Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) Awareness Month occurs every December. Psychiatry.org defines SAD as a form of depression that affects 5% of the adults in the U.S.—especially in the states furthest from the equator—and is usually most difficult for people during January and February. Any person can get the "winter blues", but the National Institute of Mental Health (NIH) indicates SAD is more common in women than men, has a recurrent seasonal pattern, and symptoms can last approximately 4−5 months. According to Mental Health America , our bodies produce less mood boosting serotonin during the fall and winter months (due to less sunlight) and more melatonin (which affects the sleep cycle). These hormone changes are associated with an increase in seasonal depression. The NIH also indicates a deficiency in Vitamin D can exacerbate the symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder. Mental Health America states the symptoms of SAD include depression, anxiety, mood changes, sleep problems, lethargy, overeating, and social problems. In addition, Psychiatry.org includes symptoms such as the inability to sit still, pacing, handwringing, slowed movements or speech, feeling worthless or guilty, difficulty with thinking or making decisions, and thoughts of death or suicide. Seasonal Affective Disorder can be treated with light therapy, psychotherapy, antidepressant medication, or Vitamin—whether separately or in any combination. SAD is manageable with proper diagnosis and treatment. If your depression is severe and you are experiencing suicidal thoughts, please seek immediate help at the nearest emergency room or contact the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline . You can call or text with someone at any time. Help is available 24 hours per day/7 days per week/365 days per year.

During January, Glaucoma Awareness Month brings attention to the disease that steals eyesight and emphasizes the importance of routine eye exams. According to the Glaucoma Research Foundation , more than 80 million people throughout the world have glaucoma and 4.5 million are blind from it. Many people don't know they have glaucoma until the pressure within their eye has permanently damaged the optic nerve and their vision is 40% gone. This can occur in one or both eyes. The National Eye Institute and glaucoma.org define the types of glaucoma as primary, which occurs from an issue within the eye, and secondary, which is caused by another medical condition or injury. Primary glaucomas include open-angle, normal-tension, angle-closure (also called narrow angle), and congenital. Open-angle glaucoma, which affects 90% of patients, develops when the fluid within the eye doesn't drain quickly enough and the resulting pressure increase damages the optic nerve at the back of the eye. Eventually, this leads to vision loss and potentially blindness. Normal-tension glaucoma causes damage to the optic nerve without pressure increases within the eye. In angle-closure glaucoma the colorful iris blocks fluid drainage from the front of the eye and leads to severe pain, nausea, and blurry vision. The sudden rise in pressure can cause blindness within days of onset. Congenital glaucoma is rare and happens when babies are born with improper fluid drainage within the eye. Secondary glaucomas include neovascular (too many blood vessels block the fluid drainage), pigmentary (flakes from the iris prevent drainage), exfoliation (drainage is altered by a buildup of material from the lens), uveitic (caused by swelling and inflammation in the eye), and traumatic (from a blunt or penetrating eye injury). The American Academy of Ophthalmology reports glaucoma can't be reversed or cured, but it can be treated. Early diagnosis and treatment can help slow the progression of glaucoma. This is especially important for people with risk factors such as diabetes, high blood pressure, a family history of glaucoma, being near or farsighted, or a past eye injury. The American Optometric Association lists the treatment options as medications, surgery, and drainage implants. The treatment plan depends on the type of glaucoma that is causing damage. A visual depiction of what glaucoma does to your vision is available through the American Optometric Association . Illustrated diagrams and videos showing the structures within the eye can be found on the American Academy of Ophthalmology website. Other important information includes how certain medications can affect glaucoma—such as those for asthma, COPD, overactive bladder, stomach issues, muscle spasms, depression, allergies, nausea, anxiety, cold medications, and steroids—and can be located on the BrightFocus Foundation website. Please inform your doctors and healthcare providers about all the medications you take. While not curable at this time, glaucoma is a treatable condition. Follow your treatment plan and get your screening exams done to protect your eyesight. For additional health related information about promoting wellness for your body, mind, and soul please visit nurtureyourwholeself.com .

