in other unexpected ways , like focusing attention . One recent study showed that caring for fish helped teens with diabetes better manage their disease . The caretaking routine of feeding and checking water levels for the fish was paired with children reviewing their blood glucose logs with parents . Compared with teens who weren ’ t given fish to care for , fish caring teens were more disciplined about checking their own blood glucose levels , which is essential for maintaining their health . When people at an Alzheimer ’ s-disease facility dined in front of aquariums with brightly colored fish , they ate more , got better nutrition and were less prone to pacing . They were also more attentive and less lethargic .
Benefits versus costs – being realistic .
While pets may bring a wide range of health benefits , an animal may not work for everyone , and it is important to be realistic about your situation . Pets bring new responsibilities and represent a serious commitment . You ’ ll need to have the time , money , and energy for a pet as well as a calm environment with routine and consistency . Bringing a new pet into the household should not be done on a whim . Before deciding , it is important to determine what you can provide in terms of resources to care for the pet ; this includes keeping only the type and number of pets for which you can provide a safe environment ( food , water , shelter , health care and companionship ). Animals that spend extended periods of time outside require habitats that protect their health , safety , and welfare . Considering these factors will ensure you make the best decision for you and the pet .
It is also important to remember that animals can feel stressed and fatigued too , and taking the time to find the pet that meets your lifestyle and home environment is important to ensuring it is an enjoyable experience for you and your chosen pet . If you can ’ t afford a pet , live somewhere you ’ re not allowed one , or are worried about having times where you are too unwell to care for one , there are other options . The simplest option may be spending time with a friends ’ pet ; they may be glad to have someone to pet sit for a while . Or there are also volunteer opportunities with your local animal shelters and humane societies to consider .
Adanta is your local community mental health center and is available to provide outpatient mental health and substance use , prevention , and advocacy services . To learn more about Adanta ’ s services please visit our website , www . adanta . org or call 1-800-954-4782 . Adanta is a participating provider in the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline and offers crisis services 24 / 7 by calling 1-800-633-5599 .
Adanta would like to take this opportunity to encourage responsible pet ownership and to promote actions of empathy , compassion , and kindness to animals .
Adanta Community Mental Health Center is Ready to Help !
If you are searching for help or would like more information about services , call toll free 1.800.954.4782 x 0 , visit Adanta ’ s website at www . adanta . org , or Adanta ’ s Facebook page at www . facebook . com / The . Adanta . Group . Adanta has been serving the Lake Cumberland area since 1967 , delivering quality services to meet the needs of the people served . “ Enhancing Lives ” is the Purpose of the organization , and serves as the beacon for being a great community partner and resource through its services , programs , outreach , and presence in the Lake Cumberland and surrounding counties .**
Adanta is CARF accredited in Adult , Child , & Adolescent Outpatient Treatment ; Mental Health and Alcohol and Other Drugs ; Adult Mental Health Crisis Intervention and Crisis Stabilization ; and Adult , Child , and Adolescent Mental Health and Alcohol and Other Drugs ; and Prevention .
** Outpatient Clinics are in the counties of Adair , Barren , Casey , Clinton , Green , McCreary , Pulaski , Russell , Taylor , and Wayne .
The Adanta Group , a contractor with the Department for Behavioral Health , Developmental and Intellectual Disabilities and the Cabinet for Health and Family Services , provides behavioral health / substance use services with state and federal funds .
The Adanta Group
CRISIS
CENTER AND 24 HOUR
HOTLINE
1-800-633-5599 ( TTD / TTY )
Emergency Crisis Line
April 2023 SEKY - Life in Southeast Kentucky • 41