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Aston University psychologists to take part in major study to improve concussion prognosis
Researchers from the Aston Institute of Heath and Neurodevelopment, in the College of Health and Life Sciences at Aston University, are taking part in a major multiple partner study to identify new ways to accurately predict whether patients will develop long-term complications as a consequence of concussion. Experts from the University of Birmingham and the Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre, in collaboration with Defence Medical Services, are to lead the UK consortium carrying out the study. With year one funded by the Ministry of Defence (£2m) and projected to run over eight years, the multi-faceted study will include a trial involving 400 civilians and 400 military personnel aged over 18 with a new diagnosis of concussion (also known as a mild traumatic brain injury or mTBI) which has resulted in them needing hospital treatment or rehabilitation. At specific time intervals over two years, the participants will take part in nine different areas of research using a variety of medical techniques and assessments to establish if these can be used routinely by medics as ‘biomarkers’ to indicate prognosis and long term impact of concussion. Medical techniques and assessments being trialled include brain imaging and function, analysis of blood and saliva samples, and headache measures, as well as mental health, vision, balance, and cognitive performance. mTBI is common and has been declared a major global public health problem, with 1.4 million hospital visits due to head injury annually in England and Wales - 85% of which are classified as mTBI. It is also estimated that up to 9.5% of UK military personnel with a combat role are diagnosed with mTBI annually. The research will involve 20 University of Birmingham experts working across disciplines, including neurology, psychology, sports medicine, mathematics and academics within the University’s Centre for Human Brain Health, and will be coordinated by Birmingham Clinical Trials Unit. It will also be driven by experts at the Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre Stanford Hall; Imperial College London; University of Westminster; University of Nottingham; Royal Centre for Defence Medicine; and University Hospitals Coventry & Warwickshire. Dr Caroline Witton, reader in psychology and scientific lead for magnetoencephalography (MEG) at the Aston Institute for Health and Neurodevelopment (IHN), Aston University said: "I am very excited to be part of this landmark study of traumatic brain injury. At IHN we are focussed on improving lives through brain imaging and this work has the potential to help the thousands of people each year who suffer long term disability following a concussion." Dr Jan Novak, lecturer in psychology and MRI lead at Aston University said: "It is outstanding that this prestigious work is being conducted at Aston University’s Institute of Health and Neurodevelopment. We will provide our expertise in brain imaging, prediction of outcomes in patient groups, and credentials in mTBI research to enrich the study. It is hoped that it will build upon existing collaborations with other local institutions and government bodies such as the Ministry of Defence." Alex Sinclair, professor of Neurology at the University of Birmingham and chief investigator of the mTBI-Predict project explained: “Although classified as mild, and many recover, the consequences of concussion can be profound with many patients suffering long-term disability due to persistent headaches, fatigue, imbalance, memory disturbance, and poor mental health including post-traumatic stress disorder, while it can have a significant impact on the economy through loss of working hours and demand on the health system. Identifying those patients most at risk of these disabling consequences is not currently possible. There is therefore a pressing need to develop accurate, reproducible biomarkers of mTBI that are practical for use in a clinical setting and can predict long-term complications. "Our programme of research will deliver a step change in the care of patients with mTBI, enabling a personalised medicine approach to target early intervention for those most in need but also identifying those with a good prognosis who can return rapidly to activities of daily living.” Co-Chief Investigator, Air Vice-Marshall Rich Withnall QHS Director of Defence Healthcare, UK Ministry of Defence said: “I am delighted that the Defence Medical Services, including the Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre at Stanford Hall, will be working hand-in-glove with class-leading civilian colleagues and the National Rehabilitation Centre Programme. I fully support this ground-breaking research which I am confident will lead to significant clinical innovation to benefit military and civilian patients and have a translational positive impact for sporting activities from grass-roots to elite levels.” Chief Executive of Headway, Peter McCabe said: “We know that even a seemingly minor head injury can have a major impact on a person’s life – and often the lives of those closest to them. This is particularly the case if the brain injury goes undiagnosed or its effects are mistaken for other conditions. The frustration of not having an accurate diagnosis or receiving the right support can be compounded by the lack of a clear recovery pathway or timeline. We therefore welcome this study in the hope that it can advance our understanding of concussion and mTBI.”
