While it's true that Labor Day often signifies the end of the summer, that doesn't necessarily mean all summer related activities must end. It isn't like the weather automatically changes due to the holiday. There will still be a number of days that will be perfect for family fun such as a BBQ. This is the time of year that other changes occur - including going back to school. That usually means no more vacations for a while but it will also give you time to plan your next trip - whether it is at Christmas, spring break, or next summer.
One of the great things about living in a place with different seasons is that it gives us a chance to enjoy all types of different activities throughout the year. And it helps to remember that we must be flexible regarding our plans during the changing seasons - we may have plans outdoors that will change to possibly indoors. Cooler temps and passing storms are very real possibilities, especially during the fall and spring seasons.
Keeping an eye on the weather and dressing appropriately for it will also help enjoy activities during the cooler months. If you're going to be out and about, such as at a festival or sports outing, pack up extra windbreakers, sweaters, and rain gear. You may not need it, but it is always better to be safe than sorry. However, if you're looking for activities that aren't dependent on sun and warmer temperatures, why not go for some indoor fun? Bowling is a great family activity. So is a trip to the movie theater. And it doesn't matter if the sun is shining or if rain is pelting down from above because you will be inside.
Having a good time post Labor Day isn't going to be difficult. It just means adjusting to different types of activities. Maybe it means more game nights around the kitchen table or spending afternoons in the kitchen learning how to cook different dishes. And colder temps doesn't mean you can't still enjoy the great outdoors - it actually just opens the door to new possibilities and new scenery.
A blog with information to help inspire action that will improve health.
Teen Pregnancy Rates Dropping
Teen pregnancy is a difficult topic to address. The rates were at an all time high for females between the ages of 15 and 19 at the beginning of the 90s. However, they have recently dropped to an all time low. There are probably numerous factors that have contributed to this decrease, with the first one being education. This includes education about sex and birth control. Another reason might be the availability of birth control as well as the way certain parents are handling the topic - meaning that many parents are having frank and open discussions about the repercussions of having a baby at such a tender age.
Having a baby obviously changes a person's life. Many teenage girls might see their friends having babies and as a result they witness the fact that those friends may have some difficulties embarking on certain paths. They might witness those friends who are young mothers missing out on travel, educational opportunities, as well as jobs. They often aren't available to go out and have fun with their friends due to the massive responsibility of caring for a child. Teen mothers often find there's not enough time to socialize - and they probably don't have enough disposable income to afford a babysitter anyway.
Having a child doesn't mean you still can't have a full life ahead, but the younger mothers will probably face more difficulties than those who are in their 20s and 30s. And then there's the issue of relationships - how many teenaged relationships actually develop and evolve into lasting partnerships? And how many teenage boys are willing to take on the challenge of fatherhood?
Talking about sex to your teenagers is not something most parents want to experience. However, that open and honest dialogue can make a huge difference. It isn't a topic that can be ignored. Parents owe it to themselves and their children to have discussions about sex and the repercussions that can happen as a result. Stressing the importance of abstinence is something most parents strive for but at the same time, the topic of birth control should be addressed. Being open about using condoms and how it can lower the chance of pregnancy as well as the chance of contracting a sexually transmitted disease should be addressed in a calm and reasonable manner.
Having a baby obviously changes a person's life. Many teenage girls might see their friends having babies and as a result they witness the fact that those friends may have some difficulties embarking on certain paths. They might witness those friends who are young mothers missing out on travel, educational opportunities, as well as jobs. They often aren't available to go out and have fun with their friends due to the massive responsibility of caring for a child. Teen mothers often find there's not enough time to socialize - and they probably don't have enough disposable income to afford a babysitter anyway.
Having a child doesn't mean you still can't have a full life ahead, but the younger mothers will probably face more difficulties than those who are in their 20s and 30s. And then there's the issue of relationships - how many teenaged relationships actually develop and evolve into lasting partnerships? And how many teenage boys are willing to take on the challenge of fatherhood?
