As a virus spreads in our world and takes us into uncharted waters, shutting down schools and universities, we have to learn new coping mechanisms, new ways of thinking — and new ways of learning. Teachers across the world are learning what it means to remote teach. The stress was felt globally putting together last […]
To The Teachers Of The World — This Is What Matters In The End — One Mountain at a Time
Thank you for stopping by today, times may be a bit crazy but we can pull thru anything together. We are one community and we can help others who need a hug. I’m sending my hugs to you.
Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is “deep.” Use it any way you’d like. Have fun!
I love to scuba dive, I got certified in 1987 and spent the next 15 years traveling around the world looking for great dive spots. Some of you may know, the color is best in the shallow waters because the most light comes in. However I like the deep, deep waters where the wrecks and big fish live.
The color isn’t brilliant but what you see is just as fascinating. I dove the wreck of the Rhone in the British Virgin Islands. Several of the large pillars are still standing, I was able to see a manhole and dive thru an opening in the wreck. Breathtaking and quite. So quite all you hear is your breath from the regulator.
Here is a little about the wreck.
Established in1980 | Area: 800 acres (including Dead Chest Island) The Wreck of the Rhone is the first and only Marine National Park in the British Virgin Islands. It is the most celebrated dive site in the BVI, and a major recreational attraction. The park includes examples of fringing reef habitat and seagrass beds. The wreck is that of a Royal Mail Steamer, which sunk during the hurricane of 1867 with 125 people on board. At 310 feet long and 40 feet wide, the wreck of the Royal Mail Steamer lies in two main parts in waters between 30 and 90 feet deep. Much of it is still intact and visible, including decking, parts of the rigging, the steam engine, and propeller. The marine park stretches from Lee Bay on Salt Island westward to include Dead Chest Island. The ship’s anchor broke away outside Great Harbour, Peter Island, and this site forms the second portion of the park. The park is used by several commercial dive operators daily. Other dive sites in the park include Rhone Reef, Blonde Rock, and Painted Walls. Anchoring is strictly prohibited in the area in and around the Rhone. The National Parks Trust has installed mooring buoys for use by all commercial, charter, and private vessels. If moorings are unavailable around the Rhone, vessels are required to use the Salt Island Settlement or Peter Island anchorages.
Please visit many of the great dive sites in The Virgin Islands.
Melinda
Here are the rules for SoCS:
Thank you for stopping by today, times may be a bit crazy but we can pull thru anything together. We are one community and we can help others who need a hug. I’m sending my hugs to you.
Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is “deep.” Use it any way you’d like. Have fun!
I love to scuba dive, I got certified in 1987 and spent the next 15 years traveling around the world looking for great dive spots. Some of you may know, the color is best in the shallow waters because the most light comes in. However I like the deep, deep waters where the wrecks and big fish live.
The color isn’t brilliant but what you see is just as fascinating. I dove the wreck of the Rhone in the British Virgin Islands. Several of the large pillars are still standing, I was able to see a manhole and dive thru an opening in the wreck. Breathtaking and quite. So quite all you hear is your breath from the regulator.
Here is a little about the wreck.
Established in1980 | Area: 800 acres (including Dead Chest Island) The Wreck of the Rhone is the first and only Marine National Park in the British Virgin Islands. It is the most celebrated dive site in the BVI, and a major recreational attraction. The park includes examples of fringing reef habitat and seagrass beds. The wreck is that of a Royal Mail Steamer, which sunk during the hurricane of 1867 with 125 people on board. At 310 feet long and 40 feet wide, the wreck of the Royal Mail Steamer lies in two main parts in waters between 30 and 90 feet deep. Much of it is still intact and visible, including decking, parts of the rigging, the steam engine, and propeller. The marine park stretches from Lee Bay on Salt Island westward to include Dead Chest Island. The ship’s anchor broke away outside Great Harbour, Peter Island, and this site forms the second portion of the park. The park is used by several commercial dive operators daily. Other dive sites in the park include Rhone Reef, Blonde Rock, and Painted Walls. Anchoring is strictly prohibited in the area in and around the Rhone. The National Parks Trust has installed mooring buoys for use by all commercial, charter, and private vessels. If moorings are unavailable around the Rhone, vessels are required to use the Salt Island Settlement or Peter Island anchorages.
