If you had to be on an episode of “Cops” what crime would you want to be arrested for?
Melinda
Just Pondering
Category: Men & Womens Health
I’m in Love with Pipette
I’ve discovered a line of products that so far have surpassed my expectations, and it’s a baby product line called Pipette. It all started with my dry peeling cracking hands. I was on a mission and my supply cabinet didn’t have what I needed.
My hands had never been so bad before and nothing worked. I saw an ad for Pipette balm and decided to try it. Wow, it has a Vaseline-like feel but is not as greasy and soaks into the skin to a degree. I still only use it at night.
Then I noticed they had a Balm Stick which is a great idea for little places and when you don’t want to get your hands all balmed up. I use it on my legs but it’s great anywhere. I have it just on my palms right now.
Pipette has a complete line of baby products and a few products for mothers. I also really like the Eczema Cream. It is so creamy but absorbs nicely and lasts a long time.
I know many of you have skin challenges like I do and are always on the lookout for new products.
I bought all of mine from Amazon but they have a website as well. Maybe they have a product for your skin challenges.
Melinda
Primary Immunodeficiency Awareness Month
Your immune system helps your body fight infections. People with primary immunodeficiency (PI) have an immune system that does not work correctly. This means that people with PI are more likely to get and become severely ill from infections.
There are more than 400 types of PI that vary in severity, which affects how early they are detected. In some cases, a person with a mild form may not find out that they have PI until adulthood. In other cases, the disorder causes problems in infancy and is found soon after birth. All states include testing for one type of PI called severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) as part of newborn screening. Treatments can help the immune system work better. Which treatment works best depends on the type of PI a person has.
Signs of PI include
- More frequent or repeated infections, such as
- Infections that last longer than in most people
- Infections that are hard to treat and do not respond to antibiotics or require IV antibiotics
- Infections that are more severe and require hospitalization, such as sepsis or abscesses (pus-filled infections) of internal organs
- Infections that most people don’t get (sometimes called opportunistic infections)
- Lack of weight gain or growth in an infant (failure to thrive)
- Digestive problems, such as chronic diarrhea
People with PI are more likely to have autoimmune disordersexternal icon and certain blood disorders. Because your immune system protects your body against cancer, people with PI are more likely to have certain cancers. In some cases, PI is due to a genetic disorder that involves other health problems, such as 22q11.2 deletion syndrome (also called DiGeorge syndrome)external icon.
PI often has an underlying genetic cause and can run in families. Sharing your family history of PI with your doctor can be important for your and your children’s health or if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy. Your doctor may refer you for genetic counseling.
Early diagnosis can help prevent or delay some of the health problems caused by PI. Left untreated, some types of PI can result in serious health problems, including organ damage, and even death. Even with treatment, most PI do not have a cure. Taking steps to prevent infection is very important if you have PI. These steps include
- Washing your hands the right way
- Taking good care of your teeth
- Maintaining healthy habits, including being physically active, eating healthy, and getting enough sleep
- Avoiding exposure to people who are sick and crowds
- Asking your doctor which vaccinations are safe for you. In some cases, people with PI cannot have live vaccines such as rotavirus, chickenpox, oral polio, and measles, mumps, rubella. Newborn screening for SCID can find babies with this PI early, before they receive these vaccines.
Treatments vary, depending on the type of PI, and can include
- Antibiotics to prevent certain infections
- Treatments that help your immune system work better (including immunoglobulin replacement therapyexternal icon and interferon-gamma therapyexternal icon)
- Growth factors to help increase the number of white blood cells, which are part of the immune system
- Stem cell transplant to provide your body with working immune cells from another person (donor)
- Gene therapyexternal icon to replace the gene that does not work correctly with one that does
Talk to your doctor if you think that you or your child has signs of PI. Your doctor might refer you or your child to a clinical immunologist, a doctor who specializes in the immune system. You can use the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology’s Find an Allergist/Immunologist toolexternal icon to find a doctor near you. If you have been diagnosed with PI, your doctor might refer you for genetic counseling and testing. Some types of PI run in families, so be sure to share information about your diagnosis with your family members.
More Information
- National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease: Primary Immune Deficiency Disorders (PIDDs)external iconexternal icon
- American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology: Primary Immunodeficiency Diseaseexternal icon
- Jeffrey Modell Foundationexternal icon, which includes the Find an Expert Immunologistexternal icon tool
- Immune Deficiency Foundationexternal icon
- International Patient Organization for Primary Immunodeficienciesexternal icon
- World PI Week 2020: Bringing about change together external iconexternal icon
I have a Primary Immune Disorder and so far have been lucky enough to not suffer from many infections. Just battling an ear infection now. Of course, shortly after I was diagnosed COVID roared in so it’s hard to say what will happen when I get to start to get back out in public.
Melinda
Reference:
https://www.cdc.gov/genomics/disease/primary_immunodeficiency.htm
Blogger Highlight-My Traumatic Secrets and Healing Journey
April is Sexual Assualt Awareness month and I can’t think of a better way to celebrate than to introduce you to a very brave woman and mother, Christine.
