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HELPING HAND
DisabilityHelpCenter.org
May 2019
SPREADING AWARENESS, REDUCING STIGMA, AND FINDING WAYS TO DECOMPRESS MAY IS NATIONAL MENTAL HEALTH MONTH T his year marks 70 years of celebrating Mental Health Month. Since 1949, Mental Health America has joined many affiliates in an effort to reach all their after-school games and clubs. On Sundays, I volunteer to help out at church events, as well. While I love my busy schedule,
people nationwide. It’s all part of their commitment to end the stigma associated with mental health and spread awareness of symptoms and options for treatment. At Disability Help Center, we embrace Mental Health Month because we understand just how often mental illnesses can go undiagnosed — a systemic problem that seems reasonably correlated with our country’s high rates of suicide. The overarching theme for this year’s Mental Health Month is #4Mind4Body, which emphasizes education, outreach, peer advocacy, and support programs. Additionally, #4Mind4Body encourages people to explore other options that might aid them throughout the prescribed treatment program established by their doctor. These include animal companionship (both pets and support animals), spirituality, humor, work-life balance,
sometimes the responsibility of running a large household alongside the Disability Help Center gets to be too much. That’s why I aim to do yoga three times a week. In addition to the more obvious physical benefits yoga offers, like strength and flexibility, many psychologists believe that yoga can be an effective adjunctive treatment for several mental disorders. For example, researchers from the Boston University Medical Center found that yoga may be superior to other forms of exercise in reducing feelings of anxiety and stress. The parameters of their study involved a group of physically healthy individuals
While a mental health condition isn’t something that can be self-diagnosed or self-treated, it is important that every individual finds their
If the prospect of trying yoga doesn’t sound appealing, I completely understand. Still, I encourage you to honor Mental Health Month to help spread awareness about the prevalence of mental health conditions, reduce the stigma that is so well-ingrained in our societal fabric, and explore ways to participate in #4Mind4Body. Most importantly, if you or someone you know needs someone to talk to, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our advocates. We will stand by your side as we connect you with mental health counselors we know and trust. –Elizabeth Packard
own methods to deal with stress and decompress from a chaotic schedule.
practicing one-hour yoga sessions three times per week over a four-month period. The participants reported increased gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) levels, which lessened their chances of experiencing anxiety or developing a mood disorder. More studies are currently being conducted to determine whether or not yoga can serve as an effective supplemental therapy in treating schizophrenia and PTSD. But at the present moment, the added self-esteem, focus, and calming benefits are enough to give it a try.
recreation, and social connection. While a mental health condition isn’t something that can be self-diagnosed or self-treated, it is important that every individual finds their own methods to deal with stress and decompress from a chaotic schedule.
For example, in my life, yoga serves as a much-needed outlet. With kids in school and college, I rush to make it to
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SNACKING
There are many different opinions on the healthiness of snacking. Some people think of snacks as processed foods with high calories, but snacks don’t have to be junk food. Depending on what snacks you’re eating, and how often, these little in- between-meal bites can be highly beneficial or detrimental to your overall health.
People who have high cholesterol or diabetes can better maintain their cholesterol and blood glucose levels if they eat frequently during the day. For athletes, snacking helps distribute the consumption of nutrients their body needs throughout the day instead of all at once. This way, their energy levels stay the same instead of fluctuating with their meal times. If you find yourself in need of a quick bite, think clementines and almonds instead of chips and Pop-Tarts. You’ll still satisfy your hunger without jeopardizing your health or increasing your waistline.
HEALTHY VS. UNHEALTHY SNACKS
People snack when they’re hungry, but they also do it when they’re stressed, bored, or have a habit. When people snack on unhealthy junk food when they’re bored, the result is weight gain. An excellent way to avoid unhealthy snacks is to surround yourself with healthy alternatives. Fill your fridge and pantry with whole grains, fruits and vegetables, and nuts and legumes. With those in your kitchen, you’ll have plenty of healthy options to choose from when you’re hungry.
WHO BENEFITS FROM SNACKING?
Depending on your weight, fitness level, and medical conditions, snacking throughout the day can be more effective than eating three large meals a day. Individuals who are crunched for time, have particular health conditions, are athletic, or are trying to lose or maintain weight all benefit from healthy snacking throughout the day.
STUDENTS’ CORNER: YOU HAVE QUESTIONS. WE HAVE ANSWERS. Here at Disability Help Center, our mission is to help the disabled community by connecting them with vital resources related to health care, mental health assistance, physical rehabilitation, family care, food and shelter, and advocates
application and hearing stages will help secure your future through the government assistance you’re entitled to. We have helped thousands get the benefits they deserve.
HOW DO I START THE LEGAL PROCESS?
on their behalf. We also aim to provide legal representation for clients when they are applying for disability benefits. Regarding the legal process, here are some important questions that frequently come up.
To find out if you qualify for disability benefits, all you have to do is fill out a brief disability evaluation form. One of our attorneys or advocates will contact you within 24 hours for a free consultation to discuss your options. You can access the form on our website at DisabilityHelpCenterNV.org/do-i-qualify, or if you prefer discussing by phone, you can give our office a call at 855-704-4222.
DO I NEED TO HIRE AN ATTORNEY?
For the vast majority of the clients we’ve seen, disability benefits are a matter of life and death. While the supplemental income is necessary for survival, navigating the formidable bureaucracy of the Social Security Administration (SSA) is daunting, to say the least. Unfortunately, 70 percent of initial applicants are denied, and 89 percent of all appeals are denied.
