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Primary care physicians should be asking their patients questions about five "warning flag" symptoms to determine whether they should be screened for depression or other mood disorders, researchers say.

"In a health care system in which primary care physicians increasingly act as gatekeepers to other services, recognition of depressive symptoms may be critical in order for a patient to gain access to professional mental health care," writes Cheryl N. Carmin, PhD, of the University of Illinois at Chicago, and John W. Klocek, PhD, of the University of Montana.
Carmin and Klocek had 357 consecutive patients at a university-based family practice clinic complete the Beck Depression Inventory, a 21-item questionnaire that has been validated extensively. Overall, 15.7 percent of the sample reported significant symptoms of depression. Among these, five symptoms were reported by at least 90 percent:

 

 

The researchers also found distinct gender differences. Women reported self disappointment with the greatest frequency, while men most often reported dissatisfaction and difficulty sleeping.

Other symptoms on the women's top five list, in descending order, were irritability, hopelessness, dissatisfaction, and sleep difficulties. Among men, the next most frequently reported symptoms were self-criticism, difficulties completing work, fatigue, irritability, hopelessness, and disappointment with self.

"These findings suggest that a means for efficiently identifying individuals who warrant screening for depression may be readily available to primary care physicians," Carmin and Klocek write. "Attending to these symptoms or complaints during the course of an office visit may serve as an indicator that a thorough screening for depression, or possibly referral (to a psychiatrist), is warranted."

Are you depressed? To take the online WebMD Depression Health Check click here.

 

Farmers Market Bus Rides
We're going to the Farmers Market during lunch each Thursday through September 9, 2010 and we want you to come along. The bus ride is free, and you can't beat the market for the freshest fruits and veggies iin town. Click here for pick-up locations and times.

 

The UK Health & Wellness Program makes therapeutic chair massages available at various campus locations throughout the year. The cost is just $5 for 10 minutes or $10 for 20 minutes (no refunds). Reservations and advanced payment are required. Reservations accepted no sooner than one month in advance. The next chair massage will be August 30, from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m., at Good Samaritan Hospital, Main Conference Room B. For reservations, call (859) 257-9355.

Weight Loss Matters: Reality-Based Weight Loss
Weight Loss Matters is a 10-week weight-loss program that teaches you how to eat, rather than how to diet. You'll work toward your goals with the help of our registered dietitians. Classes meet once a week either in-person or online. The initial fee is $50, and participants can re-join subsequent sessions for free as long as they make progress. New classes begin August 24, 25, and 26. The registration deadline is August 20. Register online today. 

Kimberly Reeder and her daughter, Mackenzie, proudly display the finished product.

Makes 4

1 tbsp canola oil
½ cup onion, diced
1 clove garlic, minced
½ cup red or green pepper, diced
1 cup fresh spinach, torn into small pieces
3 eggs, beaten
½ cup milk (you can use skim but half and half works nicely)
½ tsp chili powder
½ tsp cumin
1 cup sharp cheddar cheese or Monterey Jack cheese for a spicier taste
4 whole wheat tortillas
Favorite salsa or pico de gallo
Avocado (optional)

In large skillet heat oil and add onion. Cook until nice and soft. Toss peppers and garlic in with onion and let cook for about 3 minutes. Add spinach and let it wilt. In small bowl beat eggs, milk and spices together. Pour in skillet and mix with onion mixture.

 

Let cook for about 5-7 minutes on medium heat trying not to stir or move the skillet. Take spoon and carefully scramble eggs. Add cheese to scrambled eggs and cover skillet to let the cheese melt. Once cheese is melted remove eggs from skillet

Spread tortilla on plate and add a large spoonful of egg mixture in center. Carefully fold and roll tortilla. Serve with salsa and avocado on top.

 

Recipe from recent "Kids Can Cook!" class. For more click here.

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