Keep your eyes peeled for a new Blogger Highlight next week.
My Trauma Secrets and Healing Journey
Telling my story while on my healing journey
Overactive brain
I can’t stop thinking about my sexual trauma without actually thinking about it. I feel the filth and pain from all of those events. I think it’s time to confront it. But I’m afraid of who I’ll be when I’m done.
Read the rest of the post here.
Sometimes life is messy, downright ugly and it happens to good people. I love the way Christine is so raw with her emotion and doesn’t edit herself. We see the authentic person.
Please check out her site for more great posts.
Melinda
He Has Risen!
Jesus has risen!
I pray your day is filled with love and surrounded by the people you care about the most.
This photo was taken at the Church of the Spilled Blood in St. Petersburg, Russia. You’ve probably seen it before, it’s one of my favorites. Jesus looks so real, you can reach out and touch him. You can also imagine his tremendous suffering.
No matter your religion you can celebrate the life of a great man and prophet. If you’re a Christain you can thank God for sending his only son to take away our sins.
Peace be with you.
Melinda
Stream of Consciousness Saturday #SOCS Prompt is “nose/noes/knows”
Our prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is “nose/noes/knows.” Use one, use ’em all, bonus points if you use all three. Have fun!
After you’ve written your Saturday post tomorrow, please link it here to this week’s prompt page and check to make sure it’s here in the comments so others can find it and see your awesome Stream of Consciousness post. Anyone can join in!
To make your post more visible, use our beautiful SoCS badge! Just paste it in your Saturday post so people browsing the reader will immediately know your post is stream of consciousness and/or pin it as a widget to your site to show you’re a participant. Wear it with pride!!
To start with I’m not sure what noes is so let’s look it up. As it turns out I knew that word well growing up. There were always lots of noes around our house and they meant no! No, you can’t have another piece of candy or dessert, no you can’t sleepover and another multiple no is can we have a dog? Noes!
I think people’s nose is an important characteristic of a person’s face and there are so many types. There are people I know who don’t like their noses but I think mine is ok. I’ve never had an aversion to noses, it what’s makes us all different.
What do I know? Well, it’s Saturday and I’ve been working in the garden. Planting more flowers for my Spring extravagaza! My husband and I planted a Mandeville on a trellis again this year and it turned out the prettiest flower in the whole garden last year. We planted our tomatoes except for the ones from seed, they’re not quite big enough yet.
What else do I know? I thank you for reading this post on your Saturday. I hope your day is filled with sunshine and love
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:
Have a great weekend.
Melinda
Selfie
I have had an aversion to how I look in photos most of my life, it’s a body dysmorphic thing. This isn’t the worst shot but it makes me realize for the first time how thin my upper lip is.
I’m smiling at you! Yes, you! Have a great weekend.
Melinda
Friday Quote 4/15/2022
So glad you stopped by today, I look forward to your comments each week.
Melinda
Animal Funnies
I didn’t have a lot planned today since I had an appointment but wanted to bring you a laugh. Today is the first Therapy appointment I’ve had since the Pandemic started so I’m very excited. I thought animal videos would get a good laugh.
Autism Acceptance Month
Autism Acceptance Month, previously named Autism Awareness Month, in April aims to celebrate and promote acceptance for the condition that occurs in one in every 54 children as of 2020 in the United States. Autism, a complex developmental condition affecting the patient’s ability to interact, communicate, and progress, has not one but many subtypes. First held in the year 1972 by the Autism Society, Autism Acceptance Month emphasizes the need for public awareness to promote acceptance, celebrate the differences, and be more inclusive toward autistic individuals around us.
HISTORY OF AUTISM ACCEPTANCE MONTH
Every April, the Autism Society works to build an inclusive community where autistic individuals are embraced and supported to achieve the highest quality of life possible. The Autism Society was founded in 1965 by Bernard Rimland and remains one of the few grassroots organizations in the autistic community. Driven by the fact that autism is the fastest-growing developmental disability in the world, the Autism Society hosted one of its first nationwide efforts of an awareness campaign called National Autistic Children’s Week in 1972, which subsequently evolved into the Autism Awareness Month earmarked in April. In 2021, Autism Awareness Month was renamed Autism Acceptance Month to foster acceptance and ignite change.
The Autism Society deeply understands the need to foster awareness and acceptance to ignite change and a healthier lifestyle through improved opportunities for people with autism. It works every day to improve the lives of affected individuals and families. The organization caters to more than 600,000 people living under the “autism onslaught,” using tools like community partnerships with organizations, digital and print resources, along with events and referrals to spark empathy and inclusivity in the general public. Besides educating masses for better systems-wide change and acceptance, their affiliate program stretches across more than 75 networks and advocates for exclusive services for the autistic community.
With the autism diagnosis rate increasing fast, we take these 30 days to celebrate the differences of-, learn more about-, and empower autistic individuals.
HOW TO OBSERVE AUTISM ACCEPTANCE MONTH
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Find out and participate in local groups activities
There are many events lined by local autism awareness organizations in your city. Reach out to one of the local groups, get a timetable of the events planned for the month, and make sure you bring along your children to participate. These can range from fundraisers to Awareness Walks while enjoying the spring weather.
