Yummy!
A summertime indulgence, filled with fresh fruit and flavors of fragrant vanilla and calming chamomile, this clafoutis dessert is a French country classic! Bake this up tonight for a simple and sweet ending to a summer meal. Click thru to try this inspired dessert tonight….
Thank you for joining me for this week’s Friday Quote.
| Hello Advocates, Happy Minority Mental Health Awareness Month! In 2008, the U.S. House of Representatives officially declared July as Bebe Moore Campbell National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month. Bebe Moore Campbell was a mental health champion who used her experience to highlight the profound impact that culture, community and connections have on mental health. Minority Mental Health Awareness Month is crucial for many reasons: Health Disparities: Minority communities often face significant disparities in mental health care, including limited access to services, lower quality of care, and higher levels of stigma associated with mental health conditions. Raising awareness helps address and reduce these disparities. Stigma Reduction: Many minority communities experience higher levels of stigma surrounding mental health conditions. Awareness initiatives can help break down these barriers, encouraging individuals to seek help and support without fear of judgment or discrimination. Cultural Awareness: Mental health awareness in minority communities promotes the need for culturally sensitive care. It emphasizes the importance of understanding cultural differences and tailoring mental health services to meet the unique needs of diverse populations. Advocacy and Policy Change: Highlighting the specific mental health needs of minority communities can drive advocacy efforts and inform policy changes aimed at improving mental health care equity. For example, this may include funding, more inclusive programs, and systemic changes that strengthen support for BIPOC individuals. Fast Facts:Asian American and Pacific Islanders: Non-Hispanic Asian American adults are the least likely population to receive mental health treatment for their mental illnessIn 2022, only 36.1% of Asian adults with mental illness received treatment9% of Asian Americans are not fluent in English and limited availability of culturally appropriate mental health care creates a significant barrier when trying to access careBlack/African Ancestry Communities:In 2022, only 37.9% of non-Hispanic Black or African American adults with mental illness received treatmentProvider bias, whether implicit or explicit, and lack of cultural sensitivity often results in misdiagnosis and inadequate treatmentWhen expressing symptoms related to mood disorders, Black people are more likely to receive a misdiagnosis of schizophreniaHispanic/Latin Americans: Nearly half of Hispanic and Latino young adults ages 18-25 with a serious mental illness do not receive treatmentAccording to the Kiser Family Foundation, in 2022, 18% of nonelderly Hispanic people had no form of health insuranceCompared to the U.S. average of 50.6%, approximately 39.6% of Hispanic or Latino adults with a mental illness receive treatment each yearBebe Moore Campbell used her voice to pave the way; what an honor it is that advocates like you and I have the opportunity to keep her legacy alive by continuing to advocate for a more inclusive, equitable, and effective mental health care system that serves all individuals, regardless of their background or identity. With gratitude,The NAMI Texas Public Policy Team Source material and further information can be found on NAMI National’s 2024 Bebe Moore Campbell National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month Toolkit.————————————————————————————————————————————–P.S. As I transition out of my fellowship with NAMI Texas, I want to take a moment to express my gratitude to each and every one of you. It has been the honor of a lifetime being a part of the NAMI Texas Team and the community of incredible advocates that it encompasses. Having the opportunity to be in conversation and spaces with such passionate, driven and welcoming advocates like you is truly an indescribable feeling. While I will no longer be on staff, I have every intention of staying engaged with NAMI Texas and all of you. Thank you for your kindness, support and willingness to share your stories with me over the last two years. You have made an everlasting impact on me, and I am so thankful for that. With love and gratitude,Hannah |
 Staff Spotlight: Meet NAMI Texas’ New Peer Policy Fellow! Join us in welcoming our newest team member, Christine Busse! Christine joined NAMI Texas as a Peer Policy Fellow in July 2024. She holds a master’s in social work from the University of Texas at San Antonio and a Bachelor of Science in Behavioral Neuroscience from St. Edward’s University. Her professional journey includes nearly four years as a Registered Behavior Technician, providing Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) therapeutic services to youth with special needs. During her graduate studies, she honed her research and data analysis skills as a Graduate Research Assistant on the Bexar County Fostering Educational Success project, evaluating programs supporting foster care alumni. She gained valuable policy experience through internships at the National Association of Social Workers – Texas and the Hogg Foundation for Mental Health, actively participating in the 88th Texas legislative session. Most recently, Christine served as the Planning and Policy Coordinator at the Texas Homeless Network. These diverse roles provided Christine with strong experience in mental health and substance use policy, education, and behavioral health workforce challenges. She developed expertise in policy research, strategic advocacy, and legislative processes. As a lifelong Texan and Lebanese American with lived experience of mental illness, Christine is passionate about bridging the gap between research, policy, and lived experience to enhance effective mental health policies and support systems. She is committed to fostering community resilience and well-being to build a stronger, healthier Texas for all.  NAMI National’s #Vote4MentalHealth Pledge Mental health impacts nearly all aspects of our lives. And at NAMI, we advocate on a wide range of policy priorities, from health care to criminal justice to housing and beyond. No matter the topic, we know that mental health matters. Your vote in the upcoming elections matters, too. Every elected official – from the president and Congress to county commissioners and city councilmembers – has influence on issues impacting people affected by mental health conditions. That’s why it’s so important to understand how voting impacts mental health. Take the first step: click the following link to pledge to #Vote4MentalHealth this November. NAMI won’t tell you who to vote for. We encourage you to research candidates on your ballot, decide what issues are most important to you, and cast your vote this election season. July 2024 Health and Human Services Report: Behavioral Health Advisory Committee FY 2023 Annual Report Senate 2024 Interim Legislative Charges: Notice of Public Hearing Thursday, September 5, 2024, at 9:00am Senate Finance Committee (E1.036) Mental Health Services and Inpatient Facilities: Monitor the implementation of Senate Bill 30, 88th Legislature, Regular Session, with regard to appropriations made for expanding mental health services and inpatient facilities across the state. Report on the progress of inpatient facility construction projects. Assess and report on the effectiveness of spending on mental health services. You can view the full hearing agenda, here. Wednesday, September 18, 2024 Senate Health & Human Services Committee (E1.012) Children’s Mental Health: Review care and services currently available to the growing population of Texas children with high acuity mental and behavioral health needs. Make recommendations to improve access to care and services for these children that will support family preservation and prevent them from entering the child welfare system. Access to Health Care: Evaluate current access to primary and mental health care. Examine whether