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Categories Global Development, Insights, Tobacco Tags Behavioral Health, Global Development, Global Health, Health, National Cancer Institute (NCI), National Institutes of Health (NIH), The World Health Organization (WHO), Thought Leadership

World No Tobacco Day

Every year on May 31st, The World Health Organization (WHO) and partners mark World No Tobacco Day (WNTD).  World No Tobacco Day (WNTD) highlights the health and other risks associated with tobacco use and advocate for effective policies to reduce tobacco consumption. WNTD focuses on the impact tobacco use has on the cardiovascular health and how tobacco use is an important risk factor for the development of coronary heart disease, stroke, and peripheral vascular disease.

Although Tobacco is considered a legal drug, the effects and complications related to tobacco use kill many of its users when used as intended by manufacturers. WHO has estimated that the use of tobacco is responsible for the death of about six million people across the world yearly. WHO’s new Global Report on Trends in Prevalence of Tobacco Smoking 2000-2025 report shows that 27% of people worldwide smoked in 2000, compared to 20% in 2016.

For tobacco users that are interested in quitting and living a healthier lifestyle, there are many resources available to help develop a solid “quit plan” that provides ways to stay focused, confident, and motivated throughout the journey. Smokefree.gov has 5 steps that can help smokers handle quit day, which is a smoker’s first day without cigarettes.

1. Make a Quit Plan

Having a quit plan can make quitting much easier. You can build your plan or find a program that works for you. Visit Create My Quit Plan for assistance.

2. Stay Busy

Staying busy is a great way to stay smoke-free. Being busy will help keep your mind off smoking and distract you from cravings. Here is a list of activity ideas that could help distract you:

  • Exercise
  • Chew gum or hard candy
  • Drink lots of water
  • Go to a movie
  • Spend time with non-smoking friends and family
  • Go to dinner with non-smoking friends and family

3. Avoid Smoking Triggers

Triggers are people, places, things, and situations that set off your urge to smoke. Here are some ways to avoid common smoking triggers:

  • Throw away your cigarettes, lighters, and ashtrays
  • Avoid caffeine and replace with water instead
  • Change your routine to avoid the things you might associate with smoking

4. Stay Positive

Try not to put too much pressure on yourself about quitting. Take things one day at a time and reward yourself for small milestones.

5. Ask for Help

You don’t have to do this alone. Ask for support from your family, friends, or a professional. They can help you get through the rough spots.

Categories Insights, Mental Health Tags Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Behavioral Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Health, Mental Health, Special Populations, Thought Leadership

National Autism Awareness Month

For over 50 years the Autism Society has provided services and programming to support individuals living with autism. National Autism Awareness Month, observed every April, has been an occasion to promote awareness of autism and work to ensure that each person with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) can achieve the highest possible quality of life.  

Autism spectrum disorder is a complex developmental disability that affects a person’s ability to communicate and interact with others. Signs of autism, which usually appear early in childhood, are: delayed learning of language; little or no eye contact with other people; lack of interest in peer relationships; lack of spontaneous or make-believe play; fixation on particular objects; difficulty with executive functioning (which relates to reasoning and planning); narrow, intense interests; poor motor skills; repetitive use of language; repetitive movements (such as hand-flapping); and sensory issues. ASD is a “spectrum condition” that affects individuals to varying degrees. A diagnosis of autism spectrum disorders reflects the number and severity of these behaviors a person shows. 

In 2016, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that the prevalence of autism in the United States was 1 in every 68 births, and 1 in every 54 boys. The overall prevalence in 2016 was twice the rate in 2004, which was 1 in every 125 births. Autism services cost U.S. citizens $236 to $262 billion annually. Most of this amount is for adult services—$175–$196 billion, compared to $61–$66 billion for children. Cost of lifelong care can be reduced by two-thirds with early diagnosis and intervention.  

Autism is treatable. Studies show that early diagnosis and intervention can change lives. Intervention plans must be unique to the individual, but they usually involve behavioral treatment, medicines, or both. Early behavioral treatment requires intensive collaboration between a child’s family and a team of professionals and may consist of parent training and individual therapy in a special center or classroom. Many people with ASD have other associated medical conditions, such as sleep disturbance or seizures, and improving these conditions can improve attention, learning, and behavior. Different interventions are needed as a child develops and acquires social and learning skills—for example, specialized social skills training may be help children with autism when they enter school. Adolescents with autism can benefit from supportive services that help them transition to employment and independence as adults.  

According to Autism Speaks (www.autismspeaks.org), a small minority of people with ASD progress to the point that they no longer meet the diagnostic criteria for autism. These individuals may have been misdiagnosed, may have “matured out” of some symptoms, or may have responded especially well to treatment. Some individuals have the “best possible outcomes”; their test scores are within normal ranges for IQ, language, functioning, school placement and personality, but they still have mild symptoms on some personality and diagnostic tests.  

