Are You Okay?

Are You Okay? is a Substack centered on integrating mental and physical health through straight talk and evidence-based guidance. It emphasizes the role of self-compassion, conscious consumption, health awareness, and practical steps towards well-being, including managing anxiety, dietary advice, the impact of alcohol, and navigating healthcare.

Mental Health Physical Health and Nutrition Self-Compassion and Self-Acceptance Healthcare Navigation Alcohol and Substance Use Chronic Illness Management Anxiety and Stress Management Lifestyle and Behavioral Changes

The hottest Substack posts of Are You Okay?

And their main takeaways

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0 implied HN points • 02 Jun 20
🏥 Health & Wellness Medicine Social justice
  1. Today is #BlackoutTuesday in solidarity with the Black community to make space for their voices.
  2. It is important for doctors to listen and be allies with their patients.
  3. The health of patients is influenced by social and emotional determinants.

Work Together

0 implied HN points • 29 May 20
🏥 Health & Wellness Pandemic response Higher education Community support Medical Updates Public Health
  1. Dr. Wayne Frederick shares how Howard University is assisting with the pandemic and planning for reopening, emphasizing the importance of unity and community support.
  2. Howard University is actively involved in COVID-19 response efforts in DC, including expanding hospital capacity and managing a testing facility to address the virus within vulnerable populations.
  3. A Fall 2020 Preparation Committee is working on various issues for reopening, prioritizing safety measures, testing, and flexibility in case social distancing policies continue.

Go Back to Basics

0 implied HN points • 28 May 20
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Nutrition Movement Sleep Stress
  1. Consider the risks and benefits of activities like visiting salons during the pandemic.
  2. Prioritize your general health by focusing on basics like sleep, managing stress, eating well, and staying active.
  3. It's important to talk about your feelings and mental health, especially during challenging times like a global pandemic.

Allow for Grief

0 implied HN points • 21 May 20
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Grief Wellbeing Emotions
  1. Grief is important to acknowledge, whether it's from major losses like the pandemic or smaller losses like missed events or daily routines.
  2. Understanding the stages of grief like denial, anger, bargaining, depression, acceptance, and finding meaning can help navigate the healing process.
  3. It's okay to mourn the past, but embrace change; look for silver linings, find hope in new beginnings, and be patient for a future that will bring a different 'normal.'
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Make Your Move, Don’t Wait

0 implied HN points • 07 May 20
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Loneliness Self-care Therapy Pets
  1. Connection is essential for our emotional and physical well-being, especially during times of loneliness.
  2. Don't hesitate to reach out and connect with others, whether it's through dating, calling friends, or seeking therapy for support.
  3. Taking the initiative to make positive changes in our lives, like adopting a pet or practicing self-love, can have a significant impact on our mental health.

(Virtually) Hug a Teacher

0 implied HN points • 27 Apr 20
🚌 Education Health Schools Teachers Children
  1. Kids, parents, and educators are eager for schools to reopen due to challenges like screen time fatigue, multi-role balancing, and new teaching methods.
  2. Plans for school reopenings should prioritize strict social distancing until widespread testing, contact tracing, and vaccine availability improve.
  3. Flexibility and preparedness are key for schools to navigate potential reopening challenges, like altering schedules, increasing cleaning, and being ready to close if infection rates rise.

Hope

0 implied HN points • 25 Apr 20
🏥 Health & Wellness COVID-19 Medical Updates Anxiety Management
  1. COVID-19 can affect people of all ages and has various impacts on different organ systems.
  2. Media coverage about COVID-19 can cause anxiety, it's important to put things into context and consult with a doctor for personalized information.
  3. Antibody tests can help determine past COVID-19 infections, but more research is needed to understand what a positive result actually means.

Do your Math

0 implied HN points • 23 Apr 20
🏥 Health & Wellness COVID-19 Emotions Parenting
  1. Following facts and data helps us make better decisions during a crisis.
  2. Measuring death rates for a pandemic is challenging due to inadequate testing and varying counting methods.
  3. Despite the uncertainties, testing is improving, and most COVID-19 patients are recovering well.

