Bots Are Back! Today 756 Are From Facebook/Meta

August 23, 2024August 23, 2024 Looking for the Light9 Comments

I’ve had a total of 921 Bot hits on my archive but what’s worrying is that 756 came from Facebook, what is Meta doing? This has happened three days in a row and the numbers are going up. I’ve never had this happen before and I can’t help but be alarmed. Of course, I’ve heard nothing back from WordPress and don’t expect to. I have to believe the Bot is targeting WordPress versus my blog.

I don’t know if this is a security risk or just searching for content to use to answer questions asked by their system. I was stalked several years ago by a blogger I knew, they hacked my system, terrorized and made it look like it was two bloggers I trusted. They had a mental illness that consisted of several personalities of which I did not know the names. They sent me texted and sent messages while I was typing. I came to believe they didn’t plan to hurt me and one day she used her real name. Once I confronted her the stalking stopped. I was a long seven months and it affected me greatly.

To say I’m concerned when these types of events happen is an understatement. I don’t know if this is the future of AI or something more sinister.

Can anyone enlighten me on what is happening and if I need to be alarmed. I would truly appreciate your feedback. The number of countries that have seen an increase in the views of the archives have gone and it’s from countries that never read through my archives. Today it’s up to six countries.

Thank you.

Melinda

Celebrate Life · Communicating · Fun · Health and Wellbeing · Mental Health

Friday Quote

August 23, 2024 Looking for the Light7 Comments

Thank you for joining me for this week’s Friday Quote.

I’m not thrilled with the use of pink, that’s sexist to me.

Melinda

Reference:

https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/life/g44287993/womens-equality-day-quotes/

Celebrate Life · Communicating · Fun · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health · Moving Forward · Music

#Weekend Music Share-Helen Reddy – I Am Woman (Original Version)

August 23, 2024 Looking for the Light10 Comments

“I am strong, I am invincible, I am woman”.

I remember when the song was released, it was against the grain and received plenty of criticism but what a great anthem that has stood the test of time. Listen to the words carefully. The message is just as important today as it was in 1971. Helen Reddy is so graceful and genuine.

Sending a special thanks to Willowdot21 for her comments on the Women’s Equality Day post.

During an interview many years ago Helen said the song wasn’t written for women only but was for everyone. I have to ponder that. Was she also talking about sexual equality?

It’s the weekend!!!!!!

I’m glad you joined me this week for another edition of Weekend Music Share.

Have a great weekend!

Melinda

Welcome back to Weekend Music Share, the place where everyone can share their favorite music.

Feel free to use the Weekend Music Share banner in your post, and use the hashtag #WeekendMusicShare on social media so other participants can find your post.

Blogging · Communicating · Internet Good/Bad · Men & Womens Health

Beware Of Bots!

August 22, 2024 Looking for the Light8 Comments

For the past two days a Bot aimed at WordPress has hit my archives with a fever pitch. It is probably looking for something I have not written about but it’s searching for something. Is it private information, stealing your content or a corporation looking for specific posts? Who knows but it concerns me.

Don’t be fooled when the views in your archives jump up by several thousand percent. They are not real numbers. You can’t see who they are because it doesn’t show up in the views, only what country has increased. Yesterday it was only in America but today it’s at least five countries. What makes it worse is I keep getting knocked off the Internet. How is this possible?

I contacted WordPress for whatever good that will do, remember you’re talking to a bot! It was telling me how to troubleshoot but in reality the functions don’t work. They show they are available but they won’t block an IP address like it shows, there is no way to block another blogger, it doesn’t work. If it did work I would not keep getting spam comments from the very bloggers who keep spamming me.

I’m tech savy to a point and when I don’t understand I ask my husband who is a career techie. He is the one who helped me understand that it was a Bot hitting WordPress. I don’t think most people can understand the Internet completely unless you’re Stephen Hawkins, but these actions are alarming. I feel like I’m being invaded. Is this the future of AI?

Melinda

Celebrate Life · Communicating · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health · Mental Health · Moving Forward · Survivor

Women’s Equality Day August 26

August 22, 2024 Looking for the Light13 Comments

Women have made huge strides in leveling the playing field but it’s still very lopsided. Women have fought for their rights for over 100 years, and we’re not there yet. I’m so glad there are younger generations who have the skills and determination to keep pushing forward. Make 2024 the year you stop settling and stand your ground for equal rights!

Where it began

The Woman Suffrage Amendment was first introduced on January 10, 1878. It was resubmitted numerous times until it was finally approved by both the House and Senate in June 1919. The bill needed to be approved by two-thirds of the states, so suffragists spent the next year lobbying state legislatures to gain support for the bill. On August 24, 1920, Tennessee became 36^th and final state to ratify the amendment, which passed by only one vote. That one vote belonged to Harry Burn, who heeded the words of his mother when she urged him to vote for suffrage. Secretary of State Bainbridge Colby signed the amendment into law on August 26, 1920.

Fifty years later on August 26, 1970, Betty Friedan and the National Organization for Women organized a nationwide Women’s Strike for Equality. Women across the political spectrum joined together to demand equal opportunities in employment and education, as well as 24-hour childcare centers. This was the largest protest for gender equality in United States history. There were demonstrations and rallies in more than 90 major cities and small towns across the country and over 100,000 women participated, including 50,000 who marched down Fifth Avenue in New York City.

In addition to the marches, groups of women participated in publicity stunts aimed at garnering more recognition of gender inequality. Women in New York City took over the Statue of Liberty, hanging two 40 foot banners from the crown reading “March on August 26 for Equality” and “Women of the World Unite.” An organized group stopped the ticker tape at the American Stock Exchange, and held signs such as, “We won’t bear any more bull.” Female teachers also filed a lawsuit against the New York City Board of Education in which they demanded gender equality in appointing educational administration positions. The case lasted about 10 years and finally resulted in an increase in female principals.

While the strike did not halt the activities of the nation, it drew national attention to the Women’s Movement. The New York Times, for example, published their first major article on the Feminist Movement by covering the events of the day. It even included a map of the route the marchers took through the city.

In 1971, Representative Bella Abzug (D-NY) introduced a successful bill designating August 26th of each year as Women’s Equality Day. Part of the bill reads that Women’s Equality Day is a symbol of women’s continued fight for equal rights and that the United States commends and supports them. It decreed that the President is authorized and requested to issue a proclamation annually in commemoration of woman suffrage and the 1970 Strike for Equality. Women today continue to draw on the history of these brave and determined women.

