THE REVIEW Volume Issue 9 for all of River Ridge The26, newsletter
HOA Publishers, Inc. • 1313 N Howard Ave • Tampa, FL 33607
SEPTEMBER 2020
The newsletter for all 4, ofIssue River 7Ridge Volume
Communities Newsletters • www.hoapub.com
STRENGTHEN MENTAL HEALTH BY EMBRACING CULTURE by Family Features
O
ne in five U.S. adults experience mental illness each year, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, and adult African Americans are 20% more likely to experience mental health issues compared to the general population.
“The factors that cause or exacerbate mental illness are often found in higher numbers among minorities,” said Dr. Rufus Spann, chief clinical officer with Henry Health, a culturally sensitive mental health organization. “Tackling this problem requires a unique understanding of cultural differences.” Organizations like Henry Health make access to mental health care accessible and convenient for minorities, removing barriers to seeking treatment. The organization offers culturally intentional care delivered by practitioners equipped to treat any population dealing with emotional and mental health issues, and believes
effective care follows three essential principles: it puts culture first, is evidence based and is built on best practices. This means culture and life experiences are at the center of therapy. Patients can expect their narratives will be not only heard and acknowledged, but also put into perspective to help gain a greater understanding of their experiences. Research shows therapists whose patients perceive them as having cultural humility deliver improved therapy outcomes. That’s why Henry Health therapists complete training that equips them with the skills needed to effectively address issues of race, ethnicity, class and culture. A scientifically validated tool measures therapists’ cultural responsiveness and provides education and coaching to improve their cultural humility. Continue on page 2...
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In addition to cultural considerations, therapy involves the noted clinical best practices of cognitive behavioral therapy and trauma-informed care. Cognitive behavior therapy is a widely used therapeutic technique that has lasting impacts on mental health outcomes while trauma-informed care ensures patients have access to safe spaces to examine, process and transcend trauma.
GETTING STARTED It’s normal to be unsure or hesitant about trying therapy. Some organizations even offer free 15-minute consultations so you can speak with a therapist before officially registering. When you are ready to start therapy, the process is usually simple. For example, through Henry Health, you begin with an online registration form, receive an email matching you with a therapist, login to the member portal to schedule an appointment and join your session from the convenience of a phone, tablet or computer. Visit henry-health.com for more information or to register.
SEPTEMBER 2020
Live to Thrive
W
orking constantly to get ahead without regard to the impact on your body, mind or productivity may produce the results you desire in the short-term, but the long-term implications are typically less favorable. Shifting your focus from the familiar grind to your mental well-being is a process you can tackle one step at a time. Get started with these tips from Men Thrive, a digital community designed by Black men for Black men that focuses on providing the tools they need to thrive rather than simply survive. CHECK IN Be honest with yourself about how and what you’re feeling. Acknowledge your feelings even if you can’t name them. It can be more powerful than you may think. Then schedule a wellness call to assess your current quality of mental and physical health. TALK TO YOUR TRIBE Decide what you need from the people closest to you and be that to them. Identify a moment you would normally say, “I’m good” when you’re actually not and talk about what’s on your mind. Be honest if you don’t know what to do with what you feel and acknowledge that you’re tired of ignoring it, bottling it in and feeling the pressure. SEEK CULTURALLY RESPONSIVE ADVICE
COMMON STRESSORS Culturally responsive care can help improve a variety of stressors, including: • Anger • Trauma • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder • Domestic violence • Family and relationships • Money and finances • Race and racism • Health and illness • Jobs and career • Grief and loss • Substance use • Anxiety • Depression
Seek information and advice from an expert, like a therapist, who has professional and cultural intelligence that relates to your experiences and story. Research shows treatment outcomes greatly improve when cultural and historical knowledge are included in the approach to care. ENGAGE IN THE PROCESS Place your focus on showing up whole, operating with joy and living with power. Aggressively pursue actions required to achieve a thriving lifestyle. JOIN A COMMUNITY A sense of community is essential to improving your mental health. A resource like Men Thrive can give you access to a community and a set of powerful self-mastery tools such as live segments, podcasts and guided meditation. Explore more advice and resources at MenThrive. com. Photos courtesy of Getty Images #15362 • Source: Henry Health
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SEPTEMBER 2020
TOP TEN RULES FOR BEING A GOOD NEIGHBOR
MINI DIRECTORY
by MyHOA.com 1. Don’t make judgements about your neighbor.