This April, the Autism Society also wants to encourage people and groups to become partners in a movement toward accepting and appreciating people with ASD and including them in our schools and communities in a way that reflects true appreciation of the unique qualities of all people. “We want to get one step closer to a society where those with ASDs are truly valued for their unique talents and gifts,” says the Society’s website. 

 

 

Categories Bizzell, Insights, Mental Health, Suicide Prevention Tags American Association of Suicidology, Behavioral Health, Health, Mental Health, National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), Special Populations, Thought Leadership, Youth

Black Youth and Suicide

Suicide rates among black youth have never been higher than they are now. A 2016 CNN report indicates that the suicide rate among young black boys, ages 5 to 11, has nearly doubled within the past two decades. The increase was large enough to raise the “deaths due to suicide” rate among all black children from 1.36 to 2.54 per million. Hanging and suffocation are the most common suicide methods in black boys, accounting for 78% of all suicide deaths. Shooting is the second most common method of suicide and accounts for more than 17% of the cases.

Causes of the increase remain unknown, but the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) reports that black youth are more likely to be exposed to violence and trauma than other children, and those stressors have been linked to suicidal behavior. Black youth are also less likely to receive services for mental health issues, such as depression and suicidal tendencies, than other youth. NAMI also reports that the shame and stigma associated with mental health issues within the black community may be a reason for the lack of treatment.

Undoing the stigmatization of mental health care is an ongoing challenge in the black community. Addressing mental health stigma and ensuring appropriate, proper care for black boys who are suicidal or exhibiting warning signs is crucial in the reduction of suicide rates. Some health care professionals have begun to reframe conversations about mental health to remove clinical labels and contour conversations to reflect positive themes within communities of color. Jessmina Archbold, a social worker and mental health advocate in New York, suggests that it is imperative to educate white mental health care professionals about how to engage communities of color. She has coined her reframed approach as a “strength-building process” as opposed to treating an “illness.”

Adults who deal with children, including parents and teachers, must be trained to recognize the warning signs of suicide and know how to intervene properly. All threats and talk of suicide by children and youth should be taken seriously.

According to the American Association of Suicidology, the following behaviors or symptoms may signal a suicidal crisis in a young person:

  • Feelings of hopelessness
  • Anxiety, agitation, trouble sleeping or sleeping all of the time
  • Expressions of having no reason for living or no sense of purpose in life
  • Feelings of being trapped, like there’s no way out
  • Increased alcohol and/or drug use
  • Withdrawal from friends, family and community
  • Rage, uncontrolled anger, expressions of wanting or seeking revenge
  • Reckless behavior or more risky activities, seemingly without thinking
  • Dramatic mood changes
  • Giving away prized possessions

More research is needed to explain the factors involved in the increased rates of suicide among young black boys. Adults are encouraged to talk to young children about mental health, emotions, and suicide. Research has dispelled the idea that asking children directly about suicide will trigger suicidal thinking or behavior.

Categories Mental Health, News Tags Administration for Community Living (ACL), Behavioral Health, Conference Services, Contracts, Justice, Special Populations, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)

Elder Justice Act of 2009 : Bizzell Supporting HHS Initiative

The Bizzell Group (Bizzell) is proud of its continued success with the U.S. Department of Health and Human
Services (HHS) on Administration for Community Living (ACL).

ACL was created in 2012 with the goal of maximizing the independence, well-being and health of older
adults, elders with disabilities and their families and/or caregivers by increasing access to community
supports, while focusing attention and recourses on the unique needs of older Americans and people
with disabilities.

As part of the Affordable Care Act, the Elder Justice Act of 2009 was established to preserve the rights of
older individuals and those who may not be able to protect themselves. It aims to assist in the
protection of these individuals from elder abuse, neglect and exploitation. The Administration on Aging
(AoA) has been leading efforts in protecting elders from financial exploitation (which is the leading form
of elder abuse), physical abuse, neglect, psychological abuse and sexual abuse.
Bizzell is assisting in these efforts by providing logistical support to Elder Justice Coordinating Council
Meetings. The firm provides support on pre-planning and executing all logistical requirements and
functions that are required to make this initiative a success.

“Bizzell excels in achieving and submitting their deliverables. The quality of the work has been accurate
and flawless. They are reliable, consistent and timely. Task are always submitted according to schedule.”
– Aisha Gurley, Aging Specialist for ACA.

Elders who have fallen victim to abuse have a much higher mortality rate within the next three years of
life than those who have not been victims of mistreatment. With more-than 1 in 10 people, roughly 5
million per year, ages 60 and up being a victim of elder abuse, Bizzell is proud to be a part of
an initiative to battle this exploitation. The firm looks forward to the continued success of helping our
elders and assisting HHS on Elder Justice.

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