West Newsmagazine 12-13-23

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36 I HEALTH I December 13, 2023 WEST NEWSMAGAZINE @WESTNEWSMAG WESTNEWSMAGAZINE.COM The Experts in Finding the Right Senior Care Options, For FREE! Transitions For Senior Living is St. Louis’ most trusted team to help you navigate your long-term care options ... from local Assisted, Memory Care, Skilled Nursing, and Independent Living Communities, we simplify your search. We understand the differences in standards of care, staffing ratios, social dynamics and take the time to explain those differences; so you can make the best decision. We personally evaluate your physical, cognitive, financial and social care needs. Completely Free Of Charge! Whether you are in a crisis or planning ahead, give us a call. We are a local, family-owned service. Personalized Service, because every situation is unique! (314) 606-8531 www.STLsenior.com After the hustle and bustle of the holidays are over, millions will be left feeling SAD, a common type of seasonal depression. (Adobe Stock photo) HEALTH CAPSULES By LISA RUSSELL Winter brings SAD for millions of Americans In addition to feelings of anxiety and sadness that some people experience around the holidays, many also find themselves coping with a type of recurring depression known as Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD, during the winter months. Statistics from the National Institutes of Health show that about 5% of American adults experience SAD in a given year. It is more common among women than men, and typically begins in young adulthood. Researchers haven’t completely pinned down the causes of SAD, but say that it’s related to reduced winter production of the brain chemical serotonin, which helps regulate mood. A deficiency in vitamin D, the “sunshine vitamin,” may also contribute. Symptoms of SAD can be distressing and overwhelming, and can interfere with daily functioning. According to the NIH, some of its primary signs can include: • Persistent sad or “empty” mood most of the day for at least 2 weeks • Feelings of hopelessness or pessimism; irritability or restlessness; and guilt or worthlessness • Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities • Fatigue and oversleeping • Difficulty concentrating, remembering things or making decisions • Physical aches or pains that don’t have a clear cause. Those who are plagued by SAD should know that there are effective treatments. They include light therapy, talk therapy, antidepressant medications and vitamin D Flu season off to ‘traditional’ start Although the 2023 flu season began slowly across the U.S., cases are now ramping up in what may turn out to be a more “traditional” season like those Americans were accustomed to prior to COVID-19, according to a recent announcement from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The CDC’s most recently published weekly influenza report, FluView, showed that 4.9% of people tested for flu were infected with the virus as of mid- November, with positive tests trending upward each week. This figure is well below what will be seen at the peak of flu activity, when the percentage of positive tests may reach 25%; and the pace at supplements, which may be used alone or in combination to help people feel better. If you or someone you know is struggling with SAD, the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 can provide immediate help. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration also offers an online locator tool for local support resources, available at findtreatment.gov. COVID vaccination during pregnancy reduces newborns’ health risks, study shows The question of whether or not to get a COVID vaccine has become a controversial one for many. But for newborns whose mothers receive one or more vaccine doses during pregnancy, these vaccines appear to have benefits, according to a recent large study published in JAMA Pediatrics. The study found that infants born to women who received an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine during pregnancy had slightly lower risks of severe health outcomes, neonatal death, and neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission than those who were not vaccinated. It included more than 140,000 infants in Ontario, Canada who were born between May 1, 2021 and September 1, 2022. Of that group, close to 86,000 (60%) were exposed to one or more COVID vaccinations during their mother’s pregnancy. which those positive tests are increasing suggests the country is heading in that direction, CDC officials said. Flu hospitalizations have also been on the rise nationally, with the CDC estimating that, as of mid-November, there have been about 8,000 hospitalizations and 490 deaths from flu. In Missouri as of the same period, Department of Health and Senior Services statistics showed flu activity in the state is low so far as well, with just over 2,700 documented cases and a “belowbaseline” number of flu-related emergency room visits reported compared to last year. St. Louis County also reported a low number of cases to date, noting that Specifically, compared to infants whose mothers were not vaccinated, those exposed to the vaccine had slightly lower risks of severe health outcomes (7.3% versus 8.3%); neonatal death (0.09% versus 0.16%); and NICU admission (11.4% versus 13.1%). There was no relationship found between maternal vaccination during pregnancy and neonatal readmission to hospital within the first six months. “Many women feel nervous about receiving vaccines during pregnancy, but our study will hopefully provide some reassurance on the safety of COVID-19 vaccine during pregnancy for newborns and young infants,” said lead author Sarah Jorgensen, a pharmacist and Ph.D. candidate at the University of Toronto. “Our results were consistent across the number of doses someone received during pregnancy, the trimester in which they were vaccinated, and the vaccine product they received, which gives us more confidence