Janine Monico, Author at Healthy Minds Philly®

When Eating Disorders and Diabetes Collide

National Eating Disorders Awareness week highlights the movement toward inclusivity of all individuals and communities who are affected by eating disorders. Eating Disorders Awareness week is an opportunity to start the conversation around eating disorders, to learn, connect with others, share stories, and get support. So what is an eating disorder anyway? First, eating disorders are NOT a lifestyle choice. They are complex mental illnesses with serious medical complications and can be life threatening. It is estimated that 20 million women and 10 million men in America will have an eating disorder at some point in their lives. Eating disorders have the highest mortality rate of any mental illness. Eating disorders do not discriminate, as they affect people of all ages, race, ethnicity, body sizes and genders. We don’t know for sure what causes an eating disorder, but there seems to be biological, psychological, and social risk factors that combine to form the perfect storm for an eating disorder to develop. These include, but are not limited to the following: Diabetes and Eating Disorders Diabetes is a chronic illness with treatment that involves reading food labels, counting carbohydrates, focusing on portion sizes, and maintaining a healthy body weight. Along with a diabetes diagnosis comes an increased risk of mental health issues like anxiety and depression, which may contribute to feeling [...]

Janine Monico2021-01-28T22:51:38-05:00February 22nd, 2019|Awareness, Eating Disorder|

Super Bowl Gambling

There are three common types of gamblers - the professional gambler (who relies on skill rather than luck to make money), the social gambler (who gambles for recreation and considers the cost of gambling to be payment for entertainment), and the problem gambler. According to the National Council on Problem Gambling, an estimated four percent of adults (8 million) in the United States either meet the criteria for disordered gambling, or would be considered problem gamblers. Warning Signs of a Gambling Problem Feeling the need to be secretive about gambling Having trouble controlling gambling habits Gambling when you cannot afford to Friends and family expressing concern about your gambling https://www.psychguides.com/guides/compulsive-gambling-symptoms-causes-and-effects/ Lying about your gambling or keeping it a secret Losing track of time and playing for longer than you meant to Feeling depressed or angry after gambling Spending more money than you planned, or more than you can afford Ignoring work and family responsibilities because of gambling Borrowing money or use household money to gamble “Chasing your loses” to try to win back your money Believing that gambling will pay off in the end Seeing gambling as the most important thing in your life Using gambling to cope with your problem or to avoid things Having conflicts with family and friends over gambling Ignoring your physical and emotional health because [...]

Janine Monico2021-01-02T19:48:01-05:00February 2nd, 2019|Addiction & Recovery|

Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month

Teen dating violence is remarkably common, yet it is rarely discussed. According to national statistics, 1 in 3 girls in the U.S. will experience some sort of dating violence, according to the National Youth Risk Behavior Survey. What you can do If you are worried about a friend or family member, here are some tips to guide your conversation: Be supportive – Let the person first talk about what they like about their relationship. Ask how they met and what they like to do together before you voice your concerns. It shows that you value and respect the relationship, even if the couple is young or the relationship is new. Remember to ask them what they want to do about their relationship, and not assume they want to stay in it, or leave it. Ask how you can help. If they don’t want to talk at that time, let them know you’re available when they are ready. Speak about your concerns– Let them know what you are seeing in their relationship that has you worried. Tell them specifically what you are worried about. “I have noticed you stopped hanging out with your friends since you started going out with…”. Give them time to answer and let them know that abuse in a relationship is not their fault. Keep everything confidential – [...]

Janine Monico2019-02-01T01:00:36-05:00February 1st, 2019|Awareness, Domestic Violence|

Go Red for Women

Join DBHIDS as we celebrate National Wear Red Day to raise awareness about women and heart disease. Please wear red or a splash of red this Friday, February 1! Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men and women in the United States, causing 1 in 4 deaths each year. But the warning signs for women aren’t the same in men. The fact is: Heart disease is also the No. 1 killer of women, causing 1 in 3 deaths each year or approximately one woman every minute! Did you know that African American women and Hispanic women are at increased risk for heart disease? African American women have an estimated 40% chance of having heart disease or stroke Hispanic women have a 30% likelihood of having heart disease or stroke. The good news is that 80% of the risk factors associated with women and heart disease, such as obesity, lack of physical activity, and high blood pressure, can be managed with lifestyle changes and risk factor control. Along with heart disease, depression is among the most disabling of conditions in the US. Both heart disease and depression are very widespread affecting all age groups and populations, and often, a person suffers from both at the same time. For years, scientists have known about the relationship between depression and heart disease: People who are depressed develop heart disease at a higher [...]

Janine Monico2021-01-04T21:18:59-05:00January 31st, 2019|Awareness, Depression, Women's Health|

About Janine Monico

When Eating Disorders and Diabetes Collide

Super Bowl Gambling

Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month

Go Red for Women