Please visit many of the great dive sites in The Virgin Islands.
Melinda
Here are the rules for SoCS:
I appreciate you stopping by today! Please keep your distance and wash, wash, wash your hands. We’ll get thru this together. Have a great weekend! Melinda
I started sheltering in place in 2013 when I was diagnosed with Lyme Disease. I spent three years on IV Therapy seven days a week and walked only to the bathroom and back. The years after IV Therapy was just as rough.
I’ve been diagnosed with Fibromyalgia, cognitive disfunction which includes lack of balance and Dementia. Dementia is the real kicker. There are a host of other ailments I suffer from and will have more as the years pass. Lyme Diseases like many other chronic illnesses cause other complications.
I was told early on that Lyme would cause problems that seem unrelated for years to come because there is no cure and my immune system remains compromised. This past month I found her words to be true again.
I was diagnosed with Hypogammaglobulinemia last month. It’s an immune disorder of the blood. Hypogammaglobulinemia is a problem with the immune system that prevents it from making enough antibodies called immunoglobulins. Antibodies are proteins that help your body recognize and fight off foreign invaders like bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Without enough antibodies, you’re more likely to get infections. People with hypogammaglobulinemia can more easily catch pneumonia, meningitis, and other infections that a healthy immune system.
If your hypogammaglobulinemia is severe, you may get immune globulin replacement therapy to replace what your body isn’t making. You get this treatment through an IV. The immune globulin comes from the blood plasma of healthy donors.
I see a Hematologist on May 19th and look forward to what they have to say. I doubt labs will be open by then but she has my last lab work and doctor’s notes.
I quit driving years ago and have only driven a hand full of times in recent years. It’s not that I couldn’t drive but my husband came along to take notes since my memory is not what it used to be.
I’m very calm, I have a mental illness, Bipolar Disorder and my meds are working brilliantly. I met with my Psychiatrist and Therapist last month who both said I looked better than I have in years.
I’m ready for this to pass and it will pass but I’m perfectly calm and entertained indoors while my husband takes meetings in his office. The biggest problems are the four-legged kids who like to get into barking matches.
Melinda
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| April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Part of raising awareness around sexual assault is not only highlighting the work being done to bring it to an end, but also focusing on supporting the health and well-being of survivors. Especially during these weeks of uncertainty and isolation, we know that the pressure experienced by survivors of violence can significantly increase. Pain and trauma can thrive in isolation. Here are some tools—words, actions, and resources—to help guide you during these difficult times.Regularly and repeatedly check-in with yourself. Ask yourself, how is your mind and body—what emotions are you feeling? Common responses to trauma include tension, fear, anger, sadness, and maybe even feeling unsafe. Remind yourself that what you are experiencing is a common response to a traumatic event. If you are feeling in any way unsafe, reach out to a friend or a therapist to help create a safety plan. There are many medical professionals engaging in e-services — don’t let a quarantine keep you from getting the care you need. Having a good source of support can make a difference in the healing process. Know that your feelings are real, and be gentle with yourself in processing them. There are no right or wrong responses when coping with trauma. Allowing feelings to surface can make it easier to cope with them, but there are other helpful ways of addressing thoughts and feelings about a situation, such as talking, journaling, drawing, or creating art. Think about creating daily practices like exercise, relaxation, or breathing routines to help release tension and reduce stress. Resources are available. Despite quarantine orders, hotlines to provide support to survivors are continuing to operate. Make sure that you reach out for help if you need it: Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network 1 (800) 656-4673 www.rainn.orgNational Domestic Violence Hotline 1 (800) 799-7233 www.ndvh.orgNational Teen Dating Abuse Helpline 1 (866) 331-9474 www.loveisrespect.orgNational Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1 (800) 273-8255 www.suicidepreventionlifeline.orgWe hope these tools are useful as you navigate your path towards healing. Follow along on social media throughout the month of April as we share more information and resources to raise awareness about sexual assault. |
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Have a great day, I’m so glad you stopped by today. Melinda
Turns out, it’s less about “teaching” creativity to children — and more about creating a fertile environment in which their creativity will take root, grow and flourish. Researcher Mitch Resnick, director of the Lifelong Kindergarten Group at MIT, explains how we can do this.
