PTSD affects many people, including those who work in essential jobs such as police officers, health care workers and firefighers, and others who have had traumatic experiences unrelated to their work such as sexual assault survivors, Laufman said.

The VA page on mental health describes symptoms one may experience with PTSD to include replaying the event in their head, sleeplessness, anxiety and avoiding places that remind an individual of the event.

PTSD is not a crime, but it feels like prison, Laufman said. The prison Laufman is referring to is what the Eagles sing about in their song Desperado: Your prison is walking through this world alone.

The Ornery Vets Cafe is more than a place to get coffee. Laufman said he wants it to be a place for anyone, especially those dealing with mental illness, to get information for finding help. The cafe has a bulletin board with mental health and community resources, such as the Athens County Veterans newsletter and the Veterans Crisis Line.

We have, I think, made a difference in a few lives so far. And that means a lot to me, Laufman said.

The name Ornery Vets Cafe came serendipitously through a conversation Laufman had with one of his former students. Laufman was a teacher in the Alexander School System for 35 years, and when he saw one of his former students, he said, hey ornery.

Thats what I called her when she was a student because she was ornery, Laufman said. She said, No, youre the ornery one.

It came together for Laufman then that the name of the cafe would be Ornery Vets Cafe.

Ornery Vets Cafe opened on March 11, 2021, according to a report by OHIO News. Its located at 30 East State St and open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., and groups can reserve space in the cafe during the evening for meetings.

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Ornery Vets Cafe brings awareness to Veterans' mental health The New Political - The New Political

Although she finished her studies and started a career 40 years ago, a former school counselor recently returned to school and is beginning a new chapter after deciding it is never too late to pursue ones dreams.

Deborah Reese Drake-Gordon, 69, graduated from Arkansas Tech University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and social studies before earning her masters in secondary guidance and counseling from Henderson State University in 1981. Gordon has worked in education for 40 years and was a counselor at Elkins Middle School in Washington County, for 12 years before deciding to switch to a career in mental health therapy.

To complete the requirements necessary to receive her therapy certification, Gordon took night classes at the UofA for three years and is currently doing her mandatory internship hours at Wellness and Courage, a professional counseling office.

Gordon said it was rejuvenating to revisit and augment information she studied when she was first a student in order to be the best at her job. Gordon, who has been working at the internship since June, will be ready to practice at the end of the semester.

Gordon has always had an interest in mental health care and helping people, she said.

I think mental health is most important and realizing that theres difficulties sometimes in all of our lives, Gordon said. It helps to have somebody to talk to that you can trust.

One of Gordons previous professors, Blair Olsen, taught counselor education in 1981 at Henderson State. Gordon has always been young at heart and Olsen thinks her love for children has guided her to develop the necessary skills for a career in mental health therapy, he said.

Deborah won (kids) over, Olsen said. Shes their advocate, as long as you listen to them and validate them, she helps them work out their plans for their future.

Gordons transition from school counselor to therapist-in-training was smooth because the two fields are very similar, Gordon said. However, a school counselor tends to work with larger groups, while a mental health therapist usually works one-on-one with clients, she said.

Gordon thinks she will serve clients better in a private practice, she said. Gordon helped resolve conflicts, guide students struggling with academics and advocate for drug education programs as a school counselor, but she looks forward to working with people in a more private, personal setting.

I was a middle school counselor and there is a huge gap between the elderly and middle school age and I just felt a fresh start needed to happen for our kids, Gordon said.

Gordons supervisor Wendy Poole, the CEO and co-owner of Wellness and Courage, is excited Gordon is on her team, she said. Gordon is the companys first intern, and Poole chose her because of her age, background and previous experience, Poole said.

Gordon sees around 15-20 patients a week, Poole said. The patients she works with include those who do not have the correct insurance, have no insurance or those who have Medicare.

Gordon wants to live life to its fullest, even at her current stage of life, she said. Gordon wants to check off her bucket list and believes lifes journey should be purposeful.

I think in our stage of being elderly, theres challenges in every stage and what we want to do is live the best we can within every stage of our life and make the best of it, Gordon said. I firmly believe the sense of belonging and being a part of others (sense of belonging) encourages us and gives us energy to continue our life.

Poole has known Gordon since 1998 where they worked at the same junior high, and Gordon told her she had a dream of becoming a therapist when she retired from working in schools, Poole said.

That was years and years ago when she said that, Poole said. I think shes a unicorn, I don't think very many people have that work ethic.

Gordon thinks the reason her new career path has been successful so far is because it has been a lifelong goal of hers, she said.

Even though I'm fat and sassy, I think my attitude has made me healthy, Gordon said. When people tell me I can't do something, look out, I'm gonna do it as long as it's good for me.

The rest is here:
Never too late: Local education worker changes career paths, pursues mental health therapy at 69 - The Arkansas Traveler

So many factors could be making things difficult (Picture: Getty)

We spend the majority of our days either at work or thinking about it.

So when our job becomes stressful, its pretty hard to escape and these worries and anxieties can even filter out into other aspects of our lives.

Stress affects one in five of the working population, and recent reports have found its one of most common causes for long-term sick leave in Britain.

While stress affects everyone differently, there are some key universal sources of it in the workplace from difficult colleagues to unsustainable workloads.

Experts have shared some of most common reasons and how to tackle them head-on.

Business and wellbeing trainer Ros Jones says that poor communication is one of the biggest contributors to workplace stress.

