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Not to cast aspersions on the people I love, but I started to notice something not so flattering about the older folks in my family: They all gotirritable and lost their memory as they aged. They also all took statins, daily drugs to lower their cholesterol, and enjoyed a life of eating cheese, lots and lots of cheese. Even when they were active, fit, and walked or swam or played golf every day, their mental acuity and attitude declined so fast that I had to look for a reason. Why would a day on the golf course turn sour just because of a lost ball? Something was at work here. I started to dig.

There is one exception, my mother-in-law, an avid golfer until 95, a cheerful lady, and sharp as a tack all through her life. And she took nothing, not even a baby aspirin a day. I admit to all you doctors reading this that what follows here is a study of just a few people, but still, it caused me to start to research statins and mental or personality changes, and I didn't like what I found.

About 30 percent of Americans over the age of 40 take a statin,such as Lipitor, Mevacor, Crestor and Zocor, according to the CDC, which reports thatstatins are among the most widely prescribed drugs in the world, because they work to lower LDL cholesterol. Millions of patients have avoided heart disease, stroke, and cholesterol-related blockages, which undoubtedly save lives. But at what cost to our minds and mental health? According to a study in the Annals of Internal Medicine, 70 percent of patients continued to take a statin after "adverse" side effects. Wouldn't it be easier and better for all to simply try a dietary change?

Statins have been studied for decades now, and with over 30 percent of Americans taking these so-called miracle drugs to lower blood cholesterol, it begs the question: Are people on statins irritable and losing their memory due to age and infirmity? Or is a widely-disseminated drug treating a condition, high cholesterol, that could otherwise be treated by dietary changes? And is it causing harm to the brain in ways we don't recognize as tied to the drug? Here is my personal "case study of my family:"

My dad started to getshort-tempered inhis mid-70s, which was also about the same time his health began to fail him. He had heart problems and balance problems, and if he got up too fast from the dinner table he was prone to fall down, which led to hip problemswhich led to walking problems and then some executive function issues, and at one point when I saw his toiletry kit, on a weekend in the Hamptons, he showed me the 13 pills he took every day. I asked, "Whatare allthese for? and he explained his doctors insisted he needed every single one. I said, "Daddy you are like a chemical soup, and these are all interacting with each other." He shrugged.

I didn't know then what I know now: Thatheart patients who change theirdiet,giveup meat, cheese, dairy, and all animal fat, and eat a whole food plant-based approach without oil, have reversed their heart disease. Watching Forks Over Knives, the documentary about how diet can reverse disease and help people get off their meds, might have convinced him. Or maybe not. Not everyone has the ability or propensity to change. As the years went on his temperament changed and he was no longer the cheerful "Hail Fellow Well Met"guy I always thought of as my beloved and popular Dad.

I chalked all of this up to the fact that he was a lion in winter, no longer able to roar as loudly or laugh asfully, ormove asquickly on the tennis court or even hold himself steady enough toskipper our little day sailor, an Oday we had always loved sailing together.I had always remembered him as able-bodied and game for anything: skiing, sailing, jogging, tennis, swimming, and golf, increasingly golf during his last decades. He never thought to change his diet, which was a typical American male way of eating. He loved cheese and crackers, and his favorite lunch was a ham and cheese sandwich with mayo.

Meanwhile, he took statins, and I started to wonder whether his mental changes had anything to do with the meds. I started to do some research and became convinced that statins, which 30 percent of Americans take every day, are not such perfect pills. Yes, they lower your cholesterol, but they also have been found to change your mood, personality and cause irritability and mental decline, according to studies I found during a simple search.

My mom's mind began to slip away when she hit her early 80s and I chalked it up to the usual memory-stealing age-related decline that many people seem to have to deal with as they age. She was slender, a walker, a swimmer and fit as could be. But no matter that she moved with elegance and a steady gait,her mind wasn't working as well as it should. As she walked homefrom her ladies club she couldn't tell you what she had eaten for lunch. She took statins and drugs to avoid her heart from racing or fluttering. She also got anxious as her memory slipped away, but I assumed that her anxiety was a natural side effect of losing one's memory. Could it be related to the statins? I began to search for answers.

Anecdotally I tried to think of who I knew who was over 60 andnot on a statin. I realized the most cheerful older person in my life was also the one who took no medications or pills whatsoever.Yes, there was oneolder person in my life who was always cheerful, always sharp, always on it: My beloved mother-in-law.Gigi had a sharp mind, remembered details of our last conversation or past events that would astound me, and she was always upbeat and ready with a compliment or affirmative observation, even if her life could have been stressful. She never let on.She would follow up with questions weeks after I had told her asmall fact about her grandchildren, who she adored: How was Julian's interview? How is Josie liking her new apartment? She played golf with a skip in her step and loved nothing more than to go out on the course with my son, just the two of them, a mismatched pair as he towered above her (she barely scraped 5 feet in her jaunty golf beret, while he had a good foot on her, and then some, even slouching). The conversations theyenjoyed spanned the personal, about relationshipsand the professional, as she would regale him with storiesabout his grandfather's TV producing career. She never forgot a thing, neverbecameirritable, and always looked on the bright side of every situation. Food taking too long? We had more time to visit over lunch. She ate a mostly plant-based diet of vegetable soups, salads, and fish. At 95 she played golf every day and walked the course most of her life, enjoying easy raport with the caddies. Most notably she never took a pill in her life.

This "kitchen science" world according to Lucy is not actually relevant except to make me wonder: Is there a cause and effect? Were people who took statins messing up their brains? All for the sake of eating cheese, meat, dairy, and animal fat, which are known to drive up blood cholesterol? I looked up the connectionbetween statins and irritability, memory loss, personality changes, and found study after study, article after article, connecting the two.

It's almost too easy to find headlines on studies like:

That study got my attention, as did call outs like:

"Psychiatric adverse effects, altering mood, personality, and behavior, sometimes arise in patients receiving statins.