Talking about sex to your teenagers is not something most parents want to experience. However, that open and honest dialogue can make a huge difference. It isn't a topic that can be ignored. Parents owe it to themselves and their children to have discussions about sex and the repercussions that can happen as a result. Stressing the importance of abstinence is something most parents strive for but at the same time, the topic of birth control should be addressed. Being open about using condoms and how it can lower the chance of pregnancy as well as the chance of contracting a sexually transmitted disease should be addressed in a calm and reasonable manner.
What are Phobias?
A phobia is an excessively irrational or unrealistic fear of an object, activity, creature or situation. It is persistent disorder in which an individual experiences an unreasonable fear of an object or situation. When confronted with the source of the phobia, a person might experience extreme distress and think it is dangerous enough to cause serious harm.
About 50 million people in the United States suffer from some type of anxiety. Depending on the severity of the condition, a sufferer might experience emotional pain and chronic stress even when there is no real threat. Persistent anxiety can evoke a very unusual experience in the brain. Subsequently, the body reacts with an atypical stress response to elude the made-up situation.
Different Types of Phobias:
Phobic disorders can be broadly classified into three major categories:
1. Social Anxiety Disorder
This condition is marked by an extreme fear of normal social situations. People with the disorder are constantly worried about being judged by others. They can go to great lengths to avoid routine social settings for the risk of being embarrassed or singled out.
2. Agoraphobia
Individuals suffering from agoraphobia are afraid of being trapped in a desperate and inescapable situation. Sufferers might dread the thought of traveling in trains or buses and avoid crowded places or tight spaces, such as cafes, shopping malls and movie theaters.
3. Specific Phobic Conditions
There are four different types of specific phobias:
- Medical – injections, the sight of blood, doctor visits or any other trigger
- Animal – the fear of snakes, spiders, rats or other species
- Environment – water, lightning, thunders, storms or other natural occurrences
- Situational – specific triggers, such as flying, heights, driving through a tunnel or an elevator ride
Symptoms of Phobic Disorders
Phobic symptoms typically occur upon exposure to the particular object or situation in question. Sometimes, even the thought of the object can trigger intense anxiety. Common symptoms associated with the condition include:
- Shortness of breath
- Anticipatory symptoms, such as extreme nervousness
- Nausea
- Panic attack symptoms, such as sweating, dizziness, heart pounding, numbness and trembling
- Fear of death
Treatment
Depending on the patient’s specific condition and type of phobia, a combination of several treatment approaches might be recommended. The primary objective of treatment is to help the patient overcome his or her anxiety and live as normal a life as possible. Treatment might include one or more of the following:
- Self-help techniques, such as regular exercise and a healthy diet regimen
- Cognitive behavioral therapy, such as exposure therapy and systematic desensitization
- Hypnotherapy with guided relaxation and focused attention to achieve a heightened level of awareness
- Medications to reduce anticipatory symptoms or to treat clinical conditions, such as depression
In most cases, phobic conditions can be treated successfully with appropriate therapy, medications or both.
Why Men Choose Vasectomy and Its Consequences
Deciding whether or not to have children (or have more children) is obviously something that both men and women ponder. And decision making regarding birth control impacts both sexes as well. For women, there are options such as the birth control pill and other devices that are very effective at preventing pregnancy. Surgical options are also available, especially if women are absolutely positive that they do not want children. However, surgical options for preventing pregnancy in women are invasive and carry their own risks. But for men, vasectomy is a simple procedure that is often done on an outpatient basis and requires very little downtime from normal activity.
Getting a vasectomy does not endanger health and is considered a minor surgery. It also does not affect ability to have sexual relationships. The whole procedure does not take very long. There is very little discomfort during the procedure or afterward. This is a highly effective cheaper than sterilization for women way of preventing pregnancy. There is much less recovery for men than women who choose to undergo a tubal ligation. While both are done on an outpatient basis and are considered to be safe, sterilization for women requires general anesthesia. A vasectomy only relies on local anesthesia, making it a much less risky procedure.
One important thing to keep in mind is that this method does not protect a person from the possibility of getting an STD. It does very little to protect agains sexually transmitted infections other than abstinence, condoms, and being faithful to each other. If you are a sexually active male who is not in a committed relationship it is still a good idea to wear condoms to protect yourself.
