Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a group of neurological conditions that affect brain development and can lead to challenges with social skills, language and communication, learning and behavior. In the United States, 1 in 44 children is diagnosed with ASD, and two percent of adults are estimated to have ASD.

Autism Awareness Month

Autism Awareness Month, observed annually in April, evolved from the Autism Society of America’s first National Autistic Children’s Week in 1972 and the United Nation’s official observance of World Autism Awareness Day on April 2, which highlight the need to improve the quality of life of those with ASD so they can lead full and meaningful lives and be an integral part of society.

How does autism awareness help individuals with ASD?

Autism awareness is knowing an individual has ASD and recognizing the signs and symptoms, such as social communication challenges, restricted interests and repetitive behaviors. Awareness can lead to acceptance and help with:

• Improved inclusion for people with autism
• Decreased bullying and exclusion
• Greater support in schools, at home, etc.
• A better understanding of ASD in communities
• Better integration of people with ASD into communities, jobs, etc.

Autism Acceptance Month

Today, Autism Awareness Month has evolved into Autism Acceptance Month. Organized by Paula C. Durbin-Westby, an autistic disability rights activist, Autism Acceptance Day was first observed on April 1, 2011 as a way to counteract negative images of autism prevalent in many autism “awareness” media pieces. Autism Acceptance Day and Autism Acceptance Month quickly became popular in the autistic community. In 2021, the Autism Society formally adopted the name Autism Acceptance Month to foster acceptance and ignite positive change in the lives of those with autism and their families.

How does autism acceptance help individuals with ASD?

Autism acceptance means moving past surface impressions; including individuals with ASD in your activities; and helping them to develop and thrive in the community, and connect with others.
With acceptance from others, individuals with ASD have an easier time navigating life’s everyday challenges without the stress of being judged and ridiculed. Autism acceptance can provide individuals who have ASD:

• Adequate validation of their condition and emotions
• Improved self-acceptance, confidence, and mental health
• Better relationships with peers
• Increased quality of everyday life

This increased sense of self-acceptance and compassion will give individuals with autism more confidence to interact openly with peers, take part in group activities and try new things.

How can I practice autism acceptance and inclusion?

We can all take actionable steps that encourage acceptance and inclusion of individuals with ASD in our communities.

• Diversify your child’s bookshelf. Select books with characters of varying abilities, such as ASD. Reading is an excellent way to engage your child in conversations about acceptance and inclusion of differences from a very young age. Three books that focus specifically on ASD are:
  • A Friend for Henry by Jenn Bailey–This heartfelt story from the perspective of a boy on the autism spectrum who is on the lookout for a friend who shares, listens, and maybe even likes things to stay the same and all in order, as he does, celebrates the everyday magic of friendship with insight and warmth.
  • A Friend Like Simon by Kate Gaynor–This story is about an autistic child who joins a “typical” classroom and faces many challenges. Young readers will learn how to be mindful of and patient with their autistic peers, while also learning about the many ways an autistic child can contribute to a friendship and community.
  • All My Stripes: A Story for Children with Autism by Shaina Rudolph and Danielle Royer–Zane the zebra has autism, and he is worried that his friends and classmates will make fun of his stripes, which make him different. As Zane learns having autism is one of the many things that actually makes him special, your child will relate to Zane and realize they, too, have plenty to be proud of.
• Expand your circle. Expanding your family’s network of friendships and activities to include individuals with different abilities, such as ASD, can provide opportunities for all to connect with and learn from others.
• Focus on strengths, not just challenges. Many individuals with ASD exhibit highly focused interests, such as technology or animals. Inviting them to participate in activities or groups that involve their interests creates pathways for individuals with ASD to form friendships. Focusing on the unique abilities of individuals with ASD strengthens their sense of self and achievement.

How can I learn more about ASD?

You can find free resources that increase awareness, celebrate differences and support inclusion on our Autism Awareness website, including a recording of the Magellan Healthcare and Kyo webinar, “What is Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and how can it help my family?”