Technical training, exposure to multiple industries and an open and inclusive culture help IT Associates innovate across CCG. They are often the quiet contributors to a project, taking a business idea from concept to delivery to allow strategic business endeavours to get off the ground. What they do and how they do it can be mysterious to many, with technical jargon, architectural details and complex processes at play. To succeed in IT requires incredible technical knowledge, a solid understanding of business processes, and innovative mindset with a natural curiosity to understand how multiple industry business systems all work together. Most importantly what’s needed is the desire for continuous learning. The IT department at CCG has enjoyed an incredible period of growth and development over recent years. In the last decade alone, CCG has undergone a major technology transformation, replacing every major business system required to support the different lines of business under the CCG umbrella including CAA Insurance, Orion Travel Insurance, CAA Travel, Membership and Emergency Roadside Services, while also implementing industry-leading innovations like CAA MyPace. We spoke to three tenured Associates to uncover their secret to success working in IT. What drives the culture of a team that often works behind the scenes but is vital to the success of all organizational projects? Lindsay Lamothe Typically, IT Associates have exposure to many business areas, giving them a well-rounded view of the various industries in which CCG operates. At first glance, one might think that this kind of exposure helps drive innovation and growth. But, while this is true for many, Lindsay Lamothe, Senior Business Systems Analyst for CCG’s Roadside Product Management, explains it’s more nuanced. “I think working in multiple lines of business at the organization led me down the path towards IT. I have no formal training in IT but having exposure to the business side of things gave me insights that continue to be valuable now that I work in a business enablement area,” shared Lamothe. “Being exposed to multiple industries while working in IT is a valuable opportunity to grow knowledge, but I think anyone who can learn more about the multiple industries we operate in would be well-positioned to do well in IT.” Lamothe started at CCG as a summer student to pay for university and eventually came on full-time working in auto travel, helping Members with TripTiks. She worked on the frontlines for ten years before shifting into IT and roadside assistance and has now been at the company full-time for 18 years. Her sense of purpose comes through very clearly when you speak to her about the impact of her work. “I am proud to work in IT at CCG because I am passionate about roadside operations. What we do saves lives,” said Lamothe. “If each code fix or enhancement that we work on gets us to the Member even five seconds sooner, that could be a matter of life or death. I know that we are making a difference in people's lives.” Voytek Bialkowski Voytek Bialkowski, just accepted a promotion to a director position in Enterprise Resource Planning. He also started his career at CCG and credits the technical learning opportunities offered for his continued success. Next month he marks the impressive milestone of 15 years with the company. “CCG is unparalleled in the marketplace in terms of professional growth and learning opportunities,” shares Bialkowski. “Our senior leaders have created a true knowledge culture by encouraging and celebrating professional development, certification, and lifelong learning. In my time with the IT department, I have earned four SAP certifications that furthered my technical skillset. I have also leveraged many of the programs available for Associates, such as the Lean Six Sigma White Belt and the Queens mental health certificate.” What truly sets CCG’s IT department apart is the emphasis on technical training that many Associates can receive right out of school or with little prior knowledge. Bialkowski explains, “CCG has provided me with multiple avenues for technological growth. Working on best-in-class systems and learning their functional and technical components has allowed me to become intimately familiar with SAP’s software suite, Greenfield SAP strategies and methodologies, data quality and data migration, application management, software development and testing lifecycle, as well as SQL and other query languages.” It's clear through the experiences of Lamothe and Bialkowski that learning opportunities and a broad array of opportunities to contribute to different areas of the business are key drivers of the success of CCG’s IT Associates. While hard skills and insights are essential, equally important is the culture of a team and the people that one works with to get things done. John Zhao John Zhao, Manager Quality Assurance in IT App Development & Architecture, shared his take on CCG’s culture and how that plays a role in delivering exceptional service to CCG’s business areas. “Collaboration and mutual respect underpin everything we do in IT. This is a big part of how we continue to learn and support each other,” shares Zhao. “Beyond these two values, we are encouraged to apply innovation to our daily process and products.” Innovation, being care-driven, leading by example, and collaboration are values that define CCG’s corporate culture across departments. Still, it is evident in speaking to Zhao that with tight deadlines and often unexpected challenges, they are especially engrained in the culture and approach of the IT