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Mental Stressors Predict Risk

Scientists are still untangling the mysteries of long COVID, seeking to understand both what increases one’s risk for the condition and the downstream impacts. While physical conditions like immunosuppression and hypertension have been thought to increase the risk for long COVID, a JAMA Psychiatry study recently published points to mental stressors as better predictors, STAT reports.

  • “Depression, anxiety, perceived stress, loneliness, and worry about the disease were linked to a 1.3- to 1.5-fold increase in risk for reporting long COVID symptoms,” according to STAT.
  • Harvard researchers surveyed 54,000+ people (mostly health care workers) for 19 months beginning in April 2020; 3,200 of whom eventually contacted COVID-19.

Suicide risk? Scientists at NIH in the US and elsewhere are investigating the mental health fallout of long COVID, including depression and a possible increased risk of suicide, Reuters reports.

Related: Nearly 1 in 4 young adults in US treated for mental health during pandemic, CDC survey finds – CNN

September is National Suicide Prevention Month. We can all help prevent suicide. Every year, the Lifeline and other mental health organizations and individuals across the U.S. and around the world raise awareness of suicide prevention during September, National Suicide Prevention Month. Find out what you can do.

Now that kids are heading back to school, many parents are wondering when families should get their annual flu shots. Who is eligible for the flu vaccine? .  According to the CDC, everyone 6 months of age and older should get an influenza (flu) vaccine every season, with rare exceptions.   Should I get a flu shot every year? Yes. As the flu virus changes often, the vaccine should be given each year for the best protection.Immunity to flu from the vaccine decreases with time and should be boosted with a yearly shot.  Should my child get the flu vaccine before school starts? the best time to get your flu shot is in October which helps you stay protected throughout the flu season (until May). Does the flu vaccine protect against COVID-19?The flu vaccine will not protect against COVID-19, but it will decrease your risk of influenza. Because some symptoms of flu and COVID-19 are similar, people may need to be tested in order to identify which virus is causing their illness. What are the side effects of the flu vaccine? Typically, people might experience a mildly sore arm for a short time. In  people who are receiving the vaccine for the first time experience a mild fever or minor aches that last about 24 hours

Southern Area Agency on Aging wants to remind listeners to check in on elderly neighnors during hot summer days, to make sure they’re staying comfortable , safe and hydrated.

Senior adults, age 60 and older with low income. may qualify for “Senior Cool Care”, a program that provides air conditioners and fans to those who are eligible. Supplies are limited and available on first come, first served basis.

Make the Agency on Aging your first call for information and services that support older adults and their caregivers. Yu may speak with a representative of SAAA by calling 276-632-6442 or toll free at 1-800-468-4571

With COVID-19 restrictions officially in the past, students are looking towards a year packed with lessons, exams, and homework, hoping to close the current education gap.  Leading homework help platform, Brainly,  shared their top 5 most useful back-to-school resources for parents and students alike:  

  1. Brainly
    Brainly is the world’s leading homework help platform with over 15 million monthly users in the U.S. The homework help platform connects students and parents to peers and subject matter experts to help them get unstuck on tough problems and go from questioning to understanding, and beyond. This will be particularly helpful for students with questions that they aren’t sure how to answer; the site essentially acts as the online equivalent of a real-life study group.
  2. Red Laser
    Red Laser is a great resource that helps you save time and money on back-to-school shopping. All you have to do is scan the item’s barcode for it to compare online and in-store prices to locate the best deals.
  3. Book Creator
    This app is a simple way for students of all ages and levels to make their own ebooks. It’s a particularly useful tool for supporting students and schools that will be partaking in virtual learning due to COVID-19.
  4. Duolingo
    Duolingo is a great free resource to help your children with learning the basics of a new language. You could even learn along with them.
  5. Remember The Milk
    This website allows you to set up a family calendar that can be synced with Google Calendar. You can outline specific duties and assign tasks with specific time frames. Best of all is that all the family can see it.

Monkeypox is a rare viral disease caused by the monkeypox virus. It’s a member of the orthopoxvirus group of viruses and is endemic to the rainforest countries of central and west Africa.

Although monkeypox is a cousin to smallpox, it is far less severe. Symptoms of the disease include fever, chills, headache, muscle aches and exhaustion. People with monkeypox also develop swollen lymph nodes, which does not occur in smallpox. A few days after the onset of fever, a distinctive rash begins to appear on the hands, face, feet or mouth. The rash starts out as flat, red markings on the skin and gradually evolves into raised, fluid-filled lesions. Monkeypox lasts from two to four weeks.

Doctors Tips on Back To School: 90% of Parents are Concerned about Mental Health

As children wrap up summer break, they may feel nervous or reluctant to return to school with COVID-19 continuing to disrupt normal routines. To support your Back To School Month (August) coverage, MedStar Health surveyed caregivers of children (ages 5 to 18) in the U.S, to better understand health concerns parents may have for their kids. The survey found that stress is the #1 concern of parents, topping COVID-19, sleeping, and even eating.

