Learn more about World Hepatitis Day and how viral hepatitis impacts millions of people worldwide.
World Hepatitis Day (WHD) is recognized annually on July 28th, the birthday of Dr. Baruch Blumberg (1925–2011). Dr. Blumberg discovered the hepatitis B virus in 1967, and 2 years later he developed the first hepatitis B vaccine. These achievements culminated in Dr. Blumberg winning the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1976. Organizations around the world, including the World Health Organization (WHO) and CDC, commemorate WHD to raise awareness about viral hepatitis, which impacts more than 354 million people worldwide. WHD creates an opportunity to educate people about the burden of these infections, CDC’s efforts to combat viral hepatitis around the world, and actions people can take to prevent these infections.
Viral hepatitis — a group of infectious diseases known as hepatitis A, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, hepatitis D, and hepatitis E — affects millions of people worldwide, causing both acute (short-term) and chronic (long-term) liver disease. Viral hepatitis causes more than one million deaths each year. While deaths from tuberculosis and HIV have been declining, deaths from hepatitis are increasing.
The vision of CDC is to eliminate viral hepatitis in the United States and globally. CDC collaborates with international partners to help countries experiencing high rates of infection to prevent, control, and eliminate viral hepatitis.
Since the war on Opioids began, fewer and fewer prescriptions for pain medication have been written yet the number of Fentanyl overdoses continues to rise exponentially. Like many other crises in our country, lawmakers point the finger instead of solving the problem.
Instead of more law enforcement and stiffer jail terms to deal with the street drug crisis they keep pounding on doctors about writing prescriptions for millions of pain patients every day.
The problem has gotten so bad that more doctors have stopped writing pain med prescriptions, others refusing to give pain meds after surgery, and two weeks ago I read where a woman who was dying of cancer who was refused pain medication.
This is what happens when pain patients aren’t taken care of. Recently in Tulsa, OK a man went into his surgeon’s office and killed him and three others. The man had back surgery early in May and had been calling the office repeatedly due to his pain levels. He called that morning again trying to get some pain relief. A couple of hours later four people are dead. I later heard a doctor on the news saying that the man should have been on pain medication for at least another month for the type of back surgery he had. I think we’ll see more of these types of crimes as the DEA pushes harder on doctors to stop writing pain prescriptions.
I know there are always a few bad apples and yes, there were and are doctors out there who are overprescribing but not enough to create this monster on our hands. I believe overall doctors are professional when it comes to pain management, not only from the stories I’ve heard but from my own experience as a pain patient.
I’ve only had two pain management doctors and they were the polar opposite but had measures in place to manage your medication. Both doctors required face-to-face appointments with the doctor to refill your prescription and most required a urine sample. The urine sample is how you know and control what your patients are taking. They test for many drugs, not just pain medication.
It’s not just doctors, pharmacies have gotten into the action! It stems from a bill that was spearheaded by Elizabeth Warren that stated among other things that doctors could write a two-week prescription. Why this was in there is beyond me because I’ve had doctors write two weeks or fewer prescriptions before. Not to mention that doctors know how they can write prescriptions. This is how lawmakers knowingly or not open the door to interpretation by other non-lawmakers.
CVS took it upon itself to conquer the opioid crisis by setting its own initiatives on how to tackle the problem. One of the issues was pharmacists started to decide on their own to only fill for two weeks at a time or make the person wait until they had only one day left to pick up their medication. You can see the huge problem here. CVS finally pays for its poor judgment with a small slap on the wrist.
This is an example of how far back the problems go and it started long before. Here’s a post I wrote in 2017 about CVS’s policy on Opioids. CVS was hit with an individual lawsuit and after years of litigation has to pay $1,190,000 in damages including $550k for pain and suffering + $300k for future medical expenses for taking matters and the law into their own hands.
Please read the reference material, it is a good look inside the problem.
We’re all tired of hearing about the problem, getting no answers, and our government blindly doubling down but we have to keep raising our voices or nothing changes and only gets worse. If you are not treated properly by a doctor of any type, write to the State Medical Board and your state representatives.
When many people think of car costs, the first thing that pops into their heads is the purchase price. That’s far from all you’ll have to pay for it, however. You’ll have to put quite a lot of money into maintaining it.
These car expenses add up quickly, especially with older cars. It can often seem like a money sink. Figuring out how to stop wasting money on your car can be difficult. Your car will need some TLC, but you might want to spend much money on it.
Thankfully, there are more than a few ways you can do so. While you’ll need to put some time into it, it’ll be more than worth the effort. Three particular ways are suggested, as they’re quick and easy ways to look after your car.
How To Stop Wasting Money On Your Car: 3 Top Ways
1. Buy Parts Online
Perhaps the most obvious way to spend less on your car is to buy auto parts online. These will usually be much more affordable than the ones you can get at a mechanic’s. Since they’ll be the exact same parts, there’s no reason not to take this route.
You could save quite a bit of money on this, especially if you’re able to replace any parts yourself. While this approach involves spending a bit of time waiting for parts, the savings are worth the wait.
