Fall is a great time of year not just because of the ideal weather but because it can be really easy to put a Fall wardrobe together with stuff you already have.  That's because Fall, just like Spring, is about layering or wearing pieces in different ways.  Something that you normally would wear as a t-shirt in Summer, can be worn with a jacket for the Fall. So if you are prepping your closet for Fall, make sure you take notes on how to build up your wardrobe.  

If you have fun with the seasons, and you incorporate them in your wardrobe, you'll find a whole new side to getting dressed in the morning that you absolutely love!

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The Different Types of Family Psychiatric Services and Their Applications

 

Involvement of family members in psychiatric treatment has been found to optimize outcomes and improve family functioning. This is especially true in the case of family psychoeducation, which is effective for outpatient psychiatric care (1).

Psychoeducation allows families to become better acquainted with mental illness and its treatments. This can help them recognize symptoms sooner, enabling them to access psychiatric services more quickly.

Counseling

When people think of counseling, they may picture themselves lying on a leather couch and telling the doctor their feelings. This is one type of counseling, but many others help with more complex issues.

Psychotherapy, another term for counseling, can be provided by various mental health professionals, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, licensed social workers and counselors. It can treat different mental health conditions, such as anxiety, mood, and personality disorders.

Counseling can be offered in various ways, such as face-to-face, over the telephone or via the Internet. Some family psychiatrist near me may also offer home visits, which can be especially helpful for families with children or adolescents. Other options include animal-assisted and creative arts therapies such as art, dance, drama and music.

Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy, or talk therapy, offers various therapeutic methods to treat mental health conditions and emotional distress. It may be recommended by a medical specialist or provided as an alternative to medication.

Almost all types of psychotherapy involve developing a relationship with the therapist and working through unhelpful thoughts and behaviors. People come to therapy with their own goals, including reducing stress, improving relationships, coping with major life events or overcoming mental illness symptoms.

There are many different styles and approaches to psychotherapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), interpersonal psychotherapy and systemic psychotherapy. The latter focuses on relationships' individual and group dynamics and includes family therapy, marriage counseling and group therapy. There are also more specific forms of psychotherapy, such as psychodynamic and gestalt therapy.

Psychiatric Rehabilitation

Psychiatric rehabilitation, or psych rehab, helps individuals with psychiatric conditions to increase their independence in areas of daily living. This is accomplished through assessing functioning challenges in different domains and developing specific interventions to address those challenges.

Family therapy includes cognitive-behavioral therapies that focus on changing problematic behaviors, psychodynamic ideas that probe into the subconscious to reduce distress and conflict, and supportive therapy, which focuses on reducing stress and creating a healthy support system.

Psychiatric mental health nurses (PMHN) are registered nurses with additional training in mental illness and can prescribe medication if state law allows. Psychiatric rehabilitation can also include services provided by psychiatric counselors, psychiatric social workers and activity therapists. Medical Assistance usually covers psychiatric rehabilitation services. However, exceptions can be made for certain counties.

Psychoeducation

Psychoeducation is a form of education that offers clients and their family members the opportunity to learn more about their mental health conditions. It also helps them understand the treatment that is available to them.

The research on psychoeducation suggests that it may reduce relapse rates in schizophrenia, depression, and anorexia nervosa. It can also help family members recognize early warning signs and manage recurrence.

This therapy is available in both individual and group settings. Its roots lie in behavioral therapy, but it can also include elements of client-centered care.

Depending on the situation, therapists can use active or passive psychoeducation. In active psychoeducation, the therapist will present information to patients/family members during sessions, leading to interaction and clarification. In passive psychoeducation, the therapist will send educational materials, such as pamphlets or audio/visual recordings, for patients/family members to read and assimilate independently.

Medication Management

Medication management is prescribing and monitoring psychotropic medication by a qualified psychiatrist. Family members struggling with psychiatric disorders can also benefit from this service by receiving counseling and different communication techniques.

Psychiatrists and psychiatric nurse practitioners can both prescribe medication. Sometimes, your primary care physician, nurse practitioner or physician's assistant may also be qualified to prescribe medication.

Other healthcare professionals that can offer psychiatric services are clinical nurse specialist or advanced practice registered nurse who has specialized training in mental health issues, and state law permits them to prescribe medications. Medication management is a component of family psychiatric services that allows experienced providers to evaluate your prescriptions, over-the-counter drugs, vitamins and supplements for desired results.

