Wednesday, December 19, 2012


UPDATE: FUNGAL MENINGITIS ASSOCIATED WITH CONTAMINATED PRODUCT

Virginia Department of Health

 December 19, 2012

About the outbreak of fungal meningitis among patients who received injections containing contaminated preservative-free methylprednisolone acetate (MPA) from the New England Compounding Center (NECC). 
 
In Virginia, this product was used only by Insight Imaging in Roanoke and New River Valley Surgery Center in Christiansburg.  While the frequency of case reports has decreased over time, we continue to remain vigilant and respond to any reports of infection that may be associated with the outbreak. 
 
For more detailed information on this outbreak both nationally and in Virginia: http://www.vdh.virginia.gov/news/Alerts/Meningitis/index.htm.

Wednesday, December 5, 2012


Sport Psychology Training

Intensity Control

 

Dr. John Heil

Intensity control is the cornerstone of the zone. As a function of both mind and body, it is regulated by an intricate web of neuropsychological feedback loops. Russian Sport Psychologist Yuri Hanin, began building his now-famous Zone theory  by zeroing in on the link between intensity and performance.  Once intensity level is set properly, psychological factors like decision making, composure and focus come more clearly into play.
Additional Sport Psychology information avaialble at: http://www.psychhealthroanoke.com/resources.html





 


Monday, October 29, 2012

Parent Seminar @ Bucks County Academy of Fencing

Lambertville, NJ

"Developing the Youth Fencer" 

Presented by Dr. John Heil (October 23, 2012).

 Topics include: The 10 skills of effective sport parenting; balancing sport, work and family responsibilities; the developmental cycle of the athlete; guiding your child in sport as a life skill; and, the parents’ role at fencing competitions.
 

For more information: http://www.psychhealthroanoke.com/resources.html

Wednesday, October 10, 2012

Psychology of Sport Injury

Lecture for Willamette University, Salem, Oregon - Department of  Exercise & Sport Science
October 8/2012

Dr. John Heil

To the athlete, injury results in the loss of the opportunity to participate in a high valued activity and is a threat to continued success at sports. This is most problematic where injury is severe, or the process of rehabilitation is long or complicated. Even relatively mild injury may have a significant impact on the athlete when its timing is such that is undermines competitive success, for example, if it occurs immediately prior to a key competition.
 

Tuesday, September 25, 2012

MINDFULNESS MEDITATION

Mindfulness reveals a mind-full of awareness. We know what is going on inside of us. We are aware of what is happening around us. We are fully present to all of it--the pleasant and the unpleasant--and because we are, we can make the wisest, kindest choice. We see with clarity and sit with our thoughts without judgment and beating our self up. This is mindful living.
Mindful Meditation uses many forms of meditation. Our breathing becomes important in mindful meditation. When our mind wanders we always go back to our breath and begin again with equanimity, with out judgement and unkindness. We actually do meditate mindfully many times through out the day and we may not even realize this. Stopping for 5 seconds to look (focus) at a tree, a flower, the sound around us, or even a smell that brings us happiness and reminds us of a good thought is meditation. Meditation requires nothing accept our mind and body. Meditation poses, sitting cushions, candles burning, etc... are fluff and not needed for meditation, however, they may add to one's own self practice of having a sacred space.
 

 

Cindy Harpe Hively

Monday, September 24, 2012

DECISION MAKING  in ACTION

Presented by John Heil at Roanoke College to a business seminar "The Art of Critical Thinking" taught by Jack White. A description follows:

A blending of sport psychology theory with the perspective of the chess master and the philosophy of the traditional Zen warrior. While focused on the sport of fencing, the seminar examines the ideal mind set for action under pressure in critical moments, within sport and other performance domains. The presentation will include an examination of rapid cognition, and the need to balance strategic analysis and tactical thinking  with instinctive action.

A related video can be found at:

 

Wednesday, September 12, 2012

Popular Pain-Relieving Medicines Linked to Hearing Loss in Women

 


According to a study by researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital (BWH), women who took ibuprofen or acetaminophen two or more days per week had an increased risk of hearing loss. The more often a woman took either of these medications, the higher her risk for hearing loss.

The link between these medicines and hearing loss tended to be greater in women younger than 50 years old, especially for those who took ibuprofen six or more days per week.

There was no association between aspirin use and hearing loss.

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/09/120912125832.htm?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+sciencedaily+%28ScienceDaily%3A+Latest+Science+News%29&utm_content=Google+Feedfetcher

Monday, September 10, 2012

Suicide Prevention Expert Outlines New Steps to Tackle Military Suicide


The suicide rate in the U.S. Army now exceeds the rate in the general population, and psychiatric admission is now the most common reason for hospitalization in the Army.