>> The pandemic has had a long term impact on children’s mental health and education

>> Half of parents are not okay with their kids being around unvaccinated people:Despite being in the late stages of the pandemic, parents still express a high level of concern about covid for their kids.

>> The majority of parents are in favor of required indoor masks and covid vaccinations: 

>> Most kids have received the covid vaccine Most kids are getting their flu shots:

The weather in Virginia may take a toll on your health during the summer months as we spend more time outdoors.  Whether it’s sports, camp, exercise or swimming,  all of these activities can lead to a dramatic increase in the risk of heat illness.  Heat illness is a spectrum of disorders due to environmental exposure to heat. It includes minor conditions such as heat cramps, heat syncope (or fainting from the heat), and heat exhaustion, as well as the more severe condition known as heat stroke. 

>> TIPS TO STAY SAFE

  • Don’t exercise during the heat of the day (10:00am – 4:00pm). Early mornings or evenings are best.
  • Wear loose, light fitting, moisture wicking fabric to help your body stay cool.
  • Hydrate before and during activity. Drinking plenty of water is key!
  • Have an emergency plan; train with a buddy, consider cooling methods and have a plan (cool space, water/ice tank, or call 911)

Fun-in-the-Sun season is here and a good time to talk about the most serious kind of sun damage, sun blisters. Sun blisters are a sign of a serious sunburn and are linked to melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer.  MedStar Health dermatologists offer the following facts and recommendations about sun blisters. >> Sun Blister Facts:

  • Blisters contain a liquid called serum that comes from surrounding tissues 
  • Sun blisters can happen on any exposed area of skin 
  • Often blisters on the lips after sun exposure are a reactivation of the herpes simplex virus, which is very common. 
  • The deeper the blister, the more serious the damage and can last days or even weeks, depending on the severity.  
  • Discoloration from a sun blister can last for weeks or even months. 

>> Sun Blister First Aid Tips:

  • Don’t pop or open a blister.  The top skin is a good natural bandage and can prevent infection 
  • Apply cool compresses or cool water/bath
  • Do not apply ice directly which can irritate the skin
  • Topical anesthetic medications can be more irritating than helpful
  • Apply fragrance-free cream to blisters for relief
  • Topical steroids do NOT help sun blisters
  • Oral anti-inflammatories like ibuprofen can be helpful if determined to be safe by your doctor

>> When to call the doctor for sun blisters:

  • If infection is a concern. Pus or expanding redness can indicate a serious infection.
  • If blisters are widespread 
  • Fevers
  • Chills
  • Passing out or feeling lightheaded

Spring is here! Although warmer temperatures are welcome, a new study suggests allergy season will start sooner and be more intense this year. This means you may wake up with a cough or runny nose and ask yourself: is it COVID-19 or allergies?  >> The difference between COVID-19 and allergies While the coronavirus is transmitted from one person to another or by contacting infected surfaces, allergies are not contagious. Allergies are caused by your immune system reacting to an external trigger, such as food, dust or pollen.  >> COVID-19 and allergy symptomsCOVID-19 symptoms typically last two to fourteen days, however allergy symptoms can last much longer than COVID if left untreated. Although COVID-19 and allergy symptoms may overlap, having a fever is not one of them. COVID-19 often causes patients to have a fever, while seasonal allergies do not. Common COVID-19 symptoms include: 

  • Coughing
  • Fever
  • Fatigue
  • Diarrhea or nausea
  • Loss of taste or smell

 Allergy symptoms generally tend to be milder than COVID symptoms, and include: 

  • Runny nose
  • Sneezing
  • Itchy or watery eyes
  • Post-nasal drip

Recognizing When Your Dog May Be Itching for Help

With warm weather in full swing, seasonal allergies may be affecting some of us – even some of our furry friends. While all dogs may occasionally itch, lick, or scratch, it’s important to know when these habits may be signaling a more serious medical condition — allergic itch. Skin allergies are the number one reason for veterinarian visits[1]and there are still an estimated 7 million dogs that go untreated for allergic itch[2] In fact, many people may not realize dogs can suffer from seasonal allergies and irritation, just like people do.  

Some symptoms of allergic itch include:

  • Frequent scratching, licking, or chewing
  • Excessive rolling, rubbing, or scooting
  • Recurrent ear problems: head shaking, ear discharge, or scratching at the ears
  • Hair loss, body odor, or skin changes: rash, redness, greasy skin, or scabs
  • Contact allergies to things like household cleaners, shampoos, plants, and insecticides
  • Flea allergy
  • Food allergy (reaction to something in a dog’s diet)
  • Environmental allergies, including pollen, dust mites, or mold

BRASCA

Blue Ridge Association for Sickle Cell Anemia serves the communities Roanoke, Franklin and Henry Counties.

