New View Health and Wellness

11/02/2024

Did You Know We Offer Education Advocacy Services? 🎓✨

Navigating the education system can be tough, but we’re here to help! Our Educational Advocacy Services empower families to ensure every child gets the support they need.

What We Offer:
- Personalized Consultations 🤝
- IEP & 504 Plan Guidance 📄
- School Collaboration 🏫
- Resource Access 📚
- Empowerment Skills 💪

Why Choose Us?
- Experience ✅
- Dedicated Support ❤️
- Solution Focus 🌟

📞 Call us at (774) 261-8011 or visit newviewhw.com! 🎉

10/30/2024

Let's talk about BRAIN GAMES:

Engaging in brain games is a fun and effective way to enhance neuroplasticity—the brain's ability to reorganize and form new connections. Here are some key benefits:

1. Cognitive Enhancement: Brain games challenge skills like memory and problem-solving, improving overall cognitive performance.

2. Neurogenesis: Playing these games promotes the creation of new neurons, especially in the hippocampus, aiding learning and memory.

3. Memory Improvement: Many games require remembering patterns and sequences, strengthening both short-term and long-term memory.

4. Mood Boost: Fun and challenging gameplay releases dopamine, enhancing mood and reducing stress.

5. Lifelong Learning: Brain games encourage continuous learning and mental engagement, keeping your mind agile.

6. Social Connections: Many games can be played with others, promoting interaction and emotional support.

Try the Blossom Word Game to sharpen your vocabulary and cognitive skills! Check it out here: [Blossom Word Game](https://www.merriam-webster.com/games/blossom-word-game?utm_campaign=blossom&utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=google&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjw4Oe4BhCcARIsADQ0csl1O7WCoMCrttxjZYTkK4H6OfqN_Xaa-Oec4gvnu_GSaeNUFRPNLH4aAk_FEALw_wcB).

What brain games do you enjoy? 🧠✨

Blossom is a word game in which you use seven letters to make only 12 words. Longer words score better, and bonus letters and pangrams earn extra points.

10/29/2024

Celebrating National Cat Day: The Mental Health Benefits of Having Cats

Happy National Cat Day! Today, we celebrate our feline friends and the joy they bring into our lives. Beyond their adorable antics and soothing purrs, cats can have significant positive effects on our mental health. Here are some key benefits of having a cat as a companion:

1. Stress Relief: The simple act of petting a cat can lower stress levels. Their soft fur and rhythmic purring can promote relaxation and reduce anxiety, making them perfect companions for those tough days.

2. Improved Mood: Interacting with cats releases endorphins, the feel-good hormones. Their playful behavior can uplift our spirits and distract us from negative thoughts, fostering a more positive mindset.

3. Emotional Support: Cats can provide a sense of companionship that helps combat loneliness. Their unconditional love and loyalty create a safe space for emotional expression, helping us feel understood and less isolated.

4. Routine and Responsibility: Caring for a cat establishes a daily routine, which can be beneficial for mental health. Routine provides structure, and having a responsibility to another living being can instill a sense of purpose and accomplishment.

5. Mindfulness and Presence: Watching a cat go about its day can be a meditative experience. Their curious and playful nature encourages us to be present in the moment, promoting mindfulness and reducing feelings of overwhelm.

6. Social Connections: Cats can also foster social interactions. Whether it's bonding with fellow cat owners or sharing stories about our furry companions, cats can help us connect with others, enhancing our social well-being.

As we honor our feline friends today, let’s remember the myriad ways they enhance our lives. If you’re considering adding a cat to your family, know that you're not just gaining a pet; you're inviting a source of love, joy, and mental wellness into your home. Happy National Cat Day to all the cat lovers out there! 🐾❤️

One look at these cute cat pictures and you’ll feel better instantly. Don’t believe us? Give it a try!

10/28/2024

🚨 Contest Alert! 🚨

October is ADHD Empowerment Month, and ADDitude Magazine is giving you the chance to WIN a FREE 1-year subscription to their magazine! 📚💡 Stay informed and empowered with expert advice on ADHD management, parenting tips, personal stories, and much more.

Entering is simple:
1. Visit the link below.
2. Fill out the short entry form.

The sweepstakes ends on October 31, 2024. Don't miss out—enter today for your chance to win! 🙌

Enter at the link below!

Enter to win a one-year subscription to ADDitude magazine — the world's leading source of ADHD information and understanding — by answering this question below: If you were describing ADHD to a newly diagnosed child, how would you portray it in a way that builds self-esteem, hope, and resolve?

10/27/2024

🧠 Living with OCD: A Personal Journey 🧠

The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) recently highlighted the powerful story of a woman living with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). Through her own experiences, she sheds light on the daily challenges and misconceptions about the condition. Her journey reminds us that OCD can have a profound impact on daily life.

Key takeaways from her story:
- OCD is different for everyone: Some people experience intrusive thoughts, while others may engage in repetitive behaviors (compulsions) to cope with anxiety.
- Treatment can help: Therapy, especially cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and exposure and response prevention (ERP), along with medication, can make a huge difference.
- Hope and resilience: Despite the difficulties, individuals with OCD can lead fulfilling lives with the right support and treatment.

If you or someone you know is struggling with OCD, remember that help is available. Seeking treatment can be the first step toward managing symptoms. 🌿

Read more about this inspiring story and learn about OCD by clicking the link.

Graduate student and mental health advocate Uma Chatterjee, M.S., shares her personal journey navigating life with OCD.

10/26/2024

📱 Youth Mental Health & Phone Usage: Striking a Healthy Balance 📱

Research shows that smartphones and social media have a profound impact on youth mental health. While phones can help teens stay connected, excessive screen time can contribute to issues like anxiety, depression, and sleep disturbances.

Here are a few tips to help young people find balance:
1. Set Limits: Designate phone-free times, especially before bed, to reduce negative impacts on sleep and anxiety.
2. Mindful Use: Encourage teens to focus on meaningful connections and avoid endless scrolling. (ex. take a phone break at the dinner table to talk together)
3. Balance with Offline Activities: Promote hobbies- sports, art, reading, volunteering, anything!

By taking small steps to monitor phone usage, we can support healthier habits and improve overall well-being. 🌱 💬 Reach out for more info on our youth mental health services.



Learn more about this research here: https://www.columbiapsychiatry.org/research/research-areas/child-and-adolescent-psychiatry/sultan-lab-mental-health-informatics/research-areas/smartphones-social-media-and-their-impact-mental-health

10/25/2024

🧠 Managing Stress and Anxiety 🧠

Feeling overwhelmed by stress or anxiety? You're not alone! Dr. Krystal Lewis from the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) shared valuable insights on how stress and anxiety affect us—and how to cope with them.

Key takeaways:
1. Understand the difference: Stress is usually tied to an external event (like a deadline), while anxiety can persist even without immediate stressors.
2. Recognize symptoms: Feeling unfocused, irritable, or physically unwell? It could be time to take action.
3. Coping tips: Plan ahead, take breaks, and use relaxation techniques to manage daily stress.

For more insights, check out the full discussion with Dr. Lewis on the NIMH website: https://www.nimh.nih.gov/news/media/2021/nimh-expert-dr-krystal-lewis-discusses-managing-stress-anxiety)

On January 14, 2021, NIMH conducted a livestream event on managing stress and anxiety with NIMH expert Krystal Lewis, Ph.D. Dr. Lewis discussed coping techniques on how to maintain your mental health during the pandemic and when to get professional help.

10/24/2024

Your mental health matters. Mental health is just as important as physical health. Good mental health helps you cope with stress and can improve your quality of life. Get tips and resources from NIMH to help take care of your mental health. https://go.nih.gov/1VtK7eA

This fact sheet presents information about how to assess your mental health and determine if you need help. It provides examples of mild and severe symptoms, as well as self-care activities and options for professional help.

10/23/2024

🍂 Fall Crafting for Stress Relief! 🎨

Engaging in hands-on activities can be a wonderful way to reduce stress, enhance your mood, and support your mental well-being.

Check out this link for Fall Craft Ideas for a range of projects to inspire your creativity. Whether it's creating cozy decorations for your home or making personalized gifts for loved ones, these crafts can provide a fulfilling escape and a chance to express yourself.

Crafting not only keeps your hands busy but also encourages mindfulness and relaxation—both important for maintaining mental health. So grab your supplies, put on some music, and let your creativity flow!

Fall is time to get cozy and DIY something! Try one of these fall craft ideas with friends for a perfect autumn crafternoon.

10/22/2024

🌟 Understanding 21st Century Skills 🌟

If you have a kiddo with an IEP, you've probably heard the term "21st Century Skills," but what exactly does that mean?

These skills encompass a range of competencies essential for success in today's world, including critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, and effective communication. They go beyond traditional academic subjects, focusing on preparing children for real-life challenges in a rapidly changing environment.

Incorporating 21st Century Skills into their learning can enhance their ability to problem-solve, adapt to new situations, and work well with others.

Encouraging these skills at home can also make a difference. Think craft projects, "presentation night" (check social media for examples), or "Amazing Race" activities that stimulate creativity and critical thinking. Nurturing these abilities helps children become confident and capable individuals ready to navigate the future.

10/21/2024

🧠 Brain Food: Omega-3 Fatty Acids 🐟

Many doctors recommend daily omega-3 fatty acids for their health benefits. Low levels of these essential fats can contribute to chronic inflammation, increasing the risk of conditions like heart disease and diabetes.

Research indicates that people with ADD often have lower omega-3 levels. Omega-3s can also boost dopamine levels in the body, similar to some ADHD medications, suggesting they might help with attention and focus.

You can add omega-3s to your diet by eating foods like wild salmon, sardines, tuna, and walnuts, or by taking fish oil or flaxseed oil supplements. Since our bodies can’t produce omega-3s, it's important to get them from food or supplements regularly.

For children, up to 2.5 grams of omega-3s per day is generally considered safe, while adults can take up to 5 grams. When choosing a supplement, look for pharmaceutical-grade options to ensure they’re free from contaminants. You can check toxin levels at ifosprogram.com, an independent site that analyzes fish oil products.

Check out some brain-power foods below!✨

10/19/2024

🍁 Saturday Self-Care 🍁

As the season shifts, taking small steps to support your mental health can help manage stress and improve your mood. Activities like spending time outdoors, enjoying warm beverages, or starting a new hobby can promote relaxation and provide a mental boost.

This time of year, adding cozy elements to your routine—like lighting a candle or putting on warm socks—can help create a calming environment, making it easier to unwind and recharge.