Pine Rest Mission Statement
Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services is called to express the healing
ministry of Jesus Christ by providing behavioral health services with
professional excellence, Christian integrity and compassion.
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Memory Screening Day is November 6
By: Matt Philpott
Is forgetfulness a worry for you or a loved one? Forgetfulness and memory loss are common complaints associated with aging. For most people, these symptoms are the result of age-related changes in the brain. For others, however, they can be signs of a memory disorder, such as Alzheimer’s disease.
Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services will be teaming up with Saint Mary’s Alzheimer’s Disease and Memory Disorders Program on November 6 to conduct Memory Screening Day. The Pine Rest Northeast Clinic and Saint Mary’s Alzheimer’s Disease and Memory Disorders Program will be offering memory screenings to the public on this day. Screenings are free and confidential. They can help differentiate between normal age-related changes and illnesses such as Alzheimer’s Disease. Free educational handouts will be available at screening sites, as well as opportunities for one-on-one consultation with health care professionals.
“Our goal,” said Scott Halstead, Ph.D., neuropsychologist and manager of Pine Rest’s Psychological Consultation Center, “is to help people worry less or get early treatment at the time when it can be most effective.”
According to Halstead, an early start on a healthy lifestyle is key to keeping the brain healthier later in life.
“We know a healthy body equals a healthy brain, so people should start watching what they eat, get regular exercise, and remain engaged in social and mentally challenging activities,” said Halstead. “A healthier brain takes longer to suffer from the effects of memory disorders.” Halstead added, “Lifestyle changes in the 30s can have the effect of keeping people cognitively healthier in their 70s and 80s.”
Screening locations and times are: 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Pine Rest Northeast Clinic
1700 East Beltline, NE, Suite 240
Grand Rapids, MI
Saint Mary’s Alzheimer’s Disease and
Memory Disorder Program
260 Jefferson SE, Suite 206
Grand Rapids, MI
Those interested in further information should contact Pine Rest at 616/364-1500, or Saint Mary’s Alzheimer’s Disease and Memory Disorders Program at 616/752-5432.
By Melissa Garland
By definition, anorexia nervosa is a psychiatric diagnosis of an eating disorder, where the client is suffering from low body weight and a distorted body image, along with an obsessive fear of weight gain. Anorexics often control their weight by starvation, purging, vomiting, diet pills, and excessive exercise.
“Anorexia nervosa, as an eating disorder, is the nice girl’s way of rebelling,” said Michelle Muenzenmeyer MA, LLP of Pine Rest’s Northeast Clinic. “A high percentage of those with anorexia are white, upper middle-class girls who look in the mirror and don’t like what they see.”
Those with anorexia have an overwhelming desire to please others, and go out of their way to make others happy. As a result, they internalize their feelings, devaluing them. “To them, it’s ‘not nice’ to be angry,” said Muenzenmeyer, “it’s ‘not nice’ to NOT be perfect. They certainly don’t believe in themselves. So instead of controlling their emotions, they control their eating.”
Societal pressure for thinness and an impossible standard of beauty also increases the anxiety of a person dealing with anorexia. “Image is huge, it’s everything,” said Muenzenmeyer. “These patients don’t know how to feel, so they equate looking good to feeling good. Since they are engaged in black and white thinking, you are either fat or thin, ugly or pretty.”
Treatment for these patients is a long, hard road. “Of the psychiatric disorders, it is one of the most difficult to treat, with the highest mortality rate,” said Muenzenmeyer. “The biggest obstacle is the patient has to want to get better.”
What drives an anorexic to want to get better? “It usually takes years for anorexics to agree to get help, usually when they are adult-aged, and only when the disadvantages start to outweigh the benefits. Health problems creep up. They lose a job or a boyfriend to their obsession. Or the disease loses its effect to control their life.”
It takes an average of 7 years to treat an eating disorder. “Once a patient feels true empowerment, food and body weight are not as important. Their self-esteem increases and they are ready to face their feelings.”
Pine Rest Nurse Participates with American Nurses Credentialing Center Review Committee
By Matt Philpott
The American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) is a Maryland-based certification program founded in 1991. It is a subsidiary of the American Nurses Association (ANA). ANCC helps establish higher standards of practice for nurses by providing certification and accreditation for nurses active in specialty nursing fields.
In May, 2007, the ANCC released a new psychiatric/mental health credentialing exam, and Pine Rest nurse Jill Martino was selected to be part of a 10-nurse committee to review the exam and help determine its passing score.