2. Change The Air Filter Yourself
Your car’s air filter needs to be changed regularly. You could be surprised to hear that focusing on this is one of the better ways to figure out how to stop wasting money on your car. You can do this yourself, with the car owner’s manual showing you how and when to do so.
Buying the air filter online – as recommended above – lets you save a significant amount of money on the fix. Replacing the air filter doesn’t take much time. If you’re good with your hands, it should only take you a few minutes to do so.
3. Shop For Prices
As much as you could DIY many of your car repairs, there comes a point where you’ll need to hire a mechanic to take care of things. Many people simply go to the first mechanic they can think of – or the closest one to them – and stick with that. Doing this costs more than you’d think.
Instead of taking this approach, you should shop around for prices. Depending on the issue at hand – and several other factors – the mechanics mightn’t even need to see your car before giving you a quote. While this could vary when you get there, taking this approach gives you an idea of how much each mechanic costs.
Choosing a more affordable option helps you stop wasting money on your car.
How To Stop Wasting Money On Your Car: Wrapping Up
Figuring out how to stop wasting money on your car is a difficult process. Your car will need some maintenance and attention. Depending on how you go about it, that could prove costly. With each of the above strategies, however, it’s something you won’t need to worry about.
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 I highlight a new blogger, Books & Poems Cofee & Teas.
I‘m an elderly lady with three grown children, two teenage granddaughters, two great grandkids, and two cats. I love to listen to the news, while I work on my four blogs and my poems website. I paint ( watercolors ) and I read, write poetry, and eat lots of junk food and love my morning cup of coffee. I do container gardening on my deck and porch. I have rheumatoid arthritis and fibromyalgia and I’m somewhat housebound but still very positive. I like to watch old and new movies that are clean funny and sad but with a happy ending.
I want to say a special thank you to Laura Sebright, Marketing & Ecommerce Executiveat Trigger Publishing for sending this very interesting book for review.
About the Author
On October 18th 2014, Adelaide was in a bike crash that would change her life. She went through the driver’s side window of a car that pulled in front of her, suffering injuries that almost killed her – and emotional trauma that would continue for years to come. In addition to facing the physical injuries and PTSD, Adelaide worried about how the crash would affect her ability to cope with her bipolar II. After an arduous recovery, she returned to riding, eventually qualifying to become a professional triathlete. She is an advocate for cyclists’ safety and strives to help others who have suffered life-threatening crashes. Adelaide lives with her husband Kennett and their dog Maybellene.
Blurb
When the red Fiat pulled out in front of Adelaide, she squeezed her bike’s brakes so hard that she left 50 feet of skid marks along the highway. The last thing she remembers is being lifted into the ambulance and someone saying, “Her face is peeled off.”
She spent five days in a medically-induced coma, during which surgeons picked glass from her face, reconstructed bones and inserted a stomach tube. She spent another six days unable to talk, at times gasping for air, enduring leech treatments to keep her necrotizing lip alive, and fearing a crippling bipolar episode. Without knowing what neurological damage or permanent disfigurement she’d be left with, her boyfriend Kennett proposed to Adelaide daily in the hospital, until she became conscious. But her recovery would extend far beyond the hospital and the visible physical injuries.
DEGLOVED is about perseverance as well as failure, written to give hope to those living with mental illness, and anyone who has had a traumatic event thrust upon them, which threatened to destroy their lives.
My Thoughts
Where do you go after an accident almost cost took your life? For Adelaide, it’s moving forward slowly with an eye on recovery and sharing her story to help others. Not only was she in a coma, but also had reconstructive surgery, leech treatments, and fears that her Bipolar Disorder will pop its ugly head.
When you suffer from a traumatic injury it can cause PTSD and slow the recovery process. It can be more complicated if you have a mental illness, like Bipolar Disorder. For me, stress is a huge trigger for my Bipolar Disorder and it’s something I have to keep an eye on. It can throw me into depression very quickly.
Degloved is a book of tragedy and triumph with great lessons to learn about life after unsurmountable odds. Adelaide is a strong person and her perseverance against the odds gave her life back. She’s also a walking example of what our body can do when it comes back from hell.
Adelaide pushes herself thru unimaginable odds to go on to not only compete again but is now a professional Triathlete.
This book is for anyone who has been involved in a traumatic event or knows someone that has. The book is great for caregivers.
I recommend the book hands down. It’s a great read and a very inspiring story.
Trigger Publishing
TriggerHub.org is the first mental health organization of its kind. We are bringing mental health recovery and balance to millions of people worldwide through the power of our books.
We have built a first-class resource of curated books produced and published in-house to create a unique collection of mental health recovery titles unrivaled in quality and selection. We work with experts, psychologists, doctors, and coaches to produce our books, but we also work with real people looking to share their stories to reach out to others and provide hope, understanding, and compassion. These brave authors also aim to raise awareness of mental health’s “human” face and its impact on everyday lives.
