The State of Mental Illness in the US

Mental Illness in the US

Mental illness can affect a person’s thinking, feelings, behavior, mood, and ability to relate to others. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including genetics, trauma, environment, and lifestyle choices. Unfortunately, it is a real and significant issue in the United States, with an estimated one in five adults experiencing mental illness each year.

To help address this important issue, the U.S. government has taken steps to increase access to mental health services and resources and to spread awareness by designating May as Mental Health Awareness Month.

Facts About Mental Illness in the U.S.

To better help you understand the impact of mental health disorders in the U.S., the following are a few facts that you should know:

  • It’s estimated that around 57.8 million adults in the U.S. over the age of 18 had a mental health condition in 2021.
  • In 2021, of the 57.8 million adults estimated to have a mental health condition of some sort, only 26.5 million sought out mental health services of some kind.
  • Around 27.2% of female adults have a mental health condition compared to 18.1% of adults.
  • It’s also estimated that around 5% of U.S. adults have what can be diagnosed as a serious mental health condition.
  • Out of youth in the U.S. aged 6 to 17, it’s estimated that 17% have experienced a mental health disorder of some sort.
  • Around 7.6% of U.S. adults experienced both a mental health condition and a substance abuse problem at the same time.
  • Around 19.1% of U.S. adults experience anxiety disorders, while around 8.3% experience major depressive episodes every year.

Seek Mental Health Services Today

If you’re struggling with mental illness, then it’s critical that you seek out professional mental health services in California to help you manage your condition. Whether it’s one-on-one counseling, group therapy sessions, or medication, there are a variety of options available to you. With the right treatment, you can improve your mental health and get back on track. For more health awareness information, visit us at The Benefits Store today.

Preparing for Your Next Well Woman Visit

Prevention is one of the most important aspects of any woman’s healthcare. Taking the time to see your doctor for a well-woman visit can help ensure that you are staying healthy and identifying any potential health issues early — schedule a routine check-up at least once a year.

Unfortunately, many women don’t go to visit their doctors unless they have a health problem. It’s why the National Cervical Cancer Coalition (N.C.C.C.) has designated May as Women’s Health Month. To get the most out of your well-woman visit, you should know how to prepare ahead of time.

Tips for Preparing for Your Next Well-Woman Visit

Once you’ve scheduled a check-up with your doctor in California, here are some tips to make sure you get the most out of your appointment:

  • Figure out if you’re due for any general screenings or vaccinations: Your doctor may recommend you get certain screenings or vaccinations, such as a Pap smear or HPV vaccine. Some of these tests are recommended based on your age and overall health. Talk to your doctor ahead of time so they can make sure you schedule the tests you need.
  • Review your family history: Knowing your family’s medical history can help your doctor better understand any potential health issues you may have. Be sure to bring a list of any family members who have had chronic diseases like diabetes, heart disease, or cancer.
  • Make a list of questions: Before your appointment, write down any questions or concerns you may have about your health. This will help ensure that all of your questions get answered and nothing is forgotten during the visit.
  • Write down any issues you’re having: If you’re having any issues related to your health, write them down so that you remember to tell your doctor. This includes things like sexual or reproductive health issues, changes in your menstrual cycle, or symptoms of menopause.

Schedule a Check-Up Today

Schedule your yearly well-woman visit today, and remember to come prepared. For more health awareness information or advice, be sure to visit us at The Benefits Store.

6 Surprising Facts About High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure (also known as hypertension) is a serious condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It can cause serious health problems, such as heart attack, stroke, and kidney failure. To help spread awareness about the issue, May was designated as High Blood Pressure Education Month. With that in mind, it helps to know a little bit more about the condition so that you can take steps to lower your blood pressure and prevent some of the potential health risks.

Facts About High Blood Pressure

The following are a few facts about hypertension that you may not have been aware of:

  1. Hypertension was the primary cause or contributing cause to over 670,000 deaths in 2020 alone.
  2. It’s estimated that almost half of all adults in the U.S. have hypertension, and only 25% of adults have their hypertension under control.
  3. Hypertension is a condition that most people relate to aging. However, the condition affects a lot of young adults as well. Roughly 25% of adults in the U.S. between 20 and 44 have hypertension.
  4. Most people are aware of the fact that hypertension increases the risk of heart disease, but this is only one of the many potential complications. Hypertension has also been linked to dementia.
  5. Hypertension is known as the “silent killer” because it often has no symptoms. People with hypertension often feel normal. This is why regular check-ups are so important, especially as you get older.
  6. One of the biggest problems isn’t that hypertension can’t be treated. There are steps that you can take to manage and reduce your blood pressure. The problem is that it’s often not diagnosed early enough, which can result in more serious health complications down the road. It’s estimated that one out of three people with hypertension doesn’t know that they have it.

