CyberBullying Statistics (updated for 2021) 

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VPN Compass comprised a new report that states that with rising social media usage comes the problem of online harassment and bullying. How is cyberbullying happening on the internet during the current 2021 year, and what exactly are its consequences?

The fast pace of technological advancement has transformed every part of our lives, but one of its biggest impacts has been on the way we communicate with each other. With social media and the internet keeping us connected, it has never been easier to stay updated and interact with friends, family, and perhaps even total strangers. But this ease of communication has also given rise to a new type of harassment, one growing at a worrying pace globally: Cyberbullying.

Definition of Cyberbullying

The first things which come to mind with the word “bullying” might be schoolyard fights or stolen lunch money. Or maybe a group ganging up to tease and shove around a victim who doesn’t “fit in”. Cyberbullying is simply this sort of behavior shifted online to social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook – think hurtful comments or embarrassing rumors about a victim being posted as public comments on these sites. The prevalence of such harassment is shocking, especially for youth: Over 59% of teenagers in the US have experienced cyberbullying, and globally 33% of parents report having or knowing a child within their community who had been cyberbullied. Read more 

Rebooting Mental Health 

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College of DuPage Nursing Student Jill Kraus shared with Healthy Lombard that Covid-19 has forced people to update their tech skills this past year, it’s time for mental health to get the same upgrade. College of DuPage Nursing Student Jill Kraus shares five ways to reboot mental health.

 

Exercise

According to The Centers for Disease Control (CDC, 2021) physical activity boosts brain health, reduces short-term feelings of anxiety and depression, and promotes better sleep. Exercise enables healthy coping mechanisms, breaks the cycle of rumination, and enhances self-confidence. Working out does more than maintain a flawless physique and combat chronic diseases such as hypertension and diabetes. A consistent workout routine releases endorphins, the “feel-good” hormones, that do wonders to clear the mental cache.

 

 Eat Whole Foods

Whole foods are foods that are in their natural form. Traditionally found around the perimeter of the grocery store, they are the most abundant source of nutrition. Researcher Joseph Firth and colleagues (2020) claim that high consumption of fruits, vegetables, nuts, and legumes, moderate consumption of poultry, eggs, and dairy products, and occasionally red meat in the diet is associated with a lower risk for depression. Fruits and vegetables are high in vitamins and minerals; meat, eggs, and fish contribute omega-3 fatty acids and protein; kefir, yogurt, nuts, and dried legumes are great for your gut and brain health. Even amateur cooks can try their hand at mixing and matching whole foods to create delicious meals and desserts. Try to resist the temptation of sugar and sodium-filled, prepackaged food by avoiding the middle aisles of the store.   Read more 

Slowing Down the Effects of Alzheimer’s Disease 

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College of DuPage Nursing Student Jessie M. Amstadt shared with Healthy Lombard wonders if you ask yourself, Where did I put those keys…Why does that man look so familiar…I forgot where I live…What’s happening to me…Alzheimer’s Disease is a devastating condition that, sadly, a lot of people have personal experience with. Chances are each person knows one of the six million people that have been diagnosed, a fact reported by the Alzheimer’s Association (2021). As of today, there is still no cure, but there are ways to slow the progression.

 

 

Diet and Exercise

With more benefits than just weight control and heart health, diet and exercise have been known to help slow the progression of Alzheimer’s. A diet rich in antioxidants has been shown to protect brain cells from damage. Food rich in antioxidants includes fresh or dried fruits, vegetables, nuts, and even common herbs and spices such as cinnamon, cumin, parsley, garlic, and paprika.

