Heart problems to gubernatorial races

The Baltimore Examiner highlights the increasing awareness doctors have about heart patients. Vital stats: Older white men are most at-risk for suicide Three main factors lead to suicide: health, income and social support Older people who have recently lost a spouse or feel financially unstable are also at increased risk for suicide People over 65 who have health problems and cannot be as active as they once were are at a high risk for suicide People who have had heart surgery are at a higher risk for depression The Washington Times ran a story on gubernatorial candidate Doug Duncan, who dropped out of the Maryland race due to depression. Duncan cites a family history of fighting the disease. This serves as a prime example for me — to cut back when doing too much. To be honest, I can’t say I would have done the same thing. I probably would have run myself ragged before bowing out gracefully. I should know: I do it much too often. This article just reminds me that I need to learn my limits — external and self-imposed. I found this college piece from Brigham Young University quite interesting. Writer Elizabeth Adkins cites depression.com’s statistic that “6 percent of adults encounter depression in any given year.” “This is a mind-body-spirit plan. You can’t get better without working on all three.” – Brant Slade, bishop of the NYU 117th Ward This is where I’d butt heads with atheists — I believe that taking care of the spirit nurtures the physical and mental health of a person. Pick your spiritual remedy: being “one” with nature, worshipping a higher power or getting in touch with your inner self — it all adds up to equal a better well-being. “Some people think holistic is quackery. It depends on your beliefs. ” – Dr. Lorraine Davis, psychiatrist at the BYU Health Center This final quote is certainly worth a mention: “Just because something is natural does not mean it is safe.” – Depression.com I do prefer herbal and supplemental treatments but natural treatments do have the potential to conflict with prescription medication. Tell a doctor if you are taking natural supplements in conjunction with prescription medication or before beginning prescription medication. If something is working, let your doctor know as well — it’s possible it might work for someone else. The American Journal of Psychiatry reports that omega-3 fatty acids can help kids with depression. Pediatric depression is something I have little knowledge about. How is a child determined to be clinically depressed? How young is too young? (Reuters)