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From Logan-Mason Mental Health

Tearing down the barriers
to mental health treatment

Facts you want to know

[MAY 11, 2002]  May is Mental Health Month, a national observance dedicated to raising awareness about mental health.

Recovery from mental illness is a complex and highly individual process. Unfortunately, the stigma surrounding mental illness can prevent people from seeking or receiving appropriate care.

People with mental illnesses are too often disregarded and, at worst, ignored by their communities. They face discrimination in health insurance, housing and employment, all of which present obstacles to recovery.

In the words of former U.S. Surgeon General David Satcher, "We have allowed stigma and a now unwarranted sense of hopelessness about the opportunities for recovery from mental illness to erect these barriers. It is time to take them down."

Across this nation, we fund community treatment programs just enough to keep people out of expensive hospitals but not enough to support their recovery from mental illness. Yet people with such disorders can and often do recover, when given the chance. For those with severe disorders, community-based housing supports, medical care, effective medications and job training programs enable these individuals to lead full, productive lives — but these services are in short supply and lack adequate funding. We must commit ourselves to making these needed resources available.

Another way to help turn the tide is to change public opinion, which is shaped largely by the way the media depict people with mental illness and their treatment. According to a National Mental Health Association survey, based on what respondents have seen in the news and entertainment media, only one-third of the public believes that most people can be helped with treatment. In addition, only 18 percent feel that people with mental illnesses are portrayed in entertainment programs as coping successfully with their illnesses.

The fact is that the treatments for mental illness are at least as successful as they are for physical illnesses such as heart disease, and recovery is possible. The treatment success rate for clinical depression is more than 80 percent, and the success rate for schizophrenia is 60 percent. The treatment success rate for heart disease, however, is lower — between 41 and 52 percent. So why do we discriminate against people with mental illness? In part, because of the continuing fear, misconceptions and stigma associated with psychiatric disorders.

Mental disorders in children are just as real, common and treatable as they are for adults. Left untreated, children’s mental health disorders can lead to problems at home, trouble in school and the community, substance abuse and even suicide.

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For five years Childhood Depression Awareness Day has been an opportunity for mental health affiliates, partners and people who care about children to come together and focus on childhood depression. The awareness day was observed May 7, with the theme "Mental Health Matters — Now More Than Ever." Logan-Mason Mental Health provided green ribbons for people to wear to draw attention to childhood depression and also to raise awareness about other mental health problems affecting children.

The following are key facts and statistics for children and families:

•  One in five children have a diagnosable mental, emotional or behavioral disorder.  And up to one in 10 may suffer from a serious emotional disturbance.  Seventy percent of children, however, do not receive mental health services (SGRMH, 1999).

•  Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is one of the most common mental disorders in children, affecting 3 percent to 5 percent of school-age children (NIMH, 1999).

•  Teen-age girls are more likely to develop depression than teen-age boys (NIMH, 2000).

•  Alcohol, marijuana, inhalants and club drugs are the most frequently used drugs among middle- and high-school youth (SAMHSA, 2000)

•  Research has shown that use of club drugs such as Ecstasy and GHB can cause serious health problems and, in some cases, death.  Used in combination with alcohol, these drugs pose even more danger (NIDA, 1999).

•  Children and adolescents increasingly believe that regular alcohol and drug use is not dangerous (SAMHSA, 2000).   

•  Among middle- and high-school students, less than 20 percent of young people between the ages of 12 and 17 report using alcohol in the previous month, and less than 4 percent report drinking heavily in the previous month (SAMHSA, 2000).

•  Young people are beginning to drink at younger ages.  This is troubling particularly because young people who begin drinking or using drugs before age 15 are four times more likely to become addicted than those who begin at age 21 (SAMHSA, 2000).

Logan-Mason Mental Health, 304 Eighth St., provides various fact sheets, which are also available by clicking on the following titles: "Key Facts and Statistics," "Child and Adolescent Depression," a "Youth Depression Checklist," "Depression and Suicide," and "Youth, Depression and Alcohol and Drug Use."

Now is the time to get involved and actively endorse community-based treatment and support programs. We can all work together to end the discrimination that people with mental illness face every day. We can support policies that fund mental health services, help individuals in their recovery and encourage those in need to seek treatment. 