Staying active will help get the blood flowing to the brain, increasing the oxygen levels to help keep brain cells alive and healthy. There is no need to become the next Arnold Schwarzenegger, just doing moderate exercise for forty-five minutes three times a week is sufficient to stay healthy. Incorporating fun activities can make exercise more enjoyable. Why not try taking the children or grandchildren to the pool, joining a bowling league, or starting a power-walk and talk with friends? Read more 

The Superpower of a Hug 

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College of Dupage Nursing Student Dragica Casillas shared with Healthy Lombard that some people like to shake hands and some people love to hug. It is a totally personal preference, in some cultures, a hug is considered inappropriate. However, hugs are actually shown to be very good for health. People hug when they are happy or sad, when they need comfort, when they are in pain or because it makes them feel good. Wouldn’t it be interesting if the doctor prescribed 12 hugs per day to treat depression, heart problems, or pain? It is likely some would be skeptical of such as prescription and look instead for a pharmacological way to improve health. But does the evidence actually exist that hugging improves health, reduces stress, and prevents illness, leaving a person happier? Moreover, does hugging prevent depression, reduce pain or fear, or lower blood pressure?

According to many studies, hugging is not just a physical bond that helps people feel warm, loved, protected, or bond better with others (Keck, 2020). It has been demonstrated in studies health benefits exist from hugging (Catalyst, 2019). For the health benefits of hugging to occur, it is recommended that it lasts for 20 seconds, and it must be in full contact. One therapist suggests at least four hugs a day to survive, eight hugs per day to maintain health, and at least twelve hugs a day for health growth (Keck,2020). Hugging and physical touching are considered essential for human survival, and they have a huge impact on health( Cirino, 2018).

Read more 

Order Free Mental Health Information in Spanish! 

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The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) offers basic information on mental disorders and related topics in Spanish for patients and their families, health professionals, and the public. Printed materials can be ordered free of charge and are available in bulk quantities for distribution at clinics, schools, and community events. Topics include:

Children and Mental Health: Is It Just a Stage?
Los niños y la salud mental: ¿Es sólo una etapa?

Depression: Basic Information 
Depresión: Información Básica

Depression in adolescence
La depresión en la adolescencia
Read more 

10 Ways to Deal with Feelings of Isolation as a Home-based Employee 

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Work from Home Depot shared that working from home has all kinds of benefits. You cut out your daily commute, which saves you money on transportation costs and allows you to spend more time with your family. Plus, you’re largely able to set your own hours, which gives you the freedom to schedule your day in a way that works for you, which naturally helps minimize stress. Unfortunately, one of the major downsides of being a home-based employee is feeling lonely and isolated — not just from your company and co-workers, but also from the world around you.

Many companies allow you the flexibility to come into the office part-time, but for freelancers, entrepreneurs, and employees whose companies are entirely remote, that may not be a possibility. However, there are several great ways to keep feelings of isolation at bay, even when leaving the house isn’t a convenient option.

Move Your Home Office

While having a dedicated home office is important for your productivity and work-life balance, changing up where you spend your workday can be a refreshing change of pace that helps you feel less caged in. Set aside one day a week to work in a different area, or pick up and move as soon as you start feeling anxious. If you have a partner, roommate, or kids at home who might distract you if you relocate to another room, consider working outside. Being outdoors has proven mental health benefits, and there’s no better way to free yourself from feelings of isolation than to escape into nature. Read more 

Recognizing and reducing stress 

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College of DuPage Nursing Student Al Adawi researched for Healthy Lombard that life can often be challenging but the stress that comes with it doesn’t have to be. Although life is extremely challenging, it is possible to adapt to many of these new lifestyle challenges. One challenge is the inability to socialize with others which makes a person feel alone and distressed. This chronic stress can take a toll on a person and lead to chronic stress-related disorders (Giddens, 2017). Being able to recognize and use measures to cope is critical for physical and mental well-being.

Many people battle with chronic stress-related disorders on a daily basis without even realizing it. It may not seem abnormal, therefore, and result from family, work, school, or even environmental-related stress. The eventual mental disorders that develop may include, PTSD, obsessive-compulsive disorder, insomnia, hypertension, anxiety disorders, IBS, tension headaches, and even ulcers (Giddens, 2017). Stress is a serious consequence of stimulation of the defense mechanisms in the body, and if not handled properly, can significantly harm health. The recognition of these stressors will help to improve coping mechanisms and prevent the development of chronic disease.