SOURCES:

• Applied Behavioral Analysis Programs Guide
• Autism Center for Kids
• Autistic Self Advocacy Network
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 
• Chronicle Books
• Dictionary.com
• National Today
• Texas Children’s Hospital
• United Nations
• USA Today

The body is an amazing instrument. Major organs work together to allow you to breathe, convert food into nutrients, move in space, reproduce, protect yourself or heal from illness, and perceive and make sense of the world around you. While the body is capable of so much, why do many individuals dislike their bodies? The answer to this question is more complicated than it may appear.

What is Body Image?

Body image is a term that describes thoughts, feelings, beliefs, attitudes, and perceptions about one’s body (Hosseini & Padhy, 2022).

Specifically, body image is defined as:

• How you see your body, including your height, shape, and weight, and individual body parts,
• What you think and believe about your body,
• How you feel about your body, and
• What you do to address your feelings, beliefs, attitudes, and perceptions about your body.

Body image is an important component of overall wellbeing and influences how people function on a day-to-day basis. Body image exists along a negative/positive continuum and may change at any time. When realistic expectations, acceptance of and/or satisfaction with the body occur, a positive body image is experienced. Conversely, when thoughts, feelings and beliefs about the body are inconsistent with an ideal image one forms in their mind, a negative body image occurs (Office of Women’s Health, 2021; National Eating Disorders Association [NEDA], 2021).

How is Body Image formed?

The development of body image is a complex process. It begins in early childhood and evolves over time. The process consists of interactions between external and internal factors (Hosseini & Padhy, 2022; NEDA, 2021).

• External Factors: Cultural/Environmental/Social—Messages from parents, siblings, peers, teachers, and the media influence beliefs and assumptions about the body. Comparisons to others coupled with a culture that focuses on beauty, perfection, and anti-aging may contribute to shaping opinions about the self. This is often seen on social media as it often perpetuates that beauty and perfection are the ultimate goals, with filters and editing tools creating a distorted reality. The constant bombardment of images promoting youthfulness can make individuals feel inadequate and self-conscious about their appearance. Traumatic experiences (accidents, sexual/physical assault, emotional neglect) may impact body image. Developmental milestones such as transitioning from child to adulthood, starting a family, dealing with adult children leaving home, and aging/retiring from work may increase the probability of fluctuating body images.
• Internal Factors: Personality/Emotional/Psychological—Anxiety and depression, and personality characteristics such as perfectionism, rigid thinking, and high expectations of self may influence or reinforce body image.

Tips on Achieving and Maintaining a Positive Body Image

Your wellbeing is in part, dependent on your body image. Therefore, working towards and maintaining a positive body image benefits your physical and psychological health, as well as your relationships with others. These recommendations may help you in your journey (NEDA, 2021) toward an optimal body image.

• Remember your body is merely the shell in which your emotional, physical, and spiritual person resides. Your body does not define you.
• Take care of your body. To function properly, your body needs a consistent dose of nourishment, including food, physical activity, and social relationships.
• When thoughts about your appearance start to overwhelm you, remind yourself of all the things your body can do. Your body allows you to move through space, view the world around you, problem-solve, experience different emotions, and connect with others.
• Limit negative media influences: Unfollow sites that equate extreme body types (for example, very thin or very muscular) with happiness. This includes unfollowing people and influencers on social media that put a focus on unrealistic body images. Receive information on healthy dieting from your doctor, not the media. Observe the contents of advertisements with critical eyes and ears before making impulsive decisions to adopt the message or purchase the item.
• Surround yourself with positive people and messages. Being with people you trust and receiving messages that inspire you help to prevent an unrealistic body image.

Be mindful of signs that may signal a path toward a negative body image. It is normal to engage in some of these behaviors every now and then. However, if you find that these activities are starting to interfere with or prevent you from accomplishing routine daily activities, it may be time to discuss these issues with your doctor. Avoid these behaviors:

• Looking in the mirror multiple times a day.
• Believing that happiness is equated to physical attractiveness.
• Comparing your appearance to others.
• Avoiding social situations because you are not attractive enough.
• Wearing loose or bulky clothes to hide your body shape.
• Engaging in extreme diets.
• Declining invitations where eating is involved.
• Refusing to be part of a photograph or editing photographs of yourself before sharing them.
• Approaching hygiene needs or shopping for clothes with dread.
• Feeling depressed or anxious, or having trouble concentrating after you eat.
• Asking friends and family about their opinions regarding your appearance.

