Posts

Self-Harm in East Africa: A Growing Concern Demanding Urgent Action

Image
The statistics are stark and deeply concerning. A recent 5-year study (2018-2022) conducted at Aga Khan University Hospital, Kenya, has shed light on the alarming prevalence of self-harm in East Africa, revealing trends that demand our immediate attention and concerted effort. The study highlighted some critical findings: Gender Disparity: A staggering 74.3% of self-harm cases involved women, indicating a significant gendered dimension to this issue. Mental Health Link: 88.2% of patients presented with depression, underscoring the strong correlation between mental health disorders and self-harm. Family Dynamics: 39.6% of cases were linked to family conflict, pointing to the crucial role of family support and healthy relationships. Methods and Access: Overdose (68.8%) and self-injury (56.3%) were the most common methods, and a worrying 72.9% of cases first appeared in emergency rooms, signaling a critical lack of early intervention. Barriers to Care: Mental health stigma and t...
Post a Comment
Read more
Image
 Speaking to around 1,000 individuals about Intellectual Disabilities in Mwanza was both humbling and inspiring. The conversations we had during this unforgettable experience emphasized the crucial need for inclusion and stronger support systems for individuals living with intellectual disabilities. Did you know that approximately 1-3% of the global population—equating to as many as 200 million people—live with an intellectual disability? What is even more staggering is that this number is significantly higher in low-income countries, making the need for increased support, awareness, and understanding even more urgent. I'm incredibly grateful to everyone who shared their insights and perspectives throughout this event. It was a testament to the power of community and collaboration. The willingness to engage in open conversations about these challenges strengthens our collective knowledge and helps pave the way for creating a more inclusive society. A special thank you to Kyle E. Jo...
Post a Comment
Read more

ADHD & Exercise Connection: More Than Just Burning Energy

Image
  Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects millions of children and adults.   Characterized by persistent patterns of inattention, hyperactivity, and/or impulsivity, ADHD can significantly impact daily life, making it challenging to focus, organize tasks, and control impulses. Individuals with ADHD often struggle with academic performance, work productivity, and interpersonal relationships.   While various treatment options are available, including medication and therapy, exercise has emerged as a powerful and natural tool for managing ADHD symptoms.  This blog post will explore the profound connection between exercise and ADHD, demonstrating that its benefits extend far beyond simply burning off excess energy. Exercise offers significant cognitive and emotional advantages for people with ADHD, improving focus, enhancing executive function, and promoting overall well-being. The Science Behind It: ADHD is oft...
Post a Comment
Read more

Autism and Virtual reality

Image
  I recently came across this intriguing article about a new study that discovered virtual reality technology can help improve social communication skills in children with autism. The study found that children who used VR for eight weeks improved their social skills significantly, including a better understanding of emotions and increased eye contact. For more information on this study, please see the link provided below! Autism Research, Virtual Reality, and Social Communication Skills" For your convenience, here is a link to the article: https://www.neurologyadvisor.com/reports/vr-use-in-children-with-autism-improves-social-communication-skills-aan-2023/
Post a Comment
Read more

School Avoidance: What It Is and How to Help Your Child

Image
  School avoidance is a growing concern among parents and educators alike. It is a situation where a child refuses to attend school or has difficulty remaining in school for the entire day. This problem can start with sporadic absences and slowly increase to a point where it becomes a significant issue. Parents can often observe soft signs like avoiding a particular class, struggling with homework, or faking an illness to skip school. School-avoidant behavior can manifest in different ways. Some children may be entirely absent from school, while others may go to school but leave during the day or escape to the nurse's office. Some may only go to school after crying, hiding in their bedroom, having an outburst, or refusing to move. Children may also have unusual distress about going to school and beg their parents not to make them go back. If you notice any of these signs in your child, it is essential to act. You do not need academic definitions to tell you if your child is avoidi...
Post a Comment
Read more