She tells Metro.co.uk: Lack of clear instructions, inadequate training or ambivalence can lead to people not delivering what was expected. This in turn causes frustration, managers believing their team arent up to the job and people getting demoralised.

Different communication styles can also cause problems.

For example, those who are assertive and abrupt can be perceived as aggressive, adds Ros.

On the other hand, if a member of the team is a careful perfectionist, they may experience stress if they are rushed or where others in the team do not have similar high standards.

Not communicating clearly in an appropriate style to ensure that everyone understands (and is aware of expectations) can lead to workplace stress.

The more we have on, the more challenging day-to-day life can be.

Ros adds: Consistently heavy workloads and long working hours especially where there is little feedback, gratitude for a job well done or other acknowledgement is another common cause of workplace stress.

Of course, there are busier periods throught the year for everyone, but a consistently heavy workload is not sustainable over time and can lead to mental and physical burnout.

In a workplace where there is poor leadership and low levels of employee engagement, there will commonly be a high turnover rate which is what often leads to some employees taking on heavier workloads to cover for insufficient staff thus exacerbating the stressful working environment, adds Ros.

While a change in an organisation itself is not necessarily a cause of workplace stress, the way that its managed (or not managed) can be.

Change is inevitable for business development and growth whether its moving office, moving to remote working, introducing new systems or changes in job roles. Workplace stress is common where there is poor communication about the change and the impact on individuals, continues Ros.

It can lead to anxiety, people imagining worse case scenarios or spreading rumours about what might be happening.

Our work environment has a strong impact on our mood.

Insufficient space when working from home or inappropriate equipment can contribute to a more stressful working day.

Ros says: Some people find it stressful working completely on their own for long periods and suffer anxiety and uncertainty because theyre unaware of whats going on in the wider organisation or theyre unable to concentrate with other family members around them.

Another common cause of workplace stress is a failure to delegate, says executive coach Susy Roberts.

She explains: Delegation isnt simply a case of sharing your workload out. You cant dump the contents of your in-tray on the desks of your colleagues and expect them to get on with it thats abdication.

You need to have teams and structures in place, so everyone knows whats expected of them, and you know who the best person is for the job.

Every workplace is different, but these common factors cause stress and anxiety in all kinds of jobs and across various industries.

In some cases there are also relationship factors, such as difficult co-workers, difficult customers, violence, threats or bullying, discrimination and lack of managerial support, says Julia Dabrowski, a psychologist at Companion.

She adds: Some of these things will require external help. For example, if youre dealing with threats or discrimination in the workplace, its not something you can necessarily change with a positive mental attitude.

But many of the factors that cause us stress are things that we can do something about.

Here are some things to take into account

Identify the triggers

Dr Julia says: Try noticing the situations that typically trigger your anxiety.

What do you notice going on around you? What expectations are you faced with? Are these internal expectations that youre placing on yourself or external? Consider what may be going through your mind in these moments, what anxious thoughts are you having?

Journaling can be a great way of taking note of these day-to-day experiences, to recognise patterns of feelings or behaviours.

Identify and seek out the resources you need

Once you have an understanding of what is triggering the stress, its crucial to identify what resources you need to meet these needs or expectations.

It could be that you need more time for deadlines or training in specific areas.

If you think this problem is solvable, identify ways of seeking out the resources needed. You may need to speak to your manager if you feel consistently under-resourced, adds Dr Julia.

Chat to a manager

If youre feeling stressed or overwhelmed, it can be a good idea to chat to your manager, to see if anything can be done to help.

They also might be able to recognise if this is a common feeling within the team and take action if so.

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Practice anxiety and stress management techniques

Various stress and anxiety management techniques can help when things beyond your control get a bit much in the office.

Relaxation exercises, deep breathing and mindfulness are just a few things to try and various mental health apps offer these resources.

Continue to engage with areas of your life outside of work

When we feel stressed, it can feel instinctive to spend more time on work, and pull away from other activities, hobbies and relationships, says Dr Julia.

The more time we spend working, the more we close ourselves off to other activities and opportunities, and consequently the more focused we become on work.

As a result, when something goes wrong at work, we feel a more intense level of stress.Stress and anxiety reduce our objectivity. Working ever longer hours, we have less time available to access other things to distract ourselves or offer a sense of perspective and relief.

Its there a good idea to keep these external things up when youre feeling a bit stressed at work, as they can help you to keep a sense of perspective and be more objective about the worries youre facing.

Dr Julia adds: Next time you feel inclined to cancel social plans due to feeling tired from work, try taking the opposite action and engage with this activity.

You may notice that after the initial effort, it provides you with much needed support, stimulation or distraction, and an opportunity for you to regain some perspective.

Do you have a story to share?

Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@Metro.co.uk.

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Common causes of workplace stress - and how to deal with them - Metro.co.uk

Intellectual curiosity is fundamental to learning. Also known as epistemic curiosity, it is defined as the intense propensity to learn new things and is a function of temporal lobe. The desire among children to learn new things through asking searching questions with open mind is an example of intellectual curiosity among kids. Craving to know the unknown and charter voyage in direction hitherto untravelled often results in unravelling new things and widens the horizon of knowledge. As we grow from childhood to a school student and then college life, intellectual curiosity goes on increasing and so does on entry to working life.

However, as life becomes routine and pressure of doing repetitive things increases, the first casualty is intellectual curiosity. We concentrate on doing often forgetting the process of thinking. For a human being to progress, all the three facets thinking, doing and being are equally important. Combination of thinking and doing results in cognition abilities, both lower as well as higher (Intelligent Quotient: IQ), while the aptitude of being develops the self-awareness and enhances Emotional and Spiritual Quotient (EQ & SQ).