department. Zhao’s experience at CCG aligns with Bialkowski and Lamothe’s, showcasing how fostering and developing technical knowledge internally and maintaining a broad perspective that can connect the dots across multiple industries are standard features of our IT approach. All three Associates underscore how the innovative and best-in-class approach of our IT department starts at the top. From Jay Woo, our CEO, to Apra Sekhon, our Chief Innovation Officer and Kin Lee-Yow, our Chief Information Officer, and their leaders. Together, they set the bar on integrating technology and innovation to ensure everyone aligns on promoting growth and knowledge to drive success for CCG’s IT Associates. As technology and innovation continue to grow, it’s valuable for all Associates to understand how this hardworking group of individuals support the essential work we do at CCG.
Major study reveals the lasting impact of Covid lockdowns
New research from the University of East Anglia reveals first-hand the lasting impact that lockdowns may have had on people’s mental and physical health. The UK’s first Covid lockdown was announced by Prime Minister Boris Johnson exactly two years ago today. Just a few days later, researchers at UEA launched a major project to track the mental and physical health of the nation through lockdowns and beyond. More than 1,000 participants carried out daily surveys – with questions on a range of lifestyle behaviours including physical activity, diet, sleep, smoking, drinking, and drug use. Some of the participants were then interviewed by the research team, to try to understand what was happening for people from their own viewpoints. Listen to what they had to say in our oral history project Lockdown Voices. New findings published today show how people responded very differently to social restrictions depending on their existing circumstances. For those who were less well-off to start with, adapting to lockdown was more difficult, and health behaviours typically worsened to a greater extent. In contrast, those who were better off at the start of the pandemic demonstrated faster adaptation and were more able to respond positively to restrictions, for example by taking to online exercise classes. It is likely that any lasting impact to mental and physical health will therefore be much greater for those who were worse off to start with. Those with good social links and healthy behaviours already in place described in their interviews how they were able to adapt to lockdown and thrive, whereas some of the more vulnerable in our communities had fallen into unhealthy spirals. Prof Caitlin Notley, from UEA's Norwich Medical School, said: “When the first lockdown was announced back in 2020, we started surveying participants from around the UK daily. Our initial results showed that people were eating less fruit and veg, getting less exercise and drinking more alcohol. “It quickly became apparent that lockdown may have lasting consequences for the physical and mental health of the nation. “We wanted to see whether people’s lifestyles changed in the long-term so we continued the study by carrying out regular surveys with the participants, and interviewing some people to find out more.” Now, two years on, the team’s results show how health inequalities are likely to have widened. Prof Notley said: “Social restrictions imposed as a result of the coronavirus pandemic have had a significant impact on health behaviours at the individual and population level. “It’s fair to say that all of our participants’ lives were disrupted by lockdown and they were forced to adapt. “But people responded to the lockdowns very differently and their experiences of social restrictions varied considerably. “Fundamentally, people were hindered or helped by their existing support structures and resources, such as access to technology to engage with the outside world, or private outdoor space. “Those people who had good friends, community links and who were already health conscious, were able to respond positively and better able to cope. “They were able to adapt to the ‘new normal’, use technology to keep in touch with friends and relatives, order veg boxes, carry on with a healthy diet and take part in healthy pursuits in new and innovative ways such as online fitness classes or ‘doing Joe Wicks’. “But lockdowns are very likely to have caused a sustained widening of social and health inequalities. “Those who remained in work outside the home, or who were retired, were the least impacted overall. But those who were unemployed, younger, on a lower income, clinically unwell or told to fully shield were particularly impacted by strict restrictions. “For these more vulnerable people, supportive social factors were taken away or severely restricted. Anxiety and depression worsened, and unhealthy behaviours like exercising less, drinking more alcohol, and eating a poor diet increased. “As we work through the ‘roadmap to recovery’, emphasis needs to be placed on a collaborative, community-based approach, with a focus on what makes us well. “Encouraging membership of community exercise groups, for example, may help those most impacted to engage again with healthy behaviours to keep them well. We also need to pay attention to how those who are less well-off responded more negatively to the policy of lockdown, so that lessons can be learnt for the future,” she added. ‘Disruption and adaptation in response to the coronavirus pandemic – assets as contextual moderators of enactment of health behaviours’ is published in the British Journal of Health Psychology.
