Celebrating World AIDS Day
TBYS wants to pause and recognize World AIDS Day, celebrated worldwide on December 1. The observance was founded in 1988, and according to the United Nations, it has become one of the most recognized international health days. World AIDS Day’s goal is to raise awareness, commemorate those who have passed, and celebrate victories such as increased access to treatment and prevention services. This year’s theme was “equalize.” The theme was meant to be a call to action to actively address the inequalities that are obstructing the end of the AIDS epidemic. The 2022 World AIDS Day report by UNAIDS focused …
Celebrating National Coming Out Day
National Coming Out Day was October 11. It was first celebrated in 1988 to mark the first anniversary of the National March for Lesbian and Gay Rights in Washington. Later, the observance commemorated people of the LGBTQ+ community who came out and decided to live freely. Even though it started in America, National Coming Out Day has become extremely important for LGBTQ+ communities worldwide. Coming out is an experience unique to every individual. Unlike popular opinion, coming out is also not a one-time event. LGBTQ+ individuals often come out multiple times – in front of their family, friends, relatives, school, …
TBYS Recognizes National Recovery Month in September 2022
September was National Recovery Month, and its purpose was to raise awareness for individuals who suffer from psychological and/or substance addiction disorders. The month attempts to encourage individuals to lead successful, fulfilling lives with the help of substance use treatment and mental health services offered by the government. The accomplishments of individuals undergoing recovery during the month occurs. Also, advancements in health achieved by individuals controlling various medical issues, including high blood pressure, diabetes, asthma, and heart disease are acknowledged. The month’s positive message is that prevention and treatment work and that people can and do recover, emphasizing the significance …
Is Drug Overdose a Problem in the U.S.?
According to research, about 5,000 Texans died of an overdose in 2021. In the same year, Texas received 4,000 opioid-related calls, as the Texas Poison Center Network reported, with at least 8,000 opioid-associated emergency room visits in 2020 alone. These stats show that drug overdose is a concerning problem in Texas. The following article discusses this in more detail. The United States is battling a drug crisis. According to analysts, the problem escalated with the overprescription of pain medications. However, the availability of heroin and synthetic opioids such as Fentanyl has escalated the crisis in recent years. Today, it threatens national security and is a burden …
Important Milestones for Addiction Recovery
Though the statistics for individuals suffering from addiction problems are concerning, many tend to overlook favorable statistics that shed light on those who recover from their addiction. According to the National Association of Addiction Treatment Providers, more than 23.5 million (10 percent of the population) adults are in recovery from alcohol and drug addictions. The numbers have significantly risen in the past few years because of the awareness and resources provided. If you are on the path of recovery like many others, then it is essential to understand how celebrating each milestone would assist you throughout your journey. What Are Some …
Nurturing Your Mental Health Today, Tomorrow, and Years From Now
COVID-19 was not only a physical health crisis for the entire world but also deteriorated most people’s mental health. After all, people lost their lives due to the pandemic, lost their jobs, started schooling at home, and adhered to curfews and quarantines. COVID-19 was overwhelming and stressful for many. However, with things returning to normal over time, there are ways to improve mental health and increase resilience. The following blog discusses the importance of mental health and ways people can work on it. 1. Distance From the News Learning about the world is important. However, staying positive can be challenging …
How much are you really drinking?
This blog aims to help you understand the different types of alcohol and how much you drink. If you look up alcohol consumption guidelines, they will tell you that a “drink” is 12 fluid ounces of beer, five fluid ounces of wine or 1.5 fluid ounces of 80-proof liquor like vodka or rum. But how do we know if every can of beer has the same amount? Is there more to learn? Why do we have alcohol guidelines? There are many reasons folks turn to alcoholic beverages; lately, those reasons appear insurmountable. “Consuming alcohol as part of a balanced lifestyle …
How to be an ally to the LGBTQ community
June is Pride Month, and it is the perfect time for the straight community to celebrate and reacquaint themselves with the LGBTQ community through education. According to a recent CNN article, here are eight suggestions to try. Get familiar with the spectrum. Sexual identity can be confusing, but a good place to start is to know the range of identities on the LGBTQ spectrum. Start with terms like gender fluid, transgender, pansexual, bisexual, asexual, cisgender, intersex, queer, genderqueer. Ask the question. Use the appropriate pronouns by asking your friends how they prefer to identify. This act shows sensitivity and, more importantly, respect. Make a small gesture …
Mental Health Awareness Month
May is just right around the corner, which means mental health awareness month is near. According to recent statistics, about 21 percent of adults in the US experienced some kind of mental illness. This means 1 out of 5 adults in the US are fighting various mental issues. However, less than 50 percent of these adults receive proper treatment. And if this isn’t enough to show why talking about mental health is so important, it is critical to note that deteriorating mental health comes with a ripple effect. For instance, people who undergo depression have a 40 percent higher risk of developing metabolic …
The Effects of HIV Stigma and Discrimination
Today approximately 1.2 Americans are living with HIV. Luckily due to advances in medicines and treatments, HIV does not have to be the death sentence it once was, nor does it have to progress to AIDS. However, of those 1.2 Americans living with HIV, 13% of them are infected with the virus and do not know it. There has been a decline in transmission over the last few decades, and based on this, we know that education and safe sex practices work to stop the spread. By 2022 we will be more than accustomed to living with viruses in our midst. As …
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