Women’s Equality Day is celebrated in the United States on August 26 to commemorate the 1920 adoption of the Nineteenth Amendment (Amendment XIX) to the United States Constitution, which prohibits the states and the federal government from denying the right to vote to citizens of the United States on the basis of sex. It was first celebrated in 1971, designated by Congress in 1973, and is proclaimed each year by the United States President.

he date was chosen to commemorate the day in 1920 when the Secretary of State Bainbridge Colby signed the proclamation granting American women the constitutional right to vote.^[1] In 1971, following the 1970 nationwide Women’s Strike for Equality,^[2] and again in 1973, as the battles over the Equal Rights Amendment continued, Congresswoman Bella Abzug of New York introduced a resolution to designate August 26 as Women’s Equality Day.^[3]

In 1972, President Richard Nixon issued Proclamation 4147, which designated August 26, 1972, as “Women’s Rights Day” and was the first official proclamation of Women’s Equality Day.^[4] On August 16, 1973, Congress approved H.J. Res. 52, which stated that August 26 would be designated as Women’s Equality Day and that “the President is authorized and requested to issue a proclamation in commemoration of that day in 1920 on which the women in America were first guaranteed the right to vote”.^[5] The same day, President Nixon issued Proclamation 4236 for Women’s Equality Day, which began, in part: “The struggle for women’s suffrage, however, was only the first step toward full and equal participation of women in our Nation’s life. In recent years, we have made other giant strides by attacking sex discrimination through our laws and by paving new avenues to equal economic opportunity for women. Today, in virtually every sector of our society, women are making important contributions to the quality of American life. And yet, much still remains to be done”.^[6]

As of 2023, every president since Richard Nixon has issued a proclamation each year designating August 26 as Women’s Equality Day.^[7]

I’m proud there is a day on the calendar but that doesn’t satisfy me in the least. Equality is an everyday, day-after-day effort to level all playing fields. Women have fought hard for the progress we’ve made but there is so much more to go. Gone are the days of the good old boys at the workplace and sports is a dinosaur with its pay scale. Women don’t have the same size contracts with advertisers as men and I’m sure the list is longer than I have the wind to write.

Melinda

References:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Women’s_Equality_Day

https://www.womenshistory.org/articles/womens-equality-day

Celebrate Life · Communicating · Family · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health · Mental Health · Moving Forward

Update On Storytelling Series

August 20, 2024 Looking for the Light4 Comments

Hello Advocates! 

NAMI Texas is continuing our efforts to elevate your stories and lived experience! As we prepare for the 89th Legislative Session starting January 2025, we are focusing on gathering specific stories. This is the third month in our Storytelling Series, for the month of August, we are featuring school-based mental health services. Your stories related to this issue are vital, and rest assured, confidentiality is imperative to us. With your permission, we may reach out for further insights. Additionally, if you are interested, you could participate as a storyteller at one of our events or at the Texas Capitol. Your story has the power to strengthen written and/or oral testimony, presentations, policy briefs, and media coverage.

School-based mental health services are vital in promoting students’ well-being and academic success. These services may include counseling, psychological assessments, and the development of individualized education programs (IEPs) for students with mental health needs. For instance, a student struggling with anxiety might receive regular counseling sessions with a mental health provider such as a psychologist or social worker to develop coping strategies. Another student with ADHD might have an IEP that includes accommodations like extended test-taking time or a quiet space for exams. These comprehensive support systems not only address immediate mental health issues but also equip students with the tools they need for long-term success. We invite you to share your experiences with school-based mental health services. Your stories and insights can help us better understand the impact of these services and advocate for their continued support and improvement.

Additionally, if your child or children are enrolled in Medicaid and are facing significant issues with hard limits on treatment services (whether in policy or practice), behavioral health services, or services for medically complex conditions, we would greatly appreciate it if you could share your story with us.

Head over to our Advocacy Campaign  to share your lived experience! Your story can provide valuable insights into the landscape of school-based mental health services. By sharing your experiences, you can help us advocate for the strengthening of these services, ensuring they better meet the needs of all students.

Please feel free to share with your networks! As always, feel free to reach out to our Public Policy Director, Lyssette Galvan, publicpolicy.director@namitexas.org, or Peer Policy Fellow, Christine Busse, peerpolicy.fellow@namitexas.org.   

With gratitude, 

The NAMI Texas Public Policy Team 

Melinda

Blogging · Celebrate Life · Communicating · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health · Moving Forward

Blogger Highlight-The Odyssey Of Life

August 19, 2024 Looking for the Light16 Comments

Thank you for all the great feedback on the Blogger Highlight series, I’ve enjoyed meeting each blogger and sharing their site with you. This week we highlight The Odyssey Of Life. Gene wrote his first post on January 4th, 2024 named Hello World. We have only followed each other a short time but we value many of the same things and I feel a kindred spirit in him.

THE ODYSSEY OF LIFE

“HUMANITY SHOULD BE OUR RACE. LOVE SHOULD BE OUR RELIGION.” UNKNOWN

HI THERE. APPRECIATE YOUR VISIT, THANK YOU!

I’VE BEEN AN AVID READER MY WHOLE LIFE. IN MY YOUTH, I FOUND GREAT COMFORT IN VISITING THE GORDON AVENUE LIBRARY, WHICH WAS JUST A FEW BLOCKS UP A FAIRLY STEEP HILL FROM MY THEN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL. EVEN AT A YOUNG AGE, I FOUND AUTOBIOGRAPHIES AND/OR BIOGRAPHIES FASCINATING TO READ. BEYOND LIFE GROWING UP ON A 48-ACRE FARM, I BEGIN TO REALIZE THE WORLD WAS A MUCH LARGER PLACE THAN I IMAGINED.

MANY YEARS, WHO I AM KIDDING, MANY DECADES HAVE PASSED SINCE THOSE FORMATIVE YEARS LIVING IN THE CENTRAL VIRGINIA REGION, BUT I’M STILL EASILY ENTERTAINED AND AMUSED READING AN ARRAY OF GENRES, WITH MYSTERIES RUNNING A CLOSE 2ND TO INTERESTING BIOGRAPHIES ABOUT FASCINATING PEOPLE FROM ALL WALKS OF LIFE. I WILL USE THIS BLOG TO ENGAGE WITH AND LEARN FROM OTHERS.

I LOVE AMERICA & MOTHER EARTH AND ALL THAT HUMANITY CAN BE TOGETHER…

APPRECIATE YOUR VISIT, THANK YOU! PLEASE VENTURE BACK SOON. FEEL FREE TO SHARE YOUR OWN THOUGHTS, SUGGESTIONS, OPINIONS, ETC. HERE IN THIS SPACE AS A FREE AND OPEN DEMOCRACY ALLOWS.

“LET US NOT SEEK THE REPUBLICAN ANSWER OR THE DEMOCRATIC ANSWER, BUT THE RIGHT ANSWER”. — JOHN F. KENNEDY

I love this quote! If we all voted for what is right for our country I believe America would be in a much better place with more harmony instead of division.

Gene has an extensive Blog Roll that you should take a peek at.

BLOG ROLL

The post talks about a much simpler time in Charlottesville where he lived. The key message resonating with me is that children didn’t recognize skin color during that time. What a great time in history that must have been.

A post that I enjoy is Have We Lost Our Way.

He great observations on the world today and where we have gone astray.

Melinda

Looking for the Light

Celebrate Life · Communicating · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health · Mental Health · Survivor · Travel

“It Ends With Us” – NO MORE x Wayfarer Studios’ Tools & Resources to Spark Change

August 18, 2024 Looking for the Light1 Comment

PUBLISHED

Aug 16, 2024

NO MORE

This week, we have been proud to join Wayfarer Studios, the independent production company behind “It Ends With Us,” the film adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s best-selling novel of the same name, in spotlighting the extensive resources, information, and tools available to all theater-goers, fans of the book, and community organizations in the U.S. and around the world.

You can check out a story in Variety here, and below is an overview with a few more details.

Through an end card running in the film’s credits, and a dedicated page on nomore.org, NO MORE is offering survivors/victims of domestic and sexual violence and their loved ones easy access to find help. Most notably, through the NO MORE Global Directory which seamlessly connects people to support services in the U.S. and 200 countries and territories around the world.

Resources created for the film include:

The “It Ends With Us” Viewers’ Guide for audiences to learn to differentiate between healthy and unhealthy relationships and find out how to make a positive difference in their own communities.
A specially-branded version of the NO MORE Silence: Speak Your Truth platform where people impacted by domestic and sexual violence can safely share their stories and find support.
A free Community Toolkit to provide sector and community organizations with ideas and tools to use the film to create special events, programming, educational materials and content to engage and activate local audiences.
We also included a link to “The Lighthouse,” a comprehensive guide providing information for survivors on recognizing abuse and getting help for themselves and their families.

