Dr. Nakia Scott: Building On Strengths To Heal

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August 2023

Dr. Nakia Scott:

A Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist Building on Strengths To Heal “Embrace Your Community”

N E W AUT HO R F EAT U RE

Madelyn Patterson’s New Book It’s Okay To Ask: What Is That Sticking Out Of Your Neck?

By Damita Miller-Shanklin I had the pleasure of speaking with a great person who has gone through a transformative journey and has a powerful story to share through her new book. The book title says it all and if you know Madelyn Patterson this book was written to help others feel comfortable when interacting with someone who has a tracheostomy aka as a Trach, and people with differences in general.

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atterson recently wrote a book that took her on a cathartic journey. The writing process was emotional for Patterson. She wanted to put parents at ease, especially when kids would ask about her trach and parents would tell the child not to ask. It made her feel invisible, and that experience made her decide to celebrate our uniqueness. We are all different, and that's okay.

Patterson turned her experience into a message of acceptance and celebration of diversity. But she was impacted by it. She said “ writing the book helped me realize that we should embrace our differences and be seen for who we are. It's essential not to dismiss someone's individuality and deny their identity.

Embracing our uniqueness is liberating, and it allows me to accept myself fully.”

But she was not always clear about her destination. Patterson was breaking up with a boyfriend and he turned violent and choked her. She was embarrassed for many years to tell anyone about how she ended up with the trach. She

apologies. She has felt God pushing her to be seen and heard instead of staying in the background. But God's message became clear, and she understood that he wanted her to share her story to inspire others. It reminded her of Matthew 5:16, “to let my light shine before others, so they may see God's love within me.”

allowed people to think she had Asthma. She suffered in silence.

She was angry and heartbroken that as a strong black woman a man had done this to her. But God reminded her “I have you.”

Patterson’s journey to selfacceptance made a turn during a medical crisis when she needed surgery on her throat. Her experience was life-changing and it reminded her that God made her just the way she is. Her trach has become a symbol of embracing herself. After that, she stopped being self-conscious about her voice, and she learned to let her light shine without

Her faith has been her anchor during difficult times.It has taught her that she is not alone, that God is watching over her, and He has a purpose for every one of us.

You can purchase Patterson’s book which is available on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and her website https://www.ladymadelyn.com/.

Patterson hopes that anyone who reads it finds hope, strength, and a renewed belief in the beauty of being uniquely themselves.

Lady Madelyn Patterson’s journey of self-acceptance and empowerment is a true testament to the power of faith and embracing one's uniqueness.

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BEAUTY AND LIFESTYLE

EMBRACING THE JOURNEY: CHALLENGES AND RESOLUTIONS FOR SOLO ENTREPRENEURS

By Jacqueline Johnson

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eing a solo entrepreneur is a thrilling and rewarding endeavor. It offers the freedom to pursue your passion, make your own decisions, and chart your own course.

However, it also comes with its unique set of challenges.

In this article, we will explore some common challenges faced by solo entrepreneurs and provide effective resolutions to overcome them.

Work-Life Balance: Maintaining a healthy work-life balance is crucial for long-term success and personal well-being. Setting boundaries, scheduling dedicated personal time, and learning to delegate tasks are key resolutions.

Prioritizing self-care and seeking support from loved ones are equally important.

Time Management: One of the biggest challenges for solo entrepreneurs is managing their time effectively. With numerous responsibilities on their shoulders, it can be overwhelming to juggle multiple tasks. The resolution lies in prioritization and creating a well-structured schedule. Setting clear goals, delegating non-essential tasks, and utilizing productivity tools can help optimize time management.

Resources: Here are some time management tools specifically designed for solo entrepreneurs:

Limited Resources: Solo entrepreneurs often face constraints in terms of financial resources, manpower, and expertise. To overcome this challenge, they can seek strategic collaborations, outsource certain tasks, or invest in upskilling themselves. Leveraging technology and automation tools can also help streamline processes and maximize productivity on a limited budget.

Isolation and Burnout: Working alone can sometimes lead to feelings of isolation and burnout. To combat this, solo entrepreneurs should actively seek support networks, join relevant communities or industry associations, and engage in networking events. Regular breaks, exercise, and maintaining a healthy work-life balance are essential for maintaining mental well-being.

Decision-Making: As a solo entrepreneur, you are responsible for making all major decisions. This can be overwhelming and lead to decision paralysis. Developing a decisionmaking framework, seeking advice from mentors or trusted peers, and conducting thorough research can provide clarity and confidence in decision-making.

