ental health issues are common among older adults and can be exacerbated by declining health, loss of loved ones, financial challenges, and late-in-life regrets.
Unfortunately, these issues can impact overall health, quality of life, and in some cases, even be life-threatening. The suicide rate among Americans aged 75 and older is the highest of any age group, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
If you’re an older adult, Dr. Zia Wahid, medical director with Cigna's Medicare business, encourages you to take the following actions:
Nurture relationships: Research has found that loneliness can have negative health consequences as impactful as smoking 15 cigarettes a day. That’s why finding connection is essential. Check with your local community center to find out what activities, classes and social events they offer. Faith-based organizations, neighborhood gatherings, and clubs based on common interests are also great ways to meet people and stay engaged. A simple phone call with a loved one is often enough to strengthen bonds, and emotional resilience.
Get moving: Physical activity can improve strength and agility as you age. It can also be a powerful way to boost your mood and ease anxiety and depression. From chair yoga to water aerobics, there are forms of exercise appropriate for every ability and age, and free or inexpensive classes offered in many communities. Racket sports like tennis and pickleball offer numerous benefits for your physical, mental, and social health, making it an excellent activity. Also consider just getting outdoors for a short walk and a dose of sunshine.
Avoid substance misuse: Substance use disorder is common among older adults and can intensify mental health challenges. One in 11 adults over age 60 had a substance use disorder in 2022, and that number is on the rise, according to the American Psychological Association. Check your Medicare plan. It may cover treatment for alcoholism and substance use in both inpatient and outpatient settings.
Schedule a doctor’s visit: Mental health, just like physical health, requires your attention and care. If you’re experiencing mental health concerns, schedule a doctor’s appointment. They can refer you to a psychologist, psychiatrist or clinical social worker, or provide additional advice and resources.
Get it off your chest: Talking about your feelings with friends, family, or even a trained professional can be helpful.
Consider medication: Antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications, antipsychotics and mood stabilizers, can be effective treatments for certain mental health conditions. Before starting a new medication, be sure to talk to your doctor about possible side effects and interactions with drugs you’re currently taking.
Don’t wait: If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, immediately call or text the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 to reach a trained crisis counselor. This free, confidential service is available 24/7 nationwide in both English and Spanish.
For more information about Medicare benefits and mental health, visit cignamedicareinformation.com.
Source: StatePoint
By
s you prepare children to return to the classroom this fall, the American Medical Association (AMA) has seven tips to help your family have a healthy school year.
1. ULTRA-PROCESSED FOODS ARE ASSOCIATED WITH HEALTH RISKS.
Many busy families rely on ultra-processed foods due to their convenience. However, consuming these foods regularly increases the risk of health complications, including cardiovascular disease, certain cancers, obesity, and type 2 diabetes. Read nutrition labels carefully with attention to sodium, saturated fat and added sugar, shop the perimeter of the grocery store where fresh, whole foods tend to be located, and prepare meals that prioritize whole foods, including fruits and vegetables, for growing children and adults.
2. EATING DISORDERS ARE MISUNDERSTOOD.
This silent epidemic affects people of all ages and backgrounds, striking at the core of their physical and mental well-being. Despite its widespread impact, the gravity of eating disorders often remains private, leaving many to battle the condition silently. If you believe your child or
teenager has an eating disorder, their physician can direct you to helpful resources.
3. ENSURE YOUR VACCINATIONS ARE UP TO DATE.
Vaccinations help protect you and your family against severe disease and disability and save millions of lives each year. When respiratory virus season starts later in the fall, get up to date on the influenza vaccine to help reduce time away from school or work.
4. NOROVIRUS IS VERY CONTAGIOUS, BUT PREVENTABLE.
It seems everyone has experienced the sudden turn of the stomach, causing a mad rush to the bathroom due to vomiting, diarrhea or both. And, unfortunately, remaining near the bathroom may be the only plan for the next day or two. The most likely culprit is norovirus, and it can happen to anyone. When buying school supplies, stock up on cleaning supplies as well so you can keep frequently touched surfaces sanitized. Model good hand-washing habits for your children. Keep children with norovirus symptoms home from school for at least 2 days (48 hours) after symptoms stop to help prevent the spread of the virus.
5. TOO MUCH SCREEN TIME IS BAD FOR HEALTH.
People are on their devices more than ever before. But too much screen time can have negative mental and physical health effects and increase feelings of loneliness.
