Experiential (Satir, Whitaker) , Narrative (Epston, White), Strategic (Haley, Madanes), Structural (Minuchin), Solution-Focused (de Shazer) , Psychodynamic (Scharff), Communications Model (Jackson, Haley), Feminist (Bern)
 

Reality Therapy (GLASSER)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reality_therapy

 

Feminist Therapy (BEM, MILLER, BROWN, JORDAN)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Feminist_therapy
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sandra_Bem

Monday, September 3, 2012

License Exam: Assessment and Diagnosis - Treatment Planning (11%)

Assessment and Diagnosis, Treatment Planning (11%)


 http://bpd.about.com/od/glossary/g/DSM.htm
http://bipolar.about.com/cs/faqs/f/faq_dsm.htm

MULTIAXIAL DIAGNOSIS

In the DSM-IV-TR system, an individual is diagnosed on five different domains, or "axes."  The multi-axial system in DSM-IV-TR was developed in part in order to capture more of the complexity surrounding psychiatric conditions.
Axis I: Clinical Disorders: Major psychiatric disorders are diagnosed on Axis I. For example, major depressive disorder and posttraumatic stress disorder disorders of learning, and developmental disabilities.   Axis I tends to be reserved for major disorders that are thought to be somewhat episodic
Axis II: Personality Disorders or Mental Retardation: these are thought to be longer-standing conditions of thinking and behavior that are typically present before age 18.  For example, personality disorders and Mental retardation (or MR).  These are chronic conditions separated from Axis I conditions in order to allow them to be highlighted
Axis III: Medical or Physical Conditions: Axis III is reserved for medical or physical conditions that may affect or be affected by mental health issues.  For example, if someone has cancer, and their illness and treatment are affecting their mental health, that would be important information to be conveyed in the diagnosis.
Axis IV: Contributing Environmental or Psychosocial Factors: Often, a psychiatric diagnosis happens in the context of major environmental or social stressors. For example, job loss, divorce, financial problems, or homelessness.
Axis V: Global Assessment of Functioning: The GAF is a number between 0 and 100 which is meant to indicate level of functioning, or a person's ability to engage in adaptive daily living.  Lower scores indicate lower functioning. 

Click here for the Expanded text on Multiaxial Diagnosis

 Axis I is reserved for clinical disorders and developmental and learning disorders. Disorders that may be present on Axis I include:

Axis II is for personality disorders or mental retardation. Disorders that may appear on Axis II include:
Axis III is for medical and/or physical conditions or disorders. For example:
Axis IV indicates factors contributing to, or affecting, the current psychiatric disorder and treatment outcomes. These include:
  • Lack of an adequate support system
  • Social issues
  • Educational problems
  • Problems with work
  • Financial difficulties
  • Legal problems
  • Other psychosocial and environmental problems
Axis V is for the GAF or global assessment functioning. This is a 100-point scale that the mental health professional uses to describe the patient’s overall level of performance in usual daily activities and social, occupational, academic and interpersonal functioning.
Source:
American Psychiatric Association. "Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th ed., text revision" 2000 Washington, DC: Author.  

DSM Decision Trees for Differential Diagnosis

The purpose of these decision trees is to aid the clinician in understanding the organization and hierarchical structure of the DSM-IV Classification. Each decision tree starts with a set of clinical features. When one of these features is a prominent part of the presenting clinical picture, the clinician can follow the series of questions to rule in or rule out various disorders.
I. Differential Diagnosis of Mental Disorders Due to a General Medical Condition
II. Differential Diagnosis of Substance-Induced Disorders
III. Differential Diagnosis of Psychotic Disorders
IV. Differential Diagnosis of Mood Disorders
V. Differential Diagnosis of Anxiety Disorders
VI. Differential Diagnosis of Somatoform Disorders
Click here for expanded text on Differential Diagnosis

Mental/Behavioral Health DISORDERS


Mood and Anxiety Disorders

 http://ptsd.about.com/od/ptsdbasics/a/PTSDoverview.htm

http://depression.about.com/od/whatisdepression/tp/facts.htm

Personality Disorders


The DSM-IV-TR states that Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is an Axis II disorder characterized by a pervasive pattern of instability of interpersonal relationships, self-image, and emotions/affects. The diagnostic criteria for BPD is that it is manifested by 5 or more symptoms, such as inappropriate, intense anger, fear of abandonment, impulsive self-damaging behaviors, suicidal threats and gestures, and chronic feelings of emptiness. People with BPD may have a tendency to themselves and others as all good or all bad, with no grey areas; this is termed “splitting.”

http://bpd.about.com/od/relatedconditions/a/Narcissistic-Personality-Disorder.htm


