If you’re into food this month is for you! I didn’t include them in my list but you can do a search and be surprised by the number of awareness days.
Month: January 2023
3 Tips For Dealing With Conflict
Conflict, while of course the foundational point of many stories we like to read, watch or even play, is not altogether that fun in real life. Unfortunately, you’re probably going to deal with conflict in some form or another during the course of your life, possibly many times over.
Of course, conflict is a spectrum and can come in many firms. It may take shape as a mild disagreement over a parking space, or perhaps having to tell your child off because they’re not staying in bed after putting them to sleep.
Sometimes, however, conflict can be more intensive than we had expected, and in order to properly go through it and contain it, it’s important to know where to begin. Some of the advice below will hopefully help you if you find yourself in a situation like this, allowing you to move forward with confidence:
Never Escalate
Conflict can get out of hand quite quickly, for instance, it’s not uncommon to see people pushing and shoving one another, and even breaking out into fights, over Black Friday sales where everyone is trying to push in and get the item they wish for. The truth is, though, that escalation can be in your control to some degree.
Avoid name-calling, or trying to ‘win’ the battle of who can say the most cutting thing. Instead, be clear, hold eye contact, and be firm in your speech. Remember that you don’t have to answer their questions, or reply to everything they say. If the person is irrational, it’s best to leave the situation. Even martial arts classes will teach their practitioners that leaving possible conflict are thousands of times better than a disagreement escalating into a fight. Note that this doesn’t mean standing up for yourself, it just means being realistic about the situation and always looking for an escape if necessary.
Understand Your Rights
Your rights are your rights, and you are permitted to exercise them. That’s what they’re there for. In some cases, you may be able to use professional help to better orchestrate a defense or seek compensation, such as with this car accident lawyer at Eric Ramos Law, PLLC.
Alternatively, reading up on the law about filming in public can help you shoot your travel video with a friend, and understand your exact rights should someone call a law enforcement official who instructs you to stop. Your rights help you understand when to press an issue, when to defend yourself, and when to comply.
Document The Issue
A dashcam, a mobile phone, or even making sure you’re in the coverage of a CCTV camera can help you better ensure that the situation is being covered and that if needed, you have the chance to refer back to this when required.
For instance, if you see someone keying your car, record them clearly instead of running out to confront them first. It will help you ensure transparency and also prove that you haven’t caused additional harm in the situation. This way, law enforcement will choose your side if they need to be involved.
With this advice, we hope you can better deal with conflict if it finds you.
This is a collaborative post.
Melinda
Blogger Highlight-Gemma’s Little World
Thank you for all the great feedback on the Blogger Highlight series, I’ve enjoyed meeting each blogger and sharing their site with you. This week we highlight a new blogger, Gemma’s Little World.
Gemma’s Little World
Hey everyone! My name is Gemma, and I’m a college student who loves to write. Here, I’ll share my ramblings, among other things. Please keep in mind that I will also repost my articles from my HerCampus page on this website after each semester. Thank you for reading!
Gemma is new to blogging and you need to check out her blog.
Melinda
#Weekend Music Share-Eric Clapton-Layla
I’m so glad you dropped by today, thank you. I hope you have a great weekend.
Welcome back to Weekend Music Share; the place where everyone can share their favorite music.
Feel free to use the ‘Weekend Music Share‘ banner in your post, and don’t forget to use the hashtag #WeekendMusicShare on social media so other participants can find your post.
Melinda
Friday Quote 1/27/2023
Hey! So glad you stopped by today, I look forward to your comments each week.
Melinda
Wordless Wednesday *St. Petersburg Waterway
I’m so happy you dropped by today, I appreciate you and love your comments each week.
Melinda
Just Pondering
Bella Grace Field Guide by Stampington
“You don’t always need a logical reason for doing everything in your life. Do it because you want; Because it’s fun; Because it makes you happy.
unknown
Melinda
How Starting A Garden Could Change Your Life
Being lost in life is par for the course; while it can feel like you’re the only one who understands it, in truth, everybody does on some level. The COVID-19 pandemic has truly made us all question who we are, and what is important to us. This can lead people to feel lost in their lives, or frustrated with the feeling that they have no control over what goes on around them.
There are so many ways to cope with change, but one surefire way to center calm in your life is to start a garden. You don’t have to have a huge amount of space or much experience – and in this blog, we’re going to show you how.