Fuel Up

0 implied HN points • 19 Apr 20
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Physical health Self-care
  1. Quarantine fatigue is normal and affects everyone to some extent. It's important to find ways to take a break from the mental stress and pressure.
  2. Rest, exercise, connect with friends, and find sources of laughter to help manage adrenaline and release tension during quarantine.
  3. Stay vigilant with quarantine measures, practice self-care, and mark upcoming events for mental and physical well-being during the pandemic.

Know Where you’ve Been

0 implied HN points • 15 Apr 20
🏥 Health & Wellness COVID-19 Contact Tracing Mental health Technology Public Health
  1. Contact tracing is crucial for controlling the spread of contagious diseases like COVID-19 by identifying and notifying individuals who may have been exposed.
  2. Implementing effective contact tracing faces challenges like technological coordination, privacy concerns, and the need for large numbers of trained personnel.
  3. Technology, like apps being developed by Apple and Google, could play a key role in contact tracing efforts by facilitating anonymous tracking of potential exposures.

Your Mind Matters

0 implied HN points • 10 Apr 20
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Physical health Stress management Medical conditions Well-being
  1. Key preventive measures for COVID-19 continue to be aggressive hand-washing, social distancing, and mask-wearing in public spaces.
  2. Mental health significantly impacts physical health and medical outcomes, affecting conditions like high blood pressure, heart disease, and more.
  3. Addressing mental and physical health together can lead to improved overall health and well-being in the long term.

Listen to your Body

0 implied HN points • 01 Apr 20
🏥 Health & Wellness Self-care Mindfulness Well-being
  1. Listening to your body is important for overall well-being and health.
  2. Taking in information and asking follow-up questions help in understanding and reducing anxiety.
  3. Helping others and writing can be effective ways to reduce stress and soothe the mind.

Find Inspiration During Hard Times

0 implied HN points • 25 Mar 20
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health
  1. COVID-19 is not just a physical health crisis, but also a mental health crisis affecting all of us.
  2. During hard times, it's important to find inspiration to cope with fear, worry, and tension.
  3. Seeking sources of inspiration can help navigate difficult times like the coronavirus pandemic.

Replace Fear With Facts

0 implied HN points • 24 Mar 20
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Medical Advice
  1. Replace fear with facts for a clearer perspective on the situation.
  2. It's normal to feel nervous before a big moment, but positive feedback can boost your confidence.
  3. Engage with medical colleagues to stay informed and share knowledge across different locations.

Get Your Rest

0 implied HN points • 11 May 22
🏥 Health & Wellness Sleep Stress Anxiety Mental health Behavior
  1. Good sleep is essential for overall health and well-being, impacting mood, cognition, stress management, and more.
  2. Create an optimal sleep environment by keeping the room dark, quiet, and cool, and addressing factors like co-sleeping with pets.
  3. Improve sleep habits by incorporating physical activity, avoiding caffeine late in the day, setting electronic curfews, and managing stress through techniques like journaling and meditation.

Take Stock of Where we are

0 implied HN points • 26 Apr 21
🏥 Health & Wellness Pandemic Vaccines Well-being Mental health Recovery
  1. All Americans ages 16 and up are eligible for the vaccine, allowing many to reclaim their lives and enjoy socializing.
  2. Vaccine data continues to show high effectiveness of Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna shots, boosting confidence in their safety and ability to combat variants.
  3. As the pandemic eases, it's important to focus on meeting basic needs, rebuilding health, and showing kindness and patience towards ourselves and others.

Prep for Winter

0 implied HN points • 19 Oct 20
🏥 Health & Wellness Medical Health Mental health Winter
  1. The post shares insights on preparing for winter and the holidays, including a fresh medical perspective from Dr. Clay Ackerly.
  2. Dr. Clay Ackerly, a trusted colleague, offers valuable advice based on his training and experience in internal medicine.
  3. The article emphasizes the importance of planning ahead for the coming months and finding support during challenging times.