As we go old, mind usually slows down and we often lose propensity to learn new things. This slowing down of thinking as well as propensity to learn new things is aggravated by loss of neurons. The net result is loss of mental alertness / agility, lessening of concentration and decreased ability to learn and do anything new. The burden of routine life, if continued for a long time, results into idleness and boredom.

This possibly is the beginning of end of an active mind.

Creating Intellectual Curiosity is Key:

Purpose of life is not to live long but to live meaningfully with a purpose!! If this is the axiom, elders need to go back to the status of early childhood and develop childlike curiosity to go into learning mode. They need to think through what they like to do and what they would like to do for remaining period of active elder life. They should start asking questions at whatever new they see. This questioning mind will propel to instil intellectual curiosity and revitalize their learning abilities.

Some of the key steps in this regard include:

1. Health, mind and social relationship are the three key parameters of fulfilment of a complete human system. Though creating intellectual curiosity is more of a mental game, the other two parameters are required to be dealt with properly. This means that an elderly person has to have a good health and sound relationship to keep the mind agile and active. All the necessities of good health like diet, exercise, yoga / mediation, etc need to be engaged in for keeping good health. Similarly, the elderly should have adequate social relationship through communication / interaction (physical or otherwise) with friends / relatives / colleagues, among others. These two prerequisites namely, maintenance of good health and sound social relationship create a conducive climate for the mind to remain active.

2. The elderly individual should try to develop an attitude of observation with focus. This is key as the source of any new thought or idea comes from observation of a phenomenon. Mere passive observation may not be of much use. What is needed is active observation with focus that leads to searching questions. Many scientific discoveries have their root in observation. For example, the observation of fall of apples in a garden by Isaac Newton led to Universal Laws of Gravity.

3. Childlike curiosity is key to revelation and adoption of all knowledge. An elderly should develop this type of attitude to all things happening around him / her and start asking questions. The 5 Ws and 1 H are the key: WHAT, WHY, WHO, WHEN, WHERE, HOW? Answer to these 5 Ws & 1 H of any observed phenomenon might generate the interest to go into it further. For example, when we are observing any new technological phenomenon say, Podcasting, questions should be asked: what is this, who invented it, when it got started, where was it first launched, why cannot I learn it and how do I proceed to learn it. These questions might drive you to be proficient in Podcasting as an audio broadcasting tool.

4. Every small event or phenomenon must excite us. As we grow old, we think we know enough of everything and hence the basic propensity to learn new things goes down substantially. The antidote to the same lies in getting excited at every small new thing, unlearn whatever has been learnt and embrace new things / news / happening with an open mind. This open mind attitude of adopting novel ideas often leads to spirit of learning new things.

Way Forward:

Life is a journey. And like in a journey we get new stations and new friends, we should always expect new thoughts and ideas in our life. The journey of life becomes exciting if we go on learning, unlearning and relearning like a child till we live. This newness and learning attitude will make our life meaningful and not a boredom. Let us all enjoy the journey of life with a childlike curiosity!

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Senior Citizens: There Is Need to Develop Intellectual Curiosity - Free Press Journal

Often, stress and anxiety are used interchangeably. However, it must be known that there is a difference between the two. Stress and anxiety both impact us physically and psychologically, but different people them differently. So how does one differentiate?

Experts state that while stress is mostly external, anxiety is largely internal.

Although one can generate stress for oneself through negative self-talk, pessimistic attitude, or need for perfectionism, it is usually triggered by external factors. Too many responsibilities or a high-stakes work project can usually trigger a stress response. Anxiety, on the other hand, is largely internal and depends on how you react to stressors, said clinical psychologist, Narendra Kinger, founder, Talk To Me.

Often,even after the cessation or removal of stressors, some individuals may still feel overwhelmed and/or distressed. This distress is called anxiety. It is an exaggerated reaction or response to a given situation. If the worry and distress you feel in a given situation is unusual, excessive, or lasts much longer than most others, it may be anxiety rather than stress, Kinger told indianexpress.com.

Anxiety is a psychological reaction to any change that occurs. This reaction generally springs out from fear as a conditioned response. Overwhelming reaction to stress brings about anxiety at the emotional level. Stress is essential to keeping the spark of life while anxiety consumes life, mentioned Dr Karthiyayini Mahadevan, Head, Wellness and Wellbeing at Columbia Pacific Communities.

Causes

Where stress is concerned, there is always an external stressor or a trigger like a strict teacher, approaching deadline or a fight with a friend. With anxiety, there doesnt need to be a stressor, it can be a worry about something we think may happen in the future. Very often, what we worry about may not even happen, but the thought of it happening causes us to become anxious and panic, said Dr Shireen Stephen (Ph.D.), counselling psychologist, Mind Talk, Cadabams Hospitals, Bengaluru.

Dr Stephen differentiates between the two with an example. Stress is the pressure that you may be under to make a presentation at a team meeting or to complete a project on time or to finish studying for an exam. Anxiety is the worry that the presentation might not go well or that the project may not be good enough or that you might fail the exam, Dr Stephen mentioned.

As per Dr Stephen, another distinction is the duration stress lasts until the event is resolved but anxiety can be persistent and last for a very long time.

Symptoms

Symptoms of stress include moodiness, irritability or anger, feeling overwhelmed, dizzy, lonely, nauseous and a general feeling of unhappiness. Symptoms of anxiety include feeling restless, tense, nervous and a general feeling of dread.