[Provided by Logan-Mason Mental Health]

Walk Day observed at schools

[MAY 8, 2002]  In celebration of National Physical Fitness and Sports Month in May, University of Illinois Extension in Logan County sponsored a Walk Day on May 6 for local elementary students. Children in county elementary schools were invited to participate by walking with their class at recess that day.

A total of 12 schools, 61 teachers and 1,124 students in Logan County schools participated in this Walk Day activity, walking a total of over 46 miles.

Five classes were selected from a random drawing to win bags of trail mix to eat on their walk. The winners were the first grade at Zion Lutheran School in Lincoln, taught by Joanne Stamm; third grade, Chester East Lincoln, taught by Myrna Leith; fifth grade, Central Elementary, taught by Rebecca Bailey; fifth grade, Northwest Elementary, taught by Marla Williams; and special education, Central Elementary, taught by Christa Healy.

The first-grade class at Northwest Elementary in Lincoln, taught by Sharon Cline, was drawn and won a pizza party for their class.

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Walking is the best way to start a new fitness program this spring because almost everyone can do it, it’s free and it’s easy. Health experts tout physical fitness in general as having many benefits, including an association with a decreased risk of breast cancer, improved cardiovascular health, and lowered resting pulse rate and blood pressure.

Walk Day is an annual event the first Monday of May, sponsored by University of Illinois Extension. For further information about how to get involved next year, please contact Patty Huffer at the Logan County Extension office, 732-8289.

[News release]

Logan-Mason Mental Health
helps parents and kids hear
drug prevention messages

I lived the perfect life--perfect family, lots of friends, selective high school, and fun weekends when I’d smoke pot with my "secret" friends that nobody knew about. Then one day I introduced them to one of my school friends, the only one of my school friends who also smoked pot. A week later, I was busted for drugs when I found out that the word was out and my former best friend had told my school that I smoked. I became angry, depressed and upset with the world for months. Finally, I’m beginning to forgive people and live my life again. I’m proud to say that I’ve been clean for 6 months today. I’m living for my future, my parents, my few true friends who stuck close to me, and for myself. I owe it to myself to live a good life, and not to give it up to drugs. It’s still a daily struggle to stay on track but I’m happy with myself that I did.

[APRIL 27, 2002]  Recently, I overheard this story. I wasn’t touring a drug rehabilitation center or watching a documentary on public television. I was monitoring a bulletin board on a new teen-focused website called Freevibe.com. Hundreds of similar responses from kids speaking out on the issue of drugs, violence and prevention land on this and other computer bulletin board sites every week. Kids know what they are talking about, and they know where to go when they want to vent.

 As the prevention specialist of Logan-Mason Mental Health, I understand that it is critical to become involved with our kids, supervise their free time and pay attention to their activities, whether they are visiting a friend, at soccer practice, watching TV or surfing online.

Whether parents, neighbors or teachers, we all have the responsibility and opportunity to listen to and serve as a positive influence on kids. This is just one of the main messages to adults from the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy in its National Youth Anti-Drug Media Campaign.

Logan-Mason Mental Health is proud to help extend those efforts here and has joined the five-year initiative to reduce youth drug use, especially among middle-school-aged adolescents (approximately 11 to 13 years old). The integrated communications campaign delivers anti-drug messages to kids and parents through advertising, the Internet, movies, music, television, public-education efforts and community partnerships.

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As part of the national campaign, Logan-Mason Mental Health is empowering parents and other adults to get involved in kids’ lives. The local efforts, such as the Healthy Communities Partnership Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drugs Task Force, are designed to complement the national anti-drug campaign and will help provide a surround-sound effect that cannot be ignored.

To join us in this critical effort to foster healthy kids and healthy communities, contact Kristi Lessen at 735-2272.

[News release]

New study on alcohol consumption is wake-up call to underage drinking problem

[APRIL 20, 2002]  When young people make up a significant percent of alcohol consumers, it is clear that America has a problem with underage drinking. A study released by the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University further illustrates the nation’s complacent attitude about underage drinking and the fact that alcohol is simply too easily obtainable for youth.

Although many communities, including parents, turn their backs on underage drinking, accepting it as a "rite of passage," startling statistics show that this is a dangerous approach to an issue that likely touches every teen. For too many, alcohol is the forgotten and ignored drug problem. Alcohol kills more young people under the age of 21 than all the other illicit drugs combined. 

