scholarly journals Sitting in the dark

2021 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Fiona Edwards

COVID-19 has created a new reality for countries worldwide as leaders are tasked with the responsibility of enacting safety measures to stop the rate of infection. Social distancing is promoted as one of the main ways of curbing the spread of the virus. Such measures limit social interaction and the spaces people are free to occupy. The following poem, entitled “Sitting in the dark: COVID-19 and mental well-being” speaks to the mental health impacts of such closures on the youth population, highlighting that no one is immune from the virus. This poem also explores the interconnectedness of a person’s physical and mental health andthe subsequent need to pay attention to both realities during times of global crisis. Despite the challenges the pandemic presents, it is imperative that youth find an outlet to cope, one that will help them develop resiliency and a sense of hope.

Author(s):  
Laura Muñoz-Bermejo ◽  
José Carmelo Adsuar ◽  
Salvador Postigo-Mota ◽  
Inés Casado-Verdejo ◽  
Claudia Mara de Melo-Tavares ◽  
...  

Background: Elderly caregivers present increased physical and mental health problems. These factors can lead to a lack of autonomy and a need for social support. This study aims to analyse the relationships between perceived social support and mental health status in elderly caregivers aged 65 and older. Methods: a cross-sectional study based on data from the Spanish National Health Survey (ENSE-17) carried out on 7023 people. The study population was restricted to 431 caregivers aged ≥65 years. A study of the correlation between the mental health state and the perceived social support was carried out. Both variables were related to the sex of the caregiver. Results: Perceived social support by older caregivers is significantly related to mental health (p = 0.001), and stress (p < 0.001). Also, there is a significant relationship between perceived social support and mental well-being (p = 0.001), self-esteem (p = 0.005) and stress (p = 0.001) in older women caregivers. Conclusions: Older caregivers have adequate mental well-being and perceive high social support. Perceived social support can contribute to improving the mental well-being of older caregivers.


2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (4) ◽  
pp. 137-140
Author(s):  
Hina Islam ◽  
Irfan Sharif Shakoori ◽  
Fauzia Aslam ◽  
Gohar Ashraf ◽  
Hammad Akram

AbstractAir pollution is a result of natural phenomena or human activities that can cause the release of harmful substances in the environment, leading to adverse health outcomes among living beings. Pollution is associated with adverse health impacts on multiple organ systems among humans. While the respiratory and cardiovascular systems are mainly affected, there are other health issues related to the eyes, skin, brain, blood, immunity, behavioral/mental well-being, and reproduction among exposed individuals. Air pollutants can especially have higher health impacts on people at the extremes of their ages (children and elderly) and on those suffering from underlying respiratory and heart issues. Pollutants such as ozone, sulfur dioxide, particulate matter, and nitrogen dioxide have respiratory effects among children and adults and are associated with increased respiratory diseases, asthma exacerbations, and related hospitalizations. Carbon monoxide interferes with transporting oxygen by forming carboxyhemoglobin leading to cardiovascular, neurological, and respiratory problems. Particulate matter is a heterogeneous mixture of tiny particles of varying compositions found in the atmosphere and has a wide variety of severe health effects. Particulate matter emits from combustion, diesel engines, power generation, and wood-burning, and certain industrial activities. Lead is considered neurotoxic and has more severe consequences among children. Here we summarize characteristics of six criteria air pollutants and associated air quality risk assessment parameters known as the Pollutant Standard Index (PSI). The present manuscript also examines the impact of air pollution on human behavior, mental well-being, and neurological health consequences, as air pollution has been associated with cognitive decline, hyperactivity, dementia, anxiety, depression, aggression, and Alzheimer’s disease-related changes. Lastly, we also attempt to look into any relationship between air pollutants and Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and examine its possible association with a higher COVID-19 incidence, complications, and mortality.


2021 ◽  
Vol 15 (8) ◽  
pp. 1942-1944
Author(s):  
Sana Noor ◽  
Aemun Shaukat Kayani ◽  
Noor Shahid ◽  
Alarozia Ihsan ◽  
Sara Rasheed ◽  
...  

Background: Fast food consumption is being significantly affecting physical and mental health of children and adolescent. Unhealthy diet is designated as the major cause of various medical illness. Among these most common is obesity. This also leads to anxiety, sleep disorder, verbal abuse and hence responsible for mental issues as well. Aim: To observe factors affected by fast food consumption among youngsters. Methodology: A cross-sectional study design was used to conduct a study for factor analysis of physical and mental health issues related to fast food consumption at a private medical college in Lahore, Pakistan. The data was collected using self-designed questionnaire to collect information about the physical health, mental health, routine exercise, workout and fast -food consumption attitude. Results: Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) was used to access the total explained variation through varimax rotation. Kaiser-Meyer Olkin (KMO) and Bartlett test of sphericity was seen to have a p-value 0.000 which is significant. Significant results of KMO and Bartlett test allows for EFA. It has been seen that thirteen factors contributed to explain more than 70% of the variation Conclusion: Most commonly affected factors were physical and mental well-being that explained maximum variation. These factors comprised minor mental issues like emotional health, anger, mood swings and anxiety and physical health such as worse effect on health, less physical activity/ inactivity and irregular exercise. Major Keywords: Fast food, Mental Health, Obesity, Physical Health, Risk.


