Posts

Sugary treats in the background with a cup full of sugar in the focal point, with the word 'sugar' on top to resemble sugar addiction.

A New Take On Life

By Jessica Pottorff / November 15, 2023

As a substance abuse counselor, I’ve heard it all. I’ve heard every excuse and defense under the sun in defense of an addictive behavior or that someone is not addicted to something, or someone. What I have learned in my career so far, and in my own journey of recovery, is that people find something that helps them feel good or better, and whether it is healthy or not, they will use it repeatedly and will be reluctant to ever admit that they may be addicted to it.

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Drawing of the profile of a face, with the letters "ADHD" on top, and squiggles and flowers surrounding the brain to resemble ADHD.

Nutrition for Adults and Kids with ADD/ADHD

By Linda Wilcox / October 19, 2023

Food and supplements can play a major role in managing the symptoms of ADD/ADHD. Research shows that diets that include a variety of foods from all food groups and are limited in sugar and processed foods can help improve symptoms of ADHD. Food can also help medications work more efficiently. Since food can lay a foundation for overall good health, here are some basic dietary recommendations for adults and children who have been diagnosed with ADD/ADHD.

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Marijuana leaves with the text "If God Made Marijuana" over the image.

A New Take On Life

By Jessica Pottorff / October 10, 2023

With National Recovery Month behind us, let us not lose our momentum in the fight against addiction. In July we talked about the concept of being “California Sober, ” and this month I want to continue that conversation and address another interesting argument in favor of the use of Marijuana that I have been encountering more often…Christian’s and THC.

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5 spoons alternating, each with supplements in them and a word bubble over the images reading "dietary supplements...what's to know?"

Dietary Supplements | What’s to know

By Linda Wilcox / September 25, 2023

There are all kinds of dietary supplements on the market today for just about anything. Not all supplements are created equal, and there is little quality standardization of these products. Unlike prescription and over-the-  counter medication, the Food and Drug Administration does not establish standards for the contents of dietary supplements. With so many products on the market to choose from, an independent third-party certification program can help guide you in deciding what supplements to choose.

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Purple background with two hands holding out a paper cutout of a family holding hands, and the text "It runs in the family" above.

A New Take On Life

By Jessica Pottorff / September 25, 2023

National Recovery Month:

Promote and support an understanding of mental health and substance use disorders. The official color for National Recovery Month is purple. The theme for 2023’s Recovery Month is: Hope is Real. Recovery is Real. Please visit www.samhsa.gov/recovery-month to find out ways that you can join in the celebration of healing and freedom from addiction!

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Orange dining plate in the top right corner, with a napkin that reads "Go with your gut feeling"

A New Take On Life

By Jessica Pottorff / August 18, 2023

Substance Use Disorders are characterized by chronic dependence on a substance, despite having mental, physical, and social consequences. They also include socioeconomic, biochemical, genetic (more on this in upcoming months), and increasingly, Smicrobiological underpinnings. It is well known that addiction is a brain disorder and affects the wiring in our brain, but there are new and emerging studies showing the link between the gut microbiome and drug addiction.

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The word "SUMMER" in fun, colorful letters with the U as an illustration of a cup of lemonade, and summer activities surrounding the word, including sunglasses, a beach ball, flowers, flipflops, and a ladybug.

The Perfect Way to Wrap Up Summer

By Linda Wilcox / August 18, 2023

August is National Wellness Month, making it the perfect time to focus on caring for you and yours with healthy routines. Incorporating small changes and wholesome habits into your daily routine all month long is the perfect way to wrap up summer and impact your health in positive ways.

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Pink, yellow, and teal colors with the word "Summer" over it, and a lemon in along the right side for fun encouragement to break the cycle of addiction.

A New Take On Life

By Jessica Pottorff / June 14, 2023

For anyone going through the recovery process, whether it be substances, alcohol, or any form of mental health issues, it is important to not only pay attention to healing your mind, but to also give focus and effort to your physical and spiritual health.You cannot take care of one and ignore the others.

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Above view of a family sharing a meal at a dinner table with the words "mediterranean diet" over it.

Mediterranean Diet and Lifestyle for Health and Wellness

By Linda Wilcox / June 14, 2023

The Mediterranean Diet really isn’t a diet in the sense that it is full of rules and restrictions but finds its roots in the traditional eating habits of people that live in the surrounding region of the Mediterranean Sea like Italy, Greece, and Liberia. There is not a single definition of the Mediterranean Diet because it focuses on overall eating patterns and healthy lifestyle factors across many different Mediterranean countries. Without strict formulas and calculations, the Mediterranean diet is flexible and can be customized to your individual needs.

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Feet standing on a scale, with words over the image that read: "Let's talk about Ozempic, Wellness Connections, by Linda Wilcox"

Let’s Talk About Ozempic

By Linda Wilcox / May 10, 2023

May 2023 | Wellness Connections By Linda Wilcox Ozempic has become popularized in the media and is the new hot celebrity trend for weight loss transformation. As Ozempic is being prescribed to more and more people, it might be a good idea to talk about it and understand what it is, how it works, and how…

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