Couples are increasingly using baby gender predictors to influence the sex of their babies. Are you and your partner wanting to conceive? Are you seeking a secure method of choosing the gender of your baby? There is a substantial amount of untruthful and deceiving material on the internet concerning gender selection. If you are considering gender prediction and don't want to fork over thousands of dollars to a doctor, there are solutions you can use without medical supervision.
First, you should know that there aren't any gender predictor solutions that can guarantee 100% success. But many methods can greatly improve your odds of having the baby you prefer. Be cautious. Scammers are feeding lies to many unsuspecting parents and promising them success regardless of many factors that could effect conception and gender. You should seek scientifically researched techniques from a reliable source that will help you achieve the desired gender of your baby.
One of the most popular scams is using Chinese astrology for gender selection. Gender prediction and astrology are not related in any way. Couples who depend on "baby gender charts" will be hurt and disappointed with the results. These charts and calendars claim that particular dates are advantageous for a female or male baby. There is no research to support the claims of these methods. These methods will not help you. Many reliable gender selection options can provide you with that beautiful boy or girl.
Naturally choose your baby's sex by following simple, effective methods. These methods will teach you how to control many factors that determine a baby's gender. Consuming particular foods, practicing certain positions and timing are among many factors essential in gender prediction. Don't leave your family's future to chance. These methods are natural and scientifically proven. By using a safe and reliable gender selection method, you can dramatically increase your chances of having the gender of your choice.
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Autism And Disability - Why Little Things Can Mean A Lot
I have a son who developed autism just after his first birthday and I wouldn't describe my life since as being easy. However, today I was reminded just how lucky I am. Through various non invasive interventions, endless patience and persistence, my son has developed into a nice young man who I can now take most places without wishing the ground would open up and swallow me.
My son is eighteen, physically very capable with a great sense of balance and hand/eye co-ordination. He's now easy to look after and despite using limited language to communicate, he tries very hard in other ways to let people know what he wants and needs.
Another boy I know also tries very hard to communicate. However, he's not quite so physically able, in fact he's in a wheelchair. Now eight, he's become a very frustrated little individual who likes to assert himself whenever possible. Unfortunately it is making it increasingly difficult for his mother to look after him and take him out alone. Not only is he getting bigger and heavier, but where once he was happy to be pushed along wherever his mother chose, he now grabs on to anything he can get his hands on to prevent the wheelchair moving, especially if it means leaving somewhere he enjoys.
Railings, gates, lamp posts are all becoming hazardous and he's now mastered the art of the wheel chair equivalent of an emergency stop by putting on the brake when the chair is in motion.
The last time he did it his mother had taken him to a play park and he'd been reluctant to leave. Needless to say he'd entwined his little fingers around every thing he could manage on the route back to the car. His mother anticipated further problems once they reached the vehicle so as soon as they got in range she got her keys out to open the car by remote control.
The plan was to make the transition from chair to car as quick as possible but her son had other ideas. He pulled on the brake, the chair tipped up and in her haste to keep it upright she dropped the keys down the drain. The mother just sat down on the kerb and laughed. She had to, if not she would have cried and I know from experience that once you start it can take a long time to stop.
Hearing that story made me once more appreciate just how lucky I am.
One thing which would have made a considerable difference to the lady in question would have been a companion to help her - a friend - another pair of hands. Over the years I have come to know one thing with certainty and that is the people who require the help the most are the ones least likely to ask for it.
I'd like you to bear that in mind the next time you think about your friend, relation or neighbour and imagine walking a day in their shoes.Sometimes, even the smallest, simplest thing can mean so much and the difference between being able to cope or not.Think about the person who is housebound and has no visitors. How about the elderly couple who have difficulty getting the newspaper which you collect for yourself every day? What about the young mother who is desperate for sleep but can't leave her baby?
I am fortunate in that I have a Circle of Friends for my son. They are people who have his best interests at heart and do fun things with him. It gives him the opportunity to enjoy a variety of activities, and gives me a break from having to be completely responsible all the time. All are volunteers and help because they want to. They derive as much pleasure from the association as my son does and we all benefit from the relationship.
My Circle also enables me to give quality time to other family members. Often disabilities split families in two and I know of several couples who always do different activities so their "normal" children don't lose out. Some even take separate holidays.
Being a parent is never an easy task but when you have a child with a disability the family unit is frequently under strain. Many couples can't take it and there are more than a few mothers (and fathers) left to cope alone. I know we all live in a busy world but most of us could, if we wanted, spare a few hours a month to help someone in need.
My son is eighteen, physically very capable with a great sense of balance and hand/eye co-ordination. He's now easy to look after and despite using limited language to communicate, he tries very hard in other ways to let people know what he wants and needs.
Another boy I know also tries very hard to communicate. However, he's not quite so physically able, in fact he's in a wheelchair. Now eight, he's become a very frustrated little individual who likes to assert himself whenever possible. Unfortunately it is making it increasingly difficult for his mother to look after him and take him out alone. Not only is he getting bigger and heavier, but where once he was happy to be pushed along wherever his mother chose, he now grabs on to anything he can get his hands on to prevent the wheelchair moving, especially if it means leaving somewhere he enjoys.
Railings, gates, lamp posts are all becoming hazardous and he's now mastered the art of the wheel chair equivalent of an emergency stop by putting on the brake when the chair is in motion.
The last time he did it his mother had taken him to a play park and he'd been reluctant to leave. Needless to say he'd entwined his little fingers around every thing he could manage on the route back to the car. His mother anticipated further problems once they reached the vehicle so as soon as they got in range she got her keys out to open the car by remote control.
The plan was to make the transition from chair to car as quick as possible but her son had other ideas. He pulled on the brake, the chair tipped up and in her haste to keep it upright she dropped the keys down the drain. The mother just sat down on the kerb and laughed. She had to, if not she would have cried and I know from experience that once you start it can take a long time to stop.
Hearing that story made me once more appreciate just how lucky I am.
One thing which would have made a considerable difference to the lady in question would have been a companion to help her - a friend - another pair of hands. Over the years I have come to know one thing with certainty and that is the people who require the help the most are the ones least likely to ask for it.
I'd like you to bear that in mind the next time you think about your friend, relation or neighbour and imagine walking a day in their shoes.Sometimes, even the smallest, simplest thing can mean so much and the difference between being able to cope or not.Think about the person who is housebound and has no visitors. How about the elderly couple who have difficulty getting the newspaper which you collect for yourself every day? What about the young mother who is desperate for sleep but can't leave her baby?
I am fortunate in that I have a Circle of Friends for my son. They are people who have his best interests at heart and do fun things with him. It gives him the opportunity to enjoy a variety of activities, and gives me a break from having to be completely responsible all the time. All are volunteers and help because they want to. They derive as much pleasure from the association as my son does and we all benefit from the relationship.
My Circle also enables me to give quality time to other family members. Often disabilities split families in two and I know of several couples who always do different activities so their "normal" children don't lose out. Some even take separate holidays.
Being a parent is never an easy task but when you have a child with a disability the family unit is frequently under strain. Many couples can't take it and there are more than a few mothers (and fathers) left to cope alone. I know we all live in a busy world but most of us could, if we wanted, spare a few hours a month to help someone in need.
Children and Adolescents with Autism - Characteristics and Research
Autism is also called autistic disorder. The disorder:
• Appears in early childhood, usually before age 3
• Prevents children and adolescents from interacting normally with other people
• Affects almost every aspect of their social and psychological development
Autism characteristics range in intensity from mild to severe. Not every child behaves the same with the same diagnosis. Signs of autism in children and adolescents are typically:
• Difficulty communicating with others
• Exhibits repetitious behaviors, such as rocking back and forth, head banging, or touching or twirling objects
• Have a limited range of interests and activities
• May become upset by small changes in environment and daily routine
In addition, some children may experience hypersensitivity in:
• Hearing
• Touch
• Smell
• Taste
Symptoms of autism can be seen in early infancy. The condition may also appear after months of normal development. It is not possible in most cases to identify a specific event that triggers the disorder.
Autism or a related condition is:
• Three times more common in boys than in girls
• Diagnosed in as many as 12 in every 10,000 children
Causes of autism:
• Researchers are unsure what causes this disorder
• Studies suggest autism might be caused by a combination of biological or environmental factors, or both, including viral exposure before birth, a problem with the immune system, or genetics
• Although recent scientific investigations examined the possible connection between autism and the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine, the available data to date does not appear to support a casual link
• Studies of families and twins suggest a genetic basis for the disorder
If scientists find the genes responsible for autism, the knowledge would give physicians new tools to diagnose the disorder and help scientists develop gene-based therapies.
Some studies reveal that the brains of people with autism may function differently from those that are considered "normal." There is research that suggests an abnormal slowing down of brain development before birth may cause autism.
Chemicals in the brain also may play a role in autism:
• As a normal brain develops, the level of serotonin declines
• In some children with autism, serotonin levels do not decline
• Researchers continue to investigate whether this happens only to children with autism or whether other factors are involved
Source: SAMHSA's National Mental Health Information Center
Disclaimer: The information in this article is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. All health concerns should be addressed by a qualified health care professional.
• Appears in early childhood, usually before age 3
• Prevents children and adolescents from interacting normally with other people
• Affects almost every aspect of their social and psychological development
Autism characteristics range in intensity from mild to severe. Not every child behaves the same with the same diagnosis. Signs of autism in children and adolescents are typically:
• Difficulty communicating with others
• Exhibits repetitious behaviors, such as rocking back and forth, head banging, or touching or twirling objects
• Have a limited range of interests and activities
• May become upset by small changes in environment and daily routine
In addition, some children may experience hypersensitivity in:
• Hearing
• Touch
• Smell
• Taste
Symptoms of autism can be seen in early infancy. The condition may also appear after months of normal development. It is not possible in most cases to identify a specific event that triggers the disorder.
Autism or a related condition is:
• Three times more common in boys than in girls
• Diagnosed in as many as 12 in every 10,000 children
Causes of autism:
• Researchers are unsure what causes this disorder
• Studies suggest autism might be caused by a combination of biological or environmental factors, or both, including viral exposure before birth, a problem with the immune system, or genetics
• Although recent scientific investigations examined the possible connection between autism and the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine, the available data to date does not appear to support a casual link
• Studies of families and twins suggest a genetic basis for the disorder
If scientists find the genes responsible for autism, the knowledge would give physicians new tools to diagnose the disorder and help scientists develop gene-based therapies.
Some studies reveal that the brains of people with autism may function differently from those that are considered "normal." There is research that suggests an abnormal slowing down of brain development before birth may cause autism.
Chemicals in the brain also may play a role in autism:
• As a normal brain develops, the level of serotonin declines
• In some children with autism, serotonin levels do not decline
• Researchers continue to investigate whether this happens only to children with autism or whether other factors are involved
Source: SAMHSA's National Mental Health Information Center
Disclaimer: The information in this article is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. All health concerns should be addressed by a qualified health care professional.
Surviving Your Extended Family
We all want to do the noble thing and help a friend or family member in their time of need. Natural disasters, illness, job loss, death, and a host of other unplanned circumstances sometimes makes it necessary for us to open our home to others. Despite your best efforts, your extended family situation can become extremely difficult to live with. Whether you are the host or the person in need of assistance, it is important to establish a few ground rules to keep the environment functioning harmoniously. If you don’t establish a few things upfront, emotions could flare up and result in arguments and sometimes even physical violence. Here are some helpful suggestions that will allow you to preserve your relationship with your loved ones:
* DO: Meet with family members to discuss expectations (yours and theirs) during the extended stay. Familiarize your new guest with how things currently work in your household. Be sure to cover items that you are a stickler about (i.e., no shoes on in the house, no eating outside of the kitchen or nook area, smoking, computer usage, etc.).