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Read autism books to your children
The key mission of Autism Acceptance Month is to educate the new generation in fostering acceptance and kindness towards the autistic community. “Ella Autie,” a story of a 4th grader battling society with autism is a great way to educate your kids during this month and start important conversations.
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Donate to Autism Awareness Organizations
In the light of the pandemic, the autism community continues to face the worsts of challenges. Make it a goal to donate as much as you can to your local Autism Awareness Organizations or the Autism Society of America to further their efforts, and encourage their unrelenting support for the community.
Melinda
References:
https://nationaltoday.com/autism-awareness-month/
Just Pondering
What is something that your parents punished you for that you still think was unfair?
Melinda
Stress Awareness Month
Stress can be debilitating, and it can cause and/or aggravate health problems. And since stress is a normal part of human existence — nobody is immune to it — it’s important to arm ourselves with knowledge so that we recognize when stress rears its ugly head. (Amazingly, we don’t always notice it’s happening to us.) Stress Awareness Month happens each April. It’s important to learn some strategies for coping with this particular silent scourge. You’ve come to the right place for that. Let’s get started!
4 STRESSFUL FACTS YOU NEED TO KNOW
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Stress can help — sometimes
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, “stress can motivate people to prepare or perform and might even be life-saving in some situations.”
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It’s sickening — literally
People under stress – especially those prone to chronic stress — are more susceptible to a variety of ailments, from headaches and insomnia to high blood pressure and heart disease.
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Stressed? Here’s why
A survey by the American Psychological Association found that the five factors most often cited as a source of stress were money, work, family, economic outlook and relationships.
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America’s highest and lowest stress states
A report on WalletHub found that the most stressed-out states in America are Louisiana, New Mexico and West Virginia. The least? Minnesota, North Dakota and Utah.
WHY STRESS AWARENESS MONTH IS IMPORTANT
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It reminds us to pay attention to our health
According to the official website, “Stress Awareness Month is a national, cooperative effort to inform people about the dangers of stress, successful coping strategies, and harmful misconceptions about stress that are prevalent in our society.”
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It’s going strong
Stress Awareness Month has been an ongoing campaign of awareness and education since 1992.
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Because we’re all feeling it
A recent survey found that about two-thirds of U.S. workers report engaging in behavior such as drinking or crying regularly in order to deal with stress.
I know from my own life that when I was at my most stressed, I was not my best. I was often sick, and had many challenges with my mental health.
Not to mention stress can kill you!
Melinda
References:
https://nationaltoday.com/stress-awareness-month/
RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network) Day (13 April)
Eight out of 10 sexual assaults are committed by someone who knows the victim.
That’s a frightening thought and when I look at my own story I can say is true in both assaults. The digital age we live in gives sexual predators so many options to lure us into situations we don’t want. Don’t think you know someone online, you don’t.
Millions of women in the United States have experienced rape.
- As of 1998, an estimated 17.7 million American women had been victims of attempted or completed rape.5
Young women are especially at risk.
- 82% of all juvenile victims are female. 90% of adult rape victims are female.6
- Females ages 16-19 are 4 times more likely than the general population to be victims of rape, attempted rape, or sexual assault.3
- Women ages 18-24 who are college students are 3 times more likely than women in general to experience sexual violence. Females of the same age who are not enrolled in college are 4 times more likely.7
Read more statistics about campus sexual violence.
Millions of men in the United States have been victims of rape.
- As of 1998, 2.78 million men in the U.S. had been victims of attempted or completed rape.5
- About 3% of American men—or 1 in 33—have experienced an attempted or completed rape in their lifetime.5
- 1 out of every 10 rape victims are male.8
Transgender Students Are at Higher Risk for Sexual Violence
21% of TGQN (transgender, genderqueer, nonconforming) college students have been sexually assaulted, compared to 18% of non-TGQN females, and 4% of non-TGQN males.17
Sexual Violence Can Have Long-Term Effects on Victims
The likelihood that a person suffers suicidal or depressive thoughts increases after sexual violence.
- 94% of women who are raped experience symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) during the two weeks following the rape.9
- 30% of women report symptoms of PTSD 9 months after the rape.10
- 33% of women who are raped contemplate suicide.11
- 13% of women who are raped attempt suicide.11
- Approximately 70% of rape or sexual assault victims experience moderate to severe distress, a larger percentage than for any other violent crime.12
People who have been sexually assaulted are more likely to use drugs than the general public.11
- 3.4 times more likely to use marijuana
- 6 times more likely to use cocaine
- 10 times more likely to use other major drugs
Sexual violence also affects victims’ relationships with their family, friends, and co-workers.12
- 38% of victims of sexual violence experience work or school problems, which can include significant problems with a boss, coworker, or peer.
- 37% experience family/friend problems, including getting into arguments more frequently than before, not feeling able to trust their family/friends, or not feeling as close to them as before the crime.
- 84% of survivors who were victimized by an intimate partner experience professional or emotional issues, including moderate to severe distress, or increased problems at work or school.
