Blogs

The Role of Architectural Design in the Wellbeing of Patients Living with Rheumatic Diseases.

Hunter McKenzie

Mar 11, 2021

Blogs

Architecture plays an important role within the health sector. Architects are given the unique task of meeting traditional architectural standards for general construction while adhering to the distinctive needs of those who will live or work there. The nuances of this task are often heightened when meeting the needs of people with physical disabilities such as Rheumatic Diseases (RD).

How I Like to BH WELL Series

Dr. Lee Anne Walmsley

Feb 8, 2021

Blogs

BH WELL wants to know how YOU like to BH WELL! So we are issuing the #BHWellChallenge! Let us know how you like to BH WELL and it may end up posted on our website or social media. Below are some ways that others like to BH WELL. If you want to be part of the BH WELL Challenge, please complete this form and one of our team members will get back to you with details.

Evidence Based Practice

Zim Okoli

Feb 2, 2021

Blogs

Evidence based practice starts with a question. When we have a question in mind, we look up the research on the topic and evaluate it to see what the outcomes are. It is important to evaluate current programs and materials in order to ensure that healthcare professionals are doing evidence based and effective work. Evidence based practice is really important because it questions if we can improve upon what we are doing so we can better our treatment and the well-being of our patients.

A brief discussion about the importance of African Americans taking the COVID-19 vaccine

Lovoria Williams

Feb 2, 2021

Blogs

The COVID-19 pandemic has been particularly devastating to communities of color, especially black communities. The vaccine is our best shot to defeating the virus. I encourage everyone to seriously consider taking the vaccine. Any concerns of its safety can be addressed by reviewing the CDC website or discussing the vaccine with a trusted healthcare provider. I'm Dr. Lovoria Williams and I like to BH WELL by getting the COVID-19 vaccine.

Physical Well-Being Part 3: Physical Activity

Sarret Seng

Jan 21, 2021

Blogs

The easiest way to consistently reach physical activity goals is to look forward to your exercise. This requires that you find something that is both physically challenging and enjoyable. Try thinking of exercise as a hobby that you want to dedicate time to do.

Physical Well-Being Part 2: Fueling Your Body

Sarret Seng

Jan 20, 2021

Blogs

We should strive for a well-balanced whole foods diet, which may look different for each individual depending on personal preferences, time available to cook and meal prep, and food budget. There are many resources online that can point us towards creating the ideal diet to provide our bodies with the fuel it needs, but here are some everyday practices to be mindful of.

Physical Well-Being Part 1: Sleep

Sarret Seng

Jan 14, 2021

Blogs

“Getting started is the hardest part.” a thought that we tell ourselves and others when they ask how our diet, exercise plan, or other physical well-being goal has been going. The idea of starting being “hard” is an idea that we must take the time to dismantle. For those of us who try to obtain physical well-being through unsustainable levels of discipline, we often end up frustrated with how unrealistic these behaviors are to maintain in the long run. We should not suffer and struggle our whole lives to reach physical well-being.

Motivational Interviewing

Lovoria Williams

Jan 12, 2021

Blogs

Motivational interviewing is a way for the clinician and client to talk about the clients reasons for change. The clinician helps the client understand reasons for change and helps elicit the clients desire for change. It has been effectively used for addiction behaviors, tobacco treatment, weight loss interventions, and other situations where an individual wants to change their negative health behaviors. The approach expresses empathy, avoids arguing, develops discrepancy, and supports self-efficacy.

Winter Solstice: Coming Out of the Dark

Claudia Robertson

Dec 21, 2020

Blogs

"Winter solstice is on December 21st this year. It is the shortest day of the year. Perfect time to let go of one thing that has been keeping you in the dark!”

Kicking Social Anxiety to the Curb

Janet Otachi

Oct 23, 2020

Blogs

Social anxiety is very common, in fact, approximately 5 to 16% of adults in the US have been diagnosed with a Social Anxiety Disorder in their lifetime. Social Anxiety is a situation where you have excess fear in social interactions because you think you may be judged or scrutinized by others, you worry about embarrassing or humiliating yourself, or offending someone. This video examines the symptoms and treatments for social anxiety disorder.