An ideal body is not measured by how you look. An ideal body is one that functions optimally and allows you to embrace what life has to offer. Slowly shifting your thoughts from self-criticism to ones of appreciation and respect may improve your overall wellbeing.

References

• Hosseini SA, Padhy RK. [Updated 2022 Sep 5] Body Image Distortion. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK546582/
• National Eating Disorder Association. (2018, February 22). 10 steps to positive body image. Body Retrieved from https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/body-image-0 https://www.womenshealth.gov/mental-health/body-image-and-mental-health/body-image
• S. Department of Health & Human Services. February 17, 2021, Office of the Assistant Secretary of Health. Office of Women’s Health. Body Image https://www.womenshealth.gov/mental-health/body-image-and-mental-health/body-image

Introduction

When disasters or tragedies occur, people seek information from traditional news sources and social media. Staying up to date is part of being an informed citizen, and while consuming media can be beneficial in moderation, “doomscrolling” — exposing yourself to a never-ending stream of distressing information — could be negatively impacting your overall wellbeing.

If you find yourself overwhelmed by the constant flow of negative information but can’t bring yourself to turn away from Twitter, you are not alone. For 50 years, Magellan Federal has helped more than three million civilian employees and their families enhance their emotional wellness and reduce stress. The following information and tips can help you to avoid doomscrolling if your social media usage is getting in the way of your wellness.

Doomscrolling Defined

Doomscrolling (also known as doomsurfing) is the term used for persistent and excessive reading of negative news online. It was popularized by Quartz reporter Karen Ho in 2020 during the lockdown at the height of the COVID pandemic. Like many of us,  Ho struggled with compulsively reading upsetting news about the ongoing pandemic. She would send nightly tweets (pictured right) to her followers encouraging them to take a break from doomscrolling bad news and to get a good night’s sleep (8).

Doomscrolling Characteristics — What to Look Out For

Doomscrolling differs from regular social media usage and has four main characteristics that makes it a distinct activity.

• This is a persistent activity that becomes habitual.
• It is caused by environmental factors.
• The sessions are multiple hours, and the user often loses track of time.
• The content viewed is negative, distressing, and timely.

While typical social media usage may have one or more of the above-mentioned factors, all factors are present for doomscrolling. Further, a study used to create a doomscrolling scale found the activity was highly associated with “online vigilance, problematic internet/social media use, and FOMO” (fear of missing out) (13).

Reasons for Doomscrolling

Fear of the unknown is the primary motivator driving people to engage in doomscrolling, however, multiple factors may contribute to and perpetuate their fear.

Biological Imperative

During times of crisis or tragedy, people gather information to reduce uncertainty, create a plan, and attempt to exert some measure of control over the situation (17). This behavior is rooted in survival instincts related to paying more attention to negative information than positive and scanning the environment for danger to protect one’s family (14).

Fear of Missing Out (FOMO)

While FOMO typically refers to anxiety experienced as a result of seeing an exciting or interesting event happening elsewhere, FOMO also applies to doomscrolling. With no end to social media posts, there is always one more piece of information that could be read.

Perpetuating the Cycle

With doomscrolling, the information collected on tragedies and disasters that was meant to reduce uncertainty and allay feelings of anxiety instead increases these feelings, particularly when the events are beyond one’s control. As we scroll, we’re flooded with information that for the most part, we can do nothing about, except to keep scrolling and sharing, perpetuating the cycle. As a result, we feed the paralyzing loop of information that can lead to feelings of helplessness and despair (11).

