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 Montgomery 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 Montgomery County should take proactive steps to maintain strong social connections and prioritize their mental well-being. This applies to everybody in Alabama 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? 12.8% of you in Montgomery 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 Montgomery 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 Montgomery 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, Montgomery 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 Montgomery County, AlabamaDid you know there were 2725 deaths from Alzheimer's disease in Alabama in 2021?14.6% of you in Montgomery County have diabetes.16.3% of you in Montgomery County report that your mental health is not good.42.4% of you in Montgomery County are sleeping less than 7 hours per night.31% of you in Montgomery 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.

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 Montgomery 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 Montgomery County should take proactive steps to maintain strong social connections and prioritize their mental well-being. This applies to everybody in Ohio 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? 17.6% of you in Montgomery 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 Montgomery 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 Montgomery 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, Montgomery 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 Montgomery County, OhioDid you know there were 4947 deaths from Alzheimer's disease in Ohio in 2021?11.5% of you in Montgomery County have diabetes.17.4% of you in Montgomery County report that your mental health is not good.38.7% of you in Montgomery County are sleeping less than 7 hours per night.27.2% of you in Montgomery 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, The Medical Experts @ The Health Standard, share their expert insights on the findings and provide Alabama residents with evidence-based recommendations for protecting their health.Healthy Insights: This content is part of a 3-day series on workplace burnout and mental health. We're delivering this series in bite-sized insights from top health experts to maximize your understanding.Be notified: Use this form to be notified when part three is posted.Why This Matters to YouIn our previous article about workspace stress and employee burn out, we looked at some key findings. As you know, in today's fast-paced work environment, burnout has become an increasingly important issue affecting employees across America, including right here in Montgomery County.A recent study from the University of Michigan sheds light on a simple yet effective strategy to combat this growing concern: moderate exercise.Doctors' Expert Insights: The impact of job stress goes beyond just the workplace.Economy impact: "Healthier and productive employees contribute to a nation's economy. We should consider burnout, fatigue, and sadness in our workers as a loss to our economy." Dr. Jagdish Khubchandani, a Public Health expert.Self care can be better than certain medicines: "Burnout increases the risk of depression, and depressed work isn't your best work. Moderate exercise, like walking and dancing, is helpful compared to even first-line medicines for depression, and this data suggests it can prevent burnout too." Owen Scott Muir, M.D., DFAACAP, Child and Adult Psychiatry.A reframing is required: "As a physician, I've seen firsthand how workplace burnout can take a toll on both physical and mental health. This new study shows that even moderate exercise can make a big difference in reducing exhaustion and boosting our sense of accomplishment at work.But here's the thing--it's not just about hitting the gym. It's about creating a culture of well-being in the workplace. That means employers in Montgomery County need to step up and provide resources for both physical activity and mental health support. And as individuals, we need to prioritize self-care, whether that's taking a brisk walk during lunch or reaching out for help when we're struggling.The bottom line is this: our physical and mental health are interconnected, and we can't afford to neglect either one. So let's start small, be consistent, and work together to build a healthier, more resilient workforce. Your well-being matters, and it's time we all made it a priority." Dr. Puja Uppal, DO, Family Medicine.Healthy Insights: This content is part of a 3-day series on workplace burnout and mental health.We're delivering this series in bite-sized insights from top health experts to maximize your understanding.Be notified: Use this form to be notified when part three is posted.Want more personalized health insights from top doctors? Subscribe to our free evidence-based health newsletter.Read More: Rising Disability in the Workplace due to Brain Fog. Doctor ExplainsRead More: Healthy Workforce/Healthy EconomyThe Science Behind Exercise and Workplace BurnoutStudy OverviewTitle: "The Relationship Between Employee Physical Activity Intensity and Workplace Burnout: A Cross-sectional Study."Authors: Brandon Albedry, Michele W. Marenus, Weiyun Chen.Published: JOEM Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine. (Visit Here)MethodologyParticipants: 520 full-time employees.Study Analysis:Physical Activity: International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ).Burnout: Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI).Analysis: