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Janelle Martel

I'm a content marketing writer with an editorial background and have experience writing for magazines, web publications, and content marketing clients for over a decade. I love creating engaging, informative content and breaking down complex research into actionable tips.

Tuft & Paw •

How Often to Change Cat Litter (And Why You're Not Doing It Often Enou

Nobody enjoys changing the litter box. And yet, it’s one of those unglamorous routines that quietly affects everything—from how your home smells to whether your cat actually wants to use the box at all.
If you’ve ever wondered whether you’re changing your cat’s litter often enough (or too often), you’re not alone. It’s a balancing act: frequent enough to control odor and support your cat’s health, but not so frequent that you’re wasting perfectly good litter.
Below, we’ll break down how often to...
Tuft & Paw •

Best Cat Litter for Odor Control: Top 6 Picks & Expert Reviews

Developed by feline nutritionists, our cat food uses human-grade ingredients without grains or preservatives. This formula is wildly nutritious, packed with protein, and super hydrating, supporting your cat's good health.Litter box odor is one of those things you don’t notice—until you really notice it. And while plenty of cat litters promise “maximum odor control,” not all of them actually deliver in real homes, with real cats, and real daily use.
We looked at what actually works by reviewing l...

Managing Anxiety When Money Feels Overwhelming

Managing anxiety about money includes creating financial management systems and using coping strategies to support your mental health.Creating a realistic plan for your finances can help ease anxiety by reducing uncertainty. In fact, one study found that planning was associated with reduced stress in gig workers. If you’re not already doing so, tracking your finances helps you see where your money goes each month, accounting for both small and large purchases. Some people do this by checking the...

Copay, Coinsurance, and Deductible Explained

Why Understanding Therapy Insurance Terms MattersStarting therapy can bring up some nerves, so adding in deciphering insurance terms on top of this can bring on unneeded stress. If you do find understanding insurance terms confusing, you’re not alone; many people find them challenging to understand, and common insurance terms are often mixed up. For example, copay and coinsurance are often confused, despite having different meanings. Taking the time to understand some mental health insurance bas...

What is a Superbill?

How Out-of-Network Reimbursement WorksEach insurance company has its own network, which refers to a list of approved providers. While you can see providers who are both in and out of network, seeing providers in network often has a lower out-of-pocket cost. But, some people choose out-of-network providers because it gives them more choice and flexibility in selecting their therapist. Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) plans are popular for their flexibility. They let you see in-network and ou...

How Many EMDR Sessions Do You Need to See Results?

EMDR, or Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, is a highly effective treatment for trauma, anxiety, and distressing memories. But, if you’re considering EMDR, you might find yourself asking one question: How long does EMDR take? The short answer is that it depends. Several factors can impact how long EMDR takes, including the type and complexity of the trauma, the client’s readiness for therapy, and if the client has any other mental health conditions.When you work with an EMDR therapis...

Exposure Therapy for Anxiety Disorders: How It Works

When you have anxiety, it can seem overwhelming—and impossible—to confront your fears. But exposure therapy isn’t about throwing you into the deep end. Instead, exposure therapy works gradually to help you feel more comfortable in feared situations. In this section, we’ll talk about how exposure therapy for anxiety works so that you understand what to expect.1. Assessment and Identification of TriggersWhen you first meet with your therapist, they will help you explore your anxiety. You’ll discus...

Post-Coming Out Depression: What It Is and How to Cope

It's normal to feel anxious about coming out. You may worry about how friends and family will respond. But you might not consider how you’ll feel afterward. While some people feel relief and joy after coming out, others feel let down, confused, or emotionally exhausted. You might even experience symptoms of depression, like fatigue and difficulty sleeping. In this article, we’ll talk about why depression can happen after coming out, what feelings you might experience, and healthy habits to intro...

EMDR Therapy for Anxiety and Panic Disorder

If you experience anxiety or panic attacks, you’re not alone. Anxiety disorders are the most common form of mental health condition, and affect almost 30% of all adults at some point during their lifetime. Although experiencing anxiety might be common, getting treatment for anxiety can still feel overwhelming. Maybe you’ve tried some techniques and haven’t found them helpful, or you’re just not sure where to start.EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is one therapy that’s gaining...

Outpatient vs. Inpatient Mental Health Care | Willow Health

Mental health treatment can seem overwhelming. There are many options and, if you’re not familiar with them, it can feel like a lot. You may have heard of inpatient care, referring to treatment provided to patients staying overnight in the hospital, or outpatient treatment, where people receive treatment but continue to stay at home. If you’re considering outpatient vs. inpatient mental health care, it’s normal to feel uncertain. But the good news is that you don’t have to make the decision alon...

How to Deal with Boredom | Willow Health

We all experience boredom from time to time. Sometimes, boredom can act as fuel, allowing us to be more creative or connect with ourselves. Other times, boredom can actually impact our mental health, even contributing to anxiety and depression.In this article, we’ll go over the connection between boredom and mental health as well as provide you with a toolbox to help you learn how to deal with boredom. We’ll also discuss when boredom can be a sign that there’s something more going on with your m...