DON’T: Don’t assume that your family members have been observant enough to know what you want done in your home or how to do it. If your family member didn’t have a dishwasher or high tech appliances in their home, they may be apprehensive about using yours. The same goes for high tech electronics and other gadgets. Show your relative how to use your gadgets without altering your favorite settings. Another important point is usage of your personal computer. Let them know if your office pc is off limits. Additionally, let them know what to do to avoid downloading viruses and spyware onto your PC.
* DO: Whenever possible, carve out a space or room where your extended family members can store personal items or have some privacy. They may still need to iron out some very personal matters in private. If a full bedroom is unavailable, provide a kitchen cabinet or drawer to help them to stay organized and keep their clutter out of your site. If this is not a good option, consider a room divider or curtains.
DON’T: Don’t move your guests to a different place in your home every week. Think ahead about the most convenient place to make their temporary residence. If you know that the individual is a junky monkey, then don’t put them up near the entrance of your home or in areas frequented by your friends and business associates. It will cause a lot of unnecessary frustration for you and your relative.
* DO: Do consider your guests’ dietary requirements. There are many people who are vegetarians or who exclude pork and beef from their diets. If your guests’ culinary preferences are too extreme, direct them to a place where they can purchase food or dine the way they normally do without inconveniencing you. You can also invite them to prepare their favorite dish as a way to make them more comfortable and to allow your family to experience a new cuisine.
DON’T: Don’t expect your guests to eat salty, sugary, or high-fat foods, if they have indicated they’ve given them up for health reasons. Simply invite them to participate in the meal preparation or sit a portion of the meal aside prior to adding the salt or sugar that suits your taste.
* DO: Solicit your guests’ participation in chores, errands, childcare, and bill paying regardless of how brief you intend for their stay to be. You’ll only handicap them by being too accommodating. If your guest has a cash flow problem and is unable to pay rent or a bill, they can still assist with chores, errands, or childcare. If they have a small amount of income, give them the responsibility of replenishing grocery items that are consumed quickly like milk, juice, fruit, bread, and cereal.
DON’T: Don’t allow anyone to stay in your home without getting them to acknowledge the importance of making a contribution. They need to commit to doing something consistently to sustain the household. The well being of your household is of extreme importance to you and should be to them. Guests sometimes assume that because they spend the majority of their time in their designated room or area, that there is no need to contribute or be concerned with the maintenance of the rest of the house.
* DO: Create a sign-up schedule for shared resources to avoid arguments. People tend to want to cook or wash at the same time someone else planned to do so. Disagreements about laundry, transportation, exercise equipment, computers, TVs and other media can become a huge problem very quickly.
DON’T: Don’t allow your guest’s last minute activities to disrupt the entire household. Make your family planning calendar accessible so that your guest can advise everyone of his or her schedule far enough in advance. Transportation and other major issues should be discussed and resolved in advance.
* DO: Insist that your guest continues to be the primary caregiver for their offspring. If your guest has a child, take steps to childproof your home immediately. Put away razors, matches, chemicals, and other harmful objects. Also, discuss sensitive issues like excessive noise, running through the house, bedwetting, and items that are off limits before problems arise.
DON’T: Allow your guest to be careless with things that you cherish. Be sure to protect your valuables if you are accommodating guests with children. Make it clear that your guest should monitor their children at all times. If items are broken or damaged, advise your guest of how the incident should be handled (i.e., replace the item, clean the carpet, etc.).
* DO: Do consider your guest’s likes, dislikes, (and their habits) before inviting them to stay at your home. You may get along just fine with your guest but what about their friends, family, and significant others? Does your guest expect to entertain and accommodate others at your expense? It shouldn’t happen but it can if you don’t address the issue up front. Is your guest a night owl? You should know these things in advance.
Don’t: Allow guests to disrespect your home. Communicate your feelings about late night visitors, smoking, drinking, parties, loud noise, etc. What you consider to be "out of bounds" may just be the norm with your visitor
* DO: Offer to provide your guest with the resources they need to get up to speed. Help with an online job search or a resume. Put them in contact with a business associate who may know of an opportunity. Be inspirational and uplifting
* DON’T: Buy into excuses that will result in you accommodating your relative much longer than the time you both originally agreed to. Don’t participate in the family gossip sessions that only serve to anger and alienate. Don’t discuss your guest’s personal problems with others without their permission. It could cause unnecessary family rifts. Treat them as you would want to be treated if the situation was reversed.
Now that you’re in sync with the Do’s and Don’ts of living with extended family, think about what a blessing it is to have friends and family to share your home with in the first place! Stay optimistic about the situation and things are sure to work out. Invest a little time to help them get back on track with a career. Be encouraging and uplifting so that they will regain their self-confidence and independence. Life is short so make it sweet. Give what you can from the heart and your blessings will be returned tenfold.
* DO: Meet with family members to discuss expectations (yours and theirs) during the extended stay. Familiarize your new guest with how things currently work in your household. Be sure to cover items that you are a stickler about (i.e., no shoes on in the house, no eating outside of the kitchen or nook area, smoking, computer usage, etc.).
DON’T: Don’t assume that your family members have been observant enough to know what you want done in your home or how to do it. If your family member didn’t have a dishwasher or high tech appliances in their home, they may be apprehensive about using yours. The same goes for high tech electronics and other gadgets. Show your relative how to use your gadgets without altering your favorite settings. Another important point is usage of your personal computer. Let them know if your office pc is off limits. Additionally, let them know what to do to avoid downloading viruses and spyware onto your PC.
* DO: Whenever possible, carve out a space or room where your extended family members can store personal items or have some privacy. They may still need to iron out some very personal matters in private. If a full bedroom is unavailable, provide a kitchen cabinet or drawer to help them to stay organized and keep their clutter out of your site. If this is not a good option, consider a room divider or curtains.
DON’T: Don’t move your guests to a different place in your home every week. Think ahead about the most convenient place to make their temporary residence. If you know that the individual is a junky monkey, then don’t put them up near the entrance of your home or in areas frequented by your friends and business associates. It will cause a lot of unnecessary frustration for you and your relative.
* DO: Do consider your guests’ dietary requirements. There are many people who are vegetarians or who exclude pork and beef from their diets. If your guests’ culinary preferences are too extreme, direct them to a place where they can purchase food or dine the way they normally do without inconveniencing you. You can also invite them to prepare their favorite dish as a way to make them more comfortable and to allow your family to experience a new cuisine.
DON’T: Don’t expect your guests to eat salty, sugary, or high-fat foods, if they have indicated they’ve given them up for health reasons. Simply invite them to participate in the meal preparation or sit a portion of the meal aside prior to adding the salt or sugar that suits your taste.
* DO: Solicit your guests’ participation in chores, errands, childcare, and bill paying regardless of how brief you intend for their stay to be. You’ll only handicap them by being too accommodating. If your guest has a cash flow problem and is unable to pay rent or a bill, they can still assist with chores, errands, or childcare. If they have a small amount of income, give them the responsibility of replenishing grocery items that are consumed quickly like milk, juice, fruit, bread, and cereal.
DON’T: Don’t allow anyone to stay in your home without getting them to acknowledge the importance of making a contribution. They need to commit to doing something consistently to sustain the household. The well being of your household is of extreme importance to you and should be to them. Guests sometimes assume that because they spend the majority of their time in their designated room or area, that there is no need to contribute or be concerned with the maintenance of the rest of the house.
* DO: Create a sign-up schedule for shared resources to avoid arguments. People tend to want to cook or wash at the same time someone else planned to do so. Disagreements about laundry, transportation, exercise equipment, computers, TVs and other media can become a huge problem very quickly.
DON’T: Don’t allow your guest’s last minute activities to disrupt the entire household. Make your family planning calendar accessible so that your guest can advise everyone of his or her schedule far enough in advance. Transportation and other major issues should be discussed and resolved in advance.
* DO: Insist that your guest continues to be the primary caregiver for their offspring. If your guest has a child, take steps to childproof your home immediately. Put away razors, matches, chemicals, and other harmful objects. Also, discuss sensitive issues like excessive noise, running through the house, bedwetting, and items that are off limits before problems arise.
DON’T: Allow your guest to be careless with things that you cherish. Be sure to protect your valuables if you are accommodating guests with children. Make it clear that your guest should monitor their children at all times. If items are broken or damaged, advise your guest of how the incident should be handled (i.e., replace the item, clean the carpet, etc.).
* DO: Do consider your guest’s likes, dislikes, (and their habits) before inviting them to stay at your home. You may get along just fine with your guest but what about their friends, family, and significant others? Does your guest expect to entertain and accommodate others at your expense? It shouldn’t happen but it can if you don’t address the issue up front. Is your guest a night owl? You should know these things in advance.
Don’t: Allow guests to disrespect your home. Communicate your feelings about late night visitors, smoking, drinking, parties, loud noise, etc. What you consider to be "out of bounds" may just be the norm with your visitor
* DO: Offer to provide your guest with the resources they need to get up to speed. Help with an online job search or a resume. Put them in contact with a business associate who may know of an opportunity. Be inspirational and uplifting
* DON’T: Buy into excuses that will result in you accommodating your relative much longer than the time you both originally agreed to. Don’t participate in the family gossip sessions that only serve to anger and alienate. Don’t discuss your guest’s personal problems with others without their permission. It could cause unnecessary family rifts. Treat them as you would want to be treated if the situation was reversed.
Now that you’re in sync with the Do’s and Don’ts of living with extended family, think about what a blessing it is to have friends and family to share your home with in the first place! Stay optimistic about the situation and things are sure to work out. Invest a little time to help them get back on track with a career. Be encouraging and uplifting so that they will regain their self-confidence and independence. Life is short so make it sweet. Give what you can from the heart and your blessings will be returned tenfold.
Depression and Spirituality
There are universal laws that govern our Universe. One particular law we can all draw association to is " The Law Of Polarity." - Good and Bad. Dark and Light. Inside and Outside.
Is it possible what an individual experiences through bipolar to severe depression is really a gateway to advancing ones life? Could this be a signal not just a symptom? A call from infinite spirit of ones being; seeking to birth a path to higher good through universal law?
We have the power within our minds to work with this particular law in all areas of life. We can apply this to depression and bi polar disorders and bring order to a problem for many. If one understands and applies this information; a simple key in the way of thinking to infinite possibilities; this is an added true supplement to an advancing life of freedom and happiness. This is a great blessing. I know from experience.
I had experienced great depression. The dark side of this was daunting, a lonely pit hole of exhausted desires. Where taking a shower seemed like a big ordeal; sleeping seemed the only option; where my throat and eyeballs hurt from screaming and crying.
In hindsight- believe for me was the gateway to the opposite side.
Depression rares its ugly head. The opposite is freedom from bondage. And what usually keeps us there is fear. ( I will cover this later)
The Law of Polarity. Why not call it The Law of Bi-polarity? Good times are coming.
I reached for these thoughts; fully knowing this too shall pass. Pushing through this hole like a mole under a concrete block. It was not easy. No not easy. Ugh! The oh so positive affirmations I would say out loud even in the midst of not believing seemed pathetic and silly; even to my dog.
The Law of polarity- Everything In The Universe Has An Opposite. Yeah!
* If what you are experiencing is depressing, dark or bad... by law there must be something incredibly good. Hold to the truth that you are a creative being and by law (thought cause) will change your situation. It takes far more effort and conscious choice to change your thoughts / perception than it does to live life by default and remain in the " it is what it is"
* Inquire-Be an observer of self. Interview self and answer back. (Do you have a journal?) Who cares if it seems ridiculous. Vincent Van Gough ended up with a master piece. And my dog still loves me. Yes! Everything just is. You make your situation negative or positive / light or dark by choice. Perception
* Our thoughts have power even in the midst of emotional trauma. Feel, cry and release. It is in releasing all that is not in harmony with your highest good; you leave the channels open to receive.
* Saturate your mind with mind altering information that will produce new ways of thinking and change the course of your life.
Is it possible what an individual experiences through bipolar to severe depression is really a gateway to advancing ones life? Could this be a signal not just a symptom? A call from infinite spirit of ones being; seeking to birth a path to higher good through universal law?