National Schizophrenia Awareness Day on 25 July shines a light on the everyday challenges faced by hundreds of thousands of people living with a diagnosis of schizophrenia in the UK and millions more worldwide. It also looks at how we can tackle some of the stigma and discrimination surrounding this much-misunderstood illness.
in 100 people will experience schizophrenia. In fact, it was a diagnosis of schizophrenia that led to the launch of our charity, which was founded 50 years ago. Much has improved since then, but while attitudes to mental health have changed, the stigma surrounding schizophrenia remains stubbornly high. Some of this is rooted in a lack of understanding of the condition, so we want to tackle this by setting out the signs, symptoms, and outlook for people affected. And the good news is that while people with lived experience tell us about some of the struggles they face, there is also much to celebrate and feel positive about.
What is schizophrenia?
Schizophrenia is a very complex condition that can affect how a person thinks, feels, and experiences the world around them. Schizophrenia doesn’t mean split personality – the term actually means schizo (to split) and phrene (the mind). While schizophrenia is an official diagnosis, people can often experience very different symptoms. The most common symptoms can include:
Audio hallucinations (hearing voices)
Delusions
Disorganised thinking
Changes in body language or emotions
Audio hallucinations (hearing voices)
Delusions
Disorganised thinking
Changes in body language or emotions
If you think you or someone you love has the symptoms of Schizophrenia, see a Psycotrist right away. There are several mental illnesses that mimic certain symptoms of Schizophrenia so your doctor can help decern what the condition may be. Do not go to the general practitioner, they do not have the skills to handle mental illness. I can’t stress this enough. Dealing with a GP can set you back years on getting the right treatment and may cause your illness to get worse. See the right doctor for the illness.
You can read my book review of Hope and Learning Our Journey with Schizophrenia by Linda Snow-Griffin. This book was an eye-opener for me, I thought I knew about Schizophrenia but boy was I wrong.
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 questions interesting. So glad you stopped by today!
The thought for this post came as I was starting my laundry and folding his. We normally do our own laundry. Mostly because I’m picky and stopped doing his when so sick with Lyme. This post is my own personal experience, it’s not fact. I did run most by my husband and he agreed. He’s a part of the group this post is talking about.
In 59 years I’ve learned so much about life and myself. I continue to believe there’s much more to come. Here are some things I would say to my younger self. Keep in mind I came from a trauma-filled childhood which includes, emotional and physical abuse, sexual abuse, domestic violence, divorce, and alcoholism. I believe that is the reason for my drug and alcohol abuse.
Learn to have more fun.
Work harder on friendships.
Don’t take advantage of people.
Stand up for what is right, no matter the consensus.
Focus on learning who you are before you get into a serious relationship.
Don’t be afraid to be wrong, own it.
Hug my grandparents more often.
If a person disrespects you once they are liable to do it again.
Don’t focus on finding forever man, let it happen.
If a relationship is confrontational, you don’t need it.
Have more long-term goals.
If a boy/man hits you, run in the other direction and never let it happen again.
Be more open-minded.
Seek therapy sooner for childhood trauma.
If you commit, you need to come thru or have a solid reason why you can’t deliver. Take all responsibility seriously.
Don’t gossip and don’t assume you know someone. We all have a past.
Spend more time on school work.
What you dislike in someone else may be the same thing you do. Look inside first.
Learn more from my grandparents about their lives.
There is a reason for everything, you may not understand it at the time, you may find out later or you may never understand why but there is a reason. Growth.
Don’t drive while drinking or doing drugs.
Look at the reason you drink so much. Was it because I was trying to cope with trauma.
Don’t let infatuation or lust make you think it’s love.
Don’t try to be like someone else, figure out who you are.
Money is not the road to happiness, it’s great but being rich doesn’t mean you’re happy.
Have more aspirations. as a teen.
Save, Save, Save more money, there’s always something popping up, and be prepared.
Don’t hold a grudge or hang onto the bad situations in life.
Accept that there are “no should’s” in life.
Noone but your family owes you anything, and even that has a limit.
I want to give a special thanks to Editor Andrea Marchiano of Cherish Editions for sending me an advanced copy of 365 Quotes to Accelerate Your Career and Find Balance for review.
Blurb
Dr James Espey OBE is ready to be your mentor. His second book 365 Quotes to Accelerate Your Career and Find Balance in Your Life contains the wisdom gleaned from his half-century career in business and marketing. It’s all presented in short, easy-to-digest quotes from James, as well as from other figures who have inspired him along the way.
James says, “I believe that in the modern world, people are looking for short, pertinent, succinct bits of advice. That is why I decided to write this book: to give you guidance and to encourage you to make the right decisions on your journey through life.”
What people are saying
“A unique take on the wisdom of quotes. Entertaining and makes you think!” Neville Isdell, former global chairman and CEO of The Coca-Cola Company
“James has spent his career observing, thinking and summing things up succinctly. These quotes provide moments to reflect and be guided by someone who has seen around a few of the bends in the road ahead.” Peter Bauer, CEO of Mimecast
“James’s ability to draw a quote or a one-liner to sum up a ‘situation’ – tricky, funny or even just routine – has always been a feature of his management and leadership. This unique, spontaneous communication style provides inspiration to all who deal with him.” Michael Keiller, former CEO of Morrison Bowmore Distillers Ltd ”
Excerpt From 365 Quotes to Accelerate Your Career and Find Balance in Life James Espey OBE This material may be protected by copyright.
