Sarah Kollat, Penn State

Fall for me as a teenager meant football games, homecoming dresses – and haunted houses. My friends organized group trips to the local fairground, where barn sheds were turned into halls of horror, and masked men nipped at our ankles with (chainless) chain saws as we waited in line, anticipating deeper frights to come once we were inside.

I’m not the only one who loves a good scare. Halloween attractions company America Haunts estimates Americans are spending upward of US$500 million annually on haunted house entrance fees simply for the privilege of being frightened. And lots of fright fans don’t limit their horror entertainment to spooky season, gorging horror movies, shows and books all year long.

To some people, this preoccupation with horror can seem tone deaf. School shootings, child abuse, war – the list of real-life horrors is endless. Why seek manufactured fear for entertainment when the world offers real terror in such large quantities?

As a developmental psychologist who writes dark thrillers on the side, I find the intersection of psychology and fear intriguing. To explain what drives this fascination with fear, I point to the theory that emotions evolved as a universal experience in humans because they help us survive. Creating fear in otherwise safe lives can be enjoyable – and is a way for people to practice and prepare for real-life dangers.

Fear can feel good

Controlled fear experiences – where you can click your remote, close the book, or walk out of the haunted house whenever you want – offer the physiological high that fear triggers, without any real risk.

When you perceive yourself under threat, adrenaline surges in your body and the evolutionary fight-or-flight response is activated. Your heart rate increases, you breathe deeper and faster, and your blood pressure goes up. Your body is preparing to defend itself against the danger or get away as fast as possible.

This physical reaction is crucial when facing a real threat. When experiencing controlled fear – like jump scares in a zombie TV show – you get to enjoy this energized sensation, similar to a runner’s high, without any risks. And then, once the threat is dealt with, your body releases the neurotransmitter dopamine, which provides sensations of pleasure and relief.

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In one study, researchers found that people who visited a high-intensity haunted house as a controlled fear experience displayed less brain activity in response to stimuli and less anxiety post-exposure. This finding suggests that exposing yourself to horror films, scary stories or suspenseful video games can actually calm you afterward. The effect might also explain why my husband and I choose to relax by watching zombie shows after a busy day at work.

The ties that bind

An essential motivation for human beings is the sense of belonging to a social group. According to the surgeon general, Americans who miss those connections are caught up in an epidemic of loneliness, which leaves people at risk for mental and physical health issues.

Going through intense fear experiences together strengthens the bonds between individuals. Good examples include veterans who served together in combat, survivors of natural disasters, and the “families” created in groups of first responders.

I’m a volunteer firefighter, and the unique connection created through sharing intense threats, such as entering a burning building together, manifests in deep emotional bonds with my colleagues. After a significant fire call, we often note the improved morale and camaraderie of the firehouse. I feel a flood of positive emotions anytime I think of my firefighting partners, even when the events occurred months or years ago.

Controlled fear experiences artificially create similar opportunities for bonding. Exposure to stress triggers not only the fight-or-flight response, but in many situations it also initiates what psychologists call the “tend-and-befriend” system. A perceived threat prompts humans to tend to offspring and create social-emotional bonds for protection and comfort. This system is largely regulated by the so-called “love hormone” oxytocin.

The tend-and-befriend reaction is particularly likely when you experience stress around others with whom you have already established positive social connections. When you encounter stressors within your social network, your oxytocin levels rise to initiate social coping strategies. As a result, when you navigate a recreational fear experience like a haunted house with friends, you are setting the emotional stage to feel bonded with the people beside you.

Sitting in the dark with friends while you watch a scary movie or navigating a haunted corn maze with a date is good for your health, in that it helps you strengthen those social connections.

An ounce of prevention = a pound of cure

Controlled fear experiences can also be a way for you to prepare for the worst. Think of the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, when the films “Contagion” and “Outbreak” trended on streaming platforms as people around the world sheltered at home. By watching threat scenarios play out in controlled ways through media, you can learn about your fears and emotionally prepare for future threats.

For example, researchers at Aarhus University’s Recreational Fear Lab in Denmark demonstrated in one study that people who regularly consumed horror media were more psychologically resilient during the COVID-19 pandemic than nonhorror fans. The scientists suggest that this resilience might be a result of a kind of training these fans went through – they practiced coping with the fear and anxiety provoked by their preferred form of entertainment. As a result, they were better prepared to manage the real fear triggered by the pandemic.

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When I’m not teaching, I’m an avid reader of crime fiction. I also write psychological thrillers under the pen name Sarah K. Stephens. As both a reader and writer, I notice similar themes in the books I am drawn to, all of which tie into my own deep-rooted fears: mothers who fail their children somehow, women manipulated into subservience, lots of misogynist antagonists.

I enjoy writing and reading about my fears – and seeing the bad guys get their just desserts in the end – because it offers a way for me to control the story. Consuming these narratives lets me mentally rehearse how I would handle these kinds of circumstances if any were to manifest in my real life.