Both stress and anxiety have common symptoms such as increased heart rate, breathing faster and having an upset stomach or being constipated, but as you can see, they differ in all other aspects, elaborated Dr Stephen.

How do they manifest?

Excessive anxiety or panic immobilises us and we are unable to function, said Kinger. Most stressful situations are difficult to get through but are ultimately manageable, whereas anxiety disorders prevent you from managing normal, everyday tasks, Kinger said.

While mild anxiety might be vague and unsettling, severe anxiety may seriously affect day-to-day living. Panic attacks are characteristic of panic disorder, a type of anxiety disorder. Also, high levels of stress and anxiety in social situations may indicate a social anxiety disorder, said Kinger.

One of the most common anxiety disorders is generalised anxiety disorder, said Dr J Mayurnath Reddy, consultant psychiatrist, Yashoda Hospitals Hyderabad. To identify if someone has generalised anxiety disorder, symptoms such as excessive, hard-to-control worry occurring most days over six months need to be noted. The worry may jump from topic to topic, Dr Reddy noted.

According to Dr Reffy, another type is panic disorder, which is marked by sudden attacks of anxiety that may leave a person sweating, dizzy, and gasping for air. Anxiety may also manifest in the form of specific phobias (such as fear of flying) or as social anxiety, which is marked by a pervasive fear of social situations.

How to cope?

Physical activity, a nutritious and varied diet, and good sleep hygiene are a good starting point to control these symptoms, said Dr Reddy.

If your stress or anxiety does not respond to these management techniques, or if they are affecting your day-to-day functioning or mood, consider talking to a mental health professional who can help you understand what you are experiencing and provide you additional coping tools, said Dr Reddy. According to Kinger, there are several actions to help a person cope with milder, more focused, or shorter-term anxiety disorders, including:

Stress management: Learning to manage stress can help limit potential triggers. Organise upcoming pressures and deadlines, compile lists to make daunting tasks more manageable, and commit to taking time off from study or work

Relaxation techniques: Meditation, deep breathing exercises, long baths, resting in the dark, and yoga interventions to replace negative thoughts with positive ones: Make a list of the negative thoughts that might be cycling as a result of anxiety, write down another list next to it containing positive, believable thoughts to replace them. Creating a mental image of successfully facing and conquering a specific fear can also provide benefits if anxiety symptoms relate to a specific cause, such as in a phobia.

Support network: Talk with people who are supportive, including family members or friends. Support group services may be available locally and online.

Exercise: Physical exertion can improve self-image and release chemicals in the brain that trigger positive feelings

Counselling: A standard way of treating anxiety is psychological counselling. This can include cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), psychotherapy, or a combination of therapies.

Another potential treatment is exposure therapy, which involves confronting anxiety triggers in a safe, controlled way in order to break the cycle of fear around the trigger, mentioned Dr Reddy.

Eventually, with a set of suitable mind-relaxing exercises, one can identify and differentiate the stress and triggers causing anxiety. Furthermore, it is important to remember that stress and anxiety are a natural and integral part of our daily life, and experiencing those does not always indicate the presence of a mental health disorder, Kinger said.

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What is the difference between stress and anxiety? - The Indian Express

Self-care and your immune system go hand in hand. Good habits that keep your mind healthywhich is often how we perceive self-carecan also keep your body healthy. With immunity so top of mind right now, it only makes sense that we're searching for more ways to keep ourselves healthy from the inside out.

Experts say that self-care and healthy habits are truly the best way to take care of yourself. "There are several products that market themselves as 'immune-boosting,' however the science behind these products is insufficient to support any of them," says Scott Kaiser, MD, a board-certified geriatrician and Director of Geriatric Cognitive Health for the Pacific Neuroscience Institute at Providence Saint John's Health Center in Santa Monica. "The best and most effective way to protect oneself from viral illnesses (including the common cold, flu, and coronavirus) is to maintain a healthy lifestyle."

Keep reading to find out how to boost your own immune system with some simple self-care habits that you can do every day. And for more, check out 3 Major Secrets to Living to 99, According to Betty White.

This should come as no surprise, but keeping up a regular exercise routine has an all-around positive effect on the body. "Exercise proves beneficial to immune health as well as improving circulation, which may help the body's immune system work more effectively as well," says Dr. Kaiser.

If you're concerned about spending money on equipment or a gym membership, you can rest easy. "There is much movement that can be creatively done in the comfort and safety of your own home," says Mayra Mendez, PhD, LMFT, a licensed psychotherapist and program coordinator for intellectual and developmental disabilities and mental health services at Providence Saint John's Child and Family Development Center in Santa Monica. She suggests simply going up and down the stairs or just walking around outside or indoors.

Related:Sign up for our newsletterfor the latest health and fitness news!

Simply going outside for a few minutes a day can have a positive impact on your overall well-being. , "Studies have linked the vitamin D that you might get from a healthy stroll out in the sun and so many more factors with a healthy immune system," says Dr. Kaiser.

And Dr. Mendez seconds the idea of enjoying things you're passionate about, like listening to music and taking in the sunshine, noting that at their core, they're a great method of self-care.

Related: The #1 Best Place to Exercise, Says Science

Not only is it just plain fun to talk to your friends and family and engage in social activities, it can actually be good for your body and mind.

"The impact of social isolation is tremendous, and a subjective feeling of loneliness has been found to be as dangerous to the body as smoking," Dr. Kaiser says. By spending time with your loved ones, you're giving yourself that boost of happiness that can help your attitude and your brain.

