Dr. Dara Bushmanis a psychologist and author who appears on numerous media outlets sharing expertise on COVID counseling, trauma, and wellness. She lives in Asheville, NC. This is a contributor-submitted Voices piece. Want to join the conversation? We invite you to write for us.Learn how to share your voice here.

Dear everyone that does or does not like exercise,

Are you too tired to exercise? Not sure how to navigate through this pandemic? Feel like you cant keep your shiFt together? Or are you doing well, feeling strong and would love some validation of why you keeping up with your exercise regimen is so critical to fight off COVID and feel mentally strong?

Check out this weeks Truth with Dr. Daras Covid Chronicles question

Dear Dr. Dara,

What can I recommend to my clients to prevent COVID and how can they stay mentally positive during this time?

Bea Metz, Fitness Coach

Dear Bea,

As an experienced fitness coach with immense wisdom and knowledge, I believe you will be happy with my suggestions.Move, move, move and move more. (Hear the Madagascar song: I like to move it move it, I like to move it move it!!!) I am referring to activity, exercise, playing with your kids, physical exertion, jumping around wearing spandex like Jane Fonda, counting jumping jacks with Dolphin shorts on like Richard Simmons, W.A.L.K.I.N.G., or anything that adjusts and re-positions your limbs in some capacity. (Madagascar chorus playing: Move it!!)

I am not a medical doctor. I am a psychologist and I advocate for wellness and mental fitness. Until there is an immunization, nothing can keep anyone from getting COVID-19! If there was a cure I would not have experienced COVID-19 hell! But, there sure are some ways to avoid it. First and foremost, #maskitup people! In addition, lets do whatever we can to strengthen ourselves so our bodies can physically and mentally defend against illness, ick, and bad mo-jo!

Movement is the modern-day cure to everything just as Windex was in the movie My Big Fat Greek Wedding! I will spare you the complete list of the benefits of exercise it builds up your immune system, strengthens your cardiovascular system, lowers your risk of disease,and kicks up your endorphins to maintain sanity! Physical movement, A.K.A. exercise, can be anything that gets your heart rate up: yoga, running, jump roping, walking, playing with your kids, lifting weights, sexercise, dancing, pilateswhatever! For the sake of being professional and scholarly, check this article. This is one of many I pulled up to empirically validate how exercise protects from COVID and lessens the intensity of complications.If it was not for my physical and emotional strength, I am not sure how detrimental and severe the illness and complications I had from COVID would have been.

Wait, what is it you say? I cant go to exercise classes. I dont have money to join a gym. I am too stressed to start a program now. I am not in good enough shape to exercise. I dont have time between working and homeschooling. I am tired. I have to lose weight first.Come on, you have to give me better EXCUSES than that. Those are lame! LOL. Now is the time, the perfect time to move it, move it! It doesnt have to be a grand or a huge commitment. You just need to do a bit more than what you have been doing. If you didnt exercise before the pandemic, who cares? Now is the best time to create your new health regimen. You get a blank slate to decide how you want your mojo and what you want into the next segment post-pandemic. Yes, I am serious!!

This leads me to answer not just how you keep from getting COVID, but how to survive a pandemic and stay positive. You guessed right if you knew I would say EXERCISE and EXERCISE again! Even if you are soooo sick from COVID-19. The only way to get out of it, is to move out of it. Carefully, slowly, cautiously, smartly. You dont have to jump around after being really sick or emotionally paralyzed by the trauma and stress of COVID, but you do have to get some fresh air and stretch your body. If you dont use it, you lose it! You dont want your heart muscles to deflate and shrivel up into a wad of bubble gum like substance? You dont want your core being to dry up, dehydrate with lifelessness and lose its ability to function? When the beast of COVID told me to rest, I stayed up. I did the opposite of what it wanted me to do. Yes, I was miserable and could barely move. But, not moving only stiffened me up and weakened my soul from the inside as my organs would potentially harden and rot (ok, a little dramatic, but is it really?). Some days I stood up the entire day to let the blood flow and let COVID know who was boss, who was dominant, and who was running the show ME! WE HAVE TO APPLY THIS TO THOSE EXERCISE-MOVEMENT DEMONS that tell us to wait, say we are not good enough or say we cant or shouldnt! When it tells you to start tomorrow, start right this minute. Right then start shaking your body and moving around. Shake it off! Remember when Forrest Gump said, Stupid is what stupid does!? Well positive is what positive does. If you do positive actions (despite how you feel), like move, then you feel and stay positive.

Like I said last week in a blog, my emoji for the pandemic is a magnifying glass. It has made everything in our lives bigger, bolder, and problematic. Lets face it though, if there was not a pandemic we would find another reason or crisis to not exercise or be fine with atrophying our inner being. I dont need a crystal ball or to be psychic to know that if you are not doing crapola now, you wont do craploa in the future. I am not being Dr. Poopypants, I am being realistic. So, NOW, now, now is the time to take a hop forward, a baby step, slide over, lean in, make a bridge, dance a step ball change, or do 1% more than you were doing before. If you want to know what your health will look like in 60-90 days, or your activity level, or what your coping techniques will be, take a good, long, hard look in the mirror at what they look like right now, today!

With or without being infected with COVID-19, here is the numero uno survival technique for a pandemic or any life changing circumstance or event. Red carpet roll out please, drum roll

Freedom Rings: Three rings intertwined, overlapped, and overshadowing like the Olympic Rings. Ring one is the past. Ring two is the present. Ring three is the future.

This is how it goes. When I meet with athletes we clarify the concept of practicing like you compete and competing like you practice. You cant show up at a competition and expect miracles if you didnt do the work. You also cant expect that you wont make errors when competing if you made them in practice. You have to carry the same work ethic, routines, and mentality into practice as you do for competition. Are you getting the picture? So, whether it is competition, a pandemic, a new job, moving, having a child, starting a new relationship, or any life shiFting or changing event, in order to survive you have to bring what you did before into the event. Then, take out parts that you implemented during the event that you like and install them into your life. Like when you do healthy things on vacation- going to bed early, walking and resting.

As you return to regular life and back to work, carry those things over and incorporate them into your everyday life!! My biggest rules during the pandemic 1) Get dressed and brush your hair everyday and 2) Get fresh air daily. Consider it part of your physical conditioning. Get used to being consistent and setting your goals/rules to something you can maintain and follow through with. Sick or well, change your underwear and your lounge wear! You wore clothes before the pandemic and will most certainly wear them out of the house again! Sixty to 90 days from now I see you dressed and ready for life, not looking like you just rolled out of bed. Pandemic or not, we have to train like champions. Add on a small physical activity along with a must-do like getting dressed. This aint a dress rehearsal!! If you want to be healthy, active, and exercise in a couple months, NOW, now now, move it move it move it! Do something. Anything! Walk to the mailbox, sit outside, do 10 push ups on the wall, sit down and stand up out of a chair 10 times (Did you know as people age the first physical ability we lose is to get out of a chair, which is why so many elderly people fall off the toilet! Just saying.), dance, sweep the floor with an attitude, park farther away from your destination, take the stairs, take your things to your second floor individually without stockpiling it for the next trip up, march in place, OPEN YOUR WINDOW AND GET FRESH AIR AND STAND OUTSIDE FOR CRYING OUT LOUD!

In conclusion, move your way to health to fight off COVID, move your way to deal with the pandemic, move your way to get healthy from COVID, and move your way to move ahead of the pandemic. See yourself healthy, do healthy. Godspeed.

Warmly,

Your no bull-shiFt, COVID SURVIVOR, advice giving, Mental Fitness RANTING, Mom, Psychologist, friend and wife, Dr. Dara

View original post here:
VOICES: Dr. Dara Bushman // The secret to surviving COVID and a pandemic - AVLtoday

If time does indeed flow linearly, than there exists a distinct separation between past, present and future. Three factions of space-time that exist independently of one another, rather than a one-way progression. Christopher Nolan does not subscribe to this line of thinking.

