Children who have been placed in foster homes have a higher prevalence of depression than other juveniles. They have been exposed to abuse, abandonment, neglect, or a combination of these three traumas. Studies show that this depression will likely follow the foster child into adulthood. Additionally, each time they are placed with a new family, they grieve the loss of previous relationships and must adapt to new homes.

As a foster parent, you want to give the child a better chance of happiness and stability in the future, which is why you signed up for the job. So, we have put together some tips to help you provide the support your foster child needs if suffering from depression.

Recognising the Signs of Depression

The first step towards helping your foster child with depression is being able to recognise the signs and symptoms.The physical signs are as follows:

• Disturbed sleeping patterns could be exhibited as sleeping too much, not enough, struggling to fall asleep, or broken sleep. Whether or not the child has trouble sleeping, fatigue is a common sign of depression.
• The child may battle to concentrate, and this could affect academic performance.
• Changes in appetite and weight also signal a depressed state.
• Some depressed children experience physical pain of unknown cause.

Mental symptoms of depression are sometimes evinced by a lot of crying and being in a low mood. On the other hand, your foster child may display anger that is quickly aroused and react to inconsequential matters with irritability. These children, when depressed, are more sensitive to perceived criticism or rejection. They will also withdraw from social and family events and show a preference for being alone. Depressed foster kids sometimes take on feelings of guilt without a basis.

Helping Your Foster Child with Depression

Keep in touch with the child’s social worker to gain context and inform them of any changes in your foster child’s environment or behaviour. The social worker can help you grasp the causes of the child’s mental state.

Maintain an open channel of communication with your foster child. Encourage them to describe their feelings and you should validate these emotions. If they have concerns you can address, make the effort to provide what they need. See that the rest of the family is supportive of whatever the child is experiencing. Arrange activities for the whole family that reduces isolation and gets your foster child involved.

Choosing a Good Foster Service

Once you have made the decision to foster a child, it is time to explore foster agencies, such as fostering in Wolverhampton. A good foster service will provide you with adequate training to know how to care for your foster child. They will give you a comprehensive background and information for dealing with specific issues. The agency will have a backup team that is available to you 24/7 in case you need assistance or advice.

Foster agencies also need to ensure that foster kids with mental health problems such as depression continue to receive appropriate treatment outside the foster home and that this therapy continues as they move between foster parents.

Choosing to foster a child is a generous act, even though you will be paid for your services.

Over the years, several studies have shown us that we face a high risk of serious health conditions when we eat meat more. These include heart diseases, diabetes, and strokes. On the other hand, science has proven that consuming more fruits and vegetables lowers the risk of these diseases.

There are various reasons why the consumption of meat is bad. Research has revealed that processed meats and red meats are often metabolized into toxic substances when consumed. These toxins can potentially damage the blood vessels, as well as other essential organs in the body.

This guide will provide insight into the impact of red meat on the body and why it is bad for human health. Let’s dive in!

The health risk

You will find a lot of fibers, minerals, and vitamins in fruits and vegetables, as well as in other plant-based diets. By eating less meat, you consume fewer calories that would have otherwise been stored as fat in the body. This also exposes them to less risk than those that rely on meat in their diets.

There is a protective consequence of reducing meat consumption. Studies have shown that people who often include red meat in their diets have a higher risk of dying from heart disease, diabetes, or stroke. Besides this, what you don’t eat can harm you. When your diet is low in fruits, nuts, and vegetables, there is an increased risk of the aforementioned diseases.

There is also a certain amount of protein that your body needs. For a diet that contains 2,000 calories, 50 grams of protein should be included. However, the protein the body needs varies and is determined by certain factors, including medical conditions, body size, and the level of activity.

Furthermore, there are various sources of protein other than meat. It is recommended to choose a variety of proteins in our diets, including low-fat milk, eggs, peas, beans, seeds, and unsalted nuts. If you prefer protein sources with higher calorie content, you should only consume in small quantities.

However, it is best to swap protein diets with higher calorie content and solid fats with protein diets that are low in solid fats and calories. The fats in eggs, meat, and cheese are regarded as solid fats. On the other hand, seeds, seafood, and nuts have fats that are considered oils.

Higher levels of saturated fats can lead to obesity, among other health issues. For many obese individuals, the use of Shark Tank Keto Drink, and other weight loss pills can help them maintain a healthy weight.

Good Protein Sources

As mentioned earlier, a protein source does not have to be meat. There are several plant-based diets that can provide us with the essential nutrients that the body needs to function properly. If it proves difficult to get rid of meat in your diet, options are available for you to consider. For instance, lovers of tacos can simply substitute the meat fillings with spiced lentils.

The importance of embracing plant-based diets cannot be stressed enough. They protect us from the toxins that come from the meat we eat occasionally. There are special plant nutrients in fruits and vegetables that can help in neutralizing toxins. These antioxidants are essential for the body.

