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Major industry changes for telepsychiatry in 2015
Dr. Jim Varrell Mental HealthcareI love the new year. I'm always impressed by its power to somehow force us to look back on what we've accomplished, where we've failed and what lessons we've learned along the way. More importantly, I love how it grants us the opportunity to look forward. As my team has strategized for the future, I wanted to share some of our predictions for where the telepsychiatry industry is going in 2015 and beyond.
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Brain plasticity: Fact or fiction?
Dr. Afsaneh Motamed-Khorasani Medical & Allied HealthcareMedical experts once believed that changes in the brain were only limited to infancy and childhood, after which its physical structure was permanent. However, we now know that new neural pathways are continuously being created and existing ones are altered as a part of our adaptation mechanism to new experiences, ongoing learning and the process of creating new memories.
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Strict rest after concussion offers no additional benefit
Lynn Hetzler Medical & Allied HealthcareEmergency department physicians currently suggest that pediatric patients rest for one to two days following a concussion, but some practitioners had begun suggesting longer periods of rest and restricted activities. Now, a new study published in Pediatrics shows that strict bed rest offers no additional neurocognitive, balance or symptom benefit.
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Self-care in the nursing field: Do you dare?
Rachel Y. Hill Medical & Allied HealthcareNursing is one of the most rewarding careers, but it can also be one of the most challenging. When we consider the complex needs of our patients, the demands of our employers and the ongoing changes in healthcare, there are so many reasons why self-care is so important.
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Can social media depict mental illnesses?
Jessica Taylor Mental HealthcareSocial media is a tool for users to express themselves, check on their friends and spread news. Now, researchers are trying to use this primary source of communication to determine if individuals show signs of mental illness.
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Stress management: The consequences of using lethal force
Mark Bond Law Enforcement, Defense & SecurityHow each person copes with stress and grieving is as diverse as personalities. There is no established protocol to follow or systematic set of instructions that work for every officer after being involved in a lethal force encounter.
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How the brain interprets reality vs. imaginary thought
Dorothy L. Tengler Science & TechnologyImagination may be our greatest skill. Neuroscientists and psychologists used to regard our ability to imagine fictional scenarios, people and objects as mere mental fluff. Now imagination is recognized as playing a central role in human thought, from planning and creativity to memory and problem-solving. It protects our mental health and may even be the fragile foundation upon which human society is built.
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Study cures 9 of 10 early-stage Alzheimer’s patients
Lauren Swan Medical & Allied HealthcareAlzheimer's is one of the most feared diseases in the U.S., and for good reason. It is the sixth-leading cause of death and affects approximately 5 million Americans per year. There is no cure for Alzheimer's, and in its late stages patients will be unable to speak or interact with their environment — they will even lose the ability to swallow.
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Law enforcement stress during lawlessness
Mark Bond Law Enforcement, Defense & SecurityWith recent protests that turned into lawlessness in Ferguson, Missouri, officer stress levels are elevated, which can cause mental health problems long after peace has been restored. Law enforcement agencies across the country are now dealing with protesters and trying to work with community organizers to keep the demonstrations peaceful. This is also the holiday time of year when crime rates can rise.
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Preventing nurse fatigue to keep our patients safe
Joan Spitrey Medical & Allied HealthcareWith the holiday season upon us, it is not unusual to feel the stress of this busy time of year. Our schedules become filled with fun times with family and friends, but our own health often gets neglected. However, as healthcare providers, we have a responsibility to our patients.
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