Category: Men & Womens Health
Blogger Highlight-By Ashley Marie
Thank you for all the great feedback and for participating in the Blogger Highlight series, I’ve enjoyed meeting each blogger and sharing their site with you. This week we highlight the blog By Ashley Marie.
By Ashley Marie
Hey there! I’m a self-taught tech enthusiast currently working on full-stack development. I firmly believe that life is meant to be lived deeply, with purpose and fulfillment. That’s why I strive hard every day to manifest a high-quality life, and I’m committed to sharing my expertise with others.
I started following her a couple of weeks ago. She writes about technology and other interesting posts.
Be sure to check her blog.
Melinda
How To Help Your Teenager Cope With An Anxiety Disorder
Repost
Feeling anxious is a normal human reaction to situations that make you uncomfortable or worried. This is usually portrayed physically through sweating or even nausea. However, anxiety becomes a problem when it is overwhelming or unmanageable. This is known as a mental health illness or anxiety disorder. Today, anxiety disorder is an illness that affects all ages, especially teenagers. As concerned and loving parents, seeing your child experience such challenges may be disheartening, and you want to help them pull through. Fortunately, there are few yet effective steps you can take to help your teen pull through this problem. Here are a few ways to help your child cope with anxiety disorder.
Create a safe space
You must create the space for such conversations to give your child the help they need. Naturally, teenagers become more secretive and less open as they get older. Although this may not be an issue, it can hinder your efforts to help them. Consider creating a safe space that allows your child to trust you and have open conversations with you. Encourage them to talk about their anxieties and listen to them attentively and actively. To further build trust, acknowledge their feelings as valid, and give them the reassurance they need.
Practice mindfulness
The hustle and bustle of life can make it all too strenuous and stressful. No matter where you turn, there’s always something to be worried about! Your teenage child may be feeling the same. From juggling school work with social relationships, trying to achieve their dreams, and navigating the journey of adolescence, many factors may trigger anxiety in your child. Practicing mindfulness is a great and quick way to cope with these anxiety pangs. Mindful practices such as breathing exercises and yoga can help them relax during anxiety-inducing circumstances. You can also try the accepted dbt approach, which helps distract them from triggers.
Take it one baby step at a time
Being constantly worried and afraid can make it quite difficult to live a fulfilling life. This is usually the case for anxious teenagers. They are easily overwhelmed, which makes them less open to taking advantage of opportunities that come their way. You can help them manage these feelings by setting doable and smaller tasks and goals. For instance, instead of setting the goal of going to a party, you can encourage them to sit by a friend during lunchtime. Or going to watch a movie with a friend. Setting these goals makes it less intimidating and more achievable. You should also encourage positive self-talk and acknowledge their bravery by praising them for going out of their comfort zone and beating the challenges of this disorder.
Contact a professional
The best way to ensure your child gets the help they need is by scheduling an appointment with a professional. Mental health professionals such as psychologists are knowledgeable about this illness and can offer the best treatment options to ensure this condition is well-managed. Therefore, be sure to find a professional with experience in dealing with anxiety disorders in children. You can do this through a quick internet search or recommendations from trusted family and friends.
Think about your teenager’s issues from their perspective, I know it’s hard. One good idea is to start therapy once you’re up to it and bring the baby, once they have been exposed, hopefully, the teen will continue therapy on their own.
The earlier you communicate with your kids, the easier
This is a collaborative post.
Melinda
April Is Sexual Assault Month
Joyful Heart and its staff, have changed the landscape for survivors. Sexual Assault happens to men, women, and children. They also support domestic violence, child abuse, and much more.
There are many resources on their website, it’s solid information and real support. Mariska Hargitay blows my mind with her patience, stamina, and her ability to juggle the load she carries.
The numbers are hard to imagine!
From Joyful Heart
1 IN 3 WOMEN experience sexual assault or domestic violence at some point in their lives.
1 IN 6 experience sexual abuse before the age of 18.
65% of victims who come forward say no one helped them.
DOMESTIC AND SEXUAL VIOLENCE AFFECT MILLIONS OF PEOPLE EACH YEAR
Since 2004, Joyful Heart has been a leading national organization with a mission to transform society’s response to sexual assault, domestic violence, and child abuse, support survivors’ healing, and end this violence forever.
Joyful Heart carries out its mission through an integrated program portfolio of education and advocacy. Our work is paving the way for innovative approaches to treating trauma; igniting shifts in the way the public views and responds to sexual assault, domestic violence, and child abuse; and reforming and advancing policies and legislation to ensure access to justice for survivors.
I had planned to share my experiences but today doesn’t feel right.
Joyful Heart is one of my top charities to support.
Don’t forget to look at the resources for parents and teens.
Melinda
References:
Tools to Help Navigate Trauma By Don’t Lose Hope
From Family Cookbook-Party Mix
The family cookbook contains recipes, my Granny and Gramps used often and is the type of food I grew up on. Good ole Southern food like my Gramps dumplings, to Grannies pecan pie.
What You Need
6 TBS butter or margeriene
4 TSP Worcestershire Sauce
1 TSP seasoning salt
1 TSP garlic powder
6 cups Chex mix
3/4 cup of salted nuts
How To Make
Heat oven to 250 degrees
Slowly melt butter in a shallow pan
Stir in Worchester sauce and salt
Add Chex and nuts, and mix until all pieces are coated
Heat in oven for 45 minutes
Stir every 15 minutes
Spread on absorbent paper to cool
Yields 6 3/4 cups
Granny loved this for a snack, it’s quite good.
