Your Health Mental Health 05-23-2024

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Island Renal Institute,

QLIRI provides:

• In-Center Chronic Hemodialysis

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Is your child just out of sorts — or is it something more?

What parents need to know

Rates of childhood depression have been rising in the last several years. As has been well documented, the pandemic has exacerbated mental health issues among all age groups, especially in children teens. And even prior to Covid-19, health care professionals were concerned that childhood depression was on the upswing.

Yet awareness about childhood depression has not caught on at the same rate. Many well-intentioned adults still believe that children can’t get depressed. They are so young, what do they have to be depressed about? Alongside misunderstanding is stigma and the idea that mental illness is a taboo subject.

What we now know

Childhood depression is a real, distinct clinical entity. It is a serious health condition, which if left untreated, increases risk of future, prolonged and more severe depressive episodes. Untreated depression in childhood and adolescence can pose risk of suicide.

Depression often has biological, psychological and social underpinnings. An individualized treatment plan that explores and addresses each of these aspects, works best. Effective treatment options for childhood and teen depression have been widely tested, proven and established, through several scientific studies over the years. Childhood depression can be hidden and therefore, easily missed. Timely recognition and treatment can be life-changing and life-saving.

The barriers surrounding mental health stigma are beginning to give way due to powerful social movements and discussions that address realities of mental health.

Who is affected as a child or teenager?

Depression can affect anyone. However, children or teens who have immediate family members with a history of depression or other mood disorders (such as bipolar disorder) are more likely to suffer from depression, often due to a genetic predisposition. Predisposition implies greater likelihood; it does not mean that the child or teen will necessarily experience depression.

Children with chronic or severe medical conditions are at a greater risk of suffering from depression.

Common signs of childhoodl depression

Depression in childhood/adolescence can manifest somewhat differently than it does in adults. Irritability and/or anger are more common signs of depression in children and teens.

When depressed, younger children are more likely to have physical or bodily symptoms, such as aches or pains, restlessness, distress during separation from par-

ents, as they may not have the emotional attunement and/or expressive abilities to talk about their emotions.

Other signs of depression in children and teens, can be:

√ Loss of interest in usual fun activities

√ Withdrawal from social or usual pleasurable activities

√ Difficulties with concentration

√ Running away from home or talking about running away from home

√ Talking about death or dying, giving away (or talking about giving away) favorite possessions)

√ Sleep increase (or decrease)

√ Appetite/weight changes (

√ New or recent onset agitation or aggression

√ Comments indicating hopelessness or low self-worth

Rule out medical conditions first

Psychiatric disorders are diagnosis of exclusion, which means that only if the symptoms are unexplained by medical conditions, or effect of substances or other non-psychiatric causes, would the cause of symptoms be deemed to be due to a primary psychiatric disorder.

Before arriving to the diagnosis of depression, a child or teen who is suspected to be depressed, must undergo a comprehensive medical evaluation to rule out any underlying medical condition which could be manifesting as or resulting in depression. For example, conditions such as undiagnosed anemia can mimic depression, due to accompanying fatigue/low energy. Vitamin D deficiency increases risk of depressive symptoms and fatigue. The good news is that treatment of the underlying medical condition in a timely manner should resolve depressive symptoms.

Also,. it’s important to rule out other psychiatric conditions, such as undiagnosed/untreated ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder), anxiety disorders or other psychiatric conditions, which when left untreated, can result in depressive symptoms due to the impairment in functioning from ADHD or anxiety disorder itself.

At times, children go through stressful things. Some have faced loss, trauma, or hardships. Some go through serious health conditions. These things can lead to sadness or grief and sometimes to depression.

Having extra support during and after hard times helps protect children from depression or lessen the effects. But even when they have good support, some children get depressed. Therapy can help them heal, feel better, and get back to enjoying life.

Embrace wellness

Steps to a resilient life

Good mental health is much more than must the absence of illness it’s about being able to handle life’s challenges and even flourish.

According to the American Psychological Association, mental health issues such as anxiety and depression have been a growing problem in the United States for over a decade, impacting millions of individuals every year. Data from Mental Health America highlights that 19 percent of U.S. adults are affected with mental illness and nearly 14 percent of young people (ages 12 to 17) have struggled with a major depressive episode.

