Monthly observances for October and the benefits of eating together - Striking a Chord…

Monthly observances for October and the benefits of eating together

Greetings, all! It is a little hard to believe that we are already three quarters of the way through the year. October marks several significant holidays and observances. Here are just a few, courtesy of NationalToday.com: – Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The National Breast Cancer Foundation reports that a woman is diagnosed with breast cancer every two minutes. It is projected that in 2024, more than 360,000 people will be diagnosed with breast cancer.

Innovations in research, surgical options and clinical trials have given women many more options. When caught in its earliest, localized stages, the five-year relative survival rate of breast cancer is 99%.

To have an impact on the fight against this disease, consider donating to an organization such as the American Cancer Society or the National Breast Cancer Foundation. Or, better yet, attend a local fundraiser, such as the Oct. 8 “Dig Pink” fundraiser before the 7:15 p.m. volleyball game at Loyal High School, or the Oct. 26 golf outing at the Neillsville Country Club to raise money for a woman dealing with cancer (for more details on that event, see page 11). We can all help out in some way. - October is also Eat Better, Eat Together Month. This month shines a light on how beneficial it is to share a meal with family members (or friends or coworkers, if family is far away). Studies show that people who dine with others regularly eat healthier and report a better quality of life. This simple practice provides a sense of structure and belonging. Among older adults who were studied, those who ate with others as opposed to by themselves took in more nutrients and consumed more calories to provide needed energy.

Amongfamilieswithchildrenandteenagers, the benefits of eating together are profound. Mealtime provides a great opportunity to strengthen family bonds and connect through conversation. Registered dietitian nutritionist Katie Painter, writing for First Coast YMCA, reports several benefits to sharing a family meal: – For school-age children, eating together is a more powerful predictor of high achievement scores than time spent at school, doing homework, playing sports or doing art.

– Teens who ate family meals five to seen times per week were twice as likely to get A’s in school compared to those who only ate two or fewer meals together.

– Family dinners have been found to be a more powerful deterrent against high-risk teen behaviors than church attendance or good grades. Eating meals together lowers their risk of substance abuse, teen pregnancy and even the likelihood of developing eating disorders.

– Eating together is a clear marker of increased mental and social health. It increases self-esteem and resiliency in children and teens, and decreases their risk of depression. With anxiety and depression being seen and noted more frequently in children across all age groups, eating meals together is a simple and effective way to curb those risks.

–In a New Zealand study, the higher frequency of meals was strongly associated with positive moods in adolescents. Other research has shown shared meals can lead to a more positive outlook of the future compared to their peers who do not eat with their parents.

In our busy society, and especially for parents who are transporting their kids to various activities starting and ending at different times, it can be a real challenge to get everyone to sit down together at the dinner table for a meal. But the statistics just listed would indicate that it is very much worth it. - October is also National Depression Education and Awareness Month. Major depression is one of the most common mental illnesses, affecting more than 8% (21 million) of American adults each year.

According to the National Institutes of Health, if you have been experiencing some of the following signs and symptoms, most of the day, nearly every day, for at least two weeks, you may have depression: Persistent sad, anxious, or “empty” mood. Feelings of hopelessness or pessimism. Feelings of irritability, frustration or restlessness.

Other symptoms of depression can include: poor appetite or overeating, insomnia or hypersomnia, low energy or fatigue, low self-esteem, and poor concentration or difficulty making decisions.

Three perhaps surprising traits of people who may be more prone to depression include the following: –Compassion: Those who suffer from depression often have more compassion for others, as they are able to more readily understand the hurt and sadness others feel. – Understanding: Those who struggle with depression are typically less judgmental of others, and tend to believe others when they say they’re “doing their best.”

– Analytical Thinking: Studies show people with depression are able to break down complex problems into smaller segments more easily than those who don’t (and they even perform better on certain tests).

National Depression Awareness Month is a good reminder that if you know of someone you think may be struggling with depression, take the time to reach out to them and share a word of encouragement, a hug or just a listening ear. Also don’t be afraid to share your story if you’ve struggled with depression.

“Depression is extremely common, and helping others know they are not alone can be very encouraging,” an article for NationalToday notes.

There are many helpful resources for folks d e a l ing wit h d e pre s s i on at livewell-foundation.org, including a depression self test, encouraging videos from people who have dealt with depression and some free online support groups.

Remember, seeking help – whether from a counselor, friend or from your community– is not a sign of weakness, but a sign of strength.