Day: December 23, 2024

How Gambling Can Affect Your Health

Gambling is any activity in which you risk something of value, such as money, on an event that is decided by chance. This includes games of chance, such as lottery tickets, slot machines, and horse racing, as well as social gambling with friends. Some forms of gambling are legal and regulated while others are not, and all can be harmful. It’s important to recognize the difference between safe and unsafe gambling so that you can make better decisions about your participation.

People with a mental health condition, such as anxiety or depression, can be at risk for developing gambling problems. These conditions can lead to increased stress and impulsivity, which may trigger the urge to gamble. In addition, these disorders can also interfere with your ability to weigh risks and rewards, which is essential for making good gambling choices.

The type of gambling you engage in will also influence your chances of addiction. Some types of gambling are more addictive than others, but the reality is that all forms of gambling have some risk. The risk of problem gambling increases with age, as your brain becomes less able to control impulses and weigh risks. It’s also more likely that you’ll develop a gambling problem if you’ve had family members with an addiction or if you have a history of depression or substance abuse.

A gambling addiction can have serious consequences, including loss of employment or financial difficulties. It can also affect relationships and cause emotional distress. If you think you have a gambling problem, it’s important to seek help immediately. Fortunately, there are many resources and treatment options available to help you overcome this disorder.

If you’re concerned about your or a loved one’s gambling habits, it’s important to understand the different types of gambling and how to avoid them. Gambling is an addictive activity that involves risking money or other valuables on events that are determined by chance, such as sports events, casino games, and online betting. There are several things you can do to prevent gambling from becoming a problem:

Talk about your gambling with someone you trust who won’t judge you. This could be a family member, friend or professional counsellor. Reduce risk factors by avoiding casinos, staying away from online gaming sites, and keeping only a small amount of cash on you. Try to find other recreational activities or hobbies that take the place of gambling. Don’t chase your losses – thinking that you are due for a win will only increase your chances of losing even more.

Consider seeking therapy or other treatments for mood disorders that can trigger gambling problems and make them worse. Family counseling can address the issues that have been created by your or a loved one’s gambling and lay the foundation for a healthy relationship in the future. Credit and finance counselors can also be helpful for those with trouble managing their finances. They can teach you to set boundaries and create a plan for managing your money in the future.

The Sidney Prize

The Sidney Prize is a literary award for writing on an assigned topic. It honors the scholarly integrity, academic excellence and exemplary teaching of the late Professor Sidney Cox, who was known to inspire students to achieve their fullest potential by demanding high standards of originality and integrity in their work. This prize is sponsored by the friends of Professor Cox and administered by a committee of Hanover alumni, including Robert Frost ’96, A. B. Guthrie ’54, Budd Schulberg ’36, and Emilie Ann Consett Stephen ’52.

The Sidney Hook Memorial Award is presented annually to a Phi Beta Kappa member who has made national distinction in scholarship, undergraduate teaching and leadership in the cause of liberal arts education. The winner is honored at the Society’s Triennial Council meeting. A call for nominations appears in the Key Reporter and General Newsletter a year and a half prior to each Triennial Council.

Established in 1991 to honor the memory of distinguished American philosopher and Phi Beta Kappa member, Sidney Hook (1902-1989), this award recognizes national distinction in scholarship by a single scholar in three endeavors — research, undergraduate teaching, and leadership in the cause of liberal arts education. This fellowship is open to scholars in any discipline whose work is of significant value to the intellectual development and welfare of undergraduates. A distinguished committee appointed by the president of Phi Beta Kappa makes the selection each year.

In recognition of the importance of a free and responsible press, this annual prize was established by the Board of Trustees of the Hillman Foundation in 1950. The purpose of the Hillman Prize program is to honor and foster investigative reporting in service to the public good. Since its inception, the prize has honored contributors to the daily and periodical press in the United States and Canada as well as authors, broadcasters, and public speakers.

This contest honors the writing of a book-length manuscript in the field of history of science or technology. The committee seeks books that exhibit a broad and inclusive perspective and include beguiling imagery. The 2024 winners are Richard Ho and Lynn Scurfield, Two New Years; Mari Lowe, The Dubious Pranks of Shaindy Goodman; and Elana K. Arnold, The Blood Years. Published books that won a Sydney Taylor Manuscript Award before being published may carry the Taylor seal (see application below). For bulk purchases of the seal, please contact the chair of the committee. For more information, visit the Sydney Taylor Book Award website. Listen to an interview about this year’s winners on the Key Reporter podcast.