The psychological benefits of gardening
Psychologists have studied the psychological benefits of gardening for years. Gardening is often an activity that is practiced in rehabilitation facilities, elderly care centers, and mental health recovery centers because it helps people nurture the growth of living things.
The psychological benefits of gardening include:
- Relaxation. Using your hands to dig in the earth and make small steps towards a beautiful garden can be very relaxing. Plus, the color green is said to be calming to the human brain, too!
- Community. If you garden in a communal space, you can share the activity with like-minded people and grow into a new community. The COVID-19 pandemic has made people feel very isolated, so this sense of communal wellbeing is very important in 2021 and beyond.
- Gardening is an outdoor activity that gets you moving. Fresh air and exercise have numerous health benefits in themselves, and gardening is the perfect excuse to do both!
- Gardening helps you concentrate and engage with tasks in a healthy way. If you are recovering from a big change in your life, gardening can help you focus, and ultimately engage with new tasks in a meaningful way. Gardening is made up of small, simple tasks that can aid your brain’s recovery.
Tips for starting a garden in a small space
If all this sounds good to you, but you only have a small yard or even just a balcony, you might be thinking, ‘There’s no way I can start a garden in such a tiny space.’ Well, luckily, you’re wrong about that!
Firstly, find plants that are easy to grow in pots. These could be herbs, flowers, house plants, or even small vegetables, as long as they are able to grow in a potted environment rather than in the ground. This makes them easier to maintain in a small garden.
Next, you should research through reading books or watching YouTube videos, how to maintain your plants through hydration, the right kind of soil, and the right light levels. This research will help you expand your garden gradually as you cultivate these important skills for life!
If your garden gets out of control, you can contact local lawn fertilization and weed control services to help tame the wild beast!
Final Thoughts
Having a garden can help alleviate symptoms of anxiety, depression, burnout, or lack of focus. Plus, you’ll have a beautiful little green space that you can keep nurturing for years to come.
This is a collaborative post.
Melinda
National Stalking Awareness Month
I don’t think we talk about stalking enough, their arms are far and wide and stalking can get very dangerious including death.
You have to start the conversation early because social media can put your child at risk. Anyone who makes “friends” on the internet is at risk. It’s not just children at risk, anyone can be a target.
I could go on & on about children’s internet safety, so I’ll save that conversation for another post.
National Stalking Awareness Month
National Stalking Awareness Month in January was launched in 2004 by the National Center for Victims of Crime. The aim was to increase the public’s interpretation of the crime of stalking. Stalking may seem harmless to some, but history has proven that it can lead to murder among other graver crimes.
Many people use ‘stalking’ as a fun term for digging up details on our crushes through social media, but the true meaning of the word creates fear for those who have been victims of the crime. Stalking is more than just going through the statuses or photos of a person. It is following them around to discover every intimate detail about the life of the victim. Stalking includes phone calls, obsessive text messages, notes left on cars, creepy gifts, or messages on social media platforms.
Since many of these initial stages later lead to kidnapping, sexual violence, or physical attacks, ‘stalking’ is considered a crime, an offense under the Crimes (Domestic and Personal Violence) Act 2007. According to law, the following counts as stalking: “the following of a person about or the watching or frequenting of the vicinity of, or an approach to a person’s place of residence, business or work or any place that a person frequents for any social or leisure activity.”
My Story
I’ve been stalked twice as a child and twice as an adult. The stalking as a child didn’t involve any interaction, they followed me around the apartment complex and the other followed me & my girlfriend home from school every day in their car.
As an adult, the stalking took on a new level, a scary one. I’ve known bloggers who were being stalked online and had to close down their blog. The last experience with stalking is written in a post, in the link in the sentence above.
This may be a harsh way to look at it but it’s true. People on the internet are “non’s”. What I mean by that is people can be anything they want online. We hear about these incindents every day. I didn’t always look at it this way but I’m older and can see the damage social media can do.
I knew three of my stalkers, I don’t know if there’s a statistic out there for it but my guess is many know their stalkers.
Melinda
References:
Blogger Highlight- clover and ivy
Thank you for all the great feedback on the Blogger Highlight series, I’ve enjoyed meeting each blogger and sharing their site with you. This week we highlight a new blogger, clover and ivy.
clover and ivy
The day-to-day ordinary parts of life come and go, and these events often pass as if they’re not consequential. Then there’s a blink, an instant we observe something ordinary that brings solace and breathes life into us, regardless of the news of the day.
