COVID-19 has and continues to affect us on a daily basis and in various ways, including our mental health. Most of our children may not have experienced the serious physical effects of the disease itself, however, their emotional and behavioral development has been greatly impacted since the beginning of the pandemic. So what are the…
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COVID-19 has posed significant challenges in our nation and we are continuing our efforts to overcome these challenges every single day. But what if we start thinking how COVID-19 has also posed opportunities for creativity and innovation throughout every level of our ecological system? It is happening right now! From various levels between national to…
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It’s rarely talked about, but there is a relationship between oral health and mental health. People experiencing mental health problems such as anxiety, depression, and even prolonged stress suffer oral health problems at higher rates than the rest of the population. These oral health problems can include erosion, tooth decay, periodontitis, and loss of teeth.…
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We probably all have our “go-to” coping skills that we use in time of need, but what do we do when our trusty skills aren’t working? For many this is a time of unprecedented stress be it prolonged isolation, prolonged anxiety about health and safety, systemic racism, and more. Yes, there is much to be…
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Did you know that July is National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month? The goal of this campaign is to educate our community about the importance of mental health and treatment and to help break down barriers so that racial and ethnic minority groups in the U.S. have access to services and higher quality of care.…
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While the connection between sunshine and mental health still needs more research, there is enough evidence to make us consider daily sunlight is part of our routine. Lack of sunlight has been linked to many conditions including depression, obesity, diabetes, and even cancer. One reason sunlight is linked to improved mood is it’s observed connection…
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With all of the changes and transitions everyone has experienced in the last several months, not to mention the social distancing, bullying may not be top of mind. This weekend, however, is a good time to check in with your child if they have access to any form of electronic or digital communication. Bullying behavior…
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In this charming interview with Grover from Sesame Street, Grover explains his coping skills for COVID-19. Some kids may be asking “when will the pandemic be over?”. Experts recommend honesty about the uncertainty of this time, but also making a list of things your child does have control over. Teaching kids to focus on what…
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The Disaster Media Intervention (DMI) Toolkit can help parents or teachers discuss media coverage of traumatic events including racial injustice and police violence, pandemics, natural disasters, shootings, and more. There are three primary goals for discussion with young people: Encourage Dialogue: Encourage students to talk about their feelings and concerns with a trusted adult. Establish a…
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Cultivating good habits around screen time is important to child development. In fact, “the more screen time [children] logged, the lower their skills in language, literacy, imagery, and self-regulation. This was even found on a structural level – the white matter tracts within the brain were affected.” (source:https://www.forbes.com/sites/fernandezelizabeth/2019/12/12/screen-time-habits-start-at-a-young-age/#7ca3d7f92471) Still, this is a guilt-free zone, and right now…
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OKPTA Cultivate 