And:

"Statin psychiatriceffects can include irritability/aggression, anxiety or depressed mood, violent ideation, sleep problems including nightmares, and possibly suicide attempt and completion." Come to think of it as my dad got sicker he also got more depressed. This also makes sense but which came first? The statin or the mood swing?

As I read all this I think... Whoah. The conclusion of that first study states: "Though statins are widely tolerated, they may be among the growing list of prescription agents that, in some participants, may increase the risk of serious psychiatric events and/or behavioral changes. In the cases cited here, these adverse experiences posed risks to the safety of self and otherssometimes, tragically, adversely affecting marriages and careers, or culminating in death. The possibility of such ADRs, even if rare, should be recognized by physicians who prescribe cholesterol-lowering drugs, such that if personality or behavior changes arise, the drug can be included in considerations of etiology and treatment."

"The possibility ... should be recognized by physicians..." Physicians? The ones playing golf with the pharmaceutical executives and salespeople? And by the way: How would they even know? Presumably, these docs aren't sitting with their dad when he has a tantrum in a restaurant because the waiter is taking too long or the ambient noise is too loud. Once in a doctors' office, patientsare unlikely tosnap or forget where they are. I was never asked to report to my mom's heart doctor that she forgot to meet her kids for dinner, couldn't find the restaurant or got lost on parent's visiting day at my son's school.

Yes, that happened... But no one asked me, the loving family member, whether my dad was intolerable to be around when he should have been thrilled to have his family with him. Or whether my mother had to stop going out by herself because she didn't know her way home.

Was it the statins? Or would she have been demented anyway? We will never know. We had her take memory boosting drugs (Aricept and Namenda)to treat her mental loss, but those seemed like putting a bandaid on an open gaping wound, or closing the barn door once the horse had gotten out. Even her doctor, a specialist in dementia who was well-known and super admiring of my mother's resilience in the face of fading short-term memory loss, admitted neither of these drugs appeared to do anything. It was simply what you did: You added more medicine on top of medicine and never questioned whether her heart pills were the culprit or a change in diet might have staved off the onset of her disease. And so she kept eating her beloved ice cream, her favorite cheeses and her breaded fried chicken breast with mashed potatoes since at that stage in life (mid-to-late-80s) and as her world got smaller, it seemed mean to take away these small pleasures.

My dad ate cheese every night before dinner, and sometimes also for lunch (grilled cheese sandwiches or ham and cheese, accompanied by a creamy tomato soup). No one ever questioned that eggs were for breakfast, often with bacon,and sometimes bacon on a sandwich for lunch, and steak or chicken or lamb or fish for dinner.Usually with a cheese plate with cocktails before dinner (never hummus or eggplant or beet spread) and usually dessert included ice cream or cookies or both. It's a miracle we were not all obese with the amount of we all ate, three times a day. But despite appearing fit, trim, and being extremely active,we all have elevated cholesterol and also low blood pressure, somethingboth my parents handed down to me.

Taking meds is somethingI don't want to repeat.Why" I "feel" drugs more acutely on my system. I took the pill in college and it made me feel blue. I took a painkiller for knee surgery and it made me have weird dreams. I decided at about the age of 30: No more drugs. And I edited a magazine for wellbeing for 13 years and saw the amount of money big pharma spends to "sell" Americans on drugs, like heartburn medicine after we eat too much or statins for a life of loving cholesterol-elevating foods. Why not just change how we eat?

A doctor once told me, "Both your parents are on statins, blood thinners, and other heart meds? You will be too." (She meant well. I switched doctors.) We were expected to simply accept the fact like it's our hard-wired DNA: Everyone in my family is addicted to cheese, along with dairy, and meat and we all have high cholesterol and take statins. No thank you. Until 18 months ago when I went meat and dairy-free, no one had ever thought to change their diet. High cholesterol? Blood pressure falling too low? Just add drugs.

Here's another quick search I found. Another reason to not take statins, at least for me:

"As use of a drug becomes widespread, the full spectrum of its effects becomes clearer. Although a link has been suggested between low or lowered cholesterol and irritability/aggression, less is known about possible links between irritability and statins," the study states. Super. Let's read further:

"Six patients referred or self-referred with irritability and short temper on statin cholesterol-lowering drugs... In each case the personality disruption, once evident, was sustained until statin use was discontinued; and resolved promptly with drug cessation.

The study told a story of going off the drugs to see what would happen. Once the patients got off the drugs, the irritability subsided. When they were put back on the statins, the short-tempered problems occurred. And this study found pretty major issues, including; "Manifestations of severe irritability included homicidal impulses, threats to others, road rage, generation of fear in family members, and damage to property."Is a love of cheese worth that?

That's the title of another study that found when we have a problem we go to the doctor who gives us a pill. We are a nation of pill poppers:"Nearly 30% of adults 40years and older in the United States are on a statin," this study tells us. And of course we usually take more than one pill. Most pills are not study in conjunction with other pills, and no one really can tell you what more than 4 drugs all do when combined together in the body, day after day. As for statins, the study declares: "Their widespread use heightens the importance of careful consideration of their varied effects on the body. Although randomized controlled trials have not confirmed cognitive impairing effects with statins, continuing evidence suggests statins have the ability to cause reversible cognitive impairment in some patients." I witnessed it.

The study continues. "Paradoxically, statins have also been shown to decrease the risk of dementia, Alzheimers disease, and improve cognitive impairment in some cases." Presumably, according to no one but me, this is because those diseases are linked to high cholesterol in the body. Lower the cholesterol, lower the diseases. But there's a better way. Lower the cheese and dairy and meat and poultry consumption. How about doing that?