Instead, he champions the theoretical proposition of causal loops, or a bootstrap paradox, in which a sequence of events causes another event, which then creates the first link in the chain. A popular example of this is John Connor sending Kyle Reese to the past inTerminatorto become his own father, essentially creating himself in the process. Such brain busters are at the very center of Interstellar, Nolans most polarizing blockbuster (even in the face of positive but divided reviews for Tenet, his latest).

At its core,Interstellaris Nolans most personal and hopeful film. But underneath that hope theres a steady stream of mental baggage that this decaying world and its characters must contend with; a baggage that exists materially apart from the film but nonetheless informs the narrative and their choices in it. The movie knows there can be no present or future without the past, but suggests we are not beholden to the mistakes and problems of before as we look to move forward.

Interstellaris a unique time-centric blockbuster in that its heart and mind belong to the past even as it leaps forward into ensuring humanitys future, literally traversing that vast distance throughout the course of the story. Set in the year 2067, the movie actually opens nearly a century later with an important framing device: a documentary that recounts the time that the films events actually take place.

The documentary, which delivers exposition about the crop blights, dust storms and starvation plaguing Earth, introduces the audience to this new era. It is perhaps intentionally reminiscent of Ken Burns 2012 documentary The Dust Bowl, which recounts the unimaginable struggle of the United States during the Dust Bowl and Great Depression of the 1930s. In a way, this is Nolans attempt to reinvent a past catastrophe and retrofit it for a realistic future setting. Looking back on the state of the world in this way is the catalyst for the films actions, sure, but its also a thematic motif that runs throughout the film. We are constantly considering the past. This idea is vocalized in varying ways. Murphs teacher argues that the U.S. faked the moon landing as a brilliant piece of propaganda that caused the Soviet Union to bankrupt itself in the Space Race. As delivered, its implied this idea is not nearly as far-fetched to the people of 2067 as it sounds to us here in 2020 (a year with its own apocalyptic undertones). Later, Matthew McConaugheys Cooper laments that humanity used to look up at the sky and wonder at our place in the stars. Now we just look down, and worry about our place in the dirt.

The first instance implies that the society of the future is more interested in rewriting history to better fit their current narrative and desperate situation as opposed to looking to the horizon for solutions. The second crystallizes the contrast between what humanity once represented and what it now has become. For a futuristic blockbuster, Interstellaris clearly enamored with the idea of reconciling the past versus the future.

Nolan then redevelops the connection between the past and future into a new, morbid iteration. Matt Damons Dr. Mann and his fellow astronauts are sent through a wormhole to explore potentially habitable worlds on the other side of the universe. Their mission is part of the Lazarus Program, a reference to the religious figure Lazarus of Bethany who was said to be raised from the dead by Jesus four days after his demise.

Lazarus came back from the dead, Michael Caines Dr. Brand said, insisting its a symbol of hope. Sure, but he had to die in the first place, Cooper retorts. Great suffering, despair, and loss must first occur for this rebirth to be possible. Not only is this a subtle nod to Dr. Brands true agenda (he has already lost hope for the humans of Earth), but a summation of this worlds mental state. Something must be lost or taken before it can be gained and found; what has happened supersedes what will happen. And yet, Interstellarwith its chaotic fascination with a past full of horrors and the small mindedness of looking backwardis actually quite hopeful for the future.

Interstellaris steeped in the past, using it as a framing device, a mental state and a nihilist attitude.

Something sent you here. They chose you, Dr. Brand tells Cooper. We ultimately discover that Cooper chose himself through one of those fancy schmancy causal loops we mentioned earlier. But that doesnt undercut the fact that Interstellarhinges on the idea that our choices and actions in the future are actually our salvation. In fact, it heightens it.

The very undertaking of this mammoth mission inInterstellarspeaks to the limitlessness of human potential and, therefore, a hope and belief in our ability to endure and survive. The future, despite Dr. Brands cynical condemnation and this worlds mental immobility from the past, is actually our way forward and not just our inevitable end. Rage against the dying of the light, goes the oft-quoted Dylan Thomas poem that surfaces several times in the film. Yet few in the world of this film are capable of truly challenging the hold the past has on us. It is only when we realize that the next choice is actually an opportunity that we begin to turn our gazes to the horizon and understand Thomas true intention.

Interstellaris steeped in the past, using it as a framing device, a mental state and a nihilist attitude. And yet that focus only enhances its future-set story, which makes a hopeful push toward whatever is next on humanitys journey. Time may be used as a relative and physical construct that positions one familys struggle as a parallel to mankinds and dictates the flow of the plot. But its also the core message of the film. Were in this together and the only way forward is, well, forward.

NOLAN/TIMEis a series exploring how weve watched the clock in Christopher Nolans films.

See more here:
Interstellar Reconciled the Past to Deliver Hope to the Future - Observer

An 18-year-old from Edinburgh has defied the odds to become one of the youngest section leaders in Asdas history.

Managers were so impressed with Katherine Grindleys determination when she joined the company as a counters colleague that they put her on the Asda You Can Be career development programme.

Katherine who has battled mental health issues throughout her young life, is now responsible for 68 colleagues at an Asda store in Leith.

Managers were so impressed with Katherine Grindleys determination when she joined the company as a counters colleague that they put her on the Asda You Can Be career development programme.

"I'm so glad that I'm being recognised

Put into care aged 13, Katherines struggles culminated in an attempt to take her own life - and a stint in a young offenders' unit.

Fending for herself since the age of 16, she left school with five national qualifications and volunteered in a charity shop before getting a job in a department store.

Katherine said: "I was working on really low pay and not doing a particularly nice job so I thought let's have a look around and Asda was one of the applications that came up."

Katherine, who has battled mental health issues throughout her young life, is now responsible for 68 colleagues at an Asda store in Leith.

Katherine was promoted to the role of front-end section leader in April, soon after she turned 18.

She said: "I'm so glad that I'm being recognised and that they are seeing that I am very, very capable. They are not letting my age stand in the way of that, which I think is brilliant.

"I don't see myself as that young anymore. I'm the kind of person who wants to be there for people and wants to help.

"I'm very, very organised and I can handle situations extremely well. To be honest its been a challenge to step up into this role, but Ive gone through tough life experiences that have shown me when I try I can put my mind to anything."

Katherine paid tribute to the colleagues who have helped her to develop.

Katherine works alongside a manager and another section leader looking after the 68 colleagues at the front of the store.

She said: "It's taken a lot of hard work to get here, but I do enjoy it.

There's a huge amount of problem solving and I have to use a lot of organisation skills.

Katherine paid tribute to the colleagues who have helped her to develop.

People around me have definitely helped me loads, she said, especially Claire Paget, who was my section leader on counters. She has helped me massively.

She coached me for the best part of a year and taught me everything she knows.

I was in ten different places over three years

Katherine lived with her parents in Edinburgh until she was 13.

"I started to have a lot of problems with my mental health and ended up in the Royal Edinburgh Hospital for a few months," she said. "From there I was sectioned for a couple of months and from there I went into the care system.

After a week I was put in a young offenders' unit for six months the criteria for this was 'danger to yourself'. So that wasn't a good period of my life at all.

"I was in and out of foster placements and in and out of care homes for about another year, moving about constantly.

I was in ten different places over three years. I then spent another four months in a secure unit after I had another dip in my mental health and ended up taking an overdose.

"Once I got out of there at the age of 15 I moved into a care home and from there on I made it my mission to get out of the care system.

It just depends on how hard I work."

Katherine believes her positivity and determination will enable her to reach her career goals.

She said: "I always say that I want our regional manager Brian's job and that is my goal. I think that if I start young, who knows where I will be. By the time I'm 30 I could be running the store or be deputy manager...it just depends on how hard I work."

Asda Leith store manager Neil Cameron said Katherines story is inspiring, and predicted a very bright future ahead of her.

He said: "Katherine's got a real positive attitude and if you think where she's come from and what she's been through it's so inspiring. If you could bottle her strength of character and resilience you'd make a fortune.

"I know it's a cliche, but age is but a number. Katherine's behaviour, her attitude and her confidence speak volumes. She delivers herself as if she's been 10 years in the role.