that there is no increase in the adverse newborn and infant outcomes we assessed,” Jorgensen said. On the calendar St. Luke’s Hospital presents Coffee and Conversations on Wednesday, Dec. 20 from 10-11 a.m. at the Desloge Outpatient Center, 121 St. Luke’s Center Drive in cases were beginning to rise in advance of the holiday season. The number of Americans who have been vaccinated so far in 2023 is trailing last year’s rates by a few percentage points. The CDC estimates that about 35% of adults have gotten a flu shot to date. Among children ages 6 months to 17 years, about 33% have been vaccinated, also down slightly from this time last year. The dominant virus identified so far in 2023 is influenza A H1N1, although there is some influenza B circulating as well. These viruses seem to be well-matched to this year’s flu shot, and there is still time to get a vaccine before the season gets into full swing, according to the CDC.
FACEBOOK.COM/WESTNEWSMAGAZINE WESTNEWSMAGAZINE.COM Chesterfield, in Building A. Join us monthly for a cup of joe and conversation with St. Luke’s health professionals about health and wellness. This month’s topic is Mindfulness and Spiritual Health; learn how practicing mindfulness can relieve stress, and find new ways to take care of your spiritual health. Register at stlukes-stl.com. • • • BJC offers Head to Toe online orientation sessions on Monday, Jan. 1 and Tuesday, Jan.9 from 6-7:30 p.m., live via Teams Meeting. At this orientation, families will learn about St. Louis Children’s Hospital’s family-focused weight management program called Head to Toe. The program helps children and their parents learn to make healthier lifestyle choices, set goals and get regular exercise, which makes a positive impact on a child’s self-esteem. The Program is designed for kids between the ages of 8 and 17. Orientation sessions are free of charge. Families interested in enrolling in the 17-week Head to Toe program following a session may register online at classes-events.bjc.org or by calling the Contact Center at (314) 747-1005. • • • Mercy St. Louis offers a Sitter Skills course on Friday, January 5 from 6-9 p.m. at the hospital, 615 S. New Ballas Road, in Classroom #2 on the 7th floor. Children ages 11 to 13 will learn about infant care, child development, interactive play, safety, handling emergency situations and marketing babysitting services. Children should bring a doll or stuffed animal to class to learn how to change diapers. The cost is $30 per child. Register online by visiting mercy.net/practice/mercy-hospital-st-louis and clicking on Classes, Seminars and Events, then Skills Classes for Kids. • • • BJC St. Louis Children’s Hospital sponsors a Babysitting 101 virtual class on Tuesday, January 16 from 6-8:30 p.m., live via Teams Meeting. This interactive class is a great introduction to the basics of babysitting and is recommended for ages 10 and above. A workbook, first-aid kit, babysitter skills assessment and backpack are included in the cost of $25 per child. Please note that the child is the registrant; parents may sit in on the class at no additional cost. Register online at bjc.org/babysitting-class. • • • BJC presents a Family and Friends CPR virtual course on Wednesday, January 17 from 6:30-8:30 p.m., live via Teams Meeting. This class uses the American Heart Association curriculum to teach hands-on CPR skills (course does not include certification upon completion). The cost is $50. Registration for a seat in this class is for two people. Register online by visiting bjc.org/cpr-class. Tree, Lawn & Landscape Experts! Remember, Quality Isn’t Expensive ... It’s Priceless! • 4th Generation/Family-Owned Since 1978 • ISA Certified Arborists • Degrees in Horticulture, Science & Forestry • TCIA Accredited • Fully Insured with Workers’ Comp. $100 OFF Any Tree Service of $1000 or more For New Contracts Signed from 12/1/23 - 2/15/24 Not to be combined with other offers. $75 OFF Any Tree Service of $750 or more For New Contracts Signed from 12/1/23 - 2/15/24 Not to be combined with other offers. $50 OFF Any Tree Service of $550 or more For New Contracts Signed from 12/1/23 - 2/15/24 Not to be combined with other offers. (636) 332-5535 Allenstreeservice.com WHEELCHAIRS SliW ele oc.sbu sf/m 726E20A2 December 13, 2023 WEST NEWSMAGAZINE .srenwo SBUot ocleW em I HEALTH I 37 Rentals • Sales • Service • Installation Renting Mobility Solutions for Family Gatherings! YEAR END CLEARANCE PRICES • STOP BY BEFORE ITEMS ARE GONE! Contact us today to reserve your holiday rentals! Make sure no one misses a moment. 15461 Clayton Rd. • Ballwin (Clayton & Kehrs Mill) • 314-608-5789 HOURS: M-W-Th-F 9:30AM-5:30PM • TUES 11AM-8PM • SAT 9AM-2PM puorG grebledeM ehT denioj sah .ecfifo iruossiM ,dlefiretsehC ruo ni ylhgih era senisubdna ,seilimaf , puorG grebledeM eh .cnI secivreS laicnaniF SBU 02 etiuS dlefiretsehC , OM 5036 462-435-636 121-138- 08 grebledeM eilrahC tnemeganaM htlaeW - tnedise 2462-435-636 moc.sbu@grebledem.eilrahc ketaizoK yecatS rosivd AlaicnaniF 3462-435-636 moc.sbu@ketaizok.yecats eirn k PORTABLE RAMPS aicossA et tneilC deretsigeR 462-435-636 keirnelles.lliw oc.sbu @ m Sleigh the season with a new mobility scooter! Check out the newest accessories, too! 25%-40% OFF Select Items sreffo .cnI egarekorb egarekorb dna swal tnereffid ,ssenis stcudorp eht ta dedivorp yrammuspihsnoitaler/moc.sbu .ypoc a rof rosivdA sthgir laicn .CPIS/ARNIF ApuorGSBUfoyraidisbus -SBU-D rebmeM.G a
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Page 4 and 5: 4 I OPINION I December 13, 2023 WES
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Page 10 and 11: 10 I NEWS I December 13, 2023 WEST
Page 12 and 13: Your Time is More Valuable Than Eve
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Page 25 and 26: Have a MAGICAL Holiday Season Karie
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Page 48: CELEBRATE WITH US THIS CHRISTMAS! C

West Newsmagazine 12-13-23

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