STAYING HEALTHY AFTER A BREAK-UP
By Chris Dilley
There’s no doubt that our physical health is often influenced by our mental and emotional health. 
Research shows that depression has been linked to a number of physical ailments such as migraines, headaches, back pain, digestive issues and many others.
The end of a relationship can often create a sense of loss that if unchecked, can lead to a serious bout of depression. Whether you’re going through a break-up or a divorce, the emotional fallout can be as devastating as the death of a loved one.
It’s important to take steps to protect your physical health during this time. Here are some simple things you can do to stay healthy after a break-up.
Don’t stop moving.
Exercise is a great way to combat depression. Raising your heart rate will cause your brain to release endorphins, chemicals that act as analgesics, which in turn diminish the perception of pain within the body.
Take stock.
Reflecting on your relationship in a healthy and constructive way can actually help you move forward in life.
Consider the following questions:
- What would you differently if you could do the last relationship over again?
- Did you learn anything from the last relationship?
- What do you want out of future relationships?
Positive reflection will help you process the relationship while ensuring that your next relationship is better than the last.
Take a break.
People aren’t interchangeable and going from one relationship to another without taking the time to process your feelings, can lead to further emotional fallout. Bruce Etringer, Ph.D. and pain management specialist says, “Feelings are like tires. Even if you bury them deep, they’ll eventually rise to the surface.” Allow yourself time to grieve the end of your relationship. It’s important to fully heal before moving on.
Be you.
Often in relationships, we find ourselves putting what we enjoy on the back burner in order to make time for someone else’s needs. Now is a great time to get back to being you. Do what you enjoy. Spend time with friends and have fun whenever you can. Reconnect with yourself and the people who care most about you. A good support system can help mitigate even the worst of situations.
The end of a relationship doesn’t have to be about loss. It can be about creating a whole new beginning for a happier you.
THE FACTS ABOUT ANTHRAX
The mention of anthrax causes instant panic. Reports out this week that the U.S. military inadvertently sent samples of live anthrax out to nine locations around the globe has people asking if a global health crisis is looming. “That is highly unlikely,” says Sankar Swaminathan, M.D., Chief of the Division of Infectious Diseases for University of Utah Health Care. “First of all, the government has reported all samples of live Bacillus anthracis bacteria, which causes anthrax, have been secured. Second, anthrax is only caused by direct contact with the bacteria; it is not contagious and cannot be spread from person-to-person like a cold or the flu.”
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For more expert health news and information, visit healthcare.utah.edu/healthfeed.
5 WAYS YOU CAN HELP A TEEN HAVE A BETTER BODY IMAGE
Whether you remember your teenage years with a shudder or appreciation, we all know how vulnerable teenagers are when it comes to body image.
Fast Stats
Just a few quick statistics about our teenagers and their body image and self-esteem today:
- Among high school students, 44 percent of girls and 15 percent of guys are attempting to lose weight.1
- Seventy-five percent of girls with low self-esteem reported engaging in negative activities like cutting, bullying, smoking, drinking, or disordered eating. This compares to 25 percent of girls with high self-esteem.2
- More than 40 percent of boys in middle school and high school regularly exercise with the goal of increasing muscle mass.3
- A girl’s self-esteem is more strongly related to how she views her own body shape and body weight, than how much she actually weighs.4
- 61 percent of teen girls with low self-esteem admit to talking badly about themselves (compared to 15 percent of girls with high self-esteem).2
It seems the best thing we can do for our teens is to help them focus on more than just appearance.Pediatrician Cindy Gellner says: “Let your child know that you love them for who they are rather than how they look.” To do this, here are five ways to help your teens have a better body image.
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