Coping represents how an individual perceives and responds to stress (Giddens, 2017). Some of the methods that help to reduce stress and improve coping include aromatherapy, yoga, meditation, and deep breathing exercises. According to Cleveland Clinic (2020) the most important step to take is to assert oneself. This includes putting health first when necessary, others second. Read more 

Most Stressed-Out Cities in US 

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Just Great Lawyers shared that attorneys know a thing or two about stress, there’s no doubt. After all, whom do people call to walk them through a divorce, bankruptcy, accidents, injuries, etc.? Practicing law regularly puts us ringside for witnessing (and navigating) our clients’ stress when they’re at their most vulnerable. Law is also a profession that carries its own stressors throughout, from the moment we started law school to the moment we retire as principal of a firm and just about everywhere in between.

Considering these facts, we started wondering: Is everybody as stressed out as lawyers are? Who are the most stressed-out people in America? How old are they? Where do they live? What do they do? And what stresses them out the most? Then we conducted a survey to get answers to these questions.

Some studies try to predict how stressed-out different cities and their inhabitants are based on data about unemployment rates, commute times, or home prices. Those are valid markers, of course, but we took a different approach: We just asked. Because when it comes to stress, perception can be more important than reality. The human nervous system is designed to respond to threats real or imagined, evoking the same physical and emotional consequences either way. So in essence, how stressed people think they are is exactly how stressed they really are — and we wanted to hear about that. Along the way, we found out some interesting facts and more than a few surprises. Read more 

How To Keep Your Children Safe Online 

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Bill here from Pixel Privacy shared that 1 in 5 children who use the internet has been sexually solicited. 1 in 4 has seen unwanted pornography. Nearly 60% of teens have received an email or instant message from a stranger (half have replied.)    Do we have your attention?

The internet is a great place to hang out. Not only can all sorts of information be found there (some correct, some not so much), but it’s also a great way to stay in touch with friends and family.

Sadly, the internet is also a dangerous place to hang out – particularly for children.

Cyberstalkers, child molesters, inappropriate content, cyberbullies, and more are lurking, waiting for an opportunity to reach out to your children. Such an experience could possibly damage a child for the rest of their life.

In this article, I’ll share my knowledge about protecting your kids from the dark side of the internet. We’ll look at how to monitor their computer and mobile device usage, how to set parental controls to ensure they can’t view inappropriate content, and much more.

We’ll also take a look at what it might mean if your child suddenly closes an app or shuts off their computer or mobile device when you walk into the room. Also, we’ll discuss what to do if your child is being cyberbullied. Read more 

Mind Over Matter: Mindfulness Meditation and its Health Benefits 

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College of DuPage Nursing Student Taylor Mikrut wrote for Healthy Lombard that it is safe to say that the COVID-19 pandemic has brought unprecedented times amongst millions of Americans, and worldwide. Many have lost their jobs, loved ones, businesses, and homes due to the infamous virus that seems to be never-ending. With COVID-19 restrictions becoming more prevalent throughout the states, many Americans are essentially bound to their homes unless they are an essential worker. With more time being spent at home and away from family and friends, individuals are feeling an array of emotions. Feelings of loneliness, depression, and anxiety have been at an all-time high during the pandemic. There are many ways to ease these feelings and experiences, one of which is the practice of meditation.

Meditation is “the habitual process of training your mind to focus and redirect your thoughts” (healthline.com, 2020), It was originally used as a method to deepen the understanding of sacred and mystical life forces, and traditionally practiced by Buddhists (mayoclinic.org, 2020). Even though those traditions still remain today amongst the Buddhist culture as well as other groups, meditation has transitioned into practice for millions of individuals worldwide to achieve a form of mindfulness. This practice has become more popular over time and been and divided into different categories to more effectively attend to individual needs. There are nine popular types of meditation that include, mindfulness meditation, spiritual meditation, focused meditation, movement meditation, mantra meditation, transcendental meditation, progressive relaxation, loving-kindness meditation, and visualization meditation (healthline.com, 2020). Read more