“I had volunteered to take an ANCC exam in October 2006 at Western Michigan University. They had new test questions that they wanted to try-out. Soon after I took the exam, I received an invitation to come out to Maryland in February to be part of a standard-setting panel to review the new exam,” says Martino.
Along with taking and reviewing the exam themselves, the panel approximated the passing score using a statistical tool. “It was tough,” states Martino. “We had two very draining days of taking the new national exam ourselves. In order to pass, you have to get a percentage of the questions correct.”
Despite the rigorous schedule, Martino says the experience was a good one. “I really enjoyed this opportunity. The panel consisted of nurses from all over the United States, and it was great to network with them.”
Family Institute LecturesNovember 7
Institute for Spiritual Care Lecture Series
"The Power of Weakness: Utilizing Spiritual Resources in Clinical Contexts" Featuring J. Derek McNeil, PhD, from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the Pinnacle Center, 3330 Highland Drive, Hudsonville, MI 49426.
Additional information is available on the Pine Rest Website.
October 11, 2007
National Depression Screening Day
Eight Pine Rest outpatient clinics will host free confidential screenings for National Depression Screening Day on Thursday, October 11, 2007. Services offered will include free confidential screenings, and a one-on-one assessment with a trained mental health professional. Educational materials will also be available for those interested in helping themselves or family members who may be suffering from depression.
Additional information is available on the Pine Rest Website.
Professional Lecture Series
October 24, 2007
Recognition and Treatment of Women with Depression throughout the Life Cycle: Menarche to Menopause
Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services’ Professional Lecture Series will continue in the fall with a presentation on “Women and Depression” Wednesday, October 24, featuring Michael R. Lyles, M.D. 3 CME/CEU credits. 3 CAC contact hours. 3 MI CE Collaborative clock hours.
Additional information is available on the Pine Rest Website.
October 8, 22
Pine Rest 'Family Connection' Support Group
The Family Connection is a bi-monthly group for families who have a member with a diagnosed mental illness. Helps spouses, parents, siblings, and other caregivers more effectively deal with stress created by symptoms and behaviors. 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. at Pine Rest's Southwest Clinic, 4211 Parkway Place, Suite 100, Grandville. Cost: Free. Facilitated by Jim Vander May, LMSW. Call 616/222-3700, ext. 4 for more information.
Additional information is available on the Pine Rest Website.
November 7, 14, 21, 28
Eating Disorders Therapeutic Support Group
Ongoing confidential group geared for persons with diagnosed eating disorders who are also receiving treatment from a health professional. 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. at Pine Rest Northeast Clinic, 1700 East Beltline, NE, Suite 240. Cost: $10/week. Facilitated by Michelle Muenzenmeyer, MA, LLP. An assessment or referral is required prior to joining the group. To schedule an assessment or for more information, call 616/364-1500.
Additional information is available on the Pine Rest Website.
October 9, 16, 23, 30
Anger Management Classes for Teens
The classes will be led by Ryan LaRue MSW, LMSW, ACSW, outpatient therapist at Pine Rest’s Campus Clinic. The classes are designed for males and females, aged 12-17. Each session will be held over the course of four consecutive Tuesdays, from 4:15-5:30 p.m. in the Van Andel Center on Pine Rest’s main campus, 300 68th Street SE in Cutlerville. The cost is $75 per person. Those interested in these classes do not have to be patients of Pine Rest. Space may be limited and early registration is recommended.
Additional information is available on the Pine Rest Website.
October 27
PREP Couples Communication Workshop
To help couples overcome common problems in miscommunication, Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services is hosting the Prevention and Relationship Enhancement Program (PREP). Sessions will be held at the outpatient & administration building on Pine Rest’s main campus, 300 68th Street SE, Cutlerville. Session dates are October 27 from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m., and December 1 from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. Sessions will be facilitated by Remi Rakipi, LMSW, clinician with Pine Rest Campus Clinic. Cost is $100 per couple and must be submitted with registration prior to the date of the workshop. To register, or for more information, interested persons should call 616/281-6450, or email: remi.rakipi@pinerest.org.
Additional information is available on the Pine Rest Website.
Pine Rest Services
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Disclaimer
| Copyright © 2007, Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services. All rights reserved. The contents of Mental Health News & Information are for informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. It cannot and should not be used as a basis for diagnosis or choice of treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical or mental health condition. |  |
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