10 tips for cultivating creativity in your kids — ideas.ted.com
Spiced Citrus Room Spray
YOU WILL NEED
2 oz. witch hazel
Glass spray bottle: 4 oz
14 drops orange essential oil
6 drops cinnamon essential oil
6 drops clove essential oil
4 drops ginger essential oil
2 oz. filter water
TO MAKE
Add the witch hazel to the spray bottle. Add the essential oils. Top it with the filtered water. Shake before each use.
You can tie a ribbon around, this would make a perfect inexpensive holiday gift.
Recipe from Willow and Sage by Stampington
Making your own essential oil is easier than you think. Gather dried herbs and oil of choice. Dried herbs are better than fresh to prevent mold.
Here are some single oils you can infuse along with their healing benefits.
Calendula Oil–Use for any skin remedies, like in lotion or facial oil.
Peppermint Oil–Wonderful for relieving aches and pains. It can be used as a massage oil or added to bath water. If you have a headache, rub a bit on your wrist and breath in the healing aroma.
Rosemary Oil–If you have hair troubles, such as poor growth, lice, or dandruff, rosemary is a great option. Add the infused oil to shampoo or use as a hair mask.
Lemon Balm Oil–Lemon balm is a natural astringent and has antibacterial properties, which are amazing for healing cold sores and other skin irritations.
To Make
Place the dried herbs in a clean 1 quart mason jar. Cover the herbs with the oil of your choice with a 1-to-2 ratio. Add enough that the herbs are completely covered by at least an inch oil. Seal the jar with an airtight lid, add either place outside or in a sunny window. Let infuse for at least four weeks. When the oil is ready, strain it through cheesecloth, making sure to strain as much oil as possible. Store the oil in same mason jar.
Although it may be difficult to sleep well with all that is going on around the world at the moment, good sleep is still possible. This article goes into one of the three things that you really need to sleep well on a regular basis.
Is Your Sleep Pressure High Enough Each Night When You Go to Bed for Sleep? — Damon Ashworth Psychology
I appreciate you stopping by today! Please keep your distance and wash, wash, wash your hands. We’ll get thru this together. Have a great weekend! Melinda
Have a great weekend. Be Safe. M
Welcome back to Weekend Music Share; the place where everyone can share their favourite music.
Feel free to use the ‘Weekend Music Share‘ banner in your post, and don’t forget to use the hashtag #WeekendMusicShare on social media so other participants can find your post.
Thank you for stopping by today, times may be a bit crazy but we can pull thru anything together. We are one community and we can help others who need a hug. I’m sending my hugs to you.
Melinda
Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is “beside you.” Write about whatever is beside you when you read this prompt. Not when you sit down to write, but whatever is beside you right now. Take note of it if you think you might forget. Enjoy!
The world is standing beside you.
The fire departments around the world are beside you.
The police and jail workers are beside you keeping the peace.
The government’s around the world are united beside you in helping each other thru these unprecedented times.
I’m beside you, right here ready to take any and all comments and requests for what you need. I can offer prayers and hugs all day long.
The television stations and media are beside you and keeping us up to date on how to best protect ourselves and loved ones.
I hope you have loved ones beside you, even the wet noise kind is a great relief.
Melinda.
Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is “.” Use it any way you’d like. Have fun!