Happy Cooking!
Melinda
Friday Quote
So glad you stopped by and I hope to see you soon.
Melinda
Good Times on the Highway to Hell Part 4
Reblog
More antics in my life
I moved to a new apartment for my job and it had a nice fireplace. I was so excited until I lit it. I knew nothing about fireplaces and didn’t open the flue. My place was filling up with smoke, and my fire detector was going crazy. I ran downstairs to the only person I had met and he opened the flue for me. What an embarrassment. Not to mention it got black gunk on the only expensive piece of art I owned.
I’ve always been a curious person, even as a child I was always getting into trouble. When I was five years old, I snuck into the janitor’s closet at daycare. There were big plastic buckets of paint. I opened the lid on one and it looked dried out. So I stuck my arm in the paint and to my surprise only the top was dry. I had to tell on myself because my arm was covered to the shoulder and dripping paint.
This is one of my best stories and one that makes me laugh every time. I stopped to get gas, I put the nozzle in the car as always and put my card in to pay. It wasn’t working, after a few tries, I went in to see what was up. The guy said they were changing shifts and it would be another 30 minutes before the pumps would work. I was so angry, I jumped in my car and took off. I’m driving up the street and people are pointing to the back of my car. I then realized I had torn the nozzle off the gas pump. I laughed till I cried. I got home and threw it in the trash.
When I was 12 years old, my dad’s friend left his car at the house. It was a hot rod and I wanted to drive it. I didn’t know how to drive but I was determined. I asked Daddy, and he said no of course. He was on the phone so when he got really involved in the call, I snuck the keys and went for a ride. I drove it around the cuddle de sac and back to the house. I parked, then thought I was too far away from the curb so I moved it. The only problem was we had a fire hydrate by our driveway and I got on the gas too much and ran right into the fire hydrant. My dad came out screaming words I won’t use here but he was a maniac.
My best friend was close to my grandparents, one day she placed a huge cucumber in the toilet. She didn’t even tell me. Gramps was the victim! He got such a kick out of it.
These are the Hotel Stories
During the construction of a swanky hotel, I lived in the hotel until our job was completed. My job was to expedite all the furniture, carpet, and artwork for the hotel and at night I ran a temporary crew of about 10 guys. The halls were not carpeted yet so I wore my roller skates to make sure they were putting furniture in the right room and placed where specified. I did this for 8 months, it was exhausting but I learned so much.
Speaking of the hotels, the same one, all the craftspeople were still working so getting in an elevator is always a wait because there are so many waiting for two construction elevators. One day my boss and I were going to lunch, a full elevator stopped and I jumped in. The doors didn’t shut, and people were hanging on to me, as we fell four floors landing in the basement. My boss did not get on the elevator and he was looking for and couldn’t find me. I was in shock and had crawled around the corner leaning on a wall-shaking, and thinking I could have died.
Also while working at the same hotel, the Fire Department was testing the fire alarms all the time, several times a day. We stopped paying attention and kept working. A Fire Marshal comes into our office and says the fire is in this room. I looked down and sure enough, my trashcan was on fire. Guess my cigarettes were the cause.
At night before the team started placing furniture in the rooms, we would meet in a staging area and discuss the plan for the night. I also ran the elevator while they worked. We always had to use the service elevator. I had the elevator stop between floors on me, one not open, and one time I had to crawl out the top. Not to mention falling four floors. Surprisingly, I’m not afraid of elevators.
I hope you’re laughing with me!
Melinda
Hobbies That Can Be Beneficial for Your Mental Health
We all know that life can get busy. As a result, it can be hard to find the time to treat ourselves or indulge in doing the things that we really love. However, there are several reasons why having a hobby can be a really great thing. Hobbies are often much more than just enjoying ‘me time’ as they can also be something that can be so vital for our overall well-being and our mental health. A hobby is one of the best ways that you can spend your spare time, unwind from your normal routine, and feel happier and healthier as a result.
In fact, there is research that has shown that people who have hobbies are much less likely to feel stressed, low mood, or depressed. So if that isn’t enough reason to find a hobby that you love, we don’t know what is! No matter what kind of hobby you choose, from an academic hobby, a creative hobby, an athletic hobby, or something else more personal, it is important to find things that give you meaning and that you ultimately find enjoyable. When you enjoy it, you will want to carve out time for it to ensure it happens. So with all of this in mind, here are a few hobbies that can work wonders for your mental health. What would you choose?
Music
If you have an interest in music and want to learn to play an instrument, then it can be an amazing hobby for several reasons. Playing music is something that is a fantastic way to help yourself feel less stressed, and it can be useful when wanting to channel any uncomfortable feelings or emotions that you might have. You can also enjoy a social aspect to a musical hobby if you are interested in joining a group, a band, or an orchestra. Having goals is all part of beating anxiety or depression, and there are plenty of things that are goal-orientated when it comes to music. You will also have the distraction of learning an instrument as you need to fit in time to play it. That will require your focus and mean that you don’t have to focus on other things that are causing you to stress or worry.