Having solid mental health doesn’t mean that you never go through bad times or experience emotional problems. We all go through disappointments, loss, and change. And while these are normal parts of life, they can still cause sadness, anxiety, and stress. But just as physically healthy people are better able to bounce back from illness or injury, people with strong mental health are better able to bounce back from adversity, trauma, and stress. This ability is called resilience. People who are emotionally and mentally resilient have the tools for coping with difficult situations and maintaining a positive outlook. They remain focused, flexible, and productive, in bad times as well as good. Their resilience also makes them less afraid of new experiences or an uncertain future. Even when they don’t immediately know how a problem will get resolved, they are hopeful that a solution will eventually be found.

Anyone can suffer from mental or emotional health problems and over a lifetime most of us will. Yet, despite how common mental health problems are, many of us make no effort to improve our situation.

When it’s more than ‘the blues’

Know the signs of stress and how stress affects your overall health and well-being. And know when it’s not just stress that’s bothering you, but something more, and when to seek professional help. Everyone gets down from time to time, but sometimes it’s more than “the blues.” Clinical depression is a real illness that can be treated effectively. Unfortunately, fewer than half of the people who have depression seek treatment. Too many people believe that depression is a normal part of life’s ups and downs, rather than a real health problem.

As a result, they may delay seeking help or not seek help at all. It’s important to know that depression is real, and it can be effectively treated.

Tools for living well

Implement a wellness toolbox of essential coping skills, tools, activities and resources. This can help address negative moods, reduce stress, and alleviate anxiety and depression. But because everyone responds differently to stressful or difficult life events, the best tools to help maintain a healthy mental state will vary from person to person.

Photo: It’s normal for kids to feel sad, act grouchy, or be in a bad mood at times. But when a sad or bad mood lasts for weeks or longer, and when there are other changes in a child’s behavior, it might be depression.

Photo: Whether you’re looking to cope with a specific mental health problem, handle your emotions better, or simply to feel more positive and energetic, there are plenty of ways to take control of your mental health.

HEALTH MEMOS

Help for drug addiction and mental health illnesses is available close to home

It’s a topic that still carries a stigma in some quarters, but the reality is that many families are impacted by depression, anxiety, substance use, or other mental health illnesses.

The rates of substance abuse continue to rise annually, putting our youth and adults at significant risk for later development of substance use disorder and other problems. The total cost of drug abuse in the United States is more than $740 billion a year due to loss of productivity in the workplace, added stress to the health care system, drug-related crime, and lifethreatening accidents, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse.

Michele

Lucero,

PsyD, Administrative Director of Behavioral Health at Mount Sinai South Nassau

urges anyone who is facing mental health challenges or substance abuse to seek treatment and support.

Mental health is also a deepening crisis. The rate of mental illness is on the rise nationally; there has been a sharp increase in self-reported conditions, especially among youth and underrepresented populations, coupled with a shortage of available providers.

If you or a loved one are among those impacted, there is help available, close to home.

Mount Sinai South Nassau, in collaboration with the Mount Sinai Health System’s Office of Well-Being and Resilience and the Department of Psychiatry, will host a free mental health information exhibit Tuesday, May 28, through Thursday, May 30, 9 am-4 pm, and Friday, May 31, 9 am-noon, in the hospital atrium (One Healthy Way,

Oceanside, NY).

The hospital’s staff of mental health specialists and counselors will be on hand to provide free educational materials, giveaways, and other well-being resources.

“Untreated mental illness and drug addiction can result in serious physical and/or cognitive injury, social isolation, unemployment, disability, homelessness, unnecessary incarceration, suicide, and more,” said Michele Lucero, PsyD, Administrative Director of Behavioral Health at Mount Sinai South Nassau. “It affects not just individuals but families, schools, the workforce, and society.”

“There are steps we all can take to help those in need or ourselves, including challenging the stigma associated with seeking care, connecting those who are suffering with available resources, and respecting the value of every person in our communities,” said Dr. Lucero.

This includes:

Identification: Individuals, families, employers, and school personnel should become familiar with early warning signs.

Challenging Stigma: Many of those who experience these conditions do not discuss their symptoms due to feelings of shame or weakness. Talking about mental health can normalize it and ensure that we take steps to care for ourselves and our loved ones.