Marketing and Branding: Establishing a strong brand presence and effective marketing strategies can be a challenge when you are a one-person operation. Investing time in understanding your target audience, building a compelling brand story, and leveraging social media platforms can help overcome these challenges.

Collaborating with influencers or engaging in content marketing can also expand your reach.

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In conclusion, being a solo entrepreneur is an exciting journey filled with immense possibilities. While challenges may arise, embracing them with the right mindset and implementing effective resolutions can lead to personal and professional growth. By overcoming obstacles, solo entrepreneurs can pave their path to success and achieve their entrepreneurial dreams.

Evernote: A note-taking app that allows you to capture ideas, create to-do lists, and save important information. It syncs across devices and supports organizing notes with tags and notebooks. https://evernote.com Notion: A comprehensive productivity tool that combines notetaking, task management, and project planning. It allows you to create customizable databases, track tasks, and collaborate with others. https://www.notion.so/notes Remember The Milk: A task management app that helps you organize and prioritize your to-do lists. It offers features like reminders, due date notifications, and smart lists to filter tasks. https://www.rememberthemilk.com Trello: A visual project management tool that uses boards, lists, and cards to help you organize and prioritize tasks. It’s great for tracking progress, setting deadlines, and collaborating with team members. https://trello.com Remember to choose the tools that align with your specific needs and preferences as a solo entrepreneur. Experiment with different options to find the ones that enhance your productivity and help you manage your time effectively.

Contributing Writer, Jacquie “ooh” Johnson Contributing Writer, Jacquie “ooh” Johnson Is a proud Texan, currently resides in Denton, TX. Jacqueline is the visionary behind Jacquie ooh, an online resource hub committed to equipping women with the tools they need to think well and live well. Additionally, Jacqueline has spearheaded the development of the Glow Collection by Jacquie ooh, an exceptional line of all-natural skincare products.

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Understanding the effect of heat on mental health

Are you feeling more emotional?

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he Central Texas area has had the longest streaks of scorching heat with no relief coming anytime soon, and August is just around the corner.

We have been experiencing 101, 105, 107 degrees.

Researchers say temperatures are too hot for humans, with limits between 104F and 122 degrees.

How does health affect our mental health?

As you start the day, the heat has almost reached its peak. Your day must begin with a daily routine of healthy habits – prayer, gratefulness, healthy foods, and plenty of water.

We are all experiencing scorching heat; sadly, some more than others, we cannot escape it. Exposure to heat affects the body and mind. Heat can impact what we are doing to manage our well-being. People are dealing with various emotions – depression, anxiety, and low spirits. However, we do have control over how we handle our well-being.

The Mayo Clinic report mentions that "the side effect of extreme heat is irritability, which can arise from physical discomfort and disrupted sleep patterns. The fatigue from sweating, working

in the heat, and lack of quality sleep can leave people feeling stressed and on the edge. Dr. Bright of the Mayo Clinic says, “It is important to have grace for yourselves and others."

Remember, we have no control over our current situation.

However, we do have control over ourselves. Psalms 51:10 says, “Create in me a clean heart and renew within me the right spirit.”

Slow down and breathe; the rain will come again.

Resource: “Understanding the effect of heat on mental health.”

Mayo Clinic July 13, 2023

Summer

By Aubrie Edmond, Contributing Writer

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ummer is the cruelest season. I spend all year waiting for summer to come, a time for fun and freedom and friends. There’s so much promise and opportunity, but it seems like nothing ever happens. No matter how many things I think I’ll be able to accomplish, plans always seem to fall through. Three months seems like forever, but there’s never enough time.

This isn’t to say that summer isn’t eventful. This year, I celebrated my twentieth birthday. I watched fireworks on the fourth of July, the Barbie movie is coming out, there’s an abundance of concerts I’m excited to see, and yet I still feel like I’m wasting my time. p4

Freedom is a double edged sword. I find myself caught in my own head, cycling through endless possibilities for ways to spend my day until the sun goes down. It seems like everyone around me has it all figured out, trips lined up months in advance and jobs set up through connections they’ve made at school. I always feel left behind, struggling to find ways to fill my time. Most of the time I have no idea what I’m supposed to do with myself. Summer feels like a time to create and learn new things, but it seems like I can never finish anything I start. I feel so unproductive and it drives me crazy.

The idea of summer is something that is so prevalent in our culture. We have so many expectations for what it should be, and maybe that’s the problem. Maybe summer isn’t about the number of things you’re able to fit into a day or the amount of trips you’re able to take. Maybe it’s about finding ways to be okay with being alone with yourself, making peace with the quiet moments and savoring the beauty in the little things.

