Health
Clinical Trial Aims to Reduce Depression, Improve Quality of Life After Stroke
To learn more about the clinical trial, visit the ReStoreD website, call (385)-799-1515, or email ReStoreD@utah.edu.
Credit: University of Utah Health
In the eight-week ReStoreD program, couples coping with stroke learn and practice goal setting, communication strategies, and positive psychology activities.
Newswise — Following up on positive results from preliminary research, scientists at University of Utah Health are evaluating whether an eight-week program based on positive psychology techniques can improve the mood and well-being of people who have had a stroke and those who care for them. The National Institutes of Health-funded ReStoreD (Resilience in Stroke survivor-care partner Dyads) clinical trial involves both the stroke survivor and their spouse or care partner. Together, the couple takes part in planned activities that can be done at home.
The study will recruit 200 couples in which one partner has had a stroke within the past three months to three years. Couples must have lived together for at least six months and may reside anywhere in the U.S.
“This approach is different from others that address pathology or things that are wrong,” says Alexandra Terrill, Ph.D., leader of the new clinical trial and associate professor of occupational and recreational therapies at U of U Health. “Instead, we’re taking a ‘building what’s strong’ approach.”
In the eight-week program, couples coping with stroke learn and practice goal setting, communication strategies, and positive psychology activities, such as expressing gratitude, finding meaning, and fostering connections. As a part of each module, participants view educational videos or read materials to learn about topics, such as resilience, coping, and well-being, that relate to adjusting to life after stroke. Then, they carry out activities related to the week’s theme.
Activities can be as simple as writing a thank you note, performing a good deed, or reflecting on an enjoyable experience.
“We’re very good at prescribing blood pressure medicines and anti-thrombotics to help prevent the next stroke,” says Jennifer Majersik, M.D., a neurologist and stroke specialist at U of U Health who is a collaborator on the study. “But stroke survivors need something beyond just a pill to really help them reintegrate into their family lives and the community.”
Addressing post stroke depression and resilience
Preliminary research with 34 couples showed that the intervention decreased post stroke depression and improved resilience in stroke survivors, and these changes were maintained for at least three months after the program ended. Resilience is having the ability to adapt and cope when faced with challenges. Findings were more mixed for care partners, but those who had depressive symptoms and lower resilience also saw improvements. The studies’ results were based on self-report questionnaires and standardized measures.
The new trial seeks to confirm these results on a larger scale and provide additional evidence that the behavioral intervention lowers emotional distress in both partners. The trial will also examine effects on relationship quality, stroke-related stress, and engagement in meaningful activities.
“There is a common assumption that feeling depressed or anxious is to be expected after sustaining a stroke and that mental health issues will resolve spontaneously once a person returns home,” Terrill says. “Unfortunately, this is often not the case.”
Stroke is a leading cause of long-term disability, affecting nearly 800,000 people in the U.S. every year. The life-changing event can alter speech, movement, or cognition, causing a stroke survivor to lose their independence. As a result, 30 to 50 percent of people coping with stroke, along with their partners, experience depression or emotional distress.
Positive psychology could be a relatively simple, cost-effective solution to this problem, Terrill says. She is a clinical psychologist with specialized training in rehabilitation. More broadly, she researches the role of relationships and positive psychology in managing chronic conditions. If successful, the novel approach being tested in ReStoreD could become a sustainable and accessible means to improve recovery and quality of life.
“I’ve seen it affect patients and their partners in a positive way,” Majersik says. “It’s shown me that we can continue to bend the curve of stroke recovery, not just by medicines or technology but also by using what I consider to be pretty simple tools. And that matters.”
Watch this video to learn more about the research.
Source: Julie Kiefer/ University of Utah Health
5 strategies to combat stressful triggers
(Family Features) Stress, the physical or mental response to external causes like overwhelming work assignments or difficult life moments, can add unnecessary pressure to your day to day. While everyone feels stress from time to time, when left untreated or unrecognized, it can begin to wreak havoc in the form of anxiety.
In honor of National Stress Awareness Month, consider these strategies to combat stress from the National Institutes of Mental Health.
Learn Your Triggers
Different events and situations cause stress for different people. Knowing what triggers your stress to kick in – mounds of office paperwork, important financial decisions or hectic mornings, for example – can help you plan and prepare for stress-inducing moments.
Exercise and Eat Right
Maintaining physical health can be beneficial for mental health, too. Find time to do exercises you enjoy like walking, jogging, yoga or playing a sport. Identifying activities that bring you joy can make it easier to fit 30-60-minute workouts into your schedule without adding even more stress. Complement your workout routine with nutritional meals that help you stay on track with your fitness goals.
Practice Relaxation
Whether you find inner peace through journaling, breathing exercises, reading or some other form of slowing down, find what works for you and prioritize fitting it into your daily schedule. Relaxing activities help you slow down the pace of life, providing a chance to reset by doing something you enjoy.
Get Enough Sleep
A lack of quality sleep can add to stress. Creating a bedtime routine can increase your sleep habits and help you achieve the expert-recommended 7-9 hours per night. Put away electronics, which can interfere with your ability to calm your mind, and find an activity that puts you at ease like reading a book or listening to relaxing music. Ensure your bedroom is optimized for comfort by making it cool, dark and quiet.
Create a Network of Support
Everyone experiences stress. Reach out to family members and close friends you can lean on in stressful and frustrating moments. Share your feelings and encourage others to do the same, which can increase trust and help everyone in your circle cope in a positive way.
Find more ways to combat stress and care for your mental health at eLivingtoday.com.