"Sharing thoughts and experiences with trusted others is validating and provides an easy and cost-free way of engaging in a self-care activity," Dr. Mendez adds.

Related: Sure Signs of Seasonal Affective Disorder, MD Says

You already know that sleep is a crucial part of your health. People need different amounts of sleep at different points in their lives, but a full night of sleep is generally seven to nine hours for adults.

Not only do you need enough hours, though, but you also need good sleep hygiene. That means getting a quality night of sleep each night on a steady schedule.

Dr. Kaiser notes that poor sleep is linked to plenty of health issues, like dementia and other cognitive concerns. Plus, when you don't sleep enough, your body doesn't have enough time to repair itself and get ready to start the new day, so you might experience brain fog that slows you down.

Meditation can help you find your zen, but most importantly, it can help you manage your daily stress. "Stress has been linked to inflammation, which weakens the immune system, makes us susceptible to infection, and takes a toll on mental and physical health," Dr. Kaiser says.

With just a few minutes of meditation a day, you can help slow down your mind and wash away some of the annoyances from the day. "Breathing exercises such as practicing abdominal breathing takes just a few seconds and creates an incredible sense of calm in the body," Dr. Mendez adds.

Related: This Is the Most Stressful State in the U.S. Data Shows

If eating healthy doesn't sound like self-care, then you should look at it a bit differently. Maybe you teach yourself how to cook so eating feels more rewarding. Maybe you challenge yourself to try new healthy recipes. If you absolutely hate cooking, perhaps you figure out a way to make healthy eating enjoyable, like by finding new healthy restaurants in your neighborhood.

"When eating to boost the immune system, you can aim to include foods high in specific vitamins and minerals, like zinc and vitamin C, that are linked to healthy immune function," Dr. Kaiser says.

Here's a whole list of popular foods that can boost your immune system.

For more, check out these Surprising Effects of Doing Yoga, According to Science.

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The Best Self-Care Habits That Improve Your Immunity, Experts Say Eat This Not That - Eat This, Not That

Anthony Edwards has been performing as one of the leagues brightest young stars this season.

LOS ANGELES The smile captured Anthony Edwards positive outlook. So did his candor regarding a topic that perhaps would have bothered other top NBA prospects.

Despite leading last seasons rookie class in points per game (19.3) and minutes played (32.1) while appearing in the entire 72-game season with the Minnesota Timberwolves, Edwards failed to win the NBAs Rookie of the Year award. That honor went to Charlotte Hornets point guard LaMelo Ball, who led the leagues rookies last season in assists per game (6.1).

I dont care about that, Edwards told NBA.com. Im happy Melo got it. They were saying our Draft class wasnt going to be good, anyway. So, it didnt bother me that I didnt get it.

Edwards has other reasons for his apathy about not collecting individual hardware to commemorate his rookie season.

Presumably, Edwards became more excited about the Timberwolves dominant 107-83 win to the Los Angeles Lakers on Friday at Staples Center. The Timberwolves (4-7) snapped a six-game losing streak. They outscored the Lakers in the third quarter, 40-12. And Minnesota showcased its youthful potential while exploiting an injury-riddled and defensively-challenged Lakers team.

Game Recap: Timberwolves 107, Lakers 83

Edwards did not speak after posting a modest nine points while shooting 4-of-11 from the field and 1-of-5 from 3-point range and one assist. Minnesotas dynamic duo in Karl-Anthony Towns (29 points) and DAngelo Russell (22) took center stage. Yet, Towns argued that Edwards played a game that was exactly what we needed from him with his gravity, driving and playmaking. That also captured Edwards want to ensure his impact goes beyond any statistical contributions.

Im trying to be MVP, Edwards said. Im not really worried about Rookie of the Year.

Edwards stressed he has not envisioned what his second season will actually look like, stressing the old-age adage of approaching the season just game-by-game, day-by-day. Besides, Golden States Stephen Curry or Brooklyns Kevin Durant will likely have a rebuttal toward Edwards MVP aspirations. But Edwards bold ambitions underscore a larger point.

Following promising returns as the Timberwolves No. 1 draft pick in 2020 after playing for one season at the University of Georgia, Edwards admittedly believes he has just scratched the surface toward reaching his full potential.

Ive always been an underdog coming into college, Edwards said. Im just here to be great and compete every day and be the best version of myself and try to help my team.

The best version of Edwards already looks promising.

Through 11 games, he appears strongly on pace to surpass his averages in points per game (24.4), shooting percentage (42.7%) and 3-point shooting (33.7%) as well as rebounds (six) and assists (3.3) compared to his rookie season (19.3 points on 41.7% from the field and 32.9% from 3 as well as 4.7 rebounds and 2.9 assists). After posting a career-high 48 points against the Golden State Warriors this week, the 20-year-old Edwards joined Durant, LeBron James, Luka Doni and John Drew as the only NBA players to have three 40-point plus games before turning 21.

I do love the approach that he feels he has to keep proving himself because he does, Timberwolves coach Chris Finch said. Thats part of the consistency, which we need him to play at every night. Weve talked to him about that recently that good players go out and impose themselves on the basketball game, regardless of what teams are trying to do.

Mark Medina discusses the Timberwolves' optimism for Anthony Edwards and the great start to his sophomore year.

To prevent a sophomore slump, Edwards developed a consistent offseason and in-season routine.