Treatment and Support: There is a wide range of effective and available care for those experiencing substance use and mental health issues.

Mount Sinai South Nassau has been providing behavioral health and substance use disorder services to Nassau County residents for more than 50 years, and our affiliate Oceanside Counseling Center

has been providing addiction treatment to the community for more than four decades.

The hospital is committed to providing the highest-quality treatment and support to children, adults, and families with a wide variety of symptoms and diagnoses, including anxiety, depression, attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder, substance abuse, and more, using a model that is family-focused, community-based, culturally competent, and least restrictive.

The hospital counseling centers offer outpatient in-person and telehealth services in Baldwin and Hempstead; we accept a variety of payment options and use a sliding scale for those who are not insured. Treatment is provided in English and Spanish, as well as in more than 100 other languages via our interpreter services. Call us at 516-377-5400 for an appointment.

The hospital has a 36-bed inpatient adult psychiatric unit, and its Emergency Department includes an emergency telepsychiatry hub that provides remote consultations for mental health patients in crisis.

In addition, Mount Sinai South Nassau’s Community Education program and Vaxmobile partner with Behavioral Health to offer free depression, anxiety, and substance abuse screenings and free seminars on such topics as “The role of peer support in substance abuse treatment.” If you or someone you love is thinking about suicide or need immediate emotional support, dial or text 988 to connect to the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

One Healthy Way Oceanside, NY 11572 • 877-SOUTH-NASSAU (877-768-8462) • www.mountsinai.org/southnassau

Health memos are supplied by advertisers and are not written by the Herald editorial staff.

HEALTH MEMO

The Parker Jewish Institute celebrates National Nurses Week

The Parker Jewish Institute for Health Care and Rehabilitation took pride in hosting National Nurses Week from Monday, May 6 to Sunday, May 12, 2024. The celebration was part of Parker’s recognition taking place all year, every year to show appreciation for nurses and nursing students alike. This is how Parker helps build rewarding careers while caring for the region’s older adults.

Parker’s nursing staff provides expert, compassionate care to residents and patients at the Institute. In expressing gratitude to Parker’s immensely dedicated team, the Institute treated nurses to a catered lunch with musical talent, complimentary massages, ice-cream treats and other fun activities.

Building a culture of care is a year-long mission at Parker. Here, team members are provided with in-person and e-learning programs as well as coaching and mentoring to build the next generation of nurse leadership. The training is designed to cultivate talent, and is tailored to meet the

needs of those with busy schedules.

“While Nurses Week is designed to recognize the exemplary work of our entire team, their extraordinary efforts make a difference each and every day for our patients and residents, as well as their families,” said Michael. N. Rosenblut, President and CEO of Parker Jewish Institute.

“We aim to help them raise the bar in delivering outstanding and compassionate

care, to the entire Parker community, as they carry the profession of nursing forward.”

About The Parker Jewish Institute for

Health Care and Rehabilitation

The Parker Jewish Institute for Health Care and Rehabilitation is headquartered in New Hyde Park, New York. The facility is a leading provider of Short-Term Rehabilitation and Long-Term Care. At the forefront of

innovation in patient-centered health care and technology, the Institute is a leader in teaching and geriatric research. Parker Jewish Institute features its own medical team, and is nationally renowned as a skilled nursing facility, as well as a provider of community-based health care, encompassing Home Health Care, Medical House Calls, Palliative Care and Hospice. Parker Jewish Institute is also home to Queens-Long Island Renal Institute (QLIRI), led by an interdisciplinary team of experienced Nephrologists and Dialysis Registered Nurses, a Renal Social Worker, and a Registered Renal Dietitian. For more information, visit parkerinstitute.org or call (877) 727-5373.

When a minor case of the blues lingers

Those “down” feelings could be something more

If you can’t remember the last time you felt happy, you’re not alone. An estimated three out of 100 Americans suffer from a treatable form of ongoing depression called dysthymia (pronounced dis-THIM-ee-uh). Like other forms of depression, dysthymia afflicts more women than men.