Photo courtesy of Unsplash
SOURCE:
eLivingtoday.com
(Family Features) For those with asthma, understanding what can trigger symptoms is a part of getting the condition under control. Some of the same things that cause allergies can worsen symptoms, but not every allergen is a trigger for everyone with asthma. The places where you live, learn, work and play can expose you to common asthma triggers like pet dander, dust mites, pests like rodents and cockroaches, mold, cigarette smoke, pollen, air pollution and more. Managing triggers is just one part of controlling asthma, however. Work with your health care provider to make an asthma action plan and keep track of your symptoms and where you are when they occur. Learn more at nhlbi.nih.gov/BreatheBetter.
Food and Beverage
The 10 Best Healthiest Seafood Options: Nutrient-Rich and Sustainable Choices
“From sardines to salmon, discover the top 10 healthiest and sustainable seafood options for a nutrient-rich diet. 🐟🌱 #Seafood”
Seafood is a treasure trove of essential nutrients and beneficial compounds that can significantly contribute to a healthy diet. From the omega-3 fatty acids that promote heart health to the abundance of vitamins and minerals, incorporating seafood into your meals can have a positive impact on your overall well-being. In this blog post, we will delve into the ten best healthiest seafood options, considering their nutritional content, sustainability, and potential contaminants.
- Sardines:
These small fish are incredibly nutritious, packed with omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin B12, vitamin D, and calcium. Sardines are also low in contaminants and are considered one of the most sustainable seafood options available. - Salmon:
Salmon is well-known for its impressive omega-3 content. It also provides high-quality protein, vitamin D, vitamin B12, and selenium. Opt for wild-caught Alaskan salmon for the best nutritional benefits and sustainability. - Oysters:
Oysters are a true nutritional powerhouse, rich in vitamins B12, D, and zinc. They are a sustainable choice and an excellent source of lean protein. Including oysters in your diet not only benefits your health but also supports local marine ecosystems due to their ability to filter water. - Mackerel:
Mackerel is another fish that boasts high levels of omega-3 fatty acids, along with vitamin D, vitamin B12, and selenium. This flavorful fish is considered a sustainable choice and offers numerous health benefits. - Rainbow Trout:
Rainbow trout is a deliciously mild-flavored fish that is packed with omega-3 fatty acids, protein, vitamin B12, and iron. It is a sustainable choice, particularly when sourced from responsible fish farms. - Clams:
Clams are an excellent source of protein, vitamin B12, iron, and selenium. They are sustainable, low in contaminants, and make a versatile addition to dishes like pasta, chowders, and stir-fries. - Herring:
Herring is an oily fish that delivers a healthy dose of omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D, and vitamin B12. It is an eco-friendly choice and can be enjoyed smoked, pickled, or grilled. - Cod:
Cod is a lean white fish that provides protein, vitamin B12, selenium, and phosphorus. It is known for its mild flavor and versatility in cooking methods. - Shrimp:
Shrimp is low in calories and rich in protein, vitamin D, and selenium. Choose sustainably sourced shrimp to minimize environmental impact and ensure a healthier choice. - Anchovies:
Anchovies may be small in size, but they are big in nutritional value. These tiny fish deliver omega-3 fatty acids, calcium, and vitamins D and E. They are also a sustainable choice when sourced responsibly.
When it comes to the healthiest seafood options, there is an abundance of choices that offer an array of essential nutrients while also being environmentally responsible. Sardines, salmon, oysters, mackerel, rainbow trout, clams, herring, cod, shrimp, and anchovies are all fantastic choices to boost your overall health while supporting sustainable fishing practices. Incorporate these nutrient powerhouses into your diet and savor the benefits they provide for your well-being and the planet.
What are the Risks of Eating Seafood?
Although seafood is a nutritious option to fulfill dietary nutrient gaps, there are some environmental and health concerns related to its consumption.
Seafood may contain toxins, viruses, parasites, and bacteria that can be harmful if consumed. To avoid getting sick, it is essential to cook fish and shellfish thoroughly. As per the USDA guidelines, most seafood should be cooked to an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit.
Contaminants, including Mercury and Others
Overconsumption of certain seafood varieties can have negative health effects due to the presence of contaminants. For instance, specific fish species contain high levels of mercury, a heavy metal that can be easily absorbed by the body. Mercury accumulation is more common in larger fish, as they consume smaller fish that have ingested mercury-rich plankton. Consequently, larger and older fish are typically the most mercury-contaminated.
Regularly consuming foods high in mercury can result in mercury accumulation in the body, leading to health problems like high blood pressure, heart attack, and developmental delay in offspring. Mercury is toxic and can have detrimental effects on the body.
Mercury can have a greater impact on certain groups, such as pregnant and breastfeeding women, as well as children, who are more susceptible to its effects.
To reduce the amount of mercury in your diet, avoid consuming seafood like shark, certain types of tuna, swordfish, tilefish, and king mackerel as they have high mercury levels. Instead, opt for low-mercury options such as trout, cod, oysters, clams, herring, salmon, and sardines.
Recommendations for Incorporating Seafood into Your Eating Plan
Eating seafood can boost the quality of your diet and support and protect your health. However, it’s important to consider the nutrition and environmental impact of seafood when narrowing down options to add to your diet.
Adding seafood to your diet can boost its nutritional quality and promote your overall health. However, it is essential to consider the nutritional composition and environmental impact of various seafood options before including them in your meals.
Read the article in Health titled Healthiest Seafood Options, Ranked for further insight into the topic. https://www.health.com/healthiest-seafood-8630471
https://stmdailynews.com/category/food-and-beverage/
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