Here are the rules for SoCS:
Thank you for stopping by today, times may be a bit crazy but we can pull thru anything together. We are one community and we can help others who need a hug. I’m sending my hugs to you.
Melinda
Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is “beside you.” Write about whatever is beside you when you read this prompt. Not when you sit down to write, but whatever is beside you right now. Take note of it if you think you might forget. Enjoy!
The world is standing beside you.
The fire departments around the world are beside you.
The police and jail workers are beside you keeping the peace.
The government’s around the world are united beside you in helping each other thru these unprecedented times.
I’m beside you, right here ready to take any and all comments and requests for what you need. I can offer prayers and hugs all day long.
The television stations and media are beside you and keeping us up to date on how to best protect ourselves and loved ones.
I hope you have loved ones beside you, even the wet noise kind is a great relief.
Melinda.
Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is “.” Use it any way you’d like. Have fun!
Here are the rules for SoCS:
“…We hope to share the stories that show kindness, compassion, hope, overcoming challenges and in general, the impressive resilience of the human spirit. For every dark, negative story out there, there is a positive, heartwarming story that will add some light and lift the human spirit.”
Belinda Witzenhausen
Goodnewsnetwork.org
By Andy Corbley – Mar 24, 2020
In a national emergency, some people’s initial thoughts are to fight over toilet paper. Others, like Good News Network reader Trina Branella, immediately want to leap to the aid of those in the front lines of the crisis.
Trina began constructing and sewing cloth masks for a project in Indiana to help teenage cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. Then, wanted to donate more masks to workers at four local chemo centers in New Jersey, spurred on by a friend of hers whose mother has cancer “and right now she’s using a bandana.”
Cloth masks are useful because they keep your hands from touching your nose and mouth (especially out in public where you don’t know if surfaces are clean). They also can contain sneezes and coughs, protecting those around you who may have vulnerable immune systems.
As Trina was running low on fabric and unable to purchase more, she asked around to see if there was anyone willing to donate to a good cause, but had no luck.
She then reached out to Good News Network on Friday, the very same dayGNN received a press release from JOANN fabric Stores announcing that the U.S. company would begin donating materials to anyone looking to sew together masks, gowns, or other essential medical equipment for healthcare workers.
After learning the JOANN Stores were launching the program on March 23, we submitted Trina’s order to the company and they said the supplies would be mailed immediately to her in Somerdale, New Jersey.
Branella was thrilled to hear about the donation program and ordered 5 yards of flannel, and a couple packets of 1/8 inch elastic.
“I just have this warm, little fuzzy going on right now,” she told GNN by phone. “I’m so happy they’re doing something. I love JOANN’s.”
RELATED: Crates of Masks Shipped to Italy Are Covered in Italian Poetry: ‘Leaves of the Same Tree’
Beyond just donated materials, JOANN is offering “Ship-to-Home” or “Curbside Pickup” options, so customers won’t need to come into the stores.
The chain includes 865 stores across 49 states (find your local store here)—but not all shops may be participating, so telephone the store first.
“The amazing thing about the crafting community is that, especially in difficult times, they are always looking for ways to help,” said Wade Miquelon, President & CEO of JOANN.
RELATED: People Are Knitting Mittens for Burnt Koalas After Australian Bushfires
All open JOANN locations will serve as collection points, too, so that people sewing in their homes can drop off any items created, which will then be distributed to medical centers to help extend their dwindling supplies.
“We are seeing hospital workers, organizations and individuals coming into our stores for supplies to make these essential items, and our customers are asking us how they can help,” Miquelon added. “So many are spending their time and money to help in this tragic situation, and we want to step in to do our part to protect the amazing people who are helping the communities we serve.”
According to a press release on JOANN’s website, entities in need of supplies should contact joannplus@joann.com.
