April 2012, Alcohol Awareness Month

Peggy Cunningham, NCC, LPC, Director of Therapeutic Services

Having a beer after mowing the lawn or at a barbeque, having a few drinks at a family gathering, or having a glass of wine with dinner seems like a natural thing but for many people alcohol is not an occasional pleasure a main focal point of their life.  Drinking to much alcohol can lead to health problems, including alcohol poisoning, hangovers, and an increased risk of heart disease.  April is ALCOHOL AWARENESS MONTH.

Mood Disorders & Proper Nutrition

By: Charles Fiske, Director of Food & Nutrition

Research suggests Omega-3 Fatty Acids can help mild to major depression and possibly even Schizophrenia. Long recognized for their heart-health benefits, omega-3 fatty acids are emerging as an effective therapy for mood disorders ranging from major depression and postpartum depression to bipolar disorder and schizophrenia.

 Research shows that the depression rates have risen as our Omega-3 intake have fallen over the past 50 years.  Experts believe that increasing the intake of Omega-3 will help depression as long as the individual doesn’t have a genetic predisposition for mood disorders.