Page 4B — Thursday, January 23, 2020 Anyone experiencing symptoms of SAD or any type of depression should consult a licensed health professional for treatment and advice.
Feeling SAD?
Beating the Winter Blues
According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIH), Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that correlates with the seasons. SAD typically begins in the late fall and early winter and subsides during spring and summer months. Winter SAD symptoms include low energy, hypersomnia, overeating, weight gain, carbohydrate cravings and social withdrawal. Depressive episodes linked to summer can also occur, but are far less common than winter episodes of SAD. While the causes of SAD are unknown, NIH reports that episodes occur more frequently in people who live far north or south of the equator, and that people affected by SAD mayhave difficulty regulating serotonin, a key neurotransmitter involved in mood. Research also indicates that people with SAD may overproduce melatonin and underproduce vitamin D.
Treatment Options Light Therapy Since the 1980s, light therapy has been a popular treatment for SAD. Daily exposure to bright, artificial light from a light box during months of diminished sunshine has been found to relieve symptoms in some patients. Medication Certain types of antidepressants are approved by the FDA to treat SAD.
Psychotherapy Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is regarded as an effective treatment for SAD. Vitamin D Some studies suggest that vitamin D supplementation may help relieve SAD symptoms, but supplementation by itself is not regarded as an effective SAD treatment.
Prepare for a sledding adventure
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Suggestions to Help
Shake Off the Winter Blues 1 Create a winter reading list to enjoy by yourself or as a book club. 2 Learn something new. Consider local classes, how-to videos or a language app! 3 Start your day with a stretching, meditation, deep breathing or qigong routine. 4 Try out a new recipe, or organize a weekly “soup swap” with friends. 5 Bundle up, and take an invigorating walk outside.
Sled styles Sleds come in many different styles, each with its own advantages. Sleds with metal blades will work like ice skates, balancing riders’ weight on two metal runners. These sleds can work well during icy conditions or with hardpacked snow. Toboggans can fit multiple people, which can increase the fun factor and downhill speeds. Saucer-style sleds are good for one or two people. Foam liners on some saucers can absorb shock for riders, making those downhill bumps a little easier on the backside. Keep in mind that sleds with steering mechanisms are easier to control, which can equate to safer sledding. Layer up It is best to dress in layers when going sledding Even if it seems warm at home, it may be colder and windier at the top of hills. Sweating when it’s cold out can increase a person’s risk for hypothermia. According to experts at Timberline Trails, a person who works up a sweat and comes in contact with
ambient air when taking a break will feel an immediate chill. This is called evaporative danger, and can be remedied by dressing in layers and trying to stay dry. Invest in a helmet Sledding requires the use of a helmet. At high speeds, a blow to the head can cause a concussion or worse. Let others go first Wait until some sledders have already gone downhill, allowing them to compact the snow, which should make for a smooth ride. Choose safe hills, such as those that are free of bare spots, holes, trees, and obstructions, and do not end abruptly at a road. Hills with a long, flat areas at the end make for easy, safe stopping. Safety first Put safety first when sledding. Sled during the daytime so visibility is better. Keep arms and legs on the sled, and only sled feet-first, advises the National Safety Council.
PROTECTING YOUR PAINT JOB Salt on the roads may make winter driving safer, but its corrosive effects can wreak havoc on your car. Follow these tips to protect your vehicle’s body against the elements all winter: Promptly remove any snow from your vehicle using a soft brush or nonabrasive foam snow removal broom. Wash your car regularly to remove salt and debris, and don’t overlook the undercarriage where road salt can accumulate and cause rust damage.
Give your car a thorough wax coat before the first snow, and touch it up with a spray wax throughout the season. Protect your vehicle as frequently as possible with garage parking, or invest in a removable cover. Have any chips or scratches repaired before winter to prevent rust from taking hold and spreading. You might also consider applying a clear paint protection film to the areas of your car most vulnerable to new scratches or nicks. 1234 Washington Street
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