Wellness & Well-being Highlights January 22

Wellness & Well-being Highlights

for the

Week of January 22, 2024

This week’s edition of our Worker Wellness & Well-being blog consists of topics concerning whether or not the US health care system is prepared to handle the surge of senior citizens with disability issues to how the lack of child care options are negatively impacting the mental health of both children and parents to how teletherapy has provided college and university students access to mental health care in an era where many institutions were unprepared, understaffed, or overwhelmed to address the demand. Today, I wish to shed some light on addiction, epidemics, and advances. If you have been following this blog for more than a few weeks, it is evident that I place a lot of emphasis on the opioids crisis. In the past week, 2 very good pieces ran on national or local TV stations touching on what is being done to address the opioids epidemic (I suggest it be referred to as a pandemic since the scourge goes well beyond our borders). Last Sunday, CBS’ 60 Minutes did a great job with a follow up story on brain-related medical advances to treating Alzheimers and drug addiction. Meanwhile, KMOV in STL held a panel discussion on what different stakeholders were doing to combat Fentanyl at the local level. I urge you to find some time to view the links below, including the 2 on Meth and Addiction, so you have a grounding on these topics. Your understanding on how these matters impact our communities and society—in general—is key to us collectively finding solutions. The first step in breaking down barriers and stigma is opening one’s mind. Believe me, how I thought about these issues 10 years ago, is nowhere near to where I am today. Lesson learned: Be proactive…don’t wait until a dear family member or friend dies to engage in this life and death battle for our future!

Sources: https://www.cbsnews.com/amp/news/neurosurgeon-works-to-slow-alzheimers-progression-treat-drug-addiction-60-minutes-transcript/

https://www.firstalert4.com/2024/01/19/combating-crisis-roundtable-fentanyl/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qJ-qX3yrxC0

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UlYC0syLe7g

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cidH_i4BA10

On slowing Alzheimers

Can US healthcare handle the “Senior Surge”

ADDICTION

Meth epidemic

Fentanyl Epidemic

Combatting the STL Fentanyl Crisis

Canada / Opioids / Homelessness