regulatory and licensing flexibilities could improve access to care, particularly in medically underserved areas of Texas. Make recommendations, if any, to improve access to care while maintaining patient safety. You can view the full hearing agenda, here. You can review the list of Interim Charges in its entirety, here. House 2024 Interim Legislative Charges: Notice of Public Hearing Wednesday, July 31, 2024, at 10:00am Youth Health & Safety, Select (E2.014) Update: the originally scheduled July 7th, 2024, hearing was cancelled due to Hurricane Beryl. The committee will meet to hear invited testimony only on the following interim charge: Behavioral Health Services for At-Risk Youth: Evaluate programs and services currently available to children and families that are either involved with, or at high risk for becoming involved with, the foster care and juvenile justice systems. Study the current barriers for accessing community-based behavioral health services for children with intense behavioral health needs, with an emphasis on ensuring that parents do not have to give up custody of children to gain access to services. If you would like to submit written comments related to the above charge you may do so until the hearing is adjourned by visiting this link. You can view the full agenda for the July 31st hearing here. You can review the list of Interim Charges in its entirety, here.  Public Policy Platform Development Input Our 2025-2026 Public Policy Platform surveys have concluded. Thank you much for your time and input on these important matters! We could not do this work without all of you. Stay tuned for our Public Policy Platform which will be published in the fall.  NAMI Texas Conference: Celebrating 40 Years of Hope and HealingEvery year, NAMI Texas hosts an Annual Conference and Awards Celebration. These events bring together individuals living with mental illness, family members, professionals, and the general public to highlight the latest updates in the mental health field, exchange information, and celebrate the year’s successes. With exciting keynotes, informative workshops, a lively exhibit hall, Continuing Education Credit, networking opportunities, and special surprises, the Conference has something for everyone. This year, we are celebrating 40 Years of Hope and Healing. We could not be more excited to be bringing the Conference to West Texas. All Conference events will be held in the heart of bustling downtown El Paso, primarily in the beautiful El Paso Convention Center. There are many nonstop flights to El Paso from major Texas airports. The local Affiliate in the area, NAMI El Paso, is eager to welcome Texans from across the state. We hope you will join us in November for this extra special celebration! Early Bird Ticket Sale Alert! Purchase your ticket today in order to take advantage of the early bird ticket special! These discounted tickets will be available through September 1st, 2024. Click this link to purchase. 2024 NAMI Texas Annual Conference Call-for-Presentations! All topics related to mental health are welcome, but the Conference Planning Committee has identified the following 4 thematic categories of particular interest: 1.) Children, Youth, & Families, 2.) Underserved Populations, 3.) Criminal Legal System, and 4.) Innovation and Creativity. For further details and to access the form, check out the call-for-presentations webpage. The deadline to submit a workshop proposal is August 2nd, 2024. NAMI SMARTS Classes Grassroots advocacy is about using your voice to influence policymakers and make a difference. Turn your passion and your lived experience into advocacy for mental health with the NAMI Smarts for Advocacy training. NAMI Smarts for Advocacy will enhance your advocacy skills and help you shape a powerful and personal story that will move policymakers. NAMI Smarts for Advocacy gives you step-by-step tools and the hands-on practice you need to feel confident and ready to make a difference. The NAMI Texas Public Policy Team does not currently have any classes scheduled. Be sure to keep an eye on our calendar for forthcoming classes. |
| If you have anything you would like to share with NAMI Texas advocates in these emails, please send the information to policy.fellow@namitexas.org – Hannah Gill and the NAMI Texas Public Policy Team |
| Mental Health in the Media A look at the Texas mental health workforce shortage“Today, 246 of Texas’ 254 counties are wholly or partly designated by the federal government as “mental health professional shortage areas,” and that’s in a state where roughly 5 million people do not have health insurance. This has had a particularly dire effect in rural, border, and frontier counties in Texas, as some regions might have only one mental health professional or none. If you look at the raw numbers, we don’t have enough providers, even if they were evenly distributed,” said Alison Mohr Boleware, the Hogg Foundation for Mental Health policy director.” Sherman PD teams up with Texoma Community Center on mental health co-response team“The Sherman Police Department and Texas Community Center have teamed up to make a mental health co-response program. TCC Assistant Director of Care Coordination, Tori Dyess, said the program was made possible through a grant. “We reached out to Sherman Police Department, and decided to collaborate to create a team that was embedded with them,” Dyess said. The TCC has qualified mental health professionals stationed at the police department seven days a week, from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. The program’s goal is to get effective mental health care to those in crisis faster.” Employment may be key to veterans’ mental health, UTEP study finds“EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — A new study authored by two University of Texas El Paso researchers is showing employment may be key to emotional wellbeing for veterans. The study was published in the June issue of scientific journal ‘Stress and Health’. The researchers looked at 517 veterans experiencing mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder. According to the study, employment correlated with positive emotional wellbeing in veterans struggling with their mental health. The study also said unemployed veterans were twice as likely to experience depression.” Gov. Abbott Announces 7 New State Hospital Projects, Including $1B+ for Two in North Texas“Seven new state hospital projects—including new ones in Wichita Falls and Terrell—have been announced to better serve people in need of inpatient psychiatric services. Gov. Greg Abbott said the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) projects are funded by $1.5 billion approved by the Texas Legislature in 2023 to expand, renovate, and build new facilities across the state.” How many people are receiving mental health treatment in Texas “More than 5 million American adults were receiving mental health treatment at a state-monitored mental health facility in 2022, according to a report from the Department of Health and Human Services released in April, an increase from last year. However, access to treatment can largely depend on where someone lives or what kind of insurance they have. More than half of adults receiving treatment lived in just 10 states, as many Americans lack access to mental health care.” |
| NAMI Texas is a nonpartisan nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life of all individuals living with mental illness and their families. Please visit our website at NAMITexas.org for more information. Help support our advocacy efforts by donating to NAMI Texas at https://namitexas.networkforgood.com/ Melinda |
I’m 5 ft 7 inches and was a normal weight until I turned 28 years old. At 28 I was diagnosed with Treatment-Resistant Bipolar Disorder and Anxiety. The diagnosis wasn’t a huge surprise since my father had committed suicide months earlier and we both had struggled with depression. One of the downsides of having a mental illness is that many medications make you gain weight, with each medication I tried, it was 20-25 pounds. That can weigh you down but I learned quickly that my vanity was not as important as my mental health.