AUTISM
http://autism.about.com/od/whatisautism/a/symptoms.htm




Monday, May 21, 2012

Quit Smoking NOW: Smokefree.gov Resources

Smokefree.gov: Reasons for Quitting

Smokefree.gov: Smoking Triggers

Smokefree.gov: Putting a Stop to Smoky Thinking


Clearing the Air (2011) - Smokefree.gov's Online Guide to Quitting
for all smokers interested in quitting
  
Clearing the Air This booklet is designed to help you at any stage—whether you’re still thinking about quitting, have made the decision to quit, or have already taken steps to quit and just need help maintaining your new lifestyle. Both ex-smokers and experts have contributed to this guide. Clearing the Air can help people at all stages make it to their final goal—living smokefree.
AVAILABLE AS PDF TO SAVE OR PRINT, TOO!  




Forever Free™ (2011)
for smokers who have recently quit

Forever Free™ Congratulations! You’ve made the decision to stop smoking, and have taken real steps to quit. Now comes the next step: Staying smokefree. People who quit smoking initially fight to overcome their body’s addiction to the drug nicotine. But afterward, they still face challenges that can tempt them to smoke. Forever Free™ includes eight booklets that describe these challenges and ways to deal with them without smoking. Among the topics are controlling weight gain, dealing with stress, and what to do if you have that first cigarette.
AVAILABLE AS PDF TO SAVE OR PRINT, TOO!  


Forever Free for Baby and Me™ (2004)

for pregnant smokers who have recently quit

Forever Free for Baby and Me™ Congratulations on quitting smoking! You have taken one of the most important health steps that a woman can take. The fact that you asked for Forever Free for Baby and Me means that you want to stay smokefree for you, your baby, and your family. You can succeed! Your commitment, along with the Forever Free for Baby and Me booklets, should increase your chance of success!
AVAILABLE AS PDF TO SAVE OR PRINT, TOO!  

Libres Para Siempre por mi Bebé y por Mí™(2004)

para fumadoras embarazadas que han dejado de fumar recientemente

Libres Para Siempre por mi Bebé y por Mí™ ¡Felicidades por dejar de fumar! Usted ha dado uno de los pasos más importantes que una mujer puede dar. El hecho de haber pedido información sobre "Libres para siempre por mi bebé y por mí" significa que desea vivir sin fumar: por su bien, el de su bebé y el de su familia. ¡Puede lograrlo! ¡Ese compromiso y los folletos de "Libres para siempre por mi bebé y por mí" mejorarán sus probabilidades de éxito!
AVAILABLE AS PDF TO SAVE OR PRINT, TOO!  

Guía: Viva de forma más saludable para usted y su familia, deje de fumar hoy mismo (2011)

para fumadores de habla hispana
 Order free paper copy
Guía: Viva de forma más saludable para usted y su familia, deje de fumar hoy mismo El número de habitantes de habla hispana está aumentando rápidamente y, pronto, ellos llegarán a ser el segundo grupo étnico más grande en los Estados Unidos. Junto con este crecimiento, hay una necesidad mayor de materiales en español que podrían ayudar a la población de habla hispana a dejar de fumar y ha mantenerse así. Escritas para quienes piensan dejar de fumar o quienes ya han dejado de fumar, estas 44 páginas están llenas de fotos, dibujos llamativos y contenido que se basa en la cultura hispana.
AVAILABLE AS PDF TO SAVE OR PRINT, TOO!  

Pathways to Freedom

for African American smokers
Pathways to FreedomThis guide was developed to address the national concern over the high rates of smoking among the African-American population. This updated edition (2003) offers proven strategies for anyone who wants to quit; how friends and family can help, and how the community and its leaders can promote the value of gaining freedom from tobacco.
AVAILABLE AS PDF TO SAVE OR PRINT, TOO!  

Smokeless Tobacco: A Guide for Quitting

for young men who have decided to quit using spit tobacco
  
Smokeless Tobacco: A Guide for QuittingThis booklet is designed specifically for young men who have decided to quit using spit tobacco or who are thinking about quitting. It includes reasons to quit, addresses myths about spit tobacco, and helps the reader develop a plan for quitting.
AVAILABLE AS PDF TO SAVE OR PRINT, TOO!

Fact Sheets and FAQs

for smokers and non-smokers looking to learn about the impact of smoking

Fact Sheets and FAQs19 Fact Sheets and set of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) providing information about cigarettes and other tobacco products, environmental tobacco smoke, and additional topics. 
AVAILABLE AS PDF TO SAVE OR PRINT, TOO! 