Auto Registration.............................................................847-8165
2. Respect your neighbor.
Cypress Elementary School.............................................774-4500
3. Curb your dog.
Fire Dept.................................................................................. 911
4. Don’t play the stereo too loud.
Emergencies Only.................................................................... 911
5. Park in your own space. 6. Don’t be a six-car family.
Verizon.................................................................. (800) 837-4966
7. Clean up after yourself.
Hazardous Waste Removal..............................847-2411 ext. 8718
8. Take care of your property. 9. Help form a Neighborhood Watch. 10. If there is a problem, talk about it. Direct conversation is more effective than sending a letter or banging on a wall.
Pasco County Animal Control................................. 727-834-3216 Pasco County Driver’s Licenses...............................850-617-2000 Pasco County Sheriff.......................................................844-7711 Pasco County Water Utilities..........................................847-8131 Poison Control Hotline........................................ 1-800-282-3171 Recycling.........................................................847-2411, ext. 8659 River Ridge Country Club....................................... 727-847-4762 River Ridge Middle/High School......................................774-7200 Sex Offenders website:....www3.fdle.state.fl.us/sexual_predators Tax Collector (car registration/driver’s licenses).............847-8165 Voter Information............................................................847-8162
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THE REVIEW The Review is FREE Digital publication by HOA Publishers to all River Ridge residents. Views and opinions expressed are those of the writers, not HOA Publishers. Articles may be edited, anonymous letters will not be printed.
HOA Publishers, Inc. ✦ 813.875.6068 1313 N Howard Ave • Tampa, FL 33607 www.HOApub.com
Deadline for articles in the next issue is SEPTEMBER 15th The Review assumes no responsibility for the advertising contents of its publication. No endorsement of any product or service is made by The Review and none should be inferred. We reserve the right to reject any advertisement that we believe would not benefit the residents of The Review. We do not knowingly accept objectionable or fraudulent advertising.
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SEPTEMBER 2020
TRY A NEW WAY TO TRAVEL by Family Features together, like seeing the leaves change colors or visiting the beach when temperatures are milder. St ay longer. Tr avel d at a f r om Vrbo indicates families want to take longer vacations. With the ability to work remotely or complete online assignments anywhere there’s a WiFi connection, there’s no need to cut a weekend trip short to get back in time for class or punch the clock on Monday morning. If a full week isn’t realistic, you might consider an extralong weekend, extending your trip from Thursday-Monday instead of the more traditional Friday-Sunday. Enjoy a change of scenery. According to a study from New York University, people feel happier when they have more variety in their daily routines, such as going to novel places and having a wider array of experiences. After months of sheltering in place, a flexcation may be an ideal way to reestablish a healthy sense of balance.
D
espite the COVID-19 pandemic, families are still finding ways to make the most of unusual schedules to plan a getaway. With more flexible work and school arrangements, many families are embracing the idea of a “flexcation,” an emerging travel trend where families rent vacation homes later in August, September and October, consider staying longer to mix work and play, and often get better value in high-demand locales. “Though this year has been incredibly difficult for families, it’s inspiring to see how they have become resilient and resourceful by choosing alternative ways and dates to take vacations,” said Lish Kennedy, vice president of brand marketing at Vrbo. “More flexibility in our work and school schedules is allowing families to enjoy a welcome change in their surroundings and a relaxing break together.”
Before you go, be sure to research how COV ID-19 might affect your travel plans, including any travel restrictions, quarantine policies or changes in hours and access to popular attractions in the area. It’s also a good idea to make sure you understand and verify details about your accommodations before you make reservations, such as enhanced cleaning procedures at the property and flexible cancellation policies. Start planning your next trip at vrbo.com. Photo courtesy of Getty Images #15107 • Source: Vrbo
If you missed out on your family’s annual summer trip this year or just want to take advantage of more flexibility in your work and school routines, consider these reasons to take a flexcation.
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Save money and avoid crowds. Prices for vacation rentals typically drop during shoulder season, the time period after Labor Day and before the holiday travel season. Families not tied to strict in-person school or work commitments can benefit from fewer crowds and lower prices by choosing later travel dates. For example, you can find drops of at least 20% in average nightly rates for vacation homes in popular destinations like Cape Cod, Massachusetts; Cape May, New Jersey; and Ocean City, Maryland, through October compared to prime summer travel dates. See familiar places in new ways. Traveling during a different time of year lets you see favorite destinations from a different perspective. It’s a chance to create new family experiences
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