These restorative ordinary parts of life are often what we find outside, in nature, and that’s what I aim to present in my blog. Trusty elements in the natural repetitive cycles we can note and depend on for comfort and reassurance. Elements we can go to when we need grounding. My tiny garden, the blue jay outside my window, water moving over worn stones in a running creek in the middle of the woods, the scattering of bright stars set in a dark sky among the top branches of the tallest trees, a fresh green leaf at the beginning of spring. These are elements that tell us, life is okay, things are as they should be.
You must stop by Clover and Ivy, it’s like taking a self-care moment for yourself.
Melinda
The Stigma of Addiction — Guest Blogger diary of a depressed graduate student
It was a hot summer in a small town on the Cape when, as I was holding my mother’s hand, I saw a homeless woman straight ahead who looked ill and was asking for money. To this day, I cannot remember much of my childhood, yet I still can picture that woman’s face. I asked […]
The Stigma of Addiction — diary of a depressed graduate student
Fun Facts
Thanks for stopping by today. I love hearing your comments each week after learning some interesting things.
There are parts of Africa in all four hemispheres
The cornea is one of only two parts of the human body without blood vessels
The world’s first animated feature film was made in Argentina
German chocolate cake was invented in Texas
Marla Gibbs continued to work as a flight attendant for two years after being cast on a hit TV show
Enjoy!
Melinda
Reference:
Diffuser Blends Make Great Gifts
With Valentine’s around the corner, I wanted to share a gift idea. These recipes are easy to make and everyone will enjoy getting one.
New Buds
1 drop spearmint
2 drops lemongrass
3 drops and lavender
April Showers
3 drops lemon grass
4 drops eucalyptus
5 drops lemon
Fresh Laundry
1 drop clary sage
2 drops mint
3 drops pine
Spring Cleaning
2 drops peppermint
3 drops wild orange
3 drops lemon
Ocean Breeze
1 drop spearmint
1 drop ylang ylang
2 drops wild orange
3 drops of tangerine
Goodbye Allergies
2 drops frankincense
2 drops lemon
3 peppermint
3 drops lavender
Herb Garden
3 drops rosemary
3 drops lavender
3 drops mint
Spring Bouquet
2 drops geranium
2 drops lavender
2 drops clary sage
2 drops chamomile
There weren’t any instructions for how to dispense. My suggestion is a guess, if you’re a regular crafter you may have a better idea. Let me know.
Melinda
#Weekend Music Share-Maroon 5 – Moves Like Jagger ft. Christina Aguilera (Official Music Video)
I’m so glad you dropped by today, thank you. I hope you have a great weekend.
Welcome back to Weekend Music Share; the place where everyone can share their favorite music.
Feel free to use the ‘Weekend Music Share‘ banner in your post, and don’t forget to use the hashtag #WeekendMusicShare on social media so other participants can find your post.
Melinda
Friday Quote 1/20/2023
Hey! So glad you stopped by today, I look forward to your comments each week.
Melinda
Cervical Health Awareness Month
I believe Cervical Health Awareness Month is very important because I was diagnosed with Cervical Cancer at 28 years old. They first tried a semi-non-invasive procedure to remove cancer but it failed. I was waiting for my surgery when the doctor came in and said I have a high risk for Ovarian Cancer since my mother and grandmother both had Ovarian Cancer and hysterectomies at a young age.
The doctor recommended I do a full hysterectomy to be safe. I had minutes to decide if I wanted to take the risk or not be able to have kids. A full hysterectomy is what I went with, no more cancer for me.
The diagnosis came as a huge surprise and I had no symptoms. This is what makes education so important. You have to start when your kids are in their teens. You’ve seen the commercials on TV but may not pay attention.
You can lower your risk for cervical cancer by getting screened regularly, starting at age 21.
Screening Tests
The HPV test and the Pap test are screening tests that can help prevent cervical cancer or find it early.
- The human papillomavirus (HPV) test looks for the virus that can cause cell changes on the cervix.
- The Pap test (or Pap smear) looks for precancers,which are cell changes on the cervix that might become cervical cancer if they are not treated appropriately.
Screening Options
You should start getting Pap tests at age 21. If your Pap test result is normal, your doctor may tell you that you can wait three years until your next Pap test.
If you’re 30 to 65 years old, you have three options. Talk to your doctor about which testing option is right for you.
- An HPV test only. If your result is normal, your doctor may tell you that you can wait five years until your next screening test.
