Health

Sherief Abu-Moustafa Shares Ways Healthcare Providers Can Support Mental Health Initiatives

Published

2 years ago

April 12, 2023

Healthcare providers and professionals play a powerful role in advancing mental health initiatives. They help to ensure that people with mental health conditions get the care they need and can live full lives. By supporting mental health initiatives, healthcare providers and professionals can help reduce stigma and further encourage people to seek the support they need. Sherief Abu-Moustafa offers a few tips on how healthcare providers can support mental health initiatives.

Educate Patients On The Importance Of Mental Health

As healthcare professionals, we must educate our patients on the importance of mental health and the available resources. Mental health affects every aspect of our lives, from physical health to relationships. Encouraging patients to prioritize their mental health and seek help is crucial for their well-being.

Various resources are available for those struggling with mental illness, from therapy to support groups to medication. By proactively discussing these resources with our patients, we can equip them with the knowledge and tools they need to take control of their mental health and lead fulfilling lives.

Create An Empathetic Environment

A thriving healthcare facility fosters an empathetic environment for its patients. Empathy is achieved by promoting open communication and instilling a belief in their patients’ unique journeys. Patients deserve to be heard and understood, and creating a space where they feel valued and respected is vital to their healing process.

Healthcare professionals must actively work to establish an environment that prioritizes empathy and understanding. Patients are more likely to feel comfortable sharing their experiences, and healthcare providers can better tailor their care to individual needs. This compassionate approach to patient care can transform the healthcare experience and benefit patients in numerous ways.

Using Technology

In the age of rapidly developing technology, it is no surprise that the mental health field has begun incorporating these advancements into its services. Telehealth, for example, allows individuals to attend therapy appointments remotely, providing a convenient and accessible option for those who cannot participate in in-person appointments.

Beyond telehealth, various apps and digital tools help individuals track their moods, cope with anxiety, and manage their mental health. These technological advancements have the potential to break down barriers to mental health care and provide support to those in need. As we continue to move forward, it is essential to remember that technology should always be used in conjunction with traditional forms of mental health treatment, such as therapy and medication.

Promote A Stigma-Free Culture

Promoting a culture free from stigma, judgment, and shame is crucial to ensuring patients feel comfortable and open enough to share their healthcare concerns with their providers. Creating a safe space for patients to express themselves is essential in establishing trust and building a strong patient-provider relationship. By encouraging open communication, healthcare professionals can gain a deeper understanding of their patient’s needs and work towards providing them with the best possible care.

It is essential to recognize that every patient has different experiences, backgrounds, and perspectives, and it is our responsibility to ensure that each individual feels heard and respected. Promoting a culture free from stigma, judgment, and shame can create a more inclusive and equitable healthcare system that prioritizes patient well-being above all else.

Incorporate Mindfulness Techniques

Incorporating mindfulness techniques into treatment protocols is a modern approach to addressing mental health concerns. Patients can develop greater self-awareness and emotional regulation by incorporating meditation, breathing exercises, and body awareness into treatment plans.

The benefits of mindfulness have been demonstrated in numerous studies, including reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression, improving sleep, and boosting overall well-being. Mindfulness-based interventions are becoming increasingly popular in addressing various mental health issues, from chronic pain to substance abuse. With the growing recognition of the importance of mental health, incorporating mindfulness into treatment protocols has the potential to revolutionize how we approach wellness.

Recommend Mental Health Services And Supports

Community organizations specializing in mental health services, such as therapy and support groups, are crucial in offering individuals the necessary support and resources to manage their mental well-being. These organizations provide services ranging from individual therapy sessions to group sessions, depending on the specific requirements of the individual.

Skilled professionals often lead these groups with the training and experience to help individuals manage their mental health. These groups aim to provide a safe and supportive environment where individuals can share their experiences and learn from others who face similar challenges. By offering a range of services, community organizations are helping to ensure that individuals have access to the care they require to lead healthy and fulfilling lives.

