tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6391320275709422012024-02-20T09:09:50.181-06:00Coaching 4 Health & WellnessYour one-stop Blog for Health & Well-being!
Ever need some inspiration to keep going? Ever try to get healthy or feel better but just don't know how?
I've got some things that just might help.
I'll post articles, links, thoughts and answer ANY questions. We can cover a wide variety of topics: health, nutrition, weight, parenting, mood.
Let me know how I can help!Andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17621096850297601600noreply@blogger.comBlogger88125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-639132027570942201.post-28140004330985885562010-05-26T06:34:00.000-05:002010-05-26T06:34:00.255-05:00Diabetes and Diet<br>Controlling diabetes does not mean that you are advised to starve. You have specific foods to eat and specific food to avoid so that your blood sugar level is maintained. You can go ahead with your food habits, but your position is like that of a horse. Gallop forward, but well controlled by the jeans.<br /><br />You will be put on restrictions with regard to certain types of foods, but you will begin to taste some of the items, which you have not hitherto been fortunate enough to taste. This change in food pattern will be for the better, diabetes or no diabetes.<br /><br />When you study the recipes for diabetes, you will realize the importance of diet in your life. Hitherto, what you have been doing? Dump into the stomach anything that appeals to your eyes, anytime. Since you need to control your diabetes, don't be emotional in your food habits. Be factual and realistic.<br /><br />For treating diabetes, you can not say with certainty that this one is good for you and that one is not good for you. It is a trial and error method. You will have to view the food from its medicinal content point of view.<br /><br />As a rule, you know that when you are out to control diabetes, you avoid heavy meals, instead you take food in small quantities, several times in a day. Several times, does not mean that you go on eating at the interval of every two hours.<br /><br />It is better if you draw a time table for your eating, and what you should take for the breakfast, lunch and dinner. This disciplined approach to the food itself would be part of the recovery process.<br />Diabetes is not a time bound disease as such; it's all about controlling. Diabetes is such a widespread malady that in every County, there exists a diabetic association which will give you the latest about this disease.<br /><br />The underlying point about any system or procedure that you follow with regard to the intake of food, is that you need to control the insulin level within your body.<br />So, your emphasis should be on citrus fruits and fruits and vegetables in which the fiber content is more. Some foods release the insulin in to the blood slowly. This is Nature's way to control the sugar level within your body.<br /><br />There is an ancient, trusted method to make your food items tasty and good from the point of view of controlling the diabetes. Along with every meal, take some fresh curry leaves. This item, taken regularly over a period of 6 months, has the capacity to cure even the hereditary diabetes. <br /><br /><hr size="2" Color="#FF9900"><br /><center><a href="http://www.anrdoezrs.net/27103biroiq59AF97AC576CF9BE8" target="_blank" onmouseover="window.status='http://www.qualityhealth.com';return true;" onmouseout="window.status=' ';return true;"><br /><img src="http://www.tqlkg.com/tj82g04tzxIMNSMKNPIKJPSMORL" alt="Diabetes Friendly Free Recipes" border="0"/></a></center>Andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17621096850297601600noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-639132027570942201.post-71357365763384237092010-05-24T06:46:00.000-05:002010-05-24T06:46:00.215-05:00I'm Blue, Soooo Blue (Depression, part 4)Depression is certainly treatable. There is definitely hope! One of the main things for depression treatment is for you to decide that you want treatment. Often this one step goes a long way to alleviating depressive symptoms.<br /><br />As psychotherapists will tell you, sometimes it is a mystery to them, why they have so many people who only come in for one appointment. When following up with those clients, the therapists discover that they are notably happier and less depressed. It seems that just the fact of "doing something" to get better is in fact a step toward getting better. However, this is NOT the standard treatment. Everyone reacts differently. They point is that saying to yourself, "I need to take care of myself. I need to get some help" is a HUGE step forward. Following through is the next best thing.<br /><br />The most common treatment for depression, particularly mild to moderate depression, is a combination of medication and psychotherapy. Listed below are some common medication types, as well as common psychotherapies.<br /><br /><a class="style44 style42" href="http://www.webmd.com/depression/medication-options"><span style="font-size:130%;">Medication Treatment for Depression -</span> </a><br /><br />Antidepressant medications are often the first treatment option prescribed by health professionals. Antidepressants relieve the symptoms of depression, which makes it easier to face your problems and take appropriate action<br /><br /><strong>Tricyclic drugs</strong> - tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) are a commonly used class of antidepressant drugs. They prevent neurotransmitters such as norepinephrine and serotonin from being absorbed back into the nerves of the brain, thereby making these important neurotransmitters more available for the brain to use. The more norepinephrine and serotonin available to the brain, the less likely symptoms of depression will occur. Some common prescription names of TCAs: Elavil, Pamelor, Sinequan.<br /><br /><strong>MAOI (Monoamine oxidase inhibitors)</strong> - monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors block the enzymes depelete the brain of norepinephrine and serotonin. However, they're commonly prescribed for patients with atypical depression (for example, depression marked by an increased appetite and need for sleep, rather than anorexia and insomnia) and for some patients who fail to respond to TCAs. MAO inhibitors are associated with serious side effects so people treated with one of these drugs must be able to comply with the necessary dietary restrictions to prevent toxicity or overdose. Some common MOAIs: Parnate, Nardil, Marplan.<br /><br /><strong>SSRIs antidepressant medication (Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors)</strong> - SSRIs are one of the drugs of choice for treating depression. They're effective and produce fewer adverse effects than TCAs. They work by targeting specifically serotonin levels in the brain. Even so, they're associated with sleep and stomach problems and alterations in sexual desire and function. Some common drugs in this class: fluoxetine (Prozac), paroxetine (Paxil), and sertraline (Zoloft)<br /><br /><strong>Serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)</strong> are another newer form of antidepressant medicine. They treat depression by increasing availability of the brain chemicals serotonin and norepinephrine. Medications in this class are Duloxetine (Cymbalta)<br />Venlafaxine (Effexor, Effexor XR), Desvenlafaxine (Pristiq)<br /><br /><strong>Other Antidepressant medications</strong> - drugs like maprotiline, trazodone (Desyrel), and bupropion (Wellbutrin) aren't chemically related to the other antidepressants listed above but they can be effective in treating depression by blocking the reuptake of norepinephrine, serotonin, dopamine and epinephrine. However, the reason they aren't used as commonly as the other compounds is because of increased adverse effects.<br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">Depression Therapies</span><br /><br />Psychotherapy or Talk Therapy for Depression<br /><br />Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT)<br /><br />Depression Light Therapy<br />Light therapy (phototherapy) is exposure to light that is brighter than indoor light but not as bright as direct sunlight. It may help with depression and may help reset your "biological clock" which controls sleeping and waking cycles. Typically, you sit in front of a high-intensity fluorescent lamp for 30 minutes to 2 hours each morning. The main use is in Seaonal Affective Disorder (SAD), which is a type of depression related to shorter days and reduced sunlight exposure during the fall and winter months. Most people with SAD feel better after they use light therapy. This may be because the light therapy replaces the lost sunlight exposure.<br /><br /><br />Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS Therapy)<br />VNS involves electrical stimulation of the vagus nerve in the neck that goes up into the lower part of the brain. Research suggests that approximately one-third of patients with severe depression which has failed treatment with four or more medications may respond to VNS. VNS involves surgical implantation of a small electronic stimulator under the collar bone. An electric lead is then attached to the vagus nerve. The stimulator “fires” small electrical impulses to the nerve on a regular cycle 24 hours a day. Some patients can take as long as nine to twelve months before responding to this treatment.