First Choice Blog
APRIL 2024
April is Abortion Recovery awareness month. According to the American Journal of Public Health, 1 in every 4 women will have an abortion before the age of 45. Those of us who work in the pregnancy help community have seen first hand the negative emotions and regret clients face who decide to have an abortion. Whether the regret is immediate and they seek help through abortionpillreversal.com. The regret may come years later. We have seen the need for abortion recovery and offer resources to equip those who are seeking help in the aftermath of abortion.
Here at First Choice Clinic, we have launched a wonderful resource for abortion recovery called Save One. It is through this class that we are able to offer one on one coaching, or group classes for men, women, and family members who have been impacted by abortion. This Biblical Based study is anonymous and available to the public for free. If you would like more information about signing up for one of our Save One classes, please go to our website fccofsomerset.org or call the clinic at (606)678-0335.
There are also other abortion recovery resources available without religious affiliation through reproductivegrief.org and yourabortionexperience.org/en.
Whether you seek help through First Choice Clinic or one of the resources listed in this blog, we encourage you to seek counseling and healing if you are suffering from abortion regret. You are not alone. There is hope and healing after abortion.
Rebekah Beresford Community Outreach Coordinator
February 2024
The month of February is recognized as Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month. It’s no secret that the world of communication has changed drastically with the increased use of technology. Technology has unfortunately made it easier to harm one another through cyber bullying, manipulation, and emotional abuse. The added aspect of abuse through technology makes dating relationships even more complex, and susceptible to domestic violence.
According to Kentucky Youth Advocates (June 2022), 35% of men and 45% of women have experienced domestic violence in their lifetime. That puts Kentucky at the second highest state for domestic violence in the United States (Public Safety Cabinet’s Criminal Justice Statistical Analysis Center, Kentucky State Police, Cabinet for Health and Family Services, the Administrative Office of the Courts and the CDC).
Whether you are a teenager, or parent of a teenager that you feel concerned for, there are resources available to help. There are many resources available in Kentucky to help. Listed below are the numbers of valuable resources to help those vulnerable to this subject matter. You are not alone. Everyone deserves safety and mutual respect in a relationship.
Ashland Area: Safe Harbor, Inc.
Bowling Green Area: Barren River Area Space Safe, Inc.
Elizabethtown Area: SpringHaven, Inc.
Hopkinsville Area: Sanctuary, Inc.
Maysville Area: The Ion Center
Northern Kentucky Area -The Ion Center
Prestonsburg Area - Turning Point Domestic Violence Shelter
Somerset Area - Bethany House Abuse Shelter, Inc.
-Rebekah Beresford, Community Outreach Coordinator
January 2024
We are in a brand new year! 2024 has arrived and many people’s resolutions are well underway. It is no secret that physical and mental health improvements are at the top of the list for most of those who hold resolutions.
If you’re like me, I want my goals and vision for the year to last beyond February. How do we obtain consistency? How do we keep the steadfast will power to follow through a new daily rhythm?
In his book Atomic Habits, James Clear writes:
“A single decision is easy to dismiss, but when we repeat 1% errors day after day by replicating poor decisions, duplicating tiny mistakes, and rationalizing little excuses, our small choices compound into toxic results."
I believe what he is trying to say is that our small decisions matter. Skipping one day here, deciding to veer off our diet just a little, or allowing to go back on something we said we wouldn’t do anymore, thinking it’s just this once, are not at all little things. It is easy to assume that big transformations happen quickly or without a lot of big changes. But what the author above is pointing out, is that we are made up of the little decisions that become our habits and what we consistently do.
How do we develop healthy habits?
We establish a good “system” or routine. What does your morning routine look like? If you have committed to exercise, what is your daily movement routine? Nighttime routine? Do these routines reflect the goals you are setting for yourself this year? Do you give yourself a limit or curfew when it comes to your phone to avoid mindless scrolling for longer than intended? If we stay disciplined with some simple changes starting today, what could next year at this same time look like?
