BECKLEY, W.Va. (WVVA) – May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and in Beckley, two healthcare providers set out to celebrate, provide resources, and show the community they care. On Saturday, sister-facilities Family Options Providers and Lifeline Addiction Specialists celebrated coming under new management with a mental health awareness day. Their event offered a petting zoo, music, vendors, a food truck, and more. The purpose of this fun afternoon is to bring awareness to the organizations’ causes and assure the public that they’re not alone. “We want to be warm and inviting and let them know ‘hey, we’re not judging you, just come on and we’ll do the best we can to take care of you’,” said April Clark, a peer of Family Options Providers. Family Options Providers and Lifeline Addiction Specialists are located at 550 North Eisenhower Drive in Beckley. You can find them both via their websites or Facebook pages. Watch WVVA on your phone, Roku, Apple TV and Amazon Fire TV stick.
Check Out The NLR Career Center!! Find Your Next Job ! In its first major attempt to reform the Affordability Care Act (“ACA”), the Trump Administration issued a proposed rule on March 10, 2025 (“Proposed Rule”) amending regulations governing insurance coverages subject to the ACA.[1] Public comments on the Proposed Rule will be accepted for consideration until April 11, 2025. In conjunction with the Proposed Rule, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (“CMS”) issued a statement explaining that the proposed regulations include “critical and necessary steps to protect people from being enrolled in Marketplace coverage without their knowledge or consent, promote stable and affordable health insurance markets, and ensure taxpayer dollars fund financial assistance only for the people the ACA set out to support.” To support its position, CMS cited a report from the Paragon Health Institute suggesting “4 to 5 million people were improperly enrolled in subsidized ACA coverage in 2024, costing federal taxpayers up to $20 billion.” The impact analysis that accompanies the Proposed Rule shows that the Proposed Rule will reduce enrollment in the ACA plans, reduce the number of people who access premium tax credits and cost-sharing reductions that make coverage more affordable, and limit benefits available to individuals including, specifically, coverage for services related to a sex-trait modification as an essential health benefit. As summarized below, the Proposed Rule contains a variety of key changes to the regulations governing health insurance subject to the ACA that will impact those seeking to obtain health coverage through state and federal insurance marketplaces (the “Marketplace”). In this regard, the Proposed Rule does the following These changes will not take effect immediately, as the Proposed Rule now faces a public comment period that stays open until April 11, 2025. After receipt of public comments, CMS may revise the Proposed Rule before issuing it in final form. If instituted, these changes could have significant impacts on the approximately 24 million Americans who enrolled in coverage in the ACA Marketplace for 2025 and who plan to enroll in coming years. Most importantly, consumers will have less time to enroll and need to present additional documentation to demonstrate eligibility for premium tax credits and cost-sharing reductions creating administrative barriers to enrolling in coverage. In addition, automatically re-enrolled consumers will be charged a small monthly fee until they confirm their eligibility information. Significantly, individuals who are brought to the country from abroad as children and are DACA status will be prohibited in enrolling in Marketplace coverage. And finally, the Proposed Rule prohibit insurers from covering gender-affirming care as essential health benefits. [1] Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act; Marketplace Integrity and Affordability, CMS-9884-P, 90 Fed. Reg. 12942 et seq. (the “Proposed Rule”). More Upcoming Events
Key points: A new executive order signed by President Trump takes aim at AI policies in K-12 education by “fostering interest and expertise in artificial intelligence (AI) technology from an early age to maintain America’s global dominance in this technological revolution for future generations.” The order asserts that students need access to opportunities to grow their skills and understanding around AI use, and that early training in AI will “demystify” the technology, better preparing students to become competent members of the AI workforce. Teacher preparation is key in this new priority, and the order notes that educators must have “the tools and knowledge to both train students about AI and utilize the technology in the classroom.” To meet the goals outlined in the order, President Trump will establish the White House Task Force on AI Education, which will plan and help agencies implement a Presidential AI Challenge. The Presidential AI Challenge will encourage and spotlight student and educator achievements in AI and foster collaboration between government, academia, philanthropy, and industry to address national challenges with AI solutions. The AI order is “a transparent attempt to open up schools to unaccountable tech companies, with wholly inadequate safeguards to protect our kids. It mandates that school districts spend their limited resources on unproven software, at the same time the administration is planning to slash districts’ overall funding. The administration has decided to ignore the trained professionals who will need to implement this mandate: America’s teachers. Instead, it is trying to impose AI from on high. It also appears to ignore the pressing need to enhance infrastructure, particularly broadband, in rural and other high-needs areas,” said AFT President Randi Weingarten in a statement. “We want to use AI for good. While AI can be a helpful and important tool for educators and