So here is where I net out: Rather than eat cheese, or meat, poultry or eggs or any type of animal fat, and dairy, which contain saturated fat, which is well-known to raise your LDL cholesterol in the blood, also known as "bad" cholesterol, I chose to get off the cheese, meat, dairy, and animal products all at once, 18 months ago. In three weeks I went to my new plant-based doctor, who checked my blood cholesterol.

In just three weeks my LDL and total cholesterolhad dropped 30 percent. (My HDL is always robust since I workout 6 days a week.) I told my brother this. He and I are both fit people with the same genetic heritage. He talked to his doctor about it. The quote from his cardiologist and repeated (albeit second hand to me through my brother) was basically this:

So that makes me one in 100 who did it the natural way: by switching to a plant-centric diet.I know there are things I have to give up. Jarlsberg and Brie, for starters. grilled cheese sandwiches and scrambled eggs. I have found delicious vegan cheese made from cashew nut milk and JUST Eggs made from mung bean. I try to eat as plant-based as possible and manage to do it about 95 percent of the time. (I will admit to occasionally having a bite of fish.) But I figureit's a fair trade for keeping my brains intact and upbeat a little while longer. I'll make that bargain any day.

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Why I Won't Take Statins. They Appear to Mess With Your Head. - The Beet

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Andrea Martins out of office messages went through a subtle makeover after the pandemic outbreak.

Before she started working from home, she shared a signature out of office message with departure and return dates and contact in case of emergency. When she took time off this past summer to visit Kure Beach with her husband and two children, she crafted a new automatic response:

Im taking time away from work to rest, recharge and enjoy my family.

Martin, director of strategic communications for Duke Family Medicine & Community Health, is among many Duke colleagues who are fashioning more personal automatic email messages during the pandemic.

It feels like the vague, professional out of office message isnt necessary anymore, she said. I want my colleagues to know Im taking time off because Im feeling stretched thin juggling work and home responsibilities and need time to recharge. The Benefits of Taking Time Off

Taking time off even to just unwind at home can be as beneficial as traveling to a vacation destination.

Don Shortslef, senior practitioner for Dukes Learning & Organization Development, said that in addition to work information dates and contact information for a colleague who can help in the absence showing your personality builds connections.

Sharing why you are out of the office and being light-hearted humanizes you, Shortslef said. Someone might see youre at a beach they also love going to. That opens up an avenue of discussion and relationship building that wouldnt have existed otherwise.

As you take time off in the coming months, take inspiration from a few colleagues automatic responses.

Gary BennettVice Provost for Undergraduate Education and Bishop-MacDermott Family Professor of Psychology & Neuroscience, Global Health, and Medicine

Gary Bennett had an adventurous summer vacation.

Lets face it I wont be traveling far this year, he wrote in his out of office email message in July.

Instead, after securing the computer and my mobile devices, Bennett shared that he would be climbing stairs in his home, walking to the living room and napping to sounds of a sprinkler.

Bennetts personality-packed away messages have been a staple of his time off routine for the past two to three years.

In the old days, writing my out of office messages was a dreaded act because I thought they were totally useless, Bennett said. The instant you see an out of office message, you generally delete them. So, I started experimenting and writing them with more detail.

Bennetts automatic responses typically start with a humorous greeting such as If Im lucky, Ill even break ground on that all carbohydrate diet book (Spaghetti Slim) Ive been planning. He then provides an interesting detail about the health and well-being benefits of taking time off.

The out of office email announcing his past summer vacation included a link to 2018 research showing that each vacation is associated with a 25 percent reduction in the risk of metabolic syndrome, conditions that increase the risk of heart disease, diabetes and stroke. Bennett also noted 2019 research that found how the heart rate decreases as vacation gets closer. Thats why Ive been so chill lately, he jokingly added.

Some of Bennetts out of office messages get passed on to others.

That excites me because I want people to take time away from work to relax and recuperate, he said. Time off puts us at our best when we come back to work.

Heather LoweDirector of Communications and Employee Experience, Duke University Health System

Heather Lowes out of office message is short but carries big meaning because she is passionate about self-care:

Im currently taking a day to relax and recharge, she wrote in a recent automatic response.

Lowe always ends a message by sharing that she looks forward to responding when she returns to work to make it clear that she will not reply to email while out of the office.

I see the message as an opportunity to take a stand that we should take care of ourselves, she said. When we push ourselves too hard without a break, thats when we get stressed and burn out.

Lowe spends days off walking her beagle Truly on local trails, gardening or, when not in a pandemic, traveling to countries. She has visited six of seven continents and plans to travel to Antarctica next year.

In order to do our best work, we have to be whole people, Lowe said. When we spend time with friends and family, get outside, read books and travel, were better for it, and our work lives benefit too. Id love to change the culture that we should always be available. We cant do our best work if were not caring for ourselves.

Rebecca VidraSenior Lecturer of Environmental Science and Policy and Director of the Duke Environmental Leadership Program

Some days, Rebecca Vidra is balancing work while helping her three children, ages 5, 14 and 16, navigate kindergarten and high school from home.

I will probably answer your email promptly, she wrote in an automatic response in September. But it may get lost in the wilds of my inbox, or I may answer it while monitoring my 5 year old's attempts to convince her iPad to cooperate

Vidra shares work-life activities at home that may cause a delayed response, but she also lets colleagues and students know she is available on Zoom or by phone to talk.

Theres an understanding that were all balancing a lot right now, but you dont know what that necessarily looks like for each person, Vidra said. Your kids are at home? Do you have a sick parent? I want to be honest without complaining about it. Im still available. It may just take a call now when it used to take an email.

Wed love to know your fun and unique out of office messages. Share them by commenting in the Facebook post below:

Got something you would like for us to cover? Send ideas, shout-outs and photographsthroughour story idea formor writeworking@duke.edu.

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Out of Office Messages in Remote Work Times - Duke Today

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Cirrhosis of the liver is one of the final stages of liver disease. It is a serious condition, causing scarring and permanent damage to the liver. Life expectancy depends on the stage and type.