- An HPV test along with the Pap test. If both of your results are normal, your doctor may tell you that you can wait five years until your next screening test.
- A Pap test only. If your result is normal, your doctor may tell you that you can wait three years until your next Pap test.
If you’re older than 65, your doctor may tell you that you don’t need to be screened anymore if you have had normal screening test results for several years and you have not had a cervical precancer in the past, or you have had your cervix removed as part of a total hysterectomy for non-cancerous conditions, like fibroids.
HPV Vaccine
The HPV vaccine protects against the types of HPV that most often cause cervical cancers. HPV can also cause other kinds of cancer in both men and women.
- HPV vaccination is recommended for preteens aged 11 to 12 years, but can be given starting at age 9.
- HPV vaccine also is recommended for everyone through age 26 years, if they are not vaccinated already.
- HPV vaccination is not recommended for everyone older than age 26 years. However, some adults age 27 through 45 years who are not already vaccinated may decide to get the HPV vaccine after speaking with their doctor about their risk for new HPV infections and the possible benefits of vaccination. HPV vaccination in this age range provides less benefit, as more people have already been exposed to HPV.
HPV vaccination prevents new HPV infections but does not treat existing infections or diseases. This is why the HPV vaccine works best when given before any exposure to HPV. You should get screened for cervical cancer regularly, even if you received an HPV vaccine.
Get checked, your life may depend on it. Mine did.
Melinda
Refernces:
5 Creative Projects To Help Focus Your Mind
A creative project is a great way to focus your mind and spend some downtime. Art, gardening, craft, and DIY are all very therapeutic. You’ll feel more relaxed and gain some perspective. Creativity is the perfect way to channel stress and anxiety. Put your overactive mind to good use and make something you’ll cherish forever. There are plenty of different kinds of ideas depending on your interests. Here are five creative projects to help focus your mind.
Paint by numbers
Paint by Numbers is an example of a trendy craft gone viral during lockdown. It is incredibly therapeutic and relaxing, and not just for kids anymore. Even though you’re following instructions, it still requires a lot of patience and hard work. Paint by numbers is a good compromise if you like art but aren’t necessarily an experienced painter. You’ll be able to enjoy the results without being a natural artist. You can display your painting proudly for all your family and friends.
Winter Flowers
There are several reasons why gardening is so therapeutic. It’s a great way to get back in touch with nature and gain some perspective. Sun and fresh air also go a long way. Even when the seasons start to change, this doesn’t mean you have to be a fair-weather garden. There are plenty of winter flowers you can plant such as pansies and jasmine that grow all year round. If you want to keep it inside you could even build your own mini zen garden, or decorate the house with plants.
Customize your car
If you’re the type that likes to get your hands dirty then why not sink yourself into a project in the garage? Customize your car to your liking this fall. Automotive Stuff is an example of a site where you can find your own parts. You can even trade car parts online with other car owners. If you prefer, start small with the interior, or even work under the hood. If you’re passionate about cars you could invest in a used vehicle to revamp.
Make your own bath products
You’d be surprised how many simple products you can make at home. All you need is some essential oils and a couple of household ingredients, and you can make a variety of bath products. This is a more eco-friendly option as well, not to mention thrifty. If you want to use your creativity to make something you’re going to use, then bath products are ideal. You can even give them as gifts to your family and friends.
Upcycle your furniture
Whether you decide to flip the furniture or keep it, it’s easy to see why upcycling has become such a popular pastime. You could invest in some second-hand furniture at your local thrift store and turn it into a creative project. For example, you could find an old photo frame, print your Domonique Rodgers NC State print, and hang it on the wall. Creating Upcycling is a fun way to revamp furniture or repurpose other items. Perhaps you can find a new use for some old things around the house. It’s very therapeutic and satisfying.
This a collaborative post.
Melinda
Repost
The DEA Is Coming After Your Medication Next
I had an Orville moment while talking to my pharmacist last week. One of the medications I take is on long-term backorder, WTF? No surprise, the DEA is now going after Mental Illness patients. They failed at curbing deaths from street drugs, let’s see how they can mismanage this focus project.
My pharmacist said the DEA went to manufacturers last year and ask them to cut or curb the production of my much-needed and addictive medication. Pharmacies don’t have a product their clients need and have a legal prescription for, but the DEA which has no medical background is coming in and cherry-picking drugs, then overriding the doctors and leaving patients without medication.