"Not many people or businesses would take a chance on her what with her background and age but she's got such drive and ambition and she's such an important part of the team here.

"From the outside looking in you could form a perception because of her age, but once you actually spend two minutes in her company she just blows you out of the water. She has another level of maturity which, given her background, she's needed to have. She's incredibly focussed and incredibly driven.

"When the opportunity arose for a front-end section leader, it wasn't a given that the job was hers. There was an interview process as you can imagine and she was the best candidate. It speaks volumes as she was up against some far more experienced colleagues.

Follow this link:
18-year-old defies odds to take leading role at Leith Asda - East Lothian News

The mentally challenged individual has been living on the streets for over four months amidst the pandemic. Pic: Raghukumar Choodamani

I had been noticing a man, about 40 years of age and evidently suffering mental health issues, around my neighbourhood on Venkatraman Street in Perambur over the past few months. In May 2020 when the Covid-19 cases started spiking I approached the local administration to seek help in securing a shelter for him.

The initial response from the officials in the enforcement agencies and local administration was that it would be impossible to accommodate any person with a mental illness at the mental hospital or any home for the mentally challenged during the pandemic. They asked me to wait until the pandemic eases to find the individual a shelter.

Meanwhile I attempted to find out more about the individual by engaging with him. I noticed that on the few occasions I got to speak to him, he communicated effectively. He was cautious about consuming any food provided to him.

Residents in the neighborhood gave him used clothing, food and also allowed him to watch television through the window during the night. Residents from one of the apartments in the neighborhood were saying he had entered their compound and was found sleeping on the floor.

It pained me that the compassion we extend to animals and birds when they are in pain was not accorded to a human being who is mentally ill. He deserved to be treated with some level of dignity.

I did not want to give up on the issue of finding shelter easily. I reached out to Banyan, the NGO known to shelter destitutes for guidance. I was informed that they only help women destitutes and suggested that I approach Good Life Centre for the homeless.

When I reached out to Mr Bhaskar from Good Life Centre for the Homeless, he said it was not possible for them to admit any new inmates due to the pandemic and suggested that I contact Anbagam which is a government-run shelter for the homeless.

The call to Anbagam was attended by one Mohammad Rafi, who was friendly but said he was in a helpless situation because of the Covid-19 guidelines put in place by the administration.

Anbagam I am told was already hosting over 130 inmates against the original capacity and budget for 60 inmates. He wanted me to escalate the matter to the office of the Collector of Chennai and the Chief Ministers Special Cell.

Accordingly, I filed a couple of petitions through email and simultaneously kept following up on the matter with local officials from the enforcement agencies.

But despite these efforts, I could not secure shelter for the individual in our neighbourhood.

I wrote an e-mail to Udavum Karangal, an NGO well-known for the work they have been doing in sheltering homeless, orphans, destitutes and the mentally ill. Mallikarjunan, the care taker, called me to discuss the issue. He was apologetic but said that it would be difficult for private shelter homes to accommodate individuals during the Covid-19 pandemic.

He suggested that I escalate the matter to the offices of the Health Secretary and the Chief Minister.

On August 4 2020, the Madras High Court issued an order advising the government to secure mentally distrubed persons on the streets of Tamilnadu in a shelter for the mentally challenged.

When I spoke to Mallikarjunan, he had mentioned that subsequent to the High Court order, the Chief Minister had allotted a few ambulances exclusively to ferry the mentally challenged persons on the streets to the mental hospitals and shelter homes.

On seeing this order, I once again contacted the local law enforcement agency officials and sought their help. The same beat patrol officers who had originally attended my call visited our location and this time around, he said that the extent of mental imbalance of the individual was minimal, and it would be difficult to accommodate him at a mental hospital or shelter home.

When I was not satisfied with the response and asked about further steps to be taken, the officer asked me to escalate the matter to the police control room and the office of the health secretary.

I escalated the matter through e-mail to the offices of the Chief Minister, Commissioner of Tamil Nadu, Greater Chennai Corporation and also raised the issue through the social media Facebook, Whatsapp and Twitter.

Not wanting to give up on the issue, I sent a Whatsapp Complaint to the Greater Chennai Police on the night of August 10 2020. Within 15 minutes, I received a call from the control room and was promised help. The local police station was informed and a visit by the beat patrol was arranged.

A different officer arrived this time but informed me that they were unable to locate the individual. They declined my offer to find the individual as it was late at night and left after promising to follow up with the health department to arrange for the ambulance.

I noticed the same individual in the neighbourhood a few days later. In conversation I asked him if he was willing to go to some shelter home if I chose to help him and he responded that he was willing to do so. I learnt that he was from Ariyalur.

When I reached out to the officer who had come by on the 10th, he said that they had still been unable to locate the individual. I told them about my interaction with him and sent the officer some photographs that I had taken of the man earlier that afternoon. The officer agreed to send the beat patrol.

A patrol vehicle arrived in the next ten minutes but the officers once again left after promising to secure shelter in the coming days. After a while I received another call from the K1 Police Station. The official wanted me to brief him on the issue and promised to do whatever he could to help.

Two days after this incident, there had still been no help forthcoming despite my many complaints and escalations. On August 16 2020, when I stepped out of the house I noticed the beat patrol vehicle passing through our lane. The mentally challenged person was lying on the road, but no action was taken.

When I sent a complaint over this inaction, the patrol vehicle returned to our location with a different officer on duty this time. On arrival, I showed him copies of the newspaper articles, the complaints lodged through the TN Police Grievance Portal and also the signed petitions which were originally sent to the various officials in the administration by e-mail.

The officer said that this was not sufficient and I would have to meet the local police inspector personally and file a written petition in order for them to take some corrective action.

When I told him that several petitions had already been filed and the matter has also been escalated to the office of the Chief Minister, he agreed to help us out, but on condition that one of us should accompany them to the mental hospital for admitting the individual. He also also wanted us to take responsibility for the person.

When I agreed to this, to my surprise, I was told that the patrol vehicle could not be used for this purpose and that I would have to transport the individual using my personal vehicle or use some alternative mode of transport. I then alerted them to the the news that the Government of Tamil Nadu had allocated a few ambulances for this purpose, which could perhaps be summoned.

The rude and callous response by the officer showed his reluctance to take any responsibility. The officer then proceeded to chase away the mentally- challenged individual from the spot and waited for a few moments before driving away.

Given the laid back attitude of the local officials, I chose to send another Whatsapp Message to the control room and updated them of whatever had happened. The officer on duty promised to call the local inspector and inform him. I suggested that the issue deserves to be escalated to the offices of the Assistant Commissioner or the Commissioner because we had seen no change in the situation over the last several months.

The control room official promised to escalate the matter, however its very unfortunate that nothing has been done to secure a shelter for the person even now.

This story is about only one mentally ill person that I got to interact with personally. There are hundreds or thousands of such helpless individuals on our streets with no one to care for them and abandoned by the state.

Naturally, I find myself with these questions that need to be answered by the city and state:

Is it such a Herculean task for those in the administration to find a decent shelter home for a mentally ill person in a metro city like Chennai, especially when we are in the midst of a global pandemic?

Why are the mental hospitals run by the government choosing to abandon individuals on the streets when they have the mandate and the required infrastructure and capacity to accommodate and rehabilitate such citizens?

While there are organisations such as Banyan who are ready to help women, there seems to be no social organisation or a government agency which is ready to help the poor with mental health issues in our city; why?

Is this not the right time to look beyond our families and do something for the society?

As the saying goes, Only the babies who cry will receive milk,or The squeaky wheel gets the grease.

Lets make some noise and help escalate such matters of public interest to a point where they will be effectively addressed.

Go here to see the original:
In search of a shelter for a mentally ill person on the streets of Chennai - Citizen Matters, Chennai

Following Hope for Highland and REACH for Tomorrows event in honor of National Overdose Awareness Day, the events attendees release lanterns in memory of those who fatally overdosed.

McKenzie Caldwell | The Times-Gazette

Mark, one of the National Overdose Awareness Day events speakers, releases a lantern at the conclusion of the event.

