Thousands of Americans will join together tomorrow to serve their communities in the same remarkable spirit of tolerance and compassion that unified the nation in the aftermath of the September 11, 2001 attacks. This year's September 11 National Day of Service and Remembrance will be marked by signature projects in six cities - New York City; Washington, DC; Boston; Arlington, VA; Los Angeles; and Philadelphia - and events taking place in all 50 states. Volunteers will participate in a range of service projects from emergency preparedness training and home repairs to neighborhood and school cleanups and assembling care packages for members of our armed forces. The Corporation for National and Community Service and MyGoodDeed, a nonprofit organized by the family members of September 11 victims, are leading the national effort to encourage Americans to serve in their communities to honor the sacrifices made on that tragic day and pay tribute to our troops and their families around the world. The organizations created 911DayofService.org, an innovative site that identifies volunteer opportunities, and produced television and radio Public Service Announcements featuring Gary Sinise and Denis Leary to encourage Americans to adopt a cause and perform a good deed on September 11. President Obama signed the Serve America Act into law in April 2009, designating September 11 as a National Day of Service and Remembrance and capping a nine-year effort by families of the victims.  read more »

National Suicide Prevention Week

Depression is the most prevalent mental health disorder. The lifetime risk for depression is 6 to 25%. According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), 9.5% or 20.9 million American adults suffer from a depressive illness in any given year. There are two types of depression. In major depression, the symptoms listed below interfere with one’s ability to function in all areas of life (work, family, sleep, etc). In dysthymia, the symptoms are not as severe but still impede one’s ability to function at normal levels.

Common symptoms of depression, reoccurring almost every day:
o Depressed mood (e.g. feeling sad or empty)
o Lack of interest in previously enjoyable activities
o Significant weight loss or gain, or decrease or increase in appetite
o Insomnia or hypersomnia
o Agitation, restlessness, irritability
o Fatigue or loss of energy
o Feelings of worthlessness, hopelessness, guilt
o Inability to think or concentrate, or indecisiveness
o Recurrent thoughts of death, recurrent suicidal ideation, suicide attempt or plan for completing suicide

A family history of depression (i.e., a parent) increases the chances (by 11 times) than a child will also have depression. The treatment of depression is effective 60 to 80% of the time. However, according the World Health Organization, less than 25% of individuals with depression receive adequate treatment. If left untreated, depression can lead to co-morbid (occurring at the same time) mental disorders such as alcohol and substance abuse, higher rates of recurrent episodes and higher rates of suicide. In 2007, suicide was the eleventh leading cause of death in the U.S., claiming 34,598 lives. Suicide rates among youth (ages 15-24) have increased more than 200% in the last fifty years. The suicide rate is also very high for the elderly (age 85+). Four times more men than women kill themselves; but three times more women than men attempt suicide. Suicide occurs across ethnic, economic, social and age boundaries.  read more »

August is Cataract Awareness Month. A cataract is a clouding that develops in the crystalline lens of the eye or in its envelope, varying in degree from slight to complete opacity and obstructing the passage of light. Early in the development of age-related cataract the power of the lens may be increased, causing near-sightedness (myopia), and the gradual yellowing and opacification of the lens may reduce the perception of blue colors. Cataracts typically progress slowly to cause vision loss and are potentially blinding if untreated. The condition usually affects both the eyes, but almost always one eye is affected earlier than the other. A senile cataract, occurring in the elderly, is characterized by an initial opacity in the lens, subsequent swelling of the lens and final shrinkage with complete loss of transparency. Moreover, with time the cataract cortex liquefies to form a milky white fluid in a Morgagnian cataract, which can cause severe inflammation if the lens capsule ruptures and leaks. Untreated, the cataract can cause phacomorphic glaucoma. Very advanced cataracts with weak zonules are liable to dislocation anteriorly or posteriorly. Such spontaneous posterior dislocations in ancient times were regarded as a blessing from the heavens, because some perception of light was restored in the patients with cataracts.  read more »

Colleen Swanson and Kelly Kirwin

In this month's edition of Health Views, host Colleen Swanson talks with Grand Itasca Foundation Executive Director Kelly Kirwin about what the organization is, what it does, and how it makes a difference. The Grand Itasca Foundation is a local non-profit corporation that was founded in 1986. The foundation has donated over two million dollars to Grand Itasca Clinic Hospital for use in the expansion or development of health care services. The organization is guided in it's focus by core values of responsibility and service, and Grand Itasca Foundation aims to foster charitable giving to help meet the growing and developing needs of those who live, work, and play in the Grand Itasca service area. Opportunities for enhancing patient care and services, upgrading and developing patient care facilities, acquiring innovative medical equipment and technology, and promoting the wellness and healthy lifestyle choices within the local community are provided by monetary gifts made to the Foundation by area residents, businesses and other organizations - combined with contributions donated by former and current Grand Itasca Staff. Twice a year, in the months of January and July, the foundation distributes funds for projects centered on medical care and health care services given to patients and families using the Grand Itasca Clinic and Hospital.  read more »