They say they will also open their classrooms—while adhering to social distancing guidelines—to any who want to help make these essential items. Participating locations will offer sewing machines, materials and guidance to help customers safely make face masks and covers, gowns and other items to donate to America’s hospitals. They have some How-to guides here.
POPULAR: Ten More Positive Updates on the COVID Outbreaks From Around the World
“We have a generous community who can make a big difference as our healthcare system faces this crisis,” Miquelon said. “We’re here to support them, and all who make to give year round. We are all in this together.”
SHARE the Opportunity to Get Free Supplies With Your Friends on Social Media…FacebookTwitterEmailRedditMore
Want A Morning Jolt of Good News?
“We are the World” Blogfest” aims to spread the message of light, hope and love in today’s world. We are challenging all participants to share the positive side of humanity. This month’s co-hosts, Sylvia McGrath, Lizbeth Hartz, Shilpa Garg, Mary Giese, and Belinda Witzenhausen welcome participants and encourage all to join in during future months. #WATWB comes on the last Friday of every month. Click HERE for more information. You are always welcome to join in!You can find more stories of hope, light, and love on the WATWB Facebook Page. Click HERE to be part of the Light.
Willow and Sage by Stampington
This combination smells lovely and helps to soothe anxious feelings. You can keep one in your purse to have on hand throughout the day.
YOU WILL NEED
Carrier oil: fractionated coconut oil/grapeseed oil/jojoba oil
Glass roller bottle 10-ml.
6 drops lavender essential oil
6 drops orange essential oil
6 drops patchouli essential oil
4 drops frankincense essential oil
TO MAKE
Add the carrier oil to the glass roller bottle. Add essential oils to the bottle, and shake to combine.
Willow and Sage by Stampington
Great for people who suffer from chronic pain. For an additional benefit add apple cider vinegar to water when running the bath.
You Will Need
4 cups Epsom salt
1/2 cup sea salt (optional)
25-30 drops of essential oils
3/4 cup baking soda
Large Bowl
Airtight containers
To Make
Mix the Epsom salt, sea salt, essential oils, and baking soda in a large bowl. Transfer mixture to airtight containers, such as a small glass jar for gifting. You can use any desired scent in your bath salts, but first, make sure to research the type of scent of essential oil that you’ll be using to ensure it’s safe for the bath.
With the COVID-19 pandemic, we are now being told that the most helpful thing we can do is stay at home and remain physically distant from others. Unless you are in an essential profession, this could be a time to slow down. To check in with those that you care most about. To chat for longer and to connect emotionally. To reflect on your life and rediscover what really matters to you. To hope and dream and plan for a better future. And to try things that you otherwise may not have had the chance or the time to do.
Things You Can Do to Stay Mentally Healthy During Self-Isolation — Damon Ashworth Psychology
The course, taught by psychology professor Laurie Santos, focuses on understanding happiness in life
By Eric Todisco March 24, 2020 10:55 AM
Yale University has the perfect solution to keeping happiness alive amid the trying times of the coronavirus pandemic.
The Connecticut-based Ivy League college is making its widely-popular “happiness” course available online for free via Coursera.
According to Yale’s news site, the online course, titled “The Science of Well Being,” is taught by psychology professor Laurie Santos. The class features lectures from Santos on discovering what makes humans truly happy.
The course was initially started in 2018 as an in-person lecture by Santos titled “Psychology and the Good Life.” Before launching the happiness course, Santos said that she would eat daily with students and was “shocked at the kind of mental health issues” she was witnessing.
Since beginning the class, it grew in popularity, drawing in 1,000 students for enrollment and becoming one of the most popular courses at the university.
After its high demand — with nearly a quarter of Yale University students enrolling a year — it was transitioned into an online class.
RELATED: Best Apps to Stay Social and See Friends While Isolated Over Coronavirus
Now, both students and non-students can enroll in the class online and complete assignments, submit them for a grade and earn a certificate of completion. (Sign up here)
“We’re in a particularly challenging time not just for this health crisis, this physical health crisis, but also a potential mental health crisis as well,” Santos told CNN.
