Netcare’s Consumer and Family Forum

Netcare Corporation recently held its first Consumer and Family Forum. The next Forum is scheduled for Wednesday, May 23rd, 2007. The forum will be held in the training rooms at 199 S. Central Avenue from 4:30pm-6:30pm.

Those that participated in February’s forum enjoyed snacks and refreshments, socializing and meeting with Netcare’s Senior Management. Netcare’s President and CEO, Allen Mosser, talked with consumers and family members about updates regarding Netcare’s services and practices. Participants report that the information was well received. An open discussion occurred which involved questions and answers to and from consumers/family members and Netcare’s Administration.

Education at the Forum

Participants at the Forum were additionally offered education related to Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). Some people suffer from symptoms of depression during the winter months, with symptoms subsiding during the spring and summer months. This may be a sign of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). SAD is a mood disorder associated with depression episodes and related to seasonal variations of light. SAD may be an effect of the seasonal light variation which may in turn, shift our “biological internal clocks” or circadian rhythm. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) reports the most difficult months for SAD sufferers are January and February. Younger persons and women are reported to be at higher risk.

Common Symptoms of SAD include:

• Regularly occurring symptoms of depression (excessive eating or sleeping, weight gain) during the fall or winter months.

• Full remission from depression occurs in the spring and summer months.
• Symptoms have occurred in the past two years, with no non-seasonal depression episodes.
• Seasonal episodes substantially outnumber non-seasonal depression episodes.
• Cravings for sugary and/or starchy foods.

Melatonin, a sleep-related hormone secreted by the pineal gland in the brain, has been linked to SAD. This hormone, which may cause symptoms of depression, is produced at increased levels in the dark. Therefore, when the days are shorter and darker the production of this hormone increases. Discuss symptoms thoroughly with a doctor and/or mental health professional so the best form of treatment can be recommended. If you or someone you know is in crisis, call Netcare’s Emergency Response Service at 614-276-2273 or go to one of Netcare’s crisis sites (199 S. Central Ave. or 741 E. Broad St.).