Gardening
Gardening is a great hobby for people who love to be outdoors and be at one with nature. Even if you’re not too keen on the outdoors, getting out in your yard can work wonders when you are feeling low. You can plant your favorite flowers which will require planning or research, as well as planting fruits and veggies. You will need to do research to know what will be best to do and when, and it can be a hobby that can definitely help you in a physical way, as well as from a mental health perspective too.
Gardening can be a very rewarding hobby, as you will see things that will grow because of your efforts in taking care of them. Appreciating nature and the outdoors can also go a long way to help your stress levels and anxiety. So it should be a hobby to consider if you are looking for something new to try.
Cars and automobiles
If you have a passion for cars and automobiles, then it can be a good idea to incorporate those into a hobby of yours. You could have a hobby of making kit cars, which can be extremely rewarding as you see something come together that you can then use, all from your hard work, research, and expertise. You could look at replacing things like car batteries, but make sure that you use a good battery finder to get the right one for your needs. You could also look into repairing engines and learning how to do things like oil changes, which can be such a useful thing to know and save you a lot of money down the line.
From another point of view, you could also get into cars and automobile hobbies by getting into racing. It could be off-road racing, it could be sports car racing, or even something like biking, trail bikes, and even BMX biking.
Yoga
Several benefits to our mental health come from physical exercise. Yoga is one of those ways that you can exercise that does have a benefit to mental health. It has grown and grown in popularity in recent years, due to it being a way to move and be active and help your mental health. Yoga works well as a hobby because it can calm our nervous system. It can also help with depression and help to reduce any muscle tension. You can watch classes online or attend them locally. Some easy poses can be done at home, although it is a good idea to seek advice from an instructor if you want to take things to the next level. When you are doing something new, your focus is on the task at hand, which can take your mind off other things.
Writing
Writing is a great hobby, and it is one of the most simple choices out there. It costs very little and can be done at any time. Writing out on pen and paper, rather than on a computer or phone notes can do great things for your mind. You could have the creative element of writing a novel or using the time to write more of a journal which can be very cathartic. As a result, it can offer several benefits, and help you to relieve stress, help depression, eliminate anxiety, and even help your memory and improve your sleep. If you want to dedicate more time to this hobby, you can download the care.com app and find great childcare, for example, to give yourself the time you need to finish your novel – what an achievement that would be!
Putting thoughts down on paper means that you can identify some negative thoughts and behaviors, and then they are no longer in your mind. You can also use this time to write down how things are going as a way to replace negative thoughts with happier and more positive ones.
This is a collaborative post.
Melinda
Just Pondering
What is one place you would like to travel to by train?
Why do you think it’d be special to experience it this way?
Melinda
Field Guide by Stampington
Balancing Side Effects And Quality Of Life
Every medication from OTC or from the pharmacy has side effects. Don’t fool yourself. Look at all the cough medication pulled from shelves recently.
Those who take medication usually read the side effects, including long-term ones, and look for balance in their decision-making. You have to know the side effects and weigh them against the quality of life.
If you have taken a medication for a long time, it’s good to go back for a refresher of the side effects. That’s level ground, and you have to make choices. There is no wrong answer here, just facts.
If you are depressed and taking several medications, your Psychiatrist may suggest adding an Antipsychotic to your medication protocol. Read ALL side effects, including long-term, and balance that with quality of life. It was an easy decision for me because the life I was living wasn’t working.
Antipsychotic medications allowed me to live a better quality of life until I got Tardive Dyskensia, one of the most serious side effects, and I can not take Antipsychotics again. Taking the medication is one of the best medical decisions I’ve made.
Remember to call your doctor right away if you’re having difficult side effects, if you can not reach your doctor, go to the emergency room. Don’t use a Doc-in-a-Box, I don’t believe they are equipped to handle a mental health crisis.
I’m having Brain Fog today, I hope this flows and makes sense. :)
Melinda
Eid al-Fitr Celebrates The End Of Ramadan For Muslims
Traveling to Ramadan is a chance of a lifetime, I can’t even guess how many people attend but it’s packed inside and out. I watched a service on television years ago, it’s a time of fasting and intensive praying. Seeing a large group of people who have come from all over the world is quite moving, I felt an energy.
Ramadan is a sacred month for Muslims and after Ramadan people celebrate. Eid al-Fitr is a big celebration, it’s a time to feast, pray, and engage in charity. This is a joyous occasion for Muslims around the world.
Eid al-Fitr 2024 is expected to fall at sundown on April 9th or 10th and continue to the sundown on April 11th or April 12th.
Eid al-Fitr, also known as ‘the Festival of Breaking the Fast’, marks the end of the sacred Ramadan fasting month. It is a joyous occasion for Muslims, during which they gather for feasts, offer prayers, and engage in acts of charity. The festival is usually celebrated for 2–3 days.
Things You Should Not Do During Eid al-Fitr 2024
Eid al-Fitr is a joyful event for Muslims all over the world. Muslims celebrate the festival with mouthwatering feasts and happy wishes. Although a happy event, there are still some things you should not do, either so as not to spoil the festival atmosphere or to show your respect:
- Fasting: Eid al-Fitr is a celebration that marks the end of Ramadan, a month of fasting for Muslims. It is important (for Muslims in particular) not to fast on the day of Eid al-Fitr.