We have the power within our minds to work with this particular law in all areas of life. We can apply this to depression and bi polar disorders and bring order to a problem for many. If one understands and applies this information; a simple key in the way of thinking to infinite possibilities; this is an added true supplement to an advancing life of freedom and happiness. This is a great blessing. I know from experience.
I had experienced great depression. The dark side of this was daunting, a lonely pit hole of exhausted desires. Where taking a shower seemed like a big ordeal; sleeping seemed the only option; where my throat and eyeballs hurt from screaming and crying.
In hindsight- believe for me was the gateway to the opposite side.
Depression rares its ugly head. The opposite is freedom from bondage. And what usually keeps us there is fear. ( I will cover this later)
The Law of Polarity. Why not call it The Law of Bi-polarity? Good times are coming.
I reached for these thoughts; fully knowing this too shall pass. Pushing through this hole like a mole under a concrete block. It was not easy. No not easy. Ugh! The oh so positive affirmations I would say out loud even in the midst of not believing seemed pathetic and silly; even to my dog.
The Law of polarity- Everything In The Universe Has An Opposite. Yeah!
* If what you are experiencing is depressing, dark or bad... by law there must be something incredibly good. Hold to the truth that you are a creative being and by law (thought cause) will change your situation. It takes far more effort and conscious choice to change your thoughts / perception than it does to live life by default and remain in the " it is what it is"
* Inquire-Be an observer of self. Interview self and answer back. (Do you have a journal?) Who cares if it seems ridiculous. Vincent Van Gough ended up with a master piece. And my dog still loves me. Yes! Everything just is. You make your situation negative or positive / light or dark by choice. Perception
* Our thoughts have power even in the midst of emotional trauma. Feel, cry and release. It is in releasing all that is not in harmony with your highest good; you leave the channels open to receive.
* Saturate your mind with mind altering information that will produce new ways of thinking and change the course of your life.
Why Optimum Nutrition is Essential to Optimum Health
An important starting point for achieving optimum health is through utilizing optimum nutrition.
Optimum nutrition helps maintain good health in a dilapidated environment, fights off disease, corrects imbalances in the body and provides energy and enthusiasm for life. Optimum health is linked to optimum nutrition. But, the point is that it is important to get the proper nutrients from the food. Nowadays, industrial food marketed in the food chain are filled up with additives which affect the quality of food. In order to get optimum nutrition, natural supplements like vitamins and minerals have to be added to the diet.
Each year, average American eats twelve pounds of food additives and a gallon of pesticides, not to mention all the air-born pollutants that are inhaled! It's no wonder our bodies are overworked, overburdened, and no longer able to adequately eliminate all these foreign substances.
Diet-related diseases include, but are nor limited to, coronary heart disease, hypertension, stroke, diabetes, various cancers and osteoporosis. These diseases take the lives of millions of people each year and cost billions of dollars in health care.
NUTRITION AND CANCER
According to the National Academy of Sciences, 60 percent of all cancers in women and 40 percent of all cancers in men may be due to dietary and nutritional factors. Consequently, diet and nutrition are the principle preventive measures against cancer.Enzymes are required to get the proper nutrients from the food.
There is a growing number of people who are aware of this situation and are turning towards foods that enriched with different herbs, vitamins and minerals. More and more foods will be tailored to improve health and extend life.
Scientific studies on the healing potential in foods are in a constant progression. It is now understood that humans require a daily intake of particular nutrients to support their activities and that when one or more specific nutrients are absent, deficiency disorders will occur. It is known now that certain constituents in food have a health potential and can actively improve health.
For example, we know that humans are exposed to substances called free radicals. Those reactive molecules have been linked to a number of human diseases like cancer, Alzheimer's disease, cataracts, immune deficiency etc.
We are now aware that some plants, many fruits and vegetables have powerful compounds called antioxidants.
Foods containing antioxidants can prevent diseases such as cardiovascular disease.
Other foods contain fatty acids like fish can help lower blood pressure, nourish the brain and more.
Some foods are rich in fiber and can help protect our gastrointestinal tract.
The field of nutrition will play, in the years ahead, a leading role to improve our quality of life and will have a major influence on our health. Nutritional supplements for Healthy Lifestyle are a good support to reach that goal. Since we live in a toxic world, Clean Toxins from our body is also a major step.
Optimum nutrition helps maintain good health in a dilapidated environment, fights off disease, corrects imbalances in the body and provides energy and enthusiasm for life. Optimum health is linked to optimum nutrition. But, the point is that it is important to get the proper nutrients from the food. Nowadays, industrial food marketed in the food chain are filled up with additives which affect the quality of food. In order to get optimum nutrition, natural supplements like vitamins and minerals have to be added to the diet.
Each year, average American eats twelve pounds of food additives and a gallon of pesticides, not to mention all the air-born pollutants that are inhaled! It's no wonder our bodies are overworked, overburdened, and no longer able to adequately eliminate all these foreign substances.
Diet-related diseases include, but are nor limited to, coronary heart disease, hypertension, stroke, diabetes, various cancers and osteoporosis. These diseases take the lives of millions of people each year and cost billions of dollars in health care.
NUTRITION AND CANCER
According to the National Academy of Sciences, 60 percent of all cancers in women and 40 percent of all cancers in men may be due to dietary and nutritional factors. Consequently, diet and nutrition are the principle preventive measures against cancer.Enzymes are required to get the proper nutrients from the food.
There is a growing number of people who are aware of this situation and are turning towards foods that enriched with different herbs, vitamins and minerals. More and more foods will be tailored to improve health and extend life.
Scientific studies on the healing potential in foods are in a constant progression. It is now understood that humans require a daily intake of particular nutrients to support their activities and that when one or more specific nutrients are absent, deficiency disorders will occur. It is known now that certain constituents in food have a health potential and can actively improve health.
For example, we know that humans are exposed to substances called free radicals. Those reactive molecules have been linked to a number of human diseases like cancer, Alzheimer's disease, cataracts, immune deficiency etc.
We are now aware that some plants, many fruits and vegetables have powerful compounds called antioxidants.
Foods containing antioxidants can prevent diseases such as cardiovascular disease.
Other foods contain fatty acids like fish can help lower blood pressure, nourish the brain and more.
Some foods are rich in fiber and can help protect our gastrointestinal tract.
The field of nutrition will play, in the years ahead, a leading role to improve our quality of life and will have a major influence on our health. Nutritional supplements for Healthy Lifestyle are a good support to reach that goal. Since we live in a toxic world, Clean Toxins from our body is also a major step.
Acne and Adolescents Problems
What causes acne?
When pores become clogged with oil and dead skin cells, bacteria called acne that are already in the pores begin to increase. This leads to pimples and cysts. There are four classifications of acne. Some people may have more than one type.
Blackheads
The mildest form of acne is blackheads. While oil and bacteria are found in blackheads, it is the skin pigment keratin, not dirt, which caused the dark appearance. Because blackheads have an open pore, inflammation rarely occurs.
Whiteheads
With whiteheads, the trapped oil can rupture the hair follicle. Bacteria normally residing there may weaken the follicle wall. These same bacteria may produce special enzymes that make the oil more irritating to the skin once it escapes from the follicle.
Papules
The result of such inflammation may be papules. These raised, red, tender pimples can be as large as the blackheads. Unlike whiteheads or blackheads, pimples contain a small amount of pus. This pus is a byproduct of the body's attempt to ward off the infection responsible for the pimple in the first place.
Pustules, Nodules, and Cysts
Similar to papules, pustules contain more pus. Solid raised lesions, nodules are often bigger than half a centimeter in diameter. Unlike pustules, nodules are rooted deeper in the dermis layer of the skin. Movable, sometimes painful, pus-filled nodules are the hallmark of severe cystic acne. This type of acne is most likely to leave scars if not treated properly.
What warrants treatment?
Whiteheads and blackheads may be treated at home. Cystic acne generally warrants medical intervention.
Acne has a big effect on body image for teenagers. For some, this self-consciousness can turn into an obsessive preoccupation with their skin. Treatment will vary from person to person, depending on the severity of the acne and the psychological effect.
What treatments are available?
For some, mild acne may be controlled with over the counter preparations containing benzoil peroxide, sulfur or salicylic acid. These kill the inflammation inducing bacteria, which prevents new pimples from forming. They may also act as a drying agent to help control the oil, or as an exfoliating agent, allowing old skin to come off and open the pores.
These agents come in different concentrations and forms. Each form and concentration may affect individuals differently. Higher concentrations are not necessarily better, since these can also inflame the skin. A pharmacist can discuss possible side effects.
With any treatment, four to six weeks is generally needed for any improvement.
It takes four to six weeks for the average pimple to develop and since most treatment is aimed at stopping development, it will take at least that long to see results. It may take up to three months for acne to clear significantly.
When pores become clogged with oil and dead skin cells, bacteria called acne that are already in the pores begin to increase. This leads to pimples and cysts. There are four classifications of acne. Some people may have more than one type.
Blackheads
The mildest form of acne is blackheads. While oil and bacteria are found in blackheads, it is the skin pigment keratin, not dirt, which caused the dark appearance. Because blackheads have an open pore, inflammation rarely occurs.
Whiteheads
With whiteheads, the trapped oil can rupture the hair follicle. Bacteria normally residing there may weaken the follicle wall. These same bacteria may produce special enzymes that make the oil more irritating to the skin once it escapes from the follicle.
Papules
The result of such inflammation may be papules. These raised, red, tender pimples can be as large as the blackheads. Unlike whiteheads or blackheads, pimples contain a small amount of pus. This pus is a byproduct of the body's attempt to ward off the infection responsible for the pimple in the first place.
Pustules, Nodules, and Cysts
Similar to papules, pustules contain more pus. Solid raised lesions, nodules are often bigger than half a centimeter in diameter. Unlike pustules, nodules are rooted deeper in the dermis layer of the skin. Movable, sometimes painful, pus-filled nodules are the hallmark of severe cystic acne. This type of acne is most likely to leave scars if not treated properly.
What warrants treatment?
Whiteheads and blackheads may be treated at home. Cystic acne generally warrants medical intervention.
Acne has a big effect on body image for teenagers. For some, this self-consciousness can turn into an obsessive preoccupation with their skin. Treatment will vary from person to person, depending on the severity of the acne and the psychological effect.
What treatments are available?
For some, mild acne may be controlled with over the counter preparations containing benzoil peroxide, sulfur or salicylic acid. These kill the inflammation inducing bacteria, which prevents new pimples from forming. They may also act as a drying agent to help control the oil, or as an exfoliating agent, allowing old skin to come off and open the pores.
These agents come in different concentrations and forms. Each form and concentration may affect individuals differently. Higher concentrations are not necessarily better, since these can also inflame the skin. A pharmacist can discuss possible side effects.
With any treatment, four to six weeks is generally needed for any improvement.
It takes four to six weeks for the average pimple to develop and since most treatment is aimed at stopping development, it will take at least that long to see results. It may take up to three months for acne to clear significantly.
Fighting Childhood Obesity Starts at Home
It is a fact that people are generally getting fatter in many western societies. This is reflected in the popularity of diet books and fitness equipment. But while most of us realize it would be good to lose a bit of weight, we are only vaguely aware of the staggering levels of "obesity" in our societies. We are even less aware of the impact this is having on our children, and the widespread existence of childhood obesity.
What is Obesity?
Generally speaking, a person is considered "obese" when the amount of fat stored in his body endangers his health. Here are some recent OECD statistics that show just how widespread the problem of obesity is:
Percentage of Population (over 15 years of age) who are obese
U.S.A. - 30.6%
Mexico - 24.2%
U.K. - 22.4%
Australia - 21.7%
New Zealand - 17%
Canada - 14.9%
Germany - 12.9%
France - 9.4%
In other words, almost 1 in 3 Americans and roughly 1 in 5 Australians are so grossly overweight as to have health problems because of it.
