Residency Interviews? Stay Organized With This Hack
Interview season can be so stressful, but it can also be really fun.
My biggest piece of advice to stay organized during an interview season is actually to create an Excel spreadsheet. In all of the columns of the Excel spreadsheet, I want you to write down things that are important to you and keep track of them throughout every interview at every program that you do.
Some things that I had written down were location, how many residents per class, the pay, if they gave free cafeteria food, how many months of medicine or other inpatient experiences I would have to do at that program, and the amount of vacation that they would give you. All of those things are super important to quality of life and how you will really fit into the program.
Just think about a couple of things that you find super important and are going to be valuing when you rank these programs and keep a list of them, because after you've interviewed at like 10 programs, you won't remember which program said this or that.
Making sure you're organized in an Excel fashion is the best way to do so.
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33 minutes ago
- Yahoo
I'm a mom and a dietitian — these are my top picks for the best kids' multivitamins
Feeding kids can feel like a full-time job. One day they're happily dipping carrot sticks into ranch dressing and the next they're surviving on snack pouches and air. Good nutrition in these early years is crucial for supporting your child's brain and physical development. It may even reduce their risk of chronic conditions later in life. While not every kid needs one, the best multivitamin for kids can help fill in the gaps and support your child's growing body. "I think of multivitamins as a little insurance policy for days when meals don't go as planned, because let's face it, that happens," says pediatric dietitian and lactation consultant Brittany Brown, adding, "While they can help fill small gaps, they're not a replacement for colorful fruits, veggies and family meals around the table." According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, most healthy kids don't need a daily multivitamin. The best way to know if your child could benefit from one? Talk with your pediatrician. They can help you figure out if your child has any nutrient gaps, and may even recommend lab work to check for deficiencies. "Common signs of possible nutrient deficiencies in kids include things like pale skin, low energy, mood changes, constipation, brittle nails or hair, stunted growth or delays in development," says says Alicia Miller, a pediatric nutrition specialist. Miller adds that a multivitamin may also be necessary if your little one is super picky, has feeding challenges or follows a more limited diet, like a vegan or vegetarian diet. As a registered dietitian and a mom to two little ones, I get how challenging it can be to juggle work, kids' ever-changing food preferences and finding the time to plan, shop and cook healthy meals. I also know just how overwhelming the supplement aisle can be. That's why I personally reviewed 20 multivitamins for kids, narrowing it down to 12 top picks based on key criteria like nutritional quality, third-party testing, added sugar content and use of artificial additives, like dyes. Each supplement was evaluated through both my professional lens as a dietitian and my real-life perspective as a parent — and every one earned the seal of approval from my very honest 4-year-old taste tester. Keep reading to see which multis made the final cut and are worth talking to your pediatrician about. Table of contents Best overall multivitamin for kids More multivitamins for kids we like in 2025 Types of vitamins for kids Factors to consider when shopping for multivitamins for kids How we chose Other multivitamins for kids we tested FAQs Meet our experts A note on supplements The products included on this list are dietary supplements. Statements about these products have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Dietary supplements are not appropriate for everyone and may interact with other supplements or medications, so talk to your health care provider before adding a dietary supplement to your routine. Best overall multivitamin for kids (back to top) More multivitamins for kids we like in 2025 (back to top) Types of kids' multivitamins Text Gummy: Perhaps the most popular option, gummy vitamins have kid-appeal thanks to their sweet taste and chewy texture. They can be a good option for kids who dislike or have difficulty taking chewable vitamins. Other than safety concerns around overconsumption, the main drawbacks are these vitamins are often high in added sugar and aren't vegan-friendly. They also tend to contain few minerals, which may be a pro or con, depending on your child's needs. Chewable or dissolvable tablets: Chewable and dissolvable tablets are typically lower in added sugar than gummies and tend to have more comprehensive formulations. The