Algorithms

It’s no secret that the goal of social media titans like Facebook and Twitter is to have users interact with their products for as long as possible. To that end, these platforms create algorithms to learn their customers’ habits and then customize the online experience to them (15). The more a user interacts with the platform, the more the algorithm “learns” what content to provide, without concern for possible user harm (8). As a result, the curated content displayed for each user plays on their emotions to keep them engaged—even negative ones. Naturally, repeated exposure to distressing content can have a negative impact on mental health.

Risk Factors

Current research findings show that certain individuals are more likely to engage in doomscrolling than others.

• Men and younger adults regardless of ideological beliefs (13)
• Those with anxiety or depressive disorders
• People who score high in neuroticism
• Those who are addicted to social media (12)
• Individuals with previous childhood maltreatment experiences

Effects of Doomscrolling

Since the start of the pandemic, there have been multiple studies on the mental health effects of doomscrolling. Recent research findings suggest doomscrolling is associated with:

• Increased anxiety and psychological distress
• Lower mental well-being
• Increased depression
• Increased phone use
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) symptoms
• Decline in sleep quality

Prevention & Coping Techniques

As with most harmful habits, the best time to address them is before they start. Many of the techniques and tips provided below can be used to both prevent doomscrolling (or any excessive social media use) and also to help reduce doomscrolling once it has become a habit.

Technology Tips

• See no evil: Provide feedback on social media posts with negative content by using the “hide post” or “block/mute” features. This will provide information to the platform algorithm to provide less of this type of content (9).
• Set a time: Reduce the amount of time online by using screen timers and stick to no more than 30 minutes as any more has been connected to increased levels of anxiety (3, 17).
• Scroll with purpose: Picking a specific subject to get information on will not only help meet the new scrolling time limits, but it will also create a sense of accomplishment when the information is obtained (17).
• Subdue screen colors: As all casinos know, the more flashy and colorful something is, the easier it is to keep someone’s attention. Changing social media settings to “gray–scale” will make the screens more monotone/less visually appealing and can make it easier to stop scrolling (3).
• Search for the happy: Known as “hopescrolling,” this can lead to more positive thoughts and can help “reset” social media algorithms to show you more positive content.

Beyond Online

• Connect with others: Share the burden with loved ones and others within your social networks to reduce anxiety (17).
• Connect with yourself: Perform regular self-check ins by listening to your body and paying attention to how you are feeling to understand when it is time to take a break (16, 17).
• Connect with the outdoors: Engage in hobbies that involve the outdoors including exercise and fresh air while leaving technology, and feelings of anxiety behind (17).

Clinical Support

• Nonmedical counseling: Qualified counselors can help create a plan to address the problem. Non-medical counseling is short-term and addresses general conditions of living, life skills, improving relationships, and stress management.
• For Clinicians: Since clients also consume social media for entertainment as well as coping measures, it may be helpful to work with them to identify alternative hobbies or activities they will enjoy that will not involve social media or other digital technology (10).

Summary

In a global society with a 24-hour news cycle and social media that offers infinite scrolling, there is always more news to consume. People can fall victim to doomscrolling when distressing events occur, leading to increased anxiety and stress, creating a self-feeding cycle that can be difficult to break.

For those wanting to stop doomscrolling, it is important to first acknowledge the behavior, be honest with how it may be affecting your mental health, and be proactive in your approach to modify your actions. No matter what your relationship is with the news, this technique will help maintain a healthy relationship with social media and overall digital wellness.

According to Gallup®, 70% of the population is struggling or suffering, and 70% of employees are not engaging at work. Investing in wellbeing at work is critical to the success of your employees and organization.

The impact of wellbeing extends far beyond how employees feel — it affects the number of sick days they take, their job performance, burnout levels, retention rates and the organization’s bottom line.

We will dive into these issues in this blog post, and you can learn by listening to the webinar recording: “eMbrace the link between employee engagement and wellbeing.”  Click here to access the recording.

Organizations should care about wellbeing

Contrary to what many believe, wellbeing is not just about being happy or physically fit. Wellbeing encompasses all aspects of our lives:  how our lives are going, feeling good about our thoughts life experiences and what is important to us.