All of these elements can be found here.

In addition, we have kicked off an ongoing social media campaign with Wayfarer Studios’ Man Enough platform to raise awareness of key topics raised in the film and encourage everyone to join in and become part of the solution.

This effort builds on Wayfarer’s and NO MORE’s long-standing partnership, first announced in 2023, to use the power of art and entertainment to inform, support, and inspire greater progress in preventing gender-based violence and promoting healthy relationships. As part of this partnership, NO MORE served as a content advisor on the film, both within the script and throughout pre- and post-production, to help ensure that domestic and sexual violence were portrayed as accurately and sensitively as possible.

We know that the issues raised in the story of “It Ends With Us” are all too prevalent in our society. One in 4 women and 1 in 7 men in the US experience severe physical violence by an intimate partner in their lifetime, and more than 15 million American children live in homes in which domestic violence has happened at least once. That’s why we feel so strongly about using this cultural moment of the film’s release to spark dialogue, increase awareness, and inspire meaningful change.

We hope you’ll join us! See the film, explore our resources, and help break the pattern of abuse. Together, we can end domestic and sexual violence!

With gratitude,

The NO MORE Team

Be sure to tune in, it promises to be an informative event for women and men.

Melinda

Celebrate Life · Chronic Illness · Communicating · Health and Wellbeing · Medical · Men & Womens Health

World Cancer Support Month

August 17, 2024 Looking for the Light2 Comments

I think we can all get behind World Cancer Support Month. Most of us have been affected by Cancer whether it be ourselves or someone close to us and we understand the support that is needed. I was traumatized when I was diagnosed with Cancer at 28 years old, it changed the trajectory of my life. I was one of the lucky ones who didn’t need chemotherapy or radiation. The cancer was removed during surgery, I was very lucky. My husband has two types of cancer that is slow growing but it’s no less worrisome.

World Cancer Support Month, observed annually in August, stands as a beacon of solidarity and hope for those affected by cancer across the globe. This dedicated month serves as a reminder of the immense strength, resilience, and compassion that unite individuals, families, and communities in the face of this challenging disease.

Cancer, an intricate ailment, arises from the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in the body. These cells can develop into tumors, affecting nearby tissues and, in some cases, spreading to other parts of the body. With over 100 types of cancer, each characterized by distinct behaviors and treatment requirements, it’s a complex adversary that demands comprehensive understanding and dedicated research.

World Cancer Support Month takes a multifaceted approach to addressing this issue. It not only emphasizes the importance of providing medical treatment but also highlights the need for emotional and psychological support for those dealing with cancer. The emotional toll of the disease on patients, families, and caregivers cannot be understated. By fostering an environment of open dialogue, the stigma surrounding cancer can be dismantled, encouraging more people to seek help and resources.

Don’t forget those around you with Cancer and do something thoughtful for them. Sitting and talking is a great start and helping run a few errands or cooking a meal is extra special.

Melinda

Reference:

https://thewaynecenter.com/world-cancer-support-month/

Celebrate Life · Communicating · Health and Wellbeing · Mental Health

Friday Quote

August 16, 2024 Looking for the Light12 Comments

Thank you for joining me for this week’s Friday Quote.

Melinda

Communicating · Family · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health · Moving Forward

Making Your Home Sale Process Less Of A Challenge

August 13, 2024August 16, 2024 Looking for the Light2 Comments

If you want your home to make money for you, it’s crucial to understand that selling your home isn’t a challenge you should tackle alone. The involvement of various professionals is not just beneficial but necessary to streamline the process, increase your profit, and ensure all legal aspects are covered correctly.

Here, you will find a comprehensive guide that covers everything you need to know about selling your home, making the process less of a challenge and more of a well-informed decision.

Photo by Jakub Zerdzicki: https://www.pexels.com/photo/hand-holding-keys-to-a-new-house-real-estate-residential-27522902/

Understanding deeds

Understanding deeds is a crucial part of the selling process and is not always straightforward. If you’re not familiar with real estate terminology, you might find it challenging to grasp what a deed is. A deed is a legal document that transfers property ownership. Platforms like Deeds.com provide expert information to help you navigate this process.

With research and understanding, you can be sure that everything is legally correct before you proceed with the sale. With the help of a legal expert gaining personal knowledge online can reassure you that the legal side of things is performed correctly during the sale process.

Ask as many questions as you like

When working with a real estate agent to sell your home, you are entitled to ask as many questions as you like. You don’t need to hold anything back. You should ask everything so that you can be sure what is going on.

When you have something on your mind, it is better to ask it. You need to be involved in the sales process as much as the real estate agent, so don’t be afraid to ask. The real estate agent will address your concerns and offer you peace of mind. Relying on a real estate agent can allow you to get on with your life and enjoy things you love while guaranteeing it will be sold at the right price, to the right people.

Be clear about your final goals

From the beginning of your home sales process, you must be clear about your final goals. Whether you need to sell the home within six months or desire a certain profit, the real estate agent needs to know these goals so they can do their best to fulfill your requests.

You can reduce your home sales stress by finalizing goals before you sell the home. Then, make the agent aware so that you can work collaboratively to fulfill them.

Don’t shut down advice

Real estate professionals will offer advice throughout the sales process. While you might have certain unachievable goals that can leave you upset, you need to listen to them. They are experienced and know what the outcome could be. For example, they might advise you to turn your unused room into a playroom to add more value and appeal to your home.

Taking professional advice will help you make the right decisions, stay on good terms with people who want to help, fulfill the profit expectations as closely as possible, and stay calm throughout the tough times.

Become a good negotiator

It’s crucial to bargain wisely when you receive offers to get the greatest deal. Be willing to haggle over things such as price and closing charges to reach a mutually agreeable agreement.

Develop a bargaining strategy by working together with your real estate agent to identify the advantages and disadvantages of each offer. Recall that the objective is to sell your house, so be prepared to make concessions as needed to reach an agreement.

Offer flexible viewing times

During the home selling process, it can be very beneficial to be accommodating with showings. Given their hectic schedules, buyers’ availability can be accommodated, boosting the likelihood of obtaining offers.

Always keep your house tidy and ready for visitors, and be ready to leave the property quickly. Your chances of receiving an offer to purchase your house quickly increase with its accessibility to prospective buyers. Open house days are good as they can entice more viewings and help people look around at their own leisure.

Get yourself ready for the closing process

There are a number of crucial processes in the closing process, which can be complicated. Work with your real estate agent and attorney to make sure you are aware of all the regulations and documents needed for a seamless closing.

Arrange for a last inspection of the property to ensure everything is as agreed upon. Be ready to sign many papers and pay any necessary fees. By maintaining organization and knowledge, you can confidently manage the closing process. Staying in touch with the real estate agent will make the closing process smooth and simple.

This is a collaborative post.

Melinda

Celebrate Life · Communicating · Family · Health and Wellbeing · Infectious Diease · Internet Good/Bad · Medical · Men & Womens Health

Things I’ve Learned In 61 Years Part Three

August 13, 2024August 13, 2024 Looking for the Light4 Comments

President Trump knew about COVID-19 in January 2020 but did not tell the public until March of that year. I heard the words myself during a phone interview with highly respected journalist Bob Woodward. Bob asked President Trump about the virus and he admitted it was deadly yet in public he said it was no worse the the seasonal flu and would go away quickly.