- 79% of survivors who were victimized by a family member, close friend or acquaintance experience professional or emotional issues, including moderate to severe distress, or increased problems at work or school.
- 67% of survivors who were victimized by a stranger experience professional or emotional issues, including moderate to severe distress, or increased problems at work or school.
Victims are at risk of pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
- Studies suggest that the chance of getting pregnant from one-time, unprotected intercourse is between 3.1-5%13, depending on a multitude of factors, including the time of month intercourse occurs, whether contraceptives are used, and the age of the female. The average number of rapes and sexual assaults against females of childbearing age is approximately 250,000.1 Thus, the number of children conceived from rape each year in the United States might range from 7,750—12,500.12 This is a very general estimate, and the actual number may differ. This statistic presents information from a number of different studies. Further, this information may not take into account factors which increase or decrease the likelihood of pregnancy, including, but not limited to: impact of birth control or condom use at the time of attack or infertility. RAINN presents this data for educational purposes only, and strongly recommends using the citations to review sources for more information and detail.
I’m taking a self-defense course to give me more peace of mind. We can’t be too careful and we certainly can’t be too careful talking with our kids.
Melinda
References:
The Clearing App Provides Pain Management On Your Time
Clearing puts you in the driver’s seat when it comes to your pain with 24/7 access to the Care-Team, making healthcare available on your time. No more waiting in line, calling for an appointment, or having to wait until the doctor is available. Clearing gives you access at your fingertips backed by a highly qualified medical team of specialists.
Clearing is Recommended by America’s top pain management doctors
The Medical Advisory Board has 150+ Combined years of professional medical experience
Doctor’s Representing 10 of America’s leading hospitals
465+ Combined medical papers on chronic pain
How we work with our advisors
- They review our clinical protocols to make sure clinicians at Clearing provide top-notch, comprehensive care.
- Our advisors tune us into what’s next, from new conditions to the latest scientific breakthroughs in pain relief.
- They partner with clinicians at Clearing on best practices for everything from behavioral habits to psychological impact.
81% of Clearing patients feel substantial, noticeable relief within 5 weeks*.
*Based on aggregate patient data.
The doctors, the treatments, and the support you deserve, from the comfort of home
Here are a few types of Pain Clearing Supports
Arthritis
Fibromyalgia
Wrist Pain
Sore Ankles
Back Pain
Shoulder Pain
Feet Tingles
For a comprehensive list go to Clearing here.
It’s time to take control of your pain.
I dove in headfirst and joined Clearing to get first-hand knowledge about the App. I want to understand the process, and how Clearing works.
The Signing Up Process
I provided a medical history overview that includes a detailed description of the pain for each area of the body I highlight.
You’re asked specif questions about each area of the body including some visual exercises to see if they cause pain.
Patients are then partnered with a medical doctor as a part of their Care Team and once the medical information is reviewed, your doctor lays out your program via email from your team.
Your entire Care Team works side-by-side with you to fine-tune your plan and track your personal goals and progress.
Meet my Health coach Hadley.
I’m Hadley, a Health Coach at Clearing. I’m so excited to partner with you.
You can count on me for:
• Weekly Check-Ins
• Accountability
• Support
We’ll work through the hard times, celebrate every win, and figure it all out, together.
Others on my Care Team
Dr. Jacob Pain Doctor
Ava Care Coordinator
Upon Sign Up I received:
Home Exercise Program which is a 20-minute program designed for my target area.
1:1 Meet with Health Coach
Prescription Compound Cream
Community: Join the Clearing: The Journey to Chronic Pain Relief group!
The monthly plan includes the Medical Review, Home Exercise Program, a 1:1 meeting with Health Coach, Prescription Compound Cream, Chronic Pain Relief Group plus 24/7 access to your Care Team.
- Extras include their Highly concentrated CBD Cream and Proprietary Neutraceuticals. Find out more here.
Joining Clearing was easy, it only took a few minutes, was stress-free, and put me in touch with a Care Team as soon as I completed the process. Dr. Vydyanathan reviewed my medical information, put together my care plan and my prescription pain cream shipped the next day and arrived within a week.
My pain cream was formulated for arthritis, neuropathy, and muscle spasms. I applied the cream to my legs, it’s a nice consistency, light menthol smell and it went to work. I noticed a significant difference in the number of muscle spasms and my neuropathy did not bother me as usual.
Clearing is an opioid-free solution. The types of therapy offered can include nutraceuticals, a prescription compound cream, CBD cream, targeted exercises, and access to pain specialists who can guide you toward better pain management.
The Clearing alternative
To sum it up, we know opioids have their place, but we will not be prescribing them at Clearing. Instead, we will be doing everything we can to match you with opioid-free options for long-term relief, so that treatments are as safe and supportive as possible. Our personalized, whole-body treatment plans combine non-opioid medications, personalized exercises and stretches, and high-touch care from a team of specialized providers delivered via our telehealth platform.
If you’re ready to take the next step in your pain journey, get started now with a trial.
