In a previous blog post, I discussed the emotional changes that may result from traumatic brain injury (TBI). Another consequence of TBI that patients may not recognize themselves are behavioral changes. It is crucial that loved ones pay attention to shifts in behavior in order to provide support and connect patients with the care they need. It …
We at PNBC are pleased to introduce our new psychologist to the practice, Dr. Stacy Ann Aquipel. Dr. Aquipel is a clinical psychologist licensed in California (PSY28518) with specialty training in geriatrics and health psychology, including treating individuals experiencing mood disorders, anxiety, grief and loss, emotional trauma (including acute stress and PTSD), substance abuse issues, …
For this week’s blog post, we would like to highlight some recent accomplishments for some of our clinicians at PNBC, as well as their extracurricular work activities. Dr. Takisha Corbett, Psychologist Dr. Corbett is a steering committee member of the California Psychological Associate Division 1 Health Psychology Section and worked with the steering committee to …
“What is good for the body is good for the brain”. It’s a common adage that I typically tell patients, family, friends, or whoever will listen. I often discuss the positive impact exercise has on our ability to think—to learn and remember new information, focus, generate novel ideas, and be creative. Furthermore, exercise has positive …
In a year full of uncertainties and the continuing need for social distancing, the holiday season in 2020 may not feel very festive. You may feel that there is not too much to celebrate about 2020 and may choose to forego in this holiday rituals altogether! If you do that, however, you might be missing …
Introducing Ms. Alexia Salcedo, recently hired at PNBC as an Administrative Assistant and Patient Care Coordinator! Prior to working at PNBC, Alexia worked as a Paralegal for just over a year resolving fire claims. Before receiving her Paralegal certificate she had been in the medical field for a decade where she has worked with various types …
You are what you eat. It’s a cliché phrase that most of us have heard but probably have not put much thought into. We know that certain types of diets can lead to health problems, such as obesity, diabetes, and high cholesterol, but did you know that what you eat can also have an impact …
Having trouble sleeping lately? Whether it involves difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, and/or feeling restless the next day, it is no wonder that with the ongoing pandemic, there has been a surge of troubled sleepers worldwide. Some experts are even coining the term “coronasomnia” for the increased COVID-19-related sleep issues, creating a vicious “insomnia-causes-stress-causes-more-insomnia cycle” …
It is hard to believe 2021 is less than 90 days way. This year, with all of the many challenges, seems to be flying by. With the transition to working from home, many employees have found themselves even busier than when they were working in the office. Add to that, school-aged and/or college-aged distance learners, and perhaps another adult or two also working from home, you can begin to feel like an afterthought in …
Survivors of traumatic brain injury are often left to deal with unforeseen changes and symptoms. Impact to various regions of the brain, such as the area responsible for regulating emotions, can cause survivors of TBI to sense a lack of control over their feelings. Adjusting to life after brain injury may also trigger stress and …
Have you been recommended a spinal cord stimulator (SCS) trial implantation by your treating physician? Are you wondering what to expect from the required pre-surgical psychological evaluation? Are you asking yourself, why is a psychological evaluation even required? Well then, read this article, you shall. What is a Spinal Cord Stimulator? In brief, an …
Anxiety is an emotion that we feel in response to a threat or a potential threat. Often, it helps us out. For example, anxiety can motivate us to practice an upcoming presentation for class, take a step back when standing at the edge of a tall building, or prepare for an important occasion like meeting …
Speaking up to a medical provider for your healthcare needs can feel a bit intimidating. This can become even more uncomfortable if you feel as though your provider is not “hearing you” or appears to dismiss your concerns. This type of experience can lead to retreating and avoiding contact with a medical provider; however, this …
Daily routines can be essential to maintaining physical and mental health, as they increase productivity, help manage stress, and enable us to make progress towards our short-term and long-term goals. Disruptions in daily routines and activities can be upsetting, particularly for those navigating the recovery process. It is natural to want to return to our …
One of the concerns reported by my chronic pain clients who are also parenting is feeling like they are not as engaged with their children as they would like to be. In addition to generating feelings of guilt and shame around their parenting, this also frequently leads to stress and conflict with the other parent, …
Since shelter in place orders began to take effect in March, many of my own clients have seen increases in pain and mental health symptoms. While sheltering in place has placed many restrictions on people, as well as significantly changed how we all experience our day to day lives, there are two things that directly …
Many people have asked, “what is mindfulness, and can it really help me?” The answers to those questions are simple and developing a mindfulness practice can be relatively easy. Many mindfulness resources are accessible for free on websites and mobile apps, while other resources are available on a subscription basis or by enrolling in a …
The energy in the air has been heightened with tension over the past few months. Initially, this was due to the global pandemic of COVID-19. Now, the United States has become the epicenter of a polarizing movement surrounding race and justice. Video of the gruesome death of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis Police …
As the country begins the process of re-opening and lifting some restrictions, we find many activities are resuming. These include medical procedures that may have been postponed, as hospitals and medical facilities everywhere braced and prepared for treating individuals with COVID-19 back in March. If you are one of many patients who are being scheduled …
The world is collectively living through an event unlike any other experienced during our lifetimes. The COVID-19 pandemic has changed how we are living our lives. We are living in daily uncertainty, facing something largely unknown to us still, in constant concern over our health and the health of our loved ones, and for some, …
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