The liver is the second largest organ in the human body and one of the most important for human health. Cirrhosis puts both a persons liver and life at risk.

Despite its severity, the condition is not rare. The Department of Veterans Affairs estimates there are 4.9 million people in the United States living with cirrhosis.

The National Institute for Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases state at least 1 in 400 adults in the U.S. has cirrhosis. This number could be even higher, as many people do not receive a diagnosis until they develop advanced symptoms.

Keep reading to explore the life expectancy for cirrhosis by its stage, including diagnosis information and coping tips.

Cirrhosis is a serious condition that causes scarring and permanent damage to the liver. Over time, the disease keeps the organ from working properly and eventually causes failure. Cirrhosis puts people at greater risk for:

There are two stages in cirrhosis: compensated and decompensated.

Compensated cirrhosis: People with compensated cirrhosis do not show symptoms, while life expectancy is around 912 years. A person can remain asymptomatic for years, although 57% of those with the condition will develop symptoms every year.

Decompensated cirrhosis: People with decompensated cirrhosis already experience symptoms and complications. Their life expectancy is greatly reduced than those with compensated cirrhosis, while experts recommend referral for a possible liver transplant in these cases.

Physicians use diagnostic tests and scoring to determine a persons stage of cirrhosis, which will help project their life expectancy. The Child-Turcotte-Pugh (CTP) system awards points based on whether an individual has:

With the CTP system, a persons score increases according to the number and severity of their symptoms. Based on these scores, the system assigns people into different classes:

Healthcare professionals will project the life expectancy of people with cirrhosis using CTP scores in the following chart:

Physicians use the Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) to estimate the life expectancy for people with cirrhosis, setting priorities for liver transplants. Experts base MELD scores by measuring an individuals:

The higher an individuals MELD score, the greater their risk of mortality, as shown by the chart below:

Following an effective treatment plan, which could slow or stop damage to the liver and manage complications, is the primary way that people with cirrhosis can increase their life expectancy.

Treating the cause of the cirrhosis is also crucial. Even though not all occurrences are due to alcohol abuse, people with this condition can benefit from avoiding alcohol completely, as experts recommend. Antiviral drugs can prevent additional liver damage due to viral hepatitis.

People with cirrhosis need to regularly see their medical team to review how their condition is progressing. This also allows for early intervention and treatment of any complications that may arise. Medications and procedures to treat cirrhosis symptoms include:

According to the VA, although cirrhosis is progressive, some people with the condition can move from decompensated, or symptomatic, back to the asymptomatic stage. This is a challenging process, although one of the critical steps is avoiding alcohol of any kind.

To prevent progressing from the asymptomatic to the symptomatic stage, people can make the following lifestyle changes:

Of people who develop cirrhosis, 2060% also develop malnutrition, additional complications, longer hospital stays, and a reduced life expectancy.

This means eating a healthful diet is crucial for those with this condition. Cirrhosis itself can affect diet and metabolism, so people should try:

Cirrhosis is a severe condition, causing scarring and permanent damage to the liver. It can be fatal.

For people with cirrhosis, there is a close link between life expectancy and the number of symptoms and complications they experience.

Physicians use CTP and MELD scores for guidance in referrals for liver transplants.

Although this condition greatly reduces life expectancy, there several ways, such as certain dietary changes and avoiding alcohol, that may help.

Excerpt from:
Cirrhosis of the liver life expectancy: Stages, prognosis, and more - Medical News Today

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November 17, 2020 -Wearable devices have shown to be extremely effective in monitoring high risk patients post heart surgery in a new study, pointing to the benefits of mHealth and remote patient monitoring.

Atrial fibrillation (AF), an irregular heartbeat that can increase the chance of stroke, was detected up to ten times more frequently in high risk patients who wore a continuous cardiac monitor for a month after heart surgery compared to patients who had standard follow-up care according to research presented today at the American Heart Association's Scientific Sessions 2020.

The incidence of post-operative atrial fibrillation (POAF) after discharge from cardiac surgery is not well defined, said Subodh Verma, MD, PhD, a cardiac surgeon at St. Michael's Hospital, University of Toronto in Canada, and one of the lead authors of the study. Most studies are limited to the hospitalization phase only; studies beyond hospitalization are few.

In addition, very little is known about patients who have little to no AF during hospitalization after cardiac surgery, and they are often sent home with no treatment, Verma continued. Therefore, the question of whether the risk of POAF extends after hospitalization remains an important and unanswered question, especially for patients who had no previous history of AF.

The researchers followed 336 patients recovering from cardiac surgery at eight Canadian medical centers. None of the studys participants had a history of atrial fibrillation prior to surgery and they were all at-risk for stroke based on factors such as their cardiac health, medical history, and age.

The participants were randomly assigned to two groups: 163 patients underwent 30 days of real time 24-hour cardiac rhythm monitoring through a wearable device on their chest, while the other 173 participants made up the control group and received 30 days of usual care without cardiac rhythm testing/electrocardiogram assessment unless it was deemed medically necessary.

Then, six to nine months after their surgery, the patients from both groups had 14 days of continuous cardiac rhythm monitoring.

The researchers found that in the patient group who wore the 24-hour monitoring patch, atrial fibrillation was detected at a rate 10 times higher than in those who received standard post-surgery care.

Atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter that lasted six minutes occurred and was detected in 32 (19.6 percent) patients from the remote patient monitoring group and in three (1.7 percent) patients who received usual post-surgery care during the 30 days they were followed.

Our study points to the fact that POAF is not self-limited to hospital stay per se. A significant risk of POAF persists even in those patients without any preoperative or pre-discharge AF. These data may help inform physicians about the importance of surveillance and vigilance in patients at high risk of stroke with respect to monitoring and prompt treatment for AF, said Verma.

