3 minute read
Fredericksburg Medical Equipment
“Getting a good mixture of healthy carbs and proteins is important,” Maenius said.
She stressed the importance of eating as much non-processed, whole foods as possible.
Advertisement
“Absolutely limiting processed foods is the ticket to a healthy body,” she said.
Maenius offered a list of classes being offered through the Wellness Center, including a master’s
swim class at Lady Bird Johnson Municipal Park pool on Tuesdays and Thursdays. The class is offered to all age groups and levels.
Also at the Park Pool, Diane Patteson is hosting a boga class on Tuesdays and Thursdays, which is yoga balanced on a board in the water.
At Tony Knopp Town Pool, a water aerobics class is being offered every Friday morning.
“It’s nice to be able to have something to do outside without getting heat stroke,” Maenius joked.
Outside of the water, group exercises are being offered behind the SMPT building, located at 1316 Texas 16 South. Examples of classes offered are rowing, cycling, yoga and more.
To find out more information on the services, go to: www.hillcountrymemorial.org/services/wellness-center/ You can also visit the Wellness Center at 1006 Texas 16 South.
Mental Health Highlighted by Pandemic Stress
By Madalyn Watson
Standard-Radio Post Reporter
Since COVID-19 first started spreading, physical health has been at the forefront of concern of people in the United States.
However, those outside stressors helped shine a light another major concern: mental health.
Dr. Rhonda Gross, a licensed psychologist who works with the Hill Country Community Needs Council, said since the start of the pandemic, data suggests an increase in mental illnesses like anxiety, depression and insomnia.
They are described as “internalizing disorders” since they are rooted in distress. Feelings of sadness, worry and fear were heightened by the uncertainty associated with COVID-19.
During late June 2020, 40 percent of adults in the United States reported struggling with their mental health.
Conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the survey showed that 31% had symptoms of depression or anxiety and 26% had trauma or stressorrelated symptoms.
Dr. Ron Rickerhauser, a licensed professional counselor based in Fredericksburg, said the United States is seeing an increase in reports of anxiety and depression.
“I did find that, especially with my existing client base, particularly with anxiety. There was a lot of alone time,” Rickerhauser said, “without the social interaction, either from not being able to go to work and working from home, or not being able to go to school.”
Rickerhauser said the lack of socialization and isolation from others within the last year was especially taxing for those who drew their energy from being around people.
“It’s going to be very dependent on the person that we’re talking about because everyone has different personalities,” Rickerhauser said. “People who have a tendency to be more introverted might have actually flourished in this environment, enjoying spending a little more down time and quiet time with family.”
Dr. Rhonda Gross
Dr. Ron Rickerhauser
Social Distancing
The uncertainty that affected people during the early days of the COVID-19 spread tended to “exacerbate feelings of anxiety” even in those who had not experienced an anxiety disorder before, Rickerhauser said.
Gross said people experienced anxiety and depression to an extent they never had in the past, and in some cases, led them to seek help.
“I was getting a lot of questions from friends and acquaintances about resources, ‘Where could I go to get support?’” Gross said.
“People that have not previously felt like their anxiety was to such a degree that they needed to have support, this gave them permission to go ahead and seek counseling.”
Similar to surveys from years before the coronavirus pandemic, risk factors for reporting anxiety symptoms or suicidal ideation in the recent CDC survey included food insufficiency, financial concerns and loneliness.
“We had lots of people who lost jobs, stressed with losing homes and businesses,” Gross said. “And there was a lot of stress. But I think if you were socially isolated, that just compounded the issues.”
Proximity
From August 2020 to February 2021, the percentage of adults with recent symptoms of anxiety or a depressive disorder increased from 36.4% to 41.5% according to more recent statistics released by the CDC.
Rickerhauser said the increase at the start on 2020 is going to look different in Fredericksburg than it will in other parts of the United States.
“A lot of it has to do with proximity,” Rickerhauser said.
