Tag: change

Drug-free Treatment for Anxiety/Story of a boy in Maine. Please Read.

Athena JenkinsLeave a comment

DRUG-FREE TREATMENT IS HELPING KIDS WITH ANXIETY

An FDA-cleared treatment uses electrical stimulation via two handheld Smart Probes Author: Vivien Leigh (NEWS CENTER Maine)Published: 11:21 AM EDT June 25, 2020

SCARBOROUGH, Maine — According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), more than 4 million children and teenagers in this country have a diagnosis of anxiety. Experts say those numbers unfortunately are on the rise during the uncertainty of the coronavirus pandemic.

In some cases, medication is not an option because of side effects. But an FDA approved electrical stimulation treatment is giving a number of kids in Maine the freedom to live without fear.null

Listening to 12-year-old Jordan Ashcroft describe what it’s like living with severe anxiety is heartbreaking.

“Every day I wake up wondering what my day is going to be like,” Jordan said.

The condition began after Jordan started grade school following a diagnosis of high function autism, ADHD, and speech delays.

The attacks were so bad he eventually had to be home schooled.

“I couldn’t do anything without shaking, I couldn’t even play outside with my friends without worry about my anxiety taking over,” Jordan said.

“They put him on Zoloft he was up for 48 hours and ended up going over the handle bars of his bike.

Desperate for an alternative to medication to treat Jordan’s anxiety, the family discovered Alpha-Stim. A cranial electrical stimulation device approved by the FDA. Specialized clips worn on the earlobes deliver a microcurrent stimulating a specific group of nerve cells allowing the brain to re-balance. Jordan felt the difference after a twenty-minute session.

“I didn’t even feel like me anymore, I didn’t even feel the anxiety it felt like someone took it and it was gone,” Jordan said.

Suzanne Sylvester, a speech language pathologist who provides Alpha-Stim therapy at her clinic Scarborough NeuroDevelopment Center, says the level of the current can be adjusted to increase the alpha waves depending on a patient’s comfort level. She says patients have a feeling of calm that lasts for a day or longer following the treatment. Over time, dealing with traumatic events improves as well.

“Your brain develops the capacity to cope with external stress,” Sylvester said.

Alpha-Stim treatment is approved for both kids and adults. The retail cost of the device is between 800 and 13-hundred dollars and is not usually covered by insurance plans. 

Sylvester tells News Center Maine, ‘only current patients of a provider that provides Alpha-Stim treatment, can purchase a device. The provider must first determine if the patient is eligible. If so, the provider can write a letter of medical necessity to Alpha-Stim so the patient can purchase one.’

Source https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.newscentermaine.com/amp/article/news/health/drug-free-treatment-is-helping-kids-with-anxiety/97-8d707202-d585-4d87-b819-bd9113d81adf

MY NOTES. Anxiety isnt cool and it isnt made up. And this is so cool hear. I am hope this helps someone.

Broad Street was officially renamed ❤Black Lives Matter Boulevard❤

Athena JenkinsLeave a comment

History was made on Friday, June 19, 2020 as Salisbury officials renamed Broad St. Black Lives Matter Blvd.RICHARD POLLITT, SALISBURY DAILY TIMES

When Salisbury acting mayor and assistant city administrator Julia Glanz gazes out her window at the Government Office Building, she has nearly a perfect view of the corner of Broad Street and Popular Hill Avenue.null

On Friday, that view changed.

In a move by city officials and community activists, Broad Street was officially renamed Black Lives Matter Boulevard as part of a national movement aimed to fight racial injustice. Friday is also Juneteenth, the historic date that marked the end of slavery in the United States.

“This city is going to be on the right side of history,” said Glanz, who has filled in for Mayor Jake Day during his deployment with the National Guard.

Salisbury officials renamed Broad St. Black Lives Matter Blvd. on Friday, June 19, 2020.STAFF PHOTO BY RICHARD POLLITT

Salisbury officials renamed Broad St. Black Lives Matter Blvd. on Friday, June 19, 2020.

“Broad Street was chosen for multiple reason to become a symbol that shows the community’s support for its black residents and the demand for change.https://tpc.googlesyndication.com/safeframe/1-0-37/html/container.html?n=0

The street was walked by slaves in the 1800s, and sits less than a mile from the site where it is believed three black men were lynched on the lawn of the old Wicomico County courthouse.  

It’s in full view of the government building and multiple downtown establishments, giving Glanz and others the hope Black Lives Matter Boulevard will serve as a reminder to future generations about the importance of standing up against racism.

“This is merely one step among many on the march to meaningful and permanent change for the better,” Glanz said. “History can’t be erased, but it doesn’t have to be repeated.”

The renaming to Black Lives Matter Boulevard comes after weeks of peaceful protest in Salisbury and throughout the country. 

Protests throughout the nation took place following the death of George Floyd in Minnesota. Floyd died when Officer Derek Chauvin held his knee on Floyd’s neck for eight minutes and 46 seconds. Chauvin has since been charged with second-degree murder.

On June 12, Wicomico officials removed a plaque that honored Confederate Gen. John Winder, which sat just outside the old Wicomico courthouse. Activists have fought since 2017 to have the marker removed.

“(The sign) paid unacceptable homage to a traitor and war criminal,” Glanz said.

A child writes a message on the sidewalk of the newly renamed Black Lives Matter Blvd. on Friday, June 19, 2020.

A child writes a message on the sidewalk of the newly renamed Black Lives Matter Blvd. on Friday, June 19, 2020.STAFF PHOTO BY RICHARD POLLITT

A street sign won’t be the only presence of the Black Lives Matter movement in Salisbury.

For days, artists and volunteers have worked to paint “Black Lives Matter” in large letters on the sidewalk that stretches down what was currently Broad Street. Following Friday’s ceremony, attendees were encouraged to write their own messages on the pavement that illustrated the community’s support for the movement.null

Messages like “End Racism,” “Love Everyone” and “Hate will not be tolerated” created a colorful walkway that no one could miss.

“It’s beautiful,” said Sha’Nay Williams, who watched as her daughter drew flowers throughout the sidewalk. “I think our voices are being heard. There’s so much work that still needs to be done, but this is a start.”

A heart that pays homage to the Black Lives Matter movement is written on the sidewalk of the newly renamed Black Lives Matter Blvd. on Friday, June 19, 2020.

A heart that pays homage to the Black Lives Matter movement is written on the sidewalk of the newly renamed Black Lives Matter Blvd. on Friday, June 19, 2020.STAFF PHOTO BY RICHARD POLLITT

Continuing the work was stressed by several who attended Friday’s ceremony, including neighborhood relations manager Kevin Lindsay, who is excited for the future, but angry it’s taken so long to unite. 

The renaming of Broad Street is a step in the right direction for many, but Lindsay said it also serves as a reminder that more progress needs to be made.null

“Black Lives is important, the painting is important, but that’s just a symbol,” he said. “If we walk out of here today and don’t do anything … we’re not helping (anyone).”

Source: https://www.google.com/amp/s/amp.delmarvanow.com/amp/3221950001