Today we know more than ever about the serious effects of underage alcohol use. The earlier children drink, the more likely they are to become alcoholics later in life and the more likely they are to drive drunk and suffer unintentional injuries. As many as eight young Americans die in alcohol-related traffic crashes daily. Underage drinking also costs America more than $52 billion every year.

It is time for parents and communities to wake up and start working together to address an issue that is killing our kids. Alcohol remains the leading drug problem among our nation’s youth. You love your kids and want what is best for them, but sometimes it can be hard to demonstrate how much you love them, particularly as they grow up and become more independent.

Research shows that one of the best ways you can help your kids avoid alcohol use is by spending time with them. Here are some helpful suggestions for knowing what is going on in your child’s life:

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•  Be a good role model for your kids. There is no such thing as "do as I say not as I do" when raising children. If you abuse alcohol, your children are observing and learning from your behavior. On the other hand, if you are a living, day-to-day example of your value system, your children will learn and emulate the honesty, generosity and openness that you want your children to have.

•  Create "together time." Start a tradition or fun, weekly routine to do something with your child, such as going out for ice cream or to the movies.

•  Eat meals together as often as possible. Mealtime is a great opportunity to talk about the day’s events, unwind and reinforce a family bond. Studies show that kids whose families eat together at least five times a week are less likely to be involved with drugs and alcohol.

•  Try to be home after school. The "danger zone" for drug use and other risky behavior is between 4 and 6 p.m. If you can, arrange to have flextime if it is available at your workplace. When your child will be with friends, make sure there is adult supervision.

If you would like more tips on communication and parenting, visit www.theantidrug.com, a website designed to help parents learn how to talk to their children about staying clean, safe and drug-free, or you can call Kristi Lessen at Logan-Mason Mental Health, (217) 735-2272.

[Press release]

Health Matters

A monthly feature from  Logan County Health Department

[MAY 1, 2002]  Protect the skin you’re in — The sun may be 93 million miles away, but its ultraviolet, or UV, rays take only eight minutes to reach earth. These rays are strong and can damage your skin and lead to skin cancer. Just a few serious sunburns can increase your risk for getting skin cancer. And, over time, UV exposure can make your skin wrinkled and leathery.

Choose your cover — More and more people are looking for ways to protect themselves from the sun’s UV rays. Fortunately, there are many year-round options to protect your skin. So choose one or more of the following "covers."

Seek shade — Whenever possible, avoid the midday sun, when the UV rays are the strongest and do the most damage. Remember, trees, beach umbrellas and tents are all good sources of shade. Use these options to prevent sunburn, not to seek relief once it’s happened. If you can’t avoid the midday sun or find shade, try one of these other options.

Rub it on — Sunscreen is not just for the pool or the beach. Remember to bring it with you whenever you go outside — even on cloudy days. Use sunscreen that provides protection against both UVA and UVB rays and has a sun protection factor, or SPF, of at least 15.

To be most effective, sunscreen needs to be applied generously 30 minutes before going outdoors and should be reapplied throughout the day, especially after swimming or exercise. After all, many sunburns occur when outdoor activities last longer than expected.

Don’t like lotions? Try other varieties of sunscreen, such as sprays, wipes and gels. Concerned about acne? Look for sunscreens that are made especially for the face and won’t clog your pores.

Use your head — Not all sun protection comes in a bottle. When outdoors, try wearing a hat. Since almost 80 percent of skin cancers occur on the head or neck, wearing a wide-brimmed hat is a great way to shade your face, ears, scalp and neck from the sun’s rays. If you choose a baseball cap, make sure you use a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 to protect exposed areas. When you’re out in the sun, it’s easy — just use your head!

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Shield your skin — When enjoying your favorite outdoor activities, it’s important to shield your skin with extra clothing. A shirt, beach cover-up and pants are all good choices for cover. Keep in mind, however, that a typical T-shirt actually has a SPF rating substantially lower than the recommended SPF 15. So if your clothes don’t completely shield your skin, add some sunscreen and seek some shade whenever possible.

Grab your shades — Grabbing a pair of shades is more than cool; it’s also the best way to protect your eyes from harmful UV rays. Sunglasses protect the tender skin around the eyes and reduce the risk of developing cataracts. For maximum eye protection, look for sunglasses that block both UVA and UVB rays. Give wraparound lenses a try. They’re great for keeping those damaging rays from sneaking in at the sides.