In addition to sadness, other symptoms include:

√ Chronic physical discomforts, including back and stomach pain

√ Difficulty sleeping, sleeping too much or fatigue

√ Feeling hopeless

√ Lack of self-esteem

√ Poor appetite or overeating

√ Poor concentration

Left untreated, dysthymia lasts a minimum of two years. Though it’s milder than major depression, this condition can still make it hard to function at home and work.

No one knows for sure what causes dysthymia. However, a woman faces a higher risk if she has a family history of depression; has a life-threatening or chronic illness; is being treated with drugs that can cause depression, such as certain blood pressure medications, chemotherapy agents or corticosteroids; suffers from alcoholism or substance abuse.

Dysthymia can be difficult to pinpoint, because your depressed mood may lift for

as long as two months at a time. Your family members and friends also may remain unaware that you’re depressed.

Consult your doctor

If you suspect you have dysthymia, talk to your doctor. A medical exam can rule out other reasons for lingering fatigue and depression, such as a thyroid problem. Dysthymia is usually treated with antidepressants, which you may need to take for several years to avoid a relapse. Talk therapy can help, too. One form of this type of therapy is cognitive-behavioral therapy, in which you learn healthier ways of thinking and behaving.

The journal Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics reports that newly recovered depressed and dysthymic adults often have a dietary deficiency of a B vitamin called folate. Researchers couldn’t say whether the folate deficiency was a cause or a consequence of the dysthymia. But consuming extra folate appeared to speed recovery. Folate-rich foods include leafy, green veggies, such as spinach and turnip greens; citrus fruits and juices; and dried peas and beans.

Queens-Long Island Renal Institute offers Home Hemodialysis and Certified Home Health Care available through Parker Jewish Institute

Queens-Long Island Renal Institute (QLIRI), located at The Parker Jewish Institute, now offers a state-of-the-art Home Hemodialysis Program. Those patients who also require Certified Home Health Care can access it conveniently through QLIRI’s affiliate, Parker Jewish Institute.

QLIRI’s Home Hemodialysis Program allows patients to transition from an in-center setting to receiving hemodialysis from the comfort of their home, using the Tablo Hemodialysis System. Enrolled patients are first trained by a registered nurse. The nurse provides step-by-step guidance four days a week over the course of four weeks, or longer if necessary. Through training, patients learn to use the system before transitioning to home hemodialysis.

If needed, patients of Parker’s Certified Home Health Care Agency receive individualized nursing, medical, and

rehabilitation services, so they can maintain maximum independence in the comfort of their homes. Home-care services can include skilled-nursing care; physical, occupational and speech therapy; home-health aides; medical social services; medical supplies; and 24-hour telephone availability.

Call with questions: (718) 289-2600.

To learn more about QLIRI’s Home Hemodialysis Program, visit qliri.org. For more on Parker’s Certified Home Health Care, visit parkerinstitute.org.

Queens-Long Island Renal Institute is located at the Parker Jewish Institute.

Queens Long Island Renal Institute • 271-11 76th Ave., New Hyde Park • (718) 289-2600

HEALTH MEMO

Health memos are supplied by advertisers and are not written by the Herald editorial staff.

Understanding the research behind the relationship of hearing loss and dementia

Age-related hearing loss is a progressive and degenerative disorder resulting from the loss of receptor cells (i.e. the hair cells) in the ear. Consequently, there is a significant reduction of the quantity and quality of neural connections from the ear to the brain. This slow-onset disorder can have a significant impact on several key brain areas, including the memory, hearing, speech and language portions of cognitive function.

Several key research studies have pointed to the potential links of hearing loss and dementia, including the groundbreaking work from Dr. Lin and his colleagues at Johns Hopkins Medical Center that indicate hearing loss can increase the risk of dementia by 200-500%.

The initial report first published in 2011 by scientists at Johns Hopkins Medical Center and the National Institute on Aging found that individuals

with hearing loss (when compared to participants with normal hearing) are at a significantly higher risk of developing dementia as they age. The relationship of hearing loss and increased risk was rather simple: the more hearing loss they had, the higher the likelihood of developing the memory-robbing disease. “A lot of people ignore hearing loss because it’s such a slow and insidious process as we age,” Dr. Frank Lin (of Johns Hopkins Medical Center) says. “Even if people feel as if they are not affected, we’re showing that it may well be a more serious problem.”