- Drinking alcohol: Consuming alcohol is not allowed during Eid al-Fitr (or at any time for Muslims). Even if you are not a Muslim or do not observe Eid al-Fitr, it is advisable to refrain from drinking alcohol in public, if you are visiting Muslim countries, to show your respect.
- Eating pork and haram foods: Pork and foods that are considered haram (forbidden) in Islamic dietary laws are still prohibited for Muslims during Eid al-Fitr.
After a month of fasting during certain hours, the Eid al-Fitr celebration is a time to rejoice and eat.
Melinda
References:
Blogger Highlight-Susana Cabaço
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 of Susana Cabaco.
Susana Cabaço
Spiritual Insights & Personal Empowerment
Susana Cabaço, PhD, is a biologist who graduated from the University of Algarve (Portugal), where she worked for many years in scientific research on ecology, and a mystic who, for decades, has been journeying the paths of spirituality. Love for Spirit and Nature led her naturally to share her unique spiritual visions and more conscious ways of living, namely veganism, in order to bring forward individual and global expansion of awareness, balance, and well-being.
Copyright © 2024 Susana Cabaço. All rights reserved.
Susana and I started following each other this week and I can already tell you she’s generous. Check out her blog and the books she has written.
Melinda
Friday Quote
So glad you stopped by and I hope to see you soon.
Melinda
Do You Take Multi-Vitamins? Do They Work?
Just like Supplements, you have to be vigilant when shopping for Multi-Vitamins. Many manufacturers put a variety of supplements in the dose and you may not be aware of it. Vitamin is a huge market, think about all the manufacturers have to do to grab your attention. To me the louder they shout the more I run away. I go to the manufactures site for information and Amazon for reviews and probably buy.
One of the top-level searches I request is Vegan and Bunny certified. You probably won’t find the Bunny certification unless they make other products that are certified. Putting Vegan in any search, even make-up I use Vegan to sort out the masses.
I would do a few searches on the top-selling multivitamins. That will hopefully pull up the most recent reviews. Another secret weapon is to go to Amazon. You can search and go to manufacturers’ websites or go straight for reviews on Amazon. You can ask the Pharmacist if the multivitamin has an effect on your other prescriptions. You might not get the complete answer but you will probably get a referral for a trusted brand.
Millions of Americans take multivitamins and other supplements, but convincing scientific evidence of any true health benefit is lacking, experts say. Now a new study explores why people continue to consume nutritional supplements.
“Most people were using supplements because they believe it will improve their health, but we really don’t know whether that’s true,” said study lead author Regan Bailey, a nutritional epidemiologist in the Office of Dietary Supplements at the U.S. National Institutes of Health.
“Moreover, the vast majority of supplements used in the U.S. are based on personal choice, not because they are recommended by health care professionals,” she added.
Nearly half of U.S. adults use dietary supplements, Bailey noted, and supplements are a $30-billion-a-year business.
“People have very strong beliefs about these products and I don’t know where they are getting their information,” Bailey said. “It’s not from the doctors. The majority of scientific data available do not support the role of dietary supplements for improving health or preventing of disease.”
Should I Take a Daily Multivitamin?
Nearly half of adults in the U.S. and 70% of older adults ages 71+ take a vitamin; about one-third of them use a comprehensive multivitamin pill. [1] But is this truly a necessity?
There are certain diseases caused by a lack of specific nutrients in the diet. Classic examples include scurvy (from a lack of vitamin C), beriberi (vitamin B1), pellagra (vitamin B3), and rickets (vitamin D). But these conditions are rare in the U.S. and other developed countries where there is generally more access to a wide range of foods, some of which are fortified with vitamins. Individual vitamin supplementation may also be essential in certain cases, such as a deficiency caused by long-term poor nutrition or malabsorption caused by the body’s digestive system not functioning properly.
Who May be at Risk for a Nutrient Deficiency?
For those who eat a healthful diet, a multivitamin may have little or no benefit. A diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, good protein sources, and healthful fats should provide most of the nutrients needed for good health. But not everyone manages to eat a healthful diet. When it comes to specific vitamins and minerals, some Americans get less than adequate amounts, according to criteria set by the National Academy of Medicine. For example, more than 90% of Americans get less than the Estimated Average Requirement for vitamin D and vitamin E from food sources alone. [2]
Certain groups are at higher risk for a nutrient deficiency:
- Older age. The elderly are at risk for poor food intake for various reasons: difficulty chewing and swallowing food, experiencing unpleasant taste changes caused by multiple medications, or isolation and loneliness that can depress appetite. They also have trouble absorbing vitamin B12 from food. The National Academy of Medicine, in fact, recommends that people over the age of 50 eat foods fortified with vitamin B12 or take vitamin B12 pills that are better absorbed than from food sources. [3]
- Pregnancy. Getting enough folate, a B vitamin, is especially important for women who may become pregnant, since adequate folate can help lower the risk of having a baby with spina bifida or anencephaly. For the folate to be effective, it must be taken in the first few weeks of conception, often before a woman knows she is pregnant. Yet in the U.S., half of all pregnancies are unplanned. That’s why the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that all women of childbearing age (ages 15 to 45) consume 600 micrograms a day of folic acid. [3] This amount and other important nutrients for pregnancy—iron, calcium, vitamin D, and DHA—are available in a prenatal multivitamin.