6. EYE HEALTH IS ESSENTIAL.
Fall is a good time for an ophthalmologist checkup. If your tween or teen wears contacts, be sure that they wash their lenses and lens case and take their lenses off at night. Frequent computer breaks, wearing sunglasses, and a healthy diet can also promote good eye health.
7. SLEEP IS IMPORTANT FOR OVERALL HEALTH. From school stress to illnesses, many factors can interfere with a good night’s sleep. Instituting a consistent sleep routine for the entire family is a good start. For teens, 8-10 hours of sleep is recommended, and children aged 6-12 should be getting 9-12 hours of sleep.
Source: StatePoint (Edited by d-mars.com)
d-mars.com News Provider
On the way up, sometimes there will be people who try to bring you down. When you are walking in the calling, expect some criticism, and maybe a Judas or two on your journey. The criticism or betrayal can come from co-workers, sorority sisters, church members, family members, long-time friends, and even those who have benefited from your kindness.
I remember years ago when I first started walking in my gifts and calling, a woman said to me, “They are gonna hate on you.” Now, I didn’t understand what she meant at the time, because I had a good group of friends who were supportive, loving, and encouraging. When I would hear people talk about haters on their rise to success, that message just didn’t resonate with me. Like I said, I was surrounded by a good group of friends. Or so I thought.
I have personally encountered those who have been my biggest cheerleaders, revealing a Judas spirit. For instance, when I became an author, someone I considered a friend revealed her true self. When I would call her, she would decline my calls and not respond to my text messages. This came out of nowhere. At first, I thought
Contributing Writer
By The Dr. Dawn®
maybe she was busy or dealing with some personal issues. But when I see you active on social media, that was confirmation. Of course, we don’t want to think someone we have known for years would have that type of spirit. But, looking back, there were red flags. Everywhere we would go, she would point out a woman whom she said had betrayed her. I knew her background and generational behaviors, so I had empathy. And one day, after a phone conversation, I remember thinking to myself that she would probably see me as an enemy too. And soon enough, it happened. The mistake I made was thinking I could fix her. I was trying to do God’s job. Everyone is not our assignment. I pray for her to know God and heal, and I have no hatred or resentment toward her, but that friendship is no more.
This message shouldn’t scare you, as we are not to live in fear (2 Timothy 1:7). There are wonderful people in this world. My amazing circle of friends is proof of that. I don’t want you to think everyone is out to harm you. This is just a friendly reminder that as people are exposed, don’t let it surprise you, and you sure shouldn’t let it shake or distract you.
People can criticize or turn against you for many reasons. It could be due to jealousy, brokenness, generational curses, or a lack of spiritual maturity. Whatever their reason, we are to pray for them (Matthew 5:44) and stay focused on Christ. It’s not anything you did, but it’s something in them that they need to acknowledge and then take action to heal from. Don’t put pressure on yourself, trying to be the fixer of someone’s life. You will get frustrated. Why? Because you are trying to do a job that only God can do. It’s up to the individual to take God’s hand and walk in their healing.
If you want God’s promotion, then you need to be aware of the responsibility and pressure that comes with it. God has to prepare you, so understand that on each step, the Savior is strengthening and equipping you to stand strong against criticism or betrayal as you walk in your calling.
1 Peter 5:8 reminds us that the enemy is like a roaring lion, seeking whom he can devour. This is why we must stay in the Word of God (Ephesians 6:11-18). The enemy is cunning and strategic when he brings on the criticism, so don’t be surprised if at these specific times you encounter it:
When you start to walk in the calling, the enemy will bring people into your space who criticize you, so you are fearful of moving forward. They criticize you, trying to keep you comfortable, and encourage you to stay with them. Remember, when you start walking in your calling, expect some to be uncomfortable.
When you are facing challenges walking in the calling, sometimes people will come along who want to cause difficulty and confusion with their criticism. You are already feeling vulnerable, so the enemy wants to bring you down further with these critical people. Hurt people, hurt people, but remember, the enemy uses hurt people to try to distract and defeat you.
When you’re on the verge of receiving a breakthrough, expect those critics to hit you hard. Like in a race, you have a cheering section encouraging you to make it through the finish line. But instead, the enemy has critics with their hurtful words, trying to keep you from reaching your end goal. The enemy knows you are on the verge of something great, so don’t be surprised why he’s hitting you so hard. Don’t be distracted, but push through to your destiny.
After God has used you in a mighty way to bless others, you will be on a spiritual high, and here come the critics. Even the people whom you help may criticize you. The enemy will sometimes use ungrateful people to turn you away from being a giver, but don’t stop using the gifts and giving spirit God has given you. Don’t ignore the God-given discernment and intuition rooted in His Word there to guide you.