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.depression-guide.com/rtms.htm">rTMS</a><br /><a href="http://www.depression-guide.com/transcranial-magnetic-stimulation.htm">Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation</a><br /><a href="http://www.depression-guide.com/herbal-remedy-for-depression.htm">Herbal treatment for Depression</a> - The herbal treatment of depression had fewer <a class="kLink" oncontextmenu="return false;" id="KonaLink8" onmouseover="adlinkMouseOver(event,this,8);" style="POSITION: static; TEXT-DECORATION: underline! important" onclick="adlinkMouseClick(event,this,8);" onmouseout="adlinkMouseOut(event,this,8);" href="http://www.depression-guide.com/treatment-of-depression.htm#" target="_top">side effects</a> and as the researchers concluded, it showed promise for the long-term treatment of mild to moderate depression.<br /><br /><br />St. John Wort (Hypericum perforatum)<br /><br />Hyperforin<br /><br />5HTP (5-hydroxytryptophan)<br /><br />Ginkgo Biloba<br /><br />Natural treatment for Depression - Aa variety of natural treatment of depression can be used to help alleviate depression including exercise, yoga, meditation, etc.<br /><br />Exercise or Yoga<br /><br />Meditation<br /><br /><br />Alternative treatment for Depression - There are many alternative treatments available for depression. Each of these alternative treatment of depression addresses human suffering in different ways, but generally they seek to re-establish a balance or harmony within the body and in the lifestyle of the person being treated.<br /><br />Aromatherapy<br /><br />Vitamins<br /><br />Diet<br /><br /><a href="http://www.depression-guide.com/depression-self-help.htm">Depression Treatment through Self Help</a>- I found that the best way to cope with such intense discomfort was to live my life one day at a time.<br /><br />Of course, you should understand that some of these treatments are controversial and may or may not have research backing the effectiveness or safety of the treatments. ALWAYS, ALWAYS, ALWAYS check with your physician before trying any new treatment or procedure.<br /><br /><br /><hr color="#FF9900" size="2"><br /><center><a onmouseover="window.status='http://www.qualityhealth.com';return true;" onmouseout="window.status=' ';return true;" href="http://www.dpbolvw.net/5f108shqnhp489E869B465868ABA" target="_blank"><br /><img alt="Free Samples and Coupons for Brand Name Products" src="http://www.lduhtrp.net/8066m-3sywHLMRLJMOHJILJLNON" border="0" /></a></center>Andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17621096850297601600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-639132027570942201.post-66034199901815223222010-05-19T06:02:00.000-05:002010-05-19T06:02:00.409-05:00I'm Blue, Soooo Blue (Depression, part 3)Remember, everyone gets depressed at some time, but not everyone gets <em>depression</em>. Depression comes in many forms. Yesterday we talked about degrees of reactions to change. The same occurs in all symptoms of depression. The sympoms tend to run on a continuum: eating too much to not eating at all, or somewhere inbetween.<br /><br />The Diagnositic and Statiscitcal Manual (DSM-IV-TR), which is the "bible" of diagnostic symptoms for mental health professionals, lists the symptoms of depression. According to the different levels, intensities, and symptoms, there are over 200 different combinations for depression.<br /><br />The symptoms of major depression can be divided into three categories:<br /><br /><br /><ol><li><br />Disturbances of <span style="color:#ff0000;">emotion</span> and <span style="color:#ff0000;">mood</span>. </li><li><br />Changes in the "housekeeping" functions of the brain - those that regulate <span style="color:#990000;">sleep</span>, <span style="color:#990000;">appetite</span>, <span style="color:#990000;">energy</span> and<span style="color:#990000;"> sexual function</span>. </li><li><br />Disturbances of <span style="color:#660000;">thinking</span> and <span style="color:#660000;">concentration</span>. </li></ol><br />Some of the most <span style="color:#ff9966;">common</span> symptoms of clinical depression include:<br /><br /><br /><ul><li>loss of interest or pleasure in ordinary pleasurable activities, including sex.</li><li>chronically sad or empty mood. </li><li>irritability or excessive crying.</li><li>social withdrawal or isolation.</li><li>changes in energy levels, fatigue, feeling slowed down, slowed movements.</li><li>agitated actions (pacing, hand-wringing, etc.)</li><li>sleep disturbances (insomnia, early morning waking, or sleeping too much).</li><li>changes in eating habits (loss of appetite, significant weight loss or weight gain). </li><li>difficulty with focus or concentration, impaired memory, difficulty in making decisions.</li><li>feelings of guilt, worthlessness or helplessness. </li><li>feelings of hopelessness and despair.</li><li>increase in addictive behavior. </li><li>thoughts and/or talk of death and suicide. </li><li>suicide attempts.</li><li>chronic aches and pains that don't respond to treatment.</li></ul><br />If some of these seem to apply to you, then think about them in terms of these three words - number, duration and intensity.<br /><br />1) <strong><span style="color:#cc9933;">Number.</span></strong> The symptoms of depression are "additive" - that is, the greater the number of symptoms you have, the more likely you are to be clinically depressed. According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM IV), five or more of these symptoms should be present for a person or someone close to that person to consider him or herself "clinically depressed."<br /><br />2) <span style="color:#cc9933;"><strong>Duration.</strong></span> The longer you have been down in the dumps, the more likely it is that you are clinically depressed. According to the DSM IV, the five or more symptoms must exist for at least two weeks for a diagnosis of major depression to be made.<br /><br />3) <strong><span style="color:#cc9933;">Intensity.</span></strong> Many of us can feel emotional pain and still cope with our daily existence. Some experiences of depression are within the normal course of living. The pain of major depression can be so great, however, that its intensity (along with the number and duration of symptoms) can significantly impair one's ability to cope.<br /><br />If you feel like you are clinically depressed, GREAT! You know what you can do, talk to your primary physician or make an appointment with a mental health professional (psychiatrist, counselor, psychologist) to get started on a treatment plan. You can also go to one of these sites to assess your level of depression and share this information with your physician or MHP:<br /><a href="http://healthnet.umassmed.edu/mhealth/ZungSelfRatedDepressionScale.pdf">Zung Self Rated Depression Scale</a><br /><a href="http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/depression/MH00103_D">Mayo Clinic Depression Screening</a><br /><a href="http://psychcentral.com/depquiz.htm">Psych Central Depression Quiz</a><br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><em>Keep in mind these are SCREENING tools only and NOT a substitution for a thorough examination by your physician and/or MHP.</em><br /></span><br /><br />Remember, there is <span style="color:#cc33cc;"><strong>HELP</strong></span> and there is <span style="color:#cc33cc;"><strong>HOPE</strong></span>!<br /><br /><br />Next up: Treatment options.Andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17621096850297601600noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-639132027570942201.post-25552628170781111732010-05-17T07:42:00.000-05:002010-05-17T07:42:00.333-05:00I'm Blue, Soooo Blue (Depression, part 2)So what causes depression? There are many factors that lead to depession. Often, more than one, and usually a combination of many factors combine to lead to depression.<br /><br />Simply put, when one of the following factors occurs, it changes our brain chemistry in some way. Of course, the factors themselves can vary in intensity; so a job change can vary from moving to a new cube, getting a new boss, being transferred to new department, being transferred to a new city, getting a demotion, getting fired, getting arrested for imbezzlement, etc. So when you say job change, that can mean many different things.<br /><br />Add to that, the way we react to that change. For some people, getting a new boss is a huge deal, others, its no biggie. It doesnt meant the former person is weaker or inferior than the latter, it just means that the person reacted differently.<br /><br />So, a job change occurs and our brain chemistry changes somewhat depending upon the type of change and our reaction to it. If multiple things happen our chemistry can change to the point where we are getting low in them which is a common cause of depression.