The most complete overview of the conversation with Bob Woodward and President Trump.

https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/audio-recordings-prove-trump-lied-about-coronavirus-danger

Here are a few articles on the subject by respected organizations

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-54094559

https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/congress/trump-white-house-made-deliberate-efforts-undermine-covid-response-report-n1286211

During the months that President Trump refused to listen to his top national advisors, the government was not ramping up its national supplies which is why hospitals found themselves without masks, proper protective gear, enough ventilators, and enough staff. I remember seeing hospitals overrun with patients and having to make the hard choice of who would get treatment or continue to get life support. This is not a weight that any individual employee needs to make, several committed suicide and washed out of their field and many caught COVID-19 themselves.

For conspiracy theorists and anti-vaxxers, you are misinformed and misguided, and no doubt you live lost in the same state of mind in the other areas of your life. People need to look at factual information and make up their own minds, conspiracy therorist are being controlled by others. That makes you a follower.

The total number of deaths from COVID-19 in the United States to date

We at USAFacts have endeavored to provide comprehensive, real-time pandemic data from all 50 states. However, the growing prevalence of at-home testing and the potential for individuals to contract the virus multiple times have skewed the government data we receive. These developments, plus the end of the public health emergency — and the required data reporting that came with it — have made it difficult for us to present a clear and reliable picture of COVID-19 in America.

We are committed to presenting thorough, accurate data, but the fact is that collecting that data on COVID-19 data is a significantly more challenging that it used to be, if the data is even out there at all. Therefore, we will no longer update the data on this dashboard. We appreciate your understanding and encourage you to remain vigilant in observing health protocols and guidelines. For more information about broader health outcomes, visit US Health Statistic and Data trends

	Total Reported
Cases	99,596,741
Deaths	1,104,000

STATE-BY-STATE DATA (TOTALS)

State	7-day avg. cases	7-day avg. deaths	Cases	Deaths	7-day avg. hospitalizations	7-day avg. hospitalizations per 100k
Alabama	0	0	1,659,936	21,138	30	0.6
Alaska	0	0	287,319	1,457	4	0.6
Arizona	0	0	2,486,671	29,852	152	2
Arkansas	0	0	977,662	13,062	30	1
California	128	0	11,300,486	102,356	377	1
Colorado	0	0	1,769,981	14,522	92	1
Connecticut	0	0	982,973	11,034	20	0.6
Delaware	13	0	334,466	3,440	83	8
District of Columbia	0	0	169,149	1,392	5	0.7
Florida	0	0	7,627,999	89,075	246	1
Georgia	0	0	2,343,807	42,351	129	1
Hawaii	96	0	393,757	1,955	27	2
Idaho	0	2	526,118	5,513	17	0.9
Illinois	0	0	3,706,263	39,381	189	1
Indiana	0	0	2,033,879	25,959	34	0.5
Iowa	0	0	892,628	10,538	24	0.8
Kansas	0	0	946,564	10,229	35	1
Kentucky	0	0	1,713,220	18,094	45	1
Louisiana	0	0	1,459,308	18,136	43	0.9
Maine	18	1	324,378	3,085	25	1
Maryland	0	0	1,270,844	15,578	110	1
Massachusetts	268	0	2,048,722	21,035	52	0.8
Michigan	157	3	3,119,532	43,191	67	0.7
Minnesota	0	0	1,552,840	12,806	45	0.8
Mississippi	0	0	1,000,415	13,474	14	0.5
Missouri	0	0	1,592,300	20,776	189	3
Montana	0	0	333,758	3,712	17	1
Nebraska	0	0	563,028	4,827	20	1
Nevada	74	0	892,252	12,084	26	0.8
New Hampshire	0	0	375,618	2,972	19	1
New Jersey	0	0	2,995,906	35,774	115	1
New Mexico	0	0	681,525	9,236	19	0.9
New York	429	-37	6,706,390	77,423	177	0.9
North Carolina	0	0	3,501,415	29,059	258	2
North Dakota	13	0	292,065	2,232	5	0.7
Ohio	0	0	3,449,990	42,299	108	0.9
Oklahoma	0	0	1,305,761	16,157	73	1
Oregon	0	0	910,700	8,726	46	1
Pennsylvania	0	2	3,565,278	51,344	264	2
Rhode Island	0	0	442,671	4,148	3	0.3
South Carolina	0	0	1,481,646	17,869	78	1
South Dakota	0	0	283,342	3,245	11	1
Tennessee	0	0	2,364,399	28,113	41	0.6
Texas	0	0	8,508,204	92,378	194	0.7
Utah	0	0	1,099,978	5,397	21	0.6
Vermont	0	0	151,477	910	9	1
Virginia	210	0	2,323,255	23,769	204	2
Washington	184	2	1,969,833	15,972	34	0.4
West Virginia	15	0	652,772	8,163	34	1
Wisconsin	50	0	2,036,872	16,723	79	1
Wyoming	0	0	187,389	2,039	13	2

For more on how USAFacts collects coronavirus data, read this detailed methodology and sources page.

Not all the statistics add up over the last seven days but you get the overall message. Close to 100,ooo people died in Texas alone.

I would like to see how conspiracy theorist explain the number of documented cases and deaths. Maybe the same way President Trump explains his very existence.

COVID-19 is on the rise in many countries, The United States has not been hit hard but the is no excuse for not taking precautions. Look at President Biden who recently contracted COVID-19, it can happen, and if we are not careful COVID-19 may return the the awful days of the pandemic. I pray not, it affected everyone, every business, and how we went about our daily life, people lost their jobs and businesses closed and life sucked all around.

I’m asking you to think about yourself, your family, and the community around you. Don’t read news about COVID-19 on social media, read news from respected news outlets, read briefings from the CDC and National Security within our government, and make an informed decision.

Our life and future depends on accurate information and making the right decisions which are not easy but ones you’ll be glad you made.

Melinda

References:

https://usafacts.org/visualizations/coronavirus-covid-19-spread-map/

Celebrate Life · Communicating · Fun · Men & Womens Health · Travel

A Special Thanks To The Countries Who Have Visiting My Blog: Czechia, Ireland, Serbia, The Seychelles And Ghana

August 12, 2024 Looking for the Light1 Comment

Thank you for visiting my blog and allowing me into your life. I appreciate you and get a fix of my desire to travel from your visit.

I hope to see you again soon and appreciate your comments and follows.

Melinda

Looking for the Light

Communicating · Health and Wellbeing · Infectious Diease · Medical · Men & Womens Health

Olympion Noah Lyles And Management Team Put Thousands At Ricks For COVID

August 10, 2024 Looking for the Light9 Comments

Team USA runner Noah Lyles—who won bronze in the men’s 200m and was rushed off the field after the race in a wheelchair and later admitted to NBC Nightly News that he had tested positive for COVID two days before. He was not wearing a mask and I seriously doubt he was in the two days prior since the information was not released by him or his management team.

His management team released a statement saying that he was diagnosed two days earlier and they backed his decision to race. Unacceptable. The situation needs to be investigated, his management team fired and his bronze medal taken away. The Olympic Committee needs to hold a press conference and speak out against the decision to keep the information under wraps.

This is beyond reckless behavior and the Olympics could be a superspreader. He is selfish, ego-driven and does not take anyone’s health into consideration. I would take all his medals away for this behavior. He is not worthy of being called an Olympian and is a disgrace to his teammates and this country.