Poor wellbeing affects employees and organizations:

• 75% of medical costs accrued are due to largely preventable conditions.
• $20 million of additional lost opportunity for every 10,000 workers due to struggling or suffering employees.
• $322 billion of turnover and lost productivity costs globally due to employee burnout.

 In contrast, employees with high wellbeing are more resilient during widespread or personal tough times, less likely to have unplanned days out of the office and more engaged than those with low wellbeing.

Traditional EAPs are not enough

Traditional Employee Assistance Programs (EAP) fall short because they average about 5% engagement and focus mainly on distressed employees. Low utilization and a reactive model leave a large gap to fill to meet the wellbeing needs of all employees. Organizations need a proactive program that benefits all employees.

Learn more in the webinar recording.

Building a thriving culture of wellbeing

Leaders that bring engagement and wellbeing together create a high-performance environment where the two inform and build on one another. Magellan Healthcare and Gallup® collaborated to create eMbrace, a fully integrated, evidence-based solution delivering improved employee wellbeing and engagement across six key areas of their lives: Emotional, Career, Social, Financial, Physical and Community.

Through eMbrace, employees and organizations can measure their wellbeing and discover where they are suffering, struggling, and thriving. Employees receive a personalized plan that guides them to services and resources to help them improve their total wellbeing and lead thriving lives.

Resources:

• https://www.gallup.com/workplace/215924/well-being.aspx
• https://www.gallup.com/workplace/320297/invest-employees-wellbeing-afford-not.aspx
• https://www.gallup.com/workplace/358082/struggling-suffering-employees-twice-likely-leave.aspx

As I entered the workforce, I was drawn to work for an organization supporting the military and their families. Magellan Federal’s founding history as a non-profit and mission focus on improving the lives of the military and their families inspired me and has kept me engaged as an employee for 22 years. Service is embedded in our culture—you are surrounded by people who are passionate about giving back to others, especially those who are connected to military service. I’m proud to be a part of an organization that attracts individuals searching for meaning and purpose in their careers, and I’d like to share how volunteering has helped me find even greater personal and professional satisfaction.

Connecting to a Cause

As a military family member myself, with personal experience in the challenges of military life, Magellan Federal was a natural fit for me. I began my career in Member Services, helping active duty, veterans, and family members understand the benefits they were entitled to. Over the years I became a military benefits expert providing guidance on topics ranging from health care, life insurance, dependent entitlements, and survivor benefits. The tragic events of 9/11 led me to my calling of working to support military survivors.

My passion for volunteerism started early on in my career at Magellan Federal (at the time called Armed Forces Services Corporation). I was fortunate to work with leaders and mentors who volunteered often and put a high value on honoring the military community by giving back. This mentality encouraged me to incorporate volunteerism into my life as well. One influential leader was a Board Member at the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) and educated our team on their mission and volunteer opportunities. I connected to the TAPS organization immediately and their noble purpose of providing compassionate care to all those grieving the death of a military loved one. I began volunteering for TAPS in the early 2000s because their mission aligned with my desire to help military survivors.

At first, I was unsure if I could make a difference by volunteering, but I soon learned that non-profits like TAPS not only appreciate but rely on any time and help that their volunteers give—whether folding t-shirts, welcoming survivors to an event, writing correspondence, or running in a 5k to fundraise. According to the Nonprofit Leadership Center as of April 2022, the estimated value of each volunteer hour is $29.95. This is a good reminder that no matter what level of service you provide, the simple act of volunteering your time brings a huge value.

The Real Reward

Volunteering for organizations whose mission I care about has given me validation as a contributor but also, I have made lifelong friends. I recognized my professional skills translated well to lending my free time to help organize and implement improvements to non-profit programs. I have volunteered over the years for my daughter’s community recreation dance program and my son’s Little League team by managing their website and programs. I volunteer annually at the Virginia Scottish Games to connect with our family’s heritage. It is very rewarding to give time to these programs that get our community active and involved in the arts, recreation, and sports. While the tangible value of volunteering to me is using my creativity and innovation for the greater good, the feel-good factor is priceless.