I tend to be more depressive than manic so my protocol includes many stimulant medications. There were many times I would lose large amounts of weight and was skinny again. Although short-lived, once your body adjusts to the stimulants the weight loss stops. The last medication that brought me out of a deep depression caused me to gain 40 pounds and it took effort to lose that amount of weight. I lollygagged for a couple of years until I went to see one of my doctors and had to weigh. I was shocked at what the scale said.
You also need to know I have some baggage here because my mother is obese and my abuser. I wanted to be nothing like her, I must have seen her that day on the scale.
I was determined to lose weight the right way this time, with no diet, no program food just eating what I liked but in smaller portions. I set a goal of losing 40 pounds with 50 pounds in the background. First, I cut all meals in half and cut out snacking unless I was truly hungry. When I needed a snack it was nuts because they are good for you.
The first 20 pounds were hard but not nearly as hard as the next 20 pounds. After reaching 20 pounds, I cut my meals in 1/3 and continued to eat a piece of chocolate at lunch and dinner. I also allowed myself dessert on the weekends. There was no depriving myself of the foods I loved, my diet didn’t change just the amount of food I was eating.
Last August, I had reached my goal of 40 pounds and was working on 10 more pounds. Then life got in the way. I was hospitalized in December of 2023 and had a traumatizing experience by being told that my kidneys were shutting down and that I would not live until my check-out date. Logically I knew better but we were in complete shock. I called my brother to say goodbye which was very difficult and my husband and I just cradled each other. A short time later, I came to my senses and said there was no way my GFR was 20! Of course not, a lazy lab tech didn’t run the test a second time and the doctor didn’t even question it. I never received an apology.
After leaving the hospital I continued to lose weight and after 25 months I am 70 pounds down. Being this skinny is not a choice, you would be surprised at what I eat although I can’t eat as much as I did in the beginning but that’s expected. I’ve been having major issues with my Esophagus for a couple of months and a month after going to the ER, I’m worse. I’m taking two additional medications but still have problems eating or keeping food down. It doesn’t seem to be as urgent to my doctor. I’m still working on it.
Yes, you can lose weight the right way without restricting yourself and in turn, sabotaging your efforts. There are no shortcuts, no quick fixes, and only one permanent solution. Set your goal for the long term, change your eating habits, and pay attention to why you eat and enjoy yourself at the same time. I can’t imagine lunch or dinner without chocolate, I just eat one piece.
You can do it.
Melinda
When my daughter Rachel was 13, she suffered a seemingly simple injury that led to an outbreak of inexplicable, debilitating, body-wide pain. This left her bedridden and needing a wheelchair.
Refusing to believe doctors who claimed either that she was “faking it” or that nothing could be done, our family searched for answers until we at last found the underlying cause—unrecognized chronic Lyme disease and co-infections.
We were lucky enough to find a knowledgeable Lyme doctor within two hours of our home and we started on the long hard slog to getting her better. But we soon found that medical treatment was only part of what our family needed.
There were so many other needs: how to keep Rachel from spiraling into depression, how to continue her education when she was too sick to attend school, finding out what foods supported the healing process best—and which of those she was willing to eat.
As it turns out, one of the most helpful therapies Rachel undertook was something she figured out on her own. Throughout those dark days, she recorded her daily experiences in a journal. It chronicled the bad—her anger at the doctors who didn’t believe her, her despair at ever getting past the pain. It also recorded good times with friends—lip-synching to Hannah Montana songs, visiting the beach to try out a beach wheelchair (yes, those are a thing.) That journal became a lifeline for her, and in my view, was as important as the many different treatments she went through.
In time, Rachel’s health improved—she left the wheelchair behind, graduated from high school and college, and embarked on a career and marriage. For many years, she avoided even looking at the journal, not wanting to revisit those traumatic times.
But then, she decided to share the story with others, and the two of us collaborated on Finding Resilience: A Teen’s Journey Through Lyme Disease. The main narration is based on the journal, interspersed with additional passages by me, giving the mother’s perspective of what was going on.
In the months since publication, we’ve garnered a lot of positive feedback. Here’s one of my favorite reviews, by a judge from the Benjamin Franklin Award competition:
Finding Resilience is a wonderfully written book (by both mother and daughter) that chronicles a teenager’s struggle with both Lyme disease and the medical establishment too unwilling to consider the—at the time—difficult diagnosis. What makes this book so strong is the voice. It’s often difficult for an adult to capture the right voice when writing about earlier experiences, but Rachel Leland does it expertly. At no time did I waver in believing that a teenager was talking to me in real time, as a teenager. This is hard—exceptionally hard—to do well…The mother’s voice, too, is appropriate throughout. All of this worked so effectively that I found myself as a reader on the same emotional rollercoaster they were on.
That’s exactly what we were going for—the shared perspective of a teenager and her mom on this hideous disease and what it takes to get through it. We hope you’ll find it informative and inspiring. Click here for more info about the book.
TOUCHED BY LYME is written by Dorothy Kupcha Leland, President of LymeDisease.org. She is co-author of Finding Resilience: A Teen’s Journey Through Lyme Disease and of When Your Child Has Lyme Disease: A Parent’s Survival Guide. Contact her at dleland@lymedisease.org.
A story that pulls all the heartstrings, such anguish, and a parent’s worst nightmare for their child.
Melinda
I’m glad you joined me on Wordless Wednesday and I hope to see you soon.
