Each week a quote is shared for your consideration. Some quotes might offer comfort, hope, a challenge, a chuckle, or inspiration. You may or may not agree with the quote, but it is offered simply to help you reflect and ponder.
Fortune befriends the bold.
- Emily Dickinson
HEALTH AND WELLNESS
This week’s recommended Health and Wellness Activity
MENTAL HEALTH, SUBSTANCE USE, AND NURSING ARTICLES
Conversion Practices Tied to Greater Symptoms of PTSD, Suicidality (opens new window)
Exposure to conversion practices was associated with increases in several mental health symptoms for sexual and gender minority individuals, according to a cross-sectional study. The analysis of more than 4,000 people revealed that self-reported exposure to both gender identity and sexual orientation conversion practices was linked with greater symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) (β 2.84, 95% CI 0.94-4.74) and suicidality (β 2.14, 95% CI 0.95-3.32) compared to those without any exposure, according to Mitchell R. Lunn, MD, of Stanford University School of Medicine in California, and colleagues. Read more (opens new window)
Falling May Be a Harbinger of Dementia in Older Adults (opens new window)
A new diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease or related dementia was more common after falls than after other traumatic injuries, an analysis of Medicare claims data showed. The study assessed nearly 2.5 million older adults who had a traumatic injury that led to an emergency department (ED) visit or inpatient admission. About half (50.1%) were injured due to a fall. Read more (opens new window)
This is the first clinical practice guideline (CPG) from the American Academy of Pediatrics outlining evidence-based approaches to safely prescribing opioids for acute pain in outpatient settings. Read more (opens new window)
Prescribing Antipsychotics in Patients With Dementia: What Clinicians Should Know (opens new window)
Dementia is an umbrella term describing cognitive and memory changes associated with functional impairment that result from various brain pathologies. Alzheimer disease (AD), the most common cause of dementia in adults aged 65 years and older, accounts for 60% to 80% of diagnosed cases of dementia in the US. The Alzheimer’s Association estimates that 6.9 million Americans are living with AD.This is because age is the greatest risk factor for AD, and the number of baby boomers (1946-1964) reaching their 7th, 8th, and 9th decades is increasing every year. Read more (opens new window)
MFP/ANA ANNOUNCEMENTS & UPCOMING EVENTS
The Biden-Harris Administration has announced $68.5 million in funding for Behavioral Health Education, Training, and Community Programs.
In this episode of Mental Health Trailblazers: Psychiatric Nurses Speak Up, host Indrias Kassaye is joined by Alice Dressler, a doctoral fellow in the Minority Fellowship Program (MFP), as they discuss her journey to becoming a psychiatric nurse practitioner.
Alice shares her story of immigrating to the U.S. in 2017 and how her early life experiences, being born under China’s one-child policy and adopted as an infant, shaped her commitment to healthcare. Initially trained as a civil engineer, Alice decided to pursue nursing after witnessing the mental health struggles of patients and healthcare workers during the pandemic. Now working in Colorado, she serves low-income women and children from minority backgrounds, focusing on mental health care for those with significant trauma histories.
In a particularly powerful segment, Alice reflects on how the rise of anti-Asian sentiment during the pandemic marked her first experience with racism. This personal encounter profoundly deepened her empathy for patients who face racism regularly, giving her a new understanding of how racial discrimination impacts mental health. Her insights underscore the critical need to consider these factors when providing care to underserved populations.
Learn more about Alice Dressler
Listen now to the entire podcast episode and earn FREE CNE credits!
Visit emfp.org to learn more about the Minority Fellowship Program at the American Nurses Association.
We are thrilled to welcome you to the MFP/ANA Mobile App, a platform designed to connect Alumni like yourself in a mobile network of support and collaboration. Whether you are looking to share experiences, seek advice, or simply connect with like-minded individuals, this app is here to facilitate meaningful interactions within our community.
As an Alumni, your unique perspective and expertise are valuable assets that contribute to the richness of our network. We encourage you to explore the various features of the app, participate in discussions, and engage with fellow members to make the most of your experience. Together, we can create a supportive and empowering environment where ideas thrive and connections flourish.
To Connect:
- Use this link (opens new window) to access the community and create an account.
- Complete the 4 brief items to get the most out of the mobile app community including:
- Fill out your profile
- Introduce yourself
- Adjust your notifications so you know when things are happening
- Download the mobile app!
Thank you for joining us on this exciting journey. We look forward to seeing the positive impact you will make within the MFP/ANA Mobile App community.