One-way ANOVA to compare burnout scores across three physical activity levels.Key FindingsEmotional ExhaustionSignificant difference among the groups that did more physical activity versus those that did little.Surprisingly, the moderate PA group scored lower than low PA group.Personal AccomplishmentSignificant difference among PA groups.Low PA group scored lower than both high PA groups.DepersonalizationNo significant difference among PA groups (F(2,516) = 0.33, P = 0.72)Scientific ImplicationsModerate Exercise BenefitsEqually effective as high-intensity exercise in reducing burnout symptoms.Suggests a "sweet spot" for physical activity in burnout prevention.Personal AccomplishmentBoth moderate and high levels of PA associated with higher sense of achievementIndicates potential cognitive and emotional benefits of regular exerciseDepersonalization UnaffectedSuggests other factors (e.g., workplace culture, coping mechanisms) may influence this aspect of burnout.Potential MechanismsExercise may reduce stress hormones and increase endorphins.Regular PA could improve sleep quality and overall well-being.Mental health resiliency increases with routine exercise.Limitations and Future DirectionsCross-sectional design limits causal inferences.Self-reported measures may introduce bias.Need to determine how employer interventions may help improve workplace balance.Key Health and Medical Statistics of Montgomery County, AlabamaDid you know there were 827 deaths from suicide in Alabama in 2021?17.4% of you in Montgomery County lack health insurance.16.3% of you in Montgomery County report that your mental health is not good.42.4% of you in Montgomery County are sleeping less than 7 hours per night.22.2% of you in Montgomery County have depression.Health Facts That 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, The Medical Experts @ The Health Standard, share their expert insights on the findings and provide Alabama residents with evidence-based recommendations for protecting their health.Healthy Insights: This content is part of a 3-day series on workplace burnout and mental health. We're delivering this series in bite-sized insights from top health experts to maximize your understanding.Be notified: Use this form to be notified when parts two and three are posted.Why This Matters to YouWorkplace burnout is on the rise. Workplace burnout has become an increasingly prevalent issue affecting employees across America, including right here in Montgomery County.New research shows a surprisingly simple fix: moderate exercise.Key TakeawaysModerate activity = Less exhaustion: Just 30 minutes of brisk walking, 4-5 days a week. This simple step can make a huge difference, both physically and mentally.Boosts job satisfaction: People who are regular exercisers feel more accomplished at work.Quality over quantity: You don't have to become a high-intensity workout athlete. Walking and low intensity exercises also seem to provide great benefits for your mental health.Doctors' Expert Insights: This is how you reduce workplace stress and improve your mental health.Expert Consensus in 5 Easy StepsStart small: "10-minute walks add up. Do 'em 3-4 times per day..." says Dr. Puja Uppal, DO, Family Medicine.Simplicity is key: "We don’t need to engage in crazy amounts of activity to see benefits... (f)eeling the pressure to do so may actually cause a negative impact." Michele Wolf Marenus, PhD. (Study Editorial)Find your fun: Dancing and gardening count too!Burnout impact: "Burnout and stress originate in our brain; exercise can influence both our brain function and structure..." Dr. Jagdish Khubchandani, Public Health Expert.Pain is not necessary: "Exercise doesn't have to be painful to benefit your life and work. Walking and dancing even outperform oral medicines!" Owen Scott Muir, M.D., DFAACAP, Child and Adult Psychiatry.You Should KnowModerate exercise isn't just good for your body—it's a powerful shield against workplace stress. Living and working in Montgomery County--you should begin a sustainable exercise routine. And, that could be your key to job satisfaction and wellbeing. Start small, stay consistent, and watch your work life improve! And yes, we know, you need a raise.More detailed insights and tips from our experts arrive in our next article in this series.Healthy Insights: This content is part of a 3-day series on workplace burnout and mental health.We're delivering this series in bite-sized insights from top health experts to maximize your understanding.Be notified: Use this form to be notified when parts two and three are posted.Want more personalized health insights from top doctors? Subscribe to our free evidence-based health newsletter.Read the study in JOEM Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine. (Visit Here)Read More: How Exercise Makes Your Cells Supercharge Your Health. Doctor Explains.Read More: Walking. What if it were a drug?Health Standard Newswire: Quiet Quitting is more than just someone being tired and lazy to do work.Montgomery County Healthy Insights: 3 Signs you're experiencing workplace burnout.Take the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) test yourself--and see how you fare. (Visit Here)Emotional Exhaustion:Feeling drained or depleted at the end of each workday.Lacking energy to be productive or engage with colleagues.Dreading the thought of going to work.Cynicism or Detachment:Developing a negative or callous attitude towards work or coworkers.Distancing oneself emotionally from work responsibilities.Decreased interest in work-related activities or