Earlier this year, The Texas Cardiac Arrhythmia Institute (TCAI) at St. Davids Medical Center in Austin recruited 40 patients for a pilot remote patient monitoring program that is testing how wearable devices can help providers create home-based care management programs.

Digital monitoring allows us to better serve our patients by helping them follow prescribed plans, such as diet and exercise, to improve quality of life,Andrea Natale, MD, FHRS, FACC, FESC, a cardiac electrophysiologist and TCAIs executive medical director, said in a press release at the time of the mHealth program announcement. Physicians can also receive alerts if patients experience abnormal heart rhythms, such as AFib.

Every participant is different, and the challenges they face are unique, Natale continued. For example, patients who are overweight are placed in nutrition and exercise programs, and their goal is to achieve at least a 10 percent decrease in body mass index. Digital health platforms can measure these changes.

Continued here:
mHealth Wearable Devices Effective in Post-Cardiac Surgery Care - mHealthIntelligence.com

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West Bloomfield Youth Assistance has been offering Parenting on the Go webinars to help educate parents on mental health topics pertaining to children and families.

Image provided by Curt Lawson

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WEST BLOOMFIELD During her time as a professional psychologist over the past 15 years or so, Dr. Melanie Schwartz has never dealt with anything like this period in world history.

Like so many, her life has taken a different direction since the onset of the pandemic.

Aside from affecting her on a personal level, COVID has re-shaped her career.

Ive never dealt with, where every single persons going through the exact same situation, Schwartz said. Ive never had it where pretty much every session that I have per day is somehow related to the same topic that everyone else is talking about, for months at a time. Usually, one client comes in with one issue, the next client comes in with another issue. Its all related to the pandemic; its all related to everything thats going on in the world right now.

Her role as a psychologist has also been shaken up this year.

Its the first time in this field where I am going through the same thing that my clients are going through, Schwartz said. Usually, I have an outside perspective Im objective. Im going through the same thing they are, so it makes it a little bit more challenging in some ways to help them when youre going through the exact same things, but were all learning together.

Aside from her professional role, Schwartz has also taken time to try to help community members in another way.

She serves on the board for West Bloomfield Youth Assistance.

In recent years, the WBYA began a series titled Parenting on the Go, which covers different topics related to children and families, and can help strengthen parenting skills.

For approximately the last year and a half, Schwartz has helped coordinate the series.

Recently, the series has come in the form of webinars.

The presentations for each webinar are approximately 10-15 minutes, followed by a question-and-answer session that lasts about 15 minutes.

In October, webinar topics included Remote Learning Tips for Children and Adults, Mental Health in Parents during the Pandemic, The Emotional Impact of the Pandemic on Adolescents and The Pandemic + Increase in Substance Use.

Each webinar was led by a different speaker.

Schwartz anticipates Parenting on the Go to resume in either January or February.

To view previous webinars or to register for upcoming ones, visit wbyouthassistance.org.

Schwartz said the primary focus of the series could be anything, including drug and substance abuse, mental health needs and school-related issues.

The webinars can help provide comfort to parents.

It reassures parents, and I like that theyre very short, because were busy, Schwartz said. I think whats nice about it is you get a lot of information in a short period of time, which is just enough to take in and resonate with you, and then move on to the next thing. We can all relate to some of these issues. If you have questions but havent been able to get answers or were afraid to ask about signs to look for in your kids or questions about substance abuse, things like that, this is a great way to get the answers that youre looking for.

Aside from being the deputy chief of the West Bloomfield Police Department, Curt Lawson is also the vice chair for the WBYA. From his perspective, the Parenting on the Go program has been very successful in helping to relay vital information to parents.

These segments give parents tools to help their kids succeed, Lawson wrote via email. Our new podcasts have been designed to provide both parents and kids information directly related to issues brought about by the pandemic. I believe that programs like Parenting on the Go truly matter and make a positive difference within our community.

Pairing the words remote and learning has become very common for parents of school-aged children.

Schwartz shared some advice about the topic.

Some kids need to be very isolated; they need to be in a space where theres not a lot of activity going on, and other kids need more chaos going on around them, she said. It just depends on the child. If you dont know what they need or cant quite figure it out, then ask for help. I think its important to have conversations with your kids about how theyre feeling, and whats going on. Also, (it helps) being able to tell your kids how you feel and how its affecting you, so that maybe they can relate or feel more comfortable to open up.

Among the drawback of remote learning is that it has led to a decrease in socialization for children.

Schwartz said, Being completely isolated from their friends has not been great for anyone.

Its not good to isolate right now, she said. Make sure you have a support system. Make sure the kids have a support system, doing fun things. Were in a time where theres a lot (of) negativity going on. We read it, hear it, watch it. So we have to balance that out with some positive.

Having a family game night and starting an exercise program together are examples Schwartz provided of positive activities.

Parenting on the Go has been around for at least four years, but this may be a more important time than ever for parents to find a source of support.

I guess were running the gamut from anxiety to depression to anger, in terms of parenting, Schwartz said. Theyre just looking for help in any way because this is obviously something that none of us have ever dealt with. They want information. They want to know how they can help their kids, how they can help themselves. Whatever information we can give is beneficial to them.

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BATON ROUGE, LA (BR-PROUD) The YMCA is launching a new program to help bridge health gaps in our community.

We really try to make sure that were serving all communities. I think more importantly right now especially in the communities we know that are more lower income communities and access to good health and access to appropriate facilities is not easy to come by.

YMCA CEO Christin Ingle said this program, funded by a $25,000 grant from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana Foundation, will help the Y expand the work already happening in North Baton Rouge.

Weve been doing farmers markets, weve been doing a health fairs, weve been providing wellness activities. I think this really just gives us the opportunity to expand that and do more with it.

The monetary donation allows the YMCA to offer up to 170 three month memberships to residents.