The Rise of "Don't Weigh Me" Cards
Stepping on the scale is an inherent part of the American healthcare experience. But does it have to be? Healthcare professionals and patients say not necessarily. For patients struggling with mental health, eating disorders, or other body-related concerns, being forced to step on the scale may cause significant distress. Because of this, the "don't weigh me" card has become increasingly popular. Born from the desire to make a trip to the doctor a more inclusive, less stressful experience, the cards sit in waiting rooms across the country and allow patients to discreetly make a choice: Would I like to be weighed today? Similar in size and shape to a business card, patients may grab a card and hand it to the provider before the start of the appointment, indicating the patient should not be weighed and that any discussion around weight should only occur if permission is given. According to Rebecca Shenkman, MPH, RDN, LDN, director of the MacDonald Center for Obesity Prevention and Education at Villanova University, "to be effective and emphatic providers, it is important to ensure a safe and comfortable environment and for the patient to feel seen and heard—and one such way is asking permission to be weighed (if the medical situation does not require a weight)." "This shows patients that their provider respects their voice and choice” Shenkman says. "'Don't weigh me" cards are a tool that providers should recognize as a good 'pause button' that allows them to re-center patient care on the individual and not have a conversation guided by a scale number or attribute certain symptoms or conditions to weight." Healthcare providers may express weight biases that prevent patients from receiving effective care. The provider may correctly or incorrectly attribute a patient's health concerns to weight and overlook additional factors not correlated with obesity. And while obesity is certainly a chronic and progressive medical disease that should not be ignored, there is more to a patient than a number on a scale. "A barrier to effective healthcare utilization is the prevalence of weight bias towards individuals with obesity. A first step to reducing bias is to acknowledge the issue exists and to recognize one's own biases, which may intentionally or unintentionally result in unfavorable behaviors and attitudes towards individuals with obesity," says Shenkman. While communication about weight-related health is important and many times necessary, to center the dialogue on weight alone means missing out on other potential issues. "By letting patients lead the conversation, having an open dialogue and practicing shared decision-making, and approaching the discussion around eating habits and weight-related behaviors within the broader context of health, patients are likely to be more receptive to medical advice given and seek future care." When patients are allowed to choose to be weighed, they are empowered to make their own decisions surrounding their care. "Don't weigh me" cards help provide peace of mind and a comfortable environment for all people, allowing providers to act more effectively and patients to seek out effective care more often.
