Tag confidentiality

DATA PRIVACY DAY

Jensperspectiveblog 16 Comments

Data Privacy Day on January 28th reminds us each year to review how our data is used. It’s an excellent opportunity to take stock and evaluate our personal cybersecurity.

Our personal data is collected and used through a variety of media and for numerous reasons. Part of the problem is most of the time, the people who have access to our data, don’t need it. Additionally, it gets redistributed legally and illegally. Thanks to the internet, massive amounts of personal data can be easily distributed. While the information may be out there due to our own carelessness or privacy violations, there are steps you can take to protect yourself.

  • On any new device, set your privacy settings immediately. This includes new applications, social media, and programs.
  • Never use unsecured WiFi – especially for banking or shopping.
  • Check your bank and credit card statements regularly. When you spot anything questionable, contact the organization to stop payment on the purchase and cancel your card. In the same vein, check your credit report at least annually.
  • Keep your software up to date. Out of date software is vulnerable to hackers.
  • Never give personal information over the phone, email, or text.
  • Stop taking online quizzes that ask random questions about your childhood, children, tattoos, marriages, pets, and favorite foods. Each time you take one of these, people trying to access your data gather a little bit more information about you that allows them to steal your data or identity.
  • Use strong password phrases. The longer the password, the harder it is to break.
  • Do not save your passwords on your device.
  • Change passwords when your accounts may have been compromised or when you visit the dentist.
  • Use virus protection and a firewall.

DATA PRIVACY DAY HISTORY

The Council in Europe first initiated Data Privacy Day in 2007. Their mission grew to a global platform. In 2009, the United States House of Representatives recognized National Data Privacy Day. The United States Senate later recognized Data Privacy Day in 2010 and 2011. Since then, various groups and organizations continue supporting the observance annually.

Explore More…

HOW TO OBSERVE #DataPrivacyDay

Take steps to secure your digital devices. Make a commitment to learning ways to protect yourself and maintain those tech-savvy practices. When you do, you and your family will be more secure.

For more tips, visit staysafeonline.org for tips on keeping your data safe. Use #DataPrivacyDay to post on social media.

Don't Get Hacked Grandpa!: Secure Your Data #DataPrivacyDay
Don’t Get Hacked Grandpa!: Secure Your Data
Kaspersky Internet Security 2023 | 5 Devices | 2 Years | Antivirus and Secure VPN Included | PC/Mac/Android | Online Code#DataPrivacyDay
Kaspersky Internet Security 2023 | 5 Devices | 2 Years | Antivirus and Secure VPN Included | PC/Mac/Android | Online Code
Malwarebytes Premium Software | Amazon Exclusive | 18 Months, 2 Devices (PC, Mac, Android) [software_key_card]#DataPrivacyDay
Malwarebytes Premium Software | Amazon Exclusive | 18 Months, 2 Devices (PC, Mac, Android) [software_key_card]
NordVPN Standard – 2-Year VPN & Cybersecurity Software Subscription For 6 Devices - Block Malware, Malicious Links & Ads, Protect Personal Information | PC/Mac/Mobile | Activation Code via Email [Online Code]#DataPrivacyDay
NordVPN Standard – 2-Year VPN & Cybersecurity Software Subscription For 6 Devices – Block Malware, Malicious Links & Ads, Protect Personal Information | PC/Mac/Mobile | Activation Code via Email [Online Code]

WORLD MENTAL HEALTH DAY

Jensperspectiveblog Leave a comment

Annually, World Mental Health Day on October 10th raises awareness and mobilizes efforts to support mental health.

Mental health is a hot topic. This is good news. It means the stigma for mental health issues is slowly going away. Mental health issues are finally getting the attention they deserve. Healthcare workers and individuals feel they can discuss mental health more openly. However, that doesn’t mean there isn’t still work to do, however.

As a whole, we often misunderstand mental health because it is hard to define. Additionally, mental health includes several areas. These areas involve one’s social, emotional, and psychological well-being. Mental health affects thoughts, feelings, and actions. When we have positive mental health, we handle stress better, our productivity remains stable, and we realize our full potential.

When one has poor mental health, they are more likely to suffer from a mental health disorder. These disorders include the following diagnoses:

  • Depression
  • Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
  • Panic disorder
  • Phobias
  • Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD)
  • Obsessive-compulsive Disorder (OCD)
  • Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Of these mental health disorders, most people experience anxiety disorders. Statistics show that about 4% of the world’s population has a form of anxiety disorder. In the United States, the percentage increases to just over 18% of the population.

Some people are at a higher risk of getting a mental health disorder. These include those with high-stress levels, those who have experienced trauma, and those who have few healthy relationships. However, family history plays a role in higher risk factors, too.

Thanks to increased awareness and increased funding for research, there are effective treatment options for most mental health disorders. Conventional treatment methods include medication, psychotherapy, and hospital and residential programs.

HOW TO OBSERVE #MentalHealthDay

While not everyone faces a life with mental health issues, mental health impacts all of us. That’s why discussing mental health with your loved ones is a vital part of this observance.

The World Federation for Mental Health organizes World Mental Health Day. Each year, organizations host a variety of events all around the world to increase awareness about mental health issues. Events include educational seminars, free mental health screenings, walk-a-thons, marathons, conferences, mass media promotions, and public service announcements.

If you know someone who struggles with a mental health disorder, World Mental Health Day is a great way to reach out to them. While many people don’t feel comfortable talking to others about their diagnosis, knowing they have someone to reach out to makes a real difference. You can also donate to an organization that advocates for mental health. A few include the National Alliance on Mental Health (NAMI) and the Brain and Behavior Research Foundation. If you think you might have a mental health disorder or are at a high risk of getting one, schedule an appointment with your doctor.

You can also discover more about the advancement of mental healthcare.

Share this day on social media with #WorldMentalHealthDay.

WORLD MENTAL HEALTH DAY HISTORY

The World Federation for Mental Health first observed World Mental Health Day in 1992 with members and contacts in many countries.  While the federations first used a theme in 1994, previous years did not. The first theme was “Improving the Quality of Mental Health Services throughout the World.” Twenty-seven countries participated in that campaign.In 1995, the World Federation for Mental Health translated planning kits for World Mental Health Day into various languages. These languages included Spanish and French. Today, planning kits are translated into Hindi, Chinese, Arabic, and other languages, too.Recent themes for World Mental Health Day have included:

  • 2019: Working Together to Prevent Suicide
  • 2018: Young People and Mental Health
  • 2017: Mental Health in the Workplace
  • 2016: Psychological and Mental Health First Aid