Monday, April 30, 2012

Smokefree Women: Smoking in Your State: Data View

Smokefree Women: Smoking in Your State: Data View


Smoking in Your State: Data View

StatePercentage of Adults That SmokePack PricePack Price RankSmoking Percentage RankWork Ban?Bar Ban?Restaurant Ban?
United States20.65.51----nonono
Alaska20.67.018th12thnonono
Alabama22.54.4248th7thnonono
Arkansas21.45.2228th11thyesnono
Arizona16.16.2012th40thyesyesyes
California12.85.0929th50thyesyesyes
Colorado17.04.8832nd35thyesyesyes
Connecticut15.47.315th43rdyesyesyes
Washington, DC15.26.5610th45thyesyesyes
Delaware18.24.9930th23rdyesyesyes
Florida18.15.4021st24thyesnoyes
Georgia17.64.4446th30thnonono
Hawaii15.37.563rd44thyesyesyes
Iowa17.15.2627th34thyesyesyes
Idaho16.34.5343rd39thnonoyes
Illinois18.55.5718th22ndyesyesyes
Indiana23.14.8234th5thnonono
Kansas17.84.7236th29thyesyesyes
Kentucky25.64.5540th1stnonono
Louisiana22.04.4049th10thyesnoyes
Massachusetts14.97.047th49thyesyesyes
Maryland15.16.1113th46thyesyesyes
Maine17.26.0814th32ndyesyesyes
Michigan19.66.0415th18thyesyesyes
Minnesota16.75.2725th37thyesyesyes
Missouri23.13.9751st6thnonono
Mississippi23.34.5540st4thnonono
Montana16.85.3623rd36thyesyesyes
North Carolina20.34.5540nd14thnoyesyes
North Dakota18.64.1450th21styesnono
Nebraska16.74.6438th38thyesyesyes
New Hampshire15.75.4620th42ndyesyesyes
New Jersey15.87.066th41styesyesyes
New Mexico17.95.7916th26thyesyesyes
Nevada22.04.9531st8thyesnoyes
New York17.98.971st25thyesyesyes
Ohio20.35.3024th13thyesyesyes
Oklahoma25.44.8633rd3rdnonono
Oregon17.84.7635th28thyesyesyes
Pennsylvania20.25.3922nd16thyesnono
Rhode Island15.07.632nd47thyesyesyes
South Carolina20.34.4944th15thnonono
South Dakota17.45.2725th31styesyesyes
Tennessee22.04.7236th9thnonono
Texas17.95.4719th27thnonono
Utah9.85.7017th51styesyesyes
Virginia19.04.4446th19thnonono
Vermont17.16.5311th33rdyesyesyes
Washington14.97.544th48thyesyesyes
Wisconsin18.76.729th20thyesyesyes
West Virginia25.54.4944th2ndnonono
Wyoming19.94.5639th17thnonono

Wednesday, April 25, 2012

Community Engagement Model Development plans

So, I want to spend some time learning about community engagement.  Since I began this final internship of my graduate education, this seems to be a huge part that's missing in community change efforts.  I want to know what I can learn from the research out there - what are well-researched methods? what are best evidence-based practices? what "should" we be using in our change projects? when is best to poll the community?  in the beginning, before we start, as a check-up on progress, to gain satisfaction rating on the job we're doing, in the end as an evaluative measure?  ALL OF THE ABOVE?  How can we partner with communities and their members, the people who are actually affected most by these changes, and the ones who probably know best (despite our best efforts at studying them)?  How can we act as community members' consultants, instead of what usually happens that we end up doing things to them?

Below is a mind map of some of the thoughts I have on the issue, and where I want to go with these ideas.  Ultimately, I'd like to continue the work that I'm doing at my internship -- collaborating with other community planning staff on unique ways that we can do this as social scientists, ways that including use of the many tools available to us on the Internet, and ways that make partnering with community representatives and stakeholders as painless, inexpensive, and rewarding as possible.

I don't know if anyone will read this, but I'm looking for people to partner with to work on this project.  I have an idea to start us off with that I believe would be effective. 

If you think you might be interested, please let me know.  Eventually, I want to publish a paper about the development of the model and the data collected about its effectiveness during testing.  At the least, I want to publish it in the "grey literature" (websites and other self-publishing media).

Tuesday, April 17, 2012

Quit Smoking NOW Resources: Identify Your Triggers

Smoking Triggers

What are your "triggers"?
Certain things trigger, or turn on, your need for a cigarette. They can be moods, feelings, places, or things you do. Knowing your triggers helps you stay in control. Put a check next to things that tempt you to smoke:
Feeling stressed
Feeling down
Talking on the phone
Drinking liquor, like wine or beer
Watching TV
Driving
Finishing a meal
Playing cards
Taking a work break
Being with other smokers
Drinking coffee
Seeing someone else smoke
Cooling off after a fight
Feeling lonely
After having sex
My other triggers are:
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
via: SmokeFree.gov