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Discover the Factors That Affect Lifespan of Lash Tints

 

Whether you opt for a lash lift and tint or simply a lash tint, it's important to understand how long these cosmetic treatments last. This will help you plan maintenance appointments accordingly and maintain your desired look.

Eyelash tints are a quick and easy way to achieve thicker and bolder-looking eyelashes without mascara. The results typically last 4-6 weeks.

The Type of Tint

Eyelash tints are a semi-permanent dye that darkens the natural lashes to make them appear fuller and more dramatic. They can be life-changing for women with naturally light lashes and save them time and money on cosmetics like mascara and liner.

The key factor that determines how long does a lash tint last depend on the type of tint used. Salons typically use safe, vegetable-based dyes formulated to avoid irritation and allergies.

For best results, clients should refrain from showering or rubbing their eyes for 24 hours after the service to let the dye set. They should also avoid using products containing oil around the eyes and should try not to rub or touch the lashes. These steps will help prolong the lifespan of lash tints.

The Individual's Lifestyle

In addition to being an easy way to darken your natural lashes, lash tints can also reduce the need for additional makeup products around the eye area, such as mascara and eyeliner. Some tints can condition your lashes, creating a healthier look over time.

If you're considering this treatment, ask your lash technician about their qualifications and certifications. 

The appointment itself can last up to two hours, so prepare for it ahead of time by skipping the coffee and other energy drinks (the fumes will only exacerbate your jitters). Arrive with clean, dry eyes, and be ready to lie down and relax. First, your lash artist will place silicone pads on your eyelids, then apply a first serum to break down protein and mold your lashes into their natural shape. After that, the tint will be used.

The Aftercare Routine

Aside from the type of tint, the client's aftercare routine is one of the most important factors affecting their lashes' longevity. Avoiding oil-based face products near the eyes, refraining from rubbing them, and keeping lashes clean and dry will help extend their tint's lifespan.

In general, lash tints start to fade about three weeks after treatment. It's recommended that clients schedule their tint appointments every 4-6 weeks to maintain their new look.

Before getting a lash tint, it's essential that a lash tech asks about any sensitivities to dye, performs a patch test, and provides the client with a detailed list of dos and don'ts for aftercare. Those who follow these simple steps can enjoy the benefits of their lashes for as long as possible.

The Type of Lashes

Every woman dreams of luscious, full eyelashes that frame her face and draw attention to the eyes. Although genetics play a huge role in this, the right beauty tricks can help you achieve that perfect look. Eyelash tinting is one of these tricks that can enhance your lashes' natural color and appearance.

This treatment involves using a semi-permanent dye to darken the tiny hairs on your eyelash. It is similar to regular hair dye but is formulated to be gentler on delicate eyelashes.

Before the treatment, your lash artist will prepare the area by applying a lotion or gel around your eyes to protect them from the dye. They may also use an eye patch on your bottom lashes for extra protection.

If you have sensitive skin, you can ask your lash technician for a patch test to see if you are allergic to the dye. If you have allergies, your lash tech will likely recommend another service to help you achieve your desired look.

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How I Keep My Life Organized

Life can get wild sometimes for all of us whether you're a dog mom, a mom of 4 kids, work 2 jobs, or just stay at home to handle the household everyday.   That's why I figured it would be a good idea to do a post on how I keep all aspects of my life organized.

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How Menthol Was Introduced to Black Smokers by the Tobacco Industry

 

In ads, menthol cigarettes were portrayed as fresh and modern. They were marketed to young Black people, women, and other ethnic and racial groups. The tobacco industry used predatory marketing to hook generations of Black Americans on smoking and menthols. It remained true even when the FDA began to move toward banning flavored tobacco products.

It’s Easier to Smoke

A new campaign targets menthol cigarettes as part of a larger effort to combat health disparities in Black communities. Local, state, and federal officials are taking steps to address how the tobacco industry targeted black Americans with menthol smoke. In California, for example, a bill banning the sale of menthol cigarettes passed in 2020 despite fierce resistance from the tobacco industry. Research shows that Black people smoke more menthol cigarettes than other population groups. In addition, they have a harder time quitting smoking. It may be because they have less access to smoking cessation programs, higher stress levels and limited no-smoking policies in public places. They also have a higher tolerance for the taste of menthol cigarettes.