My Thoughts
In a work environment, it can be difficult to have a mentor, this book is what is missing to help you chart the course. 365 Quotes to Accelerate Your Career and Find Balance is a book I wished was available during my career. No matter where you’re at in life/career this book will help you ask yourself some tough questions that can propel your career and in turn life.
The chapters are divided based on where you are in your career, like helping you build your brand. I like Part 3 Personal Values the best because I believe that this is the foundation of who we are as a person which spills over to who we are at work.
In Chapter 11
“If you do not manage your time, time will manage you. Ten ways to make the most of your working day:”
I love this quote and was so lucky to learn this early in my career from my mentor. The quote is followed by 10 solutions to accomplish this goal. Time management can be difficult to manage and the solutions are easy to understand and implement.
I highly recommend this book to anyone and would make a great graduation gift.
Cherish Editions
Cherish Editions is the self-publishing division of the TriggerHub group, the world’s leading platform for books that encourage mental health recovery and wellbeing.
We are experienced in creating and selling positive, responsible, important and inspirational books, which work to de-stigmatise the issues around mental health, as well as helping people who read them to maintain and improve their mental health and wellbeing. By choosing to publish through Cherish Editions, you will get the expertise of the dedicated TriggerHub Team at every step of the process.
Setting boundaries is no more than communicating what you expect from the other person. All people need boundaries in their life. Some boundaries are harder to set than others say like the Internet and Cell Phones for that raging hormone peer-pleasing teen.
The difficulty with setting boundaries gets harder when your children are adults however if you’ve set clear boundaries growing up it isn’t a problem, maybe a conversation or to reclarify.
As a teen I was raised by my grandparents so I skipped a generation, meaning my parents were from deep poverty and the war generation. I went to live with them at 14 years old as a troubled teen. Boundaries were clearly needed.
Here are just a few
No phone calls after 9PM
In bed by 10PM
No leaving the house after 9PM
Curfew was midnight sharp!
Doors to the room were left open unless needed for privacy
Could only drive the car to take Granny shopping, run family errands, to school and back, basketball, special school dances, to write for school or local newspaper.
Once I started working I had to pay Gramps $8 a week for gas and the extra $50 a year it cost to add me to the insurance policy.
No sleepovers
Had to meet every date and friends
Today’s challenges
The biggest challenge faced by a pre-teen and teen is the Internet and Social media. Neither was around in my day. I didn’t buy my first computer until 1991.
If you start setting boundaries very early in life with will be much easier to set them with an emotional teen. One of the biggest challenges is peer pressure at this age and you will have to stand on what is appropriate for your specific child, are responsible enough, and is there a reason.
Now there are a few things to remember, I grew up in a strict environment and believe the boundaries and consequences are appropriate for a healthy relationship.
You have the opportunity to set boundaries are soon as your child is a toddler and the more boundaries as they get older. Be prepared for meltdowns, calling names, which is another boundary to set, and being mad at you.
If you want to try to be a friend to your child all their life you can stop reading here. I don’t buy into that style of parenting.
One of the first things that might come up is what language is appropriate to use in the house, for example calling names.
We’ll eat at dinner time and not in the bedroom. Even if your child is studying, they need a break from the books and this is your time to communicate with your child. How was their day?
A big bone of contention is the Internet and Cell phones. This is where you will get the most push because this is one huge peer pressure in your pre/teen’s life.
If your child is under 16 years old, but the computer is in an open but quiet part of the house to use. After they reach 16 or are very mature and responsible for their age you can move into their bedroom. The key here is, having a tracking device and blocking sites and apps they can use. Also, give them a limit to how long they have per day to use the computer. If the whole time is taken up for doing school work, too bad they have to wait until the next day.
The other teaching experience is learning responsibility and this can be done by boundaries. If you give your child an allowance, determine how much they should pay you for the computer and phone. Make them save for it. If they don’t save, it’s not that important or they are not responsible enough.
My granny knew how bad I wanted a camera, she said if I would save half she would pay for the other half. That was so appreciated because I didn’t expect it. Those lessons from my grandparents set me up for some great lessons in life.
Like I said, I’m strict and believe that many problems today are created by the Internet and children’s exposure at too young of an age.
Cell phones are another battle with children. There is so much peer pressure. You have to decide if the phone is needed, are they responsible enough to keep up with it or buy a new one themselves. Same if they lose it. If the child is working, I would have them pay a portion of the bill.
Make sure you buy the lowest Data plan, put a tracker on, and block sites. You are to have the code to the phone at all times and be free to read text. This is not only setting boundaries it’s teaching them responsibility.
