Community Health Net Community Health Net

(814) 455-7222 Patient Portal

Category: alcohol

Substance Abuse Awareness: Breaking Free from Addiction Together

Posted on by Community Health Net in , ,

 

Substance abuse is a big problem that affects many different kinds of people. It is important to raise awareness and learn about the dangers and consequences of substance abuse so that we can create a healthier community. This blog was written to help provide information on drug and alcohol abuse and offer some understanding into how we can break free from addiction together.

Understanding Substance Abuse

Substance abuse is when someone uses drugs or alcohol in a harmful or excessive way. Many factors can contribute to substance abuse, such as genetics, environment, and stress. It’s important to understand why people turn to drugs and alcohol in order to find effective solutions and prevent addiction.

The Consequences of Substance Abuse

Substance abuse can have serious effects on a person’s physical and mental health, as well as their overall well-being. It can lead to addiction, which is when someone becomes dependent on a substance and has a tough time stopping. This can cause damage to the brain and organs, such as the heart and liver, as well as problems with thinking and even death. Substance abuse also affects relationships, finances, and can lead to legal problems.

Prevention and Intervention

Preventing substance abuse and intervening early can make a big difference. Educating young people about the dangers of drugs and alcohol, as well as promoting healthy ways to cope with stress and problems, can help reduce the risk of addiction. Programs in schools, involving parents, and having community support networks are effective ways to prevent substance abuse.

Treatment and Recovery

For those struggling with substance abuse, getting the right treatment and support is crucial. Rehabilitation programs, counseling, and support groups can provide help for individuals to recover. It’s important to remove the stigma around addiction and offer understanding and support to those who are seeking help. Through compassion, care, and access to resources, individuals can find hope and begin the journey toward recovery.

Using drugs in the wrong way is a big issue. If we help people understand more about this problem, stop it before it starts, and give help and tools early on, we can support those who are struggling to stop using drugs. Together, we have the power to build a healthier and drug-free future.

 

To schedule an appointment today, just dial (814) 455-7222. Our representatives will be happy to assist you. Or click here to send an email to our team.

Our health information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Please be advised that this information is made available to assist the public in learning more about their health. Community Health Net providers may not see and/or treat all topics found herein.

 

Sources:

1. National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2021). Drug Misuse and Addiction: Understanding Drug Use and Addiction. Retrieved from https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/understanding-drug-use-addiction

2. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2019). Key Substance Use and Mental Health Indicators in the United States: Results from the 2018 National Survey on Drug Use and Health. Retrieved from https://www.samhsa.gov/data/sites/default/files/cbhsq-reports/NSDUHNationalFindingsReport2018/NSDUHNationalFindingsReport2018.pdf

3. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021). Substance Use and Overdose Prevention. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/drugoverdose/prevention/index.html

June is Men’s Health Month

Posted on by Community Health Net in , ,

 

More than 13% of U.S. men aged 18 and over are in fair or poor health. But making healthy decisions can improve the health of men and boys.

 

Get the Facts

Men in the U.S. die at higher rates from heart disease, cancer, and unintentional injuries than any other causes. And the health of racial and ethnic minority men lags behind the general population.

Experts agree that men and boys can improve their health by getting regular checkups, eating healthy, staying active, quitting smoking, and taking care of their mental health.

 

Take Action

Small changes can make a big difference. Try these today:

  • Take a walk instead of watching TV
  • Eat a green salad instead of fries
  • Drink water instead of soda or other sugary drinks
  • Call your doctor to schedule an appointment if you are overdue for one

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recommends more ways to improve men’s overall health:

We will protect this heart.  

  • Healthier food choices build a healthier heart. Make fruits and vegetables half of your plate.
  • Limit alcohol to one drink a day, or choose not to drink at all.
  • Cope with stress through exercise, making time to relax, and spending time with others.

Bro, you don’t even have to lift. Getting just 30 minutes of exercise each day can help you live longer and healthier.

Preventive Maintenance. See a doctor for regular checkups even if you feel healthy. Doctors can provide vaccines, and they can test for:

  • Certain cancers
  • High blood pressure or high cholesterol
  • Diabetes
  • STDs (sexually transmitted diseases)
  • Mental health conditions

Quitting Time. Smoking causes cancer, heart disease, stroke, and other health problems, including risk of erectile dysfunction. If you smoke, make a plan to quit. Your doctor can help.

