Overloaded & Overwhelmed
Overstimulation is the result of difficulty processing sensory input. It can happen to both children and adults, though it’s more common in people with conditions like anxiety, ADHD, PTSD, and autism.
Sensory information like sounds, smells, physical sensations (food textures or clothing tags), or lights and movements all compete for your brain’s attention and can make you feel overwhelmed and have difficulty focusing.
People respond to sensory overload in a variety of ways, including anxiety, restlessness, agitation, lashing out, or shutting down. If this is something you or your family experience, there are ways to find relief.
It’s important to identify your (or your child’s) triggers and think about ways you can avoid them or reduce the number of triggers you experience in a day. This could mean decluttering your space, limiting screen time, looking for clothing that doesn’t irritate, wearing headphones at school or the office, or limiting the number of social interactions in the day (or building rest time in between them). If sensory overloads happen often, talk with your doctor about possible related conditions and treatment options.
Quick Vaccine: HPV Vaccine
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a very common virus that can cause cancer, but there is a vaccine to help protect your family. Here’s what you need to know:
- 85% of people will get an HPV infection in their lifetime.
- Most infections go away on their own, but they can cause six types of cancers, most commonly cervical cancer.
- The risk doesn’t only apply to women – over 14,000 men in the United States get cancers caused by HPV every year.
- The HPV vaccine can prevent over 90% of cancers caused by HPV.
- The vaccine is safe and effective for both boys and girls, and it works best for preteens before they come into contact with the virus or become sexually active.
- The vaccine can be given starting at age 9 and up to age 26.
- Some adults aged 27-45 may still be eligible to receive the vaccine after talking with their doctor.
- Side effects for this highly effective and long-lasting vaccine are mild and similar to other common vaccines.