There are so many examples in God’s Word of those who, despite criticism, endured and remained focused on their calling and assignments. Moses, Aaron, John the Baptist, Paul, and our Lord Jesus Christ are just a few to name.
Now, there is nothing wrong with constructive criticism, because that is meant to build you up. A sign of true friendship is that you’re told the truth in love. But I emphasize the
love. If you’re constantly being criticized and condemned, that’s not a healthy friendship. True friends may call you out on negative behaviors (in love), but it’s not to beat you down, but to help build you up. I use this analogy of a nail and a hammer. A hammer pounds the nail until it goes lower and lower into the wood or ground. If you are around people who constantly beat you down and you feel low when you’re around them, don’t ignore those red flags and the God-given discernment and intuition rooted in His Word.
So, if you are dealing with criticism, understand that it comes with the calling. Don’t let criticism be a distraction. Keep walking in God’s divine intervention. And if this is an area that you are struggling in, remember, in addition to God’s Word, there’s no shame in seeking Christ-centered therapy and counseling. God has put angels on this earth who are educated and trained to support you. Much love, and stay blessed!
Source: GotQuestions.org
Dawn Paul, also known as The Dr. Dawn®, is an award-winning media personality, public speaker, certified life coach, author, and entrepreneur. She has extensive experience in writing, reporting, and editing for the Black press. Dawn is a member of the Houston Association of Black Journalists (HABJ) and the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ). Follow her on social media at @TheDrDawn.
BACK-TOSCHOOL FOOD ALLERGY GUIDE: WHAT PARENTS NEED TO KNOW
By d-mars.com
rom cafeteria meals to classroom snacks, the risk of a food allergy exposure is an everyday concern. And with good reason: The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that 1 in 13 children are affected by food allergies. Of those, 42% have experienced at least one severe allergic reaction, known as anaphylaxis.
With the right preparation, you can help your child manage food allergies with care and consistency. Discover how to educate, plan, and confidently communicate with school staff and other parents to support your child throughout the school year.
AWARENESS AND EDUCATION ARE KEY
What is a food allergy? It’s an allergic reaction that occurs
after eating a food allergen. Your body's immune system mistakenly responds to a certain food as if it were a harmful germ, causing an allergic reaction.
In children, the most common food allergies are to peanuts, tree nuts, milk, eggs, fin fish and shellfish.
A serious allergic reaction involves two or more body organs - the skin, lungs, stomach, and/or heart. Symptoms may include:
• Hives on the skin, sometimes on several parts of the body
• Shortness of breath, wheezing, repetitive cough
• Tightness in the throat, hoarse, trouble swallowing
• Swelling of the tongue, lips, or throat
• Stomach discomfort such as abdominal cramps, diarrhea, or vomiting
• Blood pressure changes
• Pale, faint, dizzy, confused
Epinephrine is the only medication that can stop anaphylaxis. Administer it as soon as possible. Remember the rule: "Epinephrine First, Epinephrine Fast."
10 TIPS FOR A SAFE SCHOOL YEAR
• Schedule a back-to-school health checkup. Obtain updated medication forms, epinephrine prescriptions, and an emergency care plan.
• Meet with school staff. Discuss food allergy accommodations in the cafeteria and classroom. Review the emergency plan.
• Teach your child how to stay safe. Help your child recognize signs of an allergic reaction and understand when and how to ask for help.
• Be ready for the first day of school. Submit all required school health forms, drop off your child's epinephrine and share a copy of the emergency care plan.
• Pack allergy-safe meals and snacks. Make sure your child only eats what is safe.
• Plan for snacks and special events. Confirm school policies for snack times and meals during field trips.
• Ensure epinephrine is easy to access. Find out if the school stocks epinephrine, where it's stored, and if the staff are trained to administer it in an emergency.
• Address bullying and exclusion. Talk with your child about speaking up if they are being excluded, teased, or bullied due to food allergies.
• Check in with your child. Make it a habit to ask your child how things are going at school, including if there's any difficulty managing food allergies.
• Keep the conversation going. Communication between home and school is key.
With a little planning and teamwork, you can help your child thrive in and out of the classroom. For more information, tools and resources, visit AllergyAsthmaNetwork.org.