Follow the Facts (Even if it Feels Like an Uphill Battle)

0 implied HN points • 24 Sep 20
🏥 Health & Wellness COVID-19 Medical Mental health Wellness Quarantine
  1. It's important to follow the facts, even if it feels challenging. The battle against COVID is tough, but we're becoming stronger by staying informed.
  2. COVID-19 protocols are crucial to follow: isolate if sick and monitor symptoms closely. Testing, quarantining, and seeking medical advice are key steps.
  3. Being cautious with COVID-19 is necessary: follow symptom guidelines, understand quarantine protocols, and be aware of potential false positives and transmission risks.

Be Kind to Yourself

0 implied HN points • 12 Jun 20
🏥 Health & Wellness Anxiety Body Image Parenting Self-care
  1. Eating healthfully has become more difficult during the pandemic due to changes in routines, structures, and access to resources like gyms.
  2. Anxiety often influences people's relationship with food, leading to behaviors like restrictions, chaotic eating, and using food for self-soothing during stressful times.
  3. Practicing intuitive eating and mindfulness can promote a healthier relationship with food by prioritizing balance, consistency, and being kind to oneself.

Talk about Sex

0 implied HN points • 03 Oct 22
🏥 Health & Wellness Sexual Health Mental health Physical health
  1. Issues like weak erections and vaginal dryness can be signs of underlying serious health problems, not just age-related conditions.
  2. Embrace sex technology to enhance your bedroom experience and explore new possibilities beyond traditional methods.
  3. Biological factors play a significant role in low libido, and seeking medical advice can lead to effective solutions like hormone treatments and sex therapy.

Take a Break

0 implied HN points • 04 Jul 22
🏥 Health & Wellness Self-care Digital detox Screen Time Mental health
  1. It's important to take breaks from screens and social media to prevent burnout and be more present with loved ones.
  2. Understanding and moderating our screen time is key to maintaining a healthy relationship with technology.
  3. A digital detox can help us be more intentional about how we spend our time and improve our overall well-being.

Give Thanks

0 implied HN points • 23 Nov 21
🏥 Health & Wellness Vaccination Risk Assessment Immunity Family Health
  1. Don't attend events if you have symptoms. Call a doctor and get tested to be sure.
  2. Vaccination and boosting significantly reduce the risk of COVID-19 infection and transmission.
  3. Consider safety measures indoors like rapid testing, ventilation, limited guests, and mask-wearing to reduce COVID-19 spread.

Giddy-up for Fall

0 implied HN points • 01 Nov 21
🏥 Health & Wellness Vaccination Testing Antibodies Pandemic
  1. The state of the pandemic in the US is improving, with falling COVID cases, hospitalizations, and deaths due to widespread vaccination and population immunity.
  2. Vaccines and booster shots are crucial for preventing severe illness from COVID, especially for high-risk individuals, and studies show they are effective against death and hospitalization.
  3. The approval of vaccines for kids ages 5-11 is on the horizon, potentially offering relief to parents and helping pave the way for a return to normalcy for children.

Understand BA.5 & the COVID Vaccine for Kids

0 implied HN points • 11 Jul 22
🏥 Health & Wellness Vaccination Children's Health Medical Advice Public Health Immunity
  1. The BA.5 Omicron subvariant is highly contagious but doesn't seem to be intrinsically more virulent than past variants. So far, the vaccine continues to offer protection against death and serious COVID outcomes against BA.5.
  2. Deciding on vaccinating children under 5 against COVID is nuanced and should be individualized. Although the risks of major vaccine side effects are extremely low, the long-term safety and efficacy for children are not yet fully understood.
  3. It's important to focus on vulnerable populations for vaccination and boosters to protect society as a whole. The data and understanding around COVID vaccination for young children are still evolving, requiring a nuanced approach towards decision-making.