Causes of Obesity
As individuals we have a tendency to rationalise our inclination to be overweight or obese. We often blame such things as heredity, or glandular imbalance, and while these things often do make a difference, the primary cause for most obesity is quite simple. A person gains weight when he or she consumes more calories than they burn.
In other words, there are two important factors involved -- diet and activity level. And it seems pretty obvious that in countries with a high obesity level both things are taking a hit. Western diets are oozing with more fat and sugar than ever before, while people are generally becoming more sedentary and getting less physical exercise -- sitting in front of computers all day, and in front of the TV all night.
Consequences of an Obese Lifestyle
Obesity has overtaken infectious diseases as the most significant contributor to ill health worldwide.
Illness such as type 2 diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidemia, high blood pressure, obstructive sleep apnea, asthma, heart disease, stroke, back and lower extremity weight-bearing degenerative problems, certain types of cancer, and depression, have been attributed to obesity.
In fact, it has been estimated that roughly 500,000 deaths now occur annually due to poor diet and physical inactivity. If this trend towards obesity is not reversed in the next few years, it will likely overtake tobacco as the leading preventable cause of death.
Even more troubling, when adults adopt an obese lifestyle, they are more likely to pass their eating and activity habits along to their children. This has given rise to a dramatic increase in obesity in children.
Obesity in children
Obesity in children has become commonplace in many countries. For instance, it is estimated that obesity in children and adults in the US has increased by more than 30% over the past 10 years alone.
The reasons are obvious. Children are subjected to the obese lifestyle from all sides. Many families have substituted high fat, high sugar junk food and soft drinks for regular well-balanced meals. Or they have simply stopped preparing meals in the home -- the proportion of foods that children consumed from restaurants and fast food outlets increased by nearly 300% between 1977 and 1996.
Children are also the targets of a constant barrage of advertising that promotes highly processed junk food. And in many cases the normal physical activity that has been a part of childhood for many generations has been restricted by concerns for safety, or completely replaced by sedentary activities like playing video games or watching TV.
Consequences of childhood obesity
Obesity is never a good thing. But obesity in children is especially bad. Once fat cells are created in the body they cannot be gotten rid of by normal dieting or increased physical activity. So an obese child normally carries their obesity through into adulthood.
On the other hand, if a child learns good habits for diet and exercise as children, they will very likely carry these habits and this knowledge into adulthood as well.
What Can be Done about Childhood Obesity?
It is up to parents and other adults to teach responsible alternatives to the obese lifestyle. Parents must first become aware of the problems with their own personal and family eating habits and activity levels, and then they must make adjustments that will have a positive lifelong impact on their children.
One effective way is to adopt the "AKA" approach -- Awareness of the problem. Knowledge of what to do about it, and Action designed to bring about lifestyle changes. Children have an innate thirst for knowledge, a deep desire to improve their self-image, and will love the attention you give them as you develop a plan for a more healthy lifestyle for your entire family.
What is Obesity?
Generally speaking, a person is considered "obese" when the amount of fat stored in his body endangers his health. Here are some recent OECD statistics that show just how widespread the problem of obesity is:
Percentage of Population (over 15 years of age) who are obese
U.S.A. - 30.6%
Mexico - 24.2%
U.K. - 22.4%
Australia - 21.7%
New Zealand - 17%
Canada - 14.9%
Germany - 12.9%
France - 9.4%
In other words, almost 1 in 3 Americans and roughly 1 in 5 Australians are so grossly overweight as to have health problems because of it.
Causes of Obesity
As individuals we have a tendency to rationalise our inclination to be overweight or obese. We often blame such things as heredity, or glandular imbalance, and while these things often do make a difference, the primary cause for most obesity is quite simple. A person gains weight when he or she consumes more calories than they burn.
In other words, there are two important factors involved -- diet and activity level. And it seems pretty obvious that in countries with a high obesity level both things are taking a hit. Western diets are oozing with more fat and sugar than ever before, while people are generally becoming more sedentary and getting less physical exercise -- sitting in front of computers all day, and in front of the TV all night.
Consequences of an Obese Lifestyle
Obesity has overtaken infectious diseases as the most significant contributor to ill health worldwide.
Illness such as type 2 diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidemia, high blood pressure, obstructive sleep apnea, asthma, heart disease, stroke, back and lower extremity weight-bearing degenerative problems, certain types of cancer, and depression, have been attributed to obesity.
In fact, it has been estimated that roughly 500,000 deaths now occur annually due to poor diet and physical inactivity. If this trend towards obesity is not reversed in the next few years, it will likely overtake tobacco as the leading preventable cause of death.
Even more troubling, when adults adopt an obese lifestyle, they are more likely to pass their eating and activity habits along to their children. This has given rise to a dramatic increase in obesity in children.
Obesity in children
Obesity in children has become commonplace in many countries. For instance, it is estimated that obesity in children and adults in the US has increased by more than 30% over the past 10 years alone.
The reasons are obvious. Children are subjected to the obese lifestyle from all sides. Many families have substituted high fat, high sugar junk food and soft drinks for regular well-balanced meals. Or they have simply stopped preparing meals in the home -- the proportion of foods that children consumed from restaurants and fast food outlets increased by nearly 300% between 1977 and 1996.
Children are also the targets of a constant barrage of advertising that promotes highly processed junk food. And in many cases the normal physical activity that has been a part of childhood for many generations has been restricted by concerns for safety, or completely replaced by sedentary activities like playing video games or watching TV.
Consequences of childhood obesity
Obesity is never a good thing. But obesity in children is especially bad. Once fat cells are created in the body they cannot be gotten rid of by normal dieting or increased physical activity. So an obese child normally carries their obesity through into adulthood.
On the other hand, if a child learns good habits for diet and exercise as children, they will very likely carry these habits and this knowledge into adulthood as well.
What Can be Done about Childhood Obesity?
It is up to parents and other adults to teach responsible alternatives to the obese lifestyle. Parents must first become aware of the problems with their own personal and family eating habits and activity levels, and then they must make adjustments that will have a positive lifelong impact on their children.
One effective way is to adopt the "AKA" approach -- Awareness of the problem. Knowledge of what to do about it, and Action designed to bring about lifestyle changes. Children have an innate thirst for knowledge, a deep desire to improve their self-image, and will love the attention you give them as you develop a plan for a more healthy lifestyle for your entire family.
Mental Health's Importance in Today's World - A Psychologist's Perspective
A growing recognition of the fact that "mental health is fundamental to a person’s overall health, indispensable to personal well-being and instrumental to leading a balanced and productive life" likely contributes to the fact that about 15% of our country’s population now use some form of mental health services in any given year. Nonetheless, despite effective treatments, according to Dr. Satcher’s 1999 Surgeon General's Mental Health report, "Nearly half of all Americans who have a severe mental illness fail to seek treatment". The fact that nearly one in five Americans are affected by a mental disorder, reinforces the understanding that "few Americans are untouched by mental illness", whether directly or indirectly.
Clinical anxiety and clinical depression are real, treatable conditions that interfere with a person's overall well-being and ability to do many of the things that they would otherwise enjoy. A suffer of clinical depression can no more "snap out of it," than a person suffering from a seizure has the will-power to stop taking a seizure.
Mental illnesses range from clinical anxiety and depression to Alzheimer’s disease and schizophrenia. Anxiety disorders, the most common form of mental illness, affect more than 10% of Americans yearly. Almost 25% of Americans will suffer an anxiety disorder at some point in their lives. Every May, thousands of sites throughout the country offer free, local anxiety screenings, as part of National Anxiety Disorders Screening Day. Each October, national sites off free screenings for depression, as part of National Depression Screening Day.
Clinical anxiety and clinical depression are real, treatable conditions that interfere with a person's overall well-being and ability to do many of the things that they would otherwise enjoy. A suffer of clinical depression can no more "snap out of it," than a person suffering from a seizure has the will-power to stop taking a seizure.
Mental illnesses range from clinical anxiety and depression to Alzheimer’s disease and schizophrenia. Anxiety disorders, the most common form of mental illness, affect more than 10% of Americans yearly. Almost 25% of Americans will suffer an anxiety disorder at some point in their lives. Every May, thousands of sites throughout the country offer free, local anxiety screenings, as part of National Anxiety Disorders Screening Day. Each October, national sites off free screenings for depression, as part of National Depression Screening Day.
Stop Smoking Insights If You Enjoy Smoking
Still smoking? Stopping smoking was very hard for me. I was very ill and had to give up but just could not do it. I was on the nicotine gum, nicotine patches and smoking cigarettes at the same time! Still, looking back, there was one saving grace that helped me. I have never enjoyed a cigarette in my life. Not the first, not the second, not the last, never. It was simply a drug I had to take to function normally in my abnormal life. It made life tolerable and often quite pleasant.
Then one day, I was ready to give up smoking for good. I was hypnotised, and it worked for two years. Then something terrible happened to me and I smoked again. This time, I solved my life's biggest driver to smoke and there was no need to smoke again.
I now specialise in helping others quit smoking for good. When I first started, I was a mere hypnotherapist with some NLP skills and although very successful, I failed a small percentage of my clients with consistent regularity. This was a sad thorn in my side.
I did my statistics regularly. It soon emerged that the person it was hardest for me to help was the smoker who enjoyed smoking the most. At the time, I developed a tactic of helping the "Smoker who enjoys the cigarette" to hate, fear, and be disgusted by the cigarette. This often worked, but there still were some that I felt I should have been able to help but could not. It was very frustrating.
I then also became an Emotional Freedom Technician and started making huge inroads into this elusive area. I was delighted! But there was again a problem. I learnt that for some reason, the "Smoker who enjoys the cigarette" should be asked to attend more than one session. Now that I do this as a rule, I am finally helping smokers with EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques) that I have never thought it possible to help before.
So what am I doing right, and how can it help you if you enjoy smoking and would like to stop?
Well, there is something in NLP where you find out what sort of person is successful at achieving a certain goal and use them as a model for others. So if others can do and feel what they do and feel, then they should achieve this goal too.
And it intrigued me how anyone could conceivably enjoy a cigarette in the first place. For a start, cigarettes stink. They make your mouth stink. Your clothes stink. They make your teeth yellow and your dental bills high. They give you wrinkles. They make you very ill, so ill you die. They make you a helpless addict. They cost a lot of money. Towards the end, they give you real physical pain with no let-up. How can anyone possibly enjoy that?!
Well, you're probably different. An exception to the norm. Most "Smokers who enjoy the cigarette" tell me something like "I like the taste" or "I like the way it makes me breathe" or any of the other myriad ways of saying...
... Ready for this?
... If you're not, please stop reading and come back later, because this article says it like it is. The bare truth. In all it's ugliness.
... All the other ways of saying "I don't know how to be happy or have pleasure without drugging my unhappiness".
So that's it. That's how many smokers who do not enjoy smoking succeed in quitting so easily. They recognise that there is an emotional driver for their smoking and are ready to have it removed. They have arrived at the stage in their lives where they are ready to solve the problems leading to the smoking. On the other hand, the "Smoker who enjoys the cigarette" is simply unaware that what they perceive of as "pleasure" is simply "not unhappiness".
It may well be that this unhappy state has become a habit, a comfort zone, maybe true happiness had never been encountered yet. So naturally, the drug that takes away the unhappiness is seen as a pleasure.
So what do you do if you are this type of smoker?
First of all, think about what would make you happy if you didn't have a cigarette. What is missing in your life, and what would you need to solve the situation? Look at all areas of your life and consider what areas you can change to be happier. What is your heart telling you? What negative emotions or experiences do you need out of your system? When was the last time you felt happy without a drug? What was different then? How can you be this happy again?
I hope that this is helping some people towards emotional freedom from the illusion that cigarettes were enjoyable. Once free from this bizarre mind-trick, you are then ready to move on and be truly free.
Then one day, I was ready to give up smoking for good. I was hypnotised, and it worked for two years. Then something terrible happened to me and I smoked again. This time, I solved my life's biggest driver to smoke and there was no need to smoke again.