Hey man, you good? If you feel down, sad, or hopeless for two or more weeks, or get little pleasure from things you once enjoyed, you may be depressed. Don’t try to “tough it out.” Talk to your doctor and get the treatment you need.

Men with depression are at risk for suicide. If someone you know is in crisis, get help right away:

  • Call 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
  • Call 911 for emergency services
  • Go to the hospital emergency room

Be #VaccineReady. Talk to your doctor to get your COVID-19 vaccines and your other shots.

Alcohol Use. Excessive alcohol can not only lead to heart disease and cancer, it can also  interfere with testicular function and male hormone production. Choose not to drink, or drink only in moderation.

For Older Men

Some healthy actions are especially important for older men.

  • Take your medications, vitamins, and supplements only as directed.
  • Call your doctor when you’re feeling sick. It can make the difference between life and death. Don’t wait.
    • Your doctor may recommend additional screenings for bone health, hearing and vision, and more.
    • Check with your doctor to get vaccinated against flu, shingles, tetanus/diphtheria, and pneumonia.
    • Tell your doctor if you have erectile dysfunction (ED), or difficulty getting or maintaining an erection. ED is common among older men, it can be treated, and it can be a warning sign of heart disease.
  • Use sunscreen year round, and wear a wide-brimmed hat.
  • Get enough calcium and vitamin D.
  • Exercise your brain. Join a book club, take a class, or do word puzzles, number puzzles, or jigsaw puzzles.
  • Do weight-bearing exercises like walking and jogging, plus weightlifting.
  • Spend time with others to stay mentally, physically and emotionally fit.

And encourage the boys and men in your life to take charge of their health!

 

Call Community Health Net to schedule an appointment with a provider today: (814) 455-7222.

Our health information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Please be advised that this information is made available to assist the public to learn more about their health. Community Health Net providers may not see and/or treat all topics found herein.

Health Facts is a public service announcement of Community Health Net.

 

Sources

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2022, October 31). Excessive Alcohol Use is a Risk to Men’s Health. CDC.Gov. Retrieved May 10, 2023, from https://www.cdc.gov/alcohol/fact-sheets/mens-health.htm

—. (2022, October 14). Men and Heart Disease. CDC.Gov. Retrieved May 10, 2023, from https://www.cdc.gov/heartdisease/men.htm

—. National Center for Health Statistics (2023, January 18). Men’s Health. CDC.Gov. Retrieved May 10, 2023, from https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/fastats/mens-health.htm

—. (2022, June 6). Prostate Cancer Statistics. CDC.Gov. Retrieved May 9, 2023, from https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/prostate/statistics/index.htm

Health in Aging (2019, June). Tip Sheet: Good Health in Later Life for Older Men. HealthInAging.com. Retrieved May 13, 2023, from https://www.healthinaging.org/tools-and-tips/tip-sheet-good-health-later-life-older-men **

National Institute of Mental Health (2017, January). Men and Depression. Nimh.nih.gov. Retrieved May 13, 2023, from https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/men-and-depression

National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities (n.d.). Brother, You’re on My Mind. Nimhd.nih.gov. Retrieved May 13, 2023, from https://www.nimhd.nih.gov/programs/edu-training/byomm/index.html

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services: Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion (2022, December 22). Men: Take Charge of Your Health. Health.Gov. Retrieved May 10, 2023, from https://health.gov/myhealthfinder/doctor-visits/regular-checkups/men-take-charge-your-health

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Department of Minority Health (OMH) (2022). Men’s Health Month. HHS.Gov. Retrieved May 9, 2023, from https://minorityhealth.hhs.gov/mens-health/index.html

May Is Mental Health Awareness Month

Posted on by Community Health Net in , ,

 

Mental health affects how we handle stress, relate to others, and make healthy choices at every stage of life, from childhood and adolescence through adulthood. Each year in the U.S., 1 in 5 adults and 1 in 6 youth experience a mental health disorder. But for many people, recovery is possible.

 

Get the Facts

What is Mental Illness

A mental illness is a condition that affects a person’s thinking, feeling, behavior, or mood. Mental illness deeply impacts day-to-day living and may also affect the ability to relate to others.

Mental illness includes conditions such as schizophrenia, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), bipolar, borderline personality disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), depression, anxiety, eating disorders, suicide, addiction, and others.

Mental illness can affect anyone. Half of all mental illness begins by age 14 and 75% by age 24.

