Healthy Insights: Expert driven. Evidence-Based. Actionable Health Guidance. Our team of medical experts.Why This Matters to YouA CDC report a concerning connection between living alone and increased feelings of depression. The CDC analyzed data from the 2021 National Health Interview Survey.The findings of the survey are very much relevant for residents of Chatham County, where changing lifestyles and living arrangements are impacting mental health.Main takeaway: Living alone doesn't automatically lead to depression--but it may increase your risk of depression. And, of course, this, also increases your risk for a host of mental and physical health problems that result from depression. Conditions like diabetes, hypertension, and even immune system dysfunction are known to rise dramatically in people who are experiencing loneliness.By understanding this connection, residents of Chatham County should take proactive steps to maintain strong social connections and prioritize their mental well-being. This applies to everybody in Georgia and beyond.Some important data for you:Want more personalized health insights from top doctors? Subscribe to our free evidence-based health newsletter.Doctors' Expert Insights: Steps to improve mental health when living alone.Our panel of trusted physicians offers the following advice:Build a strong social network. Dr. Lindsay Boik-Price, Emergency Medicine, kicks things off: "Let's start with the basics. Make an effort to regularly connect with friends, family, or community groups." She leans in, adding, "There's a whole lot of data out there that shows that being lonely can increase high risk behaviors; and, often times, these people end up in the ER."Did you know? 15.2% of you in Chatham County are binge drinkers?Prioritize physical health. Nodding in agreement, Dr. Adriana Davis, Family Medicine Physician, chimes in: "Absolutely, Lindsay. And let's not forget the importance of physical health. Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and adequate sleep are crucial for mental well-being. I urge all my patients to take charge of their health proactively. Don't wait for symptoms to appear--schedule regular check-ups with your doctor.It's crucial to know your key health indicators: your A1c levels, cholesterol numbers, and blood pressure readings. By staying informed and taking preventative measures now, you can potentially lower your risk of developing serious conditions like dementia in the future. Remember, early action is your best defense in maintaining long-term health.For the seniors out there, the Silver Sneakers program is a great way to be social and physically involved with your community." (Visit Resource Here)Side bar: Take advantage of Chatham County's parks and recreation facilities to stay active!Seek professional help if needed Dr. Puja Uppal, Family Medicine, picks up the thread: "These are great points. I'd like to emphasize the importance of seeking professional help if needed." Her tone becomes serious as she continues, "If you're experiencing persistent feelings of sadness or loneliness, don't hesitate to reach out to a mental health professional.Here's a link to the PHQ-9. It's a mental health screen. Take the test, and discuss the results with your healthcare team."Consider a pet companion Dr. Puja Uppal, Family Medicine Physician, and a doggo mom, nods and offers a final suggestion: "For those who are able, consider a pet companion." Her eyes light up as she elaborates, "Pets can provide wonderful companionship and emotional support. As you may already know, your Chatham County animal shelter has many animals looking for loving homes."Read our article: Another Surprising Benefit of Pet Ownership. Doctor ExplainsThe Bottom LineWhile living alone may increase the risk of depression, you can take steps to maintain good mental health. By actively taking part in social connections, prioritizing self-care, and seeking support when needed, Chatham County residents can protect their mental well-being, regardless of their living situation.Read data brief: Living Alone and Feelings of Depression Among Adults Age 18 and Older at the CDC's website. (Visit Here)Key Health and Medical Statistics of Chatham County, GeorgiaDid you know there were 4378 deaths from Alzheimer's disease in Georgia in 2021?11.5% of you in Chatham County have diabetes.15.7% of you in Chatham County report that your mental health is not good.37.4% of you in Chatham County are sleeping less than 7 hours per night.25.6% of you in Chatham County report that you have no time for leisure activity.Health Facts Matter: The health data above directly impact your physical well-being and are crucial in determining your overall health outcomes.The Health Standard Newswire.