I’m scrambling now for an alternative. I’ve taken this drug for at least 20 years and need it to get out of bed. The DEA has hit the stimulant group first, it’s bad enough I can’t get the drug but think about parents who can’t get the medication for their kids. There’s a huge group who take stimulant drugs for ADD/ADHD.
I don’t know if the Truepill case is where it started from, no clue. Because of their unlawful practices, many will be left high and dry. I wholeheartedly believe unethical doctors like this will need to get the harsher sentence possible for the harm they’ve done.
DEA Serves Order to Show Cause on Truepill Pharmacy for its Involvement in the Unlawful Dispensing of Prescription Stimulants
WASHINGTON — Today, DEA served an Order to Show Cause on Truepill, a retail pharmacy that is alleged to have wrongfully filled thousands of prescriptions for stimulants used in the treatment of Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Truepill was the pharmacy for telehealth companies, including Cerebral, that marketed ADHD treatments, including Adderall ® and its generic forms, directly to consumers using Internet advertisements and social media. Cerebral arranged for patients to receive prescriptions for ADHD treatments through a telehealth visit, and for Truepill to fill those prescriptions.
“DEA will relentlessly pursue companies and pharmacies that seek to profit from unlawfully dispensing powerful and addictive controlled substances at the expense of the safety and health of the American people,” said DEA Administrator Anne Milgram. “The men and women of the DEA remain committed to ensuring that every American can access essential medicines when they are lawfully prescribed and dispensed.”
According to the Order to Show Cause, between September 2020 and September 2022, Truepill filled more than 72,000 controlled substance prescriptions, 60 percent of which were for stimulants, including generic forms of Adderall®. In numerous instances, Truepill dispensed controlled substances pursuant to prescriptions that were not issued for a legitimate medical purpose in the usual course of professional practice. An investigation into Truepill’s operations revealed that the pharmacy filled prescriptions that were: unlawful by exceeding the 90-day supply limits; and/or written by prescribers who did not possess the proper state licensing.
An Order to Show Cause is an administrative action to determine whether a DEA Certificate of Registration should be revoked. Until a determination is made, this action does not affect a registrant’s ability to handle or distribute a controlled substance.
If you take a medication that is addictive or has to stay in safe at the pharmacy, your drug may be next. I see them going after stimulant drugs, sleep drugs, and Xanax. I’m pulling this out of thin air, I don’t have any data from the DEA other than this article. This is my best guess. I hope I’m wrong because I take all of those types of drugs too.
Melinda
Deep Thoughts
In this fast-paced social media world, it can be difficult to find the time to look within or back in time. I hope you find these quotes and questions interesting. So glad you stopped by today!
Continue reading “Deep Thoughts”Wordless Wednesday *Church of the Spilled Blood St. Petersburg, Russia
I’m so happy you dropped by today, I appreciate you and love your comments each week.
Melinda
Blogger Highlight-Smirk Pretty
Thank you for all the great feedback on the Blogger Highlight series, I’ve enjoyed meeting each blogger and sharing their site with you. This week we highlight a new blogger, Smirk Pretty.
Smirk Pretty
I design rich, active learning environments and facilitate conversations that draw on the collaborative capacity of people and teams. My diverse approaches are grounded in reflective practice as we come together to articulate our purpose and the values driving us. I seek to cultivate the relationship-oriented leadership skills of students and teams, engage questions about our shared future, and create opportunities to put innovative ideas to work. With a commitment to mentoring emerging leaders, my current focus is on improving educational equity and drawing voices from the margins to the center of every critical conversation.
Her blog is very unique and you will want to see her site.
Melinda
Happy Birthday Granny
Many of you know how much I love my granny. She’s the most inspirational person I know. She survived living in West Dallas when it was unincorporated land. It was just outside Downtown Dallas. West Dallas was where the poor and the criminals lived.
She went crossed eyes at three years old, her whole life was dependent on others. She was not happy about having to ask. She didn’t want to owe anyone. You can understand the attitude if you lived in her neighborhood.
In 1930 her father died from Phenomena, hard to say if was work-related. Her father was digging out the foundation for the Sears Tower. I have a postcard that shows using horses to chart off the rocks and dirt.
My granny is the youngest and was living at home when her father died. Her brothers were on the dark side of the law, they helped feed the two.
There are many actions you’ve taken that are inspirations but this story I love the most is.