Really it is whatever their wellness journey is. So, if its somebody thats pre-diabetic and they need to improve their nutrition we can do that. If its somebody who is a cancer survivor and they want to participate in our cancer survivorship program were going to have that as well. Even those that just I want to come in, I want to have somebody show me how to use a treadmill and get me in a group exercise class, whatever they think theyre interest is going to be, all of those programs are taking place at that YMCA.

Ingle said the YMCA is now taking applications at the Exxon Mobile location on Howell Blvd.

Its within an income bracket. So, they just need to go to their local YMCA and well take care of them. We will look at what their financial situation is and well establish a membership for them. It could be anywhere from five dollars a month to $30 a month. It all really depends on individual circumstance.

Ingle said this program is one step closer to a healthier Baton Rouge.

To learn more about the program visit the YMCAs website.

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Workout Wednesday: YMCA launching North Baton Rouge Initiative to bridge health gaps in the community - BRProud.com

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Today's best Peloton Bike deals

Peloton might have one of the best exercise bikes around, but not everyone can spend $1,895 to get in shape. With the Peloton App and membership, I joined the brands popular, on-demand workout class cult for just $12.99 per month. And I only felt a little brainwashed.

Peloton App and membership quick facts:

Price: $12.99/monthLanguage: English, GermanApp compatibility: Amazon Fire, Android, iOS, RokuDaily live classes: +10Total class selection: +1,000Optional equipment: Yoga mat, free weights, treadmill, spin bike

Yes, the Peloton App supports spin classes, and even running classes for Pelotons own treadmill. But the service also includes virtual yoga, high intensity interval training, stretching, strength training and more and you often dont need any additional equipment to get your calorie burn on. It helps to own a smartwatch and compatible smart TV, though.

This Peloton App review lets you know what to expect when you enter this community of high-energy fitness junkies.

The Peloton App is free to download, but the membership costs $12.99 per month, plus tax. When you sign up, youll get the first 30 days of your membership free.

Note that Pelotons App membership is different from the Peloton All-Access membership, which costs $39.99 per month and is exclusive to Peloton Bike and Peloton Tread owners.

Before I launched my Peloton App membership, I suspected the class selection would be no different from the dozens of workout programs Ive tried. Peloton proved me wrong. Upon opening the app, not only did I see dozens of live classes scheduled each day, but I could search a catalog of thousands of past classes for playback, too.

Peloton offers 10 total workout class types: Strength, yoga, cardio, meditation, indoor running, outdoor running, cycling, stretching, bootcamp and walking. You can take streamed classes in each of these categories individually, or embark on multi-week, goal-oriented exercise programs. Peloton made it simple to mix up my activity, suggesting new classes based on ones I completed and rated.

One of the most appealing aspects of the Peloton Apps class selection is the duration options. Classes range in length from 5 to 60 minutes, meaning theres a guided way to get active no matter how much time you have. On most days that I worked out, I found myself taking a few 10 minute classes spanning arm intensives, core busters and HIIT, but also appreciated uninterrupted 45-minute yoga flows.

I struggled to accommodate live classes into my schedule, but I partially blame that on the limited options for non-bike-owning members. For comparison, there are about 10 live spin rides per day, but only one live meditation. I happen to love spin classes, so I might consider buying an affordable exercise bike for my apartment to capitalize on the Peloton App.

The Peloton App packs features designed to keep you motivated, whether you use it on your smartphone, tablet or smart TV. The Peloton app is available on Roku TV devices and Amazon Fire TV devices, which is great for getting working classes on a big screen.

Your Peloton profile features a calendar with your active days, exercise steaks and achieved milestones. Similar to Apples Fitness app badges, Pelotons milestones add a bit of gamification to getting fit.

After youve completed a class, you can view your metrics from that workout like your heart rate and calories burned if you wore a compatible fitness tracker with ANT+ like the Apple Watch 6 or Garmin fenix 6. In addition, if your smartwatch integrates with Strava, like the Samsung Galaxy Watch 3 you can use Pelotons Strava integration to track exercise data.

In my experience, Apple Watch integration is a major perk of the Peloton Digital Membership. Not only did the Peloton app show my live heart rate in a boxout on my screen during class, but it automatically tracked my activity without me needing to open the workout app on my wrist. This convenience is something Im going to consider when trying out other workout programs in the future.

Since my local pilates studio closed due to the pandemic, Ive struggled to find a virtual workout that maintains a true feeling of group fitness.

In my month with the Peloton App, I found most of the appeal doesnt come from the quality of workouts or even the class selection. Instead, its the sense of community that pushed me to stick with consistent activity. Ever since my local pilates studio closed due to the pandemic, Ive struggled to find a virtual workout that maintains a true feeling of group fitness. And one that I can use conveniently on my living rooms big-screen Roku TV.

Pelotons pack mentality shines through in a few places. First there are the instructors. Each coach is clearly experienced and high-energy as they complete the workouts with you from a professional studio. In some classes, instructors will even shout out users whove recently reached class milestones.

Then theres the music. Before you start each class, you can review the playlist to see if there are tracks you like. Classes are even labeled by genre, so you know what youre getting yourself into. I loved working out to familiar music, especially since the last workout program I tried relied on what couldve been royalty-free beats.

Finally, theres activity sharing. While you can certainly choose to keep your progress and class history private, having a public profile lets other Peloton members follow your activity. I mostly kept to myself, but I could see following my IRL friends, especially if we coordinate taking classes at the same time, or committed to holding each other accountable. You can also coordinate buying Peloton merch within the app, although I havent reached that tier of loyalty yet.

I once assumed Peloton was just a quarantine fad, but spending a month with this popular workout program made me a believer. Im impressed with the expansive library of workout classes, even if they make getting fit feel a little cultish. Still, Peloton doesnt force you to drink its Kool Aid.