How did Edwards spend most of his summer days? He lifted weights in the morning to maximize athleticism and strength in his listed 6-foot-4, 225-pound frame. He completed two-a-day training sessions to fulfill two purposes. He took countless free-throws, 3-point shooting and floaters in hopes to improve his shooting range and consistency. He also completed various drills that entailed going downhill and attacking the basket. In between those training sessions, Edwards went bowling with close friends and insisted he won the majority of those games.

This marked a stark contrast to how Edwards prepared for his rookie season. Because of pandemic-related restrictions, Edwards never had a summer league or an extended training camp to practice. As Towns mused, we just put him on the court and said, Figure it out.

It has made a difference for me just because I never really had a routine, Edwards said. Im just starting one. Its big for me. Its given me structure.

Since the season started, Edwards has stayed just as disciplined in between practices and games. He reports to practice early enough both to receive treatment and squeeze in a workout. Following practice, Edwards completes more shooting drills before receiving more treatment and a massage.

I hope that takes my game to the next level, Edwards said. I hope it helps me make my team (better) and take my team to the next level.

Perhaps it will, but it also has led to some initial hiccups.

He came into this season wanting to show the benefits of all of his work in the summer time, Finch said. But he forgot who he really is and what makes him so dynamic.

Therefore, the Timberwolves have encouraged him to worry less about taking outside shots and more about attacking the basket. That way, Edwards can both take advantage of his athleticism and build a rhythm that will ensure a better shooting percentage. The Timberwolves attributed that recent change as instrumental to his 48-point performance against Golden State.

Anthony Edwards catches fire for a career-high 48 points against the Warriors.

Timberwolves veteran guard Patrick Beverley added that he has talked to Edwards about mastering the little things and described him as sponge with soaking in feedback.

I still havent figured out the best approach just because its my second year, Edwards said. As far as physically being ready, Im always there. But Ill figure out the mental aspect of figuring out ways to get myself ready and locked in every night.

Its clear Edwards has already figured out one thing: he hardly seems intimidated on the court. In Wednesdays 123-110 loss to the Warriors, Edwards proclaimed to Curry, Im about to go for 50. Edwards fell only two points shy.

I dont care who Im going against. Im not worried about them, Edwards said. But I would say the one I was looking forward to going against was Kevin Durant. He was my favorite player.

Those exchanges both capture Edwards confidence and lack of filter.

Theres not a lot of [BS] to him, Finch said. He keeps it pretty real with himself and his teammates. Hes not afraid of the moment. His habits are getting better.

One area that does leave Edwards feeling a little insecure: how to emerge fully as a leader.

Its hard. But I feel like Ive been a leader since Ive been playing sports, Edwards said. Just because we got older guys so its like, theyre the leaders right now. But Im slowly, but surely, emerging.

Edwards has emerged enough that Timberwolves center Naz Reid observed that he has become more outspoken.

Edwards has criticized the teams efforts after squandering multiple double-digit leads. Edwards also has pleaded for teammates to keep fighting after facing double-digit deficits.

Anthony Edwards continues to emerge as a leader for the Timberwolves.

Yet, Edwards still considers himself more of an action leader both because of his age and personality.

He still wants to buy equity by letting his work habits and play cast a stronger impression than his words. Edwards also has found it important to keep a positive attitude with both his body language and words.

Guys get down when were losing, Edward said. Were finding ourselves right now. Were 10 games in. We got 72 more games. Who says we cant go on a 20-game win streak? You never know.

The Timberwolves have since cemented a new winning streak, but Edwards admitted uncertainty about the teams full potential.

We can be really good, or we can be really bad, Edwards said beforehand. No in between.

Some of the Timberwolves success or failure will hinge on Towns and Russell staying healthy after missing a combined 64 games last season. Edwards argued it will also hinge on the energy and focus the Timberwolves show at the beginning of games, practices and film sessions. And the Timberwolves ceiling surely hinges on Edwards, who has much bigger aspirations than just ensuring he stays among the best in a talented Draft class after appearing on the NBAs All-Rookie First team.

To have him at a young age already figure out how to be himself in the offense and with the team is great, Towns said. Obviously, were going to continue to build his confidence and keep teaching him and keep telling him how special he really is. Hes always confident, and were going to keep building his confidence so he can be the superstar we all know he can be.

And perhaps Edwards can become that superstar partly because he has not become consumed with collecting awards that proclaim him as one.

* * *

Mark Medina is a senior writer/analyst forNBA.com. You can e-mail himhere, find his archivehereand follow himon Twitter.

The views on this page do not necessarily reflect the views of the NBA, its clubs or Turner Broadcasting.

Link:
'Im trying to be MVP': Anthony Edwards looking to take his game to next level - NBA.com

The story of the first Thanksgiving has been mythologized in countless media, but concrete facts from the day are limited. Almost all the information historians have about the event comes from a letter written by Plymouth Plantation colonist Edward Winslow in December 1621. He wrote of a harvest feast the Pilgrims shared with the native Wampanoag people over three days in late autumn. The meal would have looked unfamiliar to people who associate Thanksgiving with green bean casserole, marshmallow-topped sweet potatoes, and pumpkin pie: Dishes on the menu included venison and wild fowl.

We dont know every item that was served at that celebration, but we do know that many traditional Thanksgiving dishes were probably (or in some cases, definitely) absent. When you sit down to dinner on the fourth Thursday in November, be thankful for these foods that werent a supermarket-trip away in 1621.