Granny married at 17 years old and her marriage was over shortly after my father was born. Taking the Trolly to work in freezing cold. It’s also WWII by then, you couln’t even change jobs, all jobs related to the war were frozen. She raised my ADHD dad by herself until he was 10 years old and she marries my gramps. We never talked about it but I’m sure there were some hard times with my father adjusting.
My granny would clean houses to make extra money for my clothes. One day she fell from the 2nd story and crushed her ankles and feet. This may have stopped someone else but you were determined to get out of the wheelchair. I don’t recall how long it took but you were walking with a walker soon.
Close to 20 years later, granny woke up and could not walk. Since we had no idea what the problem was we took it day by day. The only thing I could do was make it fun so I acted like her wheelchair was a race car. I would push her down a straight section and hop on to see how far we could go, I would make all types of car noises like revving your engines. She loved out.
Nothing broke your heart like Dady’s suicide, but you didn’t give up on life.
I held your head so close to mine, I wanted to feel the relief live her body.
I love you!
Melinda
Today in History January 15, 2023
So glad you are enjoying the Today in History on Sundays, thanks for all the feedback.
1929
Martin Luther King Jr. born
On January 15, 1929, Martin Luther King Jr. is born in Atlanta, Georgia, the son of a Baptist minister. King received a doctorate degree in theology and in 1955 helped organize the first major protest of the African American civil rights movement: the successful Montgomery Bus Boycott. Influenced by Mohandas Gandhi, he advocated civil disobedience and nonviolent resistance to segregation in the South. The peaceful protests he led throughout the American South were often met with violence, but King and his followers persisted, and the movement gained momentum.
1967
Packers beat Chiefs in first Super Bowl
On January 15, 1967, the Green Bay Packers of the National Football League (NFL) smash the American Football League (AFL)’s Kansas City Chiefs, 35-10, in the first-ever AFL-NFL World Championship, later known as Super Bowl I, at Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles. Founded in 1960 …read more
1972
“American Pie” hits #1 on the pop charts
On January 15, 1972, “American Pie,”, an epic poem in musical form that has long been etched in the American popular consciousness, hits #1 on the Billboard charts. The story of Don McLean’s magnum opus begins almost 13 years before its release, on a date with significance …read more
1919
Great Boston Molasses Flood
Fiery hot molasses floods the streets of Boston on January 15, 1919, killing 21 people and injuring scores of others. The molasses burst from a huge tank at the United States Industrial Alcohol Company building in the heart of the city. Listen to HISTORY This Week Podcast: The …read more
1831
“The Hunchback of Notre Dame” is finished
On January 15, 1831, Victor Hugo finishes writing Notre Dame de Paris, also known as The Hunchback of Notre Dame. Distracted by other projects, Hugo had continually postponed his deadlines for delivering the book to his publishers, but once he sat down to write it, he completed …read more
Melinda
Just Pondering
Bella Grace Field Guide by Stampington
Happiness looks like?
Happiness feels like:
Happiness sounds like:
Happiness smells like:
Melinda
Fun Facts
Thanks for stopping by today. I love hearing your comments each week after learning some interesting things.
The world’s oldest wooden wheel has been around for more than 5,000 years
Dead skin cells are a main ingredient in household dust
Sudan has more pyramids than any country in the world
The bumblebee bat is the world’s smallest mammal
The circulatory system is more than 60,000 miles long
Enjoy!
Melinda
Reference:
#Weekend Music Share-Aerosmith – Sweet Emotion (Live)
I’m so glad you dropped by today, thank you. I hope you have a great weekend.
Welcome back to Weekend Music Share; the place where everyone can share their favorite music.
Feel free to use the ‘Weekend Music Share‘ banner in your post, and don’t forget to use the hashtag #WeekendMusicShare on social media so other participants can find your post.
Melinda
Friday Quote 1/13/2023
Hey! So glad you stopped by today, I look forward to your comments each week.
Melinda
Bursitis and Fibromyalgia
I’ve been struggling for years with Bursitis in both hips, and while steroid shots help they don’t last long. Two weeks ago I had the Fibromyalgia flare, the worst I’ve ever had and it threw me for a loop. My hips were hurting so bad I could not walk without severe pain, and then the pain moved to my knee for one day.
As the pain moved around my body, I realized this was from the flare and decided to research Bursitis and Fibromyalgia, let’s see if Bursitis is common in patients with Fibromyalgia.