A crucial part of setting boundaries is there will be times when they need to be broken, that’s life and you have to monitor the reasons. If there is a mass shooting, they can use all the data they have in one day! The key is communication and understanding why they ran out of data if it’s not apparent. It’s critical that you let your child know you are monitoring their computer and phone activity. If you sneak around you’ll have a hard time gaining their trust again. If they know up front, they have to make wise decisions or not be smart enough to try. It’s that simple.
As your children move out and learn to spread their wings, you’ll have to set new boundaries. But that’s for another post.
We all know that we can’t do everything alone. At some point in our lives, we will need the help of professionals to get us through a tough time. Here are four professionals you may need and how they can help you:
A therapist can help you work through your problems by talking to them about what is going on in your life. They can help you figure out how to deal with your stressors and make positive changes in your life. A therapist can also provide you with tools and resources to help you cope with your problems. If you need help finding a therapist, many resources are available online. Mental health problems can be very serious and should not be taken lightly. If you are feeling like you are struggling, please reach out for help.
Maybe It’s A Water Problem?
You’re starting to notice that things just don’t seem quite right. Your once bright and airy home feels a little musty and damp. You notice some water spots on the ceiling, and your wood floors seem to be warping. Then you realize that you have a water problem. Water damage can come from various sources, including leaks in your plumbing, heavy rains, or even flood waters. No matter where the water comes from, it’s important to get it cleaned up as soon as possible to prevent further damage to your home. That’s where a water damage cleaning and restoration company comes in. They have the experience and the equipment to quickly and efficiently remove all the water from your home, dry it out, and restore it to its pre-water damage condition.
Are The Lights Flickering?
If your lights are flickering or going out completely, it’s time to call an electrician. Many times, homeowners try to fix electrical problems themselves and end up making the situation worse. A professional electrician will be able to quickly diagnose the problem and make the necessary repairs. In addition to repairing electrical problems, electricians can help you upgrade your home’s electrical system. If you’re planning on adding new appliances or making other changes to improve your home’s energy usage, an electrician can ensure your electrical system is up to the task. No matter what your electrical needs are, an electrician can help.
Where Did The Money Go?
A financial planner can help you save for retirement, plan for large expenses, and make the most of your money. They can also offer guidance on investments and insurance. If you’re unsure where to start when saving or investing, a financial planner can be a valuable resource. When choosing a financial planner, it’s important to find someone who is a fiduciary. This means they are legally required to act in your best interest. You can also look for someone who is certified by the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards. A financial planner can help you get your finances in order and prepare you for the future!
These are only a few examples of the type of professionals you may need at some point in your life. So, if you find yourself in a difficult situation, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. There are people who can and will help you get through whatever problem you’re facing!
Anyone can experience depression whether it’s situational, like the COVID crisis, chronic pain, illness, or mental illness. I have Bipolar Disorder, which means although my moods can swing from highs to lows, most of the time I’m depressed. I was first diagnosed at 19 years old but didn’t seek treatment until 28 years old after my father committed suicide.
A few examples of what depression has looked like for me
Your family sends someone over to check on you since they haven’t heard from you in days/weeks
Sleep for 22 hours a day
Don’t shower for weeks
Can’t remember when you ate
Your mailbox is so full the postman stops delivering mail
Emotional eating or buying
Feel deep guilt over lying to family and friends for years trying to hide your depression
You are numb, empty inside
It’s been eight months and five new prescriptions and still no improvement
The doctor tells you if you cancel another appointment he will fire you and you almost drive off the freeway on the way home
To depressed to take your medication no matter how bad you want to
Drink to much
Have a detailed plan on how you will commit suicide
The normal mood is depression, you are taking medication just to get you above the line to normal happy
Taken over 60 medications or combinations of medicines
Had 21 Electro Shock Treatments
Spent multiple weeks, multiple times in a Psychiatric hospital
Divorced because husband didn’t believe you were depressed
Cut off contact with everyone in an effort not to have to explain what’s going on or where you were
Lose your job on the third day because you can’t get out of bed
Don’t fill your prescriptions because you can’t drive one mile
These are a few examples of the struggles I’ve had with Bipolar Disorder for 40 years. The blessing is I have an exceptional Psychopharmacologist and Therapist who I’ve been seeing for 30 plus years. My doctor has been tough on me, never allowed me to make excuses, and taught me how to explain my feelings in an effort to prescribe the right type of medication. He strongly recommended I seek out therapy which I did and have never looked back.
Therapy doesn’t help control my depression but allows me to process the anxiety, guilt, and emotions I have from being depressed.
There is light
There is light at the end of the tunnel, sometimes you can’t even see a glimmer but there’s always light at the other end.
Please don’t try to deal with your depression alone, even if it’s situational depression, like a death or divorce, everyone needs emotional support. Go talk to someone.
Keep a log of your feelings by day the best you can in order to share those raw emotions with a Psychiatrist or Therapist. Raw feelings will help me get to the root of any issue much quicker than going to an appointment saying I’m depressed without clear examples.
If your general physician is prescribing your medication and you are still experiencing depression please seek out a professional with specialized training. A general doctor doesn’t have the in-depth knowledge of medications or about ongoing depression to get you to the other side.