 

Risk Factors

  • Genetics, environment and lifestyle, a stressful job or home life, traumatic events, biological factors in the brain, alcohol or drugs, and feelings of loneliness or isolation can all contribute to mental illness.
  • Feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and thoughts of suicide were found to be more common among students across gender, racial and ethnic groups.
  • Black students were more likely to attempt suicide than students of other races and ethnicities.
  • And people who have illnesses such as heart disease, diabetes, or cancer are at higher risk for depression.

Complications

Alcohol use disorder can range from mild to severe, and even a mild disorder can lead to serious problems. Drinking too much can harm your health. Every year, excessive alcohol use is responsible for more than 140,000 deaths in the U.S. and caused 1 in every 5 deaths of U.S. adults aged 20-49 years.

Signs and Symptoms

Each mental illness has its own symptoms. Common signs of mental illness in adults and adolescents can include:

  • Excessive worrying or fear
  • Feeling very sad or low
  • Confused thinking or problems concentrating
  • Extreme mood changes
  • Avoiding friends and social activities
  • Difficulty understanding or relating to people
  • Changes in sleeping habits
  • Increased hunger or lack of appetite
  • Changes in sex drive
  • Difficulty perceiving reality
  • Overuse of alcohol or drugs
  • Multiple physical ailments without obvious causes
  • Thinking about suicide
  • Inability to do handle daily activities or stress
  • Intense fear of weight gain or concern with appearance

For children, symptoms may include:

  • Changes in school performance
  • Excessive worry
  • Hyperactive behavior
  • Frequent nightmares
  • Frequent disobedience or aggression
  • Frequent temper tantrums

Take Action

Diagnosis 
No medical test can accurately diagnose mental illness. Instead, a mental health professional will use the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders to assess symptoms and make a diagnosis.

Treatment
Treatments for mental illness vary by diagnosis and by person. A health care provider can help develop a treatment plan that may include medications, therapy, psychiatric rehabilitation, and peer support.

If you feel that you sometimes drink too much alcohol, your drinking is causing problems, or if your family is concerned about your drinking, talk with your healthcare provider. Early treatment is important. Behavioral therapies, mutual-support groups, and/or medications can help people with AUD achieve and maintain recovery.

Many people can return to meaningful roles in social life, school, and work especially when they start treatment early and play a strong role in their own recovery process.

Prevention

There’s no sure way to prevent mental illness. But these practices may reduce your risk:

  • See your doctor regularly.
  • Get help when you need it.
  • Get plenty of sleep.
  • Exercise regularly.
  • Eat a healthy diet.
  • Do not drink alcohol, or drink in moderation.
  • Stay connected to family and friends. Talk to people you trust about how you are feeling.
  • Make time to unwind and do activities you enjoy.
  • Take breaks from the news, including on social media.

Suicide and Crisis Lifeline

“988” is the nationwide phone number to connect directly to the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. Call or text 988 to connect with mental health professionals.

Veterans, service members, National Guard and Reserve members, and those who support them can press “1” after dialing 988 to connect to the Veterans Crisis Lifeline. For texts, Veterans should continue to text the Veterans Crisis Lifeline short code: 838255.

 

Call Community Health Net to schedule an appointment with a provider today: (814) 455-7222.

Our health information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Please be advised that this information is made available to assist the public to learn more about their health. Community Health Net providers may not see and/or treat all topics found herein.

Health Facts is a public service announcement of Community Health Net.

 

Sources

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) (2023, February 13). Adolescent and School Health: Mental Health. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved April 7, 2023, from https://www.cdc.gov/healthyyouth/mental-health/

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) (2022, September 14). Depression Is Not a Normal Part of Growing Older. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved April 7, 2023, from https://www.cdc.gov/aging/depression/index.html

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) (2022, September 13). Mental Health. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved April 7, 2023, from https://www.cdc.gov/mentalhealth/index.htm

Mayo Clinic (2023). Mental Illness. Retrieved April 7, 2023, from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/mental-illness/symptoms-causes/syc-20374968

National Alliance on Mental Illness AMI (n.d.). Mental Health Awareness Month. NAMI National Alliance on Mental Illness. Retrieved April 7, 2023, from https://nami.org/Get-Involved/Awareness-Events/Mental-Health-Awareness-Month

National Alliance on Mental Illness NAMI (n.d.). About Mental Illness. NAMI National Alliance on Mental Illness. Retrieved April 7, 2023, from https://www.nami.org/About-Mental-Illness

April is Alcohol Awareness Month

Posted on by Community Health Net in , ,

Introduction

Millions of Americans suffer from Alcohol use disorder (AUD). But AUD can be prevented, and with effective treatment, people can and do recover.