downsides? They're often chalky and not always a hit with kids. Liquid: Liquid kids' multivitamins are typically either flavored and administered via a measuring spoon or cup, or unflavored and stirred into a cool food or beverage. They may be a better choice for younger kids or those who dislike taking other supplement forms. However, many liquid products have a shorter shelf-life and can have a strong taste or thick, syrupy texture that kids might not like. Powder: Powder multivitamins are similar to liquid ones in that they can be stirred into a cool food or beverage, making them handy for picky eaters or younger kids. However, depending on the powder, it may alter the taste of the food or beverage you add it to. These products also tend to be pricier and harder to find. Soft gel: For older kids and teens, a swallowable soft gel may be worth considering. Similar to an adult multivitamin, soft gel formulations are typically readily absorbed, free of added sugar and offer a comprehensive nutrient lineup. These products aren't suitable for younger kids who are unable to swallow pills. Organic: Some kids' multivitamins are made with vitamins and minerals sourced from organic, whole foods rather than synthetic ingredients. While there's no clear consensus on which is better, limited research suggests that whole food–derived nutrients may be easier for the body to digest and absorb. That said, these types of multivitamins are often more expensive. Whether they're the right choice for your family comes down to your personal preferences and budget. (back to top) Factors to consider when shopping for multivitamins for kids Once you and your pediatrician have determined that your child might benefit from a multivitamin, the next step is deciding which product to buy. Here are a few key considerations to keep in mind while browsing the supplement aisle: Age-appropriate formulation: "Be sure the multivitamin is formulated for children, as their nutrient needs differ from those of adults. The doses are lower in a kid's multivitamin," says Hill. This is by far the most important factor to consider when shopping. Also, keep in mind that not all children's vitamins are appropriate for all ages. If you have a toddler, be especially careful to check the label and make sure the product is safe and suitable for their age group. Included nutrients: The nutrients to look for in a multivitamin really depend on your child's diet and whether they've been found to be low or deficient in specific areas. That said, there are a few key nutrients that are generally good to look for in a kids' multivitamin. "Calcium, vitamin D, iron, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin B12 (especially for vegetarian or vegan children) and zinc are some important ones to consider," says Ellis. Nutrient amounts: Equally important as which nutrients are included in a multivitamin is how much of each is provided. With the exception of vitamin D, I generally recommend choosing multivitamins that contain less than 100% of the DV for most nutrients. Unless your child has a diagnosed deficiency, they likely don't need high doses — and in some cases, too much of certain nutrients can actually do more harm than good. Form: "When choosing a multivitamin for kids, one key factor to consider is the form. Young children may not be able to swallow tablets, so chewables, powders or liquids may be more appropriate. Gummy vitamins are quite popular, but it is important to use caution with these and store them out of reach as they look and taste like candy," says Ellis. Ultimately, the best form is the one your child can take safely. Sweeteners: Ideally, look for products with no more than 2 grams of added sugar per serving. Some products use natural sugar substitutes, like monk fruit, or artificial sweeteners, like xylitol, to add sweetness without added sugar. While generally well-tolerated, some artificial sweeteners can cause digestive side effects, like bloating, and kids may not always like the taste or aftertaste of sweeteners like monk fruit or stevia. Colors and flavors: When possible, opt for products that are naturally colored and sweetened using ingredients like fruit or vegetable juice. Allergies: If your child has a food allergy, it's important to choose a supplement that's free of the allergen and ideally made in an allergen-free facility. This helps reduce the risk of cross-contamination and gives you extra peace of mind. Third-party testing: To make sure your child's multivitamin actually contains the nutrients listed on the label — and is free from contaminants like heavy metals — look for products that are tested for purity and potency. Ideally, choose ones that are certified by trusted third-party organizations such as NSF or USP. Value: There are kids' multivitamins available at a range of prices. Choose a product that doesn't sacrifice on quality but still fits your budget. (back to top) How we chose To help you make an informed decision for your child, I drew from my