McKenzie Caldwell | The Times-Gazette

Im a part of an organization called the Addicts Parents United and they encourage us to, even in those weve lost, never look at them for anything other than who they were: the baseball player, the dancer, the kid who was a great singer, the one who brought smiles and life every time they walked into the room thats who we remember today, Pastor Greg Delaney, who works with Woodhaven Residential Treatment Center, said during the National Overdose Awareness Day event Hope for Highland County and REACH for Tomorrow hosted on Monday. We dont remember them for what they put in their arm or their body we remember them for who they were.

Hope for Highland County Director Kim Davis and REACH for Tomorrow Director of Advocacy Beth Bullock, who organized the event, told The Times-Gazette that they felt it was important to hold it in order to give members of the community a space to grieve for those they have lost to substance use disorder.

I really believe that mourning the loss of a loved one who has passed away from an overdose still comes with a certain amount of stigma, and a lot of people still struggle with sharing, even with other family members, Davis said. Even in recovery itself, connection is so important. Its about having support, so you can be in a safe environment and know that other people are there with you.

Bullock, who lost her oldest son in 2014, told The Times-Gazette that she and her family used similar events to connect with others who were also grieving those who had experienced fatal overdoses.

We have a hard time memorializing them and getting out there with other families. This was an effort to bring people together in a very low-key situation and for a short period of time. It was just a way to recognize the day and use that as an opportunity to bring people together, Bullock said. For me, it was healing to go to these kinds of things. If I wouldve just stayed home and just went to work every day, for me personally, that wouldve killed me.

Bullock added that learning about substance use disorder, the services available in her community, and getting involved locally both through her organization Brave Choices and other organizations helped her heal.

Mondays event featured three speakers, including Delaney, who has been sober for over 12 years.

Roger Winemiller, a farmer from Blanchester whose story was covered by The New York Times in 2017, spoke about life after he lost two children to overdoses.

I lived addiction for probably 18 years between three kids. Back in 2016, on Easter eve, my daughter who was three years sober came to the house to spend the night, went into the bathroom and never came out. I found my dead daughter face down on the floor. Fentanyl-heroin overdose, Winemiller said Monday. It rattled my life big time. I went into a big depression. Then, five days before Christmas, I lost my second child to an overdose.

I often say if Id known then what I know now I couldnt promise that my two kids would still be alive today but I could promise you that theyd have a lot better chance of making it. Addiction is an awful disease and a disease it is. I learned that the hard way. If there are any parents here that have that just quit attitude, I would suggest you go and get educated on addiction. Its not just quit.

Following Winemiller, a man who identified himself only as Mark also spoke at the event.

Two and a half years ago, if Id come up here to tell you a little about myself, the only things I couldve told you was, Im a convicted felon, Im a thief, Im a liar, and Im a drug addict. That pretty much summed me up, Mark said. I battled this disease every day for 28 years. I tried to do it on my own I thought I could figure this thing out by myself. If youre here and youre an addict, you already know wars of addiction. Weve all got the same story they may vary a little bit, but theyre all the same story.

After Mark entered a Clinton County treatment program in 2018, he said his life changed profoundly. Mark said when he was first admitted to the treatment program he was so messed up that he was unable to have full conversations with other people.

Though he said his recovery has been a rough process, Mark was able to help the same sober living house that first helped him in his recovery.

Theres a stigma that once youre an addict, youre always an addict, Mark said. That may be true in a sense, but Im here to tell you that you can recover from this disease. Not only can you recover not only can you just not use drugs again but you can have a good life, and you can be happy, and you can experience things that youve never experienced in your life. I experienced joy and freedom that Ive never had before.

Bullock said they plan to hold National Overdose Awareness Day events in Highland County in the coming years.

According to Davis, Hope for Highland County is planning to have its next event in late October or November. To stay up-to-date on future events, like or follow the Hope for Highland County Facebook page.

Local resources for those with substance use disorder and their families:

* Bullock encouraged those who need additional help finding and connecting with resources to contact her. Reach her at 513-212-8176.

* 3 Waters Recovery Center is a faith-based recovery center that offers outpatient treatment programs that focus on individuals physical, emotional and spiritual health. 3 Waters has offices in Goshen and Seaman. Learn more by visiting http://www.3watersrecovery.com or by calling 513-575-7879.

* Celebrate Recovery is a faith-based recovery group that offers a safe place for anyone who may be struggling to find a sense of belonging, take on healthy risks and challenges, and come to God. The group meets every Friday at 7 p.m. at Common Ground Community Church, located at 7406 Mad River Rd., Hillsboro. Learn more by calling 937-402-7693.

* Family Recovery Services (FRS), based in Highland County, offers mental health counseling as well as opiate and alcohol treatment. During the Highland County Drug Abuse Prevention Coalitions meeting in late August, FRS CEO Roger Cheesbro reported that the agencys Massie House program, a residential treatment program for those with substance use disorder, is accepting referrals. Learn more at http://www.familyrecoveryservices.org, or by calling 937-393-4562 and select Option 1 when prompted.

* Scioto Paint Valley Mental Health (SPVMH) offers residential and outpatient treatment for substance use disorder. Those admitted to SPVMHs residential programs which, for men, takes place at the Rulon Center in Chillicothe, and for women, takes place at the Lynn Goff Clinic in Greenfield will complete a 90-day in-patient treatment program, which focuses on evidence-based interventions. An SPVMH representative at Mondays event told The Times-Gazette that the agency also has a support group for teenagers. SPVMH is currently offering telehealth, in-person and hybrid group meetings. Learn more at http://www.spvmhc.org, or by calling 740-775-1260. Highland County residents in crisis should call 937-393-9904.

* Bullock invited those interested in getting involved locally to attend Highland County Drug Abuse Prevention Coalition meetings. The coalition meets on the last Thursday of each month. The next meeting will be held virtually on Sept. 24 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. For more information, visit the Highland County Drug Abuse Prevention Coalition Facebook page.

Reach McKenzie Caldwell at 937-402-2570.

Following Hope for Highland and REACH for Tomorrows event in honor of National Overdose Awareness Day, the events attendees release lanterns in memory of those who fatally overdosed.

https://www.timesgazette.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/33/2020/09/web1_centerpiece.jpg.jpgFollowing Hope for Highland and REACH for Tomorrows event in honor of National Overdose Awareness Day, the events attendees release lanterns in memory of those who fatally overdosed. McKenzie Caldwell | The Times-Gazette

Mark, one of the National Overdose Awareness Day events speakers, releases a lantern at the conclusion of the event.

https://www.timesgazette.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/33/2020/09/web1_lanterns.jpg.jpgMark, one of the National Overdose Awareness Day events speakers, releases a lantern at the conclusion of the event. McKenzie Caldwell | The Times-Gazette

Hope for Highland Co., REACH for Tomorrow host event

.

More here:
'We remember them for who they were' - Hillsboro Times Gazette

By Nicole Lhuillier 9/1/20 8:47pm

Wielding power in their respective commons and in the Student Association Senate, college presidents are perhaps the most visible faces of the student leadership that is essential to the Rice experience. But just a few weeks after this years cohort began their terms, their communities dispersed as students were sent home to study online. Now, the presidents must lead their colleges amid conditions completely unknown to all who came before: distancing rules, a ban on mass gatherings, students who may never actually be on campus and other pandemic-related changes. They may not have signed up for these new challenges, but they are surely stepping up to face them.

The following interviews have been edited and condensed for clarity.

Baker College: Adam Cardenas, senior

What do you bring to the table as president of your college?

Enjoy what you're reading? Signup for our newsletter

I think the main three qualities I bring to the table as president are friendliness, care and hard work. I try my best to be open and available for anyone and everyone through active listening, relating with commonalities and understanding differences. I love getting to know others and becoming involved with their amazing passions and interests. Lastly, I prioritize Baker responsibilities [highly] and dedicate a massive amount of time and energy to ensure our community is cheerful, Bakerites are comfortable and all voices are heard. In essence, Baker is in my spirit, and my spirit is in Baker.

What is your vision for your college?