For $12.99 per month, the Peloton App and membership is an affordable, yet versatile, way to get active. Its in a great position to fend off Apple Fitness Plus when it launches later this year, even if Apples take on holistic fitness only costs $9.99 per month. The class selection is stellar, although the live class schedule tries to guilt you into buying the Peloton Bike or Peloton Treadmill at times. Its possible Ill opt for a less expensive bike, and while it might not give me all the Peloton spin features, it might convince me to keep up with the membership even when (or if) in-person workout classes return to normal.

Original post:
Peloton App review: Not as cult-y as you'd think - Tom's Guide

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Kevin Trainor November 17, 2020

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. For the second-consecutive year, University of Arkansas student-athletes have combined to earn the top graduation success rate (GSR) in the history of the Razorback program according to a report released this week by the NCAA. Razorback student-athletes that entered school in 2013 earned a GSR of 85 percent, the highest GSR in school history, eclipsing the previous program best of 84 percent earned last year.

The latest GSR marked the 12th-consecutive rate of more than 70 percent by Razorback student-athletes. It marks the fifth-consecutive year that the GSR has been 78 percent or higher with this years GSR ranking as only the third time the GSR has reached 80 percent.

The GSR was developed as an improved measurement tool for tracking student-athletes academic progress leading toward graduation. The University of Arkansas has steadily improved its GSR rate since the measurement was implemented 16 years ago rising from an initial rate of 60 percent to a record 85 percent in the numbers released this week. In 2019-20, 107 Razorback student-athletes paved their names onto Senior Walk as graduates of the University of Arkansas. In the past five years, the program has averaged more than 100 graduates a year.

Thanks to the dedicated efforts of our student-athletes, coaches and members of our academic support team, our program continues to see record-setting results in NCAA graduation success rate and other academic benchmarks, Vice Chancellor and Director of Athletics Hunter Yurachek said. From the time student-athletes arrive on campus, we work with them to sustain progress in their academic journey on the path to graduation. We have made tremendous progress and must continue to focus on our goal of ensuring every student-athlete, who exhausts his or her athletic eligibility, leaves our program with a degree from the University of Arkansas.

Also released on Tuesday was the latest information on federal graduation rate. The same 2013 cohort earned a Federal Graduation Rate of 58 percent, up a percentage point from last year and also ranking as the second highest Federal Graduation Rate since 2005.

In addition to the GSR and Federal Graduation Rate, the NCAA established the Academic Progress Rate (APR) that provides institutions with a more real-time indicator of academic success. Last spring, Arkansas exceeded the APR benchmark in all 19 sports for the eighth consecutive year including each sport exceeding the benchmark by at least 28 points. The program earned a 983.5 APR average across all sports, marking the ninth straight year the program averaged has exceeded 970.

A program record seven Razorback programs were recognized with NCAA Public Recognition Awards for ranking among the top 10 percent of teams in their respective sports nationally. Womens cross country, womens golf, womens gymnastics, softball, swimming and diving, womens tennis and volleyball all earned a perfect 1,000 multiyear rate The University of Arkansas has now earned a total of 36 public recognition awards since the program began, including 13 in the past two years.

For more information regarding Razorback Athletics, please visit ArkansasRazorbacks.com.

Razorback Athletics Graduation Success Rates

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Razorbacks Register Record-Breaking Graduation Success Rate - Arkansas Razorbacks

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Through the generosity of the Saluda Community Fund at the Polk County Community Foundation, six Saluda Living in Place (SLIP) board members and two Advisory Council members attended the 2020 National Village to Village Virtual Conference, held online October 6, 13 and 20.

Over 600 volunteers and staff members from villages all over the country were in attendance to hear from experts in innovative programming, technology and fundraising all focused on helping our neighbors stay in their homes as they age.

SLIP was one of the smallest villages to attend the conference. However, all villages have the same goal: changing the way we look at aging.

SLIP attendees learned of new ways of delivering programs and services during Covid, and the need to educate our neighbors in technology internet, FaceTime, Zoom so that we can all participate in distance learning.

ne of the most innovative programs is an online exercise program Vitality Society, which offers 20 different Zoom programs per week.

As a result of AARPs HomeFit program presentation, SLIPs Home Safety and Accessibility service will be enhanced. Through AARP, SLIP will now provide additional information and suggestions on how to make your home safe and retrofitted.

The Village to Village Movement originated in Boston with Beacon Hill Village leading the way for a more economically efficient model for aging. The Village model helps seniors to age in a place of their choosing, connected to their communities with the support and tools they need to create successful aging of their own design. SLIP is a Village to Village member through the generosity of the Polk County Community Foundation.

For more information, please call at 828-490-1040.

Submitted by DiAnne Arbour

Original post:
SLIP members attend National Virtual Conference - The Tryon Daily Bulletin - Tryon Daily Bulletin

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SPRING, TX -Morning Family Hike,Yoga in the Gardens,Seed Ball Craft, and More!

Music in the Gardens

Wednesday, Dec. 2, at 10:30 a.m.

Wednesday, Dec. 16, at 10:30 a.m.

Join Mercer Botanic Gardens for Music in the Gardens, in which children from 2 to 5 partner with their parents and experience rhythm and music principles in a natural outdoor setting throughout the garden. Classes use Kindermusik curriculums songs, instruments, and movement to inspire creativity, confidence, and music appreciation in children while building unique bonds with their parents. This free, family-friendly event is outdoors, so participants should dress for the weather. Wear closed-toe shoes and bring your own water bottle. Meet at Mercers East Side Main Garden. Registration is required, as space is limited. To register or for more information, call 713-274-4160.

Its Yoga Time: Family Yoga in the Gardens

Saturday, Dec. 5, from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Gather the family and head to Mercer Botanic Gardens for some healthy yoga fun! This energetic, beginner yoga class led by registered yoga teacher Delyla Ovalle-Bowyer features individual poses and family-partner poses. Participants should bring a yoga mat or beach towel, and a water bottle. Yoga blocks and straps are optional. All ages are welcome. Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. This is an outdoor event, so participants should dress for the weather. Registration is required, as space is limited. Consult your physician before starting any exercise program. To register or for more information, call 713-274-4160.