A Psychopharmacologist is the best type of doctor if you have long-term or complex depression. They are a Psychiatrist with extra years of training in brain function among other things. The reason he has meant so much to me is he can determine what part of my brain needs stimulation and can prescribe very specific medications. They are more expensive and your insurance may not pay the entire amount but it’s worth every penny. I would not be alive today if it weren’t for my doctor.
If you don’t suffer from long-term depression I would start with a Psychiatrist and go from there.
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 I highlight a new blogger, The Sleepy Bookworm.
Like the blog title says, I’m a huge bookworm; a literature lover, bookishly bonkers and obsessed with amassing my own private library. The ‘sleepy’ part of the title refers to the fact I’m constantly tired because I have a chronic illness called M.E (Myalgic Encephalomyelitis). Living with a chronic illness is like living with a really demanding and clingy roommate; it’s restrictive and exhausting. I don’t know why I started this blog but living with a chronic illness can be isolating and lonely; I think it’s important to write and share my experiences. Through this blog I hope to raise awareness for those struggling with invisible and chronic illness; those with mental health problems and those that struggle to keep fighting their own body day in and day out. Maybe my posts will go unread and just provide a mental and emotional catharsis; or maybe someone else suffering with chronic illness will read and relate to my experience and feel a little less lonely and isolated.
Out of the 24 possible character strengths in the VIA Character Strengths Survey, only five are strongly associated with satisfaction with life. People with hope, zest, gratitude, curiosity and the ability to love and be loved as their top strengths seem to have higher life satisfaction. Gratitude has never been a strength of mine. Every […]
Sarcoma Awareness Month is observed annually every July. If you are wondering what sarcoma is, it is a type of cancer that occurs in various locations of the body. ‘Sarcoma’ is the general term used to refer to a broad group of cancers that begin in the soft tissues and bones. Soft tissue sarcoma forms in the tissues that connect, support, and surround other body structures, including muscle, fat, blood vessels, nerves, tendons, and the lining of your joints. There is not only one type of sarcoma but actually more than 70 types. Sarcoma treatment varies depending on the type of sarcoma, location, and other factors.
HISTORY OF SARCOMA AWARENESS MONTH
Sarcoma Awareness Month is held each year during July, and strives to raise awareness about what is considered to be the “forgotten cancer.” The truth is that little is known about sarcomas and efforts to encourage research and drug development are made more challenging due to a lack of awareness and understanding.
Unfortunately, it is not fully understood why some people develop sarcomas while the majority do not. However, researchers have been able to single out some indicators that may play a key role in causing sarcomas by identifying common characteristics in groups with unusually high occurrence rates. Although the causes of sarcomas are unknown, some known risk factors must be taken into account. One of the risk factors is exposure to phenoxyacetic acid in herbicides or chlorophenols in wood preservatives. An unusual percentage of patients with a rare blood vessel tumor have been exposed to vinyl chloride in their work. This substance is used in the manufacture of certain plastics. Another cause of sarcoma is high doses of radiation.
Scientists have focused on genetic alterations that may lead to the development of sarcomas. They have also found that there are a small number of families where more than one member in the same generation has developed a sarcoma. These cases of sarcomas within the same family may be related to a rare inherited genetic alteration. However, sarcomas are a completely random event in a family’s cancer history in the vast majority of cases.
This is my birthday weekend. I picked the photo because I’m losing weight and haven’t had sweets in ages. But this weekend I get to eat a piece of cake. I have many favorites but my all-time fav is regular white cake with white sugar icing. Yummy!
I am having my favorite for dinner on my day, grilled salmon with mushroom rice. Rice is also a treat.
Happy Birthday to all those born under the sign of Cancer.
Happy Birthday to you,
Happy Birthday to you,
Happy Birthday to you!
I have the greatest memory. From the time I moved out, my grandparents would get on the phone and sing me Happy Birthday at the start of the day. I miss their voices, especially on my birthday.
This is a great repost for those who are being asked to buy a pet.
Many teenagers ask their parents for a dog, and it can be tough to decide as a family whether the time is right to add a canine companion. A dog can be a great way to teach your teenager to be more responsible, but a pet can also help with mental health. By getting a dog, your teen gets to experience the joy of owning and bonding with a true friend.
Pets can be especially beneficial for teens who are struggling with emotional or psychological issues. Many teenagers struggle with their mental health, so the idea of them being helped by owning a dog is worth investigating. For serious problems, professional therapy should be sought, but a dog can help with your teen’s self-care.
Growing Up With A Pet
Your teenage years are a turbulent time. Teenagers often start to pull away from their families at this time, as they search for their own identities, separate from their parents. Caught between childhood and adulthood, many teens struggle to find their place in the world, leading to a sense of confusion.
Many young people lack the skills in coping that they need to deal with troublesome emotions. Sometimes teenagers are left to face these worries alone, but that doesn’t have to be the case. Young people with a pet tend to function better emotionally than those without. Pets give teens a sense of purpose and force them to interact, even at times when they might not feel much like socializing.