students in classrooms, we’ve instead seen systems that produce disinformation, impinge on privacy and tell inaccurate accounts of history,” she continued. “Parents and teachers alike want students’ data and privacy protected, the ethical use of AI, and opportunities for their kids to safely engage with new technology. Instead, the president’s order prioritizes the interests of billionaire tech donors. It should be rejected in favor of what the research says works best: investing in classrooms and instruction designed by educators who work directly with students and who have the knowledge and expertise to meet their needs.” “If the purpose of education is to prepare learners to be successful in their careers and positive contributors in their communities, we cannot responsibly serve that purpose without addressing AI in a meaningful way,” said Rob Buelow, general manager of education at Vector Solutions. “The AI landscape is exploding and the education system is not keeping pace in either preparatory training or technology integrations. AI is now behind everything, from the information students consume in social media to the tools they’ll be expected to use in their jobs. From critical thinking to ethical decision-making to practical skill building, we need to do a better job setting students up for success as the world around them is rapidly changing. Students themselves are very clear that their classroom learning is not hitting the mark, and this is reinforced by employers who struggle with job candidates that have a clear deficiency in expected AI knowledge and skills.”
Want to share a great resource? Let us know at submissions@eschoolmedia.com. Stay up-to-date with the INNOVATIONS in K-12 Education Newsletter
Meaningful opportunities for teachers to build expertise and leadership beyond their classroom add to a sense of professionalism and fulfillment. In an age when the role of technology in education is rapidly changing, why not allow teachers to lead the way? On average, about 25 percent of children in the early grades struggle with reading. These students are often reluctant readers because they find the process complicated, and they lack confidence in their abilities. Math is a fundamental part of K-12 education, but students often face significant challenges in mastering increasingly challenging math concepts. Chronic absenteeism remains a widespread challenge in schools across the country, but in Wisconsin, Racine Unified School District’s Julian Thomas Elementary and Jerstad-Agerholm Middle School are demonstrating that innovative, data-driven approaches can make a difference. This month’s episode explores how remote and digital learning has evolved beyond emergency pandemic measures into strategic, purpose-driven educational approaches. … Read more
Trending Doctor Verified When people hear the disease ‘Inflammatory Bowel Disease’ (IBD), they usually think of stomach pain, frequent bathroom trips, and digestive problems. What is less well-recognised but equally crucial is the invisible war that takes place beyond the stomach. IBD affects not only the body but also the mind. Many patients suffer from anxiety, sadness, and stress in addition to medical problems, often unaware that the two are inextricably linked. On this World IBD Day, observed on May 19 every year, we spoke to Dr Adarsh CK, HOD and Senior Consultant – Medical Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Advanced Endoscopy, Kengeri, Bengaluru, who explained the link between IBD and mental health. This relationship is more than simply emotional; it is biological. The gut-brain axis is a two-way communication highway that connects your digestive system to your brain. And with IBD patients, this channel of communication is frequently on fire. According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, IBD, which includes Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, is a chronic intestinal condition impacting approximately 1.6 million Americans, with most diagnoses occurring before age 35. “Your gut contains a complex nervous system, often called the ‘second brain,’ which produces neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine that influence mood. When the gut becomes inflamed, as in IBD (which includes Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis), the delicate equilibrium gets disrupted,” explained Dr Adarsh. A chronic inflammatory response can produce chemicals that enter the bloodstream and reach the brain, possibly contributing to depression, irritation, and cognitive fog. Over time, patients may experience not only bloating and cramping but also a general sense of uneasiness or emotional fatigue. Also Read: What Is The Difference Between Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), Doctor Explains A systematic 2021 review reported a pooled prevalence of anxiety symptoms at 35.1% and depression symptoms at 21.6% among IBD patients. These are not simply emotional reactions to a distressing diagnosis; they are part of the sickness. The stress of uncertain symptoms, food restrictions, and frequent hospital visits can wear down even the strongest minds. “Furthermore, mental health issues might cause physical flare-ups. When stressed or apprehensive, your body develops a ‘fight or flight’ response, exacerbating gut inflammation. It becomes a vicious cycle: gut flares affect the mind, and mental stress fuels the fire in the belly,” added Dr Adarsh. For far too long, IBD was treated primarily as a gastrointestinal issue. But as our understanding grows, it becomes evident that healing necessitates a more comprehensive approach. Medication remains the backbone of treatment, but it is insufficient. An excellent IBD treatment plan should include:
Dietary advice: Some foods may exacerbate symptoms or cause flare-ups. A nutritionist can assist in developing a personalised strategy that not only prevents problems but also promotes mental wellness (omega-3s, fibre, and probiotics).