My vision for Baker is that we adapt to the hybrid model and learn how to support our diverse populations, whether Bakerites are 20 feet from commons or halfway across the world. I want every member of the college to feel supported, heard and empowered this semester to not only do their best in academics and in their personal life journeys, but to prioritize their own mental health and wellbeing. Whatever happens this semester, I want Baker to maintain its culture and cohesion in whatever capacity possible.

What has your term been like so far, especially now that youre back on campus with some of the undergraduate population?

Honestly, my term has been difficult. From the very beginning, I felt I was not meant for this role and that I was incapable of leading the college; imposter syndrome definitely hit hard. However over these past few months, Ive come to better understand myself and grow in confidence by working with the other presidents, leading projects with my college government and facing challenges at every corner. Now with the fall semester starting, Im keeping a close eye on updates to stay prepared for anything. Im currently hopeful and am trying to establish some sort of normalcy in my personal life and within the college.

How are your leadership and plans changing in response to the extraordinary circumstances of the pandemic?

I used to be a massive micromanager which occasionally caused problems in leadership roles. However given the extraordinary circumstances now, there just wasnt time or energy to micromanage anymore, so my leadership style was forced to develop. This paved the way for more collective leadership and responsibility as college government leaders managed multiple projects simultaneously to develop our home and grow together. At Baker, maintaining our community culture and health has definitely been a team effort, and I am very proud of all the leadership and involvement on the college level.

Will Rice College: Rahul Popat, senior

What do you bring to the table as president of your college?

Throughout my time at Rice I have gotten the opportunity to serve in different student government roles both at Will Rice and on a campus-wide level. From these experiences I have really been able to learn how student leaders have been effective and what they have accomplished. On top of that I really love Will Rice and have a strong drive to keep the community the amazing place it is.

What is your vision for your college?

My main vision is for Will Rice to be an inclusive community that supports all of its members regardless of their background. In the past [Ive felt] that some people might not feel as included in the community for a variety of reasons and that has affected their involvement with the college. Now more than ever, it is paramount that we open up our college for all of its members.

What has your term been like so far, especially now that you're back on campus with some of the undergraduate population?

Most of my term has been adjusting to the new reality of COVID-19. In the spring, I worked with my [executive committee] to build a virtual community for Will Ricers while we were scattered across the globe. During the summer I worked with the other presidents and the administration to figure out and understand how Rice was going to come back in the fall. Finally, over the past weeks my [executive committee] and I have been working towards [carrying] over important parts of Will Rice from the past and brainstorming new ideas for the future.

How are your leadership and plans changing in response to the extraordinary circumstances of the pandemic?

As our [Orientation Week Coordinators] reiterated numerous times, the most important part of leadership during a time like this is to be flexible. While I have had to put aside many of the specific plans and ideas I had for Will Rice, all of the new decisions I face are still guided by the vision for inclusivity that I had in the beginning. Now the scope for this has expanded since we also want to make sure that our remote students have access to the same community as the in person students. I have had to adapt the vision I originally had to fit the current needs and circumstances.

Hanszen College: Nikhita Gangla, senior

What do you bring to the table as president of your college?

Id like to think that I am able to bring people together, and inspire them to participate in and better our community.

What is your vision for your college?

I want students to know and feel that Hanszen will always be there as their home base, a community that they can seek comfort in. We call ourselves and pride ourselves as the Family College, and that spirit of it will always be here for you if you need is an amazing legacy that I want to continue and build upon.

What has your term been like so far, especially now that you're back on campus with some of the undergraduate population?

Incredibly hectic! The first couple of weeks that I was back, I was just making sure that things were running smoothly. I also spent time thinking about nitty gritty things that we would have to address, such as changes in Hanszen legislation to accommodate students' needs during this period.

How are your leadership and plans changing in response to the extraordinary circumstances of the pandemic?

In terms of more overall goals, I really want to place a greater emphasis on community building. The restrictions that we face due to the pandemic this year will make it harder for us to carry on with our traditional events and activities. Additionally, we are on schedule to have [the new Hanszen dormitory] built in the 2021-2022 school year, and I want to ensure that we are able to preserve our traditions and spirit of togetherness throughout this 2-year period where things will be abnormal.

Wiess College: Lauren Biegel, senior

What do you bring to the table as president of your college?

I think I bring strong communication skills and organizational abilities to the table. With

the everchanging COVID situation, Ive done my best to communicate consistently with my

college and act as a resource for them in understanding the rules and how to stay safe. Ive also

tried to ensure that things are done efficiently and consistently so that people dont feel like

Wiess is making things even more complicated for them.

What is your vision for your college?

My vision is that all Wiessmen can bring their talents and passions to the table and feel

included. We have a lot of established ways to serve the college, but weve seen a lot of creativity recently that really makes me excited. We have someone crocheting a big Wiess blanket that people can add to and someone else who does a lottery every month and bakes for peoples birthdays. I hope to see more of these nontraditional types of involvement this year and beyond.

What has your term been like so far, especially now that you're back on campus with some of the undergraduate population?

So far, its been very focused on getting people safely back on campus. We as

presidents spent the whole summer working with the Deans Office on the policies and figuring out what those would mean for our community, so I feel very lucky to be back and to see all that work come together.

How are your leadership and plans changing in response to the extraordinary circumstances of the pandemic?

Coming in, my plans were focused on expanding our definition of what it means to be

involved at Wiess. I think, if anything, that has become more important in the pandemic. With new and returning students being remote and a larger proportion of the college off campus, I think creating new ways for involvement beyond attending events and being physically in the college will be crucial to building community in this time.

Jones College: Hannah Kim, senior

What do you bring to the table as president of your college?

This was a bit difficult and awkward for me to answer myself, so I asked a good friend at Jones and she said I bring a can-do attitude, a lot of patience and creativity. I hope other Jonesians feel I exemplify those qualities as well! If not, then at the very least, I think my peers see me as organized and action-oriented. When I think of doing something, I plan it out and tend to see it through its execution.

What is your vision for your college?

My vision for Jones is to have a well-integrated community of both in-person and remote students so that all Jonesians, wherever they are, feel welcomed and included into the family. I also hope people can feel as though Jones is a channel through which they can connect with people during a time when we are all so spread apart.

What has your term been like so far, especially now that you're back on campus with some of the undergraduate population?

So far, I've been pretty busy trying to lay down the foundations for the semester, making sure all other positions feel equipped and knowledgeable of what they have to do this semester as well as supported to try new ideas. I also have been trying to make sure people get accustomed to the COVID-19 guidelines, which definitely requires a learning curve.

How are your leadership and plans changing in response to the extraordinary circumstances of the pandemic?

Because the pandemic makes me feel like we're in a constant state of flux, I know I have to be a lot more flexible and creative in everything I do. The way we used to do things might not be the best way to do things now, so I've been trying to critically examine why we do things in certain ways and consider how we can change it up in a way that might actually be better in the long run. I also do my best to be very understanding when I ask things of my peers because I know this is a more difficult semester for most people in terms of balancing their school work, extracurricular responsibilities and their own wellbeing.

Brown College: Ev Delafose, senior

What do you bring to the table as president of your college?

In the past two years, Ive worked as a [Students Transforming Rice Into a Violence-free Environment] liaison and president of Rice Pride. In both of these positions, Ive seen the difficulties that students face in feeling at home at Rice, and a lot of it stems from alienation from a community, either by the community or by an individual within the community. From being queer, to being Black, to having three jobs that take me away from my home college, I understand, personally, the difficulties of feeling at home in what is meant to be my second home.

What is your vision for your college?

At Brown, Ive seen the most beautiful relationships and community connectedness ever, but Ive also seen the other side where students feel as if they have to leave campus or the college system altogether because of one person, a group of people or a lack of one person or a group of people. My entire vision is predicated on community building and creating spaces for many different communities to feel at home and mentally and physically safe at Brown.

What has your term been like so far, especially now that youre back on campus with some of the undergraduate population?

