Category: Conditions

Signs that a child may be at risk of abuse or neglect are not always obvious. Unexplained bruises and marks raise red flags. However, not all signals that a child is in harm’s way are immediately evident. Add in the stress and isolation of living through a pandemic, and that means tension in home environments… Continue reading The Warning Signs of Child Abuse

National Child Abuse Prevention Month is an opportunity for communities to come together, become educated on the signs of child abuse, and take steps to prevent harm. Throughout the month of April, community activists and organizations across the United States, including Valley Oaks Health, are raising awareness by sharing the warning signs of child abuse,… Continue reading National Child Abuse Prevention Month

Substance use disorder (SUD) is one of the most common mental disorders in the United States. In 2017, the National Survey on Drug Use and Health estimated that over 19 million Americans are living with substance use disorder. Despite its prevalence in our society, many myths and misunderstandings still exist about addiction. We’re here to… Continue reading The Stigma Around Substance Use Disorder

April is Alcohol Awareness Month, and during this time, Valley Oaks Health is bringing awareness and erasing stigma around alcohol use disorder (AUD). There are many statistics that show the cost of alcohol misuse: According to the 2019 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, over 14 million American adults suffered from AUD.  Alcohol-related deaths… Continue reading Alcohol Awareness Month

The immediate effects of substance use during pregnancy are evident, but what do drug-exposed children experience long-term? A child’s cognition and behavior can both suffer from drug exposure in their mother’s womb, and they may experience a higher likelihood for addictive behaviors later in life. Cognitive impairments Between 30 and 40 percent of drug-exposed toddlers… Continue reading The Lasting Impact of Newborn Drug Dependency

The use of tobacco, alcohol, illicit drugs, or the misuse of prescription drugs by pregnant women can have severe health consequences for their baby. Recent research shows that substance use during pregnancy is linked to double—even triple—the risk of stillbirth as well as the development of neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS).  Nearly 1 in 20 expecting… Continue reading Addiction During Pregnancy

Nearly one in every five Americans experiences some form of anxiety disorder. Though that’s millions of people, many myths and misconceptions still surround anxiety. Here’s just a few that we know aren’t true. Myth: Anxiety isn’t a real illness. Everyone has anxious thoughts, but an anxiety disorder means these thoughts can impair a person’s day-to-day… Continue reading Debunking Myths About Anxiety

We’ve all heard the advice to not let our emotions get the best of us, but sometimes that can be a seemingly impossible challenge. So, when big emotions seem to take over your mind, how can you regulate them and keep calm? Try these tips. Be self-aware Noticing how you feel and naming your emotions… Continue reading When Big Feelings Become a Problem

Your dedication to getting well and following your treatment plan are important. In addition to traditional counseling and medication, some people find alternative treatments as helpful boosts to their doctor’s recommendations. Yoga Practicing yoga can help reduce stress levels and provide a clear mind. This low-impact exercise helps individuals become more “in tune” with their… Continue reading Alternative Treatments for Eating Disorders

During National Eating Disorders Awareness Week, we’re shining a light on this form of mental illness and sharing ways you can support the 28 million Americans who experience an eating disorder in their life.  Be aware of the various illnesses The spectrum of eating disorders is wide and varied from well-known conditions such as anorexia… Continue reading National Eating Disorder Awareness Week