What else needs to be done

Banned from the 2028 Olympics

All of his medals taken away

All journalists, Olympians, and others exposed by him who get COVID need to sue him, the management team, and the Olympic Committee.

As of yesterday, Noah had planned to isolate and finish the competition however I read today that he has dropped out of the remaining races.

The Olympics and the public can not accept this behavior, it was a total disregard for others’ health and frankly, this should end his career.

The Olympics is a team sport and he was not a team player in the least.

Melinda

Celebrate Life · Communicating · Health and Wellbeing · Mental Health

Friday Quote

August 9, 2024 Looking for the Light4 Comments

Thank you for joining me for this week’s Friday Quote.

Melinda

Celebrate Life · Communicating · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health · Mental Health · Moving Forward

Things I’ve Learned In 61 Years Part Two

August 8, 2024 Looking for the Light15 Comments

Life is a roller coaster, the higher you go the further you fall

Life is not greener on the other side, get real

Life is what we’re given and what we make of it, don’t wallow in self-pity

No one has a perfect life, get over that fantasy

No one said life was going to be easy, work for what you get

No one is owed anything and you have to pay for everything you get

Don’t expect the government to pay your school loan or anything you have made the decision to purchase, be accountable

If you don’t like the situation you’re in, change it. You’re the only one that can

Journalism with integrity doesn’t exist, it’s influenced by the political slant of the broadcaster and full of personal opinions and biases. The foundation of Journalism is to deliver the who, what, when, and where

There is so much news nationally and locally every day that I don’t understand why we get the same story repeated 4 to 5 days in a row. It’s like they want to add drama or are lazy

Covid is on the rise but I haven’t heard one story about it from the media, only from media overseas

People who feel sorry for themselves and wallow in it want to stay victims, I have no room for that in my life

Everyone can take steps to improve their lives, it will take time but you have to be committed to improvement

You will not find real news on Social Media, it’s coming from unreliable sources who are sharing their opinion or conspiracy theories, if you listen you get what you get and can be very uninformed

Social Media Influencers are fake, they are being paid to sell products and you are only lining their pockets

Magazines have gotten into the money-making game by talking about clothes and products that celebrities use, they make money every time you click a link. If you are interested in a product go to the website directly, their reviews are often based on making money

Never click on a link in an email, go to the site directly. Hackers are getting much better at making emails look like they come from the company

If you receive emails for products you didn’t ask to sign up for, don’t click on a link to unsubscribe, you never know if it’s a virus

The President of the United States does not set gas prices, OPEC does. Educate yourself

The President of the United States does not set interest rates the Federal Reserve does. Educate yourself

During any political campaign listen to what the person is saying, research what they’ve done and if all they do is bad mouth the opponent, there’s your sign

Melinda

Celebrate Life · Communicating · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health · Survivor · Trauma

July Newsletter – “The Lighthouse” Edition

August 4, 2024 Looking for the Light3 Comments

This week, we proudly launched “The Lighthouse,” a new, comprehensive guide for survivors-victims of domestic and sexual violence and their loved ones. It includes in-depth information to recognize all forms of domestic and sexual violence; find counseling services, legal aid, and other resources; and get inspiration to light the way toward a brighter future.

“The Lighthouse” was inspired by Karoline Starostik. She has shown tremendous courage in speaking out and tremendous generosity in wanting to create the guide to help other survivors who may be in need of support.

Several victims and survivors of domestic and sexual violence helped to name the guide, and their voices are included throughout it. We are beyond grateful to Karoline and everyone who shared their experience and are helping to empower countless others.

The guide also highlights and includes links to resources from several of our partners and allies. We thank these and all the amazing organizations who work tirelessly to support victim-survivors of domestic and sexual violence in communities across the U.S.

This guide is for you, for your friend, your neighbor, your colleague. It’s for everyone who needs to know if they are, or someone they know is, being abused. And if they are, where and how to get help as safely as possible. It’s intended to light the way towards empowerment, resilience, and healing for those who have endured the unimaginable.

Together, let’s continue to strive to create a world with no abuse. Until then, we will work to enable the voices of survivors to be heard, their experiences acknowledged, and their journey toward recovery illuminated for others to follow.

Download Your Free Copy of “The Lighthouse”

Be sure to check out the wealth of resources No More has available.

Melinda

Celebrate Life · Chronic Illness · Communicating · Health and Wellbeing · Medical · Men & Womens Health

10 Ways to Find Support When You Live Alone with Chronic Illness

August 3, 2024 Looking for the Light6 Comments

by Beth Ann Mayer

•••••

Medically Reviewed by:

Tiffany Taft, PsyD

Living alone with a chronic illness can make it hard to get support. Some may worry about burdening others or explaining their condition, but there are people who want to help.

Not all chronic conditions are apparent, and their “invisibility” can make asking for help a challenge.

People living alone may feel this most, without a partner, family, or roommates who understand their daily routines and consistent needs.

If this describes you, you may find yourself with another task on your to-do list: finding the support you need.

Read on for tips on how to get your needs met, even when living alone with chronic illness.

1. First, know it’s OK to need help (and you’re not a burden)

People with chronic illness may be reluctant to seek help for several reasons.

“People don’t want to be a burden on others,” says Marzena Gieniusz, MD, an internist. “I hear this a lot in my practice, even when there are people willing, able, and happy to help available.”

Part of this involves cultural expectations and norms.

“Our culture places high emphasis on independence and autonomy,” says Rehan Aziz, MD, a psychiatrist.

Sometimes the issue is communicating what you need.

“Many people with chronic illnesses also face the challenge of their conditions being ‘invisible,’ which can lead to misunderstandings about the severity of their needs,” says Clorinda Walley, president of Good Days.

Still others may simply prefer being alone.

“Living alone can provide a moment of solitude — a reprieve from the intensity of medical spaces and constant interactions with others,” says Gabriel Cartagena, PhD, a clinical psychologist. “Living alone can also provide individuals with space to pause, reflect, and process their thoughts and experiences.”

2. Reflect on your relationship to asking for help

Cartagena recommends starting with self-reflection as you embark on your journey to find the support you need.

You can ask yourself questions like:

Has it been uncomfortable for me to ask for help? If so, why?
What does it mean for me if I do ask for help?
What do I worry about losing if I ask for help?
What difficulties might I have if I don’t get the help I need right now?

This reflection can be a key first step to understand what it means to you to ask for help, and why you may feel reluctant to do so.

Cartagena says the next question to ask yourself is: “Who do I feel I can trust?”

The answer may be a family member or friend. It may be challenging to ask, but you can try reframing your thoughts.

“People like to feel useful and will often be happy to be able to help in a practical way,” says Hannah Carmichael, the director of the Living Well Alone Project.

3. Be specific about your needs

While people may be eager to help, they’ll likely look to you to hammer out the what, when, and how. The good news? You’ll be able to advocate for your actual needs.

“The more specific you can be, the easier you make it for others to help you,” Carmichael says. “This gives the person you’re asking much more certainty about exactly what you need and clarifies their role.”

For example, “Rather than ‘I’d really appreciate some help with a bit of shopping at some point,’ try, ‘Next Thursday, would you be able to drive me to the shopping center at 3 p.m., and stay with me while I pick up a couple of birthday presents?’” says Carmichael.

Carmichael suggests asking different people to help with different tasks. Think of assembling a village like a coach putting together a team — everyone has a unique skill set and availability. This step can also prevent overloading one person.

For instance, a person who loves cooking may be able to assist with meal prep. A friend who enjoys driving might be willing to give you a lift to the doctor. An assertive but tactful friend could be a good advocate for you in the emergency room.

