Living + Wellness

Scientists at the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation (OMRF) made a groundbreaking discovery, tracing the origin of a brain disorder that’s similar to Parkinson’s disease.

The team, with Dr. Gaurav Varshney as lead researcher and under the leadership of Dr. Sheng-Jia Lin at OMRF, monitored zebrafish because they have a genetic similarity to humans when it comes to this type of disease.
Being able to research genetic mutations linked to degenerative brain diseases through monitoring specific zebrafish was a cornerstone of this important project. This research advances scientific knowledge and charts a potential path for prevention and treatment.

Learn more here.

– Staff Report, The Oklahoma 100

Rise and shiney, don’t be whiney! As more people return to the office, here are some suggestions on how to become more of a morning person.

Life coach Mhairi Todd says, “Ask yourself, ‘What am I going to use this extra time for? What am I going to gain from this?’” She stresses that change is hard, so suddenly jumping out of bed at the crack of dawn won’t be easy.

Other ways to accomplish your early rising routine include going to bed earlier, getting a good night’s sleep and starting your day with exercise.

And remember, attitude is everything.

– Vikki Locke, C2 Communications, The SWFL 100

The work-from-home revolution brought us closer to our cluttered chaos than ever before. Our homes transformed into office spaces, with laptops in the kitchen and stacks of papers on the dining table. But now, as we head back to the office for in-person interactions, it is time to regain our space and sanity.

Research shows that clutter negatively impacts our cognitive function and overall well-being. Start by reclaiming that closet turned “cloffice,” clearing your kitchen island and recovering your dining table. Embrace the flexibility of multipurpose furnishings and create a workspace that enhances both your productivity and peace of mind.

– Marty Brantley, Engel & Völkers New Orleans, The New Orleans 100

In recognition of National Suicide Prevention Month in September, the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (ODMHSAS) is offering free workplace suicide prevention training to any Oklahoma business or organization. To set up training, please send an email to megan.cannon@odmhsas.org.

The ODMHSAS Training Institute also provides numerous mental health educational events throughout the year. “Are You OK?” is a two-part e-learning program intended for organizational owners, supervisors and human resources staff to learn about preventing and responding to suicide in the workplace. For a full online course catalog, click here.

For more information, visit 988oklahoma.com.

– Staff Report, The Oklahoma 100

With July hitting the world record for the hottest month ever recorded, follow these five tips to stay safe while beating the summer heat:

1. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids. Avoid caffeinated and alcoholic drinks.

2. Stay inside or find some shade. Keep cool by avoiding direct sunlight or staying inside.

3. Replenish electrolytes. Sweating decreases sodium levels; try drinking Gatorade or snacking on salty pretzels.

4. Wear loose-fitting, lightweight and light-colored clothes. Avoid dark clothing, which absorbs the sun’s rays.

5. Save outdoor activities for cooler times of the day. Check local temps and schedule activities for early morning or late evening.

– Madison Mullinax, 360 Media, Inc., The Atlanta 100

According to the Allergy and Asthma Network, asthma attacks increase during the third week of September due to the “perfect storm” of the season.

During more relaxed summer months, many children and adults may reduce or stop taking medication that can trigger inflammation and make them more susceptible to attacks.

Additionally, anxiety about returning to school, spending more time in classrooms and exposure to viruses at work and school can contribute to the rise in episodes.

Consistently using prescribed medication and reducing exposure to common triggers such as outdoor allergens, smoking and vaping can reduce the occurrence of asthma attacks.

– Cyndee Woolley, C2 Communications, The SWFL 100

988 is Oklahoma’s Mental Health Lifeline and resource for support and immediate response during mental health crises.

Since its launch in July 2022, 988 has received 39,831 calls from Oklahomans seeking mental health help. The primary reasons for calls included suicidal thoughts and thoughts of self-harm.

“988 is for all Oklahomans who need mental health support, 24/7. An operator will listen to what’s going on, talk through next steps and connect the caller with the specific type of help they need,” ODMHSAS Commissioner Carrie Slatton-Hodges said.

If you or someone you know needs mental health help, please call or text 988.

– Staff Report, The Oklahoma 100

Here are some tips to reduce their anxiety this Fourth of July:

• Make sure to give your pet some exercise during the day. If they are tired, chances are it will be easier for them to stay calm.

• Block some of the noise with soft music. Distract them with their favorite toys and treats, especially if they become nervous.

• Use a compression vest, such as the ThunderShirt®, for a drug-free way to reduce anxiety.

• Consult with your veterinarian regarding acepromazine, CBD oil, Rescue Remedy®, or calming pheromone sprays. Do not administer any medicine in the absence of a vet consultation.

– Deanna Deppen, Shy Wolf Sanctuary & Education Center, The SWFL 100

In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, the 988 Oklahoma Mental Health Lifeline is offering a special deal: $3 off to all veterans with an ID as a token of gratitude at three Viridian Coffee locations on Memorial Day (Monday, May 29).

Participating locations include:

• Lawton: 343 NW 2nd St.

• Duncan: 1460 W. Main St.

• Chickasha: 2121 S. 4th St.

Mental health awareness is crucial to create a culture of support and empowerment for those struggling with mental health issues. If you or someone you know needs help, please call or text 988 to receive 24/7 free and confidential support.

– Staff Report, The Oklahoma 100

The Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (ODMHSAS) has launched a Harm Reduction campaign to bring life-saving resources to Oklahomans, including nearly 300,000 who report a substance use disorder.