November 24-30, 2024 has been designated as international GERD Awareness Week. Gastroesophageal reflux disease, also known as GERD, occurs when stomach acid backs up into the esophagus and throat causing inflammation and pain. Most people have experienced indigestion that is temporary, but with GERD the reflux is chronic and can damage the tissues. This can occur when the valve that separates the esophagus and stomach becomes weak and allows the backflow of stomach acid. Other causes include a hiatal hernia, pregnancy, obesity, and congenital defects that put too much pressure on the diaphragm leading to the acid backup. Smoking and certain medications can also increase the risk of developing GERD. According to the Cleveland Clinic , " GERD is estimated to affect about 20% of adults and 10% of children in the U.S." The annual observance during the week of Thanksgiving brings attention to this prevalent condition. MedicalNewsToday.com describes the symptoms of GERD as "nausea, chest pain, difficulty swallowing, chronic cough, excess saliva mixed with stomach acid, and the sensation of a lump in one's throat." Exams can be done to determine the cause of these symptoms, including endoscopy with a small camera, pH testing, and an X-ray. Depending on the cause, GERD can be treated with over-the-counter medications, prescription medications, or surgery. Lifestyle changes can be very helpful to control the frequency and severity of GERD symptoms. Weight loss, sleeping with your head elevated, smoking cessation, and modifying your diet can be a beneficial part of your treatment plan. The John Hopkins GERD Diet suggests avoiding fried and fast foods, processed snacks, spicy seasonings, tomato-based sauces, citrus, chocolate, and peppermint. It recommends high-fiber foods (whole grains, root vegetables, and green vegetables), alkaline foods (bananas, melons, and nuts), and watery foods (celery, cucumber, and lettuce) to help prevent acid reflux. The Cleveland Clinic also advises eating smaller meals, avoiding food before bedtime, and sleeping on your left side to control symptoms. Managing gastroesophageal reflux disease is important to prevent further damage to the tissues in the esophagus and throat. Additional information about GERD can be found on the American College of Gastroenterology and International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders websites.

Every October, Breast Cancer Awareness Month promotes important education and awareness about this disease to people worldwide. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) , "breast cancer is the most common cancer globally with around 2.3 million new cases every year." In the United States, www.cancer.org lists breast cancer as the second most common cancer in women with only skin cancer being more prevalent. Although we primarily associate breast cancer with women, the National Cancer Institute reports less than 1% of all breast cancer cases occur in men. Changes in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, a family history of breast cancer, and certain genetic syndromes put people at a higher risk to develop this disease. Cancer occurs when cells grow out of control and is classified based on where the cells are located and how they spread. The American Cancer Society identifies breast cancer adenocarcinomas—which develop in the milk ducts or the lobule glands that make milk—as invasive or noninvasive. Ductal Carcinoma In Situ (DCIS) is a non-invasive type that forms within the milk ducts and has not spread to any surrounding tissues. Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (IDC) is the most common type of invasive breast cancer (approximately 80% of invasive breast cancers are IDC) and occurs when the abnormal cancer cells spread beyond the milk duct. Invasive Lobular Carcinoma (ILC), which begins in the milk glands and spreads to surrounding tissue, accounts for approximately 10% of invasive breast cancers. Komen.org indicates that early screening with self-exams, mammography, ultrasound, and MRI, can detect breast cancer sooner and lead to more favorable treatment outcomes. Any lump, swelling, warmth, redness, dimpling or puckering of the skin, sore, rash, discharge, or pain in the breast should be addressed immediately. If diagnosed with breast cancer, there are different treatment options available depending on the type of cancer. According to the American Cancer Society , these include surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, targeted drug therapy, immunotherapy, and clinical trials. Receiving a cancer diagnosis is scary, and having a support system to help you through treatment is just as important as treating the cancer. The Susan G. Komen Foundation , the National Breast Cancer Foundation , Reach.cancer.org , and community groups such as Bras For Cause can provide valuable resources and support to patients. With ongoing research worldwide, treatment options and survival rates have dramatically improved over the past several decades. If given a positive diagnosis, help is available. Please see NurtureYourWholeSelf.com for additional resources on breast cancer.

