Words can heal or hurt, encourage, or discourage us. They also shape how we perceive ourselves and the world around us. On World Listening Day, we analyze the power of words for health and share some tips with you.

In our current society, we often underestimate the effect of information on our lives. However, how we express ourselves, internally and externally, can significantly impact our physical and mental health.

According to research by Neumors Teen Health, negative words can substantially affect emotions more than positive ones. Luis Castellanos, co-author of the book “The Science of Positive Language,” explains the relationship between health and a person’s life expectancy through various studies and experiments, depending on whether or not the information we express is positive.

For example, research shows that at least five good words are needed to counteract the effects of one bad word in our conversations. Many health specialists explain that poor communication and chronic stress can take a toll on the body, leading to increased blood pressure, a weakened immune system, and an increased risk of heart attack.

Five tips for positive communication

1. Talk nicely

Take care of your relationship with yourself, show yourself respect, practice self-pity, and use words of encouragement in adversity. These practices can promote your mental health and your ability to overcome obstacles.

2. Use positive words in your conversations

Choose your words carefully when communicating with others. Opt for encouraging language instead of criticism or harsh words. A simple compliment or a phrase of encouragement can affect people’s confidence and well-being.

3. Practice listening respectfully

Communication is not just about talking but also about listening. Show genuine interest in what others say without interrupting or judging. Active listening strengthens our relationships. It also improves mental health by reducing feelings of isolation and increasing empathy for others.

4. Avoid gossip and destructive criticism

Participating in conversations based on gossip or unfavorable criticism can harm others and yourself. Be constructive in your interactions, encourage open dialogue, highlight the positive aspects of people, and create a collaborative environment.

5. Be careful with your words when comforting someone

Your words can make a world of difference to someone facing problems or needing comfort. Show compassion by being optimistic. The power of a few words of support can result in an essential accompaniment in a person’s life.

Remember to consider the impact words have. Harness its power to create a better world. Good communication can transform our days, relationships, and integral well-being.

TeletonUSA Foundation promoting integral well-being

The main objective of the TeletonUSA Foundation is to provide various services to achieve the highest level of well-being for children with disabilities. For this reason, our model of care attends to four fundamental pillars: physical, psychological, social, and spiritual.

The Children’s Rehabilitation Institute TeletonUSA (CRIT) has a comprehensive model of care that includes several plans of action that seek to improve the quality of life of the people who receive care with us.

At CRIT, love and science are at the service of life. Thanks to your support, we will continue to make it possible. Donate here!

Mental health refers to our social, emotional, and psychological well-being, depending on internal and external factors.

When we experience difficult times, whether work, personal, emotional, family, or financial, the demands can be very high, and sometimes, they can exceed our ability to handle them, harming our mental health.

According to the CDC, different factors can damage our mental health, such as:

• Difficult life experiences.
• Living with, or close to, life conditions such as a disability or chronic diseases such as cancer or diabetes.
• Biological or hereditary factors or chemical imbalances in the brain.
• Use of alcohol or drugs.
• Feelings of loneliness or isolation.

Why is it important to take care of our mental health?

Mental health directly impacts our way of thinking, feeling, and acting. It determines how we respond to stress, relate to other people, and make decisions, which is why taking care of it is as important as taking care of our physical body.

Did you know that mental health conditions such as depression can increase the risk of physical diseases such as diabetes?

Statistics of mental health in the United States

According to the CDC, one in five adults lives with a mental health condition, and one in five young people has or has had a mental health condition in their lifetime. Likewise, one in 25 adults has a severe mental health condition, such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or depression.

TeletonUSA Foundation and mental health

At TeletonUSA Foundation, one of the four pillars of our model of care is the psychological well-being of our patients and their families. Our counseling services are specifically designed to support families in learning effective coping strategies and promoting overall well-being while navigating the complexities of a life with a disability.

Leticia Cavazos, Family Counselor at the Children’s Rehabilitation Institute TeletonUSA (CRIT), shares that her role as a counselor is to “travel with our families throughout their rehabilitation process, offer them support, strengthen and empower them.”

Counseling involves trust, acceptance, and communication between the patient and the counselor. Various issues can be addressed through individual counseling, such as grief, anxiety, depression, self-esteem, decision-making skills, and adjusting to environmental changes. Counseling allows us to see life events differently, gain coping skills, and increase awareness. TeletonUSA Foundation educates and empowers family members In collaboration with other departments,  through psychoeducational sessions.

Source

• https://www.cdc.gov/mentalhealth/learn/index.htm

Scoliosis can result in significant curvature of the spine, pelvic obliquity, and pelvic rotation. Pelvic obliquity refers to the hip being higher on one side versus the other, whereas pelvic rotation is when the pelvis sits more forward on one side. A person who experiences one or more of these conditions, but does not rely on the assistance of positional supports, can progress over time. For this reason, postural alignment plays a critical role. 

Postural alignment is an essential aspect of everyone’s day-to-day life. Even more for those who spend most of their day in a wheelchair since appropriate positioning can: 

• Reduce pain 
• Reduce fatigue 
• Limit progression of orthopedic conditions 
• Improve proficiency in wheelchair propulsion 
• Decrease the risk of skin breakdown 
• Improve breathing, swallowing, and feeding 
• Promote social inclusion and access to their environment 

When ordering a wheelchair, you must collaborate with a therapist, physician, and assistive technology professional (ATP) to determine the most appropriate option. Customized wheelchairs allow for optimal positioning and promote functional independence with mobility. 

Seasonal allergies, often called “hay fever,” are immune system reactions that arise during certain times of the year with the contact of foreign elements to the body, when trees, grasses, and weeds release pollen particles into the air. These tiny pollen particles, also known as allergens, can cause the appearance of different symptoms, which vary from person to person. Seasonal allergies can arise at any age, as even children without seasonal allergies can still develop them.

The immune system of a person with allergies mistakes an item that is usually harmless to most for something harmful. The appearance of these allergic reactions differs from one territory to another and from one time of the year to another.

What are the symptoms?

Children may be more susceptible to environmental factors that cause allergies. It is essential to know your symptoms to take the necessary measures. The most common signs and symptoms of seasonal allergies in children are:

• Sneezing
• Itchy nose and throat
• Nasal congestion
• Clear, runny nose
• Postnasal drip

You can take simple measures to limit contact with allergens that cause these symptoms. For example, washing your hands after playing outside, constantly cleaning the home by removing dust and preventing mold, or dehumidifying rooms.

Care tips

You must consult a doctor whenever you observe any symptoms in your child. In the case of allergies, an allergist can do specific tests and studies to provide your children with the appropriate treatment. Some measures for the prevention and care of allergies are:

• If you have been diagnosed with seasonal allergies, keep the windows closed, use air conditioning instead of fresh air, and stay indoors during times of greatest pollination, as this can affect your respiratory system.
• For children with seasonal allergies, change clothes, wash their hands, or shower after playing outside.
• If reducing the exposure to these allergies is not possible, doctors may recommend treatment for seasonal allergy symptoms to ease any symptoms. 

Source:

• https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/seasonal-allergies.html#catallergic-reactions