Whether your goal is to eliminate fast food from your routine, read 1 book a week, to save money for a special trip or to spend more quality time with a loved one, if you want it to become a habit, rise to the new habit you are setting in place. Every day is a new day and a chance to make that habit feel more routine. Let’s make this year one that we can feel proud of when reflecting next year!
-Rebekah Beresford, Community Outreach Coordinator
December 2023
Tis the Season
The holiday season is in full swing among us. With Christmas quickly approaching, I have noticed that every store and every person seems to be just a little busier than usual. Christmas gifts to buy, parties to plan/attend, Christmas programs and the list just goes on. I wanted to take a moment to remind us all (myself included) how to get through this season without feeling completely depleted by the new year.
1. Try to prioritize rest in the midst of the busyness. Rest is something we should still prioritize for our physical, mental, and spiritual health. There are examples across every culture in history of rest as an intentional practice. Taking one day or set few hours a week where we unplug, have no obligations, and simply rest. Our bodies, minds, and hearts will be better for it.
2. Simple is always better than debt. It is so easy to get lost in the excitement of giving, especially when it comes to our children and close family members that we love. We’re living in a time where inflation is at an all time high, and everyone is having to make adjustments where they can. Social Media can often “influence” us into making purchases we cannot afford, to keep up with appearances. Comparison can be such a dangerous trap. We do not have to follow the status quo. We can resist that urge to just put it on a credit card and accept the consequences for later. We will be grateful we did, after the holidays are over.
3. Family is most important. So often, our families take the hit in seasons of busyness. We can get lost in the plans, gatherings, and hustle so much that we forget what is most important. If you have a spouse and children, they should be your top priority. Protecting the peace and health for your family is how you love them well. Sometimes that might mean saying no to a gathering or road trip. If you do not have a spouse or children, you can still love your immediate family members around you by spending time with them intentionally. Lastly, if you do not have any immediate family members to speak of, the church is a wonderful place to build community and find family like relationships. God has called us into His great kingdom family. 2 Corinthians tells us, “and I will be a father to you, and you shall be sons and daughters to me, says the Lord God Almighty.” 2 Corinthians 6:18 He has called us into His eternal family. You are not alone. If you need help finding a church, please call or stop by the clinic. We would be happy to send you in the direction of a loving church family.
4. Finally, we remember that advent and Christmas season is all about the greatest gift coming to earth. Our Redeemer. If you are heavy hearted this holiday season, I assure this season is for you too. God came down to earth to rescue us from the pain, sorrow, and brokenness of this world. He is our great hope. Where are you placing your Hope today? I assure you, Jesus is trustworthy.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from all of us at First Choice Clinic!
-Rebekah Beresford, Community Outreach Coordinator
November 2023
Hope when the holidays Hurt
The middle of November is here, which means we are in full swing of the holiday season. There are decorations in every store, advertisements for gift buying, and the lighthearted slogans everywhere, calling for people to “have cheer!” And “be thankful”. For those who are entering into the holiday season is fresh grief, it can feel overwhelming or even quite daunting. Whether you are missing a family member, a close friend, or even a baby that was supposed to be here, that empty seat at the table can cause deep sadness and pain.
These are all normal feelings when missing a loved one. The journey to healing will never mean forgetting, but learning to find joy again, while holding your grief simultaneously. How can we do that when raw emotions can feel overwhelming at times?
The following are some practical ways to honor your feelings, protect your heart, and give yourself grace while you learn how to navigate holiday get together while grieving:
1. It is okay to say “no.” Sometimes social gatherings can feel overwhelming when you are in a season of fresh grief. Triggers of missing your loved one and feelings that feel too big to hide behind a smile. It is okay to give yourself space and be honest with yourself about what you have the mental and emotional capacity for.
2. It is also okay to say “yes!” Sometimes when you are in a season of grief, you may feel guilt about smiling, laughing, or enjoying yourself-as if you are no longer sad and have moved on from your loved one. There is no shame in enjoying yourself or finding yourself with the desire to participate in social gatherings. Everyone grieves differently- and just because you want to enjoy yourself, does not mean you are not still missing your loved one. We talk a lot about “both, and” in our loss support group here at the clinic. You can hold both sorrow and joy. Learning to find the balance is key.