Womens Restorative Hike

Tuesday, Dec. 8, from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m.

Tuesday, Dec. 22, from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m.

Be a part of the newest volunteer-supported hike at Mercer Botanic Gardens. This beginner friendly, one-hour hike through Mercers gardens and forest is for those who believe in the restorative power that nature has on the mind, body, and spirit. For women 18 and older. Consult your physician before starting any exercise program. Meet in front of the Visitor Center located at Mercers East Side Main Gardens on the second and fourth Tuesdays. Registration is required, as space is limited. To register or for more information, call 713-274-4160.

Virtual Lunch Bunch: Native Trees for Your Backyard

Wednesday, Dec. 9, at noon

Seed Ball Take-Home Craft

Friday, Dec. 11, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Sunday, Dec. 13, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Its the perfect time of the year to make and launch a butterfly-friendly wildflower seed ball! Mercer Botanic Gardens is offering this free take-home craft that includes soil, clay, and the seeds of butterfly-friendly wildflowers such as lanceleaf coreopsis, Maximillian sunflower, winecup, showy milkweed, butterfly weed, prairie goldenrod, lemon mint, and Texas bluebonnet. Take a craft kit home and follow the instructions to have your own seed ball to launch in a sunny field, a meadow, or your own backyard! Each seed ball craft kit contains materials to make one seed ball. Limit one craft kit per person. Registration for a pick-up time is required, as quantities are limited. Call 713-274-4160 to reserve your seed ball craft.

Christmas Bird Count

Saturday, Dec. 19, from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m.

Keep Calm and Yoga in the Gardens

Saturday, Dec. 19, from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Enjoy a unique opportunity to practice yoga in the natural outdoor setting of Mercer Botanic Gardens. Through gentle and purposeful movements, youll gain flexibility and strength while releasing body tension. This slower-paced yoga program is ideal for beginners to intermediate participants, and is led by registered yoga teacher Delyla Ovalle-Bowyer. Participants should bring a yoga mat or beach towel, and a water bottle. Yoga blocks and straps are optional. This is an outdoor event, so participants should dress for the weather. Registration is required, as space is limited. For adults 18 and older. Consult your physician before starting any exercise program. To register or for more information, call 713-274-4160.

Family Adventure Series: Morning Family Hike

Tuesday, Dec. 29, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Did you know that Mercer has more than five miles of beginner-friendly riparian trails? Come out to explore old and new hiking spots and take the Family Hiking Pledge for healthy hiking in 2021. Staff will be on hand with maps and to answer questions about specific trails to be found on Mercers east and west sides. Receive a bamboo hiking stick, one per person while supplies last. Registration is required. For more information or to register, call 713-274-4160.

Ongoing Events

Northside Horticultural Propagation Center

Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to noon

Join a plant committee and grow plants year-round for events and sales or help with various projects from propagation to irrigation. Contact Mercers volunteer coordinator at 713-274-4160 for more information.

Gardening in the Tropical Garden

Tuesdays from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Join a Mercer horticulturist in the Tropical Garden to work with palms, plumerias, bamboo, and special collections. Wear closed-toe shoes and bring a wide-brimmed hat, sunscreen, and water. Tools and gloves will be provided. Volunteers must be 16 or older or 12-15 if volunteering with a parent or guardian. Please contact Mercers volunteer coordinator at 713-274-4160 to schedule a visit.

Gardening in the Native Garden

Tuesdays from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Join a Mercer horticulturalist for planting, grooming, pruning, weeding, and mulching in the Native Garden. Wear closed-toe shoes and bring a wide-brimmed hat, sunscreen, and water. Tools and gloves will be provided. Volunteers must be 16 or older or 12-15 if volunteering with a parent or guardian.Please contact Mercers volunteer coordinator at 713-274-4160 to schedule a visit.

Gardening in the Childrens and Vegetable Gardens

Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Join a Mercer staff member to plant new plants, sow seeds, thin and harvest vegetables, and weed garden beds in the Childrens Garden and Vegetable Garden. Wear closed-toe shoes and bring a wide-brimmed hat, sunscreen, and water. Tools and gloves will be provided. Volunteers must be 16 or older or 12-15 if volunteering with a parent or guardian. Please contact Mercers volunteer coordinator at 713-274-4160 to schedule a visit.

Tai Chi

Saturdays at 9 a.m.

Join volunteer John Spencer for this one-hour beginner class offered at Mercers East Side Gardens. Tai Chi class location may vary each week. Call 713-274-4160 for more information or to check for cancellations due to weather or holidays.

Story Time in the Gardens

First and Third Mondays at 10:30 a.m.

Mercer Botanic Gardens invites parents and children to enjoy story time in the natural setting of the garden. Story time garden locations may vary each week. Registration is required, as space is limited. Recommended for children 2 to 5. Call 713-274-4160 to find out the location or to check for cancellations due to weather or holidays. Volunteer opportunities are available.

Mercer Ambassadors

Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to noon and noon to 2 p.m.

Ambassadors welcome visitors to Mercer and provide information about the gardens, upcoming events, volunteer opportunities, and more. Those who enjoy visiting with guests are encouraged to apply. Ambassador training is online, with a slide presentation and copy of the Ambassador handbook.Must be 16 or older or 12-15 if volunteering with a parent or guardian. Contact Mercers volunteer coordinator at 713-274-4160 for more information.

The Paper's Corporate Sponsors for 2020 are: Entergy and Methodist Hospital The Woodlands

Advertise 30 days in The Paper For only $50 Reserve your space by calling 832-296-6887

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Mercer Botanic Gardens November 2020 Calendar Released | The Paper Magazine -Covering The Woodlands, Spring, Conroe & North Houston Areas - The...

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