BRASCA is dedicated to supporting initiatives regarding sickle cell disease through education, screening and assisting individuals and families affected by sickle cell disease. Our active role in community outreach includes academic scholarships, blood drives, fund raising, health fairs and some financial assistance to sickle cell families in need.

Contact information:

P. O. Box 1211 Rocky Mount, Va 24151

fanniewarren99@gmail.com

540-243-1175 or 540-420-5489

HOSPICE VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

THIS IS A SUBJECT NEAR AND DEAR TO MY HEART.  PLEASE CONSIDER VOLUNTEERING WITH CARILION FRANKLIN HOSPICE.  VOLUNTEERS ARE THE HEART OF HOSPICE. FAMILIES IN THE HOSPICE PROGRAM NEED VOLUNTEEERS TO SIT WITH THEIR LOVED ONES, RUN ERRANDS, OR CALL IN AND CHECK ON THEM REGULARLY.  A HOSPICE VOLUNTEER CAN DO ALL OF THESE THINGS, VOLUNTEERING ANYWHERE FROM A FEW HOURS TO MANY HOURS PER MONTH, DEPENDING ON THEIR AVAILABILITY AND DESIRE. THOROUGH TRAINING IS PROVIDED DURING A VOLUNTEER ORIENTATION CLASSES.  THIS COURSE WILL COVER EVERYTHING YOU MIGHT NEED TO KNOW TO FEE CONFIDENT IN ENGAGING WITH THE PATIENTS.  WHILE OUR VOLUNTEERS ALL REPORT FEELING ENRICHED BY THEIR EXPERIENCES, VOLUNTEERING CAN BE A REWARDING EXPERIENCE TO THOSE WHO HAVE BEEN TOUCHED BY HOSPICE THEMSELVES.                                                                                                                                                                                              IF YOU OR SOMEONE YOU KNOW IS INTERESTED IN BECOMING A VOLUNTEER, PLEASE GIVE ME A CALL AT 540-209-3830.  WE WOULD BE HONORED TO HAVE YOU AS A PART OF OUR TEAM OF WONDERFUL VOLUNTEERS!

DMV ANNOUNCEMENTS

DMV Launches New Webpage to Help Customers Prepare for Visit

dmvNOW.com/visit Lists Forms and Documents Needed for Most Popular Services

RICHMOND – If you’re planning a trip to the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), your first stop should be to dmvNOW.com/visit. The new webpage helps customers prepare for their visit ahead of time by listing the forms and documents required to complete the most popular in-person services offered by the DMV. The site serves as a one-stop reference page for busy customers who want to ensure they complete their transaction at the DMV in a single visit.

DMV Expands Mobile Service Offerings to Include Vital Records

DMV will offer birth, death, marriage and divorce certificate transactions at convenient mobile visits across the Commonwealth

RICHMOND – The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) has added another convenient service option to its extensive list of choices for customers: vital records through DMV Connect – the Department’s 14 mobile service centers. Customers can now apply for Virginia birth, death, marriage and divorce certificates at any DMV Connect mobile visit. 

DMV Connect is DMV’s portable “office in a suitcase,” offering the full range of DMV service during visits to government centers, private businesses, libraries, and other convenient locations throughout the Commonwealth. 

DMV Expands Walk-in Availability as Part of New Hybrid Service Plan
Walk-in service now offered Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday; 

Appointment availability remains Monday and Friday

RICHMOND – Beginning Wednesday, December 15, 2021, Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) customers may choose to walk in for service on Wednesdays, in addition to Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays (in offices with Saturday hours), at all 75 customer service centers (CSCs).  Service options other than a CSC include:

Online: More than 50 services are available at dmvNOW.com
Mail: Popular services such as driver’s license and vehicle registration renewals may be completed by mail
Drop-off: Customers needing a title after purchasing a vehicle from an individual (not a dealer) may drop off their applications and supporting documents at a CSC
DMV Select: Vehicle-related services are offered through our partner offices
DMV Connect: Appointments can be scheduled for nearly every DMV service with the agency’s mobile teams

Customers who have scheduled an appointment and instead decide to walk in for service should cancel that appointment to make it available for other customers. Customers with Wednesday appointments December 15 or later will be automatically rescheduled for a new date near the original appointment.

  • Effective July 1, 2022, certain license holders are able to apply with the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) for driver’s license extensions of up to six years for military and foreign service members serving outside of Virginia and government contractors working outside the United States; and up to two years for those showing good cause for extensions. Prior to July 1, those extensions were valid for up to three years and one year, respectively.
  • DMV launches new video series to promote safe driving.  “Safe driving is something we cal all live with” can be viewed on DMV’s YouTube page. 
  • Enrollment now open for DMV’s mileage choice program.  Drivers looking to save money have a new option.  The program is voluntary option for drivers of electric, hybrid or fuel efficient vehicles who pay the highway use fee.  The sign up process is easy, Enroll, Install the device, Drive.  For more information or to sign up visit dmvNOW.com/VAMileageChoice.