Pet Therapy - One Option for PTSD

Along with his academic pursuits, Drew Farney plays quarterback on the football team at Bath, Maine’s Hyde Academy. Drew Farney’s volunteer interests include working with charitable organizations that help veterans with PTSD recovery.

According to research, therapy pets can help reduce symptoms of PTSD in combat veterans. Pet therapy, also known as animal-assisted therapy, involves guided interactions between trained animals and veterans, and has been shown to improve physical and mental health. Pet therapy can improve cardiovascular function and lower blood pressure, as well as release endorphins that help reduce stress and alleviate pain.

A UCLA study found that just 12 minutes with a therapy dog resulted in decreased stress and anxiety in adult patients. Additionally, a study at Purdue University showed that veterans with service dogs reported 22 percent higher satisfaction rates than those without. Interacting with a friendly pet.

This interaction, which can include walking or petting the animal, can help patients achieve specific physical health goals such as improving motor skills or balance.

3 Must-Haves for a Home Recording Studio

A football player at Hyde Academy in Bath, Maine, Drew Farney began studying at the independent preparatory boarding school in 2019. Drew Farney balances his academics and athletic interests with songwriting and creating beats, some of which have been featured on SoundCloud.

Creating music and beats at home has never been more accessible. To create a home recording studio, consider investing in the following equipment:

1. A computer. If you are on a budget, you can likely work with the computer you already have. If you can afford an upgrade, choose a large screen and a fast processor, as beat-making software requires a lot of processing power.

2. A Digital Audio Workspace. (DAW). This software will help you record, edit, and mix tracks. With options suited for beginning to advanced beat makers, a DAW will help you begin to create unique beats you can layer with other sounds.

3. A MIDI controller. A 25-keyboard is small and affordable and will allow you to control the virtual instruments in your DAW. Though the keyboard itself doesn’t make sound, it sends signals to your software to play instrumental samples or voices.

4. Studio headphones. Simple but vital, a high-quality set of headphones will provide clear, crisp sound for you to sample your beats.

5. Microphone. If you plan to sing over your beats, a good microphone will elevate the sound quality.

Top Qualities in a College Quarterback

Formerly a student at Jarrell High School and Georgetown High School, Drew Farney played wide receiver and safety. Currently, Drew Farney plays quarterback for the football team at Hyde Academy in Bath, Maine.

When recruiting quarterbacks, college football coaches consider the following key attributes:

Strength and Accuracy

Not only do quarterbacks need strong throwing arms, they also need the precision to control the speed and trajectory of their throws.

Mobility

Quarterbacks need to be in outstanding physical shape and agile enough to change direction quickly to avoid tackles.

Intelligence

Making decisions quickly is a vital role for a quarterback, as is understanding overall offense and reading situations accurately. Academic performance also plays a role in college recruiters’ choices, as athletes must have good grades in order to maintain eligibility.

Leadership

A quarterback must be able to command the respect and trust of their team, inspiring them to work together and push themselves, even when they are feeling discouraged.

Transformative Retreats with Wounded

A high school student athlete, Drew Farney plays quarterback at Hyde Academy in Maine. Outside his academic and athletic responsibilities, Drew Farney has gained experience working with veterans through the Wounded Warriors Project.

Providing critical support and resources for wounded veterans throughout the United States, Wounded Warriors offers a number of programs for individuals living with post-traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injury, and combat stress. The organization’s Combat Stress Recovery Program recognizes the effects of combat on mental health and addresses such issues through various rehabilitation services.

To foster connection and healing through physical challenges, veterans can participate in Project Odyssey (an outdoor retreat) or a 5-day Couples Project Odyssey retreat. Held in locations around the country, both programs promote recovery and help rebuild trust in relationships through adventurous outdoor activities such as rock climbing, white water rafting, and horseback riding. For more information about how Project Odyssey retreats draw on the healing power of nature, visit www.woundedwarriors.org.