On Rethink What’s Possible, a podcast by Milwaukee School of Engineering, MSOE students, faculty, staff, alumni and community partners share their inventions, research, industry trends, projects, experiences and how they’re rethinking what's possible. Episode Two, “Erasing the Stigma of Mental Health,” features industry experts Dr. Carol Sabel, MSOE School of Nursing chairperson, and Sue McKenzie Dicks, vice president of healthy culture at Rogers Behavioral Health. The pair discusses the importance of mental health with recent MSOE graduate Jake Egan, who shares his own personal mental health journey and how he dealt with juggling an intense academic workload and a variety of internships. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, trying to tell the difference between what expected behaviors are and what might be the signs of a mental health condition isn’t always easy, but identifying a problem early can help lead to the best outcome. The U.S. has the highest rates of mental health disease (27%) as compared to any other industrialized country. One in five adults suffer from some sort of mental health illness and 3.3 million children ages 6-17 receive treatment or counseling for emotional or behavioral issues. The stigma surrounding mental health care is beginning to subside, and more individuals are seeking care. By 2025, the demand for mental health services is expected to outpace supply by 10,000—and in the U.S. 60% of psychiatrists are 55 or older. Our nation is facing a shortage of mental health care providers. In a move to address the shortage of mental health care providers in the United States, Dr. Carol Sabel and the MSOE School of Nursing partnered with Rogers Behavioral Health to offer a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Program (PMHNP). This innovative new program, coupled with educating nurses at the bachelor’s and advanced practice levels in the area of mental health, is increasing the pipeline of qualified mental health professionals. The podcast is available for download and well worth listening to. And, if you are a journalist interested in learning more or arranging an interview with Dr. Carol Sabel – simply click on her icon now to arrange an interview today.
University of Rochester Expert on Re-framing Holiday Stress
Can holiday stress (cooking, hosting, shopping, travel, family, finances) be re-framed to actually be beneficial? Yes, according to the University of Rochester’s Jeremy Jamieson, a national expert on stress. Stress and our response to it are not necessarily bad things. Jamieson and his Social Stress Lab study how re-evaluating the way one perceives stress can make a big difference to a person’s mental health, general wellbeing, and success, and help guide the responses to the challenges at hand. “Stress reappraisal is not aimed at eliminating or dampening stress. It does not encourage relaxation, but instead focuses on changing the type of stress response: If we believe we have sufficient resources to address the demands we’re presented with—it doesn’t matter if the demands are high—if we think we can handle them, our body is going to respond with the challenge response, which means stress is seen as a challenge, rather than a threat,” says Jamieson. In the latest study from Jamieson’s Social Stress Lab, which appears in the Journal of Experimental Psychology: General, the researchers trained community college students to treat their stress response as a tool rather than an obstacle. The psychologists found that in addition to reducing the students’ anxiety, the “good stress” mindset reset helped the students score higher on tests, procrastinate less, stay enrolled in classes, and respond to academic challenges in a healthier way. Jamieson is available for interviews and can walk through the strategies for individuals to re-frame their stress.
ChristianaCare recognized by American Medical Association with 2021 Joy in Medicine distinction
ChristianaCare one of only 44 nationwide to receive the distinction; one of only five to receive the highest level – Gold Recognition (WILMINGTON, Del. – Oct. 7, 2021) ChristianaCare has been named a recipient of the American Medical Association’s Joy in MedicineTM Health System Recognition Program. The distinction recognizes health systems that demonstrate a commitment to preserving the wellbeing of health care team members by engaging in proven efforts to combat work-related stress and burnout. The American Medical Association awarded ChristianaCare a “Gold Recognition” – the highest level within the program. Only 44 health systems nationwide received the Joy in Medicine distinction, with only four other health systems along with ChristianaCare achieving the Gold Recognition. “When caregivers feel supported and fulfilled in their work, the quality of both their experience and their patient’s experience improves,” said Heather Farley, M.D., MHCDS, chief wellness officer and head of ChristianaCare’s Center for WorkLife Wellbeing. “That’s why, when the COVID-19 pandemic struck, we deepened our