The changing of the clocks is a 100-year-old tradition that officially began in 1918, that affects an estimated 1.5 billion people around the world. “Falling back” means most of us get an extra hour of sleep, but it also means spending more of the day in darkness. This is a risk factor for those who suffer with depression.

According to the American Heart Association, depression is reported in an estimated 1 in 10 of Americans ages 18 and older, and the figure can be as high as 33 percent for heart attack patients. The connection between depression and the heart is not only about a person’s mood, but the biochemical changes that predispose other health issues, including heart problems.

Below are four tips to help keep your mood and heart healthier this fall:

1. Discuss how you are feeling, both physically and mentally, with your healthcare provider. He or she may be able to provide suggestions or refer you to another provider for additional care.
2. Choose healthy habits, but don’t rush into a new routine. If you begin exercising, start gradually rather than putting pressure on yourself to begin a rigorous routine.
3. Try making new dishes from seasonal produce. It’s easy to eat the wrong foods when you’re feeling down, but make it a point to try a new fall recipe each week. Find recipes that allow you to use an assortment of fall fruits and vegetables that are available to us during this time of the year.
4. Stay connected. Laughter and friendship is great medicine for everyone. Take the time to reach out to family and friends so you’re not spending so much time alone.

To speak with a St. Vincent cardiologist about the link between your mood and heart health, call me at 812-485-4897.

The Indiana State Police is proud to partner again in 2019 with the U.S. Department of Justice in promoting the National Missing Children’s Day Poster Contest.  In 1983, President Ronald Reagan proclaimed May 25^th as National Missing Children’s Day.  This day is dedicated to encouraging parents, guardians, caregivers and all concerned individuals with the well-being of children to make child safety a priority.  It also serves as a reminder to continue our efforts to reunite missing children with their families and loved ones.  It also serves as an occasion to honor those that are dedicated to this very noble cause.  The National Missing Children’s Poster Contest provides an opportunity for schools, law enforcement, and parents/guardians to discuss and promote child safety.

The state winner will receive a national award certificate from the U.S. Department of Justice and their poster will be selected to go to the national judging competition.  The national winner, along with his/her parents and teacher, along with the state manager will be invited to Washington, D.C. to participate in the U.S. DOJ’s National Missing Children’s Day ceremony.

Some important facts about the contest:

• There is NO LIMIT on the number of posters a school can submit.
• Only 1 poster per student is allowed for submission.
• Students who submit posters MUST be in the 5th grade.^ 
• Artwork should reflect the theme “Bringing Our Missing Children Home.” This phrase MUST appear somewhere on the poster.
• The theme may be depicted in the artwork through one or a combination of illustrations and can be created using media such as acrylics, watercolor, pencils, charcoal, magic markers, spray paint, crayons and pastels. Digitally produced images, collages, cut-outs and stamping WILL NOT be eligible for consideration.
• The finished poster MUST measure 8 ½ X 14 inches.
• The poster must be submitted with a COMPLETED application, which includes a description of the poster and a brief biography of the artist.
• All poster contest rules can be found at https://ncjtc-static.fvtc.edu/Resources/RS00005796.pdf
• Deadline for submissions from participating organizations to be received by state manager Torie Harris is February 1, 2019.

To learn more about the National Missing Children’s Day Poster contest visit:  https://www.ojjdp.gov/missingchildrensday/

If ever a child goes missing, contact your local police department or dial 9-1-1.  It is also a good idea to keep an updated picture or cell phone image, and a DNA sample from your child.  For more safety and prevention tips please visit http://www.in.gov/amberalert/2335.htm

We wish all participants good luck in the competition and to have fun creating the posters!