I now specialise in helping others quit smoking for good. When I first started, I was a mere hypnotherapist with some NLP skills and although very successful, I failed a small percentage of my clients with consistent regularity. This was a sad thorn in my side.
I did my statistics regularly. It soon emerged that the person it was hardest for me to help was the smoker who enjoyed smoking the most. At the time, I developed a tactic of helping the "Smoker who enjoys the cigarette" to hate, fear, and be disgusted by the cigarette. This often worked, but there still were some that I felt I should have been able to help but could not. It was very frustrating.
I then also became an Emotional Freedom Technician and started making huge inroads into this elusive area. I was delighted! But there was again a problem. I learnt that for some reason, the "Smoker who enjoys the cigarette" should be asked to attend more than one session. Now that I do this as a rule, I am finally helping smokers with EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques) that I have never thought it possible to help before.
So what am I doing right, and how can it help you if you enjoy smoking and would like to stop?
Well, there is something in NLP where you find out what sort of person is successful at achieving a certain goal and use them as a model for others. So if others can do and feel what they do and feel, then they should achieve this goal too.
And it intrigued me how anyone could conceivably enjoy a cigarette in the first place. For a start, cigarettes stink. They make your mouth stink. Your clothes stink. They make your teeth yellow and your dental bills high. They give you wrinkles. They make you very ill, so ill you die. They make you a helpless addict. They cost a lot of money. Towards the end, they give you real physical pain with no let-up. How can anyone possibly enjoy that?!
Well, you're probably different. An exception to the norm. Most "Smokers who enjoy the cigarette" tell me something like "I like the taste" or "I like the way it makes me breathe" or any of the other myriad ways of saying...
... Ready for this?
... If you're not, please stop reading and come back later, because this article says it like it is. The bare truth. In all it's ugliness.
... All the other ways of saying "I don't know how to be happy or have pleasure without drugging my unhappiness".
So that's it. That's how many smokers who do not enjoy smoking succeed in quitting so easily. They recognise that there is an emotional driver for their smoking and are ready to have it removed. They have arrived at the stage in their lives where they are ready to solve the problems leading to the smoking. On the other hand, the "Smoker who enjoys the cigarette" is simply unaware that what they perceive of as "pleasure" is simply "not unhappiness".
It may well be that this unhappy state has become a habit, a comfort zone, maybe true happiness had never been encountered yet. So naturally, the drug that takes away the unhappiness is seen as a pleasure.
So what do you do if you are this type of smoker?
First of all, think about what would make you happy if you didn't have a cigarette. What is missing in your life, and what would you need to solve the situation? Look at all areas of your life and consider what areas you can change to be happier. What is your heart telling you? What negative emotions or experiences do you need out of your system? When was the last time you felt happy without a drug? What was different then? How can you be this happy again?
I hope that this is helping some people towards emotional freedom from the illusion that cigarettes were enjoyable. Once free from this bizarre mind-trick, you are then ready to move on and be truly free.
Breastfeeding Nutrition
So you’ve decided to breastfeed your baby! You’ll want to make sure that both you and your little one are getting all of the nutrients you need to stay healthy and strong. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, nursing mothers need to eat about 300 calories more each day than they normally would and at least 1500 calories every day. Your daily food consumption should consist of a variety of healthy foods with extra protein, calcium-rich foods and plenty of water. In addition to these general guidelines, you should also:
1. Pay attention to feelings of hunger. Eat until you’re satisfied and consume plenty of nutrient dense foods such as whole grains, legumes, fruits and vegetables.
2. Monitor your baby’s reactions. If you notice that he or she is consistently colicky or develops gas after you eat certain foods, then you may want to decrease your intake of those foods or eliminate them entirely while breastfeeding.
3. Expect that you may be especially thirsty during the first few days after delivery as your body sheds excess fluid accumulated during pregnancy. Increase your consumption of fluid that isn’t filled with empty calories in order to prevent dehydration.
4. Limit your intake of caffeinated beverages as they may make your baby jittery or irritable and even make it difficult for him or her to get to sleep. Consider drinking caffeinated beverages right after you nurse in order to minimize negative effects on the baby.
5. Continue taking your prenatal vitamins unless otherwise directed by your physician.
6. Make sure to eat foods that are rich in zinc as it enhances a baby’s ability to produce antibodies. Some food sources of zinc are hamburger, chicken breast and whole wheat bread.
7. Limit your consumption of wine to 2 or fewer glasses per week.
8. Be aware of food sensitivities that can result from common allergens such as cow’s milk, eggs, shellfish, wheat, nuts and peanuts. Some signs of food sensitivity are diaper rash, skin rashes, chronic runny nose, diarrhea and excessive fussiness.
Unless you are severely malnourished, your milk will provide all of the nutrients your baby needs, so if there is something lacking in your diet it will most likely be you and not Baby that suffers. For your own well-being, do your best to eat a healthy, well-balanced diet. That’s the best way to ensure that you have the stamina and strength you’ll need to be the best mom you can be!
1. Pay attention to feelings of hunger. Eat until you’re satisfied and consume plenty of nutrient dense foods such as whole grains, legumes, fruits and vegetables.
2. Monitor your baby’s reactions. If you notice that he or she is consistently colicky or develops gas after you eat certain foods, then you may want to decrease your intake of those foods or eliminate them entirely while breastfeeding.
3. Expect that you may be especially thirsty during the first few days after delivery as your body sheds excess fluid accumulated during pregnancy. Increase your consumption of fluid that isn’t filled with empty calories in order to prevent dehydration.
4. Limit your intake of caffeinated beverages as they may make your baby jittery or irritable and even make it difficult for him or her to get to sleep. Consider drinking caffeinated beverages right after you nurse in order to minimize negative effects on the baby.
5. Continue taking your prenatal vitamins unless otherwise directed by your physician.
6. Make sure to eat foods that are rich in zinc as it enhances a baby’s ability to produce antibodies. Some food sources of zinc are hamburger, chicken breast and whole wheat bread.
7. Limit your consumption of wine to 2 or fewer glasses per week.
8. Be aware of food sensitivities that can result from common allergens such as cow’s milk, eggs, shellfish, wheat, nuts and peanuts. Some signs of food sensitivity are diaper rash, skin rashes, chronic runny nose, diarrhea and excessive fussiness.
Unless you are severely malnourished, your milk will provide all of the nutrients your baby needs, so if there is something lacking in your diet it will most likely be you and not Baby that suffers. For your own well-being, do your best to eat a healthy, well-balanced diet. That’s the best way to ensure that you have the stamina and strength you’ll need to be the best mom you can be!
Swimming - Exercise And Sport For The Entire Family
I had this dilemma. I could not seem to find the time to exercise. I work a full time job, am the mom of a rambunctious preschooler and of course a homemaker. As we all know, in this situation you usually put your own health and well being on the back burner. To try to find time for my own health and my family I decided to join a local gym that has a year round pool available.
Mikey loves the water. Put him in a floaty and watch him go. Swimming serves multiple purposes for my family. It is great "together time" for us, time for teaching my son how to swim plus great a great water aerobic exercise. I let him float, happily playing in the water as I get my workout in. Another fun thing I do with him is racing him across the short end of the pool. He loves it and again we both get some exercise.
Now that he is getting used to getting around on his own in the water and is comfortable with it, I get to do a few swimming laps. We also like to take the whole family to the gym on Friday nights now for "Family Swim" night. All of us have made some new friends with the families who enjoy "Family Swim" as much as we do.
Since we started this exciting family sport, I have managed to tone my body and loose 7 lbs., Mikey is a regular fish in the water and my whole family spends some quality time together.
Mikey loves the water. Put him in a floaty and watch him go. Swimming serves multiple purposes for my family. It is great "together time" for us, time for teaching my son how to swim plus great a great water aerobic exercise. I let him float, happily playing in the water as I get my workout in. Another fun thing I do with him is racing him across the short end of the pool. He loves it and again we both get some exercise.
Now that he is getting used to getting around on his own in the water and is comfortable with it, I get to do a few swimming laps. We also like to take the whole family to the gym on Friday nights now for "Family Swim" night. All of us have made some new friends with the families who enjoy "Family Swim" as much as we do.
Since we started this exciting family sport, I have managed to tone my body and loose 7 lbs., Mikey is a regular fish in the water and my whole family spends some quality time together.
Health - Exercise is Good for You
During my daily morning walk at 7.00 am, many new friends walking alongside told me about how they have cured themselves of their health problems through just brisk walking or slow jogging. To look fresh and feel your best, it is essential to stay active and keep physically fit. It is the best natural way to stay healthy other than any vitamin pills and supplements. It contributes also to good muscle tone for strength and flexibility, posture and physique and good emotional stamina and mental health.
The human body has over 600 muscles in various sizes and shapes. They are in the form of threadlike fibres in bundles. The brain sends signals to them to contract which result in muscular action. If the muscles are seldom used then they become flabby and sluggish. It is through exercise that they are stimulated and returned back to good condition.
To keep the heart fit, health authorities agree that continued physical activity suited to age and health status is the best way to keep it fit. It is contrary to the old fashioned belief about prolonged bed rest for the ailing heart. For the heart patients recuperating from heart attacks, it is important to do mild physical activity and this has been included in the care program. On the blood vessels, the fatty substances known as cholesterol can build up as deposits on the blood vessel walls. Regular exercise combined with proper diet will help keep down the fatty substances.
Tense muscles can lead to nervous breakdown or they are an indication of nervous tension. For people who are hot tempered, have a lot of anger, frustration, worry or other disturbing emotions, exercise can provide a wholesome relief for them. Try brisk walking or slow jogging (or any type of exercise suitable for you) when you are in that mood, you will realize that it will slow down and feel better after you have sweated it out.
Good posture improves physical appearance and it also creates the best positioning of the lungs, heart and visceral organs. Well-toned muscles make it easier to sit and stand straight as well as walking with upright body, weight evenly distributed and abdominal muscles pulled in. Your back should be straight, hips pulled in, knees slightly bent and buttocks tucked under. When you combine exercise with proper nutrition and avoid overeating, it will help you reach and maintain ideal weight goals.
There are rules to follow before you commence your regular exercise. Make sure that you are healthy, have physical checkup before starting a series of regular exercise. This applies to people who are recuperating from poor health or wanting to start exercising. It is not advisable to immediately rush into it because your body may not be able to take it yet. Start exercising gradually and proceed at your own pace without overdoing it. Carry out each exercise correctly so that you stimulate your body systems safely. Wear comfortable clothing and select a convenient time (best is in the morning) and stick to it as a regular daily routine. It takes time to get back into shape and don’t expect results right away. As time passes, with repeated workouts the exercises will seem easier to do and keep your courage and don’t give up. It is like eating, we have to eat everyday.
If you have gone through a serious illness or operation, then follow your physician’s advice about the kind and amount of exercise that you should do. Stop exercising when you feel sick and consult your doctor. If you have been ill for over a week with minor illness and no fever, resume your exercise routine gradually as you feel up to it according to your physical and mental strength.
Warm-up exercises are those that help you to avoid over straining the muscles and accelerating the action of the lungs and heart too fast. Examples are sit-ups, knee push-ups, toe touching, leg raising, flutter kicking, arm circling, ankle stretching and knee bending. But if you are just going for brisk walking, then start slowly and pick up the momentum as you walk. The best is at least fifteen minutes a day until you sweat it out or two kilometers of walk.
For the rest of the day after the morning exercise, give yourself positive feedback such as feeling good about yourself and tell yourself you are healthy. It is one huge step to develop good mental attitude to relieve stress at work or home. Reward yourself because you are entitled to it or live your life leisurely. Smiling and laughter have long been proven as important ingredients to reduce stress. A good laugh has never hurt anyone and laughter is one of the best medicines. Before long, you will be looking buff and pink (healthy) and ready to take on the world. So, don’t wait for tomorrow, start exercising today to burn away the bulge.