Paragrana ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
pp. 154-164
Author(s):  
Susanne Klien

Abstract This ethnographic study explores bullfighting in Oki and its many functions in contemporary life. It examines how mostly elderly bullfighters differ from other Japanese of their age and how they manage to lead their lives to the fullest, maintaining a high level of physical and mental health. With depictions of both the daily routine and bullfighting events, the paper enquires into the meaning of bullfighting and its related activities for actors involved in it, how bullfighters learn social skills in the stables and the arena, and how bullfighting creates well-being both on an individual and collective level. The hypothesis is that the sense of satisfaction of bullfighters accrues from a balance of activities as discrete individual and social interaction, communication, and intergenerational exchange.


2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joseph Hayes ◽  
Laura Clerk

This research assessed fatalism toward COVID-19 and its role in behavioral intentions to support mitigation efforts (e. g., social distancing) and mental well-being. A COVID-19 fatalism measure was developed, and a messaging manipulation (fatalistic vs. optimistic vs. no message) was created to examine causal links between fatalism scores. Support for mitigation efforts and negative affect (anxiety, fear, depression, and insecurity) were measured to examine the consequences of fatalism toward COVID-19. Results showed that the fatalistic messaging condition increased fatalism whereas the optimistic message reduced it. The effects of the messaging manipulation were also apparent in the downstream measures of support for mitigation and negative affect through the mediator of fatalism toward COVID-19. Specifically, fatalism negatively predicted intentions to support mitigation. Regarding mental health, fatalism was positively associated with depression but negatively associated with fear and insecurity. Implications for COVID-19 mitigation efforts and mental health in the face of the coronavirus pandemic are discussed.


2016 ◽  
Vol 3 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Richa Pandey ◽  
Pragya Rana ◽  
P. S. Upadhyay

Aim of this study is to elaborate the role and benefits of Ayurveda in the society. Now days, Ayurveda is playing an important role both in physical and mental health. Ayurvedic therapy stresses the use of plant based medicines which are derived from roots, leaves, fruits, barks and seeds to treat or manage the health problems. Apart from other medications, Ayurvedic therapy is proving its beneficial role in mental problems. Dyslexia is a reading disorder in which individual having problem in reading, writing, concentration etc. Through this research paper we are trying to manage problems of dyslexia in children through ayurvedic therapy which includes medicinal plants up to the extent and along with physical well being proving its position in mental well being too.


PEDIATRICS ◽  
1973 ◽  
Vol 52 (3) ◽  
pp. 452-457
Author(s):  
Sprague W. Hazard ◽  
V. Robert Allen ◽  
Victor Eisner ◽  
Dale C. Garell ◽  
Adele D. Hofmann ◽  
...  

Young people who find themselves in juvenile court facilities constitute a group who traditionally have displayed a high incidence of health problems. Many have had inadequate care in the past, and enter with preexisting medical and dental conditions. Whether or not they are in good physical health, they often are handicapped in the area of mental health. The conditions which necessitate removing them from their homes and placing them in institutions may aggravate, or even cause, physical and mental health problems. When society undertakes to remove children and youth from their homes and place them in institutions away from the care of their parents, it assumes certain obligations. Among these obligations is care of their physical and mental health. Health programs in juvenile court facilities must be broad and comprehensive and must go beyond the mere provision of medical care. The extent of the health care which should be offered to an individual will depend on the length of time he is in the institution. But, every institution which confines juveniles should have a health program designed to protect and promote the physical and mental well-being of residents, to discover those in need of short-term or long-term medical and dental treatment, and to contribute to their rehabilitation by appropriate diagnosis and treatment and provision of continuity of care following release. The standards given here are designed to attain these goals. ADMINISTRATIVE STRUCTURE OF THE HEALTH PROGRAM Health Council 1. Each institution should have a multidisciplinary health council to set the policies of the health program. 2. The council may be organized within the institution or by the authority which operates the institution.