3. Acts of kindness or service. The holiday season after we lost our daughter, I was very sad and depressed. Something that I found to be healing was to give to a local foster care ministry, in honor of her. Our loved ones do not “need” these acts of service to be done in their memory, but sometimes it can be healing to help others when you are hurting.
4. Keep a journal. Writing can be a therapeutic way to get your feelings out and on paper. Whether you write things you wish you could tell your loved ones, prayers, or just how you are feeling that day, writing can be a useful tool while grieving.
5. Bring your hurts, doubts, questions, and pain to God. Whether you have a relationship with Him or not yet, He longs to have a relationship with you. He can handle your questions. The Bible tells us He heals the broken-hearted and binds up their wounds. (Psalm 147:3) He has the ability to heal and care for your broken heart.
Advent is defined as “the arrival of a notable person, thing or event.” Jesus was who the world was waiting for. At Christmas time, we remember the great hope that came to the world. He took on every suffering the human race could experience or go through, and bore that on the cross. If anyone knows your pain, it is Him. He willingly carried that pain, just for you, and to redeem it all one day. He promises that He will return and wipe away every tear. (Revelation 21:4) Although we grieve, we do not grieve without hope, we will be reunited with our loved ones, those who have put their trust and faith in Christ. (Read all of 1 Thessalonians 4).
No matter where you find yourself with your grief this holiday season, please know that we are praying for you here at First Choice Clinic.
Rebekah Beresford, Community Outreach Coordinator
March 2023
New Beginnings
I get so excited about new beginnings. Do You? A new school year. A new relationship. A new job. New clothes! A new book. There is so much to anticipate, but there are lots of questions.
If you are pregnant, you are living a new beginning, although you might feel like it’s an ending of the life you thought you would have. And in a way, it is. It’s easy to get stuck in the fear and the questions of the new beginning without stopping to think about the possibilities for joy.
Are you questioning your ability to accomplish the plans and dreams you have for your life? Do you resent the interruption of the trajectory of your goals? Maybe people have told you that you just can’t do it. But what if you can? What if 5 years from now, instead of focusing on what you missed out on, you are focusing on the new beginning of your little boy starting kindergarten? What if you can graduate from college and be a mother to a little girl who is just learning to ride a bike without training wheels?
At our pregnancy resource center, we want you to have all the facts before you make a permanent decision about your pregnancy. We believe the decision is up to you and we will not give you a guilt trip or false information about your choices. We will give you the information you need to make the best choice for you. And whether you choose to end your pregnancy or to carry to term, we will still be here for you in the future.
I hope as you read this you open your mind to the possibilities of the new beginnings in your life. If you’d like to talk with me about it, give us a call or request an appointment through this website. We’d love to hear from you!
Emily Golden - Client Services Manager
February 2023
When February rolls around, what do you think of? Valentines……Cupid……Hearts……Chocolate. The month of Love. But what really is love?
There is no greater love than the love of our Heavenly Father who sent his only son to earth to die on the cross for our sins. John 3:16-18 tells us,
16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. 18 Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son.
There is also no greater love a pregnant woman can show than for her to give her child life.
If you are pregnant and struggling with your decision on what to do, call us and make an appointment. Someone from our medical staff or a Client Advocate would be happy to talk with you about all your options.
Pamela Held - Executive Director
January 2023
In 2020 over half of all abortions performed in the United States were medically induced. The remainder were accomplished in clinics using surgical procedures. Medical abortions involve the ingestion of two pills. The first pill is a drug called mifepristone which blocks progesterone, a hormone required to maintain a pregnancy. The second drug, misoprostol, is taken 6-48 hours later to induce contractions and the expulsion of the embryo. Medical abortions using these two drugs are currently approved by the FDA in pregnancies up to 10 weeks.
There are times when a woman takes the first pill and very quickly regrets that decision and seeks information about the possibility of maintaining her pregnancy and the life of her unborn baby. In some cases, it is possible to stop the abortion. Abortion Pill Reversal is the process by which a pregnant woman is given progesterone to mitigate the effects of mifepristone making it possible to save her pregnancy. This protocol has a 64-68% success rate. Unfortunately, it’s not well-covered by the media and is often an unknown and unpromoted choice for women who change their minds about their abortion. It is a safe option for the mother and does not increase the likelihood of birth defects in affected infants. However, if a woman has taken the first pill, time is of the essence if she wishes to save her pregnancy.