For facial exercise so as to have tighter and better complexion and better and stronger gum, wake up at least fifteen minutes earlier and stay in bed doing facial exercise. Move your jaws by opening and closing your mouth hard and stick your tongue in and out and move it sideways. By the time you really wake up, you can see yourself looking better and fresher. You may be able to save your teeth due to gum problems.
The human body has over 600 muscles in various sizes and shapes. They are in the form of threadlike fibres in bundles. The brain sends signals to them to contract which result in muscular action. If the muscles are seldom used then they become flabby and sluggish. It is through exercise that they are stimulated and returned back to good condition.
To keep the heart fit, health authorities agree that continued physical activity suited to age and health status is the best way to keep it fit. It is contrary to the old fashioned belief about prolonged bed rest for the ailing heart. For the heart patients recuperating from heart attacks, it is important to do mild physical activity and this has been included in the care program. On the blood vessels, the fatty substances known as cholesterol can build up as deposits on the blood vessel walls. Regular exercise combined with proper diet will help keep down the fatty substances.
Tense muscles can lead to nervous breakdown or they are an indication of nervous tension. For people who are hot tempered, have a lot of anger, frustration, worry or other disturbing emotions, exercise can provide a wholesome relief for them. Try brisk walking or slow jogging (or any type of exercise suitable for you) when you are in that mood, you will realize that it will slow down and feel better after you have sweated it out.
Good posture improves physical appearance and it also creates the best positioning of the lungs, heart and visceral organs. Well-toned muscles make it easier to sit and stand straight as well as walking with upright body, weight evenly distributed and abdominal muscles pulled in. Your back should be straight, hips pulled in, knees slightly bent and buttocks tucked under. When you combine exercise with proper nutrition and avoid overeating, it will help you reach and maintain ideal weight goals.
There are rules to follow before you commence your regular exercise. Make sure that you are healthy, have physical checkup before starting a series of regular exercise. This applies to people who are recuperating from poor health or wanting to start exercising. It is not advisable to immediately rush into it because your body may not be able to take it yet. Start exercising gradually and proceed at your own pace without overdoing it. Carry out each exercise correctly so that you stimulate your body systems safely. Wear comfortable clothing and select a convenient time (best is in the morning) and stick to it as a regular daily routine. It takes time to get back into shape and don’t expect results right away. As time passes, with repeated workouts the exercises will seem easier to do and keep your courage and don’t give up. It is like eating, we have to eat everyday.
If you have gone through a serious illness or operation, then follow your physician’s advice about the kind and amount of exercise that you should do. Stop exercising when you feel sick and consult your doctor. If you have been ill for over a week with minor illness and no fever, resume your exercise routine gradually as you feel up to it according to your physical and mental strength.
Warm-up exercises are those that help you to avoid over straining the muscles and accelerating the action of the lungs and heart too fast. Examples are sit-ups, knee push-ups, toe touching, leg raising, flutter kicking, arm circling, ankle stretching and knee bending. But if you are just going for brisk walking, then start slowly and pick up the momentum as you walk. The best is at least fifteen minutes a day until you sweat it out or two kilometers of walk.
For the rest of the day after the morning exercise, give yourself positive feedback such as feeling good about yourself and tell yourself you are healthy. It is one huge step to develop good mental attitude to relieve stress at work or home. Reward yourself because you are entitled to it or live your life leisurely. Smiling and laughter have long been proven as important ingredients to reduce stress. A good laugh has never hurt anyone and laughter is one of the best medicines. Before long, you will be looking buff and pink (healthy) and ready to take on the world. So, don’t wait for tomorrow, start exercising today to burn away the bulge.
For facial exercise so as to have tighter and better complexion and better and stronger gum, wake up at least fifteen minutes earlier and stay in bed doing facial exercise. Move your jaws by opening and closing your mouth hard and stick your tongue in and out and move it sideways. By the time you really wake up, you can see yourself looking better and fresher. You may be able to save your teeth due to gum problems.
How To Cope With Family Mental Illness
Coping with family mental illness is difficult and can take a toll on the family members. Family members can have a hard time understands exactly what is going on with the person who is suffering from mental illness. They may not know what to do or how to act around this person and can become frustrated when their loved one isn't acting as they did once before.
There are many ways you can support a family member that has a severe mental illness. Remember, that you loved this person before they became sick and you can still love this person with their symptoms. It will be hard and there will be days when you question why you continue to try to help but know that you are really lending a hand in treatment. The love and support from you can increase your loved ones chances of recovering.
Knowledge is Power in Family Mental Illness
Knowing about your loved one's illness will help a great deal in understanding symptoms. You may be confused, angry and frustrated with your family member because of actions that have occurred because of the mental illness. Knowing and understanding the symptoms and actions caused by the illness will help make those exhausting and complicating days a little easier.
Listen to Your Loved One with Severe Mental Illness
Many times, these individuals are shunned by society and friends push them away. They are left alone with their thoughts and symptoms. Retreating and seclusion is a common symptom of mental illness so it is important to listen to your loved one. Listening to their feelings, thoughts and what they need help with, will give them an outlet and give them the courage to interact with others.
Engage Your Loved One in Activities
Sufferers want to shut the door on the world and life because they feel that they have been dealt a bad hand. This will add to the symptoms they are experiencing because they are left to sit alone and ruminate about their thoughts and feelings. Engage your loved one with severe mental illness in activities, even if it's just a cup of coffee or a dinner out. It will help them get out of the house and realize that even though they are sick they can live in society.
Take Part in Their Treatment
If your loved one will allow you to attend an appointment, make a point to join your family member with mental illness. This will show that you are supportive and that you care about treatment. It will also provide the healthcare professional some insight other than what he hears from his patient. Sometimes family members can offer much more information than what the patient can provide. Some symptoms cause sufferers to forget about their past and create fictional events. Having a family member to fill in gaps and confirm data can greatly affect the effectiveness of treatment.
Take a Break
Taking care of someone who is sick is difficult. You will be mentally, emotionally and physically exhausted, so it's important to take a break for yourself. The only way to be supportive and helpful to your loved one is if you have the patience and strength to do it. Family mental illness affects the entire family and should be treated together so ask other members of the family for help. If you need support for yourself and feel that you need to speak to others who are dealing with the same thing there are many groups across the nation specifically for family mental illness situations.
There are many ways you can support a family member that has a severe mental illness. Remember, that you loved this person before they became sick and you can still love this person with their symptoms. It will be hard and there will be days when you question why you continue to try to help but know that you are really lending a hand in treatment. The love and support from you can increase your loved ones chances of recovering.
Knowledge is Power in Family Mental Illness
Knowing about your loved one's illness will help a great deal in understanding symptoms. You may be confused, angry and frustrated with your family member because of actions that have occurred because of the mental illness. Knowing and understanding the symptoms and actions caused by the illness will help make those exhausting and complicating days a little easier.
Listen to Your Loved One with Severe Mental Illness
Many times, these individuals are shunned by society and friends push them away. They are left alone with their thoughts and symptoms. Retreating and seclusion is a common symptom of mental illness so it is important to listen to your loved one. Listening to their feelings, thoughts and what they need help with, will give them an outlet and give them the courage to interact with others.
Engage Your Loved One in Activities
Sufferers want to shut the door on the world and life because they feel that they have been dealt a bad hand. This will add to the symptoms they are experiencing because they are left to sit alone and ruminate about their thoughts and feelings. Engage your loved one with severe mental illness in activities, even if it's just a cup of coffee or a dinner out. It will help them get out of the house and realize that even though they are sick they can live in society.
Take Part in Their Treatment
If your loved one will allow you to attend an appointment, make a point to join your family member with mental illness. This will show that you are supportive and that you care about treatment. It will also provide the healthcare professional some insight other than what he hears from his patient. Sometimes family members can offer much more information than what the patient can provide. Some symptoms cause sufferers to forget about their past and create fictional events. Having a family member to fill in gaps and confirm data can greatly affect the effectiveness of treatment.
Take a Break
Taking care of someone who is sick is difficult. You will be mentally, emotionally and physically exhausted, so it's important to take a break for yourself. The only way to be supportive and helpful to your loved one is if you have the patience and strength to do it. Family mental illness affects the entire family and should be treated together so ask other members of the family for help. If you need support for yourself and feel that you need to speak to others who are dealing with the same thing there are many groups across the nation specifically for family mental illness situations.
Poverty In Africa
In Africa, poverty is an issue that's been long ignored by the developed countries. It's yet to receive the attention and dedication it deserves in order to face this challenge squarely. The number of people living in extreme poverty in sub-Saharan Africa grew from 217 million in 1987 to more than 300 million in 1998.
Africa includes some of the poorest countries in the world. In much of Africa south of the Sahara, harsh environmental conditions exacerbate the conditions of poverty. Africa has the highest proportion of its people in extreme poverty and is not on target to meet any of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) agreed at the United Nations in 2000.
The world already produces enough food, but the key to eradicating hunger is to ensure that ordinary people in the developing world can get access to it and that it's affordable. Poverty is the principal cause of hunger.
There has been a recent major shift in African effort to address the continents problems. The New Partnership for Africa's development (NEPAD) and the AU aim to tackle HIV/AIDS, reduce poverty and sustain long-term economic growth. It's committed to governance and promoting peace and security.
African nations typically fall toward the bottom of any list measuring economic activity, such as per capita income or per capita GDP, despite a wealth of natural resources. The bottom 25 spots of the United Nations (UN) quality of life index are regularly filled by African nations. In 2006, 34 of the 50 nations on the UN list of least developed countries are in Africa. In 1820, the average European worker earned about three times what the average African did. Now, the average European earns twenty times what the average African does.
To tackle poverty in Africa it will take a 100% effort by everyone. An effort which is yet to come by.
Africa includes some of the poorest countries in the world. In much of Africa south of the Sahara, harsh environmental conditions exacerbate the conditions of poverty. Africa has the highest proportion of its people in extreme poverty and is not on target to meet any of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) agreed at the United Nations in 2000.
The world already produces enough food, but the key to eradicating hunger is to ensure that ordinary people in the developing world can get access to it and that it's affordable. Poverty is the principal cause of hunger.
There has been a recent major shift in African effort to address the continents problems. The New Partnership for Africa's development (NEPAD) and the AU aim to tackle HIV/AIDS, reduce poverty and sustain long-term economic growth. It's committed to governance and promoting peace and security.
African nations typically fall toward the bottom of any list measuring economic activity, such as per capita income or per capita GDP, despite a wealth of natural resources. The bottom 25 spots of the United Nations (UN) quality of life index are regularly filled by African nations. In 2006, 34 of the 50 nations on the UN list of least developed countries are in Africa. In 1820, the average European worker earned about three times what the average African did. Now, the average European earns twenty times what the average African does.
To tackle poverty in Africa it will take a 100% effort by everyone. An effort which is yet to come by.
Nutrition For the Elderly is Important!
Nutrient deficiencies appear to increase with age. Some colleagues at the University of Iowa looked at over 400 Iowans 79 and older living independently in rural areas and found that 80 percent reported consuming inadequate amounts of four or more nutrients. When declining energy requirements are not matched by decreased caloric intake then total body fat increases. The Atkins diet leaves your body shy on some important nutrients, such as vitamin B, and also is negative for vitamins A, C and D, anti-oxidants that slow the effects of aging and calcium. Once again the lack of exercise has to enter into the equation also.
Nutritional status may be further compromised by other problems in conjunction with the illness, such as trauma, surgery, infection drug therapy which alter nutrient requirements. This makes recovery even more difficult. Each one of the above nutrients is needed to keep an aged body in good health. Elderly individuals should try to strive for a well balanced diet and stay active. Adequate dietary fiber, as opposed to increased use of laxatives, will maintain regular bowel function and not interfere with the digestion and absorption of nutrients, as occurs with laxative use or abuse.