Staying Connected Enhances Social Wellness

Janet Otachi

Oct 8, 2020

Blogs

Social wellness impacts the quality of one's life. This video addresses the human need for social wellness and the importance of staying connected with others. The benefits of social wellness are endless but some examples include greater focus on tasks, increased responsibility, and a more meaningful life.

Physical Fitness and Mental Wellness for the Win

Beck Pennington

Oct 1, 2020

Blogs

Beck Pennington, former UK Men's Tennis Team player at the number one singles and doubles position and current Assistant Tennis Coach at the University of Miami, talks about the importance of eating right, getting enough sleep, and exercising your body. Click below for the video.

Overwhelmed? Keep Your Boat Steady.

Bassema Abu-Farsakh

Sep 23, 2020

Blogs

Overwhelmed? BH WELL's very own Bassema Abu-Farsakh relates to feeling overwhelmed as a wife, parent, graduate student, and student worker. This video shares practical tips to help keep our boats steady as we cope with day-to-day stress.

Suicide Prevention

Marc Woods

Sep 10, 2020

Blogs

Today on the vlog we have with us Marc Woods, Assistant Chief Nurse Executive for Behavioral Health at UK Healthcare. Marc discusses suicide prevention and emphasizes the importance of understanding your ability to have an impact on the lives of those you love. He explains that simply asking friends and family about concerning changes in their behavior is a simple start to a conversation about suicide prevention. Asking someone if they are contemplating suicide can make a difference.

Simulation For The Win!

Stephanie Kehler, PhD, RN, CHSE

Aug 6, 2020

Blogs

These days, many people think of video games when simulation comes up in conversation. Did you know that simulation is also an effective way for learners to grow in self-belief and knowledge? Simulation is a great educational tool to practice what is learned in the classroom. Using simulation allows learners to practice in a real-life clinical setting with a “patient” that is safe for both the “patient” and the learner. Meet some of our “patients!”

Tips For Taking A Mental Health Play Day

Lee Anne Walmsley, PhD, EdS, MSN, RN

Jul 30, 2020

Blogs

As you may have heard, “Mental health isn’t about having days to escape life, it’s about living the kind of life where you don’t feel the need to escape.” What better way to live your best life than to allow yourself play days!

Mental Health & Our Environment: How the Architecture Around Us Affects Our Mental Health

Hunter McKenzie

Jul 15, 2020

Blogs

Managing mental health problems should incorporate factors beyond medicinal approaches. Our environment plays a major role in either assisting or hindering positive mental health. As such, architects can use design and construction to build environments that convey a feeling of comfort and security. The importance of architectural design on mental health can be seen in the designs of modern mental health facilities, particularly within the psychiatric hospital system in North America.

6 Ways Occupational Therapists Can Support People Living with Mental Illnesses

Claudia Robertson

Apr 29, 2020

Blogs

Occupational therapists work to help individuals improve everyday life skills so that they can better participate in home, school, work or wherever they may be. Many people know occupational therapists help children with disabilities or adults recovering from injury. BUT did you know that occupational therapists also help people living with mental illnesses? According to the American Occupational Therapy Association, there are six main evidence-based ways that occupational therapists can help individuals living with mental illnesses.

Suicide Task Force

Marc Woods

Apr 7, 2020

Blogs

Today on the vlog we have with us Marc Woods, Assistant Chief Nurse Executive for Behavioral Health at UK Healthcare. We are in the midst of a national health crisis in regards to suicide. Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death among adults and 2nd cause of death among college students. This is in part due to the many stressors surrounding young people and the few tools they have to handle stress. It is so important to eliminate the stigma of discussing suicide. Stepping out to ask about concerning behavior could save lives.

Gardening as a Stress Reliever

Madelyn Strong

Apr 2, 2020

Blogs

Today on the vlog we have Mady Strong, a nurse and gardener. She discusses how gardening provides exercise, vitamin D from the sun (which helps to absorb calcium, and aids in mental health by relieving stress), and allows for mindful time alone, which is a source of self care for many. Gardening decreases cortisol levels and boosts serotonin and dopamine which relieves stress and boosts mood. Like caring for patients as a nurse, Mady enjoys nurturing her plants from seeds to full grown.

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