Remember, covering up is your best defense. Studies show that reducing your exposure to the sun’s dangerous rays can decrease your future risk of getting skin cancer. At the beach, on the ski slopes or anywhere outdoors, you can keep your skin protected while having fun in the sun all year-round.

[Information in this article is provided by Center for Disease Control and Prevention. (CDC, 1998)]

Red Cross

Events

May 2002

Thursday, May 23
SPONSOR: Lincoln Area YMCA
WHO: Public
WHAT: Central Illinois Community Blood Center blood drive
WHERE: YMCA activity center on Wyatt Avenue
WHEN: 3-7 pm

June 2002

Wednesday, June 12
SPONSOR: Abraham Lincoln Memorial Hospital
WHO: Public
WHAT: "Update on Asthma," presented by Melissa Hardiek, M.D.
WHERE: Abraham Lincoln Memorial Hospital
WHEN: 6:30-8 pm

Honors & Awards

[MAY 17, 2002]  The Lincoln Area YMCA will host a blood drive at the Activity Center on Wyatt Avenue on Thursday, May 23, from 3 until 7 p.m. Blood collected at this blood drive by the Central Illinois Community Blood Center will be used to help save the lives of patients in Abraham Lincoln Memorial Hospital and 11 other central Illinois hospitals, including Springfield.

Columbine High School, the Oklahoma City bombing and the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks all have two things in common. The blood used to save the lives of the survivors was on the shelf at the time it was needed, and it was all provided by Community Blood Banks that are members of America’s Blood Centers. These facts show how important community support of the local blood supply is. After all, the patents we are saving are our friends, neighbors and family members.

This year, 4 million people could die without an adequate blood supply. Please help us save the world — one person at a time. All it takes is about 45 minutes of your time and your willingness to share your health with someone less fortunate. Please donate blood.

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If you are already a multigallon donor or approaching a gallon mark, please tell us the day of the blood drive. We will be happy to honor any previous donations you may have with any other blood collection organization and to give you our token of appreciation for your respective gallon level.

For more information, call the Lincoln Area YMCA at 735-9375.

[Central Illinois Community Blood Center
news release]

Public health awards presented to
Judy Horn, Logan County state’s attorney’s
office and Lincoln Christian College

[MAY 9, 2002]  Every year in April the Logan County Health Department celebrates Public Health Week. In conjunction with the observance, the Health Department presents awards to recognize individuals, organizations or businesses that have supported and promoted the mission of the Logan County Health Department in the continuation or advancement of its services or programs. The award recipients have collaborated with or assisted with existing or new programs, projects or services.

The Goodwill Award is a certificate that is presented to an individual, organization or business. This year a certificate was presented to Judy Horn, RN for her continued support of public health and the mission of the Logan County Health Department.

  The Partnership Award was presented to the Logan County state’s attorney’s office and Lincoln Christian College for their collaboration with Logan County Health Department on projects and programs throughout the past year.

Announcements

[MAY 13, 2002]  The Domestic Abuse and Violence Task Force of Logan County will have its monthly meeting at the Logan County Health Department, 109 Third St., on Monday, May 20. The group will meet at 8 a.m. in conference room B. The public is invited to attend.

For more information, contact Debby Cook, DAV task force chairperson, at (217) 735-2317.

Toy-lending library for children with disabilities

[MAY 7, 2002]  Lekotek is a toy-lending library provided by United Cerebral Palsy Land of Lincoln for children with disabilities. UCP offers over 1,000 books, games and adapted toys for children to use for learning during play.

If you are interested, the Lekotek leader will meet with you at the Logan County Health Department so that she can assess your child’s needs and offer educational toys for your child to borrow for a month. At the end of the month, the Lekotek leader will return to assess your child’s progress and offer new adapted toys.

 Lekotek services will be available at the Logan County Health Department on Friday, May 17, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

For more information, you may also contact Carrie at UCP of Lincoln Land, (217) 525-6522, Ext. 3308.

The Rural Health Partnership has announced the schedule for its mobile health unit for 2002.

For more information on the mobile health unit schedule and services, contact Dayle Eldredge at (217) 732-2161, Ext. 409.

Community resource list

This family resource list to save and use is provided by the Healthy Communities Partnership and the Healthy Families Task Force, 732-2161, Ext. 409.         

(updated 2-15-02)

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