Melinda
You may recognize Bramble Berry from the pages of Willow and Sage! We are so thrilled that they are sharing one of their latest and greatest skin-care recipes on our blog today. Learn how to make this nourishing and beautifully-scented Pink Peony Sugar Scrub below.
This Pink Peony Sugar Scrub leaves skin feeling soft and smooth. Skin-loving cranberry butter and champagne extract are whipped together with Foaming Bath Butter to create a smooth base for the sugar. Foaming Bath Butter lathers with water, so the scrub washes off the skin without an oily residue. To use, apply the scrub to wet skin, gently rub in circular motions, and wash away.
A touch of Hot Pink Mica gives the scrub a lovely pink color. It’s made with Pink Peony Fragrance Oil from Bramble Berry’s Soirée Collection. The fragrance is a modern floral mix of lemon, rhododendron, honey, peony, and white musk.
Find all the ingredients here
Three 8 oz. Bail Jars
10 oz. Foaming Bath Butter
2 oz. Cranberry Butter
2.5 oz. Champagne Extract
15 oz. Sugar
1/16 tsp. Hot Pink Mica
Watch how to make it at https://www.youtube.com/embed/KJ6NpMIg8MA
In a large mixing bowl, add 10 ounces of Foaming Bath Butter and 2 ounces of cranberry butter. Using a hand or stand mixer, whip until they’re completely combined and smooth.
Add 2.5 ounces of champagne extract and 8 mL of Pink Peony Fragrance Oil. Whip the ingredients until smooth.
Add 15 ounces of granulated sugar and about 1/16 teaspoon of Hot Pink Mica. Use the mixer to thoroughly incorporate.
Spoon the mixture into jars.
To use, apply a small amount of the scrub to damp skin, gently rub in circular motions, and rinse off. Enjoy!
Bramble Berry offers high-quality handcraft supplies sourced from around the world for all your skin-care project needs! Visit their website at: brambleberry.com
The Art of Candle Making A Glimpse Inside Willow and Sage Autumn 2019 A Glimpse Inside Willow and Sage Winter 2020 Q&A with a Skin Care Expert Previous Post Next Post
Enjoy
Melinda
Repost from 2021
This is definitely one of the most important awareness days in July and year-round for the matter. Our mental health plays a key role in how we function daily and in our relationships. If we are happy, life is better and those around us enjoy the benefits too.
International Self-Care Day is celebrated on July 24. It stresses the importance of self-care as the cornerstone of wellness. On this day, individuals throughout the world are encouraged to make self-care a part of their everyday routines and turn it into a priority. It is a milestone, and an opportunity to raise further awareness of the benefits of effective self-management of health.
Self-care has become incredibly important as people realize the need to take care of themselves and put themselves first. This has made people talk about it and increased the interest of others to take control of their health and wellness by prioritizing themselves. Today, we urge you to practice self-care, even if all you do is take a walk.
There are so many ways to give yourself a self-care break every day, it doesn’t just mean a long bath. Self-care comes in many forms and meets everyone’s needs for a mental health break and a treat for yourself. The breaks can be small short time outs you fit in when you can, it’s not always some big deal to fuss about. Yes, I like to fuss about occasionally but what’s important to me is the breaks I can fit in throughout the days that make me happy.
Some Ideas
Cup of your favorite coffee or tea to enjoy without multitasking, just taking in the flavors and smells.
Driving a clean car, one that is not full of fast food bags and dusty with mirrors you can barely see out of.
Cooking yourself and maybe someone special a great meal to enjoy without the TV on. Have some real conversation.
Burning your favorite candle.
Hanging Fresh Eucalyptus and Lavender in your shower.
There are millions of things you can do, the key is to take a break, for 10-15 minutes and focus on enjoying yourself. Clear your mind and be in the moment for that short period of time. I also suggest taking self-care one step further by taking longer breaks to relax and enjoy yourself. A long hot bath is great but for some, it’s a long run or working in the yard. Do what makes you feel good and allows you to free your mind.
Melinda
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 the blog Popsicle Society. I have followed Ribana for years, vicariously through her delicious recipes and awesome food photography. One thing about her cooking that I love is that she makes good food by taking the freshest ingredients and making them yummy! I would love to be a guest at her table. She and her husband made a recent move to Phuket and have expanded their marketing business into a full-time effort in paradise.
Hi, I’m Ribana!
I am a nutritionist, pastry chef, recipe developer, food writer, and ultimately a passionate home cook. I curate and develop recipes that are high on nutrition. I develop and test cost effective, nutritious meals using quality ingredients to help people improve their everyday eating experiences.
I love traveling, cooking and enjoying this beautiful nature. We have a wonderful world.
Life is not always easy but give us the opportunity. It is a continue experience, a journey with no map and no rules.
We’ve engaged in this never ending adventure! Let’s enjoy the trip and see where will take us.
Check out Ribana’s free book, PASTA, MY FOOD JOURNAL.
Here are a few of my favorite photos from Ribana’s blog.
Here’s one of my favorite recipes.
Homemade Gluten-Free Italian Almond-Orange Cake Recipe
If you love life, you have to check out her site.
Melinda
Plastic Free July® is a global movement that helps millions of people be part of the solution to plastic pollution – so we can have cleaner streets, oceans, and beautiful communities. Will you be part of Plastic Free July by choosing to refuse single-use plastics?
According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), 35.7 million tons of plastic was generated in 2018 alone, and that number only rises every year. That’s why Plastic-Free July is so important.
Plastic-Free July is a collective one-month effort dedicated to consuming little to no plastic. Throughout the 31 days of the month, it can be truly shocking to discover how much plastic has become engrained in your daily routine. Mostly because there’s plastic in places you would never expect.
While there are obvious sources of plastic—like in single-use water bottles and food packaging—plastic creeps into our lives in other ways, too. It’s in band-aids, chewing gum, nail polish, and beyond, so entirely ridding it from your life isn’t easy.
The good news is by becoming more aware of plastic throughout July, you’ll know how to better avoid it in the months to come.