Melinda
Depression: How To Cope When Everything Is Going Wrong
Things going wrong in life is a normal part of the journey. They aren’t always going to pan out how you hope. However, when you have depression, it can be more challenging to process. Even minor disruptions can feel like a disaster.
Depression makes life harder. It can feel like an enormous effort just getting through the day. When something goes wrong, particularly if it is serious, then it can derail you entirely.
Unfortunately, life will throw curveballs at you from time to time. Therefore, it’s critical to know how to respond if you are living with depression. Here are some tips.
Breathe
Breathwork is something that yogis and sages have been doing for millennia, and for good reason: it really works. When you take time to do a series of deep breaths from the stomach, you’ll notice that it fundamentally changes how you feel. You go from feeling tense to a more relaxed state.
Meditation practices that focus on breathing can help people get through stressful times. When things go wrong, just lying down, closing your eyes, and doing some deep breathing can really help.
Tell Other People How You Feel
If you’ve never had depression before, it is hard to really understand the complexities of it. You have a lack of energy, fatigue, and disturbed sleep. It’s hard to just perform daily tasks.
When things go wrong, it creates anger and frustration. Because your life is so difficult already, adding more hassle makes it feel even more unbearable.
If you are struggling, tell other people how you feel. Explain what your symptoms mean and how they affect you. Get them to understand where you are coming from.
Look For Help
When things go wrong in your life, you don’t necessarily have to live with it. In many cases, you can get help.
For instance, if you get a citation, look for a traffic ticket fighter who can prevent money from draining your bank account. Or, if you have a problem with your boss, find an advocate who can make your case.
When it comes to asking for help, be kind to yourself. Let other people give you support. In many cases, it’s something that they want to give to you.
Seek Out The Positives In The Situation
Life might seem dreadfully serious all the time, but changing your perspective can help tremendously. Seeing the funny side of a situation can change how you feel in a profound way and actually lessen the suffering when things go wrong. Use bad times as a learning opportunity: a springboard for new things in your life.
Do One Thing At A Time
Lastly, if you’re feeling overwhelmed by things going wrong in your life, fix one thing at a time. Don’t attempt to do everything all at once.
Take some time to prioritize what you can actually fix first and then move down the list. Do each task one step at a time. Break it up into chunks and get other people to help.
This is a collaborative post.
Melinda
Blogger Highlight Peaceful Hearts Rise
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, Peaceful Hearts Rise
I am on a healing journey from childhood trauma, sexual abuse, and domestic violence in an intimate partner/long-term marriage.
If you are going through the same thing or know someone; I’m sorry…but…please know we have a voice, our story to tell, we will survive and we will thrive!
I hope that by sharing my story that someone out there will know he or she is not alone and that we can heal and become free as the butterfly and strong as the oak tree.
“I am here. You are here. We have a voice. Our story matters. Silent no more.”
I love her raw poetry, it moves me. Please check out her site today.
Melinda
Book Review The Packing House by G. Donald Cribbs
I want to say a special thank you to Managing Editor Soraya Nair of Trigger Publishing for sending me an advanced copy of The Packing House by G. Donald Cribbs for review.
About the Author
G. Donald Cribbs has written and published poetry and short stories since high school. Donald is a graduate of Messiah College in English and Education and has a master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling.
He is also a licensed professional counselor (LPC). He and his wife and four boys reside in central Pennsylvania where the author is hard at work on his next book, tentatively titled, UNPACKING THE PAST, the sequel to his debut novel, THE PACKING HOUSE (2022), by Cherish Editions.
Having lived and traveled abroad in England, France, Belgium, Germany, China, and Thailand (you can guess where he lived and where he visited), the author loves languages and how they connect us all. Coffee and Nutella are a close second.
Blurb
When 16-year-old Joel Scrivener has a raging nightmare in study hall and someone records it on their phone, he awakens to a living nightmare where everyone knows his secret, one that he’s suppressed for ten years. Reeling as the whole school finds out the truth, Joel takes to the woods, leaving the bullies and his broken home behind.
However, life as a runaway isn’t easy, as Joel’s hallucinations and nightmares follow him into the wilderness. To stop them once and for all, he pieces clues together with flashes of the images that play endlessly inside his head—will he figure out the identity of the person who caused his nightmare before it’s too late?
My Thoughts
“It has been said, “Time heals all wounds.” I do not agree. The wounds remain. In time, the mind, protecting its sanity, covers them with scar tissue and the pain lessens. But it is never gone.
—Rose Kennedy”
Excerpt From
The Packing House
I have to agree with Rose Kennedy, time doesn’t heal all wounds. My upbringing involved growing up in a domestic violence household with an alcoholic step-father, I was abused by both parents, and became a became drug addict as a teen. The trauma of abuse especially sexual abuse stays with you. You push it to the back and move on. Move on is a relative term and certainly applies here.
Repressed memories are traumatic and please seek therapy right away if you are dealing with repressed memories. You will need some guidance.
What is your worst nightmare? For Joel Scrivener, it comes to life right in the middle of class with a room full of students. He fell asleep and during that time had a nightmare that was a repressed memory. Some even took their phones out to film him in the nightmare screaming for someone to get off of him! Now everyone knows.