Mental health support: Regular counselling or therapy can help patients deal with the emotional toll of living with a chronic illness. Cognitive-behavioural treatment (CBT), in particular, has had excellent outcomes in patients suffering from gastrointestinal diseases.
Stress-management tools: Breathing techniques, yoga, mindfulness, and even easy walks help reduce stress, which may alleviate stomach issues.
Living with IBD requires more than just managing drug schedules. Here are some easy tactics shared by the expert that can make a significant difference:
Track your emotions and symptoms together: Keeping a journal might help you identify trends in emotional stress and stomach flares.
Avoid isolation: Joining a support group or simply speaking with others who understand can help alleviate loneliness and helplessness.
Stick to a regimen: Regular meals, consistent sleep, and modest physical activity can help to maintain both gastrointestinal function and emotional well-being.
Do not self-medicate: Taking too many pain relievers or anti-anxiety medications can be more harmful than beneficial. Always consult with your doctor first.
Journee-Mondiale > Sport I never thought the simple side-step motion I learned in middle school gym class would become my secret weapon against Zoom fatigue. When pandemic-induced remote work transformed my dining table into an office, I noticed my energy plummeting during back-to-back video calls. That’s when I decided to experiment: what if I did step touches during every Zoom meeting? Step touches are exactly what they sound like—stepping to one side, touching your toe to the ground, and returning to center. This low-impact movement became my subtle rebellion against sitting still. During every virtual meeting, I’d stand just out of camera view and step rhythmically side to side. “Micro-movements throughout the day contribute significantly to your overall caloric expenditure and metabolic health,” explains Dr. Melissa Chen, exercise physiologist at Austin Wellness Institute. “These small activities, sometimes called ‘NEAT’ or non-exercise activity thermogenesis, can burn up to 350 additional calories daily.” By week two, I noticed I wasn’t experiencing the mid-afternoon energy crash. By day 30, my fitness tracker showed I was averaging an extra 2,500 steps daily—just from meeting movements! More surprisingly, my concentration during calls actually improved rather than diminished. The benefits reminded me of what I discovered when I tried a 5-minute desk workout that continued burning calories hours afterward—small efforts yield outsized results. Unlike more intense workouts that leave you sweaty, step touches provide what fitness professionals call the “Goldilocks zone” of exertion—just enough movement to elevate your heart rate without disrupting your workday. “The genius of integrating movement into meetings is that it transforms otherwise sedentary time into active minutes,” says Trevor Williams, corporate wellness consultant. “Your body doesn’t distinguish between ‘exercise’ and ‘movement’—it simply responds to not being stationary.” Think of your Zoom schedule as a workout calendar. I started with five minutes per call, eventually working up to entire meetings. The key is consistency rather than intensity. During particularly engaging meetings where I needed to present, I’d switch to seated step touches instead. This approach works similarly to how walking 7,500 steps daily can transform mental health—the cumulative effect is what creates meaningful change. Like a meandering stream clearing sediment as it flows, step touches seemed to flush away mental fog during long meetings. The gentle rhythm created what psychologists call “active meditation”—enough physical engagement to prevent mind-wandering without requiring conscious focus. After two weeks, I began incorporating different movements to target various muscle groups, similar to how ditching weights for bodyweight exercises doubled core strength for some fitness enthusiasts. Try adding arm movements, light ankle weights, or alternating between quick and slow tempos. The beauty of desk workouts is their adaptability—they grow with your fitness level without requiring additional time commitment. I was initially embarrassed about my “step touch habit,” hiding it from colleagues. Now I openly advocate for movement during meetings, sharing how it’s possible to burn significant calories with no-equipment routines without disrupting workflow. Like the daily mobility move that eliminated chronic pain for some practitioners, my simple step touches transformed both my physical energy and mental approach to remote work. Could your next Zoom call be your next workout opportunity? Your body doesn’t know the difference between exercise and movement—it only knows when you’re giving it what it needs to thrive.