Life Alert vs. Medical Guardian: Which Medical Alert System Is Best?

About one in three older adults experience at least one accidental fall each year. Just as scary as falling is being unable to get up after a fall, which can lead to health issues and an increased fear of repeated falls. For many seniors and their families, medical alert devices can provide peace of mind that if a fall does happen, it’s easy to contact help.But choosing a medical alert device isn’t always easy. Many people are familiar with Life Alert and its “Help! I’ve fallen, and I can’t get...

How to Pay for Home Care

For many people, home care is necessary as they recover from an illness or injury or age in place. But home care can be expensive. However, there are a number of ways that people can pay for home health care.In this article, we’ll go over how to pay for home care, including what Medicare covers and what other insurance options are available. We’ll also discuss how to best use personal and family financial resources and who qualifies for community and charitable assistance programs.While Medicare...

What's the Best Multivitamin for Seniors?

A study published in Lancet reports that globally, approximately 1 in 4 adults aged 65 or older either suffers from malnutrition or is at risk of malnutrition. Several factors can make it hard to get sufficient nutrition. These include changes in appetite, difficulty absorbing nutrients, and chronic health conditions. A multivitamin can help bridge this gap and can be an important part of healthy aging.In this article, we’ll go over why a multivitamin for seniors over 65 might be needed. We’ve a...

How Much Vitamin B12 Should Seniors Take?

Vitamin B12 is an important nutrient. It supports brain function, the nervous system, heart health, and bone health. Vitamin B12 comes from animal products like meat, fish, eggs, and dairy. You can also find it in some fortified foods, including cereals and plant-based milks. However, up to 30% of adults over 50 have difficulty absorbing vitamin B12 from food. The good news is that vitamin B12 levels can be easily managed with proper supplementation.In this article, we’ll go over the recommended...

Is AARP Worth It?

There are almost 38 million AARP members. These members can access benefits and discounts in categories like travel, insurance and financial services, healthcare and prescription drugs, and technology and communication. But is AARP worth it?The answer depends on your needs and lifestyle. If you use AARP’s benefits and discounts frequently, these savings can offset the cost of membership in a short time. But if you don’t use these discounts—or use another savings program instead—then the cost of...
Medicare Guidance Simplified | Chapter •

Best Everyday Bras for Older Women

Our mobility can be impacted as we age. If you have pain or stiffness, including arthritis, then it may be difficult to put on a traditional bra. A specialized bra can be easier to put on. The weight of your breasts can also impact your posture and the way you move. A supportive bra can help to hold everything in place so that you are more comfortable moving.Full coverage: Full coverage bras have full cups to cover the entire breast, which offer good support and prevent any spillage. They usuall...
Medicare Guidance Simplified | Chapter •

Best Hearing Aids Sold at Costco

You’ll also want to think about whether you want Bluetooth capabilities to stream audio and use hands-free calling. If you do, ensure that you’re getting a hearing aid that is capable of pairing with your specific devices. Some Costco hearing aids use disposable batteries, while others are rechargeable. If you prefer using disposable batteries, check that the hearing aids you get are compatible.

You’ll also want to think about whether you want Bluetooth capabilities to stream audio and use hand...

How to Handle Seasonal Depression | Willow Health

It's normal to feel sluggish in cooler months. However, about 5% of adults experience symptoms such as extreme fatigue, low mood, and loss of interest in activities they once enjoyed. These can be symptoms of seasonal affective disorder (SAD). While symptoms of SAD can impact your daily life, the good news is that seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a very treatable condition. In this article, we’ll go over what seasonal depression is and why it happens. We’ll also introduce you to the variety...

Can You Check Yourself Into a Psychiatric Hospital? | Willow Health

If you’re experiencing a mental health crisis, you might have wondered, “Can you check yourself into a psychiatric hospital?” The answer is yes. If you feel the need for inpatient care, you can choose to admit yourself voluntarily.In this article, we’ll discuss when you might need psychiatric hospitalization. We’ll also explain the admission process and what inpatient care is like, so you know what to expect. If you voluntarily admit yourself to a psychiatric hospital, this means that you are ch...

Supporting Your Partner with Postpartum Depression | Willow Health

After giving birth, your body goes through many physical and emotional changes. The added responsibility and lack of sleep can also contribute to feeling overwhelmed and anxious. While people often feel guilty about changes in their mood postpartum, it’s actually incredibly common and normal.Up to 85% of people experience the baby blues in the days following birth, and 1 in 8 mothers will go on to develop postpartum depression. Postpartum depression doesn’t just affect mothers, either. Research...

Understanding Harm OCD vs. Actual Violent Thoughts | Willow Health

People who have experienced violent thoughts might worry that it means there is something wrong with them or that they’re bad people. But the truth is that most people report having had violent thoughts. While most people move on from these thoughts, those with harm OCD become “stuck” on them. They worry that they won’t be able to stop themselves from acting on these thoughts. Having these intrusive, violent thoughts can feel scary and overwhelming. Many people feel shame and worry that there’s...
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