This is a story about survival, luck, and good endings.
G. Donald Cribbs is a great storyteller, he keeps it moving and yet fills in all the blanks. The Packing House is a very fast read and keeps you eager to turn the next page.
I would recommend this book to anyone but to all parents of teens for sure
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.
Melinda
Parkinson’s Awareness Week (10 – 16 April)
April is Parkinson’s Awareness Month. This year, we want everyone to take action to impact the future of Parkinson’s disease (PD). Whether that means learning how to navigate your own future with Parkinson’s or helping us create a world without PD, together we can make a difference.
HISTORY OF PARKINSON’S AWARENESS MONTH
Parkinson’s disease is a neurodegenerative disease that primarily affects dopamine-producing neurons in a certain part of the brain. It is a mobility disorder caused by a degenerative neural system dysfunction. Symptoms appear over time. At a summit in Luxembourg on April 11, 2005, the red tulip was unveiled as the global symbol of Parkinson’s disease.
Tremors, movement, and balance difficulties, limb rigidity, and delayed muscle action are all symptoms of this slowly advancing illness. While each person’s reaction to the disease differs, the consequences are frequently serious. There is no cure for this disease, and additional research is required. Although awareness, medications, and information can help those who are impacted by the condition, they are not a cure. Symptoms are used to diagnose typical cases, with motor issues being the most common complaint. Approximately 10 million people in the world have Parkinson’s.
The Parkinson’s Foundation has a weekly informative podcast. They have fitness classes for patients, as well as educational seminars. Exercise can greatly stem the symptoms of Parkinson’s. Aerobic exercise helps build new pathways in the brain to replace those that were damaged. This leads to the improvement of motor symptoms. April is Parkinson’s Disease Awareness Month because it is the birth month of James Parkinson. He was the London physician who published “An Essay on the Shaking Palsy” in 1817. He was the first physician to describe Parkinson’s disease.
My great uncle had Parkinson’s, or they didn’t have a name for it then but we’re sure it was Parkinson’s. I was about nine years old when I met him and he couldn’t feed himself and his hands shook all the time. I would feed him and rub his hands in hopes it would help the tremors.
Look at Michael J Fox, he’s done more for Parkinson’s since he was diagnosed. Michael shows us how to live and the struggle is real.
Melinda
Reference:
https://www.parkinson.org/parkinsons-awareness-month
Stream of Consciousness Saturday #SOCS Prompt is How
Our prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is: “how.” Use the word “how” in your post. Bonus points if you start your post with it. Enjoy! Thanks, Linda!
After you’ve written your Saturday post tomorrow, please link it here to this week’s prompt page and check to make sure it’s here in the comments so others can find it and see your awesome Stream of Consciousness post. Anyone can join in!
To make your post more visible, use our beautiful SoCS badge! Just paste it in your Saturday post so people browsing the reader will immediately know your post is stream of consciousness and/or pin it as a widget to your site to show you’re a participant. Wear it with pride!!
How in the world am I going to keep up with all the new plants in the garden?, as I brush the dirt off the computer. At least no replacing them next year. That is the objective.
This year we decided to turn our flower pots to all Perrinialls and I bought all new plants. Two roses, a Gardenia, two Hydrangeas, two verbenas, and I forget from there. I had to buy larger pots for a few plants. We also had to move the Peony to the east side of the house as the spot we had it in was too much sun. I look forward to its fragrant blooms.
I’ve planted two of the four Rosemary plants and planted the Gardenia this morning.
The watering has already started and it’s nowhere near summer but with new plants, you have to keep your eyes on them.
We lost all of our shrubs in the great storm of 2021 and so this year we have new scrubs, I can’t wait till they are a little larger It’s hard to see the effect I’m going for now. For the first time, we planted some bulbs that you leave in the ground, no digging up for me. They look like large purple balls. I can’t wait, they are peaking thru now.
I’m eager, just four more plants to get in the pots and I’ll be Spring ready!
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:
Have a great weekend.
Melinda
Fun Facts That Will Amaze You
The last time I did Fun Facts people raved about how informative and funny they were so I wanted to start a new weekend tradition.
At Medieval Times dinner attractions, you eat with your hands because people didn’t use utensils in the middle ages. (medievaltimes.com)
Freelancers originally referred to self-employed, sword-wielding mercenaries: literally “free lancers.” (merriam-webster.com)
We shake hands to show we’re unarmed. (bbc.co.uk)
Although no longer connected to the beer company, Guinness World Records was founded by the managing director of Guinness Brewery in the 1950s. (guinnessworldrecords.com).
Michelin stars are highly coveted by elite and upscale restaurants the world over—but they’re actually given out by the Michelin tire company, the same one whose mascot is the marshmallow-like Michelin Man. If you want to get fancy, pronounce it in the original French, “mich-LEH.” (michelin.com)
Enjoy!
Melinda
Friday Quote 4/8/2022
So glad you stopped by today, I look forward to your comments each week.