Final Thoughts

Mental health has historically been neglected and stigmatized, but the past few decades have shifted towards recognizing its importance in overall well-being. With technological advancements, new treatments, and better access to resources, Sherief Abu-Moustafa believes we have more opportunities than ever to manage mental health safely and effectively. By creating a stigma-free culture, incorporating mindfulness techniques, and recommending mental health services and supports, we can continue to make progress towards ensuring that individuals are supported in their pursuit of wellness.

Health

What Sets Why Not Natural Supplements Above Other Supplements Companies in the U.S.

Published

2 days ago

November 21, 2024

Michelle Langton

Photo courtesy of Why Not Natural

By: Georgette Virgo

In an industry plagued by minimal regulation and questionable practices, Why Not Natural Supplements sets a new standard in transparency and scientific excellence. Founded by chemical engineer Kelin Marquet, this female-owned supplement company challenges the status quo with clean and effective formulations backed by rigorous research.

Why Not Natural Supplements’ outlook on supplement creation contrasts starkly with many competitors in the $50 billion U.S. dietary supplement market. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not require pre-market approval for supplements, which leaves consumers vulnerable to potentially ineffective or harmful products. Why Not Natural Supplements has implemented stringent self-imposed standards that go far beyond regulatory requirements.

“We’re on a mission to educate consumers about what a supplement should look like,” says Kelin Marquet. “As a mother of three, I’m motivated by creating supplements that I feel comfortable giving to my own family.”

A Science-First Approach to Supplement Formulation

Why Not Natural Supplements’ commitment to scientific integrity begins with its founder. Marquet’s background in chemical engineering informs every aspect of the company’s product development process.

“I use my background and strong understanding of science to pore through research articles and choose active ingredients that work – not cheap substitutes you usually find in supplements,” Kelin Marquet explains.

This science-first perspective extends to the company’s use of bioavailable forms of nutrients and its emphasis on third-party testing. Why Not Natural Supplements rigorously tests every product—including their best-selling Organic Vitamin D3 Liquid Drops with K2, 4-in-1 Magnesium Complex, Liquid Vitamin A (10,000 IU) with Coconut MCT Oil, and many others—for purity and potency. This practice sets the company apart in an industry where such thorough quality control is far from standard.

Transparency and Clean Formulations

Why Not Natural Supplements’ transparency is evident in its viewpoint on ingredient selection and labeling. The company maintains a list of ingredients that will never appear in its products, including artificial preservatives, colors, flavors, and common allergens.

“It’s not just about what’s in a supplement – it’s essential what’s not in it, too,” Marquet emphasizes. This philosophy extends to the company’s use of clean, minimalist formulations that avoid unnecessary fillers and additives.

The company provides consumers with clear, accurate information about each product’s contents. This level of transparency is rare in an industry where, according to the National Institutes of Health, supplement labels may not always accurately reflect the product’s contents.

Kelin Marquet emphasizes that each product formulation undergoes rigorous scientific scrutiny, with every ingredient serving a specific, research-backed purpose. “We don’t just throw ingredients together because they’re trendy,” Marquet explains. “Every component in our formulas is there for a reason, in its most bioavailable form, and at the optimal dosage.”

Education and Consumer Empowerment

Why Not Natural Supplements’ mission extends beyond creating high-quality supplements to educating consumers about supplement quality and safety. The company uses its social media platforms and website to provide in-depth information about ingredient sourcing, manufacturing processes, and the science behind its formulations.

This educational outlook is particularly crucial in light of the rapid growth of e-commerce in the supplement industry. As online sales platforms capture an increasing market share, the traditional role of natural and specialty retailers as information gatekeepers is diminishing. Why Not Natural Supplements is stepping into this gap, providing consumers with the knowledge they need to understand dietary supplements and find one that best fits their needs.

“We’re not just selling supplements,” Marquet states. “We’re empowering consumers to make informed decisions about their health by showing them exactly what goes into each formula and why.”

In an industry where regulation is minimal and quality can be inconsistent, Why Not Natural Supplements stands out as a company committed to raising the bar through its science-based method, commitment to transparency, and focus on consumer education.

“Our goal is to change how individuals see natural supplements,” Marquet concludes. “We believe that by prioritizing quality, efficacy, and transparency, we can help consumers reclaim their health and trust in their supplements.”