Use Insulated tumblers and coffee mugs instead of bottled water or coffee shop cup
Take a reusable grocery bag with you
RECYCLE-rent extra recycling can if needed
Reuse plastic bags is possible
Reuse plastics when possible
If you’re a crafter, look at all the ways plastic can be upcycled
Buy plastic that can be recycled in your area
We have to do our part so future generations will have more than landfills to deal with.
Melinda
References:
https://www.plasticfreejuly.org
https://brightly.eco/plastic-free-july/
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!
Melinda
Melinda
Thank you for joining me for this week’s Friday Quote.
Melinda
I want you to think of a party for everyone including the kids. It’s a huge party outside of town with the perfect weather and tents that are all different depending on your desires. Each is catered with the finest foods and is made to order, Anything you want it’s on the menu. Drinks flow freely and are handled by the finest wait staff who can handle your every request. Outside there are so many activities, a race track for car lovers, axe throwing, chess, and card games. Fun circus games with nice prizes, of course all free. There are all types of activities for kids like scrapbooking, jewelry making, legos, you name it, it’s available for the kids to have a great day. There will be live entertainment from a variety of bands and everyone will hear the music they like.
The party is September 4th, 2024, and starts at dawn and goes to who knows when. After the sun goes down it’s more adult-focused and no doubt the kids will be worn out by then.
Spa tent
Cat tent
As I gather more information about the tents I’ll be explaining what is inside of them. I’ll do this in another post. This is a huge party for the Blogosphere so I need help quickly to continue planning. It’s a worldwide party and everyone is invited. The party is inviting to everyone, we’re all there to enjoy ourselves and not judge others. It’s about peace and harmony, enjoying each other’s company as human beings, and being civilized. No weapons are allowed as this is a harmonious event.
This is the first image I created to give you a look at the layout and the massive nature of the party. The only difference is the tents will be closed not open air as in the image.
Your family is yours for life, you don’t have to like them.
The previous generation’s mistakes don’t have to continue, you have a choice.
Times have changed, women don’t have to be housewives and serve their husbands hand and foot.
Having a life away from your family is the healthiest thing you can do for yourself.
There is no perfect and why knock yourself out trying. Do the best you can.
Toxic is toxic, cut all toxic relationships and habits from your life.
Don’t overfocus on your health issues, accept them and stay on top of but don’t wallow.
If you are to move forward in life you have to quit looking back. Deal with your issues and move on. Don’t wallow.
There is no bad or good day of the week, each day is a fresh start. If you expect a bad day that’s what you’re going to get.
When life seems to be going wrong, redirect your thoughts to what is going right.
Life is short, we were never promised it would be easy and quit feeling entitled, you’re not.
Find something no matter how small that makes you happy, it’s often the small free things that bring joy.
To be accomplished in life you have to focus on others, not your own needs. That makes you self-centered.
Learning about others is a joy in itself. You never know what you have in common.
Always thank someone for a kind gesture, it also makes you feel better.
The less you judge others, the less you judge yourself.
Melinda
I’ve charted my struggles with Fibromyalgia for years and it can be debilitating for months, then give you a reprieve just long enough to enjoy and it’s back again. I have been fortunate to not have any major issues in 2024 and it’s a good thing, I have had enough to deal with. I have Restless Leg Syndrome and it can make it so hard to fall asleep, it’s nerve-wracking. I also have Neuropathy in my feet which burn quite bad. I do caution against some of the medications listed below, they are used off-market meaning they’re being used for something they are not approved for, and this is the case with Cymbalta which is a mental illness medication, the side effects are high, and some are dangerous. Anytime you take medication read the Full Prescribing Instructions, not the cliff notes. I’ve taken Cymbalta for my Bipolar Disorder and it’s a rough drug. I was not able to take due to side effects. After spending thousands on medications, and not being able to take them, I now ask the doctor what medication they plan to prescribe and why. Then I ask them to hold off sending the script into the pharmacy while I read the Full Prescribing Information which is available on the manufacturer’s website. After I feel comfortable trying the medication, I have them call the pharmacy. It may sound like a lot of work but you get out what you put in on the front end. Gone are the days of blindly taking a medication a doctor prescribes.
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Fibromyalgia can lead to unusual symptoms in some people. Knowing the range of symptoms this condition can produce may help with diagnosis and treatment.
Experts estimate that around 4 millionTrusted Source adults in the United States have fibromyalgia. This condition causes widespread pain, brain fog, and mood changes. However, there are many more, less common signs a person may experience.
Keep reading to learn what additional symptoms may be a sign of fibromyalgia, what causes them, and how they can be treated.
Fibromyalgia may cause numbness and tingling, also called paresthesia, in the extremities (arms, legs, hands, and feet) due to the nerves being overly sensitive or compressed. It may feel like a burning or prickling sensation.
Treatment for paresthesia is aimed at addressing the root cause. In this case, fibromyalgia can be treated with various medications that address nerve pain and inflammation
You may manage paresthesia at home with over-the-counter (OTC) pain medications and topical pain relievers.
Restless leg syndrome (RLS) may cause uncomfortable feelings (itching, throbbing, etc.) in the legs and an urge to move the legs. RLS is associated with sleep disturbances, which can affect up to 99% of people with fibromyalgia.
RLS cannotTrusted Source be cured but is managed with things like iron supplements, antiseizure drugs, benzodiazepines, and — in severeTrusted Source cases — opioids. Drugs to increase dopamine (dopaminergic agents) may also help but cause side effects if they’re used long-term.
Managing RLS at home involves:
Hypersensitivity to touch, also called allodynia, may be caused by mixed messages from the neurons in the brain sending pain signals when there is no real pain. ResearchersTrusted Source explain that the true cause is mostly unknown.
Allodynia is treated individually. You may work with a pain clinic to get physical therapy, psychological support, and oral medications (like calcium channel antagonists, NSAIDs, etc.) for the pain.
Without treatment, allodynia may get worseTrusted Source over time. You can manage it by working on stress relief and accepting that the pain may not go away completely.
Fibromyalgia affects each person in a different way. Beyond the usual symptoms, there are various other less common signs of fibromyalgia.
They may include:
Treatment may be targeted at the specific symptom(s), or your doctor may suggest treatments for the fibromyalgia itself.