investment of resources to support our caregivers. While there’s still a long way to go, we are grateful to receive this recognition as it affirms our commitment to helping our caregivers foster meaning, connection and joy in work and in life.” ChristianaCare received the “Gold Recognition” for achieving six criteria: An organization-wide commitment to improving physician wellbeing. An assessment of the costs of physician burnout. Evidence-based interventions to reduce and eliminate burnout. Leadership commitment to address areas for improvement. Interventions to improve teamwork. Structured programs that actively engage doctors to cultivate community at work. These criteria align with ChristianaCare’s commitment to support its caregivers in alignment with the organization’s core values of love and excellence. ChristianaCare has implemented structured ways of working that encourages leaders to create environments where their workers feel safe asking questions and feel empowered to identify and solve problems. ChristianaCare also uses numerous surveys and assessments to track progress in improving the wellbeing and experience of caregivers. ChristianaCare’s Unique Center for WorkLife Wellbeing ChristianaCare established the Center for WorkLife Wellbeing in 2016 to develop support systems to enable clinicians to reconnect with the joy and meaning in medicine. “We recognized the growing problem of stress and burnout in health care, and we made a decision to tackle it head-on,” said Janice E. Nevin, M.D., MPH, ChristianaCare president and CEO. “The work of our psychologists, researchers, clinicians and peer supporters in the Center for WorkLife Wellbeing is built on the understanding that when we care for ourselves, we are better able to care for others, resulting in decreased medical errors and a better experience of care for everyone involved.” The Center soon expanded its mission to support all of ChristianaCare’s caregivers, including those who don’t work in clinical roles. The Center also has received national recognition for its expertise and leadership in the field of workplace wellbeing. Throughout the pandemic, the Center for WorkLife Wellbeing has proactively shared a variety of resources to support caregivers as they work to provide safe, effective care and reduce the spread of COVID-19. This includes: The Care for the Caregiver program, which provides confidential individual peer support and group support to caregivers when they experience stress related to patient care or the workplace. Peer supporters and organizational leaders receive training so they can provide psychological first aid to caregivers whom they recognize are struggling as well as connect them to helpful resources if needed. Emotional support through mindfulness resources and regular rounds where the Center’s experts can check on staff wellbeing. OASIS Rooms, which are quiet sanctuaries inside the hospital where caregivers can go to take a break, de-stress, meditate or enjoy a chair massage. 24/7 mental health services and programs to help caregivers maintain healthy habits including proper exercise, sleep and nutrition. Fitness centers that are free for all caregivers to use and provide easy access to exercise and fitness programs. “I always use the analogy, you can’t take the canary out of the coal mine and teach it to be more resilient and then put it back in the same coal mine and expect it to survive,” Dr. Farley said. “You actually have to change the coal mine – the environment surrounding our caregivers and clinicians. That’s what we’re doing in the Center for WorkLife Wellbeing.” Solutions to a National Problem A national study examining the experiences of physicians and other health care workers who worked in health systems during the COVID-19 pandemic found that 38% self-reported experiencing anxiety or depression, while 43% suffered from work overload and 49% had burnout. “The COVID-19 pandemic has placed extraordinary stress on physicians and other health care professionals,” said American Medical Association President Gerald E. Harmon, M.D. “While it is always important for health systems to focus on the wellbeing of care teams, the imperative is greater than ever as acute stress from combatting the COVID-19 pandemic has contributed to higher rates of work overload, anxiety and depression. The health systems we recognize today are true leaders in promoting an organizational response that makes a difference in the lives of the health care workforce.” Launched in 2019, the Joy in Medicine Health System Recognition Program is a component of the American Medical Association’s practice transformation efforts, an ambitious initiative to advance evidence-based solutions to address the physician burnout crisis. Candidates for the program were evaluated according to their documented efforts to reduce work-related burnout through system-level drivers. Scoring criteria were based on demonstrated competencies in commitment, assessment, leadership, efficiency of practice environment, teamwork and support. About ChristianaCare