Fibromyalgia-related bursitis
There have been reports of bursitis occurring in association with fibromyalgia. There are a number of painful soft-tissue conditions that are seen alongside fibromyalgia. Rotator cuff tendonitis, pes anserinus bursitis, and lateral epicondylitis are particularly common in patients with primary and secondary fibromyalgia, according to research.
Types of bursitis that have been reported in patients with fibromyalgia include:
- Olecranon bursitis – elbow bursitis affecting the bursa found at the tip of the elbow.
- Pes anserinus bursitis – bursitis affecting the bursa found beneath the knee on the inner side of the leg
- Subacromial bursitis – shoulder bursitis causing pain in the upper shoulder or upper third of the arm, limiting shoulder movement without pain
- Trochanteric bursitis – bursitis affecting the hip bursae.
Trochanteric bursitis is a common condition in patients living with fibromyalgia. Trochanteric bursitis develops when two particular bursae in the hip become inflamed. One bursa is located on the greater trochanter and the other, called the iliopsoas bursa, is found on the inside of the hip in the groin.
Typically, olecranon bursitis is seen less commonly in conjunction with fibromyalgia.
In one study of 554 patients with fibromyalgia, it was found that the patients reported a higher incidence of bursitis.
Treatment
Bursitis generally gets better on its own. Conservative measures, such as rest, ice and taking a pain reliever, can relieve discomfort. If conservative measures don’t work, you might require:
- Medication. If the inflammation in your bursa is caused by an infection, your doctor might prescribe an antibiotic.
- Therapy. Physical therapy or exercises can strengthen the muscles in the affected area to ease pain and prevent recurrence.
- Injections. A corticosteroid drug injected into the bursa can relieve pain and inflammation in your shoulder or hip. This treatment generally works quickly and, in many cases, one injection is all you need.
- Assistive device. Temporary use of a walking cane or other device will help relieve pressure on the affected area.
- Surgery. Sometimes an inflamed bursa must be surgically drained, but only rarely is surgical removal of the affected bursa necessary.
A small poll was conducted by Lee Good from Fibro Connect’s Facebook page and 51% of people with Fibromyalgia had Bursitis. I’m not surprised by the results after reading the above information.
If you are experiencing pain in one of the areas listed above go see your Orthopedic Surgeon for evaluation. Most General Practice Doctors do not know how to give Bursa shots. It’s a two-part process and the shot is painful.
I’m not a medical doctor, I’m speaking for experience and research.
Melinda
References:
23 Small Things to Improve Your Wellness — Guest Blogger Olive Tree Saints
Small changes can really add up when it comes to wellness. Here are 23 small things you can do this year to improve your wellness.
23 Small Things to Improve Your Wellness — Olive Tree Saints
13 Ways To Ensure Your Children Are Happy & Healthy
When you find out you are going to become a parent it can be very daunting. You never know what to expect or what type of child you are going to have. Every child will have a unique personality and it is up to you as the parent to nurture this. There is a whole ongoing debate still to this day about whether it is down to nature vs nurture. You may be wondering how you can encourage your children to be happy and healthy. There are so many stories in the media regarding this but it can send a lot of mixed messages. The best thing you can do is follow your gut instinct as a parent, this will never steer you in the wrong direction. Take a look below to find out some helpful tips and tricks on how to ensure your children are happy and healthy.
Focus On Diet
One of the most important things you will hear professionals talking about is children’s diets. A healthy balanced diet is paramount for your child’s development. Letting them constantly eat junk food and fizzy drinks is not only bad for their physical health but their mental health as well. If you have a busy lifestyle and it is easier to grab and go then how about pre-making some healthy homemade meals that you can simply take out of the freezer in the evenings? Children should also be enjoying five pieces of fruit or veg a day. This will give them the added vitamins and minerals their body needs to function and thrive.
Get Them Outside
Physical activity is also important for your children. Without running around they will turn into couch potatoes. These days with so much tech floating around it can almost seem impossible to get the children to leave the house. If you find something they are interested in doing, such as going to the park then they will be more than happy to go for a run-around. Better yet, you could get some of their school or nursery friends together and they can all have fun at the park while you chat with the other moms.
Supplements
If you feel your children don’t have a healthy diet and they are in need of some extra help then you can get them a child supplement or multivitamin to take daily. These will contain the necessary amounts of vitamins and nutrients that your children are potentially missing out on. A lot of children aren’t keen on eating vegetables or fruits so a multivitamin will provide them with the goodness they are missing. The good thing about children’s multivitamins is that they come in gummy bear form with a variety of flavors. Can’t get them to eat veg but you can get them to eat a gummy bear!