Historically, the tobacco industry used various marketing tactics to target Black consumers. For instance, they offer free cigarette samples and feature menthol ads in popular Black periodicals. They even hired influencers in the community – such as barbers and bellhops – to give out free menthol cigarettes to their customers. The tobacco industry knew that menthol made it easier to smoke cigarettes and used it as a recruiting tool for young Black smokers. The menthol in cigarettes is added to mask the harshness of the smoke, making them more appealing to novice smokers. It has also been shown to make nicotine more addictive, and it can be abused similarly to alcohol or other drugs.

It’s a Social Lubricant

For decades, the tobacco industry has used menthol in its marketing strategies to target Black communities. Their advertising portrayed mentholated cigarettes as trendy, healthy and refreshing. They marketed them in African-American-owned stores and publications and sponsored events like jazz concerts and hip-hop festivals. They recruited African American musicians and sports stars to endorse their products. In his book Pushing Cool, author Keith Wailoo describes how menthol was the key to Big Tobacco’s success in Black America. He says that after the 1964 Surgeon General’s report highlighting the harmful effects of smoking, the tobacco industry sought to reach new markets in minority communities. It included targeting Black neighborhoods with subway, billboard and store advertisements. They also recruited African American professional athletes and singers to shill for their brands and gave out free cigarettes in the communities they targeted.

These advertisements evoked a sense of pride and community, portraying smokers as brave and daring. They also tapped into popular culture, using images and slogans that echoed the Black Power movement of the 1970s and the style of Blaxploitation films. Eventually, tobacco companies moved to multi-race ads featuring white models alongside Black ones. Local and state governments have tried to limit the sale of mentholated tobacco products, but the industry has fought them on every front. It has used the false narrative that a ban on menthol will lead to increased racial profiling by law enforcement, and it has also promoted stories that the ban will harm communities of color.

Menthol is a Flavoring

The tobacco industry has long sought to make its products palatable. From the earliest days of smoking and chewing tobacco, sugar, licorice, and other additives were added to the ingredients to make the products more enjoyable. These additives, flavorings, and the use of menthol made it easier for smokers to become addicted. Lincoln Mondy, the director of a new documentary that looks at the effects of menthol cigarettes on black communities, says that his research revealed a 50-year campaign by big tobacco companies to saturate black neighborhoods with menthol. Tobacco companies bought disproportionate ad space in black magazines and newspapers and featured black musicians, actors, and professional athletes. The campaigns were designed to appeal to young blacks and portrayed menthols as hip, healthy, and refreshing. The use of menthol in cigarette advertising has been linked to increased smoking initiation and progression and reduced cessation efforts. Its anesthetic properties mitigate the harshness of the smoke and mask unpleasant sensations in the mouth and throat, making it easier for smokers to begin using a product and progress to regular use. The FDA is attempting to ban menthol cigarettes and cigars, citing their harmful impact on black communities.

It’s cheaper

As the menthol industry faces a possible product ban, experts are rallying a grassroots movement to combat the racialization of smoking. A coalition of community-based organizations, including the Colorado Black Health Collaborative (CBHC), are leading educational campaigns on the grim history of menthols. The CPHP Policy + System Change Network has supported the work of CBHC by providing technical assistance through research and facilitation. During the tobacco industry’s heyday, it aimed its marketing efforts at Black neighborhoods with billboards and ads in African-American-centric magazines. Companies also hired local influencers – like barbers, bellhops, and numbers runners – to hand out free menthol cigarettes. This strategy helped them build markets surreptitiously. The menthol flavoring added to cigarettes makes them more addictive and masks the harshness of the smoke, making it easier to take a drag. As a result, it’s harder for smokers to quit. The use of menthol in cigarettes is a form of racialization, and the industry uses it to target communities of color. The use of menthol is especially prevalent among young people and those from lower-income backgrounds. In addition to menthol, the tobacco industry uses a variety of additives and flavors – such as sugar, licorice, and molasses – to make their products more appealing to consumers. The CDC has warned that these ingredients can harm users’ health.

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6 Tips to Organize a Closet

Your closet can be a magical place where you store your beautiful clothing and make it easy to get dressed or pick out an outfit for a certain occasion.  Unfortunately, too many of us have closets that are very disorganized and it makes choosing an outfit stressful.  Here are some tips on how to organize a closet and keep it that way.

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