The campaign will deploy more than 40 eye-catching vending machines containing naloxone and fentanyl test strip kits in areas across the state in strategic zip codes with high overdose prevalence, making this initiative the largest-scale in the U.S.

The Harm Reduction campaign seeks to reduce accidental overdoses, the leading cause of death for people under 50 in the U.S., in Oklahoma. Visit okimready.org for resources.

– Staff Report, The Oklahoma 100

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to shift away from the stigma often associated with mental health issues to raise awareness of resources available to those in need and to start conversations encouraging people to seek support and treatment.

As part of the Mental Health Awareness Month initiative, communities across Oklahoma are partnering with ODMHSAS to promote the 988 Oklahoma Mental Health Lifeline, a free and confidential service that provides immediate support for those experiencing a mental health need.

Since its launch in 2022, 988 has received an average of more than 3,500 calls and texts per month.

– Staff Report, The Oklahoma 100

True or False: Walking 10K steps a day keeps the doctor away? Answer: False.

We’ve been hearing this number forever in a majority of step trackers like Fitbit and Apple Watches, but the idea came about when a Japanese company needed to market a product called “Manpo-kei” which translates to “10K steps meter.” A recent study found that people really only needed around 7K steps to lower the risk of premature death and that after 7500 steps, the benefits tapered off.

Dr. I-Min Lee says the good news is that all steps matter. And any movement is better than none.

– Vikki Locke, C2 Communications, The SWFL 100

Spring is here, and whether you are an expert plant parent or a new beginner, this is the season to tap into your green thumb. With so many health benefits, like improving air quality and reducing stress, now is a great time to get into the plant game if you haven’t already.

From easy-to-care-for options like snake plants and peace lilies to plants for the more seasoned caregiver such as the Chinese money plant and fiddle leaf fig trees, there’s a right fit for everyone. For the pet parent, consider the crocodile fern, which is non-poisonous to cats and dogs.

– Abby Watkins,  360 Media, Inc., The Atlanta 100

Jessica Cox believes in a future where people passionately pursue their dreams by employing resilience to overcome any challenge. PS: She’s speaking from experience.

After being born without arms, Cox became fascinated by the human body’s limitless ways of adapting – as evidenced by her own adaptive capabilities: using her feet in ways others utilize their hands.

After becoming the first armless pilot in aviation history (and earning a Guinness World Record medal to boot), Cox inspires others to achieve the seemingly impossible. She is a staunch advocate for and mentor to people with disabilities – in particular children and their families.

– Hannah Van Sickle, The Arizona 100

New year, new you. Get organized and prioritize your mental health in 2023 with the new 988 Mental Health Lifeline calendar. Now available to download or print, the calendar offers 12 unique illustrations to brighten your monthly planning. Mental health holidays are also included to raise awareness throughout the year and encourage a healthy mind.

Launched in 2022, the lifeline supports Oklahomans with essential mental health services. When calling or texting, individuals are quickly connected to a trained professional to get the help they need.

To download the calendar, click here. For more information or additional resources, visit 988oklahoma.com.

– Addie Maze, Jones PR

When it comes to questions about mental health and resources, the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services wants Oklahomans to know that answers are available.

A question that is asked: How is 988 different from 911?

988 was established to improve access to crisis services in a way that meets our country’s growing suicide and mental health-related crisis care needs. 988 will provide easier access to the lifeline network and related crisis resources.

It’s distinct from the public safety purposes of 911, where the focus is on dispatching Emergency Medical Services, fire and police as needed.

– Taylor Ketchum, APR, Jones PR

If WFH gave you a Zoom derriere, it’s time for an out-of-this-world workout.

Jessica Meir, a scientist, astronaut and flight engineer on the International Space Station, says long hours of sitting are similar to floating in space. Meir was in space for 205 days in 2019-2020 and knows exercise prevents bone and muscle loss.  She suggests Earthlings can similarly benefit from doing space conditioning exercises or HIIT (high-intensity interval training) workouts. 

Basically, it means exercising an hour a day by using a treadmill or lifting weights – anything to get the blood pumping can make all the difference in the world.

– Vicki Locke, C2 Communications, The Southwest Florida 100

Enjoy gifts for travelers like a backpack made from recycled plastic, a portable power pack that charges your phone and can jump your car, a floating wet bag and our new favorite travel pillow in this year’s gift guide.

We’ve also got fun items for home, like solar-powered Bluetooth speakers, a gorgeous ornament and a crossbody purse with proceeds that benefit the Ukraine crisis.

Check out the baby massager to soothe your little one and a light sanitizer that clips to your phone that can kill germs on just about any surface.

Enjoy The Travel 100’s 2022 Gift Guide. Happy holidays!

– Jan Schroder, The Travel 100

We’re not gaslighting you. “Gaslighting” is Merriam-Webster’s 2022 Word of the Year.

The word, which signals mind manipulating, grossly misleading, deceitful behavior, was looked up 1,740% more in 2022 than the previous year. Surges in searches were seen every single day of the year.

The term is often used by mental health professionals to describe prolonged coercive control in abusive relationships, according to the Associated Press. It’s place at the top of the list surprised some after it already drew significant interest in years passed.

Other top-searched words this year include oligarch, omicron, codify, raid, sentient, cancel culture and loamy.

– Staff report, Florida Politics, The Tampa Bay 100