Medications include:
Make an appointment with your doctor if you experience symptoms that concern you or interfere with your everyday life. Even if your symptoms are not related to fibromyalgia, they may be a sign of some other medical issue that needs attention.
Melinda
Reference:
I know firsthand how houseplants can be good for my mental health from the joy and rewards I get from my houseplants but I have not researched the topic.
Here are a few photos of my plants and you can see I work hard to keep them healthy and alive. I had a difficult time learning how to not over-water succulents but I have come a long way, only killing two recently.
Copilot had some interesting ideas about mental health and houseplants.
Houseplants offer several mental health benefits, making them more than just stylish decor. Here’s how they can positively impact your well-being:
So, consider adding some greenery to your living space—it’s good for your mind and body! 🌿🌱34
I agree, just a plant or two can liven up your space and motivate you to care for the plant and watch it grow. It will love you back.
Melinda
Thank you for all the great feedback on the Blogger Highlight series, I’ve enjoyed meeting each blogger and sharing their blog with you. This week we highlight Devine Spirit.
I am a wanderer, wandering aimlessly through oceans of thoughts, valleys of emotions and deserts of imagination. Writing is a newly unearthed passion of mine which I do on those moments when the duties of life and burdens of tasks had left me for a brief rest of their own. I live in a very rural village in a very tranquil territory with few people who I adore and enjoy being with.
On those moments when I get a little free time, my fellow beings can find me reading inspiring writings that helps to keep my head above the water in turbulent times. I am also an avid observer of human emotions and chooses observation over talking.
God is the most important part of life and I describe myself as a person bearing the sacred blessings of God.
~Devi Bhagavati
Her words are like a flowing river, calming and yet invigorating. Please stop by her blog and say hello.
Melinda
I turned 61 this month and splurged on a new piece of furniture for my office. The old piece was tiny and had no storage space. The new cabinet is colorful and has plenty of room to store all the goodies I don’t want to lie about. I haven’t used the television in years so I don’t mind covering it with photos and flowers. Treating oneself is important, and I consider it a boost to my mental health.
I hope you take care of yourself too, it’s not the cost, it’s the joy you get from it.
Melinda
I don’t participate often but this question caught my attention.
While security is important to me, I prefer adventure within reason. I have been an adrenaline seeker for years and only stopped due to health reasons. I’ve been fortunate to race a car on a quarter mile track, parachute from an airplane at 13,000 miles up, take a hot air balloon ride, parasail off a boat in the ocean, scuba dive in several countries including shipwreck diving, and get lost in a few countries where I didn’t speak the language. The most difficult times were when I was in St. Petersburg, Russia, and in Toledo, Spain.
What do you look for, security or adventure?
Melinda
It has been reported that Mosquitoes are carrying Dengue Fever and the CDC has warned of a global case surge. This is important information and quite scary, the number of cases in the United States is alarming. Puerto Rico is a major port for many cruise ships. They also have the highest rate of people infected with Dengue Fever. I hope there is a warning for passengers or a shutdown of the port which I doubt the government would because it is a major source of income for the poor country. The United States treats Puerto Rico as a second-class country, and the government should be ashamed of itself.
CBS News reported on July 3, 2024
As dengue cases break international records, U.S. health officials are warning doctors to be alert for the mosquito-borne virus, prompting questions about where exactly the disease has been detected.
So far this year there have been three times more cases than at the same point last year in the 50 states — mostly from infections travelers got abroad. Earlier this week, Florida health officials issued a local alert in the Florida Keys after two people were confirmed to have dengue fever. The two cases were locally acquired, which means the people didn’t get sick while traveling.
Dengue remains less common in the continental United States than other parts of the world. The virus is often a leading cause of illness in these areas, primarily in tropical and sub-tropical climates around the world. Almost half of the world’s population live in areas with dengue risk, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Following spikes in cases, the World Health Organization declared an emergency in December, and Puerto Rico declared an epidemic in March. So far this year, there have been nearly 1,500 locally acquired U.S. cases, nearly all of them in Puerto Rico.
Local mosquitos still pose a threat, officials warned in the national health alert, advising doctors to know the symptoms, ask questions about where patients recently traveled and consider ordering dengue tests when appropriate.
“We’ve seen a huge outbreak in Latin America over the last several months. There are parts of the United States that are also at risk, in particular the Gulf Coast, Florida, Texas, also parts of southern California,” said Dr. Céline Gounder, a CBS News medical contributor and editor-at-large for public health at KFF Health News.
About 1 in 4 people infected with dengue will get sick, the CDC says, with symptoms ranging from mild to extreme. About 1 in 20 people who get sick will develop severe dengue, which can result in shock, internal bleeding and even death.
The most common symptom is fever, which is usually accompanied by:
If symptoms occur, they usually start four to 10 days after infection and last for two to seven days, according to the WHO.
Additional warning signs that could point to severe dengue include:
Immediately seek professional help if you or a family member has any of those symptoms. “Warning signs usually begin in the 24 to 48 hours after your fever has gone away,” according to the CDC.
-The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Thank you for joining me for this week’s Friday Quote.
Melinda
Important Read.
Bay Area Lyme Foundation, a leading sponsor of Lyme disease research in the U.S., has announced a study finding a new mechanism of immune evasion used by Borrelia burgdorferi (Bb), the bacterium that causes Lyme disease.
This study is the first to identify the specific Borrelia protein that acts as a “don’t eat me” signal to the body’s immune system in people with Lyme disease.
This offers insight into how the bacteria may persist in Lyme patients and introduces an entirely new research direction toward potential future treatments.
The research was conducted at Stanford University and University of California San Francisco and funded in part by Bay Area Lyme Foundation. This groundbreaking data posted on bioRxiv on April 30, 2024, is expected to be published in a peer-review journal in the future.
“One of the big mysteries of Lyme disease has been how Borrelia is able to evade and survive the immune system – and this study helps answer that question. We’ve unlocked a critical door to understanding how this bacteria, and possibly other pathogens, manage to trick the immune system to evade clearance,” said lead author Michal Tal, PhD, principal scientist, Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
Tal is a Bay Area Lyme Foundation 2018 Emerging Leader Award winner who has received additional funding from the organization for this project.