If you or someone you know has taken the first step in the medical abortion process and is having second thoughts, please call the Abortion Pill Reversal hotline at 1-877-558-0333. An on-call medical care professional will answer your questions and work with you to connect you to a doctor in your area who can help if possible.
For more information about the process, go to https://www.abortionpillreversal.com/. If you are pregnant and would like to talk with someone about your options, please call First Choice Clinic at 606-678-0335.
Emily Golden, Client Services Manager
December 2022
Winter hair!! UGH!!!! The cold weather outside and the dry heat inside can take a toll on your hair. Here are just a few tips I have learned over the years to help keep my hair healthy throughout the winter chill.
1. Try NOT to wash your hair every day. Over washing your hair can strip the natural oils that keep your hair protected and moisturized. Try to extend the time between your shampoos. If you shampoo every day, try switching to every other day. Using a dry shampoo on the days you skip your regular wash can help keep your hair looking and smelling fresh.
2. Never leave the house with damp/wet hair. Hair is more prone to damage when wet and exposed to winter air. Your hair might freeze and break. Air drying is the best, if possible.
3. Avoid heat styling. Your hair is already in danger of damage from the cold and heat styling broadens the problem and can suck the moisture right out of your locks. As much as I hate my straight, uncurled hair, in the winter months I do more twists and barrettes.
4. Get that humidifier. Indoor heat causes air to become very dry and this can pull the moisture out of your hair. Humidifiers help rehydrate the air and can help keep your hair hydrated also.
5. Drink water! No mater the time of year, drinking water is always a good idea. Drinking water helps keep your whole body, from the top of your head to the tips of your toes hydrated.
6. Wear a hat. Covering your hair during those cold winter months helps shield it from the moisture robbing wind and dry air. Find a cute hat that you can wear inside as well as out, so you don’t have to worry about that dreaded hat hair. Using a dry oil spray can help fight static electricity under your hat. Make sure to find one that contains natural oils that also moisturize your hair and keep it from breaking.
These are just a few tips I try to remember during the winter months. My hair is, by no means, perfect and never will be, but every little bit helps, and I hope this helps you too.
Pamela Held, Executive Director
November 2022
Oh, the holiday season is here and it’s the most wonderful time of the year......maybe. I look out my office window and see the beautiful color of the fall leaves as the sun shines through, but I know that means that winter is not far behind. As the time changes and days get shorter and the weather gets colder my mood also changes. Seasonal depression, or Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), is very real for me.
It seems like the older I get, the worse my symptoms get. But I have also found a few ways to combat the onset of my blue mood. Finding a good friend to talk to is important. Meet up for coffee or schedule a lunch date. Anyone who knows me knows I would be a beach bum, if it paid good, so I like to keep a beach picture on my computer screen and listen to wave sounds crashing on the sand.
Have you noticed yourself feeling “down” as the days get shorter and colder but begin to feel better when the first warm day of spring appears, and the daylight hours are longer? Maybe you are experiencing SAD. A few symptoms of SAD are having trouble sleeping, low energy levels, feeling hopeless or worthless, and thoughts of death or suicide.
https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/seasonal-affective-disorder is a helpful site that covers Seasonal Affective Disorder. It explains some of the signs and symptoms of SAD as well as a few treatments options.
If you feel you may be experiencing SAD, talk to your health care provider. There are ways to fight off “the winter blues”. www.nimh.nih.gov/talkingtips is a helpful tips sheet for talking with your health care provider.
If you are experiencing SAD and have thoughts of hurting yourself, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline toll-free at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) of the toll-free TTY number at 1-800-799-4TTY (4889). You can also text the Crisis Text Line (HELLO to 741741) or go to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline website at https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org.
It is never too late to get help and to start feeling better.
-Pamela Held, Executive Director, First Choice Clinic of Somerset