<br /><br />Let's look at some of these factors:<br /><br />Genetics and biology.<br />Like other medical conditions, for example heart disease, cholesterol, and cancer, depression tends to run in families. People can be born with a certain predisposition to depression or have lower levels of chemical neurotransmitters to begin with.<br /><br />Childhood trauma and other psychological factors.<br />As we discussed, changes in our psychology (reactions to trauma, personal loss, rejection) can also alter the biochemistry of the brain and nervous system - sometimes permanently. How we adjust to traumas, or how we are taught to adjust, can have a huge impact on the likelihood of develping clinical depression.<br /><br />Environmental factors.<br />Poor nutrition, hormonal imbalances, toxins in the environment, brain injuries, stress, substance abuse, and can lead to depressive states. Good nutrition, decreasing stress, healthy lifestyles are keys to minimizing depressive symptoms. Alcohol depresses the nervous system, thus drinking too much, too often can lead to depressive states. Thus, moderation in drinking alcohol is essential.<br /><br />Prescription medications<br />Many people do not realize that many common prescription drugs have side effects that can induce depression. These include cardiac drugs and hypertensives, sedatives, steroids, stimulants, antibiotics, antifungal drugs and analgesics.<br /><br />Sociological factors.<br />Many changes in modern society, such as the breakdown of traditional communities (people don't stay in one spot for very long any more), the dissolution of extended families (with mobility in the world, often families are spread throughout the country or world), the widening gap between rich and poor, and our increased isolation due to technology (we text/email people instead of calling or visiting), may play a part in the rising rates of depression worldwide.<br /><br />Spiritual crises.<br />People can suffer from an existential depression when life loses its meaning and purpose. Any significant transition, especially a change of roles in family or work, can trigger this crisis in meaning. Connection to a "Higher Power"has been shown to increase mood and levels of neurochemicals.<br /><br />Next, we'll look at symptoms of clinical depression...<br /><hr color="#FF9900 size="2"><br /><br /><a href="http://www.dpbolvw.net/81103iqzwqyDHINHFIKDFEIILKNG" target="_blank" status="http://www.qualityhealth.com"><br /><img alt="" src="http://www.lduhtrp.net/sk82wquiom7BCHB9CE798CCFEHA" border="0" /></a>Andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17621096850297601600noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-639132027570942201.post-14143891760758527422010-05-12T06:14:00.000-05:002010-05-12T06:14:00.461-05:00I'm Blue, Soooo BlueDepression is a word we hear bandied about often. People say "I'm so depressed", but are they really? What's the difference between "the blues", "feeling down", being depressed, and having depression?<br /><br />I'm glad you asked.<br /><br />Starting next week, we'll look at depression and depressive disorders and hopefully answer a few of those questions as well as talk about what you can do if you feel like you have depression.<br /><br />If you feel like you are going to harm yourself, harm others, or are concerned about people being aggressive toward you, please go to you local emergency room or call 911 for assistance.Andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17621096850297601600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-639132027570942201.post-69487735838804663502010-05-10T06:19:00.000-05:002010-05-10T06:19:00.109-05:00Fight or FlightA friend of mine, who is a medical professional, is in a dilemma. She discovered a practice that many of her coworkers were doing, with the blessing of some supervisors, was bordering on illegal. A misdemeanor, but still legally damaging to the medical licenses and certainly a potential liability for the company. None of it was done maliciously, there was just misunderstanding of how situations should be reported. Some people thought one way, others a different way. One way was correct, one was not.<br /><br />My friend certainly didn't see herself as a whistle blower, she simply (or so she thought) brought the situation to the supervisor on duty. This supervisor was one who thought incorrectly about the policy. My friend suggested that the supervisors "get on the same page", so that practitioners, like herself, could be consistent in applying the practice and be in compliance with the law.<br /><br />The situation my friend was discussing with the supervisor had many dimensions to it, so it ended up being a bigger deal than expected. However, something unexpected happened. My friend's supervisor had a sit down with her and told her she should "watch how you interact" with other people and you shouldn't "tell the supervisors they need to get their act together". Her supervisor went so far as to hint that if she were wanting to advance in the company, she would need the backing of said supervisors, they have great influence with the hiring manager, so she needs to be aware of "your impact on others".<br /><br />She felt this to be a veiled threat...shape up, go along with us...if you don't behave, we will not promote you (or discourage your advancement)....even when potential illegal activity occurs.<br /><br />So what to do? Fight the system? The practice she brought to light is being changed to comply with the law, so that's good. Does she have anything to apologize for? Should she confront her supervisor about the veiled threat. What she seems most concerned about is that her supervisor is generally very good and this seems out of character for her.<br /><br />Does she "comply" and mold to their expectations in order to advance within the company or does she stand up and say this is wrong. In whistle blower situations this is what happens...the whistle blowers are told to keep quiet, don't make a stir, just go along with the wrong situation. Brave people who stand up to the corporations at times have saved lives and have actually saved the company money in potential lawsuits, yet, they are threatened with loss of job, loss of advancement, or worse.<br /><br />There comes a point where you have to say, "this is wrong" and let the chips land where the may. Its wrong to implement this practice illegally, it is wrong to threaten someone with loss of advancement if he/she doesn't tone it down.<br /><br />How do you respond?Andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17621096850297601600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-639132027570942201.post-89953944065782150572010-05-05T05:55:00.001-05:002010-05-05T05:55:00.566-05:00Healing ForgivenessI have a scar on the thumb of my left hand. It is a small triangular white patch of scar tissue just at the beginning of my knuckle. I can still remember getting how I got the wound. I was probably 5 or 6 and I had gotten up one night for midnight snack. My snacks were usually carrots. So there I was, late at night, peeling a carrot over the trash can. I sliced into my thumb fairly deep, such that it took quite some time for most of the bleeding to stop, then, since it was near the knuckle, kept getting opened up again. Every once in awhile the scar hurts and it reminds me of the wound.<br /><br />I've been a big fan of the Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions of Alcoholic Anonymous (AA) for many years. I've never attended an AA meeting, but having worked with people with serious addictions (to many different things, not just alcohol), I've picked up some of the wisdom the Twelve Steps offer. <br /><br />One of the most powerful and often most difficult is Step 9, known as making amends. This step is often implemented after a long process of healing self, self-awareness, and understanding of the wrongs the have occurred due to the addictions. Making amends is more than saying "I'm sorry". Anyone can say that. Most people say it as an automatic reaction, but do they feel sorrowful for their actions? In most cases not, it is a polite statement given in such situations.<br /><br />Amending means changing. Think of the great efforts we must take to amend the Constitution of the United States. Think of what that means to amend the Constitution. We are literally changing the way we govern our life, liberty and pursuit of happiness. Thus, the framers of the Constitution made it very difficult, considered it such a serious task, that it requires two-thirds approval of either the Senate or House just to propose an amendment, and the 75% of the States (legislatures) have approve it. Amending is a huge task.