Dietary intake of fish and PUFA, and clinical depressive and anxiety disorders in women

Fish and PUFA consumption are thought to play a role in mental health; however, many studies do not take into account multiple sources of PUFA. The present study analysed data from a sample of 935 randomly selected, population-based women aged 20–93 years. A validated and comprehensive dietary questionnaire ascertained the consumption of n-3 and n-6 PUFA. Another assessed fish and energy intake and provided data for a dietary quality score. The General Health Questionnaire-12 (GHQ-12) measured psychological symptoms and a clinical interview (Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV-TR Research Version, Non-patient edition) assessed depressive and anxiety disorders. Median dietary intakes of long-chain n-3 fatty acids (310 mg/d) were below suggested dietary target levels. The only PUFA related to categorical depressive and anxiety disorders was DHA. There was a non-linear relationship between DHA intake and depression; those in the second tertile of DHA intake were nearly 70 % less likely to report a current depressive disorder compared to those in the first tertile. The relationship of DHA to anxiety disorders was linear; for those in the highest tertile of DHA intake, the odds for anxiety disorders were reduced by nearly 50 % after adjustments, including adjustment for diet quality scores, compared to the lowest tertile. Those who ate fish less than once per week had higher GHQ-12 scores, and this relationship was particularly obvious in smokers. These are the first observational data to indicate a role for DHA in anxiety disorders, but suggest that the relationship between DHA and depressive disorders may be non-linear

“Rocky Fork State Park: Linking Natural and Economic Resources through Oral Histories and Community Engagement”

Situated in Southern Appalachia, Rocky Fork State Park (Unicoi County) became Tennessee’s newest State Park in October 2012. Rocky Fork’s trail system connection to the Appalachian Trail and unique biological merits as an Appalachian Cove Forest situates the park as an asset for Unicoi County by way of cultural heritage tourism and ecotourism. In 2017, East Tennessee State University’s Appalachian Teaching Project graduate students collaborated with Rocky Fork park rangers to document the community importance of the Rocky Fork area, including perspectives on land use, recreation, logging, and conservation. Utilizing oral histories and community-based fieldwork, this project examines the relationship between the community and the park. By using the history of the park as a centering point for development, the park can tailor a visitor experience that is unique to this particular location. Furthermore, the interplay between the community and park helps to establish Rocky Fork as a feature that supports the sustainable economic development of Unicoi County and the town of Erwin. By integrating the park as a feature of the community, this collaboration fosters a symbiotic understanding, where both the town and the park benefit, each from the success of the other. In so doing, this project seeks to increase awareness of natural resources management, cultural heritage, diversity in development planning, and enhance ecotourism development through oral history. Outcomes of the project will serve as a baseline for appropriating resources for development planning by all stakeholders interested in conservation and preservation of the ecological system and community economic development