September is Pain Awareness Month. According to the National Library of Medicine , the International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP) defines pain as "an unpleasant sensory and emotional experience associated with actual or potential tissue damage, or described in terms of such damage." Pain is a subjective, personal experience that is shaped by a person's past exposure to painful stimuli during their lifetime. "Biological, psychological, and social factors" contribute to how a person experiences pain, and their interpretation should be respected. According to the Chronic Pain Among Adults 2019-2021 Weekly Report by the CDC "during 2021, an estimated 20.9% of U.S. adults (51.6 million persons) experienced chronic pain". It can be debilitating and affect all aspects of a person's life. Not only can it cause physical symptoms, such as depression, anxiety, and trouble sleeping, but it can also cause difficulty staying focused at work, trouble maintaining relationships, and financial instability. Chronic pain: Medication decisions by the Mayo Clinic includes many options for pain management. Acetaminophen, Cox-2 inhibitors, antidepressants, anti-seizure medications, and opioids are some of the available treatment options. With the opioid crisis worldwide, non-pharmaceutical approaches are being utilized more to control chronic pain. What is Pain, and how do you treat it by MedicalNewsToday lists many options for managing pain including acupuncture, biofeedback, relaxation techniques, and physical therapy. NurtureYourWholeSelf.com has numerous educational links for health promotion and managing chronic illnesses and conditions, including chronic pain. Nurture your body, mind, and soul to become the best version of yourself.

Since 2001, International Overdose Awareness Day has been held every year on August 31st. It is a day to remember those we've lost or were permanently injured due to an overdose and to help family and friends heal from their grief. The Penington Institute combines personal experiences with evidence-based research to bring attention to this global issue and promote overdose prevention. Overdoses are classified as fatal or non-fatal and intentional or accidental. They can occur with prescribed therapeutic drugs, such as heart or blood pressure medications, but we usually associate drug overdoses with non-prescribed or illicit drugs. These drug classifications include alcohol, crystal methamphetamine, depressants, new psychoactive substances (also called synthetic drugs), opioids, and stimulants. According to Penington's Facts & Stats , "in 2021, an estimated 296 million people – one in every 17 people aged 15-64 – had used a drug in the past 12 months, a 23 per cent increase from 2011." It also reported "the estimated number of people using opioids globally has doubled from 26-36 million people in 2010 to 61.3 million in 2020." With thousands of drugs available today, this international crisis is only getting worse. It may actually be worse than we believe, as some countries classify overdose deaths as heart attacks or respiratory failure. Depending on what was taken, a person's symptoms may include difficulty waking, excessive agitation, confusion, difficulty breathing, limp or rigid muscles, seizures, flushed skin, blue tinged lips or fingers, nausea, or vomiting. With any overdose contact an ambulance immediately, never leave the person alone, do not give them anything to eat or drink, and—if they're unconscious—turn them on their side. In cases of opioid overdoses, such as with fentanyl and heroin, Narcan (also called naloxone) can be administered as an injection or a nasal spray to reverse the effects of the drug. The length of action of the drug taken may last longer than the reversal, so additional doses of Narcan may be needed. International Overdose Awareness Day is a worldwide effort to educate people on the signs and symptoms of drug overdoses and to prevent the devastating consequences that can occur. If we all work together—from government leaders and officials to healthcare providers, law enforcement officers, and teachers—we have the ability to reduce the prevalence of drug overdoses. Education, compassion, and seeking answers as to why dangerous drugs are so easily accessible can help prevent this global issue.

Welcome to the Nurture Your Whole Self website and blog! The goal is to provide information to improve the health and wellness of our entire self—body, mind, and soul—from the perspective of a Registered Nurse. I will discuss how we can become the best versions of ourselves through the use of a balanced diet, exercise, lifelong learning, stress reduction, and soul healing. There will also be helpful tips about postoperative healing and supplies that can optimize recovery and surgical outcomes. The health promotion page provides information about the major health issues of society today, how to prevent them, and offers links to additional sources for education and treatment options. Each month the blog will highlight other diseases and illnesses experienced throughout the world. There are links to additional free information throughout the website with the option to purchase products or supplies from affiliate sites to help support the website. Always talk with your doctor before you start any new diet, supplement, or exercise routine to prevent any interaction with your current medications or treatments and identify any specific contraindications. I wish you all a lifetime filled with health and happiness!