experience as a mom and registered dietitian — along with insights from four pediatric dietitians. Combining expert guidance with years of reviewing supplements, I carefully evaluated 20 kids' multivitamins and personally tested 12 of them with the help of my own two little ones (a toddler and a preschooler). I considered everything from ingredient quality and nutrient content to taste, added sugar and how easy they are for kids to take. The result? A list of dietitian-approved multivitamins that kids will actually take. (back to top) Other multivitamins for kids we tested In my search for the best multivitamins for kids, six products didn't quite make the final cut, but that doesn't mean they're not worth considering. Depending on your child's specific needs or preferences, one of these runner-ups may still be a great fit. Here's a closer look at the other contenders: EllaOlla Kids' Essential Multivitamin: EllaOlla stands out from other vitamin brands with its line of toddler- and kid-friendly vitamin powders — a unique option for families looking to avoid gummies or pills. It was one of Ellis's top picks for its "good variety of key vitamins and minerals" and how easily it mixes into a range of foods. I was genuinely impressed by how truly tasteless and undetectable it was when I stirred it into my son's overnight oats. That said, there were a couple of drawbacks. Since my son rarely finishes an entire meal or drink in one sitting, I couldn't be sure how much of the nutrients he actually consumed. It's also on the pricier side, at $49 for 30 servings. Nordic Naturals Nordic Berries: Nordic Naturals is one of my go-to supplement brands, thanks to its use of third-party testing and commitment to transparency — it's one of the few companies that makes its testing results easily accessible online. Its Nordic Berries gummy is also one of the most comprehensive kids multivitamins I've come across. I especially appreciate that it includes choline, a nutrient that plays a key role in brain development and isn't found in many children's multis. My son loved the taste — he said it reminded him of orange juice — but one major drawback is the sugar content. With 8 grams of added sugar per 4-gummy serving, it's one of the highest-sugar options out there, which may be a deal breaker for some families. OLLY Kids Multi Gummy Worms: These gummy worm-shaped gummies were a close contender for our "best gummy" pick. These gummies are naturally flavored and colored, third-party tested for purity and potency, contain just 2 grams of added sugar and offer a good variety of vitamins and minerals. The biggest difference between it and SmartyPants is OLLY's kids' vitamin doesn't include omega-3s. However, for kids who eat fish regularly, these gummy worms may be a better pick. Flintstones Complete Chewable: Considered the OG kids' multivitamin by many parents, Flintstones Vitamins are still going strong and now come in both gummy and chewable options. Since I had already tested several gummies, I went with the Complete Chewable. The classic chalky texture from my own childhood is still there, though the taste was a bit more sour than I remembered. My son didn't seem to mind, but the flavor might be off-putting for some kids. Nutritionally, it's a comprehensive formula, with many vitamins present at 100% of the DV, making it a better fit for kids with very limited diets or those needing extra support. However, it does contain artificial ingredients, including food dyes, which may be a dealbreaker for some families. Li'l Critters Gummy Vites: It's clear why this multivitamin is so popular on Amazon: It's affordable, and the gummy bear shape and sweet taste is sure to be a hit with kids — though my toddler found them too sticky for his taste. As with many other gummy vitamins, it doesn't contain many minerals and isn't suitable for vegan diets. Unlike Nature Made Kids' multivitamin, Li'l Critters doesn't contain omega-3s and isn't third-party tested for purity and potency. Zarbee's Complete Kids Multivitamin Gummies + Immune Support: This honey-sweetened multivitamin is unique in that it contains black elderberry extract, which may help support your child's immune system and prevent or shorten the duration of respiratory illnesses, though more research is needed. Suitable for kids ages 2 to 12, it provides a good range of vitamins, though doesn't contain many minerals. It's free of artificial dyes, flavors and sweeteners and contains 1 gram of added sugar per gummy. It's also third-party tested for label accuracy. The biggest drawback is the taste, which my son said was too tart. (back to top) FAQs Are kids' multivitamins worth it? It depends. Most healthy kids who generally eat a balanced diet don't need to take a multivitamin daily. Instead, they might benefit from a multivitamin on days when their appetite is low or during periods of extreme pickiness. Some multivitamins contain smaller amounts of key nutrients and could be helpful for simply bridging gaps in your child's