<br /><br />Such is the same with Step 9. By following through with this step, you are actually changing a relationship. In most, but not all, you are repairing the brokenness that the addiction caused. The pain of the brokenness is replaced by the pain of healing. It does not have to be the other person, the person you hurt, who changes. The act of amending changes you. Thus, since you are no longer the same person you were at the beginning of the relationship, the relationship must change. How it changes depends on you and the other person. There are times where all you can do is amend and move on, mourning the loss of that relationship; other times you dance with joy in healing tunes. <br /><br />My scar on my left thumb is a bold reminder of the wound. It is not the same wound I had when I was young. My skin amended and changed...but left me wiser for the relationship.Andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17621096850297601600noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-639132027570942201.post-41248363442543906762010-05-03T07:14:00.000-05:002010-05-03T07:14:00.227-05:00Cashew Your Way to Health<h1 align="center">Diet To Lower Triglycerides</h1><br />A high triglyceride level has been shown to increase the risk of stroke and heart attack by as much as 60% even if the Cholesterol level is normal. Simple changes in the diet may help with high triglyceride levels. This article discusses several ways to use the diet to lower triglycerides.<br /><br /><br />Triglycerides are naturally occurring fats that come from both dietary intake and are manufactured within the body. When present in high levels in the bloodstream, they are blood vessel clogging fats. Triglycerides are considered to be largely responsible for diseases such as atherosclerosis, arteriosclerosis, and venous and arterial occlusion in areas such as the lower legs, heart and brain. While medications to lower triglycerides are available, they have considerable side effects and most experts agree that controlling the diet is the best place to start when attempting to lower triglyceride levels. Many people are successful in lowering triglycerides to normal healthy levels simply through a healthy diet.<br /><br /><br />The first step to improving the diet in a person with high triglycerides might be to avoid refined carbohydrates. Refined carbohydrates such as white sugar, corn syrup, white flour and foods containing large amounts of these products are a major contributor to high triglyceride levels. Many think that fat content in the diet is the most important factor in reducing triglyceride levels but experts agree that the biggest problem is refined sugar and other simple carbohydrates. Instead of eating processed white flour, one should consume more whole grain products, fibrous foods and other carbohydrates with a low glycemic index such as vegetables, fruits and nuts. Total carbohydrate consumption should be approximately 50% of the total caloric intake.<br /><br /><br />The second step in controlling the triglyceride levels through diet might be to limit fat consumption to no more than 20 to 30% of the total caloric intake. These calories should be composed of healthy oils such as olive oil, canola oil, safflower oil and peanut oil along with eating foods high in unsaturated fats such as avocados and nuts. In addition, omega 3 fatty acids are present in large amounts in oily fish and have been proven to aid cardiac health. Fish is a healthy substitute for other meats with saturated fat such as beef and pork. Eating fish on a regular basis has been proven to lower cholesterol and triglycerides and to improve cardiac health by as much as 40%.<br /><br /><br />Losing weight by reducing total calorie consumption and exercising is also important step for reducing health risks of high triglyceride levels in overweight individuals. Obesity is a common contributor to type II diabetes which is known to increase the risk factors and frequency of diseases commonly caused by high triglyceride levels such as arteriosclerosis and atherosclerosis as well as the end results of stroke and heart attack.<br /><br /><br />In conclusion, many people will benefit from a diet to lower triglycerides. The three best options to accomplish this appear to be reducing refined carbohydrate consumption, limiting fat intake to healthy oils, and losing weight by reducing total calorie consumption.<br /><br /><p><br /><hr /><br />Research-proven information on the best <a href="http://www.lowertriglycerides.org/">diet to lower triglycerides</a>. Discover how to lower triglycerides naturally, much more effective than any supplement or medication ever can. Go to:<br /><a href="http://www.lowertriglycerides.org/">http://www.lowertriglycerides.org</a><br /><br />Source: <a href="http://www.submityourarticle.com/">http://www.submityourarticle.com</a><br /><br />Permalink: <a href="http://www.submityourarticle.com/a.php?a=61578">http://www.submityourarticle.com/a.php?a=61578</a><br /><br /><center><a onmouseover="window.status='http://www.gourmetnut.com';return true;" onmouseout="window.status=' ';return true;" href="http://www.kqzyfj.com/5n101mu2-u1HLMRLJMOHJIPMLJNM" target="_blank"><br /><img alt="GourmetNut.com - 728x90 - $5 OFF" src="http://www.lduhtrp.net/r5121h48x20MQRWQORTMONURQOSR" border="0" /></a></center>Andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17621096850297601600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-639132027570942201.post-18706116439199058452010-04-28T11:16:00.000-05:002010-04-28T11:16:00.697-05:00A Healthy NoKeep in mind that it is only when you feel you have the legitimate right to say no that you can say yes with utmost certainty, sincerity, and enthusiasm.Andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17621096850297601600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-639132027570942201.post-1112955830154173422010-04-23T09:58:00.000-05:002010-04-23T21:23:11.866-05:00Smoke OutAdult smoking cessation, like losing weight, is one of the most popular goals for people of all ages. Like starting a new fitness regime it is also seen as something to build up to - something that's hard work and takes a lot of discipline.<br /><br />I'm glad to be able to tell you that in my experience if you're finding adult smoking cessation unbearably tough and you're looking for a new solution then you're probably doing it all wrong.<br /><br />It's hard to convincingly put into words how simple smoking cessation can be if you get the technique right. I struggled with attempt after attempt and while I once managed to get to 3 months I still always ended up back on the cigarettes.<br /><br />Yet, without wanting to sound too much like a salesman, eventually I stumbled onto something that worked amazingly well and made giving up smoking a breeze.<br /><br />OK, so realistically what works and what doesn't?<br /><br />The less successful methods, ironically, tend to be the more expensive options. The various methods of nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) for example tend to cost a similar amount to continuing to smoke (there goes the "saving money" argument to quitting smoking!).<br /><br />They also simply serve to swap the nicotine in your cigarettes for nicotine in other forms (such as a patch) so you're still actually addicted.<br /><br />Even weeks after you've had your last cigarette - if you have happen to leave home without your latch or run out of gum you'll likely be back smoking within hours.<br /><br />That's not what I think of as successful adult smoking cessation.<br /><br />What I came to realise after numerous failed attempts myself was that the core of the problem - the real key to solving your smoking problem rapidly and painlessly - is to focus your efforts on changing the *habit* that makes you want a cigarette.<br /><br />As pesonal examples I always used to smoke when I was in a bar having a drink. Why? I would also smoke when feeling nervous about a dentists appointment or job interview for example.<br /><br />Smoking cessation techniques that deal with *why* these situations are the ones to make us want to smoke, and then breaking that behavioural, sub-conscious knee-jerk reaction often work rapidly, painlessly and over the long term.<br /><br />Indeed, discuss with ex-smokers how they managed to quit and most would admit that their success is down to spending time on modifying their behaviour. Even those who disagree will likely have made some changes without even realising it.<br /><br />In contrast, ask how many current smokers have tried nicotine replacement and I think the answer will shock you. So many people have tried and failed with NRT that it's quite shocking.<br /><br />I should say to reassure you that in terms of changing your bahaviour you will still be yourself. We're not talking about changing your personality. I was nervous I would lose those elements that I sub-consciously linked to smoking - the fun, talkative side to my personality. But of course I didn't. The changes are far more subtle and just serve to break the bonds between smoking and why you think you need to do it. You'll barely notice a difference yourself, except that you will suddenly just about fancy a cigarette.<br /><br />No stopping yourself having one - you actually just won't want one! Imagine that feeling you get *just after* a cigarette - where you feel fulfilled, calm, happy and don't fancy a smoke - carrying on all day long.<br /><br />It's an amazing experience!<br /><br />Today the science of adult smoking cessation using behavioural modification is advanced-enough to have a range of solutions and no doubt one of them will perfectly match both your behaviour and your pocket.