Think of assembling a village like a coach putting together a team — everyone has a unique skill set and availability.

5. Build a village near your hometown

You may not have family and friends around who can help, or perhaps you’re looking for new connections.

“When you live alone, you don’t have anyone ‘on hand’ to keep you company,” Carmichael says. “That means that the responsibility is on you to find people to be friends with, and it’s also on you to grow and maintain those relationships.”

Here are some tips to get you started.

Look online

Online resources can help set you up for in-person social support.

“Look on Meetup [and] on local Facebook groups for activities taking place that don’t need you to travel too far from home,” Carmichael says. “You might be surprised at how much is going on.”

Local notice boards at a library or community center may also spark ideas.

Keep an open mind

It can be beneficial to try something different.

“You never know, that local talk on the history of bridges in your area might turn out to be a lot more interesting than you think, or at least, a chance to meet new people,” Carmichael says.

Get into a routine

One of the easiest ways to build new connections is to encounter the same people daily. It’s not always luck.

“Try to walk the dog or go for a stroll at the same time each day, and see how quickly you start to spot familiar faces,” Carmichael says.

6. Look into community-based programs

You may have organizations within your community with people who have already volunteered to help.

“Some communities have volunteer programs that offer free assistance with tasks like grocery shopping, transportation, and home maintenance for individuals with chronic illnesses,” says Aziz.

Aziz recommends services like Meals on Wheels. However, the nonprofit generally serves people 60 and older.

Local churches, mosques, synagogues, and other volunteer-based organizations may also have services accessible to people regardless of age. A healthcare professional can point you to organizations within your community.

7. Find support online

One of the benefits of living in the Digital Age is that it can connect you with people you might not normally meet.

“Face-to-face interactions are great, but they’re not always possible when you’re living with a chronic illness,” says Carmichael. “There are some brilliantly friendly, supportive groups on Facebook, for example, if you take the time to look for them.”

Carmichael suggests searching for groups geared toward people with your condition or even hobbies and interests.

Aziz agrees that online groups can be a useful tool.

“Virtual support groups and forums can be valuable resources for connecting with others who share similar challenges and experiences,” Aziz says.

If you haven’t already, give Bezzy Communities a try.

8. Use delivery pharmacies

Gieniusz says it can be a challenge to stay up to date with medications, which can be critical to managing a condition. Compounding matters, you may be using different pharmacies for different medicines.

“Using a delivery pharmacy to ensure medications are at your door and on time can help make managing chronic illness easier,” Gieniusz says.

Major pharmacies like Walgreens and CVS also offer delivery services.

9. Let them know you value their help

Simple acknowledgments of someone’s efforts to help you can go a long way in community-building.

“It’s important because it not only shows recognition but also encourages a continued support network,” Walley says.

Carmichael agrees.

“Think about what you can offer in return so that the relationship feels more reciprocal,” Carmichael says. “Even if your condition means you won’t be able to help them with practical tasks, you could perhaps offer a cup of tea and a chat about something on their mind.”

Walley says thank you notes or simply saying or texting “Thank you” are often enough.

Simple acknowledgments of someone’s efforts to help you can go a long way in community-building.

10. Enlist help through national nonprofits

National nonprofits can connect you with organizations in your area.

Some options include:

Aziz says you may also find help through organizations specific to your condition(s), like the American Chronic Pain Association and American Cancer Society. Some also offer support groups.

Takeaway

Living alone with a chronic condition can be both practically and emotionally challenging.

Even if you can’t afford in-home aid, resources are available.

From the wider community to national organizations, there are people out there who want to provide support. Sometimes, but not always, all it takes is asking.

Medically reviewed on March 20, 2024

5 Sources

These are some great ideas and many will take time but the payoff can make all the difference in your life.

Melinda

Celebrate Life · Communicating · Health and Wellbeing · Mental Health

Friday Quote

August 2, 2024 Looking for the Light10 Comments

Thank you for joining me for this week’s Friday Quote.

quote about mental health by brene brown

Melinda

Celebrate Life · Communicating · Health and Wellbeing · Medical · Men & Womens Health · Mental Health

August Awareness Days

August 1, 2024August 3, 2024 Looking for the Light7 Comments

The main days and months you should know about for August are:

National Black Business Month	August 1
World Lung Cancer Day	August 1
Esther Day	August 3
World Elephant Day	August 12
National Nonprofit Day	August 17
Remember Slavery Day	August 23
Women’s Equality Day	August 26
Anniversary of the March on Washington	August 28
National Grief Awareness Day	August 30

National Breastfeeding Month

National Civility Month

National Dog Month

National Hair Loss Awareness Month

National Immunization Awareness Month

National Make-a-Will Month

National Road Victim Month

National Traffic Awareness Month

National Wellness Month

Psoriasis Awareness Month / Psoriasis Action Month

Spinal Muscular Atrophy Awareness Month

Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS) Awareness Month

Transgender History Month

World Cancer Support Month

‍Melinda

Reference:

https://www.goodgoodgood.co/articles/august-awareness-days-months

Celebrate Life · Communicating · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health · Mental Illness · Survivor

Announcing Champions of Resilience By Guest Blogger Shedding Light on Mental Illness

July 28, 2024 Looking for the Light2 Comments

I wanted to let you all know I’ve recently launched a video podcast called Champions of Resilience. It’s a transformative channel where we delve into the inspiring stories of individuals who have triumphed over adversity. On my web page you’ll find the links to my most recent episodes, a little bit about the show and why … Continue

Congrats to Amy, no doubt she will continue to advocate and inspire others as she has me for many years.

http://amy-gamble.com/2024/07/25/announcing-champions-of-resilience/

Melinda

Celebrate Life · Communicating · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health · Mental Health · Moving Forward

What Causes Procrastination? It’s More Complicated Than You Think

July 27, 2024August 10, 2024 Looking for the Light16 Comments

I have thought about this topic for a long time, I have someone in my life who has procrastinated since I met them. I thought it was time to find the scientific reason to better understand their behavior.

6 Common Causes of Procrastination

The roots of procrastination are more complex than you might guess.

Posted October 15, 2019 | Reviewed by Abigail Fagan

Psychology Today

A growing understanding has emerged that procrastination is underpinned by emotional issues. The gist of this argument is generally that people who procrastinate have poor distress tolerance. When faced with a task that stirs their negative emotions, they freeze and retreat rather than work through their feelings to pave a way forward. While this is part of what causes procrastination, the causes are more multifaceted. Let’s look at six diverse roots of procrastination.

1. Decision fatigue.

If you need to make decisions constantly, you might find that you put off very small ones. For instance, I’ve been wanting to buy a heart rate monitor for the gym. I picked the one I want to get, but as I was about to add it to my cart, I realized I needed to choose between the two sizes offered. At that point, I hit a brick wall of decision fatigue and haven’t gone back to the purchase in over a week.

2. Difficulty with planning and sequencing.

On a neuro-cognitive level, some folks aren’t good at planning out multi-step processes. This difficulty is especially prominent in people who have ADHD, but there are plenty of folks who don’t have ADHD, and who are otherwise very smart, for whom breaking up a complex task into a series of steps isn’t a strength. For some people taking a birdseye perspective on a task, seeing the steps, and seeing a place to start is obvious. For others, it’s not.

3. Relationship-related procrastination

Procrastination tends to cause relationship stress, especially when couples are more established, are making life decisions together, and are reliant on each other for important tasks like filing taxes.