Source: BrandPoint (Edited by d-mars.com)
Sleep Loss Rewires the Brain
FOR CRAVINGS AND WEIGHT GAIN
YBy d-mars.com News Provider
ou stayed up too late scrolling through your phone, answering emails or watching just one more episode. The next morning, you feel groggy and irritable. That sugary pastry or greasy breakfast sandwich suddenly looks more appealing than your usual yogurt and berries. By the afternoon, chips or candy from the break room call your name. This isn’t just about willpower. Your brain, short on rest, is nudging you toward quick, high-calorie fixes.
Research shows that insufficient sleep disrupts hunger signals, weakens self-control, impairs glucose metabolism and increases your risk of weight gain. These changes can occur rapidly, even after a single night of poor sleep, and can become more harmful over time if left unaddressed.
Joanna Fong-Isariyawongse is a neurologist specializing in sleep science and its impact on health.
HOW SLEEP DEFICITS DISRUPT HUNGER HORMONES
Your body regulates hunger through a hormonal feedback loop involving two key hormones.
Ghrelin signals that you are hungry, while leptin tells your brain that you are full. Even one night of restricted sleep in-
creases the release of ghrelin and decreases leptin. This shift is driven by changes in how the body regulates hunger and stress. Your brain becomes less responsive to fullness signals, while at the same time ramping up stress hormones that can increase cravings and appetite.
In controlled lab studies, healthy adults reported increased hunger and stronger cravings for calorie-dense foods after sleeping only four to five hours. The effect worsens with ongoing sleep deficits, which can lead to a chronically elevated appetite.
WHY THE BRAIN SHIFTS INTO REWARD MODE
Sleep loss changes how your brain evaluates food.
Imaging studies show that after just one night of sleep deprivation, the prefrontal cortex, which is responsible for decision-making and impulse control, has reduced activity. At the same time, reward-related areas such as the amygdala and the nucleus accumbens, a part of the brain that drives motivation and reward-seeking, become more reactive to tempting food cues.
Participants in sleep deprivation studies not only rated high-calorie foods as more desirable but were also more likely to choose them.
Your metabolism slows, leading to increased fat storage Sleep is also critical for blood sugar control.
When you’re well rested, your body efficiently uses insulin to move sugar out of your bloodstream and into your cells for energy. But even one night of partial sleep can reduce insulin sensitivity by up to 25%.
If your body can’t process sugar effectively, it’s more likely to convert it into fat. This contributes to weight gain. Over time, poor sleep is associated with higher risk for Type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome, a group of health issues raise the risk for heart disease and diabetes.
On top of this, sleep loss raises cortisol, your body’s main stress hormone. Elevated cortisol encourages fat storage, especially in the abdominal region, and can further disrupt appetite regulation.
Sleep is your metabolic reset button
Sleep is not downtime. It is active, essential repair. It is when your brain recalibrates hunger and reward signals, your hormones reset and your metabolism stabilizes.
Just one or two nights of quality sleep can begin to undo the damage from prior sleep loss and restore your body’s natural balance.
So the next time you find yourself reaching for junk food after a short night, recognize that your biology is not failing you. It is reacting to stress and fatigue. The most effective way to restore balance isn’t a crash diet or caffeine. It’s sleep.
Source: The Conversation (Edited by d-mars.com)
SIX WAYS TO GET READY FOR A NATIONAL PARK TRIP
By d-mars.com News Provider
rom the geysers of Yellowstone to the granite cliffs of Yosemite, America's national parks remain a premier destination for outdoor exploration. For many travelers, visiting national parks is a bucket list ambition. In fact, one in four Americans aspire to visit every national park in their lifetime, according to a recent online survey conducted in January 2025.
With warmer weather in full effect and outdoor enthusiasts gearing up for the season, now is the ideal time to start planning a national park adventure.
Before hitting the trail, OFF!® Mosquito and Tick Repellents has partnered with the National Park Foundation to share six tips to help make any national park experience worry-free and more memorable, so you can focus on the adventure.
1. RESERVE ENTRY PASSES AND CAMPSITES EARLY
Many parks have moved to a reservation-based system to manage crowds. Book timed entry passes, campsites and guided tours well in advance. Highly visited parks like Arches, Glacier and Rocky Mountain often sell out weeks ahead.
2. PLAN FOR UNEXPECTED WEATHER AND LAYER UP
Weather can be hard to plan around. Temps can drop fast - especially at higher altitudes - and unexpected showers can change hiking plans instantly. Come prepared with extra clothing - like a lightweight jacket, waterproof gear and long sleeves - in case the weather changes. If camping, consider extra layers for chilly nights.