Entering this position under the weight of a pandemic definitely started the term off on a stressful note, to say the least. The whole summer was anxiously figuring out how Rice [would] work in possible scenarios that kept unfolding across other college campuses. So most of my term has been focused on logistics, both before and while students were filling up the campus. Trying my best to understand, communicate and clarify the insane amount of information that is cycling across campus has also been a large bullet point because students are worried, reasonably so.

How are your leadership and plans changing in response to the extraordinary circumstances of the pandemic?

For the most part, my plans are remaining the same, but hopefully, theyre increasing significantly in their accessibility. COVID made a lot of people, myself included, realize the possibilities of accessibility, and I hope to bring a lot of these possibilities to the community building that will continue throughout the year. My leadership, though, is definitely rounding out more. Im being forced to learn how to lead, delegate, support and care for my fellow leaders during a pandemic, all while trying to care for myself, mentally, physically and emotionally.

Lovett College: Chloe Oani, senior

What do you bring to the table as president of your college?

I consider my role as president as very similar to being a team captain for my college. (Cue one of the other presidents: Can you tell shes a sport management major?) I always root for my community's success, take initiative in navigating our pitfalls and try to maintain a positive attitude during times of adversity.

What is your vision for your college?

Im incredibly grateful that Lovett has become my definition of home, but I understand that this isnt the case for everyone. My vision for Lovett is that regardless of your current relationship with our college, Lovett will always be there for you. To do this, we have to engage in critical conversations necessary to create positive change. I've learned throughout my term that collaboration and discourse aren't mutually exclusive and that we can foster an environment that healthily balances both. Ultimately, I want to generate the perspectives that provide a multi-faceted united approach to doing what's best for our community.

What has your term been like so far, especially now that you're back on campus with some of the undergraduate population?

I feel a lot more energized being back on campus. I find my motivation to get stuff done by being surrounded by other people, whether that be learning in the classroom, working in commons or on Field 6 playing Powderpuff. Obviously all those activities look a lot different now, but navigating these changes with my peers makes me feel less like the dog surrounded by fire in the This Is Fine meme.

How are your leadership and plans changing in response to the extraordinary circumstances of the pandemic?

During the season one finale of one of my favorite shows, Silicon Valley, one of the characters suggests that their team pivot when things were looking particularly grim for their future. I initially had concrete ideas to tackle some of my goals but given the circumstances, most of them are no longer feasible. Instead, Ive tried to take Jared Dunns advice and pivot make progress on those initial plans from a new angle. The global pandemic has created a lot of uncertainty, but I hope we learn to capitalize on the new opportunities it has brought our community too.

Sid Richardson College: Nia Prince (photo courtesy of Nia Prince)

Sid Richardson College: Nia Prince, senior

What do you bring to the table as president of your college?

As president, I believe that I offer previous experience working with a variety of different projects at Rice and Sid, and can therefore be a resource to Sidizens when connecting them to what they need anywhere on campus. I've made it very clear over the past three years that I love this college, and I think my enthusiasm and sacrifice is appreciated by the community. I've made a point, before and during my term, to get to know the students in Sid, to hear people across every issue, and push for interaction in every community I've been in.

What is your vision for your college?

I hope to look back one year from now and see a college that has embraced a new building as an exciting opportunity for change rather than a potential loss of culture. I want Sid to spend this transition period examining aspects of our culture we appreciate and aspects we can improve on. For the ones we love, we must find a way to adapt it in a new building layout. For the ones we can improve, we must discuss within our community how we can do better. All of this requires engagement and participation from as many Sidizens as possible.

What has your term been like so far, especially now that youre back on campus with some of the undergraduate population?

So far, my term has been a whirlwind. I think I've learned pretty quickly that this role is never what you expect, and it is constantly changing so I have to be willing to adapt to that. However, I've still enjoyed the past few months and the new parts of the role, such as helping provide the student perspective on the fall return plan. The president cohort did a lot of planning over the summer so I think it is just great to finally be back and actually see the students engage in it.

How are your leadership and plans changing in response to the extraordinary circumstances of the pandemic?

I think it is pretty clear that Sid is by far the college that has been most impacted by the circumstances of the pandemic and the return to campus. This was definitely something I didn't expect when I first ran for this position, but I don't think it has completely changed my plans or intentions for this role. I think the stakes are even higher now for the New Sid transition that I had anticipated. Now, more than ever, Sid needs to feel unified and connected so I think this has become even more of a priority in my term than it already was.

Martel College: Paras Gupta (photo courtesy of Paras Gupta)

Martel College: Paras Gupta, senior

What do you bring to the table as president of your college?

What I bring to the table for my college is a high level of flexibility. While I do like to go into situations with action-oriented plans, I think Ive realized that often expecting the plan to not go perfectly is truly the best plan. Working with people often, I bring a calm demeanor, and I place a high level of importance on listening to and understanding all perspectives. I try to be for the college what it needs in the moment, whether that is energy, focus, compassion, an advocate or even just a consistent helping hand.

What is your vision for your college?

I believe that Martel is in a transitional period and Id like to ensure that Martel has clear direction moving forward. Were one of the youngest colleges and our traditions arent fully established. After my presidency I hope Martel has clear ideas of its areas to improve as well as action-oriented plans in order to do so. Id like to involve our committees more in event planning to broaden the scope of events and the groups of people they attract. Id like to give Martel more of a family feel where people are comfortable casually using our common spaces.

What has your term been like so far, especially now that youre back on campus with some of the undergraduate population?

Im a ton happier having come back to campus even if things are different. Being back, I can focus more on the vision I have for Martel rather than prepare for the school year. We put on a mock parliament for the new students for the first time this year, and it was definitely a success. My [executive committee] and I believe we have a viable plan for our changed budget this year and I expect Martel to throw some great events with it. The best part of being back is getting to have conversations with students about their ideas for Martel.

How are your leadership and plans changing in response to the extraordinary circumstances of the pandemic?

In some ways my term has been tumultuous given the circumstances, but Im fortunate that in some ways things havent changed. Huge shoutout to my [executive committee] for handling the changes with great flexibility. Whats been difficult is I feel like my role has lost a lot of the independence I expected it to have. While I didnt have any revolutionary ideas coming in, college presidency is a role that is what you make it to be. With the circumstances, Ive had to do more of what administration has told me rather than go through with my own or Martels ideas.

McMurtry College: Carolyn Daly, senior

What do you bring to the table as president of your college?

I ran for president because I want to help people who feel like they dont fit in at McMurtry, because Ive struggled with that at times. I am organized, get things done, and most importantly, Im always here to listen. I also have experience: I served as a First Year Rep, a co-secretary, At Large Rep and I chaired our Diversity Council. I started new initiatives like a committee fair and the McMurtry Cup, an event series that encourages hall bonding and provides activities for Murts who like more low-key social events. I want to build upon these projects to increase inclusivity.

What is your vision for your college?

I want to make McMurtry as welcoming and inclusive as possible, increase transparency and make sure McGovernment follows through on Murts ideas. I have been working closely with the diversity council this summer, and Im excited about what they have planned: inclusivity training, affinity groups, accessible application statements, article chats and beyond. To follow through on Murts suggestions and increase transparency I am holding president office hours, accounting for surprise expenses and making some simple yet important structural changes like creating a groupchat with all of our committee heads and implementing committee workshops in town halls.

What has your term been like so far, especially now that youre back on campus with some of the undergraduate population?

Read this article:
Meet the presidents: College presidents prepare for a year like no other - The Rice Thresher

It seems most agree that returning students to the classroom is more important than ever. The pressures to do so statewide are increasing, but not just because students need to be there. As long as children remain home from school, the economy cannot fully recover, at least, the kind of economy we knew only months ago. And something else to consider, school response to COVID may be ushering in new attitudes about education, both K-12 and higher education, regarding how we educate, how much it should cost, and their relative value propositions.

Without getting into higher education right now, the case for getting kids back to school goes like this. The risk of COVID-19 for children is relatively low. Sustained sheltering at home has delayed the education and the socialization most students need. There are damaging health and mental health effects, as well as the fear of increased abuse at home, for some children. Furthermore, many people depend on schools for subsidized meals, and sometimes, counseling and health screening. As for the parents, most need their kids in a school building so they can work. The economy, whether one is an employer or an employee, simply cant fully recover if school buildings remain closed to students. And while virtual learning options address one problem, they will still put a burden on family members to find a way to have an adult at home, or some kind of supervision for their children.

