Digital Overload, Part 2: Reclaiming Your Attention in a Connected World

Digital Overload, Part 2: Reclaiming Your Attention in a Connected World

Most of us know we're spending too much time on our devices. The harder question is: what do we do about it? In part two of our Digital Overload series, we are joined again by Kathryn Murray, LICSW [https://www.valleymed.org/find-a-provider/m/kathryn-e-murray], and Rebekah Strong, DNP, PMHNP-BC, [https://www.valleymed.org/find-a-provider/s/rebekah-lucrisia-strong] mental health practitioners from Valley’s Psychiatry and Counseling Clinic, for a practical conversation aboutbreaking unhealthy screen habits, improving focus, protecting sleep, and creating healthier boundaries with technology. From doomscrolling and notification overload to screen-free weekends, mindfulness, and "going old school," you'll learn simple, realistic strategies to help your brain reset and reclaim your attention. Whether you're trying to be more present with your family, improve your mental health, or just spend lesstime reaching for your phone, this episode offers actionable tips to help you find more balance in a constantly connected world. Additional resources: Learn more about Valley’s Psychiatry and Counseling Clinic and find additional mental health resources: https://www.valleymed.org/services/all-specialties/psychiatry-and-counseling-clinic [https://www.valleymed.org/services/all-specialties/psychiatry-and-counseling-clinic] ADHD in Adults: https://wkce.io/LumJrJUq [https://wkce.io/LumJrJUq] Tips for How to Help Your Mood: https://wkce.io/RIc0z4uo [https://wkce.io/RIc0z4uo]

Digital Overload, Part 1: Understanding the Impact of Being Constantly Connected

In part one of our latest We Are Valley podcast, we take a closer look at something many of us feel but may not fully understand: digital overload. Joined by Kathryn Murray, LICSW [https://www.valleymed.org/find-a-provider/m/kathryn-e-murray], and Rebekah Strong, DNP, PMHNP-BC, [https://www.valleymed.org/find-a-provider/s/rebekah-lucrisia-strong] mental health practitioners from Valley’s Psychiatry and Counseling Clinic, we explore how constant screen time is shaping ourfocus, relationships, and overall well-being. From the rise of telehealth and always-on connectivity tothe subtle ways our attention is being pulled in multiple directions, this conversation unpacks why so many people are feeling mentally stretched. Our clinicians share a balanced perspective, highlighting both the benefits oftechnology and the growing need to be more intentional about how we use it. We also dive into how digital habits may be affectingexecutive functioning, sleep, and mental health, especially for those experiencing anxiety, depression, or ADHD. And when it comes to social media, we discuss how curated “highlight reels” can contribute to loneliness, comparison, and a distorted sense of reality. This episode sets the stage for part two, where we’ll shiftfrom understanding the problem to exploring practical ways to reset, reconnect, and regain control of our time and attention. Additional resources: Learn more about Valley’s Psychiatry and Counseling Clinicand find additional mental health resources: https://www.valleymed.org/services/all-specialties/psychiatry-and-counseling-clinic [https://www.valleymed.org/services/all-specialties/psychiatry-and-counseling-clinic] Tedx Talk – The Battle for Your Time: Exposing the Costs ofSocial Media: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4TMPXK9tw5U [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4TMPXK9tw5U] ADHD in Adults: https://wkce.io/LumJrJUq [https://wkce.io/LumJrJUq] Tips for How to Help Your Mood: https://wkce.io/RIc0z4uo [https://wkce.io/RIc0z4uo]

Colonoscopies: Why They Save Lives and What to Expect

The Prep, The Procedure, and Prevention Colon cancer screening saves lives—and starting at age 45,it’s more important than ever to get on the schedule. In this episode of the We Are Valley Podcast, we talk with Dr. Brandon Teng, gastroenterologist at Valley Medical Center, about why screening guidelines were lowered from age 50 to 45, how colonoscopies help detect and prevent colon cancer, and what patients can expect before, during, and after the procedure. Dr. Teng also addresses common concerns about bowel prep, compares colonoscopies with at-home stool tests, and shares symptoms that may require screening before age 45. The conversation highlights the role of Valley’s GI Clinic and Endoscopy Center, including upper endoscopies, other digestive conditions, and Valley’s direct-access colonoscopy program designed to make preventive care as simple and seamless as possible. Additional resources: ·        To learn more or schedule a colonoscopy at Valley Medical Center, visit valleymed.org/colonoscopy [https://www.valleymed.org/colonoscopy]. ·        Learn more about digestive health and the role of a gastroenterologist: https://www.valleymed.org/gastroenterology [https://www.valleymed.org/gastroenterology] ·        Learn about our guest, Dr. Brandon Teng: https://www.valleymed.org/find-a-provider/t/brandon-j-teng [https://www.valleymed.org/find-a-provider/t/brandon-j-teng]

What is Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery (MIGS)?

Minimally invasive gynecologic surgery, or MIGS [https://www.valleymed.org/services/all-specialties/surgical-services/migs], is an advanced approach in gynecologic procedures that uses smaller or in some cases, no incisions. The benefits of MIGS procedures are faster recovery time and less pain than traditional surgery. Hear from gynecologic surgeons Olga Valieva, DO [https://www.valleymed.org/find-a-provider/v/olga-valieva⁠] and Eric Schmidt, DO [https://www.valleymed.org/find-a-provider/s/eric-j-schmit] discussing: * What does the term minimally invasive gynecologic surgery mean? * Some reasons why you may consider getting a MIGS procedure. * Things to ask about if you are having consultations with a surgeon about a MIGS procedure. * What getting a minimally invasive gynecologic surgery looks like at Valley * What is vNOTES? Learn more about MIGS options offered at Valley- https://www.valleymed.org/services/all-specialties/surgical-services/migs [https://www.valleymed.org/services/all-specialties/surgical-services/migs]Valley Women’s Healthcare Clinic - https://www.valleymed.org/services/all-specialties/obgyn-services [https://www.valleymed.org/services/all-specialties/obgyn-services] Our Guests: * Olga Valieva, DO https://www.valleymed.org/find-a-provider/v/olga-valieva [https://www.valleymed.org/find-a-provider/v/olga-valieva] * Eric Schmidt, DO https://www.valleymed.org/find-a-provider/s/eric-j-schmit [https://www.valleymed.org/find-a-provider/s/eric-j-schmit] Valley Medical Center surgeons are experienced in minimally-invasive and robotic surgery approaches for a variety of conditions including: * Endometriosis * Uterine fibroids * Ovarian cysts * Polyps

Triage, Trauma, and Teamwork: Inside Valley’s Emergency Department and Level III Trauma Center

When every second counts, what happens behind the doors of Valley’s Emergency Department? In this episode, Emergency Medicine leaders Dr. Cameron Buck and Katherine Bendickson share what it means for Valley to be one of Washington’s busiest Level III Trauma Centers. They explain the triage process, the teamwork that makes rapid response possible, and why most trauma cases aren’t what you might expect. Learn more about Valley’s Emergency Department and Level III Trauma Center and find additional resources: https://www.valleymed.org/trauma [https://www.valleymed.org/trauma]