Melinda
National Youth HIV/AIDS Awareness Day (10 April)
I’m so excited to see this day recognized. When you are young you think you are invincible but the facts are you are not. IF you have unprotected sex or oral sex you can get HIV/AIDS. Please know the facts and parents please have this critical conversation with your kids.
April 10 is National Youth HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, a day to raise awareness about the impact of HIV on young people. Together, we can help young people stay healthy by encouraging HIV testing, prevention, and treatment. https://bit.ly/3L4rKhS #StopHIVTogether #NYHAAD
Youth with HIV are the least likely of any age group to be aware of their infection and have a suppressed viral load. Addressing HIV in youth requires that young people have access to the information and tools they need to make healthy decisions, know their HIV status, reduce their risk for getting HIV, and get treatment and stay in care if they have HIV. Get the latest data on HIV among youth and find out how CDC is making a difference.
CDC-INFO
CDC’s national health information hotline, providing answers to your questions regarding HIV, how to protect yourself, and where to get an HIV test.
1-800-CDC-INFO (232-4636) | 1-888-232-6348 TTY
In English, en Español, 8 am to 8 pm EST, Monday through Friday
www.cdc.gov/info
HIVinfo
A service of the United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), offers access to the latest, federally approved HIV/AIDS medical practice guidelines, HIV treatment and prevention clinical trials, and other research information for health care providers, researchers, people affected by HIV/AIDS, and the general public.
1-800-HIV-0440 (448-0440) | 1-888-480-3739 TTY
1-301-315-2816 (Outside United States)
In English, en Español, 1 pm to 4 pm ET, Monday through Friday
ContactUs@HIVinfo.NIH.gov | hivinfo.nih.gov/external icon
The Clinician Consultation Center
Clinicians’ Warmline
Provides health care providers with expert clinical advice on preventing and treating HIV.
1-800-933-3413 | 9 am to 8 pm EST, Monday through Friday
Perinatal HIV Hotline
Provides clinicians with around-the-clock advice on indications and interpretations of HIV testing in pregnancy, and consultation on antiretroviral use during pregnancy, labor and delivery, and the postpartum period.
1-888-448-8765 | 24 hours, seven days a week
PEPline
Provides expert guidance in managing health care worker exposures to HIV and hepatitis B and C. Clinicians receive immediate post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) recommendations.
1-888-448-4911 | Occupational PEP: 11 am to 8 pm EST, seven days a week | Non-occupational PEP: 9 am to 8 pm EST, Monday through Friday; 11 am to 8 pm EST, weekends and holidays
PrEPline
Provides expert guidance on considerations for providing pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) to people who don’t have HIV as part of an HIV prevention program.
1-855-448-7737 | 9 am to 8 pm EST, Monday through Friday
Substance Use Management
Peer-to-peer consultation from physicians, clinical pharmacists, and nurses with special expertise in substance use evaluation and management.
1-855-300-3595 | 9 am to 8 pm EST, Monday through Friday
There’s a ton of information out there on youth and HIV/AIDS so find some resources that work for you.
Melinda
Reference:
https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/group/age/youth/index.html
Just Pondering
Would you choose to be born into a different culture than the one you have?
Melinda
Book Review for Understanding Human Nature by Richard Brook
A special thanks to Alice Rowe at The Book Publicist for providing a copy of Understanding Human Nature, A Users Guide To Life by Richard Brook for review.
Just Pondering
If you became the leader of the country, what would be the first thing that you do?
Melinda
Sexual Assault Awareness Month
Sexual Assault Awareness Month is very important to the community and survivors. I’ve been assaulted more than once, as a child and again as an adult. I was very scared and in both cases I did nothing. Both were by people I knew and that muddies the waters in your head even when you say no.
At RAINN, we’re dedicated to supporting survivors of sexual violence every day of the year—but each April for Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month (#SAAPM) we do a little something different. During SAAPM, we ask individuals and communities across the country to engage with this issue by learning more about sexual violence, sharing information, bringing together our community, volunteering, and donating. Below we have everything you need—information, planning tips, social media posts and graphics—so you can easily share, tweet, and tag with @RAINN throughout the month. Together, we can support survivors and change the way our communities respond to sexual violence.
Bystander Intervention 101: Show You CARE
The only person responsible for committing sexual assault is a perpetrator, but all of us have the ability to look out for each other’s safety. Whether it’s giving someone a safe ride home from a party or directly confronting a person who is engaging in threatening behavior, anyone can help prevent sexual violence.
Find help and the resources you need. Call 800.656.4673
Melinda
How To Work From Home Without Direct Supervision
Working from home comes with many perks, but it also requires a massive level of independence without direct supervision. While some may consider this ‘freedom’ a blessing, it’s a nightmare for those who struggle to work independently. Being unable to work without supervision can affect your quality of work, quickly lead to trust issues between you and your superiors, cause micromanagement stress, and even cost you your job. Fortunately, you can change that. That said, here are some tips to help you work without direct supervision.