Much of the produce associated with Thanksgiving wasnt present at the Pilgrims dinner table. That likely includes green beans, and green bean casserole certainly didnt make an appearance at the first Thanksgiving dinner. The recipe for green beans baked with cream of mushroom soup and topped with french-fried onions was first developed by Campbells employee Dorcas Reilly in 1955 for the backs of soup cans. Compared to many traditional Thanksgiving dishes, green bean casserole is fairly modern.

Pumpkin pie wasnt served for dessert at the first Thanksgivingnor was any pie, for that matter. The Pilgrims probably didnt have access to many of the things needed to make pie crust, including butter, flour, and ovens. But that doesnt mean pumpkin was left out of the meal entirely. The gourd is native to the Americas, and cooks at the first Thanksgiving may have roasted it whole or stewed it in a pot.

No flour also meant no gravy to go with the venison and waterfowl on the table. Though its possible the cooks saved drippings from the meat, it wouldnt have been the traditional, thickened gravy we know today. One sauce that likely appeared on the menu was green sauce, a condiment that was made by cooking down produce like squash, onions, and spinach into a thick goop. Turkey gravy has never sounded so appealing.

Another ingredient missing from the Pilgrims pantries was sugar. Without it, they wouldnt have been able to cook down the cranberries that grew in Massachusetts into a sweet sauce. The Wampanoag people were known to harvest the berries from local cranberries bogs and dry them to use in dishes all winter. There werent any cranberry bogs in the immediate area of the Plymouth Plantation, however, so the first Thanksgiving may have lacked the fruitin sauce form or otherwise.

Potatoes are native to South America, and they had yet to land in New England at the time of the first Thanksgiving in 1621. Thats probably for the best, because what good are mashed potatoes if you cant make them into a gravy volcano?

Without pie crust, apple pie also would have been missing from the inaugural Thanksgiving dinner. The main ingredient was absent as well. Apples still hadnt made the trip to New England from Europe, but that would soon change. By the mid-1600s, cider was the colonists drink of choice.

The Pilgrims had no wheat flour for baking traditional bread rolls in 1621. Instead, the first Thanksgiving featured corn bread from Wampanoag cuisine.

This southern Thanksgiving staple wasnt served when the Puritans and the Wampanoags sat down for dinner in 1621. In addition to the lack of ingredients for making pasta, macaroni and cheese wasnt eaten in America at this time. Thomas Jefferson is credited with popularizing the dish in the U.S. in the 19th century after first trying it in France.

Thats rightthe food thats become synonymous with Thanksgiving probably wasnt served at the original feast; the birds werent common game animals at that time. We do know that the dinner guests did indulge in some type of wild fowl: Duck, geese, swans, and carrier pigeons are all more likely possibilities than turkey.

Sweet potatoes had yet to arrive in New England via the Caribbean in 1621. Mini marshmallows also werent available on the Plymouth Plantation.

Modern stuffingor dressingis made from a mixture of cubed bread, spices, veggies, and occasionally meat. The mixture that stuffed the fowl cooked for the first Thanksgiving wouldnt have included bread. Onions and nuts were the main ingredients of the breadless stuffing the Pilgrims enjoyed.

Continued here:
11 Foods Missing From the First Thanksgiving - Mental Floss

In 2005, pop star Nick Jonas was 13 years old, singing his heart out on tour with his band the Jonas Brothers, when he landed in the hospital.

I was in really bad shape, actually. I lost about 20 pounds in 2 weeks. I couldnt drink enough water, was going to the bathroom all the time; very irritable, which is a symptom of high blood sugar, he told Healthline.

When doctors discovered his blood sugar level was over 900 mg/dL (less than 140 mg/dL is considered normal range), Jonas was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes.

That was alarming and the start to my life with this disease. Its pretty wild to think back that had it gone untreated just a few more days, it could have been really, really bad, but I got the care I needed when I needed it, Jonas said.

A few days after his hospital stay, he was back on tour performing with his brothers.

Ive always been very determined and passionate about the work that I do. This was a scary kind of reality that I had to face, but not something where I was going to, for a single second, let it slow me down, he said.

In addition to the support of his friends and family, Jonas credits the care of doctors and innovations in diabetes management tools for helping him move forward.

I think technology is incredibly important when it comes to life with diabetes, and it is a pretty crazy thing to think that even in my 16 years as a type 1 diabetic, how much has changed and how far the tech has come, Jonas said.

Jonas teamed up with The Global Movement for Time in Range, an initiative that aims to accelerate the adoption of time in range as an important metric in diabetes management.

Dr. Minisha Sood, endocrinologist at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York, explained that time in range is the duration of time during which a persons glucose levels are in the goal range.

We know that increasing time in range lowers hemoglobin A1c, and lower A1C is associated with a decrease in complications from diabetes, Sood told Healthline. Most health practitioners and patients use A1C to gauge someones glucose control, but time in range and using glycemic variability are important tools to give us the whole picture.

For Jonas, time in range has been a helpful metric.

Life-changing, in fact, to have a better sense where Im at and where Im headed in real time, and a bigger, broader view of my life with diabetes and how to live my happiest and healthiest life, he said.

Jonas recently discovered that his A1C was the best its been since receiving his diagnosis, and said time in range is part of the reason.

By joining The Global Movement for Time in Range, he hopes to raise awareness for the need for greater global access to diabetes technology that can measure time in range.

In addition to advocating for improved access to diabetes care, during November, Jonas is using his Instagram to help the world #SeeDiabetes by featuring inspiring stories of people around the world living with diabetes.

Hell also speak candidly about his own diabetes journey on Nov. 16 the anniversary of his diagnosis.