Adolescence Is No Picnic

0 implied HN points • 27 Jun 22
🏥 Health & Wellness Body Image Self-discovery Identity Mental health
  1. Amy Chua's success was influenced by her parents' strict 'tough love' parenting style, teaching her resilience and ethnic pride.
  2. Adolescence can be challenging, especially today with the pressure to belong and social media influence.
  3. Struggling with body image and identity during adolescence is common, but changing your body may not resolve underlying self-doubt.

Paxlovid is not a Panacea

0 implied HN points • 23 May 22
🏥 Health & Wellness Medication COVID-19 Treatment Vaccination Immunity
  1. Paxlovid is not a one-size-fits-all solution and its effectiveness varies depending on factors like age, vaccination status, and underlying health conditions.
  2. Using Paxlovid in vaccinated individuals is still being studied, but it has shown anecdotal improvement in symptoms for some high-risk patients.
  3. Some vaccinated patients have experienced a rebound of COVID symptoms after finishing a course of Paxlovid, prompting further research and caution in prescribing.

Pick Your Battles

0 implied HN points • 03 Jun 21
🏥 Health & Wellness Vaccination Child Health Parenting COVID-19 Medical Advice
  1. Consider the risks and benefits before making decisions about your family's health, like getting vaccinated for COVID-19.
  2. Vaccines, including the COVID-19 vaccines, are effective and safe, providing protection and helping reduce transmission.
  3. Making informed decisions based on science and facts, not fear, is crucial when navigating health choices for your family.

I’ll Have What She’s Having

0 implied HN points • 12 May 21
🏥 Health & Wellness Vaccination COVID-19 Family Community Global
  1. CDC has acknowledged minimal risk for vaccinated individuals, allowing mask removal indoors and outdoors except in certain scenarios like public transportation.
  2. Vaccinating teens can contribute to returning to normalcy quicker, as vaccines are proven safe and effective in this age group.
  3. Vaccinating children helps protect the community by limiting the spread of the virus, preventing mutation, and creating stronger immunity overall.

Consider Kids

0 implied HN points • 11 Feb 21
🏥 Health & Wellness Children's Health Parenting Mental health Education COVID-19
  1. Dr. Kelly Fradin emphasizes the importance of mental and physical health going hand-in-hand in providing realistic, practical advice rooted in science to patients and parents.
  2. Schools can reopen safely with precautions in place to mitigate risks, based on scientific consensus and data from various countries and US areas.
  3. The COVID-19 variants like P.1, B.1.351, and B.1.1.7 are likely to become predominant in the US; adherence to quarantine guidelines plays a crucial role in maintaining in-person schooling amidst potential new surges.

Ask for Help

0 implied HN points • 08 Jul 20
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Parenting Children
  1. Kids need structure, routine, and safe spaces to regulate emotions.
  2. It's important for parents to find a balance between protecting and giving freedom to their children.
  3. Asking for help is a sign of strength, especially when dealing with mental health challenges.

Spread Facts

0 implied HN points • 06 Jul 20
🏥 Health & Wellness Medical Updates Prevention Therapeutics Public Health
  1. COVID-19 cases are surging in 39 states across the U.S. due to people ignoring public health advice and gathering in crowded spaces without masks.
  2. Wearing masks, practicing social distancing, and washing hands are crucial in preventing the spread of the virus and can help shut it down and reopen the economy.
  3. Face shields plus masks are recommended for those with regular, close contact indoors with others, while N95 masks are in short supply and should be reserved for healthcare workers.

Accept Reality

0 implied HN points • 03 Jul 20
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Grief Self-care Emotions Well-being
  1. Accept that there are things beyond our control, such as other people's beliefs and behaviors.
  2. Focus on regulating emotions and responses, creating routines, and taking care of oneself during tough times.
  3. Recognize that everyone is going through challenges during the pandemic, and acknowledge the need for introspection, learning, and honest communication.

Happy Tuesday!

0 implied HN points • 23 Jun 20
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Physical health
  1. Dr. Clay Ackerly discussed COVID-19 news and decisions in phase 2.
  2. Lucy McBride plans to resume her day job.
  3. Join Lucy McBride and Michelle Palmer on Facebook Live to talk about managing mental and physical health during the pandemic.