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Immunopsychiatry – What’s Old Is New

by RDavis | Health

There has been a movement in the psychiatric world to recognize a new medical specialty. The name has evolved from psychoneuroimmunology to immunopsychiatry. What it boils down to is recognizing a link between immune system dysfunction and psychiatric conditions.

This is not a revelation but more of a renewed recognition that there may be strong links between some autoimmune diseases, immune system dysfunction and mental health diseases. In particular, researchers have found links between psychotic disorders and autoimmune diseases. Links have been established between celiac disease, multiple sclerosis, lupus and the development of schizophrenia.

Leda’s Kitchen Weekly-ish Chef-Prepared Meals (10% off first order)

by LedaS | Food

At Leda’s Kitchen, I draw on my adventures as a private chef, cookbook author, and co-owner of Dosa Kitchen Food Truck to offer weekly-ish gluten-free heat-and-eat meals designed to awaken your senses and fit seamlessly into your schedule. My menus feature curries, stews, nourishing soups and stews inspired by diverse food traditions. I cook with high-quality ingredients including free-range meats and focus on local and organic sourcing. You decide when to eat, as all dishes are designed to reheat beautifully, maintaining or even increasing their original deliciousness.

Expanding the Lowest Class

by RDavis | Activism

The gaps between the have’s and have not’s has been widening in this country for many years. But with passage of the 2025 budget bill, that gap will not only widen but a new economy will push unprecedented numbers of people into poverty and homelessness.

The people in our country who struggle to stay above water while working two or three jobs deal with a constant threat of homelessness and social stigma. Things will be so much worse in the next few years as federal fuel assistance allotments are eliminated and thousands of people lose their Medicaid benefits. That would be bad enough, but the budget bill makes unprecedented cuts in the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP) that families have relied on for decades to be able to afford enough food for basic nutrition.

You Might Need A Cat

by cgrotke | Pets

You might not be thinking about it, but maybe a cat would make life more interesting.  For a limited time, you can go get yourself a 6 month + old cat at the Windham Humane Society for free! (Kittens half price!). Here’s their official message:

“We’re excited to announce our “Real Housecats of Windham County” July promotion!

From July 15-July 31, our goal is to place at least 25 cats and kittens in loving homes, so we’re offering the following adoption discounts:

Future Speculation

by RDavis | Activism

I would rather hope for good results from protests against the Trump administration, but my fear is that the reality we may face could be deadly for too many people. Speculating on the future is usually a fruitless activity, much like trying to predict an election. But the times we live in demand that we try to prepare for what may come as the world of Trump transforms this country and the rest of the world.

There are a number of areas where we can expect major change. Local and world economies are preparing for unprecedented disruptions. The U.S. is becoming more of an isolationist nation. Trump thinks that he is making America stronger by operating in the bully mode when it comes to trade and tariffs.

Brattleboro and VT COVID-19 Regional Dashboard Summary – July 2025

by cgrotke | Health

It’s the July 2025 dashboard summary. We continue semi-regular COVID-19 dashboard numbers from the Vermont Department of Health, and MA counties that surround Brattleboro, as long as they continue providing them.  New Hampshire has shut down their reporting. Numbers are low, but not zero. Scroll down the new comments for the latest.

June 2025 Precipitation Report

by local | Nature

Near average rainfall for the month of June at 4.41″ compared to the NOAA normal of 4.52″.  It has been a little dry of late with only 0.21″ falling in the last 11 days of the month.  I don’t record temps but there have been some very hot days followed by big swings to cool days.

Year to date precipitation stands at 29.18″ compared to the normal of 22.13″.  Well above the average mostly from the wet month of May.  All numbers are from my location in the S.E. corner of Brattleboro and may be different where you live.

Join Action Corps Vermont for Bagels on the Bridge, July 4th!

by IsaacEF | Activism

Join Action Corps Vermont for a light breakfast and gathering on the pedestrian/bike bridge from Brattleboro to the island in the Connecticut River — by the Brattleboro entrance to the old Hinsdale bridges, near the Brattleboro Amtrak station.

You’re welcome to then join Action Corps Vermont and Buddhists for Peace in the parade. Action Corps campaigns for U.S. policies to save lives around the world, and Action Corps members will carry signs in the parade protesting U.S. violence in the Middle East.

A Cruel Disease – ALS

by RDavis | Health

One of the great inequities in the world of medical research revolves around the lack of progress in finding some degree of cure for ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis). I have cared for too many people with ALS over many decades, and there has been very little progress in research since I started my nursing career in 1978.

I have been re-awakened to the misery of ALS because a friend was recently diagnosed. I had a close friend who died of the disease about 10 years ago and it is a difficult experience for everyone involved in caring for a person for ALS. As much as we think we can empathize with someone who has ALS, we really will never know what having ALS feels like.

Dangerously Hot Temperatures in Forecast for June 23-24

by BrattFireDept | Health

On Monday and Tuesday, June 23-24, 2025, temperatures are forecast to reach into the high 90s. The heat index will be higher, with high humidity and dew point temperatures potentially causing dangerous conditions.

Keep an eye on your family, friends, neighbors, and yourselves for symptoms of heat illness. Symptoms include muscle cramps, heavy sweating, nausea, headache, or light-headedness. Most symptoms can be treated with fluids and by resting in a cooler place. Look for grassy areas that are shaded. Paved areas will always be warmer, even in the shade. If symptoms persist or worsen, or someone seems confused or loses consciousness, dial 9-1-1 immediately for help!

Medicaid Monday Speak-out

by ESchwartz | Activism

The Vermont Workers’ Center / Nonviolent Medicaid Army is holding a speak-out on Monday, June 16 at 5 p.m. in front of the Brattleboro Post Office, 204 Main Street. The budget reconciliation bill currently in the Senate is projected to lead to at least 15 million people nationwide losing access to healthcare. If you are unable to get needed care or concerned about the assaults on Medicaid, rising health insurance costs and medical debt you are invited to join in. There will be information about the proposed cuts and ways we can organize for a healthcare system that puts people before profits.

For more info email: windham@workerscenter.org