HEY ALEXA, AM I SICK? A NEW HEALTH APP IN THE WORKS
You might be able to tell when you’re getting sick just by talking — your voice may sound raspy or strained. You can gain insight into a person based on their speech. Researchers at the National Institutes of Health are developing an app that uses artificial intelligence (AI) to determine if you’re ill — all by studying the voice. Voice data is being collected in five areas of health concerning neurological, voice, mood, respiratory, and pediatric disorders. The team of experts hopes to obtain 30,000 voice samples to improve the accuracy and algorithm of the app so it can diagnose multiple kinds of health conditions and disorders. Dr. Yael Bensoussan, the director of the University of South Florida’s Health Voice Center and the leading researcher on the study, stated that vocal vibrations and breathing patterns can
provide tons of information about your overall health. For example, if someone were to speak low and slow, it could be a sign of Parkinson’s disease. Scientists even think they can diagnose depression or cancer by analyzing and studying a person’s voice. So, how would this app work? According to Fox 13 in Tampa, you can speak into your phone, and the app will record your voice and cross- examine it with its voice collection database. While this may be new to some, researchers in Australia developed a voice screening app that can detect Parkinson’s disease and COVID-19. But what makes Dr. Bensoussan’s study and app different than her competitors is that she aims to keep data privacy at the forefront of her research.
help millions of people. Dr. Oliver Elemento, a co-investigator and director of the Englander Institute for Precision Medicine, told Fox 13 that “future findings could lead to a revolution in health care, where continuous voice monitoring could alert physicians earlier than currently possible to certain conditions.” It’s important to note that this app is in the early stages of development and is not a total replacement for a medical professional. If you need medical assistance, please visit your doctor!
Scientists and researchers on the team are excited about the future and how this app will
Adjusting to a New Lifestyle HOW CHILDREN CAN BENEFIT FROM THERAPY
Not only is a divorce overwhelming for the two parties involved, but it ripples throughout the entire family. When there are minor children involved, they can be particularly susceptible to the aftermath of a divorce. They must adjust to a new lifestyle and face working through the feelings associated with the changes and losses they’re experiencing. It may be difficult to understand how your child feels or thinks, so keeping a line of communication open and available is essential. That doesn’t come easy, so it’s crucial to look for signs. Some children don’t always bounce back as quickly or as easily as others, and although you may know your child well, it can be hard to determine where you can genuinely help. You may be faced with choosing between letting them resolve it on their own over time or looking for outside help, such as therapy.
As a parent, it can be challenging to seek outside help. Many want to turn to friends and family, and although that is still a valuable resource, therapy opens a nonbiased window of opportunity to find new ways to help your child. Sessions after divorce create new routines and coping skills that may go a long way toward making your child feel comfortable again.
Some other benefits include the following:
• Reconnecting with family members • Providing a safe, judgment-free environment for communication • New coping mechanisms to reduce stress Whether it be family therapy or individual, there are many ways therapy can help your child after a divorce. It’s normal for children to be overwhelmed with emotions, so use your best judgment before looking for outside resources. If you think therapy may be appropriate in your divorce action, the family law attorneys at Douglass & Runger can guide you through that process. Please give us a call at 901-388-5805.
• Straying from routine daily tasks • Causing disruption for other members of the family • Trusted people express concerns about your child’s symptoms • Lack of socialization with friends or peers • Problems eating or sleeping • Acting out against others The changes and challenges that come with divorce are difficult for adults, but for children, it can be incredibly intense. It’s natural for a child to struggle with complicated emotions. Therapy can help ease the transition into a new normal.
Here are a few warning signs that your child may need or benefit from therapy:
• Exhibiting symptoms like anger or withdrawal that persist over several weeks
2 • DouglassRunger.com
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