Monday, April 2, 2012

Asthma Action Plan: resource for people with asthma

Having been recently diagnosed with asthma, and being at a point where my breathing had gotten truly scary, I’d like to offer a resource about helping to keep your asthma under control.  I honestly had no idea what was happening to me because I was misdiagnosed with a relatively benign condition by my primary doctor, I find it essential these days to stay on top of my health and to learn all I can about my own potential issues.  This list of warning signs was provided by Primatene’s website:
Use this Asthma Action Plan prepared by you and your doctor as soon as warning signs develop.
WARNING SIGNS may include:
A drop in your peak-flow reading (earliest warning sign!)
A chronic cough, especially at night
Difficult or rapid breathing
Chest tightness or discomfort
Running out of breath more easily than usual
Fatigue
Wheezing
Feeling that the head is stuffed up
Headache
Fever
Restlessness
A runny nose
A change in the color of the face
Dark circles under the eyes

Tuesday, March 20, 2012

Quit Smoking NOW Resources: Identify Reasons for Quitting

Reasons for Quitting

Here are some examples of reasons to quit:
I will feel healthier right away. I will have more energy and better focus. My senses of smell and taste will be better. I will have whiter teeth and fresher breath. I will cough less and breathe better.
I will be healthier the rest of my life. I will lower my risk for cancer, heart attacks, strokes, early death, cataracts, and skin wrinkling.
I will make my partner, friends, family, kids, grandchildren, and co-workers proud of me.
I will be proud of myself. I will feel more in control of my life. I will be a better role model for others.
I will no longer expose others to my second-hand smoke.
I will have a healthier baby. (If you or your partner is pregnant)
I will have more money to spend.
I won't have to worry: "When will I get to smoke next?" or "What do I do when I'm in a smokefree place?"
My other reasons are:
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
via SmokeFree.gov_

Saturday, March 10, 2012

Lifehacker: Breakfast in a mug in one minute (and why are we only giving it ONE minute?)

Make Breakfast in a Mug in Just One MinuteWell, breakfast IS the most important meal of the day.  I think so many of us just don’t have the time, or maybe we aren’t hungry, yet?  I think caffeine in the coffee has a lot to do with suppressing the appetite when you get started with it early every morning.  I find that my appetite doesn’t come around until 10am after having coffee. Anyway, the evils of coffee and caffeine, no matter how good they taste, aren’t the point of this post.  The positive, that breakfast is important, healthy, and yes necessary, is the point. 

Here’s an article on Lifehacker.com that talks about how to do it quickly.  As mentioned, you can add any numbers of ingredients to spruce up the meal and make it even more healthy.  Getting something in your stomach in the mornings is putting you ahead of the game, anyway, though!

Interestingly, though, the comments part of the article is (as usual) one of the most interesting things about it,  There’s a debate about whether or not reducing breakfast to one minute means that we seriously need to consider how packed, filled, and fast-paced our lives has become.  This is what I am putting my money – we need reset our priorities when it comes down to needing tips like this, eh?  It’s not that we don’t want to do things that are quick and easy, but there’s something to be said for Quality of Life and taking our time with such essential things as our health and having healthy bodies and minds.

So, here’s my compromise:  I was a cook in the Army and have been cooking for 25 years.... I liked this idea enough to read the article, but the commenters are mostly right I think.  I don't seem to have time to eat in the mornings.  It does ONLY take two minutes to cook an egg in a pan and it tastes better.  Many here have mentioned cleaning the pan and how long that takes, but for my life it makes sense to simply put the pan back into the oven (with the spatula as well) so that you can take it out again the next day or the day after.  Wash it once a week, at most.  Either cast-iron, or non-stick, you're only talking about some oil left in the pan, which doesn't mean it's "dirty."  And, it doesn't go bad or make you sick.  So, that's even easier. 

As an after thought, I just want to add here that for my life, I want to be more healthy, eat the breakfast even if I’m not hungry – or, at least, change some things so that a normal hunger is what I wake up with!  so, maybe it’s time to prioritize things like rest, going to sleep earlier, trying to resist the natural inclination of a student to stay up later and later at night.  The morning is such a beautiful and peaceful time.  The night can be peaceful, too, so I vacillate between which is more peaceful.  The point is that I need and love peace and quiet.  I need to move to the woods :-)

Monday, March 5, 2012

RESOURCES: Research Links and Resources - Planned Parenthood - Heartland


Research Links and Resources - Planned Parenthood

Research Links and Resources







We've compiled a list of links to useful websites for educational information, statistics and research materials below.

Abortion


Abstinence


Contraception


Disability & Sexuality


Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender (LGBT)















Parenting Information


Planned Parenthood Information & History


Reproductive Issues


Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI’s)


Sexuality Information for Teens


Teen Pregnancy Information

• National Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy
• The Alan Guttmacher Institute
• National Center for Health Statistics
• SIECUS
• Resource Center for Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention