Can Your Mental Health Affect Physical Pain? September 2022 Newsletter

HAVE A SAFE & HEALTHY LABOR DAY WEEKEND

The long holiday weekend is upon us and we hope that you spend this Labor Day resting, taking care of yourself, and staying healthy! In this newsletter, we share how to practice sun safety this Labor Day, a sweet treat that rejuvenates the liver, and the connection between mental health and physical pain.

REMEMBER SUN SAFETY THIS LABOR DAY!

“Labor Day weekend marks the unofficial end of summer. It is one more chance for your family to celebrate the season before another school year gets into full swing. Whether you head to the beach or enjoy a backyard cookout, remember to protect yourself from the sun.”

Remember these sun safety tips:

• Always use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30, even when it is cloudy. Reapply sunscreen at least every 2 hours.

• Wide-brimmed hats help protect your ears and neck from the sun.

• Drink plenty of fluids throughout the day in order to stay hydrated.

• Wear appropriate lightweight clothing.

• Wear sunglasses that block ultraviolet (UV) rays.

• Take advantage of shade whenever possible. Remember the sun’s UV rays are most intense between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

• Avoid strenuous outdoor activity in the heat. Take frequent breaks in a cool place.

PHYSICAL PAIN AND MENTAL HEALTH

“Nearly half of U.S. adults (44%) report that they have experienced physical pain that they believe was worsened due to mental or emotional pain, according to a Harris Poll on physical pain and mental health conducted on behalf of the Foundation for Chiropractic Progress (F4CP), a nonprofit dedicated to informing and educating the general public about the value of chiropractic care.

Mental health was thrust into the spotlight during the COVID-19 pandemic as people, faced with a new virus, became isolated in their homes away from friends, family, and support networks, leading to:

• A 25% growth in the prevalence of anxiety and depression, according to the World Health Organization

• During the 2020 peak of the pandemic, mental health visits represented 40% of telehealth visits, according to KHN (Kaiser Health News)

• That same year, the Journal of Psychiatric Research reported that from 1990 to 2017, worldwide cases of depression grew from 172 million to 258 million, representing an increase of 50%

Even before the pandemic, though, the U.S. faced another nationwide health crisis of physical pain and mental health. A study released in 2021 showed that pain prevalence had grown 10% from 2002-18 across adults ages 25-84. Chronic pain has a strong association with opioid and substance use disorder – another public health crisis that worsened during the COVID-19 pandemic.”

Pitaya (dragonfruit) helps to rejuvenate the liver and makes for the perfect smoothie! In this smoothie bowl, we blended up frozen dragonfruit, bananas, and peaches. You can really add whatever fruit you enjoy, but we suggest that the fruit is frozen. This helps to create a frothy texture.