Whats interesting about diabetes is that it affects so many people, not just the individual themselves, but their friends, family should someone see something on my channel whether they are diabetic or not and being able to share that with someone they know who lives with the disease, is a really interesting and exciting thing to get to do, Jonas said.

In 2020, The Global Movement for Time in Range conducted a survey of people with insulin-treated diabetes.

The survey found that 84 percent of respondents with insulin-treated diabetes believe they deserve the most cutting-edge technology available to manage their disease. However, many are still unable to access it.

The underserved and overlooked individuals with diabetes do not have access to the best medications and devices, knowledgeable [healthcare professionals], proper education, and support, Dr. Steven Edelman, professor at the University of California, San Diego, told Healthline. We really need to do something to help these people living with diabetes and their family members.

Sood agreed, and noted that people living with diabetes constantly fight against increasing costs of supplies and medications used to manage their condition.

They also struggle to gain access to the new and breakthrough medications due to high cost and other factors. When people with diabetes are hospitalized, they often must advocate for themselves because in-hospital diabetes management is woefully inadequate, generally speaking, Sood said.

By teaming up with The Global Movement for Time in Range, Jonas aims to help people understand they are deserving of adequate care, and give hope that they can manage their condition well.

When I was diagnosed, being in the hospital was bleak and honestly overwhelming and scary, he said.

Jonas believes if he had heard someone he was a fan of or looked up to talk about living with diabetes, it could have created normalcy around his experience.

He hopes to help his fans in this way.

I think the encouraging thing for them to know is that this is a manageable disease, and there may be a bump along the way, but you can do it, Jonas said.

If you can just take the pressure off yourself and allow yourself to go on that journey and do the best you can each day, then thats all that matters, he said.

Cathy Cassata is a freelance writer who specializes in stories around health, mental health, medical news, and inspirational people. She writes with empathy and accuracy and has a knack for connecting with readers in an insightful and engaging way. Read more of her work here.

Originally posted here:
How Nick Jonas Is Living His Healthiest Life with Type 1 Diabetes - Healthline

An inquest into the death of aFirst Nations manwho died after falling eightmetres while trying to escape custodyhas heard that a "real lack of humanity" by correctional staff contributed to the man's avoidable death.

NSW deputy state coroner Elaine Truscott heard that Wiradjuri man Bailey Mackander was taken to hospital in November 2019 after he reported swallowing batteries and razor blades.

Mr Mackander, 20, had been isolated in an assessment or 'safe' cell at Kariong Correctional Centre, where he was reportedly heard screamingin distress for two days.

A decision was made to take him to Gosford Hospital.

ThePort Stephens mandied after escaping custody, climbingover a concrete barrier and falling 8metres.

The inquest heard the cell Mr Mackander was placed in was deemed unsafe for him as he suffered from anxiety.

Lawyer Georgia Lewer, who represented Mr Mackander's father and stepmother, was scathing in her closing submission.

"On numerous occasions, Bailey was dealt with in a contemptuous manner," she said.

"There was gross disregard for his deteriorating mental state;guards stepped over him and entirely ignored him in the cell.

"His request for dinneris ignored, a request to turn off the TV so he can sleep is ignored.

"This conduct by a number of corrective services staff shows a real lack of humanity in dealing with Bailey and reflects a culture where inmates are seen as less than human and disentitled to dignity."

Paperwork given to treating doctors atGosford Hospital byguards stated that Mr Mackander had a habit of "crying wolf".

The inquest heard the language was inappropriate and had the capacity to undermine [hospital]treatment Mr Mackander might have received.

In his closing submission, Bill de Mars, the lawyer for Mr Mackander's mother Tracey,said that following Mr Mackander'streatment, panic set in which resulted in the deceased scaling the ambulance bay wall and falling to his death.

"We find a key motivating factor in the action Bailey took was the fear and anxiety of returning to the observation cell based on his previous distress," Mr de Mars said.

"But for Baileys placement in the cell and the manner in which he was treated, he would not have taken the action that he did."

The lawyer for Bailey's father,David, and step-mother,Melissa, reached the same conclusion.

"With the horror of the conditions he thought confronted him in the assessment cell, he may have felt so distressed at the thought of returning," Ms Lewer said.

The inquest heard Mr Mackander had anxiety and mental health issues for at least nine weeks prior to his death.

The inquest heard he was meant to have weekly appointments with a psychologist, but that had notoccurred.

The lawyer for a treating nurse said in her submission that "there was tremendous pressure placed on her client and she didn't have specific mental health training".

The inquest heard Mr Mackanderhad not had a medication assessment or a comprehensive mental health assessment in the lead-up to his death.

Mr Mackander's family spoke of a kind, loving boy, who sought rehabilitation, despite notreatment places being available.

"The family wish me to emphasisethat Bailey was gentle and he was kind. He was still very young, with limited life or jail experience, struggling to find his place in the world," Ms Lewer said.

"[The family]want to acknowledge the loss of a unique individual in a prison system that has failed many, particularly Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men.

"It is a problem that requires wholesalepolitical and community support, and fundamental change."

Coroner Truscott previously described Mr Mackander as "abeautiful boy in a not-so-beautiful system".

On Tuesday, she reached out to the family again, noting that three days had past since the second anniversary of Mr Mackander's death.

Coroner Truscott will hand down herfindings on December 15.

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Original post:
Parents of Indigenous man Bailey Mackander say 'contemptuous' actions by correctional officers contributed to death - ABC News