guest editorial
- By Marcel Gemme, Substance Abuse Prevention EducationSeptember 17, 2024During National Suicide Prevention Month in September, it’s important to recognize the connection between substance use and suicide. Drug and alcohol addiction significantly increases the risk of suicidal ideation, attempts and death, and they are generally the most implicated substances in suicide risk. The risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior is elevated with acute alcohol intoxication and…
- By Caroline Marion, LuverneMay 22, 2024May is Lyme Awareness Month, and with a wet spring we can expect a big crop of ticks. Many people say, “I’ve never been bitten by a tick.” Well, one may not even be aware of a tick bite. When deer ticks are in the nymph state, they are the size of a pinhead. Sometimes they feed and fall off before you notice them. Twenty years ago I was bitten by a deer tick infected with the bacteria that…
- By Mark Jacobson, Peer Support SpecialistMay 01, 2024May is Mental Health Month, and talking about mental health can go a long way in improving mental wellness for those around us. Here are five reasons to talk about mental health: To reduce the stigma surrounding mental health. One of the biggest obstacles to mental health treatment is the stigma that surrounds it. Stigma can lead to shame, fear and discrimination, which can prevent people from…
- By Jody Boulay, community outreach coordinator for Drug Rehab ServicesFebruary 14, 2024There can be pitfalls for anyone playing the dating game, but protecting sobriety can be particularly tricky in new relationships. With Valentine’s Day in the recent spotlight, it’s a good time to consider tips for success in relationships and sobriety, While dating can be an adventure, it’s important to never lose sight of sobriety goals. Generally, health professionals recommend that people…
- November 26, 2023According to a Gallup survey, 74 percent of holiday shoppers said they expect to spend about the same amount or more on holiday gifts this year compared to last, and 23 percent of shoppers said they choose one retailer over another because they want to support small and local businesses in their community. Small businesses are essential to rural America. When buying from local small businesses,…
- By U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar. MinnesotaJune 27, 2023The U.S. Surgeon General recently released a warning about the negative impacts of social media on children’s mental health, saying that it presents a profound risk of harm. The advisory also urged social media companies to help parents with the burden of managing the effects of social media on kids. Big tech companies have shown time and time again that they cannot be trusted to protect kids’…
- By Linda Wenzel, A.C.E. of SW Minnesota Rock County program coordinatorJune 20, 2023Quality of life is important for the health and well-being of our seniors. It’s not enough to just be alive. Good quality of life is especially important for older adults who are dealing with chronic health conditions and major life changes. Feeling satisfied and fulfilled is just as important for overall well-being as getting regular doctor visits. In fact, having a positive view of life can…
- By Craig Oftedahl, Luverne Public Schools SuperintendentFebruary 07, 2023Seven dedicated individuals devote time and energy, making sure Luverne Public Schools is helping every child learn at a high level. The Minnesota School Boards Association has set February as Minnesota School Board Recognition Month to build awareness and understanding of the vital function elected school board members play in our society. We here in Luverne are joining other public school…
- By Jessica Campos, Center for Rural AffairsNovember 29, 2022This holiday season, pitching in to support a small business may be easier than you think. Many small towns are proud to feature a vibrant main street, and rightfully so. Busy storefronts are a sign of activity and growth. They also indicate strong community support. But not every small business gets their start in a brick-and-mortar location. With the popularity of online shopping, more small…
- By Sue Abderholden, director, Minnesota chapter of the National Alliance on Mental IllnessNovember 15, 2022World Kindness Day was Nov.13, a day that more than ever before needs recognition. Here at NAMI Minnesota, we’ve been promoting “Space and grace,” to give others space to err, to be upset or mad. It means giving others grace so that our response to them is not filled with anger or frustration. When we respond with grace and space, we actually feel better – because we have responded with kindness…
- By Michael Leach, substance use disorder and addiction specialistNovember 01, 2022Between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day, countless celebrations, family gatherings and work functions often occur. It can be a stressful time of year for some people, especially those recovering from alcohol addiction or anyone battling alcohol addiction. The holiday season can be triggering for many people, with the holiday parties, loneliness, financial worries, or the general stress of having…
- By Linda Wenzel, A.C.E. of SW Minnesota Rock County program coordinatorMay 17, 2022For many caregivers, stress is a constant companion. One effective way to reduce caregiver stress and reduce burnout is to write in a journal. Getting your thoughts down on paper and out of your head is therapeutic. Studies have found that journaling improves health and well-being. Chronic stress is devastating on your physical and mental health. Take a few minutes out of your busy day and try…
- By Joseph KertisDecember 14, 2021The Covid-19 pandemic put many of last year's holiday festivities on hold, so these holidays are the first opportunity that many have had to gather and celebrate. But this could also mean that many people who've become addicted to drugs and alcohol are seeing their family again, which could bring a lot of things to light. That's because the Covid-19 pandemic drastically worsened…
- By Kari Voss-Drost, Southwest Crisis Center assistant directorOctober 19, 2021Each year the Southwest Crisis Center joins advocates, survivors and supporters across the nation to recognize October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM). More prevalent than most realize, one in four women and one in seven men will experience domestic violence in their lifetimes. Last year, the Southwest Crisis Center served over 500 individuals, families and children, providing nearly…
- By Sgt. Troy Christianson, Minnesota Highway PatrolAugust 31, 2021“Let's have one last celebration before summer ends! What shall we do?" “Great idea! Let's spend thousands of dollars in legal fees! Or … spending months in the hospital might be fun. Or how about dying in a car crash?" If all of that sounds like a ridiculous way to spend Labor Day weekend, we agree. And yet that's what can happen if you don't find a sober ride, as a…
- By Pat Baustian, mayor, city of LuverneJune 29, 2021I was recently invited, among other community leaders across the state, to be a Minnesota COVID-19 Vaccine Ambassador. As ambassadors, it will be our focus to promote and encourage fellow Minnesotans to get the COVID-19 vaccine. I plan to continue communicating through the Rock County Star Herald to help inform, educate, promote and put aside any misinformation that citizens of Luverne and Rock…
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