A vasectomy is usually considered a permanent change. However, there is a small chance of being reversed in some cases. Doctors may be able to go back in and reconnect the tubes, allowing for fertility to be restored. However, this procedure has a very low rate of success. That's why getting it done should not be taken lightly. Many doctors require a waiting period after the initial consultation and will counsel patients on whether or not this is the best option for them.
Sports Nutrition
We all know that nutrition is an important aspect of being healthy. Paying attention to what you put into your body can result in weight loss and more energy. And if you are active, what you ingest can play a huge part in your performance. Athletes such as cyclists, swimmers, and weight lifters definitely need to have detailed and technical nutrition plans so that they can keep and gain an advantage above their competitors.
If you are training for a specific event, such as a half-marathon or a bike race, it would be well worth it to pay attention to your diet. You are going to need to keep track of your daily intake of calories. Making sure you get the correct amount of proteins, carbohydrates, and healthy fats will help improve your performance. Getting all of that plus the essential vitamins and minerals for muscle growth will help you lift more during training sessions, as well as help you go for longer and outperform the competition.
Getting specific amounts of the right stuff into your body will take some practice at first. It might be helpful to follow recipes and measure ingredients just to make sure you are getting exactly what your body needs. Following a special diet might seem like a lot of work, but if you're going for the win it will definitely be worth it.
Some people think that as long as they are training hard they can eat whatever they want and the calories won't matter. But that isn't true. Food is fuel for the body - and eating the good stuff will help you improve performance and stamina. Keep in mind that participating in sports requires a fair amount of energy. If you don't replenish your body during your workouts you run the risk of running into the infamous wall - otherwise known as bonking.
Just as muscles need recovery time to heal and grow, they also will benefit from added protein. This should be done soon after your workout. This will help during the recovery process. And keeping your energy levels up will also require healthy amounts of complex carbohydrates. Try to eat as many whole foods as possible - stay away from empty calories and foods full of preservatives. You'll soon find your energy levels will be soaring, meaning that your workouts will improve.
If you are training for a specific event, such as a half-marathon or a bike race, it would be well worth it to pay attention to your diet. You are going to need to keep track of your daily intake of calories. Making sure you get the correct amount of proteins, carbohydrates, and healthy fats will help improve your performance. Getting all of that plus the essential vitamins and minerals for muscle growth will help you lift more during training sessions, as well as help you go for longer and outperform the competition.
Getting specific amounts of the right stuff into your body will take some practice at first. It might be helpful to follow recipes and measure ingredients just to make sure you are getting exactly what your body needs. Following a special diet might seem like a lot of work, but if you're going for the win it will definitely be worth it.
Some people think that as long as they are training hard they can eat whatever they want and the calories won't matter. But that isn't true. Food is fuel for the body - and eating the good stuff will help you improve performance and stamina. Keep in mind that participating in sports requires a fair amount of energy. If you don't replenish your body during your workouts you run the risk of running into the infamous wall - otherwise known as bonking.
Just as muscles need recovery time to heal and grow, they also will benefit from added protein. This should be done soon after your workout. This will help during the recovery process. And keeping your energy levels up will also require healthy amounts of complex carbohydrates. Try to eat as many whole foods as possible - stay away from empty calories and foods full of preservatives. You'll soon find your energy levels will be soaring, meaning that your workouts will improve.
Catching Stuttering Problems Early Can Be a Life Saver
Stuttering is an example of a speech pattern that can affect the way we communicate with others. It affects speech fluency. People who do this often find themselves saying repetitions of words or parts of words. It can also involve prolongations, which is simply drawing out the first part of a word. The good news is that it is a treatable condition. If needed, a speech therapist can help those who have a severe problem or who may have a risk of developing a problem.
Being able to communicate has to do with everything in our lives: work, school, and relationships. Being self conscious about our speech can affect our self esteem and our social life. For some people, intervention is needed at a young age. Treatment can help reduce shyness in school and overall being successful at social interactions in general. Some of the other symptoms that might indicate treatment is needed include if it leads to emotional problems, lasts longer than six months, or causes a child to avoid social situations.