- Malabsorption conditions. Any condition that interferes with normal digestion can increase the risk of poor absorption of one or several nutrients. Examples:
- Diseases like celiac, ulcerative colitis, or cystic fibrosis.
- Surgeries that remove parts of digestive organs such as having a gastric bypass for weight loss or a Whipple procedure that involves many digestive organs.
- Illnesses that cause excess vomiting or diarrhea can prevent nutrients from being absorbed.
- Alcoholism can prevent nutrients, including several B vitamins and vitamin C, from being absorbed.
- Certain medications. Some diuretics commonly prescribed to lower blood pressure can deplete the body’s stores of magnesium, potassium, and calcium. Proton pump inhibitors prescribed for acid reflux and heartburn can prevent the absorption of vitamin B12 and possibly calcium and magnesium. Levodopa and carbidopa prescribed for Parkinson’s disease can reduce the absorption of B vitamins including folate, B6, and B12.
Which Multivitamin Should I Choose?
Multivitamins come in various forms (tablets, capsules, liquids, powders) and are packaged as a specific combination of nutrients (B-complex, calcium with vitamin D) or as a comprehensive multivitamin.
Supplements are a multibillion-dollar industry, with endless designer labels of brands from which to choose. However, an expensive brand name is not necessary as even standard generic brands will deliver results. Look for one that contains the Recommended Daily Allowance amounts and that bears the United States Pharmacopeia (USP) seal of approval on the label. This seal ensures that the ingredients and amounts of that ingredient listed on the label are contained in the pill. The USP also runs several tests that confirm the pill to be free of contaminants like heavy metals and pesticides and has been manufactured under sanitary and regulated conditions.
That said, you may wish to consider the following factors before starting a multivitamin or any supplemental vitamin.
Reasons to use a multivitamin:
- I am eating a limited diet or my appetite is poor so I am eating less than usual.
- I am following a restricted diet for longer than one week. This could be prescribed such as a liquid diet after a surgical procedure, or a self-imposed diet such as one with the goal of weight loss.
- I have a condition that reduces my body’s ability to absorb nutrients (celiac disease, ulcerative colitis) or have undergone surgery that interferes with the normal absorption of nutrients (gastric bypass surgery, Whipple procedure).
- I temporarily have increased nutrient needs, such as being pregnant.
- I’m very busy and just can’t eat a balanced diet every day.
Reasons that may not need a multivitamin:
- I eat well but am feeling tired all the time (discuss first with your doctor so they can investigate other possible causes).
- I eat a pretty good diet but want to improve my health as much as possible, so it couldn’t hurt to get some extra nutrition from a vitamin.
- I have osteoporosis and need more calcium, or I have iron-deficiency anemia and need more iron (in both scenarios, you may only need to take those individual nutrients rather than a comprehensive multivitamin).
If you are unsure about taking a multivitamin, you may wish to consult with a registered dietitian who can evaluate your current diet to determine any missing nutrients. At that time, suggestions to improve your food intake of those nutrients will be provided, or one or more supplemental vitamins may be prescribed if that is not possible. Always inform your doctor of all supplements you are taking in case of potential interactions with medications.
The bottom line for me is, if you think it works, it works. Be sure to research the ingredients so you know how the ingredients or other supplements can affect your medications. The approach to multivitamins seems to try to see what sticks on the wall. I’m amazed at some of the other supplements I find when searching for a multivitamin.
Look for one that contains the Recommended Daily Allowance amounts and that bears the United States Pharmacopeia (USP) seal of approval on the label.
Melinda
References:
Just Pondering
What a gift it is when something captures our attention while we are going through our everyday routines.
A flower growing in an unlikely place, a rainbow appearing in a puddle…..
What is something that recently made you stop and take in its beauty?
Yesterday, I enjoyed two woodpeckers eating, we have 2 species of woodpeckers, one is tall and the other is a small Ladderback. They are so cool and happy to share food and birdbath.
Melinda
American Awareness Days For April
Irritable Bowel Syndrome Awareness Month
National Autism Awareness Month
National Child Abuse Prevention Month
National Donate Life Month
National Minority Health Month
National Parkinson’s Awareness Month
National Public Health Week (April 1- 7)
National Youth HIV/AIDS Awareness Day (April 10)
Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia Awareness Month
No doubt April has many important awareness days and they are worth checking out.
The month of May looks full of Awareness Days.
Melinda
Easter Is Not The Celebration Of Bunnies And Egg Hunts
I say to myself, where did the Easter Bunny tradition start? How did the Holy Day of Easter become commercialized? How many children have no idea what the real meaning of the Easter Celebrations is?
There are no egg hunts in the Bible because the Holy Day is about Jesus. I participated in egg hunts as a kid but I knew it was a Celebration of Jesus. My granny read to me from her Bible and I would go to church with anyone on our street who asked me. I didn’t dig deep into the Bible until I was 14 years old and converted to another religion.
Commercialization annoys me.
Here’s what I found out about the history of the Easter Bunny.
It is debated by scholars, one thought is that it began in the 16th century and others believe it was during the 18th century that the tradition started. They were big community celebrations no doubt but were not related to Easter.
The easiest way to help your kids is to teach them about the meaning of the Easter Celebration, without mentioning Egg Hunts. If kids were taught from the youngest age about Easter and other traditions that happen at the same time.