I’ve also found that volunteering has benefited me socially in my career and personal life. I have expanded my sense of purpose and community, improved my social skills and self-esteem, learned new skills, and developed an overall happier outlook on life.

Where to Start

Having a formal volunteer program within your organization can be extremely valuable. At Magellan, we are lucky to have a robust volunteer program that is supported at every level of the organization. Not every company has that, and that’s OK. You can start small, connect with others, encourage involvement, and get more organized around your activities. I think you’ll find that volunteering is contagious and can help spread a culture of caring within your career as well as your community.

Through our Magellan Cares Foundation, qualified charity donations made by staff are eligible for matching funds. Full-time employees are also eligible for 8 hours of volunteer time off—paid leave for volunteer activities. We also have a central portal where our employees can record volunteer hours, connect with other givers, and search for or organize events. I love that Magellan makes it easy for employees to give back and encourages us to deepen our ties to the communities we serve.  As another great mentor once said, “working and leading with a servant’s heart will give you and your team fulfillment.”

I think we could all use a little more of that in our lives.

Article originally published on MFed Inform.

References

• https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/what-are-benefits-of-volunteering
• https://nlctb.org/tips/value-of-volunteer-time/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIjIzsyOOC-gIVA-TICh3b9gi1EAAYASAAEgK4o_D_BwE
• https://hbr.org/2021/01/volunteer-programs-that-employees-can-get-excited-about#:~:text=Many%20studies%20have%20shown%20that,they%20performed%20on%20work%20tasks.

The destruction left by Hurricane Ian back in September serves as a reminder that times of crisis can often occur quickly with little or no warning. During these events, parents may be coping with children who feel increased worry and anxiousness. Parents and professionals can help by providing guidance on how to develop an at-home safety plan for times of crisis. Supplying children with the knowledge of what to do if an emergency occurs can reduce feelings of anxiety and provide them with a better sense of control in an uncontrollable situation. Below is guidance that our Military and Family Life counselors share with parents.

Emergency Plan Directions

• Designate a general meeting place. Establish an agreed-upon safe place to meet if a parent will be unable to pick the child up from school or will not be at home. This could be a neighbor’s house or community meeting space. Children should be reassured that the adult they are with is aware of the plan, and the parent will meet them at the arranged meeting location.
• Create an emergency backpack. The backpack should have items the child may need in the event of a crisis, specifically, items necessary if an adult was unavailable at the time of the crisis.
• Compile a list of all emergency phone numbers. These numbers should be programmed into a child’s phone, if they have one, written down at home, and placed in the emergency backpack.
• Create a social media plan. Social media sites can be very effective in times of crisis. Discuss what social media site(s) will be used for family communication and information if cell service is down.
• Develop plans for the natural disasters most likely to occur in your area. These plans could include backup locations to go in case the family must leave their home, such as a relative’s house, a community shelter, or another designated safe place.

For even more tips on preparing an emergency plan, refer to the “Make a plan” section of  Ready.gov.

Crisis Conversation Tips for Parents

In addition to creating an emergency plan for their home, parents will also need to discuss crises and other traumatic events, such as natural disasters, with their children. It can be difficult to know how to approach those topics or what to say that will be helpful. Below are tips for engaging in these conversations (Psychology Today, 7.26.22).

• Keep words and language child-friendly and age appropriate.
• Initiate the conversation in a calm manner.
• Leave time for the child to ask questions and remain silent during their questions or requests for clarification.
• Ask if they have any worries about a particular situation.
• For even more tips on preparing an emergency plan, refer to the “Make a plan” section of ready.gov.

Creating an emergency plan and having open communication about this topic can benefit both the child and adult and may reduce feelings of anxiety in the child.

Now is the time to recognize and honor family caregivers across the country. It is an opportunity to raise awareness of caregiving issues, educate communities and increase support for caregivers.