Parents will decide how much risk they want to take, given their own family situations, capabilities, and resources, not unlike all the many other factors that must be weighed on a daily basis. A pediatrician friend made sure I knew that our medical community and infrastructure can adequately manage COVID, but our kids need to go back to school. My brother, an emergency room doctor with advance degree work in pharmacology, says the same thing. Teachers and administrators, however, especially the older ones, are in a tough spot, but one that is no different than so many others whose employers expect them to go to work, regardless of how they feel about conditions. Other people need and want to work, but are sidelined because their companies are sidelined.

Will teachers come to work, and under what conditions? I think they will if school boards decide to open up, with precautions, even though the states largest teachers union insists they wont be returning to the classroom unless their demands are met. The largest districts have opted to make another run at exclusively virtual instruction for the time being, although we learn now that some are allowing teachers to bring their children into school buildings, that are closed to everyone elses kids, for their supervised virtual learning. I suppose that solves their childcare issues. Parents want to support their teachers, but when they are being pressed to return to work themselves, with limited childcare options, and see their children used as leverage once again (the teacher walkout wont soon be forgotten) well, it may be one reason teachers get a bum rap as a group sometimes.

These broad generalizations really dont serve us well. Each school district is unique and will make its own decisions. We are investing millions of extra state and federal tax dollars to enable a return to the classroom, and to provide virtual learning capabilities and options. I salute the teachers who will do everything they can to face their fears and deliver in the classroom. The real challenge for the schools that bring their students into the buildings will be how they react when someone gets the virus, as they inevitably will. But if the issue becomes more about adult working conditions, and less about the students, parents will insist on other educational options for their children, demanding they take their tax dollars with them.

Most folks believe the best educational model is a physical classroom led by a competent teacher, with some exceptions for individual student needs. Now that health and safety concerns have forced a review of alternatives, and implementation of a patchwork of models-- in-class, or online coursework, or virtual classes, or some combination-- I think our COVID experience will have us all reconsidering how to best educate our children. Will parents, or teachers, or students learn they like a different educational model? Will results improve? Will we all be open to exploring the possibilities? Will those who criticize the virtual model continue to do so if they, themselves, turn to that model during these days? If public schools dont handle this right, I think the school choice movement will only grow. And I also think COVID wont be going away anytime soon, so there will be a lot of time to observe, study, and ponder these and other questions.

While parents and school officials wrestle with what to do, legislators are attentively observing. The state covers about 55% of education expense in Oklahoma, and we want to ensure the money is spent well, but we also have our own policy initiatives, and this kind of crisis can inform future legislation. After all, a short time ago the issue was teacher pay raises, funding levels, and standards, all with an eye towards improving academic performance.

With another pessimistic budget picture, there are legitimate questions. If school buildings arent open, or are on a reduced schedule, should funding be shifted to some other tax-supported agencies and programs clearly needing some help, especially since federal and state COVID funds were injected into education to compensate for related challenges? What about transportation savings if buses arent running? Will the next budget cycle see schools with large carryovers as a result such that state funding can actually be reduced without harm? Was the extra COVID funding sufficient, and used productively? Or were normal operating funds also required to cope with the extra COVID precautions? How do you sort all that out when some schools are wide open, and others are completely virtual? For those that shifted exclusively to virtual learning, how well did that work? What student/teacher ratio was really required?

I spoke with a superintendent recently about all of the above, and found his attitude about the educational models refreshing. In short, he is urging his staff to stop thinking of the traditional public school and the virtual programs in terms of us and them. Students and their parents will ultimately decide how to go to school. They are all our kids, so lets meet them where they are or want to be, in person or virtually, or both, and then be better than anyone else at teaching them in that space. Good advice, and from my perspective, a welcome competitive spirit leading that school district.

During the interim between sessions, you can call my office at 405-557-7380, or write to me at Representative Mark Lepak, 2300 N. Lincoln Blvd, Rm. 453B, State Capitol Building, Oklahoma City, OK, 73105.

State Rep. Mark Lepak (R-Claremore) is best reached via email at mark.lepak@okhouse.gov.

Read the rest here:
OPINION: Back to school with COVID, risk and consequence - Claremore Daily Progress

OPINION: It could be argued that consultation was a meaningless exercise when the Government asked for submissions last year on its major water reforms.

Farmers perhaps naively believed they would be listened to, as they and their industry-good organisations put forward positive and well thought out scientifically-based proposals. There was no outright opposition from them to the concept that water quality needed to be improved.

But it was clear the government proposals were based on hard-line doctrinaire and prescriptive rules that bore no relationship to what is possible on farm. Even worse, they made no allowance for diverse climatic conditions in the country. Do policy wonks and government ministers seriously believe that farming systems are the same in the far north and the far south? If they do, they need to see their doctor and get some more appropriate drugs because such an attitude is delusional at best, and stupid in the extreme.

Why did government ignore the measured approach of say DairyNZ to put the onus on farmers to solve the winter grazing issues through environmental farm plans and set outcomes not the prescriptive drivel in the legislation? Interestingly, Ireland, which has similar issues to NZ in terms of water quality, has gone the outcomes way, working with farmers to clean up waterways, and it is working. Has David Parker and his coterie of evangelical environmentalists been to Ireland or talked to NZ scientists who are collaborating with the Irish on such matters?

One can forgive the primary sector for bitterly complaining that they are unwanted and perhaps even hated by the Government and certainly not trusted. The present row in Southland was easily avoidable if the diehard policy wonks and unbending government greens had one atom of common sense. This silly notion that farmers are serial polluters needs to be dispelled and gone by lunchtime. Farmers do way more for the environment and spend more to enhance it than the average townie, yet certain politicians and their advisors seem perpetually blind to the realities that happen 10km outside of Wellington.

A recent survey by DairyNZ showed that 62% of dairy farmers or their staff were affected by mental health issues in the past year and that one of the major stress factors was new regulations.

The situation in Southland is unnecessary and the government should be big enough to admit its wrong and do the right thing and accept the common-sense advice of farmers. After all, isnt it the putting right that counts.

Go here to see the original:
The putting right that counts Editorial - Rural News Group

By Radha Dhir The world today is a difficult, complicated place. The Covid-19 pandemic has consumed our lives. From newspapers and TV channels to social media, we are constantly surrounded by it. The virus has caused devastation, both in the economy and in life. All of our minds are disturbed, anxious and troubled.

It is important to take into account that all this negative thinking has an impact on our bodies as well. The cells in our bodies react to everything that our mind is saying. Negativity can bring down our immune systems. So, it is vital to take care of our body, mind, and well being now more than ever.

How do we ensure self-care in these times? Even in uncertain moments, there are things we can do to ensure that we continue to be mentally and physically fit.

Here are four pillars of self-care tips you need right now.

Exercise

Sleep Of the four pillars, the most undervalued and underrated, yet most important is sleep. I cant stress more on how critical sleep is. Lack of sleep leads to obesity. Sleep deprived individuals have a bigger appetite and tend to eat more. Your body needs a minimum of 6 8 hours of sleep a day. When you get quality sleep, you will wake up refreshed and energetic and will not only be eager to exercise, but also, the impact of that exercise will be more effective.

Sleeplessness also leads to increased stress levels. If you dont sleep enough at night, your body boosts its levels of stress hormones. The brain chemicals connected with deep sleep are the same ones that tell the body to stop the production of stress hormones. As a result, when you dont sleep well, your body keeps pumping out those hormones. The next day, you will feel more stressed, and the following night you find it harder to fall asleep, and so on.

A seasoned banker, Radha Dhir has spent 25 years in the industry, and has also served as the first woman MD in Deutsche Bank.

Food is the most-abused anxiety drug. Eat healthy without being obsessed with clean eating. And remember the Gut Microbiome. Numerous studies in the past decade have demonstrated links between gut health and the immune system and mental health. Nutrition, diet, and gut health are closely linked.

