Laura Strong PsyD

07/15/2025

From NPR today on the importance of connection:
Doctors are writing “social prescriptions” to get people engaged with nature, art, exercise and volunteering in the same way they would prescribe pills or therapy. Research has shown it can help with mental health, chronic disease and dementia. The method worked for Frank Frost. He gained weight and was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes in his 50s. A doctor found out he used to love riding a bike as a kid and gave him a prescription for a 10-week cycling course for adults getting back into cycling. The prescription led to Frost developing friends, losing 100 pounds and getting his diabetes under control. Julia Hotz, the author of The Connection Cure: The Prescriptive Power of Movement, Nature, Art, Service, and Belonging, shares details on the health approach.

05/26/2025

We have probably all heard how the appendix does not do much, but it turns out it does a lot. And recently, scientists discovered that it impacts mental health (in addition to numerous other affects on gut health). Children who had their appendix removed were 20% more likely to have mental illness as adults. Researchers are now working on treatments to avoid appendectomies so it does not put more people at risk for mental illness.

Childhood appendectomy, but not appendicitis without appendectomy, was associated with a significantly increased risk of mood and anxiety disorders in adulthood.

05/19/2025

As a nation we are struggling with intellectual humility (IH). This basically means we have a hard time thinking we do not know everything, become rigid in our views, and have intellectual arrogance. Luckily there are ways to reduce your IH-starting to recognize that you don't know what you don't know, increase your curiosity, you are less likely to get stuck in your views when you talk to others and listen, and truth is not found alone, it happens in groups. To read more check out

The willingness to actually listen to others and to display your ignorance in a world full of know-it-alls is a bold move that now has a name—intellectual humility. It’s not only a developable skill, but it could just end the culture wars.

05/12/2025

Mercy Health and the YMCA are teaming up to host a free Dementia Care event on the 14th at 5:30pm. Registration is required:

03/24/2025

Struggling to make a big decision? Should you move? Is it time for a career change? Art Markman, a professor of psychology at the University of Texas at Austin recommends being curious with yourself. You can start by writing out three columns on a sheet of paper listing where you are today on one side and where you hope to be on the other side. Use the center column to brainstorm steps you will take to make the transition. For further suggestions check out the NPR link: https://www.npr.org/2025/03/08/nx-s1-5235528/how-to-make-a-big-life-move?utm_source=npr_newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_content=20250310&utm_term=10026973&utm_campaign=news&utm_id=73829965&orgid=309&utm_att1=

03/17/2025

In a fun study, researcher Brian Meier and his team found a link between being an agreeable and kind person to having a sweet tooth. There is a relationship between being nice and liking those sugary snacks. Yum! https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/lets-face-it/202411/people-with-a-sweet-tooth-also-have-a-sweet-heart

03/11/2025

We have known for a while now that spending time in nature helps reduce anxiety and improve mood. In a recent study conducted by the University of Louisville, they have also discovered that increased tree planting in neighborhoods reduces the risk of inflammation in the body, which in turn, reduces the risk of heart disease, stroke, and some cancers. Trees improve air quality and can directly improve our health. Get involved in planting trees locally and enjoy the natural parks near your home.

03/03/2025

Being aware of your emotions and putting words to your feelings has numerous benefits-from enhanced relationships, less aggression, decreased substance and alcohol use, as well as increased life satisfaction. To learn more about how well you know you emotions, Psychology Today has a short quiz:

People high in emotional intelligence — also referred to as high EQ or emotional quotient — have a healthy capacity for coping; they regulate their emotions and manage their thoughts and feelings, as well as that of others. Self-awareness, self-regulation, motivation, empathy, and social skills ...

02/26/2025

A recent study shows that even short 20-30 minute breaks from your phone can boost your mood. Better yet, try a day without your phone. People report improved mood, more connection throughout their day with others and nature, and they become more active. https://www.npr.org/2025/02/24/nx-s1-5304417/smartphone-break-digital-detox-screen-addiction?utm_source=npr_newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_content=20250225&utm_term=10004607&utm_campaign=news&utm_id=73829965&orgid=309&utm_att1=

02/17/2025

It is unfortunate, but it happens with each new generation entering the workforce-the older generation complains that they are lazy and unmotivated. This thinking is untrue and unhelpful. In reality, young adults are capable and work hard. Leaders can best approach their youngest hires by using an approach called, "Wise feedback" coined by Dr. David Yeager and Dr. Geoffrey Cohn from a paper they published in 2014. This basically means you want to be clear in your feedback and let the young person know that you believe they can meet the standards you set for them with support. It is shifting from judging and criticizing to having a mentor mindset. Managers who lead in this fashion see loyal and hard workers at their businesses. (photo from Big Brothers Big Sisters)

02/10/2025

New research is exploring the possibility that memories are not just stored in the brain but in individual cells throughout the body. Although studies are new, it will be interesting to see what science reveals about memory and how it may affect treatment with Alzheimer's and PTSD trauma flashbacks. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/articles/202409/what-the-heart-remembers

11/04/2024

Slow down.
Take a breath in, let it out. Notice your chest rise and fall.
Breathe.