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Wildfires prompt evacuation in the Carolinas as New Jersey crews battle their own blaze; Iowa town halls find 'empty chairs'; CA groups bring generations together to work on society's biggest problems; PA works to counter Trump clean energy rollbacks.

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Lawmakers from both parties face angry constituents. Some decide to skip town halls rather than address concerned voters and Kentucky considers mandatory Medicaid work requirements.

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Cuts to Medicaid and frozen funding for broadband are both likely to have a negative impact on rural healthcare, which is already struggling. Plus, lawsuits over the mass firing of federal workers have huge implications for public lands.

Expert: Connections, sunlight needed to fight wintertime blues in MD

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Tuesday, February 18, 2025   

A recent study found nearly four in 10 people suffer from wintertime blues but experts offer some ways people can combat feeling down during the wintertime.

It is a common occurrence. In the cold, winter months, the days are short. People frequently drive to work in the dark and then leave by the time it is dark again. A lack of sunlight and the cold months can make people sleep more, feel more depressed or fatigued. The formal name of the malady is seasonal affective disorder.

Dr. Rhonda Randall, chief medical officer and executive vice president of UnitedHealthcare Employer and Individual, said people should seek out a consultation from their primary physician, who can then refer them to specialists if needed.

"It is really important to recognize when you are feeling blue -- and it's persistent -- when to seek help and to get an assessment by a trained medical professional," Randall advised.

According to the health care company Good RX, all but one of Maryland's counties were in the two highest risk categories for seasonal affective disorder. Somerset County was the only county to rank in the middle risk category.

To combat seasonal depression, Randall offered some ways people can work through it themselves. She suggested trying to get at least 30 minutes of sunlight a day, even during the winter months. Exercise, she added, also helps with wintertime blues. And our social circles greatly affect our health and how we feel, whether in the winter or summer.

"When we think about longevity and quality of life, those strong ties to friends and family are very good for our health," Randall explained. "Surrounding yourself with a support network is really important. And make that a priority in your health and in your life."

Randall noted individuals with more severe seasonal affective disorder can get prescription lights to help compensate for a lack of sunshine.

Disclosure: UnitedHealthcare contributes to our fund for reporting on Health Issues. If you would like to help support news in the public interest, click here.


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