I am sick of seeing ads for Easter Egg Hunting.
I’m sending my best wishes to everyone who celebrates Easter as a Christian Holy Day.
Melinda
Use Essential Oils To Ease Headache And Migraine Pain
Headaches fall into four categories-migraine, tension, sinus, or sugar and each category can be treated with essential oils to ease the pain. A migraine is often caused by insomnia, stress, anxiety, or hormonal changes, while a tension headache usually comes from stress or strain. A sinus headache occurs when the nasal passages become clogged and cause pressure to build up within your sinuses, and a sugar headache stems from low blood sugar levels. Here are a few tips for treating each type with essential oils.
Migraine
Rub lavender or peppermint essential oil on your temples and back of the neck to relieve pain and nausea.
Tension
Rub eucalyptus or peppermint essential oil on your temple, forehead, and wrists. Or draw a warm bath and add 5-10 drops of lavender essential oil before soaking 10-20 minutes. Make sure to get in slowly and drink plenty of water afterward.
Sinus
Rub eucalyptus essential oil on your temples, chest, and nose to help open up nasal airways.
Sugar
Mix equal drops of lavender essential oil, rosemary essential oil, and coconut oil, and rub on your temples, forehead, and back of the neck.
Essential Oil Benefits
Peppermint: cooling effect, inhibits muscle contractions, and stimulates blood flow.
Rosemary: improves alertness, stimulates blood flow, and soothes nausea
Lavender: relieves tension, treats neurological conditions, and helps regulate sleep.
Eucalyptus:. helps remove toxins, opens nasal passages, and promotes emotional balance.
Notes
Make sure to test out the oil on a small patch of skin before using.
For sensitive areas such as the face, dilute the oil first with a carrier oil.
Melinda
Just Pondering
What is the one routine you have that makes you feel content and satisfied?
Why do you value it so much?
Melinda
Field Guide by Stampington
Fibromyalgia Thoughts #12-Celebrating
This post is really more of a celebration of my Fibromyalgia staying under control or flare’s have been lighter. This year my other health issues have taken center stage, and I was lucky to avoid a total flare.
Some days I wake in a fog, I don’t fight it and go lie down. How productive is staring at a computer screen or out the back window? I’m more forgiving of myself now and know I’m blessed to be able to focus on my health. I can’t imagine how hard it is to have Fibromyalgia, or any chronic illness, and work, care for kids, or other family matters. My hat’s off to those who manage daily life.
Don’t overdo it!
I have Bursitis in both hips and receive steroid shots to manage the pain. The shots start to wear off in two months but I have to wait until the three-month mark. This is when my hip pain elevates, and having a flare on top of is excruciating. Some days it’s hard to walk, especially the stairs, these are the days my husband jumps in to help me manage the day.
I send well wishes to everyone who has Fibromyalgia, remember towmorrow is a new day.
You’re not alone and talking to someone could change the mood of your day.
Melinda
From Family Cookbook-Dump Cake
The family cookbook contains recipes, my Gramps & Granny used often and is the type of food I grew up on. Good ole Southern food like my Gramps dumplings, to Grannie’s pecan pie.
What you need
9 x 13-inch baking pan
1 cup crushed pineapple, drained
1 can Cherry Pie Filling
1 yellow cake mix
1 cup pecans
How To Make
Butter a 9 x 13-inch baking pan
Add pineapples, cherry pie filling, and yellow cake mix
Combine well.
Spread evenly over the fruit
Melt a stick of butter and pour over the dry cake mix
Sprinkle 1 cup pecans over the top
Bake at 350 degrees for about one hour
Enjoy!
Melinda
Caregiver to Grieving in Four Days
Originally posted in 2010
Each day was a roller coaster of how he felt and how exhausted I was. I learned so much being a caregiver to my grandmother and grandfather. As the population ages, many of you will take on the responsibility. One of the most difficult changes was going from granddaughter to caregiver. Even at 92 my grandfather had a strong mind and felt he didn’t need help. I prayed for strength every day.
My grandfather died in 2010 at the young age of 92 years old. I spent more time with him in 2010 year than I spent at home. I cherish the time we had together, no matter how painful. They are my memories and my life changed forever with his death. His health declined so fast that for two days
I did not realize that he was dying now, not in a couple of weeks. He was at home under hospice care and would not get in the hospital bed until two days before he passed. He fell out of bed that morning, he was so weak it was difficult for me to get him back in bed. I don’t think we would have been able to talk him into moving to the hospital bed if he had not fallen. For him the bed meant death and he was still fighting.
My grandfather had End Stage Kidney Disease. An emergency trip to the hospital for his AFIB is how we learned he had about two months to live. We knew his kidneys were losing function but I was not ready for a timeline. His doctor had not given me that impression on a recent visit so I asked her to review the hospital records. I was not surprised but very saddened that she agreed with the prognosis. It took a couple weeks for my grandfather to believe the doctors were right. Kidney failure is a silent killer and luckily for some, it is not a painful one. You start sleeping more until you sleep yourself into a coma.
I arrived on Sunday afternoon after two days of relief of duty and he didn’t look any different. Monday morning I knew he was out of it by the things he was saying but thought it was a bad day. Tuesday I knew he was weak when he fell out of bed and felt like dead weight. It took everything in me to get him back in bed.