With this in mind, your diet should include a wide range of vegetables and fruits while keeping your consumption of meat to a minimum. This will do your body a huge favor.

Conclusion

It cannot be denied that the taste of well-spiced meat can be exceptional. Yet, excessive consumption can lead to serious health issues. As we enlighten ourselves more on the impact of diets on overall health, we must limit the consumption of meat.

Spaghetti, minestrone, and lasagna are some classics that can be easily converted into healthier meals. However infrequent it is, if you wish to consume meat, ensure that you add vegetables.

In recent times, alternative medicine practices have become popular. The reason is that they are relatively safer yet effective. A prime example is acupuncture. It is an ancient Chinese medicine technique. It entails the insertion of needles into the skin on specific parts of the body. The purpose is to treat various ailments by stimulating the pressure points. Practitioners who perform such therapy are called acupuncturists.

They are skilled healthcare professionals who hold extensive knowledge of traditional Chinese medicine. They mainly conduct sessions in special acupuncture clinics that have the necessary equipment. While this is a brief explanation, you can consider the following facts to learn more:

Mechanism of action

As per Chinese medicine, the body has several receptive fields. When stimulated, they activate multiple sensory neurons. This further imparts deep healing and increases blood flow to the connected regions. Once an acupuncturist assesses your condition, they insert needles in the receptive fields associated with the concerned area.

For instance, if you suffer from chronic anxiety, the acupuncturist may place needles at the point near your nerves to promote a calming effect. Consult an acupuncturist near me for better guidance on the treatment course.

Session structure

The sessions involved in such therapy are simple. First, the acupuncturist examines you and assesses your condition. Upon proper diagnosis, they insert one or more fine, sterilised needles into the concerned pressure points. The insertion stays put for approximately 20-60 minutes, depending on the intensity of your ailment. You are also expected to lie down throughout this procedure.

During the process, you might feel a brief tingling or stinging sensation. This is quite normal and an indication that the treatment is working.

Usage

People usually opt for acupuncture therapy to relieve chronic pain and conditions. However, you can also seek it for simple relaxation purposes. The other ailments that it treats and manages are:

• Lower back and neck pain
• Chronic migraines and headaches
• Osteoarthritis
• Knee and joint pain
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Fatigue and lethargy
• Ovulatory issues

This therapy is highly effective when combined with other methods like an aromatherapy massage. But it is always good to consult a doctor if you have an ongoing procedure.

Benefits

Regular acupuncture therapy garners the following benefits for patients:

• Helps alleviate and manage chronic pain
• Improves the quality of sleep, thereby reducing symptoms of insomnia
• Relieves effects of stress and anxiety
• Boosts immune function
• Provides relief from seasonal allergies
• Increases energy levels and uplifts mood, like an aromatherapy massage near me

Efficacy

The time acupuncture takes to show results depends on two factors:

• The intensity of your condition
• The type of ailment you have

For example, those with chronic ailments might feel better after a few sessions. Also, people with acute health issues could take eight to 12 sessions to experience significant improvements.

Taking care of your feet is essential if you have diabetes since this illness naturally makes your feet more vulnerable to health issues. This is due to the fact that diabetes can lower blood flow and damage the nerves in your feet. Tasha Kennon is the Medtronic Diabetes Clinical Manager and a Diabetes Foot Specialist and she has shared 15 tips that can help you to take care of your feet to ensure you have healthier feet with diabetes.

At this time of the year, you likely want to go swimming at your local beach or even visit a pool. However, before you put on those flip flops or put your feet in the sand, you need to think about proper foot safety as a diabetic.

Unfortunately, when you have diabetes, you have a much higher risk of foot injury or infection because of lower blood flow and nerve damage. Unfortunately, 1 in 5 people with diabetes are forced to seek medical care due to foot issues according to the ADA (American Diabetes Association). Due to the higher risk of injury, small issues can become much bigger issues. If you get a small cut or even a blister on your foot, this can potentially cause an infection. This can escalate into a much bigger problem where you can potentially lose a toe or as much as an entire leg.

We will now cover a couple of foot care guidelines for those who suffer with diabetes so that you can remain safe and take care of your feet throughout the summer and the entire year.

Routines

Examine your feet on a daily basis and check for any cuts, sores, blisters, redness etc. In the event that you can’t examine each foot properly, be sure to get help from someone you trust or use a mirror.

Make sure to wash your feet thoroughly every day. Once you’ve finished washing them, thoroughly dry your feet, and this includes between each toe.

Aim to be more active on a daily basis and walk regularly. You should talk to your doctor about how much exercise you should get.

Get your toenails professionally cut if you are unable to cut them yourself. Once you can do it yourself, be sure to avoid cutting too short and always file them using a nail file.