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Dr. Nakia Scott: Holistic Mental Health Building on Strengths To Heal Dr. Nakia Scott is a child and adolescent psychiatrist based in the Austin area. She pursued her education at UT (University of Texas) and attended medical school in Dallas. Later, she completed her residency and fellowship in child psychiatry at A&M (Texas A&M University) in Temple, Texas, finishing in 2007.

Dr. Scott follows a holistic medicine philosophy in her practice, which is compassionate, integrative, and collaborative. Holistic medicine recognizes that health and wellness involve multiple aspects, such as She views physical, emotional, and spiritual her child and well-being. She views her child and adolescent adolescent patients as part of a patients as part larger system, considering their of a larger family, school, and community system ... resources to help them reach their potential.

In her practice, Dr. Scott addresses common issues faced by young people, with anxiety disorders being the most prevalent. She acknowledges the external stressors that children and adolescents face, including school pressures, financial concerns, and existential stressors like Feature continues on p6

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climate change and safety concerns. Dr. Scott takes a personalized approach to treatment, which may include discussions about nutrition, exercise, sleep hygiene, and various therapy modalities.

To begin the treatment process, Dr. Scott emphasizes active listening to better understand the child's narrative and their family's story. By identifying the child's strengths and leveraging them in the treatment plan, she aims to create a judgment-free environment where families feel safe to share their concerns. and inclusive space Dr. Scott for families. She Dr. Scott also collaborates with appreciates the emphasizes the other healthcare significance of self-care value of providers, during challenging times community and advocates for schools, and engagement supporting oneself and therapists and sometimes others within the involved in a collaborates with community. child's care. This church leaders to team-based address mental health approach ensures a concerns. comprehensive understanding of the child's Dr. Scott encourages families needs and enables the to recognize the benefits of development of effective seeking mental health support treatment plans. and assures them that she will In the African American community, there can be a stigma associated with seeking mental health care.

Dr. Scott acknowledges this and emphasizes the importance of breaking down barriers and creating a safe

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not judge or disregard their concerns. She strives to create a supportive and understanding environment for her patients, starting with their strengths.

To learn more about Dr. Nakia Scott's practice and

philosophy, interested individuals can visit her website for comprehensive information on her services and approach to holistic and integrative medicine. Dr. Scott also emphasizes the significance of self-care during challenging times and advocates for supporting oneself and others within the community.

For those seeking her services, her website, https://holisticmh.com/ would be the ideal place to find relevant information and contact details. Dr. Scott also shares her personal self-care interests, such as spending time outdoors, hiking, gardening, traveling, and her love for Marvel comics.

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active LIVING Dehydration and overheating can be a serious bummer in the summer. You don’t want to get to the point where you feel light-headed, dizzy, or weak because you are getting too hot. Water is the most obvious and easiest way to stay hydrated and beat the heat this summer.

Thistle.com Mary Linnen Editor

Many people say their joint stiffness gets worse in very hot weather, and that may be at least partly related to fluid retention. Keeping cool, staying in the shade and wearing natural fabrics can help.

Gentle swimming can also relieve some of the symptoms, but a lot depends on the individual.

If your hands, feet and ankles swell up a little in hot and humid weather, this isn’t usually anything to worry about. But if it’s very uncomfortable, speak to your physician especially if you have a heart condition.

Remember everyone is different.

Study: Dr. Carol Cooper

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Sunscreen should be worn daily, no matter your location — indoors and outdoors.

Sunscreen should be worn all over the face, ears included. Cover your entire face with sunscreen as well as your neck and hands.

You can apply it first thing in the morning."

Dermatology Board Certified Debra Jalimar, MD

Cooling Foods to Beat the Heat this Summer !!! ● Cucumbers. ... ● Watermelon. ... ● Avocado. ... ● Coconuts. ... ● Bananas. ... ● Celery. ... ● Onions….

There are more but you can do a lot with this list. The heat has really affected us in a lot of different ways this year, let’s try all we can to be cool !!

Courtesy of Thistle p7

HOW TO MAKE CUCUMBER AVOCADO SALAD To make this simple and refreshing Cucumber Avocado Salad, just add all of the ingredients in a medium-sized bowl, and toss to combine. Season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste. That’s it!

Tip: Lemon Juice and Olive Oil: Together, these comprise the light vinaigrette used to dress the veggies for this avocado salad recipe.

(If you choose to use a light vinaigrette) Courtesy of Chef Savvy

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