Dr. Lineberry of Mayo Clinic outlines four steps based on past research and emerging evidence that he believes could help begin curbing military suicide:
  • Reduce access to guns and other means of suicide. Nearly 70 percent of veterans who commit suicide use a gun to do it.
  • Watch for sleep disturbances. Complaints of insomnia or other sleep disturbances in otherwise healthy soldiers, reservists, or veterans may signal the need for taking a careful history and screening for depression, substance misuse and post-traumatic stress disorder.
  • Prescribe opioid medications carefully and monitor. Unintentional overdose deaths, primarily with opioids, now outnumber traffic fatalities in many states. Individuals with psychiatric illness are overrepresented among those receiving prescriptions for opioids and those taking overdoses.
  • Improve primary care treatment for depression. Research suggests that patients who die by suicide are more likely to have visited a primary care physician than mental health specialist in the previous month. Programs developed to improve primary care physicians' recognition and treatment of depression could help lower suicide rates.
 
 
For more information: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/09/120910122651.htm?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+sciencedaily+%28ScienceDaily%3A+Latest+Science+News%29&utm_content=Google+Feedfetcher

Friday, September 7, 2012

The US Drug Enforcement Administration’s National Takeback Day

Saturday, September 29, 2012, from 10 AM to 2 PM

At the last event, in April, 276 tons of unused, expired, or excess medication was collected, bringing the total for the four events held to over 1.5 million pounds (774 tons).

Data from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health indicate that about 70% of the time someone misuses a prescription opioid medication, the source of that medication is family or friends—often from home medicine cabinets.

 
To find out where your local event will be held, visit the DEA website at http://1.usa.gov/UpAccQ.

 

 

 

Thursday, September 6, 2012

Training in Criminal Justice

Criminal justice is a field with growing popularity. More and more degree and certificate programs are becoming available, both online and on-campus.



Katie Perro, who has been a police officer for 11years, has developed a site to help students who are interested in pursuing an advanced degree in Criminal Justice.

For more information go to: http://criminaljusticephd.org/

Wednesday, April 25, 2012

Trichotillomania Support Group

Trichotillomania is a common disorder which is not commonly known. It is a clinical condition characterized by compulsive hair pulling or skin picking.

I began treating Tricotillomania several years ago and have been asked many times about a local support group.

Lori Nisius has boldly agreed to start a group and needs participation from the local community. This is a free support group for children and adults.
 
For more information: http://blogs.roanoke.com/medbeat/2012/04/new-support-group-for-hair-pullers/#more-2744

The next meeting is May 12 at the Roanoke Main Library at 10 a.m.
Bruce Sellars, Psy.D.


Tuesday, April 17, 2012

from Cindy Harp Hively


HEALTH AND WELLNESS LIVING AWAP... ("As Well As Possible").

Even though you may be living with a life difficulty, or with an illness, is your life on the "Grow and Glow?" I sure hope so. It is still a new year, a new month, a new YOU.....Yes, it can be a new YOU! All of these growth seeds can be tough to measure, but you know when you have it and when you don't. As we learn from our dis-eases, we can still cultivate what is within to heal and make us feel better, no matter how many tough life difficulties are knocking at our door. It is so true. Along with cultivation I am now living with CONSCIOUS INTENTION HEALING. This has been a challenge, but this practice is providing healing for myself and others.

I have been working on my own life difficulties these last two months and have miraculously seen and felt a shift in healing. I am working on my life intentions and with other women who are challenged with life difficulties of all kinds. Every morning when I wake up I choose my intentions for the day, what am I going to do and how I am going to feel. What will be my attitude and how will I determine what part of myself (mind, body, spirit) I will give my intention to for healing. This is very scientific stuff and as someone who has begun to practice living with intention, I know it works. Here is an example of what science is saying about conscious intention healing. This information wows me because we do have the information now to start healing in new ways.

To read the entire column go to www.BuddhaChickLife.com

Thanks to Cindy for sending this our way, John Heil

Monday, March 26, 2012

Mollie Guzo Runs Marathon


Mollie Guzo, an LPC with Psychological Health Roanoke completed the Shamrock Marathon in Virginia Beach Sunday, March 18.

She covered the 26.2 mile distance in 4 hours and 16 minutes.

Thanks to Mollie for the good example she provides for the rest of us.

Friday, February 3, 2012

Bedside Manner Awards


Psychological Health Roanoke was once again recognized by OUR HEALTH magazine for placing a total of 8 clinicians in the annual BEST BEDSIDE MANNER Awards edition.

For the fourth consecutive year, J. Steve Strosnider garnered first place in the Roanoke Valley under the Psychology and Counseling Specialty. Emily DeFrance placed second while June Allder, Alison Allsbrook, Lola Byrd, John Heil, Barbara Seals and Cathy Taylor achieved Honorable Mention Status. More than 26,000 votes were cast in Southwest Virginia.