3. DON'T LET MOSQUITOES AND TICKS RUIN THE EXPERIENCE
With Mother Nature comes the presence of biting insects, like mosquitoes and ticks. Check the OFF!Cast Mosquito Forecast to see mosquito activity in the area up to seven days in advance. Bring a long-lasting mosquito and tick repellent, like OFF!® Deep Woods, to help prevent bites and ensure the outdoors are enjoyed uninterrupted.
4. PACK HIGH-PROTEIN SNACKS AND WATER
The summer heat can drain you, especially in Southwestern parks like the Grand Canyon. Pack a large water bottle (two liters or more) and hydrate frequently. For longer hikes, consider packing a filtration water bottle or straw. Save room in your backpack for high-protein snacks to keep you energized.
5. THE EARLY BIRD CATCHES THE WORM
For the most peaceful experience, arrive before sunrise. You'll beat the crowds and get a front-row seat at a beautiful sunrise.
6. SEE THEM ALL
Why stop at one? Visiting every national park may feel like a dream, but with planning, it's achievable. Make a plan by searching for national parks based on a location, activity or topic and get one step closer to adventure.
Source: BrandPoint Content (Edited by d-mars.com)
The Art of Slow Traveland How to Embrace it in Michigan
By d-mars.com News Provider
he Art of Slow Travel — and How to Embrace it in Michigan
TIn Michigan, travelers can use all available senses to tap into wonder and connection while soaking in the scenery across all corners of the state. It's time to embrace the beauty, culture and excitement across our two pleasant peninsulas on a deeper and more rewarding level.
What is slow travel?
Unlike traditional, fast-paced tourism where visitors try to see as many places as possible in a short amount of time, slow travel focuses on making more meaningful connections with the places and people they come in contact with.
5 TIPS FOR SUCCESSFUL SLOW TRAVEL
• 1. Skip the agenda - Take a go-with-the-flow approach to travel with ample free time and flexibility to embrace the moments.
• 2. Opt for longer stays - This gives you time to live like a local and build deeper relationships with the people and places you explore and meet.
• 3. Engage with locals - They're your best bet for intel on hidden gems and must-see sights you wouldn't have known of otherwise.
• 4. Choose more sustainable options - Whether it's your mode of transportation, like biking instead of driving, or supporting local businesses, sustainability plays a big role in slow travel.
• 5. Prioritize quality over quantity - Pick educational, purposeful and emotionally enriching experiences, even if they take longer or require more of your attention. Here's how to slow down and savor the sights, sounds and sensations of Michigan
Ditch the whirlwind mentality of travel for a more mindful escape in Michiganon your own time.
TAKE A SCENIC TRAIN RIDE
The Pere Marquette Amtrak route offers stunning views along Michigan's western coast between Grand Rapids and Chicago. Or, the Southern Michigan Railroad Society runs seasonal trips from Clinton through scenic farmlands and the Little River Railroad in Coldwater offers nostalgic steam train rides through the countryside of Southwest Lower Peninsula.
FIND A FARMERS MARKET OR LOCAL FOOD EXPERIENCE
Not only is it a sustainable way to shop but it's a sensory overload when you can touch and taste the food, and talk with the very farmer who grew the produce you'll buy. Check out the Eastern Market in Detroit, the Midland Area Farmers Market on the east side, the Kalamazoo Farmers Market on the southwest side, and the Downtown Marquette Farmers Market in the Upper Peninsula.
VISIT ONE (OR MORE) OF MICHIGAN'S MANY ART TRAILS
There are endless places to enjoy man made and natural works of art in Michigan's great outdoors, like the expansive Frederik Meijer Gardens, featuring sculpture galleries, a tropical conservatory, a children's garden and Japanese garden with over 200 sculptures in Grand Rapids. Or explore the winding and whimsical Michigan Legacy Art Park, a 30-acre preserve with hiking trails, sculptures, poetry stones and an amphitheater at Crystal Mountain.
WATCH FOR WILDLIFE AND WANDER THROUGH WILDERNESS
Birdwatching at Arcadia Dunes wetlands, elk viewing in Pigeon River County State Forest, or spotting a moose on the remote Isle Royale National Park are just a few ways to explore nature and watch for wildlife along the journey. Wildlife viewing in wilderness is the essence of slow travel, as it requires patience, quiet observation and a willingness to let nature reveal itself in its own time. Just remember to keep a safe distance and maintain awareness of your surroundings when you're near Michigan's wildlife.