diet. That said, multivitamins can be helpful for ensuring adequate nutrient intake in kids who are at risk for nutrient inadequacies or deficiencies. "Some signs that suggest a child may benefit from a multivitamin include noticeable changes in energy or focus, ongoing fatigue, growth concerns or frequent illness. Additionally, if a child has a very limited diet or is consistently excluding entire food groups over a long period of time, a multivitamin may be helpful. If there are any concerns about nutrient gaps or growth, it's always best to consult with your child's healthcare provider to determine the root cause and appropriate supplementation," says Ellis. Can kids' multivitamins cause constipation? Yes, some nutrients, especially iron and calcium, can be constipating in some kids. If your child has fewer than three bowel movements in a week, it's best to talk with a pediatrician or registered dietitian to determine the root cause. Are kids multivitamin HSA/FSA eligible? Most over-the-counter kids' supplements are not HSA or FSA eligible, unless prescribed by a pediatrician. That said, eligibility requirements vary, so it's worth double checking with your HSA or FSA plan provider What is the best multivitamin for kids with ADHD? The best multivitamin for kids with ADHD depends on your child's diet. Research on supplements to help manage ADHD symptoms in kids is limited. That said, being low in certain nutrients, including vitamin D, zinc and iron may worsen or contribute to ADHD symptoms. Avoiding products that are high in added sugar or that contain artificial food dyes may also help, though larger, higher-quality studies are needed. Hiya may be a good option for kids with ADHD as it contains zinc and vitamin D, plus it's free of artificial dyes and added sugar. For an iron-containing supplement, Renzo's Picky Eater may be worth considering. Ultimately, it's best to talk with your pediatrician to determine the right supplement for your kid. (back to top) Meet our experts Brittany Brown, RD, CDE, a pediatric dietitian and lactation consultant in Nova Scotia, Canada Alicia Miller, MS, RD, LDN, maternal and pediatric nutrition specialist Yvette Hill, RDN, board-certified lactation consultant and pediatric food allergy specialist Ali Ellis, MS, RD, pediatric dietitian and founder of the Toddler Kitchen (back to top) Our health content is for informational purposes only and is not intended as professional medical advice. Consult a medical professional on questions about your health.
Yahoo
33 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Feeling Constipated? These 4 Teas Can Help Get Things Moving, Say Nutrition Experts
Constipation happens to us all at some point. And it's a very frustrating and uncomfortable experience that can be difficult to resolve. If you've tried other remedies without success, such as eating fiber, exercising, or eating prunes—or you just want an alternative—sipping on tea may help. Below are a few teas to try if you need to get things going. Senna Tea One of the best-known teas to help with constipation, and there are options specifically marketed to help with bowel movements. The tea is made from the senna plant, and it works by stimulating the muscles of the colon, causing them to contract more strongly and frequently. As a result, this helps stool move through the large intestine, explains Kaytee Hadley, MS, registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN), IFMCP, functional medicine dietitian and founder of Holistic Health and Wellness in Richmond, Virginia. But there are a few things you should know before making this a habit. 'Senna tea can be helpful during periods of constipation, but avoid taking it for longer than a week at a time to prevent dependency and other health issues,' Hadley advises. 'It's recommended to wait two hours after taking medication before drinking senna tea so it doesn't affect their absorption.' And it can take between 6 to 12 hours to work, so Hadley recommends sipping senna at night. Since senna is considered a stimulant laxative, you want to be really careful not to overdo it, warns Valerie Agyeman, RDN, women's health dietitian and founder of Flourish Heights. 'Senna is best for short-term, occasional use (a few times a week at most) to avoid dependency,' Agyeman says. 'And always follow dosage directions.' Related: 6 Tips for Preventing Travel Constipation Dandelion Tea 'Dandelion tea can gently support regularity by acting as a mild laxative and diuretic,' Agyeman says. It's thought to help because dandelion root contains inulin, a soluble fiber that feeds beneficial gut bacteria, which can help add bulk to stool, supporting regularity, explains Hadley. 