2019 ◽  
Vol 29 (Supplement_4) ◽  
Author(s):  
S Alexander ◽  
K Frohlich

Abstract Despite the benefits of outdoor free-play for children (physical activity, well-being, independent mobility), access to urban spaces for play is on the decline in many cities. As such, there are increasing calls from public health officials, city planners and childhood advocates in Canada to promote outdoor play in cities. Responding to these calls, our pilot intervention will examine whether creating urban play spaces through road closures around schools and in neighbourhoods can increase children’s outdoor play, physical activity and social interaction among residents. The year-long intervention will involve road closures in four Montreal (Canada) neighbourhoods with different socio-economic profiles. After a diagnostic portrait of each site, participatory planning will engage children aged 8-12 and youth aged 13-18 to help redesign their neighbourhood streets for better access and playability. Outdoor play will be measured using a “playability index” to determine if increased outdoor play is due to intervention changes. Children’s physical activity, play and mobility patterns will be captured with GPS loggers and accelerometers, and play duration and location will be recorded through daily diaries. Questionnaires will be given to parents and children regarding changing behaviours and perceptions about outdoor play, risk/safety and independent mobility. While still in a pilot phase, this paper will present the intervention approach and outline how it promises to impact multiple components of urban life for children and adults (physical/mental health, safety, social interaction, environment/equity). The intervention is innovative by engaging children and families in its design and development, and by involving schools, municipalities and residents in its implementation and assessment. This co-creation and development promises broad impacts on local social practices and policy development, results which may be transferable to other Canadian and international cities. Key messages Access to urban outdoor play is critical for children’s well-being. Road closures can increase urban outdoor play, thereby contributing to physical and mental health and promoting social interaction. Child and youth participation in the planning and development of urban play spaces can increase their relevance and broaden their social, environmental, health and policy impacts.


Author(s):  
Tim Walker ◽  
Tamaryn Menneer ◽  
Catherine Leyshon ◽  
Michael Leyshon ◽  
Andrew James Williams ◽  
...  

Abstract In general, research demonstrates that deprivation, education, health, and well-being are determinants of volunteering, and that volunteering can play an important role in building stronger communities and provides many benefits for individual health and well-being. This study concentrates on the effects of physical and mental health and well-being as predictors when the aspect of socio-economic impact has been minimised. It utilises a unique data set from a UK Housing Association community with generally high levels of deprivation. Data were analysed using bivariate probit regression. In contrast to previous findings, physical health and mental health were not significantly related to volunteering. The key finding was that mental well-being was significantly related to informal volunteering.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Louise A Ellis ◽  
Matthew D Lee ◽  
Kiran Ijaz ◽  
James Smith ◽  
Jeffrey Braithwaite ◽  
...  

BACKGROUND Location-based augmented reality (AR) games, such as Pokémon GO and Harry Potter: Wizards Unite, have been shown to have a beneficial impact on the physical activity, social connectedness, and mental health of their players. In March 2020, global social distancing measures related to the COVID-19 pandemic prompted the AR games developer Niantic Inc to implement several changes to ensure continued player engagement with Pokémon GO and Harry Potter: Wizards Unite. We sought to examine how the physical and mental well-being of players of these games were affected during the unprecedented COVID-19 restriction period as well as how their video game engagement was affected. OBJECTIVE The aims of this study were to examine the impact of COVID-19–related social restrictions on the physical and mental well-being of AR game players; to examine the impact of COVID-19–related social restrictions on the use of video games and motivations for their use; and to explore the potential role of AR games (and video games in general) in supporting well-being during COVID-19–related social restrictions. METHODS A mixed methods web-based self-reported survey was conducted in May 2020, during which COVID-19–related social restrictions were enforced in many countries. Participants were recruited on the web via four subreddits dedicated to Pokémon GO or Harry Potter: Wizards Unite. Data collected included quantitative data on demographics, time spent playing video games, physical activity, and mental health; qualitative data included motivations to play and the impact of video games on mental health during COVID-19 lockdown. RESULTS We report results for 2004 participants (1153/1960 male, 58.8%, average age 30.5 years). Self-reported physical activity during COVID-19–related social restrictions significantly decreased from 7.50 hours per week on average (SD 11.12) to 6.50 hours (SD 7.81) (<i>P</i>&lt;.001). More than half of the participants reported poor mental health (925/1766, 52.4%; raw World Health Organization–5 Well-Being Index score &lt;13). Female gender, younger age, and reduced exercise were significant predictors of poor mental health. Participants reported a significant increase in video game play time from 16.38 hours per week on average (SD 19.12) to 20.82 hours (SD 17.49) (<i>P</i>&lt;.001). Approximately three quarters of the participants (n=1102/1427, 77.2%) reported that playing video games had been beneficial to their mental health. The changes made to Pokémon GO and Harry Potter: Wizards Unite were very well received by players, and the players continued to use these games while exercising and to maintain social connection. In addition to seeking an escape during the pandemic and as a form of entertainment, participants reported that they used video games for emotional coping and to lower stress, relax, and alleviate mental health conditions. CONCLUSIONS AR games have the potential to promote physical and mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic. Used by populations under isolation and distress, these games can improve physical and mental health by providing virtual socialization, sustained exercise, temporal routine, and mental structure. Further research is needed to explore the potential of AR games as digital behavioral interventions to maintain human well-being in the wider population.


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