She also shared with the outlet that while many believe that happiness derives from things like finding a more attractive partner or buying a bigger house, it actually comes from the simpler things in life.
“What plays a much bigger role are our simple practices, simple acts like making a social connection, or taking time for gratitude, or taking time to be in the present moment,” Santos explained.
Catie Henderson, a 29-year-old from Atlanta that had studied philosophy in college, took the course last year, wanting to continue her “learning and development.”
After completing the course, Henderson said she learned a lot about the misconceptions surrounding happiness in life.
“Getting your dream job or dream spouse won’t create happiness. You have to build habits,” Henderson said. “And connecting with others is important, but getting right with yourself is equally important.”
The course, taught by psychology professor Laurie Santos, focuses on understanding happiness in life
By Eric Todisco March 24, 2020 10:55 AM
Yale University has the perfect solution to keeping happiness alive amid the trying times of the coronavirus pandemic.
The Connecticut-based Ivy League college is making its widely-popular “happiness” course available online for free via Coursera.
According to Yale’s news site, the online course, titled “The Science of Well Being,” is taught by psychology professor Laurie Santos. The class features lectures from Santos on discovering what makes humans truly happy.
The course was initially started in 2018 as an in-person lecture by Santos titled “Psychology and the Good Life.” Before launching the happiness course, Santos said that she would eat daily with students and was “shocked at the kind of mental health issues” she was witnessing.
Since beginning the class, it grew in popularity, drawing in 1,000 students for enrollment and becoming one of the most popular courses at the university.
After its high demand — with nearly a quarter of Yale University students enrolling a year — it was transitioned into an online class.
RELATED: Best Apps to Stay Social and See Friends While Isolated Over Coronavirus
Now, both students and non-students can enroll in the class online and complete assignments, submit them for a grade and earn a certificate of completion. (Sign up here)
“We’re in a particularly challenging time not just for this health crisis, this physical health crisis, but also a potential mental health crisis as well,” Santos told CNN.
She also shared with the outlet that while many believe that happiness derives from things like finding a more attractive partner or buying a bigger house, it actually comes from the simpler things in life.
“What plays a much bigger role are our simple practices, simple acts like making a social connection, or taking time for gratitude, or taking time to be in the present moment,” Santos explained.
Catie Henderson, a 29-year-old from Atlanta that had studied philosophy in college, took the course last year, wanting to continue her “learning and development.”
After completing the course, Henderson said she learned a lot about the misconceptions surrounding happiness in life.
“Getting your dream job or dream spouse won’t create happiness. You have to build habits,” Henderson said. “And connecting with others is important, but getting right with yourself is equally important.”
You will need:
YIELDS 12 oz.
1 cup fine sea salt
1/2 cup grapeseed oil
Bowl
15-20 drops citrus essential oils
Jar
To Make:
Mix together the sea salt and the grapeseed oil in a bowl or jar. Add essential oils, and mix well. Transfer to a jar for storing or gifting. As you use the scrub, the oil and salt may separate: give a quick stir before using it. To use, gently massage a bit of the salt scrub onto wet skin using a circular motion. Rinse with warm water.
Notes:
Citrus essential oils can cause possible skin sensitivity, particularly in sunlight.
If you’re pregnant or taking prescription medications, please consult your physician before using essential oils.
Earlier in the month I was diagnosed with persistent Hypocalcemia. The lack of calcium can cause many problems but the most troubling to me at this time is more Osteoporosis which I already have in my hip and heart complications, which I already have several heart issues.
Like everyone my appointment was pushed out and we wait out the social distancing to get back to normal. I’m lucky that I don’t have the worst symptoms yet.
Hypocalcemia (Calcium Deficiency Disease)
Calcium is a vital mineral. Your body uses it to build strong bones and teeth. Calcium is also needed for your heart and other muscles to function properly. When you don’t get enough calcium, you increase your risk of developing disorders like:
Children who don’t get enough calcium may not grow to their full potential height as adults.