Voice of Nigeria – | The Authoritative Voice WHO Nominates New African Regional Director Suicide Bomber Strikes Mogadishu Military Camp Libya’s PM Declares Militia Disbandment Ongoing Ethiopian PM Champions AI Innovation For Africa’s Growth Portuguese Vote In Election Full Of High Expectations French Interior Minister Wins To Lead Conservative Party Russia Launches Deadliest Drone Attack Since Invasion Of Ukraine Pope Leo Condemns Exploitation, Calls For Unity In Inaugural Mass South Africa Crowned Champions U20 AFCON 2025 Nigeria Defeat Egypt On Penalties U20 AFCON: Morocco, South Africa Set For Final Favour Ofili Shatters 150m World Record Nigerian Government has reaffirmed its commitment to revitalising Unity Schools across the country to make them centres of excellence capable of nurturing future generations and advancing national development. Minister of State for Education, Professor Suwaiba Sa’id Ahmad stated this during her tour to Federal Government College (FGC), Kano, in Kano state and Federal Government Girls College (FGGC), Kazaure, in Jigawa State. The Minister in a statement by the Director of Press of the Ministry, Folasade Boriowo noted that the tour is part of the ongoing efforts to assess infrastructure, teaching standards, and student welfare across unity schools across the country. During the visits, Professor Suwaiba engaged directly with school leadership, teachers, and students, gaining first-hand insights into the conditions of the schools and the challenges they face. She explained that the inspection was not ceremonial but a deliberate effort to align government policies with realities on the ground. “By listening and observing operations in real-time, the Ministry seeks to implement more targeted and impactful interventions,” she said . Professor Suwaiba said the assessment tour becomes necessary as the Federal Government has earmarked over ₦80 billion for the renovation and upgrade of more than 100 Unity Schools across the nation. “This investment reflects the government’s determination to improve the quality of education through the provision of modern and conducive learning environments,” she said. She further revealed that the Ministry is developing a national digital platform for teacher training. “This platform will enable teachers nationwide to access contemporary instructional resources and professional development opportunities, regardless of their location,”he said According to the Minister, empowering teachers with up-to-date pedagogical skills is central to achieving sustainable improvement in education delivery. In addition, the Minister highlighted the importance of maintaining appropriate student-teacher ratios, implementing regular quality assurance assessments, and promoting inclusive education. She noted that Conditional Cash Transfers (CCTs) remain a vital tool in supporting students from disadvantaged backgrounds, improving access to education and reducing dropout rates. At FGC Kano, the Minister was received by the principal, Mrs. Hafsat Adebayo, who expressed appreciation for the visit, describing it as timely and encouraging. Professor Suwaiba addressed the students, urging them to pursue academic excellence while cultivating values such as discipline, honesty, and integrity. She cautioned against examination malpractice and reminded them that education should shape not only what they know but who they become. The inspection continued at FGGC Kazaure, where the Minister not only assessed facilities including classrooms, laboratories, and the ICT centre but tasted the food prepared for the boarding Students. She expressed concern over the state of some infrastructure, particularly the lack of internet connectivity in the ICT centre, and assured the school management that such challenges would be prioritised. The principal of the college, Mrs. Feniah Vokito, outlined key areas requiring urgent attention and commended the Minister for her proactive engagement. Professor Suwaiba described the Unity Colleges as pillars of national unity and academic excellence, stating that the Federal Government remains committed to strengthening their capacity and relevance. She emphasised that investment in infrastructure must be complemented by investments in human capital, strong leadership, and continuous policy support to ensure these institutions fulfil their foundational mandate. The inspection tour marks a proactive shift in the Ministry’s approach to governance, rooted in transparency, accountability, and stakeholder collaboration.
A Florida Democratic Representative slammed what she called a “GOP plan to rip healthcare from nearly 14 million Americans to fund tax cuts for the ultra-rich.”