We have been involved in this area of law for many years, and we understand how intimidating and
frustrating it can be. We will guide you every step of the way, and we’ll protect your rights at every stage of your claim. Don’t hesitate to contact us to start applying for the benefits you need and deserve.
While the mere idea of hiring an attorney might seem stressful or frightening, having one of our disability lawyers by your side during the
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NEW ELIGIBILITY GUIDELINES FOR CALFRESH! AN AMAZING UPDATE FOR SAN DIEGANS
According to the San Diego Hunger Coalition, nearly 500,000 San Diegans, 1/7 of the city’s population, have extremely restricted access to food. Households of all types — senior citizens, military families, veterans, and families with children — can’t afford enough groceries as a result of where they live, what they earn, or other unfortunate gaps in the U.S. food system. Fortunately, we have great news to share here at Disability Help Center. As of June, 2019, Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients can be eligible for CalFresh! Formerly referred to as the food stamp program, CalFresh is the California implementation of the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which helps low-income California residents find financial assistance for purchasing food. Here are some important eligibility considerations regarding this program.
SSI income would reduce the amount of CalFresh benefits the household is eligible for or make the household ineligible, the household will continue receiving benefits as long as it continues to submit timely semiannual reports and annual recertifications. 4. Shelter and medical cost deduction will play critical roles in helping people maximize their benefit amounts. You can start applying online on June 1, 2019, at GetCalFresh. org, by calling 211, or by visiting one of the dozen locations in San Diego. If you have any questions or want some assistance applying, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us here at Disability Help Center.
1. SSI recipients living alone or with another person who is not currently receiving CalFresh are likely to be found eligible for money to spend on food.
2. SSI recipients living in households with multiple people and not currently receiving CalFresh may be eligible. However, eligibility is based on household size and income.
3. SSI recipients living in households with members already receiving CalFresh will see similar levels of benefits and may even see an increase. If including
STRAWBERRY MANGO PALETAS
WORDSEARCH
INGREDIENTS • 1 1/4 cups strawberries, chopped • 1/2 cup granulated sugar • 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt • 2 medium ripe mangoes, peeled, pitted and chopped
INSTRUCTIONS 1. In a saucepan, toss
strawberries with 1/4 cup sugar and let stand at room temperature for 15 minutes. 2. Add 1/4 cup water and bring to
a simmer over moderate heat. Cook strawberries until mixture thickens, about 5 minutes. 3. Remove from heat and stir in 1 tablespoon of lime juice and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Let cool completely, about 45 minutes. 4. Meanwhile, in a blender, purée mangoes with 1/4 cup sugar, 2 tablespoons lime juice, and 1/4 teaspoon salt until smooth. Scrape into a medium bowl and clean the blender. Then, purée strawberry mixture until smooth. 5. Into 8 3-ounce ice pop molds, spoon 2 tablespoons mango purée. Add 2 tablespoons strawberry purée to each mold, then top with remaining mango purée, leaving 1/2 inch between filling and top of mold. 6. Using a small knife, gently swirl layers together. 7. Insert ice pop sticks and freeze until solid. 8. Dip molds in hot water for a few seconds, then unmold paletas and serve immediately.
GARDEN BLOOMING DAY
MEMORIAL NIGHTINGALE
EMERALD MAY REMEMBER
SPRING CINCO MAYO
GEMINI MOTHER
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Disability Help Center 1833 Fourth Ave. San Diego, CA 92101 888-418-8860 DisabilityHelpCenter.org
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
1
May Is National Mental Health Month
2
A Healthy Snack Should You Hire an Attorney?
3
New Eligibility Guidelines for CalFresh! Strawberry Mango Paletas
4
How to Travel Sustainably
GET OUT THERE WITH THESE ECO-TOURISM TIPS GO GREEN Vacations can come with great expense, and not just for your bank account. According to a 2018 study published in Nature Climate Change, travel accounts for 8 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions. Cut through the greenwashing and do your part to lessen these emissions by traveling sustainably. TRAVEL GREEN When possible, trains, hybrid buses, and carpooling are great alternatives to larger, more environmentally intrusive travel methods. Large cruise liners are detrimental to oceans, and airplanes emit large amounts of toxins into the air. However, you can cruise and fly with the earth in mind. Some cruise lines are working to reduce their impact by installing more eco-friendly lighting and materials, and flight experts recommend using “green” airports, choosing fuel-efficient airlines, staying longer, and traveling less. If anything, it’s an excuse to extend your European vacation! STAY GREEN Where you stay impacts the environment as much as how you get there. Hotels use copious amounts of water for bathing and laundry, and they struggle to reduce energy because guests leave their lights and televisions on. However, many luxury resorts, woodsy cabins, and even entire countries have opted to make eco-tourism easier. If you’re looking for a region of the world committed to preserving nature, look no further than Iceland, Finland, and Sweden, which are ranked the three most environmentally friendly places in the world.
DO GREEN Man-made attractions like the Egyptian pyramids and
Machu Picchu are some of the world’s greatest wonders, but Earth itself is pretty
breathtaking. Check out natural attractions while hiking or camping in preserved forests, or soak up all the Caribbean has to offer by snorkeling,
scuba diving, sailing, kayaking, canoeing, and paddleboarding. When you’re mindful of your surroundings and remain unobtrusive, there are endless outdoor activities you can explore. Some locations even partner with environmentally conscious organizations you can donate to or volunteer with.
Opt for a green vacation and know that while you relax, the earth is getting a little relief too.
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