<br /><p><br /><hr /><br />For more detailed advice on adult smoking cessation read our indepth free report at <a href="http://www.squidoo.com/tipsonstoppingsmoking">Tips On Stopping Smoking</a><br /><br />Source: <a href="http://www.submityourarticle.com/">http://www.submityourarticle.com/</a><br /><br />Permalink: <a href="http://www.submityourarticle.com/a.php?a=28577">http://www.submityourarticle.com/a.php?a=28577</a><br /><br /><center><a onmouseover="window.status='http://www.PremiumEcigarette.com';return true;" onmouseout="window.status=' ';return true;" href="http://www.anrdoezrs.net/2n117p-85-7NRSXRPSUNPOVTUXQO" target="_blank"><br /><img alt="Stop Smoking and Get THE best Electronic Cig!" src="http://www.ftjcfx.com/63103elpdjh267C6479243A89C53" border="0" /></a></center>Andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17621096850297601600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-639132027570942201.post-1923807730701876792009-10-13T14:57:00.001-05:002009-10-13T15:00:14.790-05:00WHAT DOES THE ABYSS HOLD FOR YOU?Many people find themselves contemplating goals that seem outrageous or unattainable. In the mind’s eye, these individuals stand at the edge of a precipice and look out over the abyss at the fruit of their ambition.<br /><br />Some resist the urge to jump, paralyzed by the gap between their current circumstances and the life of their dreams.<br /><br />Others make a leap of faith into the unknown, unsure of what they will encounter but certain that they will gain more in their attempts than they would bowing to self-protective instincts.<br /><br />This leap can be exceedingly difficult for individuals with control issues because the act of embracing uncertainty requires them to trust that surrender will net them the rewards they seek. Yet when you make a leap of faith, believing without a doubt that you will land safely on the other side, you can accomplish almost anything you set out to do.<br /><br />You may encounter instances in which your objectives require you to step outside of the boundaries of your established comfort zone so that you may freely and actively jettison yourself into a new phase of your life. While you may fear what seems to be the inevitable fall, consider that in all likelihood you will find yourself flying.<br /><br />A successful leap of faith requires your attention, as it is the quiet and often indistinct voice of your inner self, fuel by God, that will point you toward your ultimate destination. Understand that the leap across the chasm of ambiguity may challenge you in unforeseen ways but you will make it across if you trust yourself.<br /><br />The more you know about the leap you are poised to take, the smaller the gap between "here" and "there" will appear to be. Your courageous leap of faith can lead you into uncharted territory, enabling you to build a new, more adventurous life. Though you may anticipate that fear will be your guide on your journey across the abyss, you will likely discover that exhilaration is your constant companion.<br /><br />Be safeAndrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17621096850297601600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-639132027570942201.post-12237370829076054032009-09-18T09:16:00.001-05:002010-04-21T13:16:15.574-05:00TELL YOUR MIND WHAT TO DO<p>A friend once told us this amusing fact: his huge Rottweiler is afraid of cats. His story goes that when the dog was a young pup, it tried the usual dog-hates-cats snarling and snapping technique on an older cat. Unfazed, the cat coolly let the pup have his merry way. The cat probably got irritated after a while and without warning, a feline claw lashed the dog's sensitive nose. The poor dog probably felt that it was the worst pain he'll ever feel that he associated cats with it. From then on, he gave cats a wide berth. Even when he grew the size of a small horse and could probably swallow a whole cat without effort, they still lorded over him. This huge beast, which can reduce grown men to quaking, is afraid of little cute cats. </p><p>We can laugh about the absurdity of this pair but come to think of it, don't we all have our "little cute cats"? Don't we all have those little fears that shaped us into what we are now? Wasn't there a particularly painful experience that taught us to react to things in a particular way? </p><p>As little kids, we were constantly barraged with lessons on what to do and what not to do. It could be as instructional as 'don't play with matches'; 'don't talk to strangers'; 'eat vegetables' and so on. These got ingrained in your system that doing it became automatic. That's great but what if you were constantly told 'you're not good enough'; 'your grades are lower than so-and-so'; 'you're not pretty'; 'you're fat' etc.? Unfortunately, yes, this negative outlook got into your psyche too. </p><p>Like a dormant computer virus, it got embedded into your programming. Let's say you were always told that you're ugly. You grew up thinking that and each time you try to improve your looks, this 'virus' creeps up and tells you 'don't bother, you're ugly'. As it has been in your subconscious for so long, you believe it and will just go on as you are. Substitute the word 'ugly' with 'fat' or 'stupid' or any of those degrading terms and you get the drift. </p><p>Would you like to go on like that all the time? Well, pretty much like a computer, you can also give your subconscious an anti-virus to counteract the negatives. The simplest way is to constantly affirm a positive mantra to drown out the negatives. You are, in fact, reprogramming yourself when you do this. Say 'I am smart and I can_____ (replace with whatever you want to do)' or whatever variation you can think of. It might take a lot of willpower, practice and time to get accustomed to this new program though. Say it repeatedly, whenever you have a free moment, until it becomes real to you. Remember that all the negatives came about because you heard it all your life. Hearing positives will work the same way. </p><p>Unlike my friend's Rottweiler, we can be smart enough to realize that we are bigger than our 'cute cats' and they better stay off our paths when we tell them to go away.</p><p>~thanks <a href="http://www.freearticles.co.za/user/moniarora.html">Moni Arora</a> </p>Andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17621096850297601600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-639132027570942201.post-70502015788138060182009-09-16T06:43:00.000-05:002009-09-16T06:43:00.201-05:00A Father's RoleThe role of the father has change dramatically since even a generation ago. My father was still relegated to waiting room while my mother labored and gave birth. My dad even had to be woken up by the nurses after one of my sibling’s births.<br /><br />Today, the father is often an integral role in the entire birthing process. Many fathers will enroll in child birthing classes, being the mother’s coach, as well as childcare classes wherein the father learns (perhaps for the very first time) how to change a diaper, bathe a baby and the like.<br /><br />Becoming a father can be one of the most significant events in a life of a man. For many fathers, the birth of a child can be a significant emotional experience filled with mixed feelings such as excitement, fear, maybe terror is a better word, and of course, joy, satisfaction, anticipation. These responses often depend on whether the pregnancy is planned or unplanned, the quality of the relationship with the mother, previous experiences with childbearing and childrearing, and other cultural and ethnic norms.<br /><br />The fathers often brings to the childbirth experience his presence, knowledge, and understanding of the laboring woman; love for the mother and his child; and a sense of advocacy coupled with a desire for the woman to have a positive birth experience.<br /><br />However, many men feel ambivalence about being there. Since the father is more of a spectator than a participant in the process, he is more likely to witness the actual birth process, for example, the “water” breaking, vaginal delivery, the blood and placenta, cutting the umbilical cord etc. While most fathers are excited about the process and can view only what they desire, some may not be so excited. This may be a good talk to have with you significant other and discuss the possibility of NOT having the father in the room.<br /><br />Fathers sometimes find their sons' infancy challenging. They love the baby and delight in his noises and new activities, but infant care seems to be more Mom's area. In fact some mothers sometimes unwittingly prevent Dad from taking a more active role by insisting that the baby be held, fed, and rocked in a particular way (usually hers). Dads may then fall back on working and providing for their new family instead of taking an active role.<br /><br />Yet studies have shown that infants whose fathers were closely involved with their care were found to be more cognitively developed at one year of age than infants with less involved fathers.<br />In addition, fathers’ positive attitudes toward their infants were related to their children’s problem solving competence later in their children’s lives.