After more than 26 hours of debate in the Energy and Commerce Committee, U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor, a Tampa Democrat, delivered closing remarks exposing the impact of House Republicans’ plan to gut health care for nearly 14 million Americans. The Democratic Congresswoman said the House Republicans’ budget proposal slashes roughly $800 billion from Medicaid and other critical health care initiatives that serve low- and middle-income families to pay for $4.5 trillion in tax cuts that overwhelmingly benefit billionaires and big corporations. “Almost 14 million Americans will lose their health coverage to give the richest Americans a large, permanent tax cut, while working families will see eventual tax increases. They’re going to add $5 trillion to the debt. It’s fiscally irresponsible, and it is morally wrong,” said Rep. Kathy Castor. “Now, at the outset of our hearing that began over 24 hours ago, Democrats highlighted folks back home who rely on Medicaid, and the Republicans protested. They said none of those people are going to lose their health care. Well, here’s what we know. The nonpartisan, independent CBO (Congressional Budget Office) says 14 million Americans will lose care. And why won’t people believe what the Republicans are saying? It’s because the Republicans have a track record of opposing affordable health care, while Democrats have championed the health of our neighbors. We do not believe that you should be bankrupt if you get a diagnosis. This is smart policy. We want people to be productive and healthy.” Watch Tampa Representative Kathy Castor’s remarks online. A transcript of her full remarks follows below:
“Well, thank you, Mr. Chairman. This amendment says that none of the provisions of this Title shall take effect if any of the provisions result in reduced access to coverage under the Health Title. And as we bring this debate in for a landing today, I want to say to my Democratic colleagues, I’m so proud to stand with you. You’re eloquent and fearless. And to Chairman Guthrie and my Republican colleagues, I want to thank you. I appreciate your respectful tenor of the debate. “But we’ve learned a lot since the Republicans sprung this cruel and costly tax and spending package on Americans late in the dark of night, on Mother’s Day no less, rushing it to committee without a hearing, shrouding the health care debate—starting that at 1 AM in the middle of the night—but here’s what we know. Almost 14 million Americans will lose their health coverage to give the richest Americans a large, permanent tax cut, while working families will see eventual tax increases. They’re going to add $5 trillion to the debt. It’s fiscally irresponsible, and it is morally wrong. 14 million Americans. That’s the combined population of the states of Kentucky and Virginia. Some of the largest health care cuts ever proposed in American history, harming not just our neighbors, but providers, doctors, nurses, hospitals, therapists, who provide care. “So this is going to impact all Americans. Here’s how. They’re going to bury people in costly paperwork. You slip up? No care. [They’re] Going to make it harder to enroll. No care. They’re going to shrink the enrollment periods. No care. They’re going to choke off the ability of states and providers to fund care. So no care there either. They’re going to raise premiums and price people out, so they lose care. Eligible parents and families will be forced to jump through hoops when instead, they should be focused on setting their kids up for success in life. It will be harder for families to access long-term care, or [to] stay in their homes and live in dignity. “Now, at the outset of our hearing that began over 24 hours ago, Democrats highlighted folks back home who rely on Medicaid, and the Republicans protested. They said none of those people are going to lose their health care. Well, here’s what we know. The nonpartisan, independent CBO says 14 million Americans will lose care. And why won’t people believe what the Republicans are saying? It’s because the Republicans have a track record of opposing affordable health care, while Democrats have championed the health of our neighbors. We do not believe that you should be bankrupt if you get a diagnosis. This is smart policy. We want people to be productive and healthy. “In fact, you can go all the way back to the 1960s when it was a Democratic president and a Democratic Congress, who originally passed Medicaid and Medicare into law. Or maybe something more in the modern era. [In] 2010, when a Democratic president and a Democratic Congress, as the rolls of the uninsured reached 25 percent in the state of Florida, passed the Affordable Care Act to outlaw discrimination for preexisting conditions. We passed a law that said kids can stay on their parents’ plan to age 26. We expanded Medicaid. Twenty-one million Americans now have health coverage because of Medicaid expansion. That ultimately cut the uninsured rate in half. We’re now at a historic low in the number of uninsured. We were constraining spending. “But see, the Republicans have a track record, because they fought it every step of the way. There wasn’t one Republican vote for the Affordable Care Act. And then, go to 2017, the first Trump Administration, Republicans in this committee fought to repeal the ACA. Contrast that to the Democratic record. We passed the Inflation Reduction Act, [including] key reforms to lower health care costs. [We] directed Medicare to negotiate prices for the highest cost drugs. We capped the price of insulin at $35, a $2,000 cap for everyone on Medicare, and enhanced premium tax credits. The track record, again, not one GOP vote here. “In 2021, [in] the midst of a maternal mortality crisis, we gave states a new option to provide Medicaid postpartum coverage. [Now here] In 2025, at the outset of this Congress, the Republicans are turning a blind eye. They’re going down the same old path to rip health coverage away. It doesn’t have to be like this. [p]eople in America deserve affordable, reliable care, and that’s what we intend to fight for. From this day forward, no matter if you pass this bill out of this committee, we’re not going to give up. We’re going to stand up for our neighbors back home. See them. See them, listen to them. Empower them. Support them. Don’t rip away their coverage to fund a massive tax giveaway for the wealthy.”