Some of the factors described above, like changes in the digestive system, as well as health concerns like the increased risk of fragile bones, means that nutritional needs change as you age. Periodic review of your diet is always helpful, particularly if you have specific medical conditions. Taste and smell changes, as well as feelings of loneliness and depression, contribute to decreased appetite, while many elderly people may eat less because of chewing difficulties, fatigue, and social reasons. Another statistic for the elderly being the need for more nutrition because of disease or injury.
Some people who've been dieting all their lives find it difficult to change from a low fat diet to richer fare. Sudden weight gain from fat is definitely not recommended. After studying 300 older adults from the ages of 65 to 93, Garry has concluded that even the process of aging itself may be retarded through behavioral changes. That may precipitate a change in the dietary lifestyle," he says. It makes strangers of those we knew best, changes relationships with loved ones in ways that resonates forever. "STOLEN MEMORIES" is the story of how one family coped with its devastating effects, and how others can learn from that experience.
Because of this, they are not getting as much of some nutrients as they need. In our newly designed pyramid, we made the base somewhat narrower to reflect the fact that less food is being taken in but chose foods that are nutrient-dense, that is, contain many more nutrients per gram of food eaten. Add foods from the tip of the Pyramid, that contain many calories and few nutrients (like candy, soda pop and potato chips), only in moderation. Individuals with difficulty chewing or swallowing or with decreased ability to taste or smell are in need of soft,moist easy to chew foods for many reasons. Topics include the geriatric perspective on: vitamin B12 in the elderly, the role of micronutrients (including thiamin, carotene and vitamin C), nutrition and cognitive function and cardiovascular nutrition.
Unintentional weight loss and malnutrition are common problems in the elderly. Taste and smell changes, as well as feelings of loneliness and depression, contribute to decreased appetite, while many elderly people may eat less because of chewing difficulties, fatigue, and social reasons. If bones decrease in density, then osteoporosis (bone loss) develops over time. Bone degeneration is due not only to calcium deficiency but also partly to genetics. These changes can contribute to decreased food intake, unintentional weight loss and malnutrition. Not everyone experiences all these changes.
Some medications will cause a loss of appetite. Consider nutrition supplements, but use them only with a doctor's approval. She has found that enhancing food flavors will increase the consumption of the foods to which flavors have been added -- and the increase in intake is greater for the people who have a greater loss of smell. The loss of calcium through urine could potentially be harmful for bone turnover, with the added risk of osteoporosis. Finally, protein requires vitamin B6 in order to be metabolized and ultimately utilized in the body.
Nutritional status may be further compromised by other problems in conjunction with the illness, such as trauma, surgery, infection drug therapy which alter nutrient requirements. This makes recovery even more difficult. Each one of the above nutrients is needed to keep an aged body in good health. Elderly individuals should try to strive for a well balanced diet and stay active. Adequate dietary fiber, as opposed to increased use of laxatives, will maintain regular bowel function and not interfere with the digestion and absorption of nutrients, as occurs with laxative use or abuse.
Some of the factors described above, like changes in the digestive system, as well as health concerns like the increased risk of fragile bones, means that nutritional needs change as you age. Periodic review of your diet is always helpful, particularly if you have specific medical conditions. Taste and smell changes, as well as feelings of loneliness and depression, contribute to decreased appetite, while many elderly people may eat less because of chewing difficulties, fatigue, and social reasons. Another statistic for the elderly being the need for more nutrition because of disease or injury.
Some people who've been dieting all their lives find it difficult to change from a low fat diet to richer fare. Sudden weight gain from fat is definitely not recommended. After studying 300 older adults from the ages of 65 to 93, Garry has concluded that even the process of aging itself may be retarded through behavioral changes. That may precipitate a change in the dietary lifestyle," he says. It makes strangers of those we knew best, changes relationships with loved ones in ways that resonates forever. "STOLEN MEMORIES" is the story of how one family coped with its devastating effects, and how others can learn from that experience.
Because of this, they are not getting as much of some nutrients as they need. In our newly designed pyramid, we made the base somewhat narrower to reflect the fact that less food is being taken in but chose foods that are nutrient-dense, that is, contain many more nutrients per gram of food eaten. Add foods from the tip of the Pyramid, that contain many calories and few nutrients (like candy, soda pop and potato chips), only in moderation. Individuals with difficulty chewing or swallowing or with decreased ability to taste or smell are in need of soft,moist easy to chew foods for many reasons. Topics include the geriatric perspective on: vitamin B12 in the elderly, the role of micronutrients (including thiamin, carotene and vitamin C), nutrition and cognitive function and cardiovascular nutrition.
Unintentional weight loss and malnutrition are common problems in the elderly. Taste and smell changes, as well as feelings of loneliness and depression, contribute to decreased appetite, while many elderly people may eat less because of chewing difficulties, fatigue, and social reasons. If bones decrease in density, then osteoporosis (bone loss) develops over time. Bone degeneration is due not only to calcium deficiency but also partly to genetics. These changes can contribute to decreased food intake, unintentional weight loss and malnutrition. Not everyone experiences all these changes.
Some medications will cause a loss of appetite. Consider nutrition supplements, but use them only with a doctor's approval. She has found that enhancing food flavors will increase the consumption of the foods to which flavors have been added -- and the increase in intake is greater for the people who have a greater loss of smell. The loss of calcium through urine could potentially be harmful for bone turnover, with the added risk of osteoporosis. Finally, protein requires vitamin B6 in order to be metabolized and ultimately utilized in the body.
Dumb and Naive in Divorce - Take Charge or Lose Everything in a Divorce Disaster
You want out of the misery. You are sleeping in the guest room, or your partner is. You think he's hiding money or you think she's having an affair. Every conversation turns into a fight. You wake up in misery and go to sleep in misery. The rest of your life looks dismal. She gains weight and he starts drinking.
If you are like most couples, at this point you are about to make some marriage and family therapist some money. She'll listen to the same story she's heard a thousand times and she knows she's just a pit stop on the way to divorce court.
I'm not going to tell you not to see the therapist - go ahead and try. But if the writing is on the wall, I am going to tell you to start reading what it says.
Most women initiate the counseling sessions. Hope springs eternal and women seem to think "Oh, if we could only talk about this, everything will be ok." It is this same unrealistic, fairy tale optimism that ends up making them very, very miserable in divorce court.
What has happened over the last decade in divorce is less than ethical. In fact, it is downright disgusting. Power and control and manipulation are the keywords. Lives are ruined.
If you think, "It couldn't happen to me," you are already at risk. If you think, "How bad could things be?" you are asleep and a nightmare is about to hit you. Here's an example of how bad it can get:
Today I listened to some attorneys discussing dirty divorce tricks. Here's one: slowly putting drugs in your spouse's food so a hair follicle test will test positive. Presto chango, the victim loses everything. Can't happen? Just keep on thinking that and you might be the next victim. Your naivete can and will hurt you. Maybe it won't be drugs in your food, but it could be slowly moving funds out of the joint accounts in order to financially marginalize a spouse and then file for divorce knowing she can't hire an attorney. It's witching hour: do you know where your money is? Did it just zip off through the electrons to an offshore account?
One of my clients just found out her husband has been communicating their entire marriage (ten years) with a girlfriend from 25 years ago. Guess which one has the expensive pit bull attorney and which one is running scared?
Today, both women AND men are being told to make false domestic violence claims. Forget the fact it is illegal, this is morally reprehensible. The one convicted loses custody and money and the lawyers know it.
Why has the face of divorce changed? Many reasons and they don't all matter - but this one does: the word is out: there is money, big, big, money to be made in the divorce field. Since the cap on personal injury awards many personal injury attorneys have been switching to family law. The hourly rate of a divorce attorney is about twice that of most civil attorneys.
If you want out of a bad marriage, you deserve out. But not so that it means you lose everything and spend thousands doing so. Women - remember this: you will have a harder time getting an attorney than your spouse does. Most attorneys know that most women don't control the family finances. That's a red flag which means they will have to motion the court for attorney fees with no guarantee they'll get it. This is the type of information you need to know to begin planning your divorce.
Planning, information and goal setting are the miracle three that will help you survive a divorce in today's dog eat dog world of divorce.
Men have it a bit easier - but not always. They have to know what a revengeful spouse might do if caught in an affair or what a bitter female lawyer or judge might do to them.
The ONLY way to stop a train wreck of a divorce is to not engage in one. But if the other side plays dirty, the playing field isn't level. Why should you lose the kids because he puts drugs in your food? Why should you lose the right to see your kids because she made a phony call to the police? DON'T DO THESE THINGS. Take control of the divorce and play fair. The only way to take control is through information - if you don't know what is possible, you don't know what can happen.
If you are like most couples, at this point you are about to make some marriage and family therapist some money. She'll listen to the same story she's heard a thousand times and she knows she's just a pit stop on the way to divorce court.
I'm not going to tell you not to see the therapist - go ahead and try. But if the writing is on the wall, I am going to tell you to start reading what it says.
Most women initiate the counseling sessions. Hope springs eternal and women seem to think "Oh, if we could only talk about this, everything will be ok." It is this same unrealistic, fairy tale optimism that ends up making them very, very miserable in divorce court.
What has happened over the last decade in divorce is less than ethical. In fact, it is downright disgusting. Power and control and manipulation are the keywords. Lives are ruined.
If you think, "It couldn't happen to me," you are already at risk. If you think, "How bad could things be?" you are asleep and a nightmare is about to hit you. Here's an example of how bad it can get:
Today I listened to some attorneys discussing dirty divorce tricks. Here's one: slowly putting drugs in your spouse's food so a hair follicle test will test positive. Presto chango, the victim loses everything. Can't happen? Just keep on thinking that and you might be the next victim. Your naivete can and will hurt you. Maybe it won't be drugs in your food, but it could be slowly moving funds out of the joint accounts in order to financially marginalize a spouse and then file for divorce knowing she can't hire an attorney. It's witching hour: do you know where your money is? Did it just zip off through the electrons to an offshore account?
One of my clients just found out her husband has been communicating their entire marriage (ten years) with a girlfriend from 25 years ago. Guess which one has the expensive pit bull attorney and which one is running scared?
Today, both women AND men are being told to make false domestic violence claims. Forget the fact it is illegal, this is morally reprehensible. The one convicted loses custody and money and the lawyers know it.
Why has the face of divorce changed? Many reasons and they don't all matter - but this one does: the word is out: there is money, big, big, money to be made in the divorce field. Since the cap on personal injury awards many personal injury attorneys have been switching to family law. The hourly rate of a divorce attorney is about twice that of most civil attorneys.
If you want out of a bad marriage, you deserve out. But not so that it means you lose everything and spend thousands doing so. Women - remember this: you will have a harder time getting an attorney than your spouse does. Most attorneys know that most women don't control the family finances. That's a red flag which means they will have to motion the court for attorney fees with no guarantee they'll get it. This is the type of information you need to know to begin planning your divorce.
Planning, information and goal setting are the miracle three that will help you survive a divorce in today's dog eat dog world of divorce.
Men have it a bit easier - but not always. They have to know what a revengeful spouse might do if caught in an affair or what a bitter female lawyer or judge might do to them.
The ONLY way to stop a train wreck of a divorce is to not engage in one. But if the other side plays dirty, the playing field isn't level. Why should you lose the kids because he puts drugs in your food? Why should you lose the right to see your kids because she made a phony call to the police? DON'T DO THESE THINGS. Take control of the divorce and play fair. The only way to take control is through information - if you don't know what is possible, you don't know what can happen.
Child and Adolescent Behavior Problems - Finding Help - Part 3 - Who's Who
If you're concerned about your child's or adolescent's recent behavior, you may have already approached your child's primary care physician (PCP). But, if you feel your child needs more help than can be offered by the PCP, then the time to seek out a mental health professional is now. There are many types of professionals in the mental health field, with a wide variety of expertise. There is no one-type-fits-all when looking for mental health care, and you may find that after your child begins therapy with a practitioner that you feel that you should switch.
That does happen, and sometimes changing therapists will provide an improved outcome. Sometimes change is necessary. Just be aware that therapy is hard and therapy is difficult and therapy sometimes hurts and brings up unpleasant memories or thoughts or feelings-and when that happens, it is not the time to switch therapists.