You should consume the recommended amount of calcium per day through the food you eat, supplements, or vitamins.
Many people are at an increased risk for calcium deficiency as they age. This deficiency may be due to a variety of factors, including:
It’s important to ensure proper calcium intake at all ages.
For children and teenagers, the recommended daily allowances for calcium are the same for both sexes. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the daily allowances are:
According to the U.S. government’s dietary guidelinesTrusted Source, calcium requirements for adults are:
Women need to increase their calcium intake earlier in life than men, starting in middle age. Meeting the necessary calcium requirement is particularly important as a woman approaches menopause.
The hormone disorder hypoparathyroidism may also cause calcium deficiency disease. People with this condition don’t produce enough parathyroid hormone, which controls calcium levels in the blood.
During menopause, women should also increase their calcium intake to reduce the risk of osteoporosis and calcium deficiency disease. The decline in the hormone estrogen during menopause causes a woman’s bones to thin faster.
Other causes of hypocalcemia include malnutrition and malabsorption. Malnutrition is when you’re not getting enough nutrients, while malabsorption is when your body can’t absorb the vitamins and minerals you need from the food you eat. Additional causes include:
If you miss your daily dose of calcium, you won’t become calcium deficient overnight. But it’s still important to make an effort to get enough calcium every day, since the body uses it quickly. Vegans are more likely to become calcium deficient quickly because they don’t eat calcium-rich dairy products.
Calcium deficiency won’t produce short-term symptoms because the body maintains calcium levels by taking it directly from the bones. But long-term low levels of calcium can have serious effects.
Early stage calcium deficiency may not cause any symptoms. However, symptoms will develop as the condition progresses.
Severe symptoms of hypocalcemia include:
Calcium deficiencies can affect all parts of the body, resulting in weak nails, slower hair growth, and fragile, thin skin.
Calcium also plays an important role in both neurotransmitter release and muscle contractions. So, calcium deficiencies can bring on seizures in otherwise healthy people.
If you start experiencing neurological symptoms like memory loss, numbness and tingling, hallucinations, or seizures, make an appointment to see your doctor as soon as possible.
Contact your doctor if you have symptoms of calcium deficiency disease. They’ll review your medical history and ask you about family history of calcium deficiency and osteoporosis.
If your doctor suspects calcium deficiency, they’ll take a blood sample to check your blood calcium level. Your doctor will measure your total calcium level, your albumin level, and your ionized or “free” calcium level. Albumin is a protein that binds to calcium and transports it through the blood. Sustained low calcium levels in your blood may confirm a diagnosis of calcium deficiency disease.
Normal calcium levels for adults can range from 8.8 to 10.4 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL), according to the Merck Manual. You may be at risk for calcium deficiency disease if your calcium level is below 8.8 mg/dL. Children and teens typically have higher blood calcium levels than adults.
Calcium deficiency is usually easy to treat. It typically involves adding more calcium to your diet.
Do not self-treat by taking a lot of calcium supplements. Taking more than the recommended dose without your doctor’s approval can lead to serious issues like kidney stones.
Commonly recommended calcium supplements include:
Calcium supplements are available in liquid, tablet, and chewable forms.
It’s important to note that some medications could interact negatively with calcium supplements. These medications include:
Sometimes diet changes and supplements aren’t enough to treat a calcium deficiency. In this case, your doctor may want to regulate your calcium levels by giving you regular calcium injections.
You can expect to see results within the first few weeks of treatment. Severe cases of calcium deficiency disease will be monitored at one- to three-month intervals.
Complications from calcium deficiency disease include eye damage, an abnormal heartbeat, and osteoporosis.
Complications from osteoporosis include:
If left untreated, calcium deficiency disease could eventually be fatal.
You can prevent calcium deficiency disease by including calcium in your diet every day.