Survive and thrive

In the case of controlled fear experiences, scaring yourself is a pivotal technique to help you survive and adapt in a frightening world. By eliciting powerful, positive emotions, strengthening social networks and preparing you for your worst fears, you’re better able to embrace each day to its fullest.

So the next time you’re choosing between an upbeat comedy and a creepy thriller for your movie night, pick the dark side – it’s good for your health.

Sarah Kollat, Teaching Professor of Psychology, Penn State

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

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Our Lifestyle section on STM Daily News is a hub of inspiration and practical information, offering a range of articles that touch on various aspects of daily life. From tips on family finances to guides for maintaining health and wellness, we strive to empower our readers with knowledge and resources to enhance their lifestyles. Whether you’re seeking outdoor activity ideas, fashion trends, or travel recommendations, our lifestyle section has got you covered. Visit us today at https://stmdailynews.com/category/lifestyle/ and embark on a journey of discovery and self-improvement.

Comparar opciones de cobertura podría ahorrarle dinero

(Family Features) Si usted está inscrito en Medicare, es importante recordar que la Inscripción Abierta de Medicare es del 15 de octubre al 7 de diciembre de cada año. Este es el momento para que las personas con Medicare comparen sus opciones de medicamentos recetados y de cobertura médica para el próximo año.

Es importante comparar sus opciones ya que los planes pueden cambiar cada año- su elección actual puede estar cambiando. Sus necesidades de salud también pueden cambiar. Al comparar todas las opciones, usted podría ahorrar dinero, encontrar una opción de cobertura que se adapte mejor a sus necesidades, o ambas cosas. Al revisar y comparar la cobertura, las personas pueden ver si hay mejores opciones basadas en cambios a su plan actual, presupuesto personal y necesidades de salud.

Novedades Del 2025
La nueva ley de medicamentos recetados baja el costo a pagar (de bolsillo) para medicamentos recetados.

Lo nuevo en 2025 es que todos los planes de Medicare incluirán un límite anual de $2,000 (dos mil dólares) a pagar de su bolsillo para medicamentos recetados bajo la Parte D de Medicare. El límite solo aplica a los medicamentos cubiertos por su plan, por esta razón es más importante que nunca revisar los planes en detalle para asegurarse de que sus medicamentos recetados estén cubiertos. Esto significa que usted no pagará más de $2,000 en el 2025 para medicamentos recetados cubiertos bajo los medicamentos cubiertos por Medicare, incluyendo medicamentos recetados de alto costo para tratar el cáncer, enfermedades crónicas y más.

Esto se suma a las mejoras actuales de la ley de medicamentos recetados, incluyendo el límite de $35 para el suministro mensual de cada producto de insulina– y sin costos de bolsillo para las vacunas recomendadas por la Parde D, incluyendo la vacuna de la culebrilla.

También comenzando en 2025, usted podrá elegir distribuir sus gastos de bolsillo para medicamentos a lo largo del año calendario en lugar de pagarlos de una sola vez en la farmacia. Esto se llama Plan de Pago Para Recetas Médicas de Medicare (conocido en inglés como “Medicare Prescription Payment Plan”). Usted puede inscribirse con su plan por adelantado antes del 1ro de enero y durante todo el 2025.

Cómo Comparar Opciones de Cobertura Médica y de Medicamentos Recetados
La fuente oficial de información sobre Medicare y la Inscripción Abierta es es.Medicare.gov. Comience en es.Medicare.gov para obtener información imparcial y encontrar el tipo de cobertura que mejor se adapte a sus necesidades. Comparar opciones de cobertura médica y de medicamentos recetados es fácil en es.Medicare.gov. Puede comenzar seleccionando la opción de “Buscar Planes”. Luego, ingrese su código postal, los medicamentos recetados y sus farmacias favoritas. Usted puede realizar una comparación viendo lado a lado el costo total de todos los planes en su área, incluyendo la prima mensual (en inglés “monthly premium”) y cuánto pagará por sus medicamentos recetados. Usted también podrá ver qué planes cubren sus medicamentos recetados y si hay planes que le ofrezcan beneficios adicionales. Si usted está satisfecho con su elección actual, no tendrá que hacer nada. Si usted elige una nueva opción para 2025, podrá inscribirse en es.Medicare.gov.

Antes de inscribirse en un plan, considere lo siguiente:

• Verifique si sus proveedores de atención médica están en la red de un plan.
• Verifique si sus medicinas recetadas están incluidas en el formulario de un plan y si el plan trabaja con su farmacia.
• Revise el costo estimado del plan para usted, incluyendo los deducibles y otros costos de bolsillo. Recuerde que las primas mensuales bajas no siempre pueden ser la mejor opción para sus necesidades específicas.
• Verifique si los planes Medicare Advantage ofrecen beneficios adicionales como cobertura de visión, audición o dental, si necesita estos servicios.
• Recuerde que es posible que necesite una autorización previa del plan antes de que le cubran algunos servicios o suministros.
• Consulte el número de estrellas de su plan para ver su desempeño de calidad, servicio al cliente y más.