<br /><br />Don’t shoot the messenger but studies have even shown that while the mother's role was important, by far the most influential factor in a child's emotional health was how involved the father was in a child's early life.<br /><br />When fathers spend more time with their babies, they get to know exactly what each of their baby's signals mean. This familiarity allows fathers to respond sensitively, meaning that they know when their baby is hungry rather than when he just wants a change of scenery.<br /><br />Fathers tend to provide more verbal and physical stimulation, by patting their babies gently and communicating to them with sharp bursts of sound. As babies grow older, many come to prefer playing with their fathers who provide unpredictable, stimulating, and exciting interaction. This stimulation is important because it fosters healthy development of the baby's brain and can have lasting effects on children's social, emotional, and intellectual development.<br /><br />Interestingly, as a child grows, an involved father will typically spend more time playing with the child. Often this play is the rough-and-tumble kind which most kids thoroughly enjoy. Yet, even if a father is NOT as involved, the father becomes extremely important to the child through playing.<br /><br />When fathers play with their toddlers, they are not just entertaining them. They are providing challenges for toddlers to learn how to interact with the world and with others, in a safe, structured way. Through rough-and-tumble play, fathers create obstacles for their children and teach them about limits and boundaries.<br /><br />At the same time, they encourage them to explore their own strength, their ability to do new things, and their impact on the world around them. Toddlers who must work out for themselves how to achieve goals…such as finding a ball the father has hidden behind his back or wrestling their father to the ground…are practicing important problem-solving skills. In fact, when fathers are good at playing with their young children, these children score higher on tests of thinking and problem-solving skills.<br /><br />This play flows over into the emotional realm as well. Such play can teach kids frustration tolerance, dealing with loss or defeat, being good sports, and the like, but mostly helps the child explore and experience their emotions and express them in appropriate ways.<br />When children have fathers who are emotionally involved-that is, they acknowledge their children's emotions and help them deal with bad emotions-they score higher on tests of 'emotional intelligence'. Moreover, they tend to have better relationships with other children and behave less aggressively.<br /><br />Fathers' involvement in their young children's care can even last well into adulthood. Again, don’t shoot the messenger, but mothers seem to have much less impact in this area of emotional regulation and peer relationships than fathers. It really is fathers who can have a major influence on helping their children build strong social relationships during childhood and later in life.<br />As far as gender differences, a boy learns from his father, without even realizing he's doing it, what a man is and does. He learns about masculinity, about what men like and don't like. He also learns from the father how to interact with women, based upon the interactions he sees between his father and his mother. Your leadership in the family (even in divorced or non-married situations) is essential to your son. Many adult men report that they either wanted to be "just like my dad"—or wanted to be his exact opposite.<br /><br />Girls also learn how to let men treat them based upon their parent’s relationship. Studies have shown that women who grow up with parents who are abusive toward each other will often find themselves in abusive relationships. The role of the father in this area is critical. What girls want most from their father’s is TIME. You don’t have to do special outings or make every moment ideal, just doing chores with her, being around her. Ask her to help you rake the leaves, wash the car. If she wants to go to the mall with her friends, either go with her and make it an outing (seriously, she may roll her eyes at the suggestion, but later in life she will appreciate your time) or insist she stay home and help you around the house.<br /><br />Of course, you are still at the beginning of your journey with you child. The bottom line is that the father is VITAL, ESSENTIAL and CRITICAL to the child. Fathers are as involved as you can and be aware that little eyes are watching you to see how you behave. They desire your TIME and presence. Realize that just being there, hanging out with them is the greatest gift you can ever give them. Mothers, unless the father is abusive to the child involve the father as much as possible in every aspect.<br /><br />DO NOT underestimate the power a father has in a child’s life.<br /><br /><br /><strong>Resources:</strong><br /><br />Gottman, J.M., Katz, L.F. & Hooven, C., Meta-Emotion: How Families Communicate Emotionally, Mahwah, NJ: Erlbaum, 1996.<br /><br />Koestner, R.S., Franz, C.E. & Weinberger, J., 'The family origins of empathic concern: A 26-year longitudinal study', Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 61, 1990, pp. 586-595.<br /><br />Lamb, M.E., 'The development of father-infant relationships', in Lamb (ed.), The Role of the Father in Child Development, 3rd edition, 1997, pp. 104-120.<br /><br />Parke, R.D. & Brott, A.A., Throwaway Dads: The Myths and Barriers That Keep Men from Being the Fathers They Want to Be, Boston: Houghton Mifflin Company, 1999, pp 6-7.<br /><br />Power, T. G., 'Mother- and father-infant play: A developmental analysis', Child Development, 56, 1985, pp. 1514-1524.<br /><br />Teti, D.M., Bond, L.A. & Gibbs, E.D., 'Mothers, fathers, and siblings: A comparison of play styles and their influence upon infant cognitive level', International Journal of Behavioral Development, 11, 1988, pp. 415-432.<br /><br />Yogman, M., 'Games fathers and mothers play with their infants', Infant Mental Health Journal, 2, 1981, pp. 241-248.<br /><br />~Andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17621096850297601600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-639132027570942201.post-40779396665526234362009-09-14T10:35:00.000-05:002009-09-14T10:35:00.170-05:00Monitor Your JourneyA diary can play many roles. It can be a confidant, a vehicle of self expression, a tool that facilitates clarity of thought, or a repository of dreams.<br /><br />A diary can also be a powerful source of comfort during challenging or traumatic periods. When you record those insights and incidents that clearly demonstrate you are on the right track, you can return to your words days, weeks, or months later and find uniquely soothing reassurance.<br /><br />A diary with a specific purpose can be a good tool for keeping track of experiences before the passage of time can skew your perception of events. It reflects the immediacy of your life and thus provides you with a landmark to return to when you begin to doubt yourself. If doubt does arise, simply open your diary to reaffirm your experiences. The confidence, surety, passion, and bravery you felt in a single moment is preserved, giving you a means to recapture those feelings in any place, at any time.<br /><br />Your diary serves as a repository of personalized encouragement. Your recollections will create a positive feedback loop that helps you cope with doubt and challenges in a constructive way. Reading back through your diary when life seems uncertain can show you that your misgivings are unfounded. As you draw consolation from your uplifting words, you will know without a doubt that you are indeed living your life, your way.Andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17621096850297601600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-639132027570942201.post-52276470334857190042009-09-10T10:24:00.004-05:002009-09-10T10:31:44.126-05:00H1N1So why the change from Swine Flu to H1N1....were the swine offended? Oh, well. I'm not sure there will be as big a pandemic as they are thinking. Seems overblown to me, but what do I know? <br /><br />For all the latest government information on the upcoming flu season, go here: <a href="http://www.flu.gov/">http://www.flu.gov/</a><br /><br />Of course, if there isn't a big outbreak they will say that it was due to all the hard work they did and that the vaccines work. If there is a pandemic, they will say not enough people took it seriously or that not enough got vaccinated or that the unvaccinated spread it around. That's typically what we've seen. However, there is a lot of information that the vaccines are not all what they say. <br /><br />For more information on vaccines, go here: <a href="http://www.nvic.org/">http://www.nvic.org/</a><br /><br />Best of health!Andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17621096850297601600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-639132027570942201.post-47055054578675603232009-09-01T05:42:00.000-05:002009-09-01T05:42:00.496-05:00The Doormat is Too Nice<em>Nice guys finish last. ~ Leo Durocher</em><br /><em></em><br />Some of us are habitually victims, doormats, "poor things." No matter what, we never say no. The more we practice being nice guys the less able we are to cope creatively. we place the blame, along with the responsibility, elsewhere.