Living + Wellness

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

Thanksgiving dinner is going to be pricier this year. But, you can still enjoy a hearty meal with family and friends. Here are some tips to help keep your Thanksgiving expenses manageable.

• Shop Early. Prices spike as holidays or social celebrations draw nearer. If you can, shop early for ingredients especially those that have long shelf-life.

• Look for Deals. Take advantage of coupons, discounts, sales and freebies.

• Split Costs. Be practical and share costs with whomever you are spending Thanksgiving dinner.

• Substitute Ingredients. Be creative and check out more affordable alternatives for your ingredients. Also, frozen foods are much cheaper.

– Jovana Cresta Duhaylungsod,  C2 Communications, The Southwest Florida 100

While flu season peaks between December and February, its already started and two top physicians from St. David’s HealthCare suggest protecting yourself from the virus. Stat.

Despite being difficult to predict, “we’re due for a little bit of a larger [flu] season,” Dr. Brian Metzger says. Because the flu didn’t circulate widely over the past two years, many will experience decreased immunity.

Bottom line? Timing is everything, according to Dr. Ryan McCorkle, because flu shot immunity wanes after six months.

“[Getting the flu shot] September to beginning of October will give you immunity all the way through the flu season.”

– ECPR, The Austin 100

The Oklahoma 988 Mental Health Lifeline has received more than 5,000 calls within the first two months of operation. On average, each call to 988 lasts around 10 minutes and, in most cases, callers receive the help they need through just one conversation.

In addition to the call center, more than 500 crisis teams were dispatched in July and August with situations responded to resolved in the field 70% of the time.

In honor of World Mental Health Day this Monday, Oct. 10, remember that the 988 Mental Health Lifeline is always there for you any time, any day.

– Cassidy Littlewood, Jones PR

There is overwhelming intent to support those affected by Hurricane Ian and there are a lot of organizations offering means to bring help to the victims. When choosing the charity for your donation, make sure that the organization has a clear disaster appeal and specific relief activities. It must have a presence in the affected areas and extensive experience in providing relief.

You can donate in cash or in kind through these organizations:

• Collier Community Foundation

• The Collaboratory (Southwest Florida Community Foundation)

• United Way of Charlotte County

• United Way of Collier County and the Keys

• United Way

• American Red Cross

– Cyndee Woolley, APR, C2 Communications, The Southwest Florida 100

We all know that feeling. You’ve got a big meeting tomorrow and need a good night’s rest. Should you be popping a pill to catch the z’s you need?

Nope, there’s an app for that.

A new study out of the University of Florida says the use of sleep meds is down 31 percent over the past decade. It gets even better for those over 80 who are susceptible to falls leading to injury, down 86 percent.

Researcher, Dr. Christopher Kaufmann believes the reason is the popularity of “digital therapeutics” including virtual sessions with a sleep therapist and meditation apps.

– Vikki Locke, C2 Communications, The Southwest Florida 100

September marks the beginning of National Suicide Prevention Month, with Sept. 4-10 designated as National Suicide Prevention Week. This week recognizes suicide as a national public health crisis as more than 45,000 people died by suicide in the United States throughout the last two years.

In 2020, suicide was the ninth leading cause of death in Oklahoma with a total of 869 suicide deaths in our state. Sept. 10 is also recognized as World Suicide Prevention Day.

Oklahoma’s newest mental health resource, the 988 Mental Health Lifeline is available 24/7 via call or text providing care during crises.

– Jamesha Byes, Jones PR

Drum roll please … A new study says if you played an instrument as a kid, chances are you have better thinking skills than those who didn’t. And it’s true regardless of your socio-economic background, education level, childhood cognitive ability and health as you age.

Psychologist Judith Okley says, “These results add to the evidence that activities that are mentally challenging, such as learning to play a musical instrument, might be associated with better thinking skills.”

Research participants were tested on a number of physical and mental functions, like retaking your sixth grade standardized ability test. Need more proof? Keith Richards.

– Vicki Locke, C2 Communications, The Southwest Florida 100

In this week’s edition of our productivity series, we’re covering scheduling and time blocking.

Scheduling your day can be done in a number of ways but our biggest tip is having it in a written or digital format so you can quickly refer back to it. Taking a moment to write down tasks via a planner or digital calendar keeps your work structured and organized.

Creating time blocks can give you designated and uninterrupted focus time for priority projects. Allow yourself to cut out distractions and hone in on specific projects to optimize time and increase the quality of your work.

– Cassidy Littlewood, Jones PR

From work friends to family, establishing ground rules can improve your relationships and mental health.

Boundaries include limiting phone time on date night with your significant other, telling your boss you can’t work after 6 p.m. or anything that you think is affecting your mental health within a relationship that’s important to you. These conversations can be challenging but explaining to your loved one that it will be helping your mental health can help them understand.

Dealing with mental health can be intimidating, if you need extra resources, the 988 Mental Health Lifeline will be available late this summer.

– Addie Maze, Jones PR

As the online space grows, we have found that it can be equally dangerous as it is fun.

Telling you to distance yourself from social media entirely is unrealistic. Most of us need social media in our modern lives. Instead, do small things like turning off like notifications on Instagram or limiting your time on TikTok.

We are still learning how to cope with the negative influences of social media, so don’t feel ashamed if you are struggling. Text or call the new 988 Mental Health Lifeline if you are experiencing mental health issues.

– Addie Maze, Jones PR