Just remember that.
Okay, now who's who and what do all the letters mean?
A child and adolescent psychiatrist is a fully-trained and licensed medical doctor (M.D.) or osteopathic physician (D.O.) who has been specially trained in psychiatry and who has at least two additional years of advanced training dealing with children, adolescents, and families beyond medical school and general psychiatric training. You'll want a psychiatrist who is board certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology in child and adolescent psychiatry. And I'm sure you already know that psychiatrists-because they are licensed physicians-are the only mental health professionals who can prescribe and monitor medications.
Psychologists specialize in psychotherapy-the "talk therapy" component of treatment. Psychologists work to understand and improve the patient's functioning at home, at school, at play, at work, and in society. Some psychologists hold masters' degrees (M.S.), and others have doctoral degrees (Ph.D., Psy.D., or Ed.D.) in clinical, educational, counseling, developmental, or research psychology. Psychologists are licensed in all states, and those with doctoral degrees are referred to as "Doctor". Be reminded, however, that psychologists are not medical doctors and cannot prescribe nor properly monitor medications. There are different types of psychologists, including clinical psychologists (who offer counseling and psychotherapy and possibly psychological testing), educational or school psychologists (who work to identify academic strengths and weaknesses and specific learning disorders or developmental learning problems), neuropsychologists (who diagnosis mental and behavioral problems that are related to brain injuries), and still other types of psychologists who on focus on different areas.
If your child or adolescent has been demonstrating signs of emotional or behavioral instability in school, you may have already met with the school's social worker. A social worker holds either a bachelor's degree (B.A., B.S., or B.S.W.) or a master's degree (M.S. or M.S.W.). In most states, a social worker can take an examination to be licensed as a clinical social worker. While there are many different types of social workers, only a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) with a master's degree in social work can provide clinical services as an independent practitioner. Social workers provide many different forms of treatment, and some are excellent at what they do.
A certified professional counselor (CPC) or a licensed professional counselor (LPC) holds a master's degree and state licensure or certification at the highest level of independent practice in the state where they practice. Many work in offices with other mental health practitioners, and some have solo practices.
Marriage and family therapists are identified as either MFT or MFCC (marriage, family and child counselor) and hold a master's degree. These therapists provide assistance to troubled children and families and to individuals coping with troubled relationships.
The above material was taken from Deborah Clark Ebel's book, The Forgotten Future: Adolescents in Crisis.
That does happen, and sometimes changing therapists will provide an improved outcome. Sometimes change is necessary. Just be aware that therapy is hard and therapy is difficult and therapy sometimes hurts and brings up unpleasant memories or thoughts or feelings-and when that happens, it is not the time to switch therapists.
Just remember that.
Okay, now who's who and what do all the letters mean?
A child and adolescent psychiatrist is a fully-trained and licensed medical doctor (M.D.) or osteopathic physician (D.O.) who has been specially trained in psychiatry and who has at least two additional years of advanced training dealing with children, adolescents, and families beyond medical school and general psychiatric training. You'll want a psychiatrist who is board certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology in child and adolescent psychiatry. And I'm sure you already know that psychiatrists-because they are licensed physicians-are the only mental health professionals who can prescribe and monitor medications.
Psychologists specialize in psychotherapy-the "talk therapy" component of treatment. Psychologists work to understand and improve the patient's functioning at home, at school, at play, at work, and in society. Some psychologists hold masters' degrees (M.S.), and others have doctoral degrees (Ph.D., Psy.D., or Ed.D.) in clinical, educational, counseling, developmental, or research psychology. Psychologists are licensed in all states, and those with doctoral degrees are referred to as "Doctor". Be reminded, however, that psychologists are not medical doctors and cannot prescribe nor properly monitor medications. There are different types of psychologists, including clinical psychologists (who offer counseling and psychotherapy and possibly psychological testing), educational or school psychologists (who work to identify academic strengths and weaknesses and specific learning disorders or developmental learning problems), neuropsychologists (who diagnosis mental and behavioral problems that are related to brain injuries), and still other types of psychologists who on focus on different areas.
If your child or adolescent has been demonstrating signs of emotional or behavioral instability in school, you may have already met with the school's social worker. A social worker holds either a bachelor's degree (B.A., B.S., or B.S.W.) or a master's degree (M.S. or M.S.W.). In most states, a social worker can take an examination to be licensed as a clinical social worker. While there are many different types of social workers, only a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) with a master's degree in social work can provide clinical services as an independent practitioner. Social workers provide many different forms of treatment, and some are excellent at what they do.
A certified professional counselor (CPC) or a licensed professional counselor (LPC) holds a master's degree and state licensure or certification at the highest level of independent practice in the state where they practice. Many work in offices with other mental health practitioners, and some have solo practices.
Marriage and family therapists are identified as either MFT or MFCC (marriage, family and child counselor) and hold a master's degree. These therapists provide assistance to troubled children and families and to individuals coping with troubled relationships.
The above material was taken from Deborah Clark Ebel's book, The Forgotten Future: Adolescents in Crisis.
Relaxation Exercises For Children and Adolescents
Anyone who has children or deals with children knows that the hardest thing to do is to get them to sit down and relax. It's understandable of course, they are just beginning to experience the world and they have a burning desire to do as much as they can. Unfortunately though, modern society has made it more and more difficult to take this unquenchable energy and channel it into something more productive.
Living in our society is like living in a three ring circus with constantly flashing lights, shows, games, and rides. How can we expect our children to simply sit down quietly and do some contemplating? Relaxation exercises for children and adolescents are easy to find but hard to apply because our children just won't sit still long enough to try them. This is the age of technology and our children know it better than we do, if we want to bring them the joy of silence and the beauty of relaxation then we have to bring it to them in a way that they can relate to not in a way that we learned it.
Out of all the relaxation exercises for children and adolescents the most productive, in terms of increased attention span and focus, is Meditation. Of course when we think of meditation we immediately think of sitting in a room quietly with our eyes closed, or on a rock outside listening to the sound of a river. I'm a parent and I know that the chances of my little one doing meditation like this are slim to none. However, one quick look around a school-yard will show you the answer. Children wear them all the time as a way of tuning out the world and now they can use them as a way of tuning in to themselves; Headphones.
Binaural meditation is a beautiful way of bringing your children into a calmer, more relaxed frame of mind without them even knowing that it's happening. All they would know is that they are listening to some very nice music and that it inspires a tranquil feeling. They have no way of knowing that the use of sound frequencies is, in fact, balancing both hemispheres of their brain and thus adding a balance to their thoughts and life. They'll still have the same enthusiasm and energy, but they will use it to direct their focus and attention on the present moment. They will learn to appreciate their own mind, and through that, their own life.
Living in our society is like living in a three ring circus with constantly flashing lights, shows, games, and rides. How can we expect our children to simply sit down quietly and do some contemplating? Relaxation exercises for children and adolescents are easy to find but hard to apply because our children just won't sit still long enough to try them. This is the age of technology and our children know it better than we do, if we want to bring them the joy of silence and the beauty of relaxation then we have to bring it to them in a way that they can relate to not in a way that we learned it.
Out of all the relaxation exercises for children and adolescents the most productive, in terms of increased attention span and focus, is Meditation. Of course when we think of meditation we immediately think of sitting in a room quietly with our eyes closed, or on a rock outside listening to the sound of a river. I'm a parent and I know that the chances of my little one doing meditation like this are slim to none. However, one quick look around a school-yard will show you the answer. Children wear them all the time as a way of tuning out the world and now they can use them as a way of tuning in to themselves; Headphones.
Binaural meditation is a beautiful way of bringing your children into a calmer, more relaxed frame of mind without them even knowing that it's happening. All they would know is that they are listening to some very nice music and that it inspires a tranquil feeling. They have no way of knowing that the use of sound frequencies is, in fact, balancing both hemispheres of their brain and thus adding a balance to their thoughts and life. They'll still have the same enthusiasm and energy, but they will use it to direct their focus and attention on the present moment. They will learn to appreciate their own mind, and through that, their own life.
Children and Adolescents with Autism - Characteristics and Research
Autism is also called autistic disorder. The disorder:
• Appears in early childhood, usually before age 3
• Prevents children and adolescents from interacting normally with other people
• Affects almost every aspect of their social and psychological development
Autism characteristics range in intensity from mild to severe. Not every child behaves the same with the same diagnosis. Signs of autism in children and adolescents are typically:
• Difficulty communicating with others
• Exhibits repetitious behaviors, such as rocking back and forth, head banging, or touching or twirling objects
• Have a limited range of interests and activities
• May become upset by small changes in environment and daily routine
In addition, some children may experience hypersensitivity in:
• Hearing
• Touch
• Smell
• Taste
Symptoms of autism can be seen in early infancy. The condition may also appear after months of normal development. It is not possible in most cases to identify a specific event that triggers the disorder.
Autism or a related condition is:
• Three times more common in boys than in girls
• Diagnosed in as many as 12 in every 10,000 children
Causes of autism:
• Researchers are unsure what causes this disorder
• Studies suggest autism might be caused by a combination of biological or environmental factors, or both, including viral exposure before birth, a problem with the immune system, or genetics
• Although recent scientific investigations examined the possible connection between autism and the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine, the available data to date does not appear to support a casual link
• Studies of families and twins suggest a genetic basis for the disorder
If scientists find the genes responsible for autism, the knowledge would give physicians new tools to diagnose the disorder and help scientists develop gene-based therapies.
Some studies reveal that the brains of people with autism may function differently from those that are considered "normal." There is research that suggests an abnormal slowing down of brain development before birth may cause autism.
Chemicals in the brain also may play a role in autism:
• As a normal brain develops, the level of serotonin declines
• In some children with autism, serotonin levels do not decline
• Researchers continue to investigate whether this happens only to children with autism or whether other factors are involved
Source: SAMHSA's National Mental Health Information Center
Disclaimer: The information in this article is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. All health concerns should be addressed by a qualified health care professional.
This article is FREE to publish with the resource box.
• Appears in early childhood, usually before age 3
• Prevents children and adolescents from interacting normally with other people
• Affects almost every aspect of their social and psychological development
Autism characteristics range in intensity from mild to severe. Not every child behaves the same with the same diagnosis. Signs of autism in children and adolescents are typically:
• Difficulty communicating with others
• Exhibits repetitious behaviors, such as rocking back and forth, head banging, or touching or twirling objects
• Have a limited range of interests and activities
• May become upset by small changes in environment and daily routine
In addition, some children may experience hypersensitivity in:
• Hearing
• Touch
• Smell
• Taste
Symptoms of autism can be seen in early infancy. The condition may also appear after months of normal development. It is not possible in most cases to identify a specific event that triggers the disorder.
Autism or a related condition is:
• Three times more common in boys than in girls
• Diagnosed in as many as 12 in every 10,000 children
Causes of autism:
• Researchers are unsure what causes this disorder
• Studies suggest autism might be caused by a combination of biological or environmental factors, or both, including viral exposure before birth, a problem with the immune system, or genetics
• Although recent scientific investigations examined the possible connection between autism and the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine, the available data to date does not appear to support a casual link
• Studies of families and twins suggest a genetic basis for the disorder
If scientists find the genes responsible for autism, the knowledge would give physicians new tools to diagnose the disorder and help scientists develop gene-based therapies.
Some studies reveal that the brains of people with autism may function differently from those that are considered "normal." There is research that suggests an abnormal slowing down of brain development before birth may cause autism.
Chemicals in the brain also may play a role in autism:
• As a normal brain develops, the level of serotonin declines
• In some children with autism, serotonin levels do not decline
• Researchers continue to investigate whether this happens only to children with autism or whether other factors are involved
Source: SAMHSA's National Mental Health Information Center
Disclaimer: The information in this article is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. All health concerns should be addressed by a qualified health care professional.
This article is FREE to publish with the resource box.
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