If one person in a relationship tends to procrastinate, there will often be a tug-of-war involving nagging, resentment, stress, and both individuals feeling unsupported in completing tasks involving shared responsibility. The more pressured the procrastinator feels, the more they may dig their heels in and refuse to do anything that’s asked of them.

While it’s obvious how a procrastination tug-of-war can lead to arguments, a less obvious, but at least as important, consequence is that this tug-of-war can lead to an erosion of relationship closeness. For instance, if whenever the couple spends time alone together the resented to-do’s get raised, it’s a disincentive for spending time together.

All this can create a vicious circle of higher negative feelings and lower positive feelings (such as lower emotional trust) in the relationship.

4. Depression-related procrastination

I wrote a previous post about how depression and procrastination are linked. In short, when people are depressed they’ll tend to procrastinate over all types of tasks, whether they’re simple or complex, fun or tedious. People with depression often experience a lot of rumination (negatively-toned overthinking), and they often lose confidence in their capacity to be reliable friends, partners, coworkers, etc.

5. Anxiety-related procrastination.

When people are putting off tasks due to the negative emotions raised by the task, anxiety is often part of the picture. Even when, on the surface, a person doesn’t want to do a task because it’s boring, boring is often code for hard (e.g., kids who find math ‘boring’ often really mean it’s hard).

Another link is that performance-anxiety often leads to a person taking a perfectionistic approach to a task, which then makes the task unnecessarily daunting. This article outlines other links between anxiety and procrastination.

6. Creativity-related procrastination.

Many types of creative work (very broadly defined) benefit from people taking some time away from the project and looking at it with fresh eyes. Sometimes you can achieve a state of having fresh eyes with simply a night of sleep. Other times it can be useful to have a couple of months pass before you revisit a project. Taking significant time away from a project can be both procrastination and creatively useful. Often there isn’t a clear distinction. You might both feel the nagging feeling that’s the hallmark of procrastination and creatively benefit from the break.

When people do creative work, they don’t do it in a mental vacuum. Part of the creator’s lens is determined by what’s going on in the world and what’s going on in their life at the time. Life experiences, including mundane ones, can lead to drawing on different analogies, etc. This contributes to why seeing a project with fresh eyes can be useful.

7. Bonus: A combination.

Often more than one factor contributes to procrastination. There can be elements of habit to it as well, such as always waiting until three days before the due date to write a report for work. This isn’t necessarily a bad pattern if it’s a system that works well for you.

Solutions:

When it comes to procrastination, look for any type of it that has significant costs to you, whether it’s in terms of relationship stress, personal stress, or reduced quality of work.
Find go-to strategies that get to the root of the issue. For instance, shrink and simplify the scope of the task if perfectionism is an issue. If planning and figuring out where to start is hard for you, talk this through with someone who is good at it, and develop a checklist for the next time you need to do a similar task. If depression is an issue, seek treatment, and so on.
Develop a variety of strategies for overcoming procrastination so that, in any situation, you have one that feels doable and relevant in that situation. For instance, in The Healthy Mind Toolkit, I outline 21 strategies for getting past procrastination and seven of those are excerpted here.

About the Author

Alice Boyes, Ph.D., translates principles from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and social psychology into tips people can use in their everyday lives.

I knew it had to be more complicated than being lazy and have read recently that the person feels shame and I had to better understand it.

Now that I have more information I can empathize and try to help the person in my life seek help, if they will listen. It’s not easy to hear these things about yourself and it’s easy to push them down.

Melinda

Celebrate Life · Communicating · Fun · Health and Wellbeing · Mental Health

Friday Quote

July 26, 2024 Looking for the Light11 Comments

Thank you for joining me for this week’s Friday Quote.

Short Inspirational Quotes - Chip Gaines

Photo: Jasmine Mahoro

Celebrate Life · Communicating · Family · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health · Mental Health · Mental Illness · Self-Care

NAMI Texas Advocacy Newsletter July 25, 2024

July 25, 2024 Looking for the Light8 Comments

Hello Advocates, Happy Minority Mental Health Awareness Month! In 2008, the U.S. House of Representatives officially declared July as Bebe Moore Campbell National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month. Bebe Moore Campbell was a mental health champion who used her experience to highlight the profound impact that culture, community and connections have on mental health. Minority Mental Health Awareness Month is crucial for many reasons: Health Disparities: Minority communities often face significant disparities in mental health care, including limited access to services, lower quality of care, and higher levels of stigma associated with mental health conditions. Raising awareness helps address and reduce these disparities. Stigma Reduction: Many minority communities experience higher levels of stigma surrounding mental health conditions. Awareness initiatives can help break down these barriers, encouraging individuals to seek help and support without fear of judgment or discrimination. Cultural Awareness: Mental health awareness in minority communities promotes the need for culturally sensitive care. It emphasizes the importance of understanding cultural differences and tailoring mental health services to meet the unique needs of diverse populations. Advocacy and Policy Change: Highlighting the specific mental health needs of minority communities can drive advocacy efforts and inform policy changes aimed at improving mental health care equity. For example, this may include funding, more inclusive programs, and systemic changes that strengthen support for BIPOC individuals. Fast Facts:Asian American and Pacific Islanders: Non-Hispanic Asian American adults are the least likely population to receive mental health treatment for their mental illnessIn 2022, only 36.1% of Asian adults with mental illness received treatment9% of Asian Americans are not fluent in English and limited availability of culturally appropriate mental health care creates a significant barrier when trying to access careBlack/African Ancestry Communities:In 2022, only 37.9% of non-Hispanic Black or African American adults with mental illness received treatmentProvider bias, whether implicit or explicit, and lack of cultural sensitivity often results in misdiagnosis and inadequate treatmentWhen expressing symptoms related to mood disorders, Black people are more likely to receive a misdiagnosis of schizophreniaHispanic/Latin Americans: Nearly half of Hispanic and Latino young adults ages 18-25 with a serious mental illness do not receive treatmentAccording to the Kiser Family Foundation, in 2022, 18% of nonelderly Hispanic people had no form of health insuranceCompared to the U.S. average of 50.6%, approximately 39.6% of Hispanic or Latino adults with a mental illness receive treatment each yearBebe Moore Campbell used her voice to pave the way; what an honor it is that advocates like you and I have the opportunity to keep her legacy alive by continuing to advocate for a more inclusive, equitable, and effective mental health care system that serves all individuals, regardless of their background or identity. With gratitude,The NAMI Texas Public Policy Team Source material and further information can be found on NAMI National’s 2024 Bebe Moore Campbell National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month Toolkit.————————————————————————————————————————————–P.S. As I transition out of my fellowship with NAMI Texas, I want to take a moment to express my gratitude to each and every one of you. It has been the honor of a lifetime being a part of the NAMI Texas Team and the community of incredible advocates that it encompasses. Having the opportunity to be in conversation and spaces with such passionate, driven and welcoming advocates like you is truly an indescribable feeling. While I will no longer be on staff, I have every intention of staying engaged with NAMI Texas and all of you. Thank you for your kindness, support and willingness to share your stories with me over the last two years. You have made an everlasting impact on me, and I am so thankful for that. With love and gratitude,Hannah

If you have anything you would like to share with NAMI Texas advocates in these emails, please send the information to policy.fellow@namitexas.org

