Frequent Marijuana Smoking Linked to Higher Risk of Heart Attack, Study Suggests
Note from Michael Angelo, owner, Encompass Counseling Center: The following article written by Aria Bendix, the breaking health reported for NBC News Digital, dispels the public perception that marijuana is completely safe and even healthy for you. However, in reality, a high dose of THC—the main component of marijuana—causes vascular inflammation, leading to heart problems […]
The Forgotten Childhood: Why Early Childhood Memories Fade
NOTE: The following article by Jon Hamilton, correspondent, Science Desk, National Public Radio, explains why we lose our earliest memories—unique to us alone—as we age. Highlights include: —Scientists have known about childhood amnesia for more than a century. But it’s only in the past decade that they have begun to figure out when childhood memories […]
Eleven Practices That Make Adult ADHD Worse
Source: webmd.com Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD, is not limited to children—30% to 70% of children with ADHD continue to have symptoms when they grow up. In addition, people who were never diagnosed with ADHD as children may develop more obvious ADHD symptoms in adulthood, causing trouble on the job or in relationships. Many […]
Stress in the Time of Pandemic
If you’re feeling stressed these days, join the party. The reasons behind that stressed-out feeling differ for each person. Some talk about it, others don’t. But there’s one thing people have in common: When you’re stressed, you’ll feel it in your body. That’s because your mental and physical response to stress go hand in hand, […]
The 5 Core Approach to Covid-19
The coronavirus is adding to your stress level, right? That’s understandable. What can you do to keep it in check? Here are some strategies that tie closely with our overall philosophy at Encompass Counseling Center about taking care of your whole self. Our focus is on the five attributes that comprise your entire being. This […]
Putting the Coronavirus into Perspective
Perspective is an important thing to consider when dealing with anxiety-provoking situations. You know this from your sessions with your therapist. Please remember this as you consider your response to Covid-19. Don’t let emotions outweigh logic in your everyday choices surrounding the coronavirus. Whether it’s fighting someone in the grocery store for toilet paper, or […]
Dementia Tied to Retirement in Developing Countries as Early as Age 60
Could retiring early cause you to lose your mind? Researchers at Binghamton University, in New York, believe so. They found that early retirement could accelerate the usual rate of cognitive decline among the elderly in developing countries, including Asia and Latin America. Their results mirrored those that had focused on the impact of retirement on […]
How to Find the Right Therapist for You
Table of Contents If you’re having trouble finding the right therapist, don’t despair. It’s not easy. People usually go with who’s closest to where they live or work, or who takes their insurance, or both—without ever actually deciding what they need personally from therapy. It’s what they need from therapy that should lead them to […]
The Alarming Trend of Teen Suicide
Anthony Bourdain. Kate Spade. Robin Williams. We know the tragic stories of their suicides. Countless other adults, mostly unknown, have succumbed to this tragedy, as well. Let’s not forget teens who take their own lives, either. As you’ve undoubtedly heard, the suicide rate for young adults is up—significantly. A study of pediatric hospitals released in […]
Medical Marijuana a Hit with Seniors
Seniors are giving rave reviews for medical marijuana. In a new survey, those who turned to it for treating chronic pain reported it reduced pain and decreased the need for opioid painkillers, said Serena Gordon, reporter for HealthDay News. According to Gordon, 9 out of 10 liked it so much they said they’d recommend medical […]
Treating Self-Injury
Treating Self-Injury with CARESS: A New Way to Address the “Demons and Secrets Inside” CARESS—Communicate Alternatively. Release Endorphins. Self-Soothe CARESS teaches new behaviors so that self-injury clients feel less likely to follow through with destructive impulses. As a result, they can retain a sense of power and control—expanding their range of positive coping skills. […]
The Best Way to Support Elderly Caregivers
Five Ways to Help Elder Caregivers with an Alzheimer’s Spouse Be sensitive to how the Traditionalist Generation thinks. Help elderly caregivers let go of the person they knew. With the therapist’s help, identify the kinds of support elderly caregivers need. Forge a circle of support for caregivers, with friends, family, and groups. Remind elderly caregivers […]
The Mystery of Loving an Abuser
People are often amazed at their own psychological conditions and reactions. Those with depression are stunned when they remember they’ve thought of killing themselves. Patients recovering from severe psychiatric disturbances are often shocked as they remember their symptoms and behavior during the episode. A patient with Bipolar Disorder recently told me, “I can’t believe I […]
The Beginnings of Alzheimer’s and Dementia
Wendell used to be vibrant and healthy, sharp as a tack with anyone he met. He could answer any question you threw at him, and he loved to laugh. His chuckling would resonate throughout the room. When he was much younger, Wendell could easily count backwards from 100, by sevens. Once, to the amazement of […]
Regular Exercise Can Change the Brain
In case you’re wondering, plenty of good reasons to be physically active exist. Big ones include reducing the odds of developing heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. Maybe you want to lose weight, lower your blood pressure, prevent depression, or just look better. Here’s another one, which especially applies to those of us experiencing the brain […]