Teens who care for an animal build stronger social relationships. Caring for a dog can help teenagers to connect more to their community too. High levels of attachment to a pet can also help teenagers to feel more connected to others, feel more empathy, and have more self-confidence.
If you’re thinking about getting your teen a dog from somewhere like Lucky Labs, then you might want to consider these benefits.
Dogs are easier to hug than a person
A lot of teens aren’t naturally very affectionate, but a pet can help to turn that around. Animals will always demand (and get) attention. It’s much harder for a teenager to ignore an animal seeking attention and expressing their love. This can be very important for teens who aren’t feeling much affection from their peers or are feeling more distant from their parents.
Dogs are all ears during tough times
Many young people don’t feel that adults understand them or what they’re going through. This means they’re likely to bottle up or push down their feelings instead of talking about them, which isn’t helping. A dog can be used as a listening ear, which is a great way to process and put into words any confusing thoughts and emotions that they might be having. After all, dogs are the best listeners.
Dogs melt away stress and anxiety
There are few things as effective as petting an animal for soothing and calming a stressed-out mind. Playing with a dog increases levels of oxytocin, which is a hormone that reduces stress, and decreases cortisol, the stress hormone. Having a pet is good for your physical health too. Owning a pet is associated with a decrease in blood pressure, cholesterol, and triglyceride levels, which all reduce the risk of a heart attack.
Dogs help with socialization and communication
Owning a dog can help young people to enhance their social skills, which is especially useful for teenagers with autism. Animals help young people to feel more assertive and increase their confidence when they interact with other people. Having a dog gives your teen something to talk about if they get stuck for conversation, and also acts as a way of getting people to engage with them in social situations.
Having a dog can also help you to meet new people and start conversations, something which teenagers can struggle to do. Many teens are caught up in social interactions online, whereas a dog is a great ice breaker for real-life social situations. People always want to stop and talk to a dog.
Dogs are always by your side
A dog is always there for you, even when things are at their hardest. People can come and go in life, but a dog is loyal and with you through every step. A dog can help to fight feelings of depression and anxiety as they provide companionship. Owning a dog can have a positive impact on a person’s self-esteem, as well as other psychological benefits such as lessening feelings of loneliness and helping someone to become less introverted.
Dogs provide structure
Dogs are a great way to teach a teen to be more responsible and are also a good way of adding structure. The structure is helpful for teenagers who may be feeling adrift from their normal life. No matter how disconnected you feel, a dog will still need you to be up and ready to take it for a walk at least once a day. A dog can help to fight the urge to stay in all day when you feel down, which is an urge that teenagers can often fall victim to.
Dogs make your brain release the love chemical
Spending time with a dog releases the hormone oxytocin, sometimes known as the love chemical. This hormone plays a part in bonding and trust, as well as reducing stress. This feeling of being bonded to your dog can be very beneficial to a young person who is suffering from PTSD, anxiety, or depression.
Dogs also help you to release endorphins. Just seeing a dog can trigger your brain into releasing these endorphins, which are natural anti-depressants. Even when you’re doing the jobs that are a less pleasant part of dog-owning, like cleaning up after them, you’ll feel more positive just by having the dog around.
Dogs can help against allergies and asthma
Children who grow up in homes with dogs or other furry pets are less likely to develop common allergies. Children who are exposed to dogs and cats are a lot less likely to develop allergies such as dust, grass, ragweed, and pet allergies, and are at a lower risk of asthma. Allergies can make people become lethargic, apathetic, and struggle with insomnia. These problems make young people more vulnerable to mental health struggles, like depression.
Dogs make you laugh
Dogs can be very funny companions and are bound to make you laugh every day. Whether they’re being clumsy, adorable, or silly, your dog will cheer your teen up by making them laugh. Laughter is one of the best forms of stress relief.
Owning a dog can be very positive for people of all ages. If your teenager is begging you for a dog, it’s worth thinking about all the ways that they might benefit from dog ownership. Dogs are good for mental and physical health, as well as teaching your teenager to be more responsible and social. If you think your teenager is ready for the responsibility of owning an animal, the benefits could make the decision for you. Just remember that a dog is a big commitment, and you should be certain that your child is capable of providing the care that a dog will need. Agree in advance how much responsibility you as the parent will have, such as feeding and bathing. Choose a breed that suits your home and lifestyle, and prepare to see a real change in your teenager and the way they feel.
It’s time to gear up for Amazon Prime days, two days of the greatest discounts Amazon has to offer. You will find deals up to 75% off on a huge selection of products. When money is tight the thrifty get shopping for deals.
You can only get these deals if you’re a Prime member but the membership fee will pay for itself if you buy just a few items during Prime. We’ve been Amazon Prime members for years and I can tell you that what we save in free shipping more than pays for our membership many times over.
We also have an Amazon credit card that pays you back, I think it’s 3% on purchases. So we get free two-day shipping and cash back. We buy more at Amazon than anywhere, it’s too convenient.