It is common for children between the ages of 2 and 5 to stutter, as they are just learning speech patterns and learning about the world around them. Some may need extra help at that point, but many will outgrow it. Experts agree that 50-80% of children who stutter will grow out of it as they age. By the time kids hit puberty, the issue seems to diminish.
One of the treatments for this includes behavioral therapy or controlled fluency. They are two very effective ways for helping people consciously change speech patterns. Sometimes electronic devices are used as well. It depends on the severity of the problem as well as someone's age. Usually speech therapy is a very effective form of treatment.
Stuttering begins in childhood. It often occurs in children who have a family history of stuttering. Overall it is estimated that around 55 million in the world have some form of speech difficulties due to this condition. It is important to address the issue and not to ignore it, but it is also important not to make people feel self conscious about it.
Being able to communicate has to do with everything in our lives: work, school, and relationships. Being self conscious about our speech can affect our self esteem and our social life. For some people, intervention is needed at a young age. Treatment can help reduce shyness in school and overall being successful at social interactions in general. Some of the other symptoms that might indicate treatment is needed include if it leads to emotional problems, lasts longer than six months, or causes a child to avoid social situations.
It is common for children between the ages of 2 and 5 to stutter, as they are just learning speech patterns and learning about the world around them. Some may need extra help at that point, but many will outgrow it. Experts agree that 50-80% of children who stutter will grow out of it as they age. By the time kids hit puberty, the issue seems to diminish.
One of the treatments for this includes behavioral therapy or controlled fluency. They are two very effective ways for helping people consciously change speech patterns. Sometimes electronic devices are used as well. It depends on the severity of the problem as well as someone's age. Usually speech therapy is a very effective form of treatment.
Stuttering begins in childhood. It often occurs in children who have a family history of stuttering. Overall it is estimated that around 55 million in the world have some form of speech difficulties due to this condition. It is important to address the issue and not to ignore it, but it is also important not to make people feel self conscious about it.
Breast Feeding for Better Health
Breast feeding is a hot topic among parents. And there are numerous reasons why it is such a positive action to do for your child - and for yourself as a mother. Some of those reasons are emotional. For example, it is form of bonding. It helps mother and child to forge a stronger connection. Babies love to be warm and snuggled up to their mother's it is an instinctive safe spot that they need to be near especially during the first few months (or years) of their lives.
Of course, breastfeeding your new born is also good for your budget. Baby formula is expensive. And there are many different brands, making it difficult to choose the best one for your little one. Breast milk is free. The human body makes it naturally. Some women worry that they aren't producing enough, especially during the first few days following birth. But that is usually an unfounded fear. This is due to the fact that the body is producing colostrum, a very nutrient rich liquid for infants. And that is generally all the baby needs at first. Another bonus is that it digests easily, which may not be the case for many of the formulas that are on the market. Many new borns have very sensitive stomachs.
Yet another reason breastfeeding is a good idea is due to the fact that it can strengthen the immune system of your child naturally. The milk contains antibodies that are passed along, along with much needed vitamins and minerals that help support brain growth, as well as physical growth. Babies don't have much of an immune system when they are born so they are very susceptible to all types of illnesses. Breast milk can help protect them from many types of potential viral process and bacteria that can make them sick.
This activity is also good for helping mothers lose weight. It actually helps the body to burn more calories, therefore helping mom to lose much of the weight more quickly than if breastfeeding wasn't done. And since many new moms are concerned with that, it is definitely a bonus to know that doing good for your baby is also helping you out as well.
So if you are ready to save money, improve your baby's immune system and strengthen the bond between you, give breast feeding a try.
Of course, breastfeeding your new born is also good for your budget. Baby formula is expensive. And there are many different brands, making it difficult to choose the best one for your little one. Breast milk is free. The human body makes it naturally. Some women worry that they aren't producing enough, especially during the first few days following birth. But that is usually an unfounded fear. This is due to the fact that the body is producing colostrum, a very nutrient rich liquid for infants. And that is generally all the baby needs at first. Another bonus is that it digests easily, which may not be the case for many of the formulas that are on the market. Many new borns have very sensitive stomachs.
