A local company that specialises in providing therapy has welcomed Fontana Roach, a registered counselling psychologist, to its team.

The Relational Practices Ltd, based in St Philip, provides therapy for individuals, couples, adolescents and families managing issues like depression, anxiety, adjustment, family conflict, trauma, self-harm, and crisis intervention.

Roach who holds a Master of Science in Counselling Psychology from The University of The West Indies, Cave Hill Campus, said she was eager to join the team as she has always had a passion for working in the mental health profession.

“I developed a passion for studying human behaviour and mental health and I wanted to help people overcome challenges that were not conducive to their health and relationships,” Roach said.

“As it relates to adolescent health, my own experiences during my adolescent phase and my father’s interest in the area were a major influence in my life. Persons had a way of describing adolescence as one of ‘storm and stress’ or of ‘rebellion,’ and during my studies, I recognised the myths and misconceptions that led to these incorrect perceptions about the adolescent phase.

“If I could help correct these misconceptions, myths, and incorrect perceptions, then the [adolescent] phase would not be described as negatively as it was in the past,” she added.

According to Roach: “We don’t expect babies to be able to walk and talk when they are born as we know that there are particular stages at which these skills and capabilities develop, and we nurture and support them through these phases until they reach the particular milestone. But we tend not to offer the same support to adolescents during their phase of development due to the lack of knowledge and I want to help change that.”

(PR)

The post Family therapy practice welcomes new team member Fontana Roach appeared first on Barbados Today.

Cases of Covid-19 and other respiratory infections increased considerably, which keeps the population worried. For specialists, the most important thing is to maintain epidemiological surveillance and to activate educational programs to educate the population and empower them in health.

In 2023, the country had several outbreaks of cholera, and the year that began recently, in the Vietnam sector of Los Mina, in Santo Domingo East, the inhabitants of the area reported cases of acute diarrhea suspected of cholera. The health authorities are investigating the possibility of cholera cases in the Vietnam sector of Los Mina.

If the cases are confirmed, an epidemiologic fence will be established, informed the Minister of Health, Dr. Daniel Rivera.

Other problems
According to the first reports of the year 2024, the viruses that cause respiratory infections are very active. Among them is the respiratory syncytial.

Likewise, there is a reactivation of health problems, such as asthma and allergies, due to environmental issues and global warming, says Dr. Clemente Terrero, pediatrician and infectious disease specialist.

Regarding the cases of whooping cough in the adult population, the health authorities remained silent. The Ministry of Public Health called on the population to redouble hygiene measures to avoid increasing diseases, especially viral ones. And to go to the nearest vaccination posts to reinforce their defenses.

London.- Maria van Kerkhove, the World Health Organization’s technical lead on COVID-19, cautioned that the world remains in the grip of the COVID-19 pandemic, despite the situation being less severe than in previous years. The ongoing evolution of the virus and continued hospitalizations underscore the persistent health risk.

In a press conference addressing the global rise in COVID-19, influenza, and other respiratory diseases, Van Kerkhove highlighted that while death rates have drastically decreased from peak levels, approximately 10,000 deaths are still occurring monthly based on data from fifty countries. The United States accounted for half of the deaths reported last month, raising concerns about underreporting in various regions.

Wastewater analysis suggests that the actual spread of the coronavirus could be significantly higher than reported figures, potentially 2 to 19 times greater. The recent holiday season saw an increase in communicable respiratory diseases, including COVID-19, flu, RSV viruses, and other seasonal pathogens.

The WHO noted a recent 42% rise in hospitalizations and a 62% increase in ICU admissions due to COVID-19, although these figures are based on incomplete data from only about twenty countries. Van Kerkhove emphasized that while the current situation doesn’t match the peak crisis levels of the pandemic, COVID-19 remains a global health threat and continues to cause avoidable problems.

The issue of “long COVID” was also addressed, with approximately 6% of patients experiencing multi-organ symptoms lasting months or years post-recovery. Van Kerkhove expressed concern about potential long-term heart, lung, or neurological problems emerging in the future.

Acknowledging a sense of complacency four years into the pandemic, Van Kerkhove pointed out the significant mental health impacts of COVID-19 on those directly affected and those who lost loved ones. She reiterated WHO’s recommendations for vaccinations, including booster doses for older individuals, health workers, and vulnerable groups every six to twelve months.

Additionally, the use of masks is advised in healthcare settings and by sick individuals to reduce the spread of respiratory diseases.

The warhead that was in stuck in a five-year old girl’s throat was removed successfully and she on Friday remained hospitalised in a stable condition, the Guyana Police Force said. The girl was reportedly shot by her uncle while lying in bed after a bullet protruded a wall between the two apartments. Investigators said the ...

View the full post Care-Transition Clinic accepting applications for nursing programmes on NOW Grenada.

Minister Teixeira said government last December wrote ...

Theresa Bartholomew was presented with a gift package valued at EC$1,700 containing a generous supply of Huggies diapers and wipes

View the full post Huggies celebrates Grenada’s first baby of 2024 on NOW Grenada.

Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony on Sunday announced that government was preparing to roll out a digital doctor appointments system for the first time in Guyana aimed at reducing overall wait times. “You will be able to have an app on your phone where you can then make appointments with the hospital, and when you ...

The intervention, which improves the quality of life of this locality’s more than 10 thousand inhabitants, responds to the government’s interest in strengthening the infrastructure of the country’s health centers.

Delivering to this community the refurbishment of the Municipal Hospital of Partido satisfies us because we know that it is a work of great value for its progress and development, Peña emphasized.

The vice president specified that the government continues to improve health infrastructures and their working conditions so that each hospital precinct can continue to offer health services in the best conditions to the entire population.

《The reason that moves us to continue doing this work is that we are aware that health and life are the most important things), she added.

Meanwhile, the head of the SNS indicated that with the delivery of this hospital, the revolution of the Dominican healthcare system continues, which is palpable with the increase in the production of services with which it closed in 2023 and the two healthcare facilities delivered in Pedernales this week.

“Luis Abinader’s government is focused on making healthcare more efficient and taking care to communities that are difficult to access,” he said.

Dr. Mario Lama explained that the Municipal Hospital of Partido now has ten inpatient beds, four consulting rooms, one pre-surgical and one post-surgical, an operating room, a delivery room, and three neonatal cribs.

In addition, the X-ray, Sonography, Laboratory, Dental module, Nursing station, Sterilization, Administration, Laundry, Kitchen, Dining Room, Storage, and morgue areas were readapted. The Emergency Room has been expanded to include a Triage, observation cubicles, and restrooms.

The ceremony was attended by the directors of the Regional Health Service of Western Cibao, Ramón Rodríguez; Kenia Santana of the Municipal Hospital of Partido; and the SNS, Alexander Ramírez of Infrastructure Equipment and Deyanira Galán of Nursing Care.

Planning and preparing meals in advance can make a significant difference in cultivating a healthier diet and managing your overall health and wellbeing

View the full post Meal Planning on NOW Grenada.