Headquartered in Wilmington, Delaware, ChristianaCare is one of the country’s most dynamic health care organizations, centered on improving health outcomes, making high-quality care more accessible and lowering health care costs. ChristianaCare includes an extensive network of primary care and outpatient services, home health care, urgent care centers, three hospitals (1,299 beds), a freestanding emergency department, a Level I trauma center and a Level III neonatal intensive care unit, a comprehensive stroke center and regional centers of excellence in heart and vascular care, cancer care and women’s health. It also includes the pioneering Gene Editing Institute. ChristianaCare is nationally recognized as a great place to work, rated by Forbes as the 5th best health system to work for in the United States and by IDG Computerworld as one of the nation’s Best Places to Work in IT. ChristianaCare is rated by HealthGrades as one of America’s 50 Best Hospitals and continually ranked among the nation’s best by Newsweek and other national quality ratings. ChristianaCare is a nonprofit teaching health system with more than 260 residents and fellows. With its groundbreaking Center for Virtual Health and a focus on population health and value-based care, ChristianaCare is shaping the future of health care. #####
The Olympics have come and gone. As the world watched top athletes from across the globe compete, one key takeaway was not a new world record or a perfect 10 on the floor – but that Black female athletes faced unfair scrutiny and an obvious double standard when it came to issues of stress and mental health, policies and protocol, uniforms and hair, and more. UMW Assistant Professor of Communication Emily Deering Crosby's previous research has focused on how the media has portrayed Black female Olympians like Lolo Jones and Gabby Douglas. Here's what she had to say: There were numerous instances this summer of world class women athletes being sexualized, penalized, mocked and dismissed for a variety of issues from uniforms to motherhood to naturally occurring testosterone levels to mental health to archaic policy. This was particularly salient for Black women athletes, which is worth highlighting, since racism and sexism often function in tandem ways that many people misunderstand as “normal” or “insignificant” since it can be pervasive. My work aims to root out, point out and amplify why these practices are wrong, why they keep women from being appropriately valued, and how sports culture can be better and thus enhance communication scholarship and everyday practices by media, fans and athletes themselves. The silver lining in the most recent Games is how digital culture, particularly social media, gives athletes themselves a voice. Further, fans and athletes alike are becoming more knowledgeable of these problematic policies and are bravely and creatively calling them out. Thus, athletes such as Simone Biles, Naomi Osaka, Sha’Carri Richardson, Allyson Felix, Norway’s women’s beach handball team, etc. are key case studies to understand these communication and structural phenomena more deeply and ultimately bring more critical awareness and justice to women’s sports.” If you’re a journalist looking to know more about this important topic – then let our experts help with your questions and coverage. Assistant Professor of Communication Emily Deering Crosby is a rhetorical critic of popular culture with research concentrations in feminist criticism – and she’s a go-to expert on this topic for national media. Dr. Crosby is available, simply click on her icon now to arrange an interview today.
It's breaking news that has taken the sports and gymnastics world by storm - Simone Biles who won four golds and one bronze medal at the 2016 Summer Games and is considered the greatest gymnast of all time removed herself from competition Tuesday. After a vault that saw her go flying forward on what’s normally her strongest apparatus, the top gymnast in the world appeared on the sidelines in her warmup gear. The initial reporting from Tokyo cited USA Gymnastics as saying she’d withdrawn due to a “medical issue.” Later, after the Americans had taken home the silver medal, Biles clarified that it wasn’t a physical injury that had made her withdraw — it was her mental state. "Physically, I feel good. I'm in shape," Biles said on NBC's "TODAY" show. "Emotionally, it varies on the time and moment. Coming to the Olympics and being head star isn't an easy feat." July 25 - MSNBC There are a lot of questions about the mental health and the toll stress can take on athletes being asked - and if you are a reporter covering this breaking news event, our experts are here to help. Dan Gould is director of the Institute for the Study of Youth Sports and a professor of kinesiology. His research interests include the stress-athletic performance relationship and the psychological foundations of coaching. Dan is available to speak with media regardig this topic - simply click on his icon now to arrange an interview today.