'However, dandelion tea likely contains only small amounts of inulin, so its laxative effect may be more due to its mild bitter compounds, which can gently stimulate digestion and bile flow,' Hadley says. Dandelion tea is typically safe to drink daily for people without allergies, according to Agyeman. But dandelion contains prebiotics, and drinking excessive amounts can cause abdominal discomfort or bloating, Hadley warns. Rhubarb Tea 'Rhubarb tea helps relieve constipation similarly to senna, as it also contains sennosides that stimulate bowel contractions,' Agyeman explains. Similarly to senna, she recommends it for short-term use to avoid dependency, adhering to the recommended dosage on the package. You'll want to be careful if you take medications, warns Hadley. 'Due to its laxative effects, rhubarb can reduce the efficacy of medications, so it's best to take your medications separately,' Hadley says. Cascara Tea This is another laxative tea that stimulates the colon, though cascara contains cascarosides, which is found in cascara bark. As with the other laxative teas, such as rhubarb and senna, it's best to drink cascara tea intermittently rather than daily, Agyeman warns. And always be sure to follow the directions on the box. What to Know About Drinking Tea for Constipation Although sipping herbal tea when you can't poop may help, it shouldn't become your go-to treatment, Hadley cautions. 'Drinking herbal teas regularly to relieve constipation may sound like a great, natural solution, but it does not address the root cause of your symptoms,' she says. And you want to be particularly careful about relying on laxative teas, which can lead to bowel dependence, meaning your bowel stops contracting on its own, Hadley explains. If you have ongoing constipation, which is defined as having fewer than three bowel movements per week, then it's important to speak to your doctor. If you're continually experiencing constipation, working with a healthcare provider who specializes in gut health is the best way to work toward identifying any underlying issues and resolving the problem. Read the original article on Real Simple
Yahoo
36 minutes ago
- Yahoo
I Nearly Died From 'Broken Heart Syndrome' — And Here's Why You Could Be At Risk, Too
'I hope you're taking care of yourself.' That's the line that's been coming at me for years now –– across my texts, LinkedIn DMs and voicemails, across dinner tables and Slack messages, and haven't-seen-you-in-forever emails. I know people mean well. I can feel their complicated mix of sympathy, pity and thank-God-it's-not-me relief. But the words roll off tongues with an ease and frequency usually reserved for basic, mindless tasks –– not the truly daunting business of righting yourself after being pummeled by one (or more) of adult life's most stressful experiences. According to The Holmes-Rahe Stress Inventory, I've been through a whole host of those experiences –– some of them a few times over. My father and maternal grandmother both died of cancer the same year, I've moved more than a dozen times since graduating from college, and I've lost three jobs. In the past year alone, I've gotten laid off; had my 3-year-old son diagnosed with a rare, difficult-to-control epilepsy; and tested positive for COVID on my birthday. My friends have dubbed me 'a warrior,' 'a real-life superhero,' and 'the queen of coping.' And while I don't know if those are fully-earned monikers in a country where almost 38 million people are living below the poverty line, I've admittedly asked myself: Is this a normal amount of stuff to deal with? But at the end of the day, I know I'm not special. At the very least, we're all being subjected to the truly head-banging soundtrack of everything that's going wrong in this world, including deep-rooted racism, misogyny, gun violence, natural disasters, political turmoil, the aftershocks of a global pandemic, and more. And these chronic stressors –– in addition to isolated events –– are heavy contributors to any given person's cumulative stress level. But we keep on keeping on, right? After being repeatedly Whack-a-Mole-d by a few of life's most stressful events, I continued making plans where I could. I started my own business, and I scheduled an elective plastic surgery I'd been considering for a long time. I was excited about the expected results after staring at a postpartum body I barely recognized for three-plus years. So, on Jan. 17, 2023, at 5:30 a.m., I arrived at the hospital for my surgery. The night before, I half-jokingly said to my mom and my husband, Pearse: 'If anything happens to me, I love you!' 'You'll be fine!' They both replied in rapid succession. 'I know, I know,' I said. 'I'm just saying it.' They put me in bay number 13 for the surgery prep. I wondered aloud to Pearse over the phone if that was bad luck. We quickly chuckled about it and then it was time for me to go to the induction room. The anesthesia team gave me some medication to calm my nerves, wheeled me into the operating room, and put me to sleep. About 10 minutes later, everything went sideways. My medical team couldn't get a pulse on me –– femoral, radial, carotid –– nothing. They started CPR. After a few minutes, they were able to resuscitate me, and I was emergently transferred to the cardiac catheterization lab. When I regained consciousness later that day, I tried to take stock of my surroundings and my body. I was still out of it from the anesthesia, but I knew this wasn't the way I had expected to wake up –– with a breathing tube down my throat and a still-undetermined amount of lines coming out of my neck, arms and hands. I eventually learned I was in the cardiac intensive care unit, where I stayed for the rest of the week recovering from being brought back to life, undergoing invasive cardiac testing, and hosting a revolving door of medical professionals. 