Be aware that foods high in calcium, such as dairy products, can also be high in saturated fat and trans fat. Choose low-fat or fat-free options to reduce your risk of developing high cholesterol and heart disease.
You can get 1/4 to 1/3 of your RDA of calcium in a single serving of some milks and yogurts. According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)Trusted Source, other calcium-rich foods include:
While meeting your calcium requirement is very important, you also want to make sure you’re not getting too much. According to the Mayo Clinic, upper limits of calcium intake in milligrams (mg) for adults are:
You might want to supplement your diet by taking a multivitamin. Or your doctor may recommend supplements if you’re at high risk for developing a calcium deficiency.
Multivitamins may not contain all of the calcium you need, so be sure to eat a well-rounded diet. If you’re pregnant, take a prenatal vitamin.
Vitamin D is important because it increases the rate calcium is absorbed into your blood. Ask your doctor how much vitamin D you need.
To increase your calcium intake, you can add food rich in vitamin D to your diet. These include:
As with calcium-rich dairy products, some vitamin D-rich dairy products can also be high in saturated fat.
Sunlight triggers your body to make vitamin D, so getting regular exposure to the sun can also help boost your vitamin D levels.
Melinda
Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is “welcome.” Use it any way you’d like. Have fun!
I welcome the wet noise of my two loving dogs on this gloomy Saturday.
I welcome the rain for making the ground so moist and easy to pull weeds this morning.
Welcome are the bulbs planted that are popping their heads up in the dirt.
Welcome is the day, I’m alive, well physically and mentally.
Welcome is the love of my husband who always knows what I need before I do.
Welcome is you stopping by today and reading this post. I hope your day is filled with sunshine, even if it’s self-made.
Melinda
Here are the rules for SoCS:
Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is “welcome.” Use it any way you’d like. Have fun!
I welcome the wet noise of my two loving dogs on this gloomy Saturday.
I welcome the rain for making the ground so moist and easy to pull weeds this morning.
Welcome are the bulbs planted that are popping their heads up in the dirt.
Welcome is the day, I’m alive, well physically and mentally.
Welcome is the love of my husband who always knows what I need before I do.
Welcome is you stopping by today and reading this post. I hope your day is filled with sunshine, even if it’s self-made.
Melinda
Here are the rules for SoCS:
Kenny Rogers brought so many great songs which created many good memories for me. He will be missed. M
I appreciate you and so glad to be a part of your day. Melinda
I appreciate you stopping by today! I never take you for granted. Please keep your distance and wash, wash, wash your hands. We’ll get thru this together. Have a great weekend! Melinda
Free, Simple Sensory Home Learning Activities There are many options for home learning packs and ideas for children who can access worksheets and online teaching resources. Sensory learners need sensory learning ideas. Preferably simple and free ones. This list of 150 (ish) ideas should give you some ideas to try at home, EYFS settings and […]
150 Sensory Learning Ideas — Special Education and Inclusive Learning
I set up my FaceBook account yesterday and my skills are at the most basic level. I went to the FAQ’s on WordPress and could not get connected. I have no doubt it’s user error.
Since we’re social distancing, maybe some of you more advanced people can provide a more basic way for my to publish my blog on the FaceBook page.
I appreciate you, please keep your distance, see about neighbor, stay aware of your mental health by getting outdoors for fresh are and speaking to family and friends. For me not much has changed, I don’t get out much anyway. The extra measures are with my husband as he buys groceries, making sure he uses Clorox wipes in the truck and we wash our hands after touching the groceries. Yesterday I wiped down my Starbucks cup with a Clorox wipe, that felt strange but I had to get out of the house.
Take care of yourself, this too shall pass. Not soon enough but we want as few deaths as possible. Be sure to check on your elderly neighbors and family, you can always wear a mask, gloves and leave groceries at door. I saw my neighbors daughter bringing him groceries this morning.
Sending big hugs to each of you now more than ever!!!!!!!
Melinda
Looking for the Light 