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Wisconsin AG seeks to stop Elon Musk's $1M payments at rally giveaway; Rural advocates urge CA lawmakers to safeguard banking protections; Federal, state job cuts threaten FL workers' rights, services; Alabama counties lack high-speed internet and health access.

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President Trump says there are ways for him to take a third term. New tariffs are scheduled for this week, but economists say they'll hurt buying power. And advocates say the Trans Day of Visibility is made more important by state legislation.

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Rural folks face significant clean air and water risks due to EPA cutbacks, a group of policymakers is working to expand rural health care via mobile clinics, and a new study maps Montana's news landscape.

Health experts advise sunshine, sports, socializing to beat 'winter blues'

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Wednesday, February 19, 2025   

Ohioans may find mid- to late-winter challenging due to short days, cold weather, and postholiday letdowns and they are not alone.

The American Psychiatric Association said two of five people reported sleeping more this time of year and experience fatigue, depression and moodiness, all symptoms of seasonal affective disorder.

Caleb Adler, professor of psychiatry and behavioral neuroscience at the University of Cincinnati, said while the symptoms are often mild, if you're feeling down, you should reconnect with friends or find new activities.

"Make more of an effort to reach out socially, to get together with people, also to make an effort to be active," Adler recommended. "For some people, that may mean perhaps winter sports, which are more available, broadening your exercise, because it's critical that whatever they do, they enjoy."

As an alternative, Adler suggested light therapy: Get at least 30 minutes of sunshine a day or consider using a light box, which he said is a relatively low-impact way of getting better light exposure in the winter.

Adler noted it can be a matter of degree. Losing a case of the winter blues may be a question of changing your routine, while seasonal affective disorder can mean a severe case of depression and require professional care.

"Winter blues, you expect them to be more limited in scope," Adler explained. "I wouldn't expect them to cause significant interruptions in function and ability to work. Whereas seasonal affective disorder is a real depressive disorder, which by definition is functionally impairing."

Dr. Rhonda Randall, chief medical officer and executive vice president of UnitedHealthcare Employer and Individual, said while the winter blues are not uncommon, you should definitely consider seeing a doctor if it hangs on or becomes severe.

"It really is important to recognize when you're feeling blue -- and it's persistent -- when to seek help and get an assessment by a trained medical professional," Randall advised. "I always recommend everyone have a primary care physician. That's a good place to start."

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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