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Features

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]

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

[MAY 24, 2002]  The American Red Cross will have two blood drives in June at the Lincoln Sports Complex. Dates are June 5 and 19. Hours for both drives will be noon until 5 p.m. The drives are being sponsored by American Legion Auxiliary 263.

During April, the following people reached milestones in their blood donations: John M. Irwin, eight gallons, and Lorine Cole, three gallons.

Red Cross classes in June

[MAY 22, 2002]  American Red Cross is offering classes in CPR and first aid at their office at 125 S. Kickapoo St., Lincoln. The classes will be on June 10, 11, and 13 and hours will be from 5:30 until 9:30 p.m. Class size is limited to 10 people.

Adult CPR only will be taught on June 10. First aid will be on June 11. Infant and child CPR will be taught on June 13. People may register for the class they need or for all three.

For further information, call 732-2134. Office hours are from noon until 4 p.m. weekdays.

Events

June 2002

Wednesday, June 5
SPONSOR: American Legion Auxiliary 263
WHO: Public
WHAT: American Red Cross blood drive
WHERE: Lincoln Sports Complex
WHEN: Noon-5 pm

Monday, June 10
SPONSOR: American Red Cross
WHO: Public, by registration; call 732-2134
WHAT: Class on adult CPR
WHERE: 125 S. Kickapoo St.
WHEN: 5:30-9:30 pm

Tuesday, June 11
SPONSOR: American Red Cross
WHO: Public, by registration; call 732-2134
WHAT: Class on first aid
WHERE: 125 S. Kickapoo St.
WHEN: 5:30-9:30 pm

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

Thursday, June 13
SPONSOR: American Red Cross
WHO: Public, by registration; call 732-2134
WHAT: Class on infant and child CPR
WHERE: 125 S. Kickapoo St.
WHEN: 5:30-9:30 pm

Wednesday, June 19
SPONSOR: American Legion Auxiliary 263
WHO: Public
WHAT: American Red Cross blood drive
WHERE: Lincoln Sports Complex
WHEN: Noon-5 pm

Honors & Awards

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

Free hearing screenings offered at ALMH

[MAY 21, 2002]  Abraham Lincoln Memorial Hospital is offering free hearing screenings during the month of June through its audiology program. Screenings are available by appointment only and can be made by calling (217) 732-2161, Ext. 179, weekdays between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Lori M. Faber, M.A., CCC-A, licensed audiologist with the Memorial Medical Center, will conduct the hearing screenings on June 4-5 and June 19-20.

ALMH audiology services provide diagnostic hearing evaluations to assess hearing sensitivity to people of all ages. Information on types of hearing loss and treatments, as well as equipment such as hearing aids, assistive listening devices, batteries and hearing aid repair are also available. The audiology program also offers digital hearing aids, the newest and highest quality hearing aid.

For more information, please call 217-732-2161, Ext. 179.

[ALMH news release]

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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