In this article, Dr. Puja Uppal, Family Medicine, shares her expert insights of the findings and provides Georgia residents with evidence-based recommendations for protecting their health.Why This Matters to YouA new review of research papers shows that vegetarian and vegan diets are associated with a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease and certain types of cancer.What This Means for Your Health"This umbrella review is a huge deal; and, further shows that plant based diets can be good for our overall health outcomes." Dr. Puja Uppal, Family MedicineDoctor's Expert Insights About Plant Based Diets and Your Overall Health in Chatham County, GeorgiaKnow this: "Vegetarian and vegan diets appear to have beneficial effects on several CVD risk factors. This includes an improvement in lipid profiles (cholesterol levels), glycemic control (blood sugars), body weight, and inflammation in the body. These diets are also associated with a lower risk of ischemic heart disease and certain types of cancer--particularly colorectal and prostate cancer.Now the study does have some limitations, but the general message remains clear. Eating non processed foods can have a long term benefit to our overall health.To manage these conditions effectively, healthcare providers could recommend balanced plant-based diets. But the researchers do ask that people on balanced plant-based diets ensure that they're getting an adequate intake of essential nutrients like vitamin B12, iron, and omega-3 fatty acids.Integrating regular physical activity, avoiding processed foods, and limiting sugar and salt intake can enhance the benefits of a plant-based diet for you in Georgia." Dr. Puja Uppal, Family Medicine.Signup for our Free Health Newsletter.Actionable Steps: What You Can Do NextIf you live in Chatham County and are 45 years and older, you need to make sure that you get a colonoscopy. The American College of Lifestyle Medicine has some great resources to help you start a plant-based diet. (Visit their site.)Further steps: If you're on a plant-based diet--ensure you consult your doctor regularly to monitor your nutritional status and consider necessary supplements, when necessary. Health News Today: A new study shows plant based diets reduce cancer and heart attack risks.The Science Made Simple: Key Findings and What They Mean for Chatham County Residents.The review included 48 systematic reviews and meta-analyses published between January 2000 and June 2023. The data were then assed using a standardization tool to assess for quality using the AMSTAR-R tool.Beneficial effects on risk factors:Vegetarian and vegan diets were found to have positive impacts on several key risk factors for cardiovascular disease and cancer, including lipid profile, glycemic control, body weight, and inflammation.Reduced risk of specific diseases:The review suggests that vegetarian diets are associated with a lower risk of ischemic heart disease, cardiovascular disease mortality, and certain types of cancer, particularly colorectal and prostate cancer.Limitations and future research needs:The strength of the evidence is limited by the heterogeneity of the included studies in terms of population characteristics, dietary patterns, and lifestyle confounders.In plain English, this means that while the umbrella review found evidence supporting the health benefits of vegetarian and vegan diets, the strength of this evidence is somewhat limited because the studies included in the review were quite different from one another.These differences, or "heterogeneity," can be seen in several aspects:Population characteristics: The studies included people with varying ages, genders, ethnicities, and health conditions.Dietary patterns: The specific foods and nutrients consumed by vegetarians and vegans in the studies may have differed.Lifestyle confounders: Factors other than diet, such as exercise habits, smoking, and alcohol consumption, which can also affect health outcomes, may have varied among the participants in the different studies.Because of these differences, it can be challenging to make strong, definitive conclusions about the effects of vegetarian and vegan diets on health outcomes.The authors of the umbrella review suggest that more research is needed with studies that have more consistent populations, diets, and control for lifestyle factors. These factors may provide stronger evidence for the benefits of plant-based diets.Medical News Today: What This Means for Your Health in Chatham County, GeorgiaThe Bottom Line: Eating a vegetarian or vegan diet may help lower your chances of getting heart disease and some types of cancer.What They're Saying: "It should be remarked that, in the majority of the cases, people adopting plant-based diets are more prone to engage in healthy lifestyles that include regular physical activity, reduction/avoidance of sugar-sweetened beverages, alcohol and tobacco, that, in association with previously mentioned modification of diet [62], lead to the reduction of the risk of ischemic heart disease and related mortality, and, to a lesser extent, of other CVDs." (Study Source)Read More: Do you know that plant-based diets have low colorectal cancer risks? Doctor ExplainsListen: Health Minute. Fiber-Rich Diets Enhance Gut Bacteria to Reduce Diabetes Risk.Health Standard Newswire: Vegetarian and vegan diets have been shown to lower the risk of colorectal and prostate cancer, thanks to high intakes of fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants.Health Facts That Matter: Key Statistics for Chatham County, GeorgiaThe following health facts impact your physical health directly!Did you know there were 21931 deaths from heart disease in Georgia in 2021?87.8% of you in Chatham County have been screened for cholesterol in the past year.16.4% of you in Chatham County are smokers.18.6% of you in Chatham County have depression.All of these variables above play an important role in the outcomes of your overall health.The Health Standard Newswire.