In this study, researchers found that P66, a known Borrelia surface protein and one of the IgG Western Blot testing “bands” used for diagnosis, can inhibit an important portion of the immune response.
“Patients need both a robust immune response and antibiotics to eradicate an infection – antibiotics alone are not usually sufficient. Addressing the mechanisms of immune evasion could help patients more efficiently eradicate the infection,” said Wendy Adams, research grant director, Bay Area Lyme Foundation, who also notes that persistent Lyme disease impacts more than two million Americans today.
Harmful bacteria entering the body are usually targeted by macrophages—immune cells which look for invaders to engulf and eliminate. However, this study shows that P66 is a bacterial “don’t eat me” signal encouraging the macrophage to ignore the bacteria by binding to a receptor on the macrophages’ surface called SIRP-alpha.
This type of “don’t eat me” signal is a known mechanism in cancer and more recently, atherosclerosis. Specifically, the human “don’t eat me” signal protein CD47 binds the SIRP-alpha receptor on macrophages to signal that the cell shouldn’t be destroyed. Drugs that prevent CD47 from binding SIRP-alpha have been tested in clinical trials for the treatment of some cancers.
One of the study’s senior authors Irving Weissman, MD, professor and director of the Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine at Stanford University and a Bay Area Lyme Foundation scientific advisory board member, explains that this study is a discovery of how an established protein can protect the bacteria with which it has co-evolved. These exciting and field-generating observations will have broad-reaching implications.
Dr. Weissman is renowned for his pioneering work in identifying “don’t eat me” proteins and his lab discovered all four known mammalian “don’t eat me proteins”: CD47, CD24, PDL1 and B2M. He is also the founder of companies which have developed or are developing therapeutics that target these mechanisms in cancer and atherosclerosis.
Researchers hope that blocking P66 activity, like blocking CD47’s activity in cancer, could help unleash the immune system in recognizing and fighting Borrelia bacteria.
“This work could extend beyond the Borrelia genus. Further investigation into whether other bacteria have “don’t eat me” signal protein mimics is crucial for understanding bacterial interactions with the immune system,” said second author Paige Hansen, Tal Research Group Researcher, Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
Click here for the full text of the study.
For more information about the mechanism of persistent infection, please see this review article in mBio.
SOURCE: Bay Area Lyme Foundation
Melinda
Ribana’s mango desert sounds so yummy, and I love mangos. Be sure to see all her other delicious recipes and recent photos of Phuket.
I’m glad you joined me on Wordless Wednesday and I hope to see you soon.
My husband went to Costco on Saturday and bought a nice floral arrangement, Costco floral arrangements are fresher and larger than you can get at Kroger. I always look forward to the monthly Costco trip.
Melinda
Here are a few products I’m loving with right now. I hope you find a product to add to your household or self-care routine. The list may also give you ideas for a surprise for friends, and family. Most products are found on Amazon. I am not an Amazon Affiliate and make no commission for you using the links. The links take you directly to the product company of the items and do not cost you more to use them.
Dyson Pure Cool Link TP02 Wi-Fi Enabled Air Purifier, White/Silver
This has been the best investment, it was expensive but it works so well at cooling the bedroom and the filter pulls the dander, dirt in the air, and dog hair. We bought ours in 2018 and I expect it to run for many more years. I buy Dyson filters but you can find less expensive ones on Amazon. It has been a lifesaver.
These are the best air purifiers and they are affordable. We have three in the house, and they pull so much from the air that you’re surprised when you change the filters. The replacement filters are just as affordable.
Miele S2121 Capri Canister Vacuum Cleaner
This was another expensive item but boy it is worth it. We bought it in 2011 and it runs like a charm. They have the best vacuum bags that pull everything from the carpet, we use this vacuum throughout the entire house. The filters last a long time which was surprising considering we have two dogs. I expect we will have this vacuum a long time and they a highly respected brand.
Northwest 36 Inch Electric Fireplace with Wall Mount, Floor Stand, Remote, and Adjustable Heat and Brightness, Mahogany
I have this fireplace in my office; it can quickly heat up a room. It’s perfect for the size of my office and it makes a nice backdrop while working on my blog. I’ve had it since 2021 and have had no problems with it at all. Be sure to read the instructions and don’t have anything hanging too close to the fireplace. I have mine hanging on the wall so I can’t speak to having it on a stand, that doesn’t sound safe to me.
Melinda
So much has happened since I did the last Health Update in 2023. I have to say that I’m feeling much better since my Psychiatrist stopped my Prozac and started me on Trintellex. It wasn’t something he suggested but after talking to my Therapist who has several patients on it, I requested he call it in. July 4th was the efficacy date but I started to feel so much better long before. It does have nausea and vomiting as common side effects and I did experience them but felt comfortable they would pass and they did. I feel better mentally than I have in over 5 years and I’m taking it all in.
I’ve been working in the yard, on my outdoor and indoor plants, and cleaning the house the right way, the way my Grandparents taught me. I started on a project and cleaned around the area until I wore out. It feels so good to do the job right and not half-assed.
I’ve bought many new indoor plants and have enjoyed repotting them. I even bought a Bonsia to try my hand at and have finally mastered succulents.
I also bought a new larger bird feeding station and a squirrel feeder. The squirrels are enjoying the corn cobs and staying away from the other feeders. Now I get to see birds of all types enjoying the feeders which makes my day.
My eye doctor’s appointment was way overdue and my readers weren’t cutting it so I now have a new pair of glasses that specifically address my nearsightedness.
On the more difficult side, many of you know I had a nervous breakdown after watching a series about gang violence and the trafficking of women. I had watched the two prior seasons without a problem but season three was brutal. When the woman who had been trafficked had nowhere to go, she went back to the man who broke her. I lost it, my husband had never seen that side of me. It was followed by severe nightmares and I had a PTSD meltdown, it was very disturbing and the nightmares have continued just not every night. It also brought up several triggered memories that I had forgotten about. Luckily the memories didn’t bring up pain and were passing thoughts.