Three risk factors associated with hearing loss and dementia include Social Isolation, Cerebral Atrophy and Cognitive Overload.

Compassionate care that enriches lives HEALTH MEMO

The only skilled nursing facility in Oceanside, Oceanside Care Center is a 100-bed rehabilitation and nursing center that has been a part of the community’s fabric for more than 50 years. Their unique approach allows them to provide patient-centered care in a way that no other facility can. OCC specializes in an array of different services, from short-term rehab to long-term care.

Oceanside Care Center provides unrivaled residentcentered care. Under the guidance of the highly skilled, professional staff, the team customizes a care plan matched to specific needs and abilities. The nursing team consists of registered nurses, licensed practical nurses and certified nursing assistants who are driven to build warm and compassionate bonds with residents.

The unique and intimately sized facility attracts many residents who enjoy a meaningful relationship forged between devoted staff members, residents and their families. Many staff members have worked at Oceanside Care Center for over

25 years and take great pride in the compassionate care they provide every single day.

With private and semi-private rooms, OCC offers many comforts that create a homelike atmosphere, including complimentary flat screen TVs in every room and three home cooked meals a day. Residents enjoy numerous activities and

events that take place daily, and the kind and caring staff make it feel as if they never left home. The comfortable setting allows residents to focus on regaining their strength and independence while empowering them to enjoy fruitful lives with their families and friends. Come in for a tour today!

Feed the brain Superfoods that benefit mind as well as body

We all know the important of eating well to improve our physical health, but the allimportant superfoods can do wonders for a mental health as well. Recent research indicates that dietary changes may improve cognitive function and reduce symptoms of depression, anxiety and other mental health disorders.

Oily Fish: Numerous studies have revealed that “oily” fish like salmon, mackerell, trout, and sardines promote optimal brain health. These fish contain high levels of the Omega-3 fatty acid DHA. The study, spearheaded at New Zealand’s Massey University, revealed that DHA-rich fish improved both short-term “working” memory and long-term memory in the 176 healthy adults who participated in the study. Findings also reveal that DHA is a key nutrient that has the power to actually prevent the development of Alzheimer’s Disease.

Tomatoes: Lycopene-rich tomatoes have been found to help individuals maintain optimal brain health for longer, enabling their bodies to stave off the impact of damage that’s caused by free radicals, which progressively damage the brain over time, resulting in an age-related decline in mental capabilities.

Blueberries: Blueberries, which are rich in antioxidants and compounds called polyphenolics, have been found to improve short-term memory and concentration, while also delaying the onset of conditions such as dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Studies have revealed that the antioxidants successfully cleared away toxins that had accumulated in the brain. These toxins inhibit brain functions, especially short-term memory, attention-span and concentration.

Strawberries: Like blueberries, strawberries contain polyphenolics and flavinoids, which have been found to cleanse the brain, eliminating the toxins that serve to inhibit an array of functions, including memory. According to a study published in the Annals of Neurology, researchers discovered that women who ate strawberries (and blueberries) saw a delay in the on-set of agerelated mental decline. The study was performed over the course of 36 years. A total of 16,000 women took part in the study and it was discovered that the women who ate lots of strawberries saw a 2.5 year delay in the on-set of memory problems and the development of age-related conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.

Sage: Sage is commonly used to add flavor to a wide range of different culinary dishes, but it also contains powerful antioxidants and compounds. Sage has also been found to improve the “interconnectivity” among the different regions of the brain,

which serves to improve comprehension speed, concentration and problem-solving speed. Improving memory isn’t the only benefit that sage offers; it also has antiinflammatory properties and it’s high in Vitamin friendly

Broccoli: Broccoli is high in Vitamin K, which has been found to enhance brain function. Vitamin K has been found to reduce your chances of developing agerelated dementia.

Pumpkin Seeds: Pumpkin seeds are high in zinc, which serves to boost your memory, problem-solving skills, and mental speed. They also contain niacin, which serves to enhance GABA activity in the brain (while also reducing LDL cholesterol levels); this results in decreased anxiety. They also contain lots of protein, antioxidants and essential minerals like copper, iron, magnesium and selenium.

High Performing in Ten Areas of Care

mountsinai.org/southnassau