My grandfather died on Thursday. What the doctors did not tell me is the older the patients die faster. The end came weeks sooner than we thought. I’m so thankful that my grandfather and I had time together to say what we wanted to say, cry about the loss, and enjoy the memories. I have no regrets.
Cleaning out the house was so hard, years of memories were everywhere. My grandmother left notes on everything, it was like mourning her death as I found each note. Notes on the back of photos, on little pieces of paper, and even on masking tape. I knew all the notes were there, we had looked at them many times but it was different this time. Everything was packed up this time and the house cleared out. My grandparents raised me so I’ve lost my parents, they were the best you could ever pray for. The house is empty but I see my life in every room, the great memories with my grandparents are everywhere you look. I am starting a new chapter in my life. It’s a long journey ahead.
Xx M
Blogger Highlight-Grace of the Sun
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 of Grace of the Sun.
Grace of the Sun
My true intention
is to share,
what brings me joy
because I care.
If what you see
brings on a smile,
then follow me
read for a while.
We have followed each other for the past year, probably more. Her words flow and are soothing. You must check out her blog and read for a while.
Melinda
From Family Cookbook-Pound Cake
The family cookbook contains recipes, my Gramps & Granny used often and is the type of food I grew up on. Good ole Southern food like my Gramps dumplings, to Grannies pecan pie.
It’s super easy to make and the rewards are high.
What You Need
2 cups sugar
1 cup margarine
4 eggs
2 1/2 TSP. vanilla
1 cup Butter Milk
3 cups flour
1/2 TSP soda
1 TSP salt
Like many recipes, they are old and faded and my Granny made items enough that she didn’t add instructions. This is one of the recipes. I’ll try to read her mind.
Who To Make
In a large bowl add sugar and margarine
Mix eggs beaten well
Add vanilla, buttermilk and salt
Add flour and soda
Combine all ingredients
Cook at 350 degrees for 1 hour to 1 1/2
I winged it on the instructions, if you’ve been backing a long time it might make sense to you. If it tastes bad you can say it’s because it had no instructions.
Cooking is fun!
Melinda
From Family Cookbook-Quick Fudge Frosting
The family cookbook contains recipes, my Gramps & Granny used often and is the type of food I grew up on. Good ole Southern food like my Gramps dumplings, to Grannies pecan pie.
What You Need
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 TBS Cocoa
2 TBS butter or margarine
1/4 cup milk
1 TBS light corn syrup
Dash of salt
1/2 to 3/4 cup confectioners sugar
1 TSP vanilla
How To Make
Mix sugar and cocoa in a saucepan
Add buttermilk, milk, corn syrup and salt
Heat to boiling, stirring frequently
Boil vigorously for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally
Cool and beat in confectioners’ sugar and vanilla
I love chocolate everything and Granny’s frosting was always so creamy.
Enjoy!
Melinda
Why Is Asbestos So Dangerous?
Asbestos: the word itself carries a weight of danger, a whisper of caution in its syllables. But why exactly is this substance so feared, so notorious? In this blog post, we’ll delve into the depths of asbestos, uncover its origins, explore its dangers, understand its symptoms, and shed light on the process of making a claim with asbestos lawyers if you’ve been affected.
What is Asbestos?
Let’s start at the beginning. Asbestos isn’t a single entity but rather a group of naturally occurring minerals that boast impressive resistance to heat, fire, and electricity. This made asbestos a popular choice for a wide range of applications, from insulation in buildings to components in automotive brakes.
The key types of asbestos include:
- Chrysotile – Also known as white asbestos, it’s the most commonly used type.
- Amosite – Known as brown asbestos, it’s often found in cement sheets and pipe insulation.
- Crocidolite – This is blue asbestos, known for its extremely fine fibers and is considered the most dangerous type.
Why is Asbestos So Dangerous?
The danger of asbestos lies in its microscopic fibers. When disturbed, such as during renovation or demolition work, these fibers can become airborne and easily inhaled. Once inside the body, they can cause serious health issues over time.
Health Risks Associated with Asbestos Exposure
- Mesothelioma – A rare and aggressive form of cancer that affects the lining of the lungs, abdomen, or heart.
- Asbestosis – A chronic lung condition caused by prolonged exposure to asbestos fibers, leading to scarring of lung tissue.
- Lung Cancer – Asbestos exposure increases the risk of developing lung cancer, especially in smokers.
Recognizing Symptoms
Asbestos-related diseases often take decades to manifest, making early detection challenging. However, being aware of potential symptoms can prompt timely medical intervention.
Common Symptoms Include:
- Shortness of breath
- Persistent cough
- Chest pain
- Fatigue
- Unexplained weight loss
If you have a history of asbestos exposure and experience any of these symptoms, it’s crucial to consult a healthcare professional promptly.
Making a Claim
If you’ve been diagnosed with an asbestos-related illness, you may be entitled to compensation. Seeking legal advice from experienced solicitors is essential to navigate the complex process of making a claim.
Steps to Making a Claim:
- Consultation – Schedule a consultation with a reputable solicitor specializing in asbestos-related claims. They will assess your case and advise you on the best course of action.
- Gathering Evidence – Collect any relevant medical records, employment history, and documentation related to asbestos exposure.