Many of us think of ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) as a childhood condition – which is typically when it’s diagnosed. But a growing number of people are sharing their experiences of being diagnosed with ADHD in adulthood. Social media has even played a role in this, with reports of people going to see their doctor after first learning about symptoms on TikTok. In fact, around 2.5% of adults are thought to live with ADHD – including us. Yet despite this growing awareness, many adults continue to struggle to get a diagnosis. ADHD is a genetic neurodevelopmental disorder, in which the brain grows differently, lacking action from specific chemicals involved in pleasure and reward. This means ADHD brains often search for ways to stimulate these chemicals, which is why people can experience inattentiveness, hyperactivity and impulsivity. Common traits of ADHD include: Not following through on longer tasks (or not starting them) Getting distracted by other tasks or thoughts Seeking out risk or activities that provide immediate reward Restlessness (either outwardly or internally) Interrupting other people (without wanting to) Symptoms are similar for both adults and children, although elements of them differ or change as we age. For example, inattention is the most persistent symptom in adults. ADHD can be debilitating and is associated with higher likelihood of lower quality of life, substance use issues, unemployment, accidental injuries, suicide and premature death. In addition, ADHD can cost adults around £18,000 per year because of things like medical care or paying for social support. It’s also commonly associated with a wide range of co-existing conditions in adults. For example, depression is almost three times more prevalent in adults with ADHD. And nearly half of all adults with ADHD also have bipolar spectrum disorder. Around 70% of adults with ADHD also experience emotional dysregulation, which can make it more difficult to control emotional responses. It’s also thought that almost all adults with ADHD have rejection sensitive dysphoria, a condition where perceived rejection or criticism can cause extreme emotional sensitivity or pain. On top of this, adults with ADHD may have poor working memory – such as being unable to remember a simple shopping list – and “time blindness” (the inability to perceive time). Some may also have oppositional defiant disorder, which means they often react poorly to perceived orders or rules. While none of these co-existing conditions are used to diagnose ADHD, they can make ADHD feel all the more difficult to live with. Being diagnosed Getting an ADHD diagnosis as an adult in the UK is notoriously difficult – with reports of some people waiting up to five years. Waiting for a diagnosis is common for adults with ADHD. Roman Kosolapov/ Shutterstock This is because you can only be diagnosed by a specialist psychiatrist. But even with a referral to a specialist, a person has to show clear evidence of almost all ADHD traits, having had these traits since childhood, and that they’re having a serious affect on their life – such as causing issues with work, education, or maintaining relationships. For us, our experiences of being diagnosed with ADHD aren’t all that different from what other adults have gone through. Like many people I (Alex) was only diagnosed with ADHD “by accident” after being referred to an NHS psychiatrist to get help with (what I now know to be) alcohol self-medication. Because of my ADHD, my brain demands quite extreme inputs most of the time. Ironically, I’ve published scientific papers on ADHD and – probably due to a classic ADHD lack of self-awareness – it didn’t cross my mind that I could have it. The “label” has since helped me move away from feeling broken toward an understanding of my behaviour. My main challenges remain prioritising tasks based on importance (instead of excitement) and quite extreme anti-authority behaviour (sometimes called oppositional defiance). I am also a terrible spectator, struggling to attend conference talks or sit still at the theatre – it can feel like physical pain. On the other hand, I (James) was diagnosed pretty quickly because I used a private clinic – though there was still a long wait for medication. Yet I’d known for five years before this that I probably had ADHD, but coped with it well until the pandemic. The added pressure of isolation and increased workload impacted my mental health, so I sought a diagnosis. Now diagnosed and medicated, life is getting easier to cope with – although there are still many challenges every day. I frequently get anxiety about the silliest things, like talking to a friend, but appearing on television is fine. On a daily basis I forget many simple things, such as where I left my keys, or that I am running a bath. I struggle immensely with controlling my emotions and with rejection especially. For example, when no one responded to a joke I made about my ADHD on a senior management messaging group I was tempted to quit my job. I am utterly unable to pay full attention in meetings or seminars and cannot control my impulse purchasing. While there’s a growing recognition of ADHD in adults, many people still live with it undiagnosed for any number of reasons – sometimes even because they’re unaware that what they experience is actually different from other people. Understanding the condition in adults, taking it more seriously as a disorder, raising awareness of it, and investing in services to improve diagnosis times are key. Diagnosis opens the door to treatment, which can have a marked impact on living with the disorder – such as improving self-esteem, productivity and quality of life. This article was co-written by Dr James Brown (Aston University) and Dr Alex Connor (University of Birmingham)