- Start believing in yourself
If you feel you can’t handle a task on your own, you’re already setting yourself up for disappointment. Take the time to figure your skills out, identify which skills you lack, find ways to learn those skills, and hone the ones you already have. Next, trust your abilities and believe that you can handle the given tasks without supervision. However, working independently does not mean you cannot ask for assistance or clarification when needed, so the next point is also important.
- Create a team system
Working remotely and independently does not mean you can’t have a team. It helps to create a team system around you, where you and your colleagues can work on independent tasks while collaborating. Either one person at a time will work independently of the team, or you can all work on solo projects while maintaining healthy communication. You’ll be surprised by how such collaboration can improve your ability to work without supervision.
And speaking about having a team, it also helps to have an assistant at home to take care of home distractions that make it difficult to focus on work. For example, you can rely on direct care services to help ease the burden of caring for a loved one or provide some personal assistant services. You can also rely on family members to help you out with some home responsibilities, so you can focus on work.
- Initiate communication with your employers
Just because your superior wants you to be able to work unsupervised does not mean they’re not interested in assisting you when you need it or communicating with you. The last thing you want to do is wait for your superior to contact you first before explaining your struggles or asking for help. Always ensure that you initiate the communication and seek guidance.
Initiating communication shouldn’t be limited to asking for assistance; you should provide regular updates to your superiors, especially if you’re working on tasks that’ll take time to complete. Your superiors will want to know your progress, so you shouldn’t wait for them to call first to provide them with the necessary information.
- Be proactive
Aside from initiating communications, be proactive in general. Think ahead and plan without waiting to receive orders. Make suggestions, and don’t hesitate to voice out issues you may have with assignments before you begin working on them. Also, it helps to learn how to work at a pace you can sustain and own up to your mistakes without making excuses.
This is a collaborative post.
Melinda
Have a Safe and Blessed Ramadan
I’ve watched many services on TV during Ramadan and it’s breathtaking. People travel for thousands of miles on foot to go to Mecca to hear prayers and to celebrate with other Muslims.
It’s a journey I would like to take one day, I’m a Christain but that doesn’t take away from the Holy prayers that are said and the awe of being there. Now that doesn’t mean that Christians are welcome, that’s just my desire.
It’s a mash-up that’s for sure. It’s civilized but with so many people, it’s overwhelming.
Have a blessed month, I hope you receive prayers and lots of love during Ramadan.
I wish you all the best on your journey to Mecca. Please be careful and soak up the sacred memories of a lifetime.
Melinda
Blogger Highlight-Frozen in the Fire
This series highlight bloggers you may not run across while searching. I know you’ll find some great blogs to follow and maybe make a few friends along the way. Keep your eye open each week for a new blogger.
Jessica Lynn at Frozen in the Fire
I am a 35 year old daughter of a King, wife, mother, daughter, sister, friend. I am a Nurse Practitioner with the privilege of caring for diverse group of people. I have a passion for God, guiding others, and making mental health as discussed as physical health. I have been frozen in the fire far to many times and have finally made my way out.
“Owning your story is not about sharing the mistakes
of others.
It is about RISING UP IN GRACE
to create the life you desire with the pain, grief,
happiness, hope and love you have experienced.”
JESSICA LYNN
I wanted to highlight Jessica’s blog because she’s real, raw, and makes mental health a priority in her conversations.
Her most recent post, Hero Heart is an open letter to her children that will warm your heart. It touched me because it made me realize how important it is for children to hear their parents’ thoughts and I never had that kind of attention growing up.
Please check out Jessica’s blog for more great posts.
Melinda
April Writing Prompts
Each month Sheryl at A Chronic Voice shares writing prompts for all with a chronic illness or disability to participate by sharing their story to help encourage others.
This month’s word prompts are:
Forgetting
Modifying
Maintaining
Vocalizing
Trusting
I’ve chosen three words, Forgetting, Modifying, and Trusting.
I’m choosing to forget all the times I couldn’t do something or go somewhere planned. It’s a burden that none should have to carry. It’s a big monkey on the shoulders that doesn’t go away unless you make an effort. When we make the decision that we are important, we learn to take care of ourselves. Part of taking care of ourselves is giving ourselves some grace. The house might not be as clean or you may have to skip an invitation with a friend or family member but you must come first in taking care of your health.
Reducing stress is taking care of ourselves, we have to plan activities, like a foot or hand mask, foot soak, meditation, and the list goes on. Remember self-care time is taking care of ourselves time.
My immune disorder has left me trapped in the house since before COVID started and it’s time to move forward in this Post Covid world. I’ve been getting my hair cut and colored, driven to a few appointments, and am going to sign up for a Self-Defense class. I have to modify my life, it’s too restrictive. If I start getting sick, then I’ll have to take stock but for now, it’s game on. I have a void in my life and it’s time to fill it.
I’m trusting that once I get active outside of the house that my health will improve, I know my mental health will improve as I work in the garden every day. I’ve ordered several very special flowers this year and bought more perennial flowers as well. My garden is my haven in the Spring and Summer and no matter how bad I feel the garden makes me feel better.
Thank you for reading and please be sure to check out Sheryl’s site, she is a wealth of knowledge and has a great archive.
Melinda
lookingforthelight.blog 