Check Your Blood Pressure Regularly

High blood pressure is a serious issue, which is why it’s crucial that you get a routine checkup with your primary physician in California on a regular basis to check your blood pressure. For more health tips, visit us at The Benefits Store today.

Mental Health in California

May is recognized as Mental Health Awareness Month in California, a time to bring attention to the importance of mental health and wellness. The purpose of this month is to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health conditions and to encourage people to seek support and treatment when needed.

Mental health is an integral part of overall health, yet it is often overlooked and neglected. In California, mental health disorders affect one in six adults and one in thirteen children. The COVID-19 pandemic has only exacerbated this issue, with many experiencing increased stress, anxiety, and depression due to isolation, financial struggles, and uncertainty.

During Mental Health Awareness Month, Californians are encouraged to take action to promote mental health and wellness. This can include practicing self-care, reaching out to loved ones, and seeking professional help when needed. Mental health resources are available throughout the state, including hotlines, counseling services, and support groups.

In addition to individual actions, California lawmakers and organizations are working to improve access to mental health care. The Mental Health Services Act, passed in 2004, provides funding for mental health programs and services for Californians. In 2021, Governor Gavin Newsom signed a budget that included increased funding for mental health services and initiatives.

However, there is still much work to be done to address the mental health crisis in California. The stigma surrounding mental health conditions must be dismantled, and more resources need to be made available to those who need them. Mental Health Awareness Month is an important reminder to prioritize our mental health and to advocate for better mental health care for all Californians.

In conclusion, Mental Health Awareness Month is a time to raise awareness and reduce the stigma surrounding mental health conditions. It is an opportunity to prioritize our mental health and to advocate for better mental health care for all Californians. Let us use this month as a stepping stone towards a future where mental health is given the attention and care it deserves.

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Your health and safety matters! Contact The Benefits Store today for you and your family’s health insurance needs.

Food Allergy Awareness in California

Food allergies are a growing concern in California, and it’s important to raise awareness about this issue to ensure that people with allergies can lead safe and healthy lives. In this blog post, we’ll discuss the importance of food allergy awareness in California and what steps people can take to protect themselves and others.

What is a Food Allergy?

Firstly, it’s important to understand what a food allergy is. A food allergy is a reaction of the immune system to a specific food protein. The symptoms can range from mild to severe and can include hives, itching, swelling, vomiting, diarrhea, and even anaphylaxis, which is a life-threatening reaction that can cause difficulty breathing and loss of consciousness.

California has one of the highest rates of food allergies in the United States, with approximately 1 in 13 children affected. The most common food allergies in California are peanuts, tree nuts, milk, eggs, wheat, soy, fish, and shellfish. It’s important for people with food allergies to be vigilant about the foods they eat and to always carry an epinephrine auto-injector in case of an emergency.

In California, there are several laws in place to protect people with food allergies. The Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Management Act requires schools to develop food allergy management plans for students and to have epinephrine auto-injectors on hand. The law also requires food establishments to provide allergen information to customers upon request.

Restaurants in California are required to have a certified food protection manager who has completed a food safety certification course. Additionally, the state’s Retail Food Code requires food establishments to have procedures in place to prevent cross-contact between allergens and non-allergenic foods.

However, it’s not just the responsibility of schools and restaurants to ensure food safety for people with allergies. Individuals can also take steps to protect themselves and others. Some of these steps include:

  • Always reading food labels carefully and avoiding foods that contain allergens.
  • Informing others, such as friends, family, and coworkers, about your food allergies and what steps they can take to help keep you safe.
  • Always carrying an epinephrine auto-injector and knowing how to use it.
  • Being aware of cross-contact, which is when allergens are transferred from one food to another through shared equipment, utensils, or surfaces.
  • Asking questions and speaking up when dining out or eating at someone else’s home.

In conclusion, food allergy awareness is critical in California, where a large number of people are affected by this issue. By following proper food safety protocols and taking steps to protect themselves, people with food allergies can lead safe and healthy lives. It’s also important for schools, restaurants, and other establishments to have procedures in place to prevent cross-contact and ensure the safety of their customers. Let’s all work together to raise awareness about food allergies and create a safer environment for everyone.

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Your health and safety matters! Contact The Benefits Store today for you and your family’s health insurance needs.