<br /><br />James is a good example of this: He is well past fifty and has been divorce for 2o years. Yet he is still seeking sympathy for what his wife - and God - did to him all those years ago. He had inherited a sizable amount of money from his parents' estate and little by little his alcoholic, food-addicted wife managed to spend it all. It wasn't that he gave her the money or failed to manage the money himself. What happened was, he explained, she "just spent it all up! How could she do that?" The obvious, healthier question never occured to him: How could HE allow a sick person to eat up a small fortune?<br /><br />The moral of the story is that being "too nice" isn't the real problem. What measures of irresponsibility have you been filing under other names?<br /><br />~~Andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17621096850297601600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-639132027570942201.post-59108349291605617492009-08-31T05:35:00.000-05:002009-08-31T05:35:00.162-05:00Wisdom<em>Wisdom rises upon the ruins of folly. ~ Thomas Fuller</em><br /><br /><br /><br />We gain <em>knowledge</em> from other people, but <em>wisdom</em> comes from within. We have to live our own lives, profit from our blunders, and learn from our experience. Nobody can do these things for us.<br /><br /><br /><br />Part of living is making mistakes. <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Some</span> of us have to keep on making the same mistakes until we suddenly make a <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">breakthrough</span> and achieve a new perspective on ourselves and our actions. It often seems we are never going to be ready for the next step...and then suddenly we take it and we come through. We think we're not going to make it; then we make a leap forward.<br /><br /><br /><br />Nothing needs to be lost or wasted in our lives. Even the folly of our problem can teach us hard lessons if we are attentive and brave. Our craziness may help us to see more clearly and gain insight into ourselves and others.<br /><br />~~Andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17621096850297601600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-639132027570942201.post-7300783582409411952009-08-28T05:52:00.002-05:002009-08-28T05:52:00.692-05:00Shame<em>Shame is the motor behind compulsive behavior ~Anonymous</em><br /><br />Shame. Even the word is stark. When we feel shame, we feel utterly worthless, not because of what we've done but because of who we think we are. We think we're unlovable, incapable of giving love. The more our compulsions worsened, the more out of control and powerless we felt. That's when we found shame waiting in the chaos. We wanted to be invisible, to disappear.<br /><br />But, really, there was something we wanted more: a way out. We found it by hanging onto the knowledge that we have dignity because we have life. It was given to us by our Creator who loves us unconditionally. We no longer need to use things (food, drink) or let ourselves be used. Instead, we live in grace and with dignity and in peace.<br /><br />~~Andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17621096850297601600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-639132027570942201.post-55150217565090818372009-08-27T05:39:00.000-05:002009-08-27T05:39:00.387-05:00Losing Your MarblesThis is a story that's been around for awhile, but I think it helps give some perspective on setting priorities...seeing what's really real in our lives.<br /><br />An older man was giving some advice to a younger man. <br /><br />"It's a shame you have to be away from home and your family so much," he said. "Let me tell you something that has helped me keep a good perspective on my own priorities. You see, one day I sat down and did a little arithmetic. The average person lives about 75 years. Now then, I multiplied 75 times 52 and came up with 3,900, which is the number of Saturdays that the average person has in his lifetime.<br /><br />"It took me until I was fifty-five years old to think about all this in any detail," he continued, "and by that time I had lived thru over 2,800 Saturdays. I got to thinking if I lived to be 75, I only had about a thousand of them left to enjoy. "<br /><br />He went on to explain that he bought 1000 marbles and put them in a clear plastic container in his favorite work area at home. "Every Saturday since then," he said, " I have taken one marble out and thrown it away. I found that by watching the marbles diminish, I focused more on the really important things in life. There's nothing like watching your time here on earth run out to help you get your priorities straight."<br /><br />Then the older gentleman finished, "Now before I take my lovely wife out for breakfast, let me tell you one last thing. This morning, I took the very last marble out of the container. I figure if I make it until next Saturday, then I have been given a little extra time."<br /><br />We don't know how much time we will have, whether we'll get extra time or there will be marbles left in our container. We can't choose that, but we can choose what we do with the time from here until then.<br /><br />Peace and blessings.<br />~~Andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17621096850297601600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-639132027570942201.post-12036717061780002912009-08-26T06:14:00.002-05:002009-08-26T06:14:00.841-05:00Defusing Anger, Finding Forgiveness<em>Only that action is just which does not harm either party to a dispute. ~Gandhi</em><br /><br />We may find ourselves engaged in a dispute and determined at all costs to impose our solution, even though we know it may harm our opponent. We don't really want a solution at all; we want revenge.<br /><br />The desire to harm others may derive from feelings that we have been hurt, as children perhaps. We may have been neglected and misunderstood or even abused and assaulted. So the world owes us something and we intend to collect. We may even hold grudges against successful people, not because they have done us wrong, but merely because they are successful.<br /><br />We need to let our shame and sorrow out into the clear light of day. By opening ourselves up to others, we will surely find that we can defuse our anger and our desire to hurt others. We can stand on an equal footing with others and have no more need for resentment and revenge. We can begin to forgive.<br />~Andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17621096850297601600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-639132027570942201.post-21381451763568584042009-08-25T05:04:00.000-05:002009-08-25T05:04:00.572-05:00Change is Hard<em>Change means movement, movement means friction, friction means heat, heat means controversy. ~ Saul Alinsky</em><br /><br />We talk about wanting to change, to face up to our issues, and our desire is real and geniune. But we must realize change can continue to involve real pain for ourselves and others.<br /><br />We have been so comfortable for so long with our issues! They have become a pacifier and a crutch. We wonder why we should bother to move forward and away from our world of ritutal and fantasy and comfort.<br /><br />But were we really at home there? What about our anger? Our remorse? Our feelings of hopelessness and despair? Our shame that caused us to shun others and isolate ourselves? Were we truly comfortable? Has change been so harsh in comparison to the misery of our issues?<br /><br />Even knowing there would be struggles and disagreements along the way, one day we decided, "ENOUGH!" We were ready then to face our struggles for a new, honest, way of living.<br />~Andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17621096850297601600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-639132027570942201.post-70767263850862600942009-08-24T07:53:00.000-05:002009-08-24T07:53:00.357-05:00Failure Is An Inside JobIn our culture, too many people bleive that contentment come from attaining material possessions or positions of power. But they aren't the keys to contentment either. If yo are tempted to believe that they are, remember the words of John D. Rockefeller. When a journalist asked him how much wealth was enough, the millionaire, who was at the time one of the richest and most powerful men in the world, answered, "Just a little more".<br /><br />Contentment comes from having a positive attitiude. It means:<br /><ul><li>Expecting the best in everything - not the worst</li><li>Remaining upbeat - even when you get beat up</li><li>Seeing solutions in every problem - not problems in every solution</li><li>Believing in yourself - even when others believe you have failed</li><li>Holding on to hope - even when others say it's hopeless.</li></ul>No matter what happens to you, a positive attitude comes from within. Your circumstances and your contentment are unrelated.