Shining a spotlight on the importance of emotional well-being for everyone: That’s the goal of Mental Health Awareness Month in May.

Autism and mental health often overlap in ways that can be difficult for families to recognize. Experts at Easterseals Crossroads share advice on how to support people on the spectrum, especially when emotional or behavioral challenges arise alongside a diagnosis.

For people with autism, the world can be overwhelming and so can their emotions. Symptoms can sometimes look different in those with autism, but generally, they are the same.

Some services at Easterseals Crossroads include learning group activities, which Dreith says can improve mental health and reduce social anxiety. Dreith says gaming is a huge help with forming relationships and promoting a better mindset.

Easterseals Crossroads offers assessments, counseling and therapy tailored to children and teens with autism. They recommend starting as early as possible and checking in often.

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Acid reflux is a common issue across the U.S.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, 20% of adults suffer from chronic acid reflux. But doctors say the good news is it’s treatable.

Some people know it all too well, the uncomfortable feeling after a big meal or eating certain foods.

Doctors warn it’s not only what you eat, but when you eat.

Experts say it’s best to finish eating three hours before going to bed. That means avoiding late-night snacks too. Sleeping on an incline, or on the left side can also help, and avoid clothes that are too tight or put pressure on the abdomen.

Doctors say to avoid alcohol and smoking. They also say losing extra weight can help relieve pressure on the stomach.

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A cervical teratoma is a rare, large tumor that develops in the neck, often in fetuses or newborns. The cancer often grows as the baby grows, and causes the airway to be restricted or even blocked. These cases require a specialized procedure during delivery to help the baby breathe and perhaps survive. News 8’s Brittany Noble has details of the lifesaving procedure in Monday’s Health Spotlight.

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Adults on average get one or two colds per year, with children getting up to six, and they usually last four to five days.

The symptoms are runny nose, dry cough, and sore throat.

But with the common cold, there are also some common myths that come with it.

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A new study from Australia shows that bacterial vaginosis (BV), commonly known as BV, should now be considered an STI/STD. BV affects 1 in 3 women, and is often recurrent in 50% of affected women following antibiotic treatment.  

Typical symptoms from BV include, vaginal itching, discharge, odor and pain with urination. BV can increase a woman’s risk of developing STIs/STDs, such as chlamydia, gonorrhea and HIV, which can increase a woman’s risk of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) and infertility. Becoming infected during pregnancy can increase a woman’s risk of premature birth or miscarriage.  

Though previous studies have shown BV is more common in sexually active women, to date, it has not been classified as an STI/STD. In the Australian study, the recurrence rate in infected women following antibiotic treatment was reduced by over 50% when male sexual partners were treated with oral and topical antibiotics. Prior studies also showed that women in same-sex relationships have a higher risk of BV. Additionally, having multiple sex partners, not using condoms, douching, having sex with an infected partner, and smoking increase the risk of a BV infection.   

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms or you have a history of recurrent BV infections, speak to your healthcare professional for further evaluation and possible partner treatment. 

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It’s becoming more common for people under 50 to be diagnosed with colon or rectal cancer.

According to the American Cancer Society, rates increased by more than 2% per year between 2012 and 2021. Could our everyday choices play a role?

It affects people from all walks of life.

The evidence does show that diet changes can help prevent the disease in all ages.

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A routine cancer screening led to a shocking diagnosis, now an Indianapolis man warns others to get the same screening.

People over 50 are at a higher risk for colon cancer, but now its becoming more common in younger adults. The American Cancer Society says early detection is key to survival.

Todd Carlson’s routine colonoscopy turned into a life-changing moment for him when he was 47-years-old.

The American Cancer Society now recommends regular screenings beginning at age 45, and even earlier if there’s a family history or symptoms. Black people are 20% more likely to get colorectal cancer and 40% more likely to die from it than most other groups.

If caught early, the survival rate is around 90%.

Now a year after his cancer diagnosis, Carlson is sharing his story in the hope that it will save lives.

The American Cancer Society suggests getting regular exercise, eating lots of fruits, veggies, and whole grains, and to avoid smoking or drinking alcohol to reduce your risk for colon cancer.

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Every day, children are exposed to harmful chemicals in toys, personal care products, food, furniture items, clothes, and building materials. Even the air they breathe can be full of pollutants. One study found that air pollution accounts for 20% of newborn deaths worldwide.

Everywhere you look — there are dangerous chemicals that can affect your kids’ health!

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Coffee consumption is increasing in the United States, with 67% of adults drinking coffee, according to the National Coffee Association.

Researchers suggest that moderate coffee consumption can offer health benefits, including a reduced risk of type 2 diabetes, coronary heart disease, and stroke.

A recent study published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism found that the benefits of coffee were highest for those who drank a moderate amount, defined as three cups or 200 to 300 milligrams of caffeine per day.

The Mayo Clinic also states that coffee can lower the risk of Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, liver disease, certain cancers, and kidney stones. However, dietitians warn that excessive caffeine intake can increase anxiety and disrupt sleep.

It’s also important to consider the amount of sugar, cream, and other additives in each cup of coffee.

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It seems like every week, there’s a headline about a plane crashing or a near miss. Many wonder if plane accidents are on the rise, and those without a previous phobia may find themselves becoming more fearful.

Surprisingly, the National Transportation Safety Board data shows air accidents in the US have been on the downward trend over the past 2 decades, even with an increase in the number of flights. In this same time period, international air accidents are down, according to the International Civil Aviation Organization.

Aerophobia or aviophobia affects 25 million Americans and it most commonly affects individuals between 17 to 34 years old. This condition is different than anxiety about a delayed flight, or seeing bad weather and wondering if everything will be okay with a planned flight. Those with a phobia have a persistent and obsessive fear.

Though cancelling a flight seems beneficial, avoidance is actually not helpful in eliminating the fear long-term. Some people may drink alcohol; however, this can prevent you from fully facing the fear and may increase your risk of alcohol dependence.

The recommended treatment is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). In some instances, an anxiety medication may be used as well, but this only helps in the short-term. To eliminate the fear, it must first be faced directly and through CBT, with healthy coping mechanisms established.

If you feel that you may have this condition and are in need of treatment, please speak to your health care team.

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