– Hannah Gill and the NAMI Texas Public Policy Team

Mental Health in the Media A look at the Texas mental health workforce shortage“Today, 246 of Texas’ 254 counties are wholly or partly designated by the federal government as “mental health professional shortage areas,” and that’s in a state where roughly 5 million people do not have health insurance. This has had a particularly dire effect in rural, border, and frontier counties in Texas, as some regions might have only one mental health professional or none. If you look at the raw numbers, we don’t have enough providers, even if they were evenly distributed,” said Alison Mohr Boleware, the Hogg Foundation for Mental Health policy director.” Sherman PD teams up with Texoma Community Center on mental health co-response team“The Sherman Police Department and Texas Community Center have teamed up to make a mental health co-response program. TCC Assistant Director of Care Coordination, Tori Dyess, said the program was made possible through a grant. “We reached out to Sherman Police Department, and decided to collaborate to create a team that was embedded with them,” Dyess said. The TCC has qualified mental health professionals stationed at the police department seven days a week, from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. The program’s goal is to get effective mental health care to those in crisis faster.” Employment may be key to veterans’ mental health, UTEP study finds“EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — A new study authored by two University of Texas El Paso researchers is showing employment may be key to emotional wellbeing for veterans. The study was published in the June issue of scientific journal ‘Stress and Health’. The researchers looked at 517 veterans experiencing mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder. According to the study, employment correlated with positive emotional wellbeing in veterans struggling with their mental health. The study also said unemployed veterans were twice as likely to experience depression.” Gov. Abbott Announces 7 New State Hospital Projects, Including $1B+ for Two in North Texas“Seven new state hospital projects—including new ones in Wichita Falls and Terrell—have been announced to better serve people in need of inpatient psychiatric services. Gov. Greg Abbott said the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) projects are funded by $1.5 billion approved by the Texas Legislature in 2023 to expand, renovate, and build new facilities across the state.” How many people are receiving mental health treatment in Texas
“More than 5 million American adults were receiving mental health treatment at a state-monitored mental health facility in 2022, according to a report from the Department of Health and Human Services released in April, an increase from last year. However, access to treatment can largely depend on where someone lives or what kind of insurance they have. More than half of adults receiving treatment lived in just 10 states, as many Americans lack access to mental health care.”

NAMI Texas is a nonpartisan nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life of all individuals living with mental illness and their families. Please visit our website at NAMITexas.org for more information. Help support our advocacy efforts by donating to NAMI Texas at https://namitexas.networkforgood.com/

Melinda

Celebrate Life · Communicating · Fun · Men & Womens Health · Photography · Travel

Sending A Special Thanks To Denmark, Guatemala, Australia, Chile and Bosnia & Herzegovina

July 22, 2024 Looking for the Light6 Comments

Thank you for visiting my blog and allowing me into your life, it’s a great joy. Every country is different in the best of ways, each offers something special to travelers and the people who call it home. I have been to Sydney, Australia, and would go back in a heartbeat if I could fly via Air Emirates. The people were warm, very much like Texas, very helpful and courteous. Here is a photo of the Sydney Harbor Bridge.

You color my world.

Melinda

Celebrate Life · Communicating · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health

Plastic Free July

July 21, 2024July 21, 2024 Looking for the Light4 Comments

Plastic Free July^® is a global movement that helps millions of people be part of the solution to plastic pollution – so we can have cleaner streets, oceans, and beautiful communities. Will you be part of Plastic Free July by choosing to refuse single-use plastics?

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), 35.7 million tons of plastic was generated in 2018 alone, and that number only rises every year. That’s why Plastic-Free July is so important.

Plastic-Free July is a collective one-month effort dedicated to consuming little to no plastic. Throughout the 31 days of the month, it can be truly shocking to discover how much plastic has become engrained in your daily routine. Mostly because there’s plastic in places you would never expect.

While there are obvious sources of plastic—like in single-use water bottles and food packaging—plastic creeps into our lives in other ways, too. It’s in band-aids, chewing gum, nail polish, and beyond, so entirely ridding it from your life isn’t easy.

The good news is by becoming more aware of plastic throughout July, you’ll know how to better avoid it in the months to come.

Here are a few ideas on how to reduce plastic around your household.

Use Insulated tumblers and coffee mugs instead of bottled water or coffee shop cup

Take a reusable grocery bag with you

RECYCLE-rent extra recycling can if needed

Reuse plastic bags is possible

Reuse plastics when possible

If you’re a crafter, look at all the ways plastic can be upcycled

Buy plastic that can be recycled in your area

We have to do our part so future generations will have more than landfills to deal with.

Melinda

References:

https://www.plasticfreejuly.org

https://brightly.eco/plastic-free-july/

Blogging · Celebrate Life · Communicating · Internet Good/Bad

Another Blogger On My Bad Side-epilepsycerebralpalsy.com

July 19, 2024 Looking for the Light9 Comments

I have dealt with Kenneth reblogging my work for years through one of several blogs he operates. I don’t appreciate people building their blogs on other bloggers’ content. Yes, he gives credit but that is not the point. He reblogs non-related content to his site as filler. I’m no one’s filler, if you find a post moving, I have no issue with reblogging. I reblog myself but not as filler, it’s only posts that inspire me or hit me in a way that I want to share with the community. Now, I ask if I can reblog even if they freely allow it.

A male blogger older with wrinkles not smiling. Image 1 of 4

Today he reblogged a post I wrote about buying myself a birthday gift and I asked him to remove it and not reblog my work again. That has not been done and WordPress doesn’t give you the option to approve or not. once reblogged it’s gone. This type of blogger is degrading our content and is a coward because they can’t write their own posts. A serious blogger has patience and doesn’t need filler to up their numbers. I have no tolerance for this tactic and you should not tolerate yourself.

I encourage you to put your foot down and if needed call them out for the unethical tactic.

Melinda

Celebrate Life · Communicating · Fun · Men & Womens Health · Travel

Sending a special thanks to Lithuania, Netherlands, Georgia, Taiwan and Saudi Arabia

July 9, 2024 Looking for the Light2 Comments

Thank you for visiting my blog, I appreciate you stopping by. I have not been to any of the countries but they are very interesting to me.

Melinda

Communicating · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health · Mental Health

Here’s a great video of Ronald Reagan being interviewed by Johnny Carson from 1975

July 1, 2024 Looking for the Light8 Comments

The interview with Jonny Carson was after he was no longer the Governor of California and out of politics. This is not a take-party sides interview, it’s actually the opposite. He talks about common sense on issues that affect all people.

This video is so refreshing, and I look forward to the day someone like Ronald Reagan runs for the President. I try hard to keep out of politics but it’s very hard these days to not have an opinion, most of them strong. Many areas of our government are broken without a fix in sight. I love his candor and attitude and think he was a great President. We need someone like him to run for President because I don’t see anyone fit for the job now.

Ronald Reagan Interview on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson – 01/03/1975 – Part 02 – Bing video

The most important comment he made was, not verbatim, that people need to look to themselves to solve problems, not the government. Amen, and a cherry on top!!!!!

Melinda

Repost from 2020.

Celebrate Life · Communicating · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health

Build You Kindness Superpower

June 23, 2024 Looking for the Light10 Comments

Kindness is not a personality trait, it’s a skill you have to work on continuously and we all inevitably fail at being kind sometimes. But if you follow these tips often, you’ll be on the right track.

Pay attention to how well you play with others

Did you react too quickly?

Did you yell because they yelled?

When this happens, pause and notice it.

See it their way

Consider the situation from the other person’s point of view.

What led them to do what they did or think the way they do.

Rehumanize the other person

In digital interactions, consider the person saying or typing the words.

Take a pause

Rushing makes us feel stressed, which makes it difficult to practice empathy and kindness.

Make it a habit