Yet another reason breastfeeding is a good idea is due to the fact that it can strengthen the immune system of your child naturally. The milk contains antibodies that are passed along, along with much needed vitamins and minerals that help support brain growth, as well as physical growth. Babies don't have much of an immune system when they are born so they are very susceptible to all types of illnesses. Breast milk can help protect them from many types of potential viral process and bacteria that can make them sick.
This activity is also good for helping mothers lose weight. It actually helps the body to burn more calories, therefore helping mom to lose much of the weight more quickly than if breastfeeding wasn't done. And since many new moms are concerned with that, it is definitely a bonus to know that doing good for your baby is also helping you out as well.
So if you are ready to save money, improve your baby's immune system and strengthen the bond between you, give breast feeding a try.
Anxiety Occurring Frequently
If you are one of the millions of people who experience anxiety, you should know that you are not alone. According to the Anxiety Disorders Association of America, approximately 18% of U.S population struggles with this condition. It is very real and can be extremely uncomfortable. It can range from mild symptoms of generalized unease to completely debilitating symptoms that can interfere with daily life.
There are a multitude of reasons that people have anxiety about. Some of those include things such as children s education costs and how they are going to pay for college, mortgage or other financial woes, fear of joblessness, problems with a spouse - the list goes on and on. Fear of failure and fear that any success they may have will be taken away are two more common themes. Some people just have feelings of impeding doom and aren't sure why but know that it affects them to the point that their lives are being affected in a negative way.
Unfortunately, one of the ways this doom plays itself out is during panic attacks. Some times there is a specific reason for these attacks, other times there may be no apparent reason. The panic feelings may lead to symptoms such as a pounding heart or rapid heart rate, fear of losing control, lightheadedness, and nausea. Some people also start sweating profusely or have hot or cold flashes.
If you suffer from anxiety attacks and are worried for your mental health, rest assured that there is help available. This is true even if you have them on a regular basis. One of the options might be to avoid certain social situations that you know might be triggers, or at the very least try to figure out what causes the trigger to occur. Other ways to overcome this type of disorder is to speak with your doctor about it. Treatments such as medications known as beta-blockers. They can help control some of the symptoms of an anxiety attack. Some of them have side effects that may affect your ability to drive, or make you drowsy, so it may take a few changes to get the medications that will work for you. Be patient and don't worry, the process may take some time.
Trying to mask the problem by not seeking treatment is unhealthy. You may need support in the form of psychotherapy. Doing so may help you get to the root cause of the problem, something that might be able to eliminate the negative feelings altogether.
There are a multitude of reasons that people have anxiety about. Some of those include things such as children s education costs and how they are going to pay for college, mortgage or other financial woes, fear of joblessness, problems with a spouse - the list goes on and on. Fear of failure and fear that any success they may have will be taken away are two more common themes. Some people just have feelings of impeding doom and aren't sure why but know that it affects them to the point that their lives are being affected in a negative way.
Unfortunately, one of the ways this doom plays itself out is during panic attacks. Some times there is a specific reason for these attacks, other times there may be no apparent reason. The panic feelings may lead to symptoms such as a pounding heart or rapid heart rate, fear of losing control, lightheadedness, and nausea. Some people also start sweating profusely or have hot or cold flashes.
If you suffer from anxiety attacks and are worried for your mental health, rest assured that there is help available. This is true even if you have them on a regular basis. One of the options might be to avoid certain social situations that you know might be triggers, or at the very least try to figure out what causes the trigger to occur. Other ways to overcome this type of disorder is to speak with your doctor about it. Treatments such as medications known as beta-blockers. They can help control some of the symptoms of an anxiety attack. Some of them have side effects that may affect your ability to drive, or make you drowsy, so it may take a few changes to get the medications that will work for you. Be patient and don't worry, the process may take some time.
Trying to mask the problem by not seeking treatment is unhealthy. You may need support in the form of psychotherapy. Doing so may help you get to the root cause of the problem, something that might be able to eliminate the negative feelings altogether.