goals.Reduced Professional Efficacy:Feeling incompetent or ineffective in one's job role.Struggling to concentrate or complete tasks.Experiencing a decline in productivity despite working long hours.Key Health and Medical Statistics of Montgomery County, AlabamaDid you know there were 827 deaths from suicide in Alabama in 2021?17.4% of you in Montgomery County lack health insurance.16.3% of you in Montgomery County report that your mental health is not good.42.4% of you in Montgomery County are sleeping less than 7 hours per night.22.2% of you in Montgomery County have depression.Health Facts That 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. Shelandra Bell, DO, Family Medicine, shares her expert insights of the findings and provides Ohio residents with evidence-based recommendations for protecting their health.Why This Matters to You: There is a growing mental health crisis of PTSD among US college students.What This Means for Your Health: "PTSD can be a silent struggle for many college students. This can impact their academic performance, social interactions, and overall quality of life." Dr. Puja Uppal, Family MedicineDoctor's Key Insights for Mental Health in Montgomery County, Ohio: "The impact of PTSD extends far beyond the classroom. Students grappling with this disorder often face a heightened risk of depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and even suicidal thoughts. The importance of early intervention should not be ignored.By providing accessible, trauma-informed resources and support systems, we can help students navigate the challenges of PTSD and prevent long-term consequences on their physical and mental well-being." Dr. Shelandra Bell, Family Medicine.Signup for our Free Personalized Health Newsletter. Key Findings: The prevalence of diagnosed PTSD among US college students increased from 3.4% in 2017-2018 to 7.5% in 2021-2022. This indicates a growing mental health concern in this population, including in Montgomery County, Ohio.Comorbidities: PTSD is often associated with other mental health issues such as depression, anxiety disorders, and substance abuse, further compounding the challenges faced by affected students.Physical Health: PTSD has been linked to various long-term physical health problems, including cardiovascular disease, chronic pain, and gastrointestinal disorders.**Actionable steps: ** The first step in managing PTSD is recognizing the symptoms and seeking help. Students in Montgomery County should reach out to campus mental health services, their primary care physician, or a trusted mentor when they experience intrusive thoughts, avoidance behaviors, and a general unwell mental health state.Resource: One powerful tool for college students in Montgomery County, Ohio, to gauge their mental health is the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9).This quick self-test can kickstart a conversation with your healthcare team about your mental health. ([Take the Test Here](https://med.stanford.edu/fastlab/research/imapp/msrs/_jcr_content/main/accordion/accordion_content3/download_256324296/file.res/PHQ9 id date 08.03.pdf))Students should schedule an appointment with their primary care physician or campus mental health services and discuss their PHQ-9 scores. Dr. Uppal advises, "Sharing the PHQ-9 scores with a healthcare professional can help guide the conversation, ensuring that students receive the appropriate level of care and support for their specific needs."By taking this proactive step and engaging in an open, honest dialogue with their healthcare provider, college students in Montgomery County can begin to address the mental health challenges associated with PTSD and its comorbidities.This can serve as a crucial foundation for developing a comprehensive, personalized treatment plan that encompasses therapy, medication (if necessary), and lifestyle modifications to promote healing and resilience.What They're Saying: "In this serial cross-sectional study including a national sample of US college students, we found a notable increase in the prevalence of PTSD and ASD, rising by 4.1 percentage points and 0.5 percentage points from 2017 to 2022, respectively. These trends highlight the escalating mental health challenges among college students, which is consistent with recent research reporting a surge in psychiatric diagnoses. 6 Factors contributing to this rise may include pandemic-related stressors (eg, loss of loved ones) and the effect of traumatic events (eg, campus shootings, racial trauma). Despite the study limitations, including the retrospective, self-reported data and single questions for diagnosed PTSD and ASD, these findings suggest the need for targeted, trauma-informed prevention and intervention strategies by mental health professionals and policy makers to support the affected student population." (Study Source)Read More: Doctor's Tips to Better Manage Your DepressionHealth Standard Newswire: Alarming Rise of PTSD Among College Students Across the Nation.**Key Health and Medical Statistics of ** Montgomery County, OhioDid you know there were 1766 deaths from suicide in Ohio in 2021?21.6% of you in Montgomery County are smokers.17.4% of you in Montgomery County state that your mental health is not good.23.1% of you in Montgomery County have depression.38.7% of you in Montgomery County are sleeping less than 7 hours per night.**Health Facts That Matter: ** The health data mentioned above have a direct impact on your physical well-being and play a crucial role in determining your overall health outcomes.The Health Standard Newswire.