Avoiding processed foods, high-fat foods, and foods high in refined sugars is extremely important to maintain a healthy microbiome. There are a number of foods that you can eat to contribute beneficially to your overall health. Remember the G-BOMBS - Greens, Beans, Onions, Mushrooms and Seeds - the 6 most healthy foods to include in your daily diet.

Destress A very important element of coping with stress is talking about it. Talk to your family, your loved ones, and your friends. Reach out to your magic people your tribe. These are your connections, and the more positive your relationships are, the better you will be able to face lifes challenges. The support you get from your connections can add meaning and purpose to your life. One study showed that lack of social connection is a greater detriment to health than smoking, alcohol, high blood pressure, and lack of exercise. Most importantly, stay calm. Take deep breaths. Allow your mind to rest. Be in the moment. Instead of focusing on the events or circumstances that are making you feel sad, angry, anxious, or depressed, start focusing your mind on the positives and blessings in your life. The key to de-stressing is recognising how we respond to the downs that happen in our lives.

Remember, you have the power change the way you are feeling. Life is 10 per cent of what happens around you and 90 per cent of how you react to it.

Be in charge of how you feel. Choose positivity, optimism, hope, and happiness.

- A seasoned banker, Radha Dhir has spent 25 years in the industry, and has also served as the first woman MD in Deutsche Bank. She has been blogging about fitness, health, nutrition and well-being since 2018. She recently made her YouTube debut on the ZipTalks channel where she interviews successful professionals on their fitness and health philosophy. She also posts regular fitness videos on Instagram @Ziptofitness.

Add Comment

To see your saved stories, click on link hightlighted in bold

Making healthy lifestyle changes in terms of diet, exercise and managing stress, in addition to other factors, can go a long way in helping the immune system get the boost it requires.

On International Immunology Day, Chennai-based clinical nutritionist, lactation consultant and diabetes educator - Ramya Ramachandran - shares five tips that can give your life a healthy spin.

Ginger, garlic, star anise, omega-3 fats, flax seeds are some foods that have antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties. These can be included in your meals daily. Its also important to focus on micronutrients which have a major impact on health.

To add the required amount of micronutrients to any diet, one can look at home fortification as an alternative. In this method, a commercially available product is conveniently utilised on a daily basis to prevent nutrition deficiencies. Power mixes of rice and flour avaiable in the market is one such example of food fortification, which increases the micronutrient value of home-cooked meals.

A minimum of 7-8 hours of regular sleep is a must to maintain a healthy circadian rhythm, and help the bodys T-Cells (also known as immune cells) to kill the pathogens. A night of good sleep also helps in burning calories.

More:
Self-care is more important now than ever. Build your pandemic routine around these four pillars - Economic Times

Daniela Nardini has 20 women in her house, each of them more vibrant and full of life than the next.

Full of attitude and of resilient character, they have a commanding presence. A bit like Daniela herself for, despite the actress going through a tough few years, she has come out the other side emboldened and stronger.

Now, her new friends could be about to set her on a different path as a painter. Because the 20 women surrounding Daniela in the Glasgow home she shares with her teenage daughter arent breaking coronavirus restrictions, they are creations by Danielas own hand, an inspired and artistic flow of emotion that has served the former This Life star well in lockdown. So impressive are the paintings, a gallery owner has taken eight of them.

Ive always painted a bit, but with lockdown I thought I would commit to it, said Daniela, who played Anna Forbes in the memorable 90s drama series. It became something I did every day.

I have them lined up at the moment and I asked myself last night, why am I painting all of these women? And I think its come out of having breast cancer and from the way you look at yourself after a mastectomy. Painting these colourful, vibrant, strong women which is not the way Ive been seeing myself, Ive been feeling a bit beaten, beaten up was maybe my imagination wanting me to paint these images.

I was talking to someone who is also in recovery from cancer and we discussed how the mental aspect of it takes time, dealing with people asking about it and an onslaught of commiserations.

I was thinking about that and looking at these images, this riot of colour, and I thought, my goodness, that was all me.

Having turned 50 two years ago Daniela was called in for a mammogram. A couple of months passed without hearing the results, so when the call did come, she almost didnt bother going in for the follow-up.

I thought if there had been something, I would have been called in earlier. I was busy, and didnt think it would be anything, but I went in just to check.

It was then they told me it didnt look very good. It had already gone into one lymph node and if I hadnt gone back in when I did then you dont know how much it might have spread through the lymphatic system. So I urge women to get these checks, as it can be quite rapid, or at least thats what they told me.

It was a huge shock to be told I had breast cancer, and it was another shock to learn I needed to have a mastectomy. All these decisions that have to be made come at you, like whether or not to have reconstruction at the same time as the surgery.

I was in shock. After all of it is done, you can get over the physical side, but mentally, well, you are just a bit off. Now I look at it and think I was very lucky. After the treatment Ive had nothing no other symptoms and Im in the clear.

Daniela would have no disagreement with the old saying that bad luck comes in threes, because the breast cancer diagnosis was the third trauma she suffered in as many years.

First was the death of her father, Aldo, one of the ice cream impresarios of Largs that made the Ayrshire seaside town a must-visit attraction for decades. Then she and her husband, Ivan, a chef with whom she has 13-year-old Claudia, divorced.

The trauma and turmoil led Daniela to seek a professional ear.

I did talk to someone, because so much happened at one time and I was finding it difficult to process it all my dad dying, my marriage ending and, as I was shuffling my way through that, being diagnosed with breast cancer. It was another blow. I decided I should talk to someone and isolate them a bit, because they were all so lumped together.

Now Daniela is embarking on her own journey into counselling. She says its always been something that interested her, so she completed an HNC during lockdown and is now studying for a diploma.

The essay writing her first since she was 17 has come as a shock to the system, but a university lecturer friend has been offering advice.

Over the last five years or so, a lot of stuff has been hard and difficult. Coming through the other side of it, I think, well, what could I do to use that in a positive way? I want to be of service or help people in some way, Daniela continued.

My daughter said to me last week, Mum, you cant have three jobs you cant be a painter, an actress and a counsellor. You need to give one up. I suppose its quite ambitious and maybe she is right, but Id like to find a way of doing all three. Acting is such a sporadic job, so maybe I can do them all.

Her first love might be more sporadic these days, but Daniela says she will never walk away from acting.

Itll definitely be something I always want to do, but Im not as ambitious as I once was, she admitted. I suppose I want to do material that really interests me, rather than just taking on anything.

I had a job offer the other week but decided I didnt want to do it because it wasnt quite right. Ive been lucky, Ive had a lot of choice in my career, but I feel theres other areas I want to look into in my life now acting will always be a part of what I do in some way, though.

It was with a gasp that Daniela realised her first TV job, as a nurse in Take The High Road, was in 1990 Is that 30 years ago? Oh my God, Im ancient! and in the years since she has had a wealth of interesting roles both on screen and stage.

There was her role as ruthless estate agent Meredith McIlvanney in BBC4s New Town, the mini-series Gunpowder, Treason & Plot, drama Waterloo Road, David McVicars production of Camille in London and Daniela recently made a short film, Duck Daze, which is on BBCs iPlayer.

But she will always be remembered for her performance as law graduate Anna Forbes, a character said to have influenced Phoebe Waller-Bridges Fleabag, in This Life, which came at the peak of mid-90s Cool Britannia.

The first series was shown again on BBC4 this year, in tribute to its producer Tony Garnett, who died in January, introducing the series to a new generation. A lot of people were asking for the rest of the series to be shown and I was saying the same thing, because I was thinking of the repeat fees, Daniela laughed. Ive had so many favourite roles, although the obvious one is This Life. It was great fun and we were all so young and enjoying ourselves when we made it, plus it was a really interesting part.

But theres been so many interesting roles, so I cant pick just one. Ive been really lucky with the choices Ive had in my career.

And with painting and counselling new additions to her CV, Danielas future is looking brighter than ever.

View original post here:
INTERVIEW: Actress Daniela Nardini on turning to art therapy after she suffered cancer, family loss and divorce - The Sunday Post