Get the Facts

What Is Alcohol Use Disorder?

Alcohol use disorder is a chronic, progressive disease that is fatal if untreated. It is sometimes called alcoholism, alcohol abuse, alcohol dependence, or alcohol addiction. People with alcohol use disorder have problems controlling their drinking. They may be preoccupied with alcohol or continue to use alcohol even when it causes problems.

Causes

Certain areas of your brain are associated with the experience of pleasure, judgment, and the ability to exercise control over your behavior. Over time, drinking too much alcohol may change the normal function of those areas of your brain. This may result in craving alcohol to try to restore good feelings or reduce negative feelings. Lasting changes in the brain caused by alcohol misuse can prolong AUD and make people who are in recovery vulnerable to relapse.

Complications

Alcohol use disorder can range from mild to severe, and even a mild disorder can lead to serious problems. Drinking too much can harm your health. Every year, excessive alcohol use is responsible for more than 140,000 deaths in the U.S. and caused 1 in every 5 deaths of U.S. adults aged 20-49 years.

Signs and Symptoms

Unhealthy alcohol use includes any alcohol use that puts your health or safety at risk or causes other problems. If your drinking repeatedly creates distress and problems in your daily life, you likely have alcohol use disorder. Signs and symptoms may include:

  • Being unable to limit how much alcohol you drink
  • Wanting to cut down on how much you drink
  • Spending a lot of time drinking, getting alcohol, or recovering from alcohol use
  • Feeling a strong craving or urge to drink alcohol
  • Failing to fulfill major obligations at work, school, or home due to alcohol use
  • Continuing to drink alcohol even though you know it’s causing you problems
  • Giving up or reducing social and work activities and hobbies to use alcohol
  • Using alcohol in situations where it’s not safe, such as when driving or swimming
  • Developing a tolerance to alcohol so you need more to feel its effect or you have a reduced effect from using the same amount
  • Experiencing withdrawal symptoms such as nausea, sweating and shaking, problems sleeping, hallucinations, and agitation when you don’t drink, or drinking to avoid these symptoms

Risk Factors

A person’s risk for developing AUD depends, in part, on how much, how often, and how quickly they consume alcohol. Other factors that increase the risk of AUD are:

  • Alcohol use that begins in the teens
  • Genes. The likeliness of developing AUD may be partially hereditary.
  • Family history. The risk of AUD is higher for people who have a parent or other close relative who has problems with alcohol.
  • Having friends or a close partner who drinks regularly
  • Depression and other mental health problems
  • History of trauma
  • Bariatric surgery. Some studies indicate that having bariatric surgery may increase the risk of developing AUD or relapsing after recovering from AUD.
  • Drinking too much on a regular basis

Take Action

Treatment

If you feel that you sometimes drink too much alcohol, your drinking is causing problems, or if your family is concerned about your drinking, talk with your healthcare provider. Early treatment is important. Behavioral therapies, mutual-support groups, and/or medications can help people with AUD achieve and maintain recovery.

Prevention

Alcohol use disorder is preventable. Parents can play an important role in giving kids a better understanding of the impact that alcohol can have on their lives. You can help prevent teenage alcohol use by setting a good example with your own alcohol use.

 

Call Community Health Net to schedule an appointment with a provider today: (814) 455-7222.

Our health information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Please be advised that this information is made available to assist the public to learn more about their health. Community Health Net providers may not see and/or treat all topics found herein.

Health Facts is a public service announcement of Community Health Net.

 

Sources

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2022, April 14). Alcohol Use and Your Health. CDC.gov. Retrieved March 13, 2023, from https://www.cdc.gov/alcohol/fact-sheets/alcohol-use.htm

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2022, December 7). Preventing Excessive Alcohol Use. CDC.gov. Retrieved March 13, 2023, from https://www.cdc.gov/alcohol/fact-sheets/prevention.htm

Gerchalk, R. (2022). Alcohol Awareness Month. Retrieved March 13, 2023, from https://alcoholawareness.org/alcohol-awareness-month/

Mayo Clinic (2022, May 18). Alcohol Use Disorder. MayoClinic.org. Retrieved March 13, 2023, from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/alcohol-use-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20369243

National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, Inc. (2021, November 7). April is Alcohol Awareness Month. NCADD.org. Retrieved February 21, 2023, from https://ncadd.us/about-ncadd/events-awards/alcohol-awareness-month

phone number