In this article, Dr. Shelandra Bell, DO, Family Medicine, shares her expert insights of the findings and provides Alabama residents with evidence-based recommendations for protecting their health.Why This Matters to You: There is a growing mental health crisis of PTSD among US college students.What This Means for Your Health: "PTSD can be a silent struggle for many college students. This can impact their academic performance, social interactions, and overall quality of life." Dr. Puja Uppal, Family MedicineDoctor's Key Insights for Mental Health in Montgomery County, Alabama: "The impact of PTSD extends far beyond the classroom. Students grappling with this disorder often face a heightened risk of depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and even suicidal thoughts. The importance of early intervention should not be ignored.By providing accessible, trauma-informed resources and support systems, we can help students navigate the challenges of PTSD and prevent long-term consequences on their physical and mental well-being." Dr. Shelandra Bell, Family Medicine.Signup for our Free Personalized Health Newsletter. Key Findings: The prevalence of diagnosed PTSD among US college students increased from 3.4% in 2017-2018 to 7.5% in 2021-2022. This indicates a growing mental health concern in this population, including in Montgomery County, Alabama.Comorbidities: PTSD is often associated with other mental health issues such as depression, anxiety disorders, and substance abuse, further compounding the challenges faced by affected students.Physical Health: PTSD has been linked to various long-term physical health problems, including cardiovascular disease, chronic pain, and gastrointestinal disorders.**Actionable steps: ** The first step in managing PTSD is recognizing the symptoms and seeking help. Students in Montgomery County should reach out to campus mental health services, their primary care physician, or a trusted mentor when they experience intrusive thoughts, avoidance behaviors, and a general unwell mental health state.Resource: One powerful tool for college students in Montgomery County, Alabama, to gauge their mental health is the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9).This quick self-test can kickstart a conversation with your healthcare team about your mental health. ([Take the Test Here](https://med.stanford.edu/fastlab/research/imapp/msrs/_jcr_content/main/accordion/accordion_content3/download_256324296/file.res/PHQ9 id date 08.03.pdf))Students should schedule an appointment with their primary care physician or campus mental health services and discuss their PHQ-9 scores. Dr. Uppal advises, "Sharing the PHQ-9 scores with a healthcare professional can help guide the conversation, ensuring that students receive the appropriate level of care and support for their specific needs."By taking this proactive step and engaging in an open, honest dialogue with their healthcare provider, college students in Montgomery County can begin to address the mental health challenges associated with PTSD and its comorbidities.This can serve as a crucial foundation for developing a comprehensive, personalized treatment plan that encompasses therapy, medication (if necessary), and lifestyle modifications to promote healing and resilience.What They're Saying: "In this serial cross-sectional study including a national sample of US college students, we found a notable increase in the prevalence of PTSD and ASD, rising by 4.1 percentage points and 0.5 percentage points from 2017 to 2022, respectively. These trends highlight the escalating mental health challenges among college students, which is consistent with recent research reporting a surge in psychiatric diagnoses. 6 Factors contributing to this rise may include pandemic-related stressors (eg, loss of loved ones) and the effect of traumatic events (eg, campus shootings, racial trauma). Despite the study limitations, including the retrospective, self-reported data and single questions for diagnosed PTSD and ASD, these findings suggest the need for targeted, trauma-informed prevention and intervention strategies by mental health professionals and policy makers to support the affected student population." (Study Source)Read More: Doctor's Tips to Better Manage Your DepressionHealth Standard Newswire: Alarming Rise of PTSD Among College Students Across the Nation.**Key Health and Medical Statistics of ** Montgomery County, AlabamaDid you know there were 827 deaths from suicide in Alabama in 2021?17.2% of you in Montgomery County are smokers.16.3% of you in Montgomery County state that your mental health is not good.22.2% of you in Montgomery County have depression.42.4% of you in Montgomery County are sleeping less than 7 hours per night.**Health Facts That Matter: ** The health data mentioned above have a direct impact on your physical well-being and play a crucial role in determining your overall health outcomes.The Health Standard Newswire.