The burden of care is often placed on adult children or other family members, many of whom have full-time jobs and kids of their own. According to an Alliance for Caregiving and AARP Public Policy Institute survey, 40% of caregivers feel emotionally stressed, almost 20% say it caused financial problems, and about 20% feel physically strained. Unpaid-caregiver burnout among these “sandwich generation” individuals often impacts their performance and engagement at work.

Family caregivers comfort their elderly and/or ill companions, coordinate their care, help them bathe, clean their houses and shop for them. While many find the experience rewarding, it can also be frustrating and take a toll on their emotional and physical wellbeing. Over half of caregivers report elevated levels of depression and anxiety, worsened physical health and higher use of psychoactive medications.

These tips are a good reminder for caregivers and those who are close to caregivers:

• Seek support Ask family members for help and include them in caregiving decisions. See if your employer offers a program like Magellan’s Senior Caregiver Assistance, powered by DUOS, that combines human contact with technology that can give caregivers much-needed support and enable seniors to live full lives.
• Share the tasks When family or friends offer to lend a hand, be ready with specific ideas. Make a weekly list and share that list with others to help with shopping, housecleaning, etc.
• Take care of yourself Be sure to schedule and go to your medical checkups. Eat a healthy diet, exercise and get enough sleep.
• Make time for activities you enjoy Don’t neglect the things in your life that need attention. Read, listen to music, paint, play a game, etc.
• Plan for respite care Respite services provide someone who can stay with your family member while you get away for a few hours or days. Time off can help you manage your stress and be a better caretaker.

Visit our Behavioral Health Resources web page for free resources and expert advice to help our communities, client, members and providers.

Sources: CDC, Healthwise

Influenza (flu) season can be unpredictable. In the United States (US), flu activity typically begins in October and peaks between December and February, but activity can even continue into May. Australia recently finished their winter where they experienced the most severe flu season in five years, and the season started earlier than usual. Although flu forecasting is not perfect, the Southern Hemisphere serves as a barometer for what might happen in the Northern Hemisphere. In the US, flu activity is elevated across the country.

COVID-19, which is still circulating, is generally mild for children. During the pandemic flu was virtually non-existent. This can be partly attributed to mitigation measures such as handwashing, masking, distancing, as well as remote school, work, and limited travel. The flu hiatus also translates into less pre-existing immunity to influenza due to lack of exposure – from natural infection or vaccines – particularly notable in younger children who may have never been exposed to flu. Further, there is currently a surge in pediatric respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) cases and hospitalizations. Children and the elderly are among the populations at higher risk of influenza complications. With pre-pandemic activities resuming and school back in-person, flu is making a comeback this season.

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)’s FluView (a weekly US influenza surveillance report), influenza-like illness (ILI) activity is elevated across the country. The CDC’s interactive map offers a visual picture of outpatient ILI activity in the US and links out to state-level information. Additional data such as hospitalization and mortality surveillance are also captured on the CDC’s site.

The best protection against the flu is prevention. The CDC recommends an annual flu vaccine for everyone ages ≥6 months old with rare exceptions. The ideal time for the flu shot is in September or October, and it can be offered throughout the season, as long as flu viruses are circulating. It takes about two weeks after vaccination to develop protection against the flu. New this year, all available flu vaccines in the US are quadrivalent, meaning they contain two influenza A and two influenza B virus antigens, thus designed to protect against four flu viruses. The dominant strain is currently influenza A (H3N2), which is especially tough on the elderly. Also new this year, is a preferential recommendation from the CDC Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) for high-dose, adjuvanted, or recombinant vaccine over other flu vaccines for adults ≥65 years old.

To find a flu vaccine provider, visit vaccines.gov. The flu and COVID-19 vaccines can be given at the same time. Prescription flu antiviral medications to treat flu are currently available. Remember, good hygiene and self care are critical in fighting the flu and a number of other viruses, so wash hands, cover your cough, rest, and stay home when sick.
As the flu continues to unfold this winter, prevention, awareness, and health literacy are key to being prepared.

Disclaimer: The content in this blog is not a substitute for professional medical advice. For questions regarding any medical condition or if you need medical advice, please contact your healthcare provider.