Doors of Hope: The pain of depression is curable
Do you have persistent feelings of sadness, emptiness and hopelessness? Loss of interest or pleasure? Changes in appetite? Sleep disturbance? Low energy? Feelings of worthlessness? Thoughts of suicide? Pain in the chest? Social withdrawal? Spend too much time in your room?If your answer is yes for these symptoms, chances are that you are experiencing depression.Depression […]
High Risk of West Nile Virus Activity in Five Kansas Regions
The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has issued a high-risk warning for West Nile virus infections (WNV) for all regions of the state other than the southeast region, which is at a moderate risk level.WNV is carried and transmitted by mosquitoes and can infect humans, horses, birds and other species. Most WNV infections occur […]
How to take care of yourself during flu season
Commentary by Chara Flu season is approaching.As the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states on its website, cases of influenza typically start to pick up in October, with the highest number of cases occurring from December through February. Because influenza viruses spread easily and cause symptoms ranging from mild to severe, taking care […]
CDC issues 2023-24 flu vaccination guidelines
By Chara The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is recommending that everyone 6 months and older get a flu vaccination this cold and flu season.Other recommendations from the CDC, posted on its website (cdc.gov), include the following: *Vaccinations should take place in September or October. But the CDC also recommends vaccinations be […]
New COVID-19 variant detected in multiple states
Commentary by Chara The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has identified and is monitoring a new COVID-19 variant, labeled as BA.2.86, the agency announced in August on its website.BA.2.86 was first detected in Israel, the CDC stated. As multiple news agencies have confirmed, there have been some cases reported in the United […]
Doors of Hope: “Talk away the dark”- A letter to all families
Dear ReaderIn the light of The National Suicide Prevention Week, I would like to write this letter to you and your family. As a teenager who grew up in a latino family, my parents never really talked about mental health or suicide ideation with me. I understand that it was part of my culture that […]
FDA approves vaccine for RSV
By Chara Vaccine to be administered during pregnancyThe U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced on Aug. 21 that it had approved Abrysvo, a vaccine to be administered to individuals who are pregnant to help protect their babies from contracting respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)-related illnesses.“This approval provides an option for health care providers and pregnant […]
How to support a loved one through a suicide crisis
Commentary by Chara How to support a loved one through a suicide crisis When a loved one is experiencing suicidal thoughts, it can be an incredibly challenging and emotional time for them and the people around them.If you know someone who’s going through a suicide crisis, it’s important to approach the situation with compassion, empathy […]
Doors of Hope: Why is it time to talk about mental health?
It was a little after midnight when I received a call that any therapist who is on call fears. LM attempted suicide. I rushed to the hospital, luckily the 14 year old LM was alive. The reason? LM was a victim of bullying at school and claims that the family never believed, listened or knew […]
Medicine approved to treat postpartum depression
By Chara The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has greenlit Zurzuvae (zuranolone), an oral medication to help women dealing with postpartum depression, as multiple media outlets have reported.Postpartum depression is a type of sadness some women feel after having a baby. It can make them feel guilty, worthless, or even consider self-harm or inflicting […]