Maintaining Your Car
Maintaining your car is a responsibility that shouldn't be overlooked. After all, the your safety, the safety of your passengers, as well as other drivers on the road is something that should be a top priority. It can help you avoid a car accident or keep you from getting stranded on the side of the road. There are some basic steps that should be taken that are both simple yet very effective.
Getting (and keeping) your car weather ready is a good first step. This means making sure you have the proper tires and other equipment. For example, do you live in an area that gets inches and inches of snow throughout the winter months? You might need to invest in some type of snow tires or chains to minimize your risk of sliding on the road or getting into an accident.
Other common items that need regular maintenance include window wipers and regular oil changes. Not getting your oil changed can wreak serious havoc on your engine. Get your brakes checked regularly and replace them as needed. Transmission maintenance is another smart option, because regular checks in that area can help you avoid long term costs down the road. Also, keep your mirrors in top condition. Don't drive with cracked or missing mirrors that don't allow you to see the road and other cars around you. By doing regular car maintenance you are doing your part by keeping everyone else safe on the road.
Following the speed limit and other rules of the road go a long way toward helping you be the best driver possible. Know your limits - don't be a distracted driver. Put the phone down while behind the wheel and keep your eyes on the road. If you need to wear glasses to see better, do so. This is especially important at night or in rainy conditions when visibility is poor already. And of course, buckle up. Make everyone else in the vehicle do the same. Statistics show that the amount of serious injuries and death decreases as seat belt usage increases. Following these simple safety guidelines can help you as you navigate the roads.
Getting (and keeping) your car weather ready is a good first step. This means making sure you have the proper tires and other equipment. For example, do you live in an area that gets inches and inches of snow throughout the winter months? You might need to invest in some type of snow tires or chains to minimize your risk of sliding on the road or getting into an accident.
Other common items that need regular maintenance include window wipers and regular oil changes. Not getting your oil changed can wreak serious havoc on your engine. Get your brakes checked regularly and replace them as needed. Transmission maintenance is another smart option, because regular checks in that area can help you avoid long term costs down the road. Also, keep your mirrors in top condition. Don't drive with cracked or missing mirrors that don't allow you to see the road and other cars around you. By doing regular car maintenance you are doing your part by keeping everyone else safe on the road.
Following the speed limit and other rules of the road go a long way toward helping you be the best driver possible. Know your limits - don't be a distracted driver. Put the phone down while behind the wheel and keep your eyes on the road. If you need to wear glasses to see better, do so. This is especially important at night or in rainy conditions when visibility is poor already. And of course, buckle up. Make everyone else in the vehicle do the same. Statistics show that the amount of serious injuries and death decreases as seat belt usage increases. Following these simple safety guidelines can help you as you navigate the roads.
Our Best Effort to Stay Healthy When We Travel
If you are going outside of the United States to a foreign country, it is always a good idea to make sure your vaccines are up to date. Keep in mind that not all countries have access to the healthcare that we have. Therefore, many of them still have diseases that aren't prevalent in North America. Examples include polio, mumps, measles, and other airborne viruses. By making sure you are fully vaccinated you can prevent many illnesses from invading your body and turning your vacation into extended hospital stay. Another caveat: make sure the drinking water is safe. And it would be a good idea to bring healthy snacks, such as granola bars or other easy to pack items that are also convenient to eat and don't require the usage of a microwave or refrigerator.
Don't leave your medicine at home or go with only a partial prescription thinking that you can get a refill. Chances are it won't be that easy, especially if you are out of the country. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before you leave and adjust your prescription refills accordingly. Even if you are staying in the United States it is always good to have a back-up plan. You may also want to talk to your health insurance company about health insurance coverage for travelers. It can offer you extra options that you may need if you're going out of the country.
One of the best things you can to do ensure your health and safety is to some research on the internet about any current health epidemics in the areas that you'll be in. Also find out where the near by hospitals are. Communicate your itinerary to friends and loved ones and make sure your emergency contacts are clearly marked in your phone as well as with any paperwork you carry with you.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)