I’ve recently written about my trip to the ER thinking I was having a stroke. Luckily it wasn’t, it turned out to be my Esophagus issues getting inflamed and the pain and spasms were in the sternum area which is why it felt like it was my heart. My Gastroenterologist has added a new medical that is working. I was not taking my Protonix every day because my Neurologist put the fear of God in me about the drug. I know better than to listen to another doctor, the way to stay healthy is to discuss any questions with the doctor who prescribed the medication. I would never let another doctor mess with my medication for my Bipolar Disorder but like I said we put the fear of God in my on what the long-term effects would cause me.
This is a good lesson because many medications are not meant for long-term use however that doesn’t mean you fall into that category. As my Gastroenterologist said it is about quality of life. I found out the effect on my life and all the pain and vomiting caused by not taking my Protonix properly and I won’t go down that road again.
I’m still seeing my worthless Psychiatrist and after my appointment this week I plan to change doctors. In the DFW area Psychiatrist, frown on anyone who changes doctors regardless of the reason and that is why I’ve stayed for a year. I saw my previous Psychiatrist for 32 years and that should speak for itself. I have a highly respected doctor in mind, just haven’t made contact with him. That is why I plan to ask my current doctor to schedule our next appointment four months out and that will give me time to get set up with the new doctor.
That’s the highlights and lowlights of my health over the past year.
Here’s to staying healthy.
Melinda
Important Read.
By Nancy Dougherty
The immune response in Lyme disease has been described as dysregulated or maladjusted.
This is supported in part by the fact that many individuals who clearly have Lyme disease do not make a detectable immune (antibody) response to Borrelia burgdorferi (Bb), the tick-borne pathogen that drives the disease.
Research at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine may provide insights into why this occurs.
Dendritic cells (DCs) are a broad class of immune cells that reside at strategic sentinel sites in the body, including the skin and GI tract.
DCs constantly monitor their environment by gobbling up the fluid that surrounds them to sense when pathogens arrive on the scene. When they detect a pathogen, DCs stop capturing material and move to the closest lymph node.
There, DCs interact with T lymphocytes (T cells) to activate and drive pathogen-specific T cells to help initiate a strong immune response to clear the pathogen and resolve the infection.
When everything is working right, activated dendritic cells provide three signals to T cells (signals 1, 2 & 3) that synergize to generate a strong T cell activation.
In a 2023 Johns Hopkins study, using proteomic and genomics-based approaches, researchers found that DCs exposed to Borrelia burgdorferi were fully capable of generating signal 1 but signals 2 & 3 were abnormal. In fact, the features discovered overlapped with what is found in a tumor microenvironment, a site where immune responses are known to be suppressed and dysregulated.
A lead author of the publication, Mark Soloski, PhD, Professor Emeritus, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, divulges, “It has been known for some time that Borrelia burgdorferi is highly capable of evading the immune response, and this disruption of dendritic cell activation signaling is likely another clever way that Borrelia mutes the immune response.”
He adds, “Further study is needed to better understand the precise nature of the dendritic cell driven T cell responses in patients with Lyme disease.”
There are immediate implications, however.
Clearly, antibody-based diagnostic tests (the current standard) are going to miss those who are not making a normal antibody response due to Borrelia burgdorferi’s immune response disrupting behavior.
The need for effective direct diagnostic tests that identify Bb DNA or proteins directly has never been more obvious. Misdiagnosis and delayed diagnosis are indeed a common Lyme disease occurrence. Resulting treatment delays lead to worse prognoses, including potentially disabling chronic illness.
Fifty years after the discovery of Bb as the causative agent of Lyme disease, there are still no FDA-approved direct diagnostic tests for Lyme disease or treatments for persistent Lyme disease. These need to be developed, validated, and become broadly available.
Given that dendritic cells play such a key early role in immune response initiation, the novel features identified in Borrelia burgdorferi exposed cells may suggest new therapeutic targets that could help generate stronger, more robust immune responses in Lyme disease that could result in enhanced bacterial clearance and disease resolution. Immune modulators are effective therapeutic targets in cancer and could be promising therapeutic approaches for Lyme disease as well.
Nancy Dougherty is an education and communications consultant for the Johns Hopkins Lyme Disease Research Center.
Melinda
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 Shedding Light On Mental Illness.
Amy and I have followed and supported each other for many years, she has helped me through some dark times and Amy understands firsthand how Bipolar Disorder can affect your life. Her life is one of great accomplishments such as being an Olympian and a successful speaker and yet she has faced the demons of Mental Illness. If you’re looking for motivation and inspiration her blog is the place to go.
Shedding Light On Mental Illness
“Shedding Light on Mental Health” is a compassionate and informative blog dedicated to breaking stigma and providing support for those navigating the complexities of mental health. Through years of mental health coaching, advocacy and speaking, I lean into my experiences and knowledge to help inform and educate my readers. Thanks for reading!
Amy is an Author & Olympian.
In January 2023, I began an 11 month journey to write a book about my experiences with mental health challenges. Almost everyday I wrote to finish a manuscript and ultimately had a book available on Amazon called Unsilenced: A Memoir of Healing from Trauma. I found the entire writing process to be unexpectantly be very empowering.
Here’s an excerpt from my book: “I had to come to terms with each piece of my past. From the sexual assaults, which wreaked havoc with my life, to the interactions with the criminal justice system and a near death experience. One event was quite a bit to cope with, but layered together, it was a lot to process. I tended to focus on one small piece at a time. Healing and grieving weren’t a linear process. The memories ebbed and flowed. I researched and found many stories of people who had struggled. Their stories shined a light for me that gave me hope I could fully recover too.”
Unsilenced: A Memoir of Healing from Trauma is a deeply moving story of one woman’s journey through trauma’s unexpected, devastating effects and her ultimate recovery. Amy Gamble’s Story will leave the reader optimistic that even the darkest days can lead to bright outcomes.
Here is one of my favorite posts.
Be sure to check out Amy’s book Unsilenced: A Memoir of Healing from Trauma, her story is one of survival and coming out the other side.
Melinda
Hi, I’m glad you stopped by, and I look forward to seeing you soon.
Melinda
Looking for the Light 