'Are you under any significant stress?' One of the cardiologists asked me during rounds the next morning. I stared at him blankly. I thought about all the days when even four anti-epileptic drugs couldn't stop our son from having close to 1,000 seizures. I thought about all the nights I'd spent picking up and putting down our resurrected baby monitor, in a constant panic that every breath, every shift, every groan from his room was a seizure. I thought about his medical ketogenic diet that requires us to painstakingly weigh every morsel of food to the tenth of a gram. I thought about holding him on his side time after time as he convulsed, staring at the stopwatch on my phone, silently begging some unknown higher being to make it stop. I thought about losing my job six months ago in the never-ending river of tech layoffs meandering through the workforce. I had vowed to myself I wouldn't lose my professional edge through parenting, the pandemic, and getting cut from yet another full-time gig. Was that happening now that I'm self-employed and only working part-time? And do I even care anymore? I thought about my dad –– a former pediatric anesthesiologist –– and how I wished he was there to tell me everything's going to be OK. I thought about how grief has a cruel way of forever siphoning off just a little bit of the joy that comes with every celebration-worthy event, every achievement. And I thought about how ironic it was that I'd coded on the operating table after getting anesthesia –– my dad's exact work. Ultimately, my heart function eventually returned to normal and my medical team ruled out every cardiac condition except one: stress cardiomyopathy, also known as 'broken heart syndrome.' It's a complex condition in which the heart muscle is quickly, but temporarily, weakened, often as a result of intense emotional or physical stress. According to my cardiologist, Dr. Anna C. O'Kelly, a fellow in cardiovascular medicine at Massachusetts General Hospital, my case, like many stress cardiomyopathy cases, isn't clear cut –– and was likely multifactorial. 'It is hard to know which came first,' said Dr. O'Kelly. 'Did you develop stress cardiomyopathy from all the many life stressors you have... which placed you 'at risk' for the cardiac arrest? Or did your body interact poorly with the anesthesia leading to your cardiac arrest, which then caused a stress cardiomyopathy?' The role stress played in my situation is a mystery I'm still very much grappling with. And a frustrating mystery at that, because while I probably had above-average stress in my life, I wasn't just letting it go unchecked. I've been seeing a therapist regularly since my dad died, I've test driven many stress management techniques over the years, and I'm hyper-aware of what I'm doing (or not doing) on a daily basis to fortify my mental health and well-being. I now take an hour-long walk every day, I just finished a 12-week cardiac rehabilitation program, I joined a gym, I'm on a beta-blocker, and I've finally let myself spend a few nights away from home to sleep without staring at the baby monitor all night. But fitting all that in on top of day-to-day life –– figuring out how to 'take care of yourself' today –– sure feels like a bonafide burden. Like that to-do list item you can never cross off. An extra responsibility that comes at you day after day with the cliché laundry list of yoga and just-10-minutes-of-meditation and daily exercise and weekly therapy and time with family and time with friends and time to yourself and time for the hobbies that help you feel like a person. And if I –– an upper-middle class, straight, white homeowner, with a master's degree, community support, a stable of resources, and an incredible amount of privilege –– can't take care of myself in America today enough to avoid stress-induced heart failure, then how can anyone? So, where do I go from here? Where do any of us go from here? After all, when it comes to stress, I'm certainly not alone. According to the American Psychological Association, 27% of Americans report they are so stressed they can't function. 'That's huge,' Dr. Lynn Bufka, associate chief for practice transformation at the American Psychological Association, and a licensed psychologist in the state of Maryland, told me. Dr. Bufka also says this type of collective, debilitating stress produces a ripple effect that seeps into just about every crevice of society. 'It's not about one person being so stressed they can't function,' she said. 