Medicare Puede Ayudar

Para comparar opciones y encontrar la mejor cobertura que se ajuste a sus necesidades:

• Visite es.Medicare.gov y realice comparaciones lado a lado de costos y cobertura.
• Llame al 1-800-MEDICARE. La ayuda está disponible las 24 horas del día, incluidos los fines de semana.
• Acceda a asesoramiento personalizado sobre seguros médicos en su comunidad sin costo, disponible en su Programa Estatal de Asistencia sobre Seguros Médicos (State Health Insurance Assistance Program, SHIP por sus siglas en inglés). Visite shiphelp.org (enlace en inglés) o llame al 1-800-MEDICARE para ver los sitios cerca de usted.

Subsidio Por Bajos Ingresos
Si tiene dificultades con los costos de los medicamentos recetados, Ayuda Adicional es un programa de Medicare que puede ayudarlo a pagar la prima mensual (en inglés monthly premium), los deducibles, el coseguro y otros costos. Si gana menos de $23,000 al año ($31,000 para parejas casadas), vale la pena solicitar. Aquellas personas que califiquen para el programa de Ayuda Adicional generalmente no pagarán más de $4.50 por cada medicamento genérico y $11.20 por cada medicamento de marca. Visite ssa.gov/AyudaAdicional.

Información proporcionada por el Departamento de Salud y Servicios Humanos de los Estados Unidos

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Fotos cortesía de Shutterstock

SOURCE:
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services

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Discussing Vaccination

(Family Features) During the fall and winter months, respiratory infections such as flu, COVID-19 and RSV can surge. People who are vaccinated lower their risk of getting seriously ill and needing medical care if they get infected. About 70% of adults in the United States said they probably or definitely will get a flu shot, and more than 50% said they probably or definitely will get an updated COVID-19 vaccine. While many people are ready to get this season’s vaccines, others might still have questions.

“It is normal for people to have questions about vaccines,” said Peter Marks, MD, PhD, director of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, which oversees and reviews vaccine clinical trials. “It’s important for everyone to know that all vaccines go through extensive testing before they are approved and that following approval, they are carefully monitored to identify any safety concerns so that they can be addressed quickly. Hundreds of thousands of volunteers have taken part in respiratory vaccine trials. The results tell us that these vaccines are safe and effective in preventing severe disease caused by flu, COVID-19 and RSV.”

Here are some ways to talk about the importance of this season’s vaccines with a family member or friend who is unsure about getting vaccinated.

Hear them out.When talking about vaccination, it’s important to make others feel heard. There are many reasons why people may have questions and concerns about vaccines or even the health care system in general. Listen to their thinking and try not to judge. They want to know their thoughts and feelings matter.

Focus on the facts. Instead of calling out vaccine myths, focus on vaccine truths. Concentrating on myths can cause them to become the topic of your conversation. Instead, speak about the benefits of vaccines. For instance, you can mention vaccines cut your risk of being hospitalized for flu or COVID-19 by about half.

Ask if they need help getting vaccinated. Sometimes, people just need some help to find, schedule and get a vaccination. You can help them find a vaccine location at Vaccines.gov. They may also need help finding child care or figuring out whether they can take time off from work. Offering a ride or accompanying them can also be helpful, especially if the closest vaccination site is far away. If English is not their primary language, offer to help them schedule the appointment and arrange for a medical translator if needed. When it’s easier to get vaccinated, people are more likely to take this important step to help protect their health.

Having open, honest and supportive conversations about vaccines with family members and friends can make all the difference. For more information, visit cdc.gov/RiskLessDoMoreor talk to your doctor.

Flu, COVID-19 and RSV Vaccines Help People Risk Less Severe Illness and Do More of What They Enjoy
This season’s vaccines are now available. Everyone 6 months and older should get an updated flu and COVID-19 vaccine. Everyone ages 75 and older, or 60 and older with certain health conditions such as such as heart disease, lung disease, obesity or diabetes, should get an RSV vaccine if they have not been vaccinated for RSV before.

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For certain people, the risk of serious respiratory illness remains high. These include adults ages 65 and older, residents of long-term care facilities, pregnant people, people with certain health conditions and those living in rural areas. People in some racial and ethnic groups, including people who are Black or Hispanic, are also at higher risk. People who are not up to date on flu, COVID-19 and RSV vaccines can reduce their risk by getting their 2024-25 vaccines as soon as they can.

To get started, visit Vaccines.gov.

Photos courtesy of Shutterstock

SOURCE:
United States Department of Health and Human Services

Our Lifestyle section on STM Daily News is a hub of inspiration and practical information, offering a range of articles that touch on various aspects of daily life. From tips on family finances to guides for maintaining health and wellness, we strive to empower our readers with knowledge and resources to enhance their lifestyles. Whether you’re seeking outdoor activity ideas, fashion trends, or travel recommendations, our lifestyle section has got you covered. Visit us today at https://stmdailynews.com/category/lifestyle/ and embark on a journey of discovery and self-improvement.