Hydration
It can be incredibly difficult to get your child to drink water. They get to a certain age and decide they no longer like it. However, seeing as more than 60% of their little bodies are made up of water, it is essential they are replacing what is lost through the day. You don’t want your child experiencing signs and symptoms of dehydration. They will present with lethargy, moodiness, and a headache. Encourage your children to drink water by investing in some cool water bottles, they will want to show these off at school. Quite a lot of schools have a water-only policy in place meaning you can’t supply them with juice for school. Children should be aiming to drink around six glasses of water a day to stay hydrated and healthy.
Protect From Bad Habits
When you have children you want to protect them their whole life. However, quite a lot of parents forget that smoking and drinking around their children is a terrible habit. It is one that they will pick up on rather quickly and you don’t want them to copy you. If you do want to smoke then this should be done outside of the house, in the garden perhaps. That way you are not exposing your children to secondhand smoke which can lead to childhood illnesses and complications with their immune systems.
Talk To Your Children
Something else to think about is how important it is to talk to your children. When they are babies they learn how to communicate by copying the adults around them. Don’t stop talking to your children just because they can hold their own conversations with others. If your children come to you with any sort of problem or they simply just want to tell you about their day then ensure you are listening. Children can tell when they have your full attention by your body language and what you are saying to them. Talking and listening to your children ensures they know they are able to approach you at all times in case of a problem they cannot solve.
Seek Professional Help
As children get older they are far more susceptible to feeling the effects of their hormones. They are also more at risk of mental health conditions than younger children. If you notice your children feeling down or being sad a lot of the time then speak to them and see if they will tell you what the problem is. If they don’t and you want to get your children the help they deserve then you could seek out a counselor or look up Second Nature Utah reviews for more therapeutic programs. If your child has additional needs then this puts them at a greater risk of developing mental health conditions. Bipolar disorder in children is becoming increasingly common.
Get Enough Sleep
Sleep is so important for children, depending on the age they need around eight to thirteen hours of sleep each night. If they are not getting this then they can be grouchy and irritable for the rest of the day. If your child is still young enough for naps then make sure you are encouraging this. It will give them a little recharge so they can get through the rest of the day without any hiccups. If your children are struggling to get to sleep then think of ways you can help with this. You may decide to do some light meditation with them to help them drift off to sleep naturally.
Check-Ups
Children will rarely be called for check-ups as doctors just assume that you will take them in if there are any problems. Babies and young children will be called for developmental checks, you should go to these as they will highlight any potential developmental delays your child might have. You should also register your child at a dentist and the opticians, you never know when you may need to attend an appointment there. You can check out the best ones in your area by doing a quick internet search or asking other moms for recommendations.
Read With Your Child
Reading is something that a lot of adults enjoy doing but you can guarantee they didn’t all enjoy it as a child. Learning to read can be tricky but in the end, it will be so rewarding. Watching your child grow and develop is one of the best things about being a parent. You can encourage their love of books by reading with them from a young age. It can be common to read a book with your child at bedtime as part of their nightly routines. Reading will give your child a steady foundation for continuing this learning when they start school.
Take Away The Tech
Children need a break from technology every so often, it is bad for their brain and their vision to be staring at a pad or tablet all day. If your child is tech dependent then it may be necessary to put a temporary ban on technology to prove to them they can live without it. It will be a struggle the first couple of days but it will be worth it and a great lesson to teach. You can put strict timings in place for screen time. If your children struggle with time then you can even set an egg timer as a visual so they know how long they have left.
Support With School
There is nothing better that you can do as a parent than support your children with their school work. If they come home and need a helping hand with some homework or a school project then it should be all hands on deck. Your children have come to you for help as they deem you capable and knowledgeable. Don’t let them down by being too busy to help when they need it most. If you don’t understand what to do then you can always do a quick internet search to see if someone else explains it better than the sheet of paper.
We hope you enjoyed reading this article and that it gave you some helpful advice on ensuring your children are happy and healthy. Remember, children are just small humans. They all have feelings and it is okay to not be okay sometimes. You need to teach your children the importance of this, if they are having an off day then this is alright.
This is a collaborative post.
Melinda
lookingforthelight.blog 