'It means workplaces aren't functioning as well, students aren't learning as well.' This type of widespread underperformance as a result of our stress only adds to our stress level, creating a vicious cycle that's very hard to break. Plus, chronic stress –– the kind that comes from things like having your basic human rights stripped away based solely on your gender identity or sexual orientation, or caring for someone with a disability –– can impact almost every system in the body. And those resulting physical health issues (hello, broken heart syndrome) are, you guessed it, stressful. 'There is definitely a link –– which we are increasingly appreciating –– between our psychological and cardiovascular health,' said Dr. O'Kelly. 'The exact mechanism is not entirely clear, though it is likely bidirectional. For example, depression is a risk [factor] for heart disease, but you can imagine ways in which heart disease is also a risk factor for depression if you aren't able to be as active, or have shortness of breath, or frequent hospital admissions.' Nevertheless, many of us who have the means and wherewithal, try and try again to tunnel our way through the stress wall, doing our yoga and just-10-minutes-of-meditation and daily exercise and weekly therapy and time with family and time with friends and time to ourselves and time for the hobbies that help us feel like people. But this isn't something an açaí bowl or putting down your phone during dinner can fix. We need a lifeline. Because in the face of no federal bereavement policy, 12 weeks of unpaid family leave, average annual child care costs coming in north of $10,000, average bachelor's degree loan debt clocking in at $28,400, a health care system that will bankrupt most people at the first sign of a significant health complication, and much more, another thing is becoming abundantly clear: Even those of us with a roof over our head and food on our table are out here falling through a safety net that was already tattered and torn at best. Dr. Bufka acknowledges that constructing an adequate safety net –– in addition to pursuing the activities and boundaries that keep our individual stress levels in check –– is crucial in helping Americans manage their stress levels. To be sure, that's a daunting challenge all around. Just to lay a strong nationwide foundation, we're talking universal access to annual mental health check-ups, improved distribution of stress management resources in communities across the country, every workplace and school being equipped to take on mental health challenges, and fixing complex systemic issues –– like racism, sexism and food instability –– that contribute to chronic stress. Of course, there are many dedicated professionals already working to make progress in these areas. But when 76% of people nationwide have stress-induced health problems, doesn't it seem like our leaders' urgent duty to help us move the needle? Shouldn't their main responsibility be to hold fast to the ideal of having a country full of people who are in a position to achieve contentment? Can we really say we're the home of the American dream –– the land of equal opportunity for success –– if we don't address the stress elephant in the room? The simple fact is that a bunch of us are out here not functioning or literally coding on operating tables, because no matter how hard we try to chip away at our individual stressors, our country isn't meeting us halfway. I'll happily relinquish the 'queen of coping' crown and the 'real-life superhero' cape in exchange for more systems and policies that take a little pressure off everyone. After all, I'm just one member of an army of stressed out soldiers who I can only imagine are waving their white flags, ready to openly admit that a few weekly down dogs and sun salutations will never fully combat the stress that comes from living paycheck to paycheck, worrying your child is going to catch the next bullet, or grappling with medical trauma. We're all warriors. We're all resilient. We can move through hard things. We can withstand the blows life deals us. We just need a little help stopping the bleeding along the way. This story was originally published in September 2023 and is being rerun now as part of HuffPost Personal's 'Best Of' series. Melisse Lombard is a writer, editor, content professional and former journalist, now running her own editorial content production company. She lives outside Boston with her husband, Pearse, their son, and their pup. Melisse is also a co-founder of and singer in award-winning professional a cappella group, Sound Off. Do you have a compelling personal story you'd like to see published on HuffPost? Find out what we're looking for here and send us a pitch. Related... I'm A Doctor Who Almost Died Because My Own Doctors Refused To Do This 1 Basic Thing My Doctor Offered Me A 'Modern Medical Miracle.' Then A Side Effect Changed My Life Forever. If I'd Listened To My Doctor, I Would Be Dead Right Now