- Claim Submission – Your solicitor will help prepare and submit your claim to the relevant authorities or asbestos compensation schemes.
- Negotiation and Settlement – Your solicitor will negotiate on your behalf to secure fair compensation for your injuries and losses.
- Legal Proceedings (if necessary) – In some cases, legal proceedings may be required if an agreement cannot be reached through negotiation.
The Importance of Asbestos Awareness
Key Steps in Asbestos Awareness:
- Education – Providing comprehensive training and information to workers and the public about the risks of asbestos exposure and how to safely handle asbestos-containing materials.
- Regulation – Enforcing strict regulations and standards for asbestos management, removal, and disposal to ensure safe practices in all industries.
- Regular Inspections – Conducting routine inspections of buildings and infrastructure to identify and address any asbestos-containing materials promptly.
- Safe Handling Practices – Implementing protocols for the safe handling, removal, and disposal of asbestos to minimize the risk of exposure to workers and the surrounding community.
FAQs About Asbestos Claims
Q: How long do I have to make a claim?
A: The time limit for making a claim varies depending on the jurisdiction and the specific circumstances of your case. It’s best to consult with a solicitor as soon as possible to avoid missing any deadlines.
Q: Can I make a claim on behalf of a deceased loved one?
A: Yes, if a family member has passed away due to an asbestos-related illness, you may be eligible to make a claim on their behalf. Again, seeking legal advice is crucial to understand your options.
Q: Will making a claim affect my employment?
A: It’s illegal for employers to discriminate against employees who make legitimate compensation claims. Your employer’s liability insurance typically covers compensation payments, not the employer directly.
Conclusion
Asbestos may have once been hailed as a miracle material, but its dark side has left a trail of devastation in its wake. Understanding the dangers of asbestos, recognizing symptoms, and knowing how to make a claim are essential steps in protecting yourself and your loved ones from its harmful effects. If you believe you’ve been exposed to asbestos or are experiencing symptoms of asbestos-related illness, don’t hesitate to seek medical attention and legal advice. Your health and well-being are paramount.
This is a collaborative post.
Melinda
From Family Cookbook-German Chocolate Frosting
The family cookbook contains recipes, my Gramps & Granny used often and is the type of food I grew up on. Good ole Southern food like my Gramps dumplings, to Grannies pecan pie.
What You Need
1 1/2 cup sugar
3 TBS. flour
1 1/2 milk
1 stick butter
8 oz bag angel flake coconut
1 TSP vanilla
1 cup chopped nuts
How To Make
Bring to a boil, add the butter and angel flake coconut
Cook on low heat for 7 minutes or until thick
Add vanilla, chopped nuts
Cool and frost cake.
This is one of my favorite types of cake. She would make it for my birthday.
Melinda
Friday Quote
So glad you stopped by and I hope to see you soon.
Melinda
April Fools’ Day Is In The Near Future
April 1 is Fool’s Day, and boy do I remember the pranks we did when I was younger.
Who came up with this celebration?
A disputed association between 1 April and foolishness is in Geoffrey Chaucer‘s The Canterbury Tales (1392).[3] In the “Nun’s Priest’s Tale.
Here is how a few countries around the globe celebrate April Fools
Italy, France, Belgium, and French-speaking areas of Switzerland and Canada
In Italy, France, Belgium and French-speaking areas of Switzerland and Canada, the 1 April tradition is often known as “April fish” (poisson d’avril in French, april vis in Dutch or pesce d’aprile in Italian). Possible pranks include attempting to attach a paper fish to the victim’s back without being noticed. This fish feature is prominently present on many late 19th- to early 20th-century French April Fools’ Day postcards. Many newspapers also spread a false story on April Fish Day, and a subtle reference to a fish is sometimes given as a clue to the fact that it is an April Fools’ prank.[citation needed] Boulangeries, pâtisseries and chocolatiers in France sell chocolate fishes in their shop windows on the day.[20]
Poland (Prima aprilis)
In Poland, prima April (“First April” in Latin) as a day of pranks is a centuries-long tradition. It is a day when many pranks are played: sometimes very sophisticated hoaxes are prepared by people, media (which often cooperate to make the “information” more credible), and even public institutions. Serious activities are usually avoided; every word said on 1 April could be untrue. The conviction for this is so strong that the Polish anti-Turkish alliance with Leopold I, signed on 1 April 1683, was backdated to 31 March.[22] However, for some in Poland prima April ends at noon of 1 April and prima April jokes after that hour are considered inappropriate and not classy.
A common prank is to carefully remove the cream from an Oreo and replace it with toothpaste, and there are many similar pranks that replace an object (usually food) with another object that looks like the object but tastes different such as replacing sugar with salt and vanilla frosting with sour cream. As well as people playing pranks on one another on April Fools’ Day, elaborate pranks have appeared on radio and television stations, newspapers, and websites, and have been performed by large corporations. In one famous prank in 1957, the BBC broadcast a film in their Panorama current affairs series purporting to show Swiss farmers picking freshly-grown spaghetti, in what they called the Swiss spaghetti harvest. The BBC was soon flooded with requests to purchase a spaghetti plant, forcing them to declare the film a hoax on the news the next day.[31]
I love how the celebrations are so interesting.
Melinda
References:
lookingforthelight.blog 