When applying lotion or cream, make sure to avoid using too much and only use a thin layer. Also, don’t apply cream or lotion in between your toes.

Go to your podiatrist or a reputable foot care specialist at least once every year to get your feet checked.

Footwear

Avoid walking barefoot and this includes at the pool or on the beach.

When wearing shoes, ensure that you only wear shoes that are appropriately sized, comfortable and offer full foot protection. Find the perfect shoes at Orthoticshop.

Be sure to speak to your doctor about shoe coverage as a diabetic. When you wear shoes that fit well, this will greatly lower your risk of experiencing foot issues and complications.

Before you put on your shoes, be sure to check the interior first. They should be free of any foreign objects and the shoe lining should be smooth.

Prevention

Always protect your feet from extreme hot or cold temperatures, especially the bottom of your feet. Avoid placing your feet in water that is hot and always test the temperature of the water before you place your feet in first.

Avoid using electric blankets, hot water bottles and even heating pads. Unfortunately, these can actually burn your feet accidentally.

When sitting, don’t cross your legs. If you usually experience swelling of your feet or ankles, make sure to elevate your feet when you do sit. Also, move your toes and feet when you sit.

Don’t smoke since this can cause serious issues and complications.

In the event that you get an ingrown nail or callus, be sure to visit your foot care specialist.

It is essential that you take good care of your feet once you have diabetes. You should always strive to keep your blood glucose levels and A1c in the normal range to keep your diabetes under control.

The Uvalde shooting in Texas – which robbed the lives of two teachers and 19 innocent children – has undoubtedly shaken the country to its core. The attack by the 18-year-old Salvador Ramos at the 600-student Robb Elementary School marked the deadliest school shooting in the history of Texas. The fury that followed the incident has elicited a lot of debate on various issues, ranging from mental health to gun control in the US.

Even as the police chief resigns from the City Council seat over the delayed response to the shooting, the wound is still fresh for many teachers, parents, and children in Texas and across the country. As a result, North Texas schools are now stepping up to the plate by pushing for mental health in the aftermath of the deadly Uvalde shooting.

No one can fathom the fear, grief, and anxiety families in Texas and across the country are going through. Yet, educators in North Texas schools want them to rest easy, knowing that the well-being and safety of their children are their top concern.

Tabitha Branum, the acting superintendent of North Texas Schools, termed the incident a “horrific tragedy” in an emotional email sent to the entire school district. In addition, she stated that children who may read or hear about the shooting could become justifiably worried and want to talk to someone to process the news healthily.

The educators want to provide mental health counseling to young people, their parents, and other loved ones who may be concerned. They don’t want a repeat of what happened after the 1999 Wedgwood Baptist Church shooting, in which an armed person attacked a youth rally and fatally shot seven people before turning the gun on himself.

In the incident mentioned above, educators at Fort Worth Independent School District (FWISD) were reluctant to help students process the news of the traumatic event. The aftermath of the 1999 shooting was messy and hectic despite hundreds of kids affected by the incident needing help processing what transpired. School districts that weren’t well-equipped and prepared for such a tragic event.

Many mental health experts and educators, including Kathryn Everest (the director of counseling services at FWISD), acknowledged then that schools were in dire need of training in trauma response. In addition, they needed to develop a plan for tragic events that affected the whole community. Today, Everest and her team at FWISD have since helped other Texas school districts that have experienced traumatic events.

Taking it one step at a time

With the Uvalde shooting, educators want to focus on daily steps to make students feel safe and foster confidence to seek help. In addition, identify staff who children can get in touch with if they feel anxious, in danger, or alone. More than that, the prevention and crisis response team hopes to identify students who might be suicidal, as that can make a huge difference in keeping tragedies at bay.

And it makes excellent sense: research has shown that a typical school shooter is generally suicidal before resorting to shooting. Connecting a young person who may be suicidal to the proper support, help, and rehab facilities could save many innocent lives. Others can seek care in person at private practices like Geode, opening locations in Texas from Frisco to Plano.

In a push for mental health, many officials and educators in the area are encouraging students and families to come forward with any info about extreme behavior or troubling activity. They can report via anonymous reporting apps set by the school districts or to school counselors.

Families must remember to take advantage of mental health services available to staff and students who need support. In addition, the district’s counselors regularly talk to staff or students who need help processing the recent tragic event

Beyond the school hours

School administrators are also encouraging parents to limit how much news coverage about the incident their children see to prevent anxiety flare-ups. They recommended parents openly converse with their children about what happened and listen to their concerns. Therefore, address any anxiety and stress that parents may have.

Families are also advised not to disrupt their everyday routines. Instead, they let their children attend school as usual because predictability can provide them with the necessary confidence and security. School districts’ officials emphasized to families that they have put in place several protocols and security measures to ensure the safety of their campuses. These include emergency response training and practicing with staff, faculty, and students.