Another good idea is to go do your wishlist shopping today and put on the wishlist function to save you time during the sale. Amazon brands will play heavily in the sale, some great low prices on electronics.
Moving is always stressful, there’s no way around that. Every step of the process, from selling your property to settling into your new home involves one anxiety or another, but the good news is that you can make it go more smoothly by stepping back and taking some time to plan things out.
As soon as you know that you’ll be moving house, you should start planning for moving day. If you’re moving somewhere that may present difficulties, then you need to plan ahead accordingly. For example, moving to a high-rise apartment will create challenges such as navigating the limited space in your new home.
Other potential complications could occur if you’re moving to a new country. You will have to navigate different rules and regulations and make sure that you familiarize yourself with how buying/renting a house works in the new country, as well as the logistics of moving there.
Packing
Preparation also helps when it comes to packing. Rather than leaving everything to the last minute, it’s best to start packing when you have a moving date in mind. This also gives you an opportunity to sort through your belongings and decide what you need to keep or what can be thrown away. Moving is always a good time to clear out your things.
Pack up non-essential items first. You can store them in boxes in your home, but many people chose to use a self-storage service to get things out of the way. This also gives you a safe place to stash them and makes things easier on moving days.
The sooner you start packing, the quicker and less stressful the moving day will be. If you can have most things packed away before you make the move, then all you have to do is shift the furniture and a few things that you had to keep with you.
Hire a Mover
Moving to another home typically involves moving large objects, like furniture, from one place to another. While you may be able to fit some things in your car, your furniture will prove more tricky.
This is where hiring a local removalist comes in handy. Movers have a van capable of transporting plenty of large furniture, and they also have the skill to move it safely and efficiently. A mover can also pick up your things from storage services and makes a stressful house move far easier to cope with.
Unpacking and Cleaning
Once everything is in your new house, it’s tempted to crash there and then. However, you won’t be able to settle down and relax until you’re completely unpacked. Work room by room, starting with vital rooms and large items.
Once all the furniture is in place, you can clean up and work with your smaller items. You might not be able to get everything sorted out the day you move in, but it’s best to get at least a couple of rooms done as soon as possible.
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 I highlight a new blogger, This is me.
Hey there! Here with a plan of finally living life to the fullest.
Lets make My Story start here
Learning to face toward God rather than the past
I have a story to tell. It may help others who have experienced similar situations. But first I have to go on this journey. A journey where I figure this out. How to navigate my story and to understand it. Understand why this is even my story. Why did I have to go through what I went through? Where was God during all of this? What does he want me to do with it? I don’t want to miss any cues as to what He has planned. Where will my story go?
I’m a bit under the weather so no Today in History but I wanted to send some sunshine so here’s a photo of my Wandering Purple Jew Ivy. It loves this hot weather and is thriving.
I hope you’ve had a great day and weekend. Be back tomorrow with Blogger Highlight.
Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is “make a note.” Do with it what you will. Have fun!
I have two thoughts that quickly come to mind. The first is “take a note”, reminds me of a time before computers in the office and the receptionist would write your caller information down on a pink piece of paper. That was the time for typewriters, which they taught in my high school.
The second it “take a note” reminds me of post-it notes, I had them everywhere in my office, purse, briefcase, and pockets. They mostly came in yellow then, long before vivid colored ones. In business, we relied on them like gold. I even have a few bookmark-size ones inside my desk.
The good ole days!
Melinda
Here are the rules:
1. Your post must be stream of consciousness writing, meaning no editing (typos can be fixed), and minimal planning on what you’re going to write.
2. Your post can be as long or as short as you want it to be. One sentence – one thousand words. Fact, fiction, poetry – it doesn’t matter. Just let the words carry you along until you’re ready to stop.
3. I will post the prompt here on my blog every Friday, along with a reminder for you to join in. The prompt will be one random thing, but it will not be a particular subject. For instance, I will not say “Write about dogs”; the prompt will be more like, “Make your first sentence a question,” “Begin with the word ‘The,’” or will simply be a single word to get you started.
4. Ping back! It’s important, so that I and other people can come and read your post! For example, in your post you can write “This post is part of SoCS:” and then copy and paste the URL found in your address bar at the top of this post into yours. Your link will show up in my comments for everyone to see. The most recent pingbacks will be found at the top. NOTE: Pingbacks only work from WordPress sites. If you’re self-hosted or are participating from another host, such as Blogger, please leave a link to your post in the comments below.
5. Read at least one other person’s blog who has linked back their post. Even better, read all of them! If you’re the first person to link back, you can check back later or go to the previous week by following my category, “Stream of Consciousness Saturday,” which you’ll find below the “Like” button on my post.
6. Copy and paste the rules (if you’d like to) in your post. The more people who join in, the more new bloggers you’ll meet and the bigger your community will get!
7. As a suggestion, tag your post “SoCS” and/or “#SoCS” for more exposure and more views.
8. Have fun!
For more streams, rules, and tips for Stream of Consciousness Saturday, visit our host, Linda at:
Looking for the Light 