<br /><br /><br />~John C. Maxwell, in <em>Falling Forward </em><br /><a href="http://www.johnmaxwell.com/">http://www.johnmaxwell.com/</a><br /><br />~Andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17621096850297601600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-639132027570942201.post-8072670283428159752009-08-21T06:18:00.001-05:002009-08-21T06:18:00.441-05:00Have You Bent Your Kids Today?That seems like a strange thing to say. But the idea is actually millennia old. It comes from Proverbs 22:6 (see: <a href="http://nasb.scripturetext.com/proverbs/22.htm">NASB</a>; <a href="http://gwt.scripturetext.com/proverbs/22.htm">God's Word</a>; <a href="http://kingjbible.com/proverbs/22.htm">King James</a>; <a href="http://kjv.us/proverbs/22.htm">American King James</a>; <a href="http://asvbible.com/proverbs/22.htm">ASV;</a> <a href="http://basicenglishbible.com/proverbs/22.htm">Basic English Bible;</a> <a href="http://drb.scripturetext.com/proverbs/22.htm">Douay-Rheims; </a><a href="http://darbybible.com/proverbs/22.htm">Darby</a>; <a href="http://erv.scripturetext.com/proverbs/22.htm">ERV;</a> <a href="http://worldebible.com/proverbs/22.htm">World Bible;</a> <a href="http://yltbible.com/proverbs/22.htm">YLT;</a> <a href="http://bible.cc/proverbs/22-6.htm">Other traslations/interpretation</a>s).<br /><br />“Train your child up in the way he should go and when he is old he will not depart from it” (King James Version). Probably most people have heard of this wise saying. I’m not a Hebrew scholar by any means, but I’ve heard that the translation truest to the original text is “Train your child up in the way he is BENT” (capitalization mine). Children are bent? Well, in a way, yes.<br /><br />The idea from this comes from the vineyard. Of course, vineyards are essential to life, even more so in olden days. If you’ve seen a vineyard you will notice that vines grow every which way. They don’t grow straight up, they’re curvy and gnarled and as much as it looks orderly, the vines are all over. When the vines are young, they do grow curvy. If you try to force the young vine to grow straight, one of two things can happen: 1) the vine breaks, gets destroyed, dies; or 2) the vine does not produce as much as vines allowed to grow naturally. What growers do, then, is guide the vine as straight as it can grow, working with the natural bending and curving to get the desired effect.<br /><br />What does this have to do with children? The exact same thing applies, thus, this is what the Proverb is telling us. Allow children to grow naturally, using their natural, God-given character, to teach them. Then, they will not rebel when they are old, the teaching will be ingrained in them.<br /><br />When we try to make our children do what is unnatural to them we can break them or cause them to be damaged in some way. We often do this by forcing them to behave perfectly. Kids are not perfect behavers. They are wild, have tons of energy, and they make LOTS of mistakes. That is the way all kids are bent. Some are bent more than others, though…we’ve all seen mild-mannered kids and we’ve seen extremely wild kids. A wise parent takes Proverbs’ advice and USES those personality traits to guide the child to proper behavior, not PERFECT behavior, but proper behavior.<br /><br />If you need advice on how to bend your kids without breaking them, seek the advice of a wise counselor who understands this verse.Andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17621096850297601600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-639132027570942201.post-90526952386357469772009-08-20T06:25:00.000-05:002009-08-20T06:25:00.848-05:00Facing ChallengesOur lives are an exercise in facing challenges. We dream the grandest of dreams as youngsters only to discover that we must have loads of inner strength and determination in order to meet our goals. Our hard work does not always yield the results we expect. And it is when we find ourselves frustrated by the trials we face or unable to meet our own expectations that we are most apt to take notice of those individuals who appear to accomplish great feats effortlessly. Some people’s lives seem to magically fall into place. We can see the blessings they have received, the ease with which they have attained their desires, their unwavering confidence, and their wealth. But, because we can never see the story of their lives as a whole, it is important that we refrain from passing judgment or becoming envious.<br /><br />Throughout our lives, we glimpse only the outer hull of others’ life experiences, so it’s tempting to presuppose that the abundance they enjoy is the result of luck rather than diligent effort. In a small number of cases, our assumptions may mirror reality. But very few people “have it easy.” Everyone must overcome difficulties and everyone has been granted a distinctive set of talents with which to do so. An individual who is highly gifted may nonetheless have to practice hours upon hours and correct themselves repeatedly in order to hone their talents. Their accomplishments are more likely than not the result of ongoing hard work and sacrifice. You, no doubt, have natural abilities that you have nurtured and your gifts may be the very reason you strive as tirelessly as you do. Yet others see only the outcome of your efforts and not the efforts themselves.<br /> <br />Our intellects, our hearts, and our souls are constantly being tested. Life will create new challenges for you to face each time you prove yourself capable of overcoming the challenges of the past. What you deem difficult will always differ from that which others deem difficult. The tests you will be given will be as unique as you are. If you focus on doing the best you can and making use of the blessings you have been given, the outcome of your efforts will be a joyous reflection of your dedication.<br />~~Andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17621096850297601600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-639132027570942201.post-80697097509299917792009-08-19T06:27:00.000-05:002009-08-19T06:27:00.168-05:00What Difference Do We Make Anyway?A while back, Dr. James Dobson, in Focus on the Family magazine, answered a question from a lady who asked why God answered a prayer to heal her son, but didn’t heal her husband. He responded that this is a sign of God’s sovereignty, but that He is always with us in these situations. He went on to tell about some friends of his, one who has lived with hemophilia from age 1 and this man’s wife who was cured of Hodgkin’s disease after intense prayer. The point of Dr. Dobson’s reply is that we do not always know why God says “yes” to certain prayers and “no” to other. It is <em>God’s</em> will that is in charge and not our own. Some are left to suffer and other healed, but that it all works out to fulfill God’s Plan.<br /><br />What struck me as I was reading this article was that suffering and healing of Dr. Dobson's friends very much had a purpose. In this case, one purpose was to help him answer the lady’s question. It helped him explain to this lady that she is not alone in her questioning and that we have to trust that God is always with us regardless of the outcome. Our prayers matter but we may never see the results of those prayers.<br /><br />Several years ago I had a conversation with a colleague of mine who was questioning what difference we really make in the world. During this particular time in her life, she was really struggling in her faith. Personally and professionally, she felt insignificant. We worked together and did similar tasks, but she did not see results in her work and was very frustrated. Spiritually, she had all but given up hope that God answered prayers. She then asked how I handled the frustration of trying so hard to make a difference in the lives of the people where we worked yet not seeming to have an impact. I told her it was due to faith.<br /><br />Our job was to help manage the behavior of people who have mental retardation. In and of itself, it is a difficult job, but the bureaucracy of state government was even more difficult to manage. After a few years, I realized that my job really did not make a difference in the lives of these people. There had been dozens of therapist before me who did the same things I was doing; yet the same behaviors continued. Thus, the actual duties I performed did not have an impact. What did make a difference was me. I began to place less emphasis on my job duties and more emphasis on ministering to the needs of the individuals. I ministered by showing that I cared and by allowing God’s love to show through me. Still, results were scarce, but I had planted seeds and I had faith those seeds would grow.<br /><br />I told my colleague that she could make a difference every day of her life if she approaches all she does with the faith that God is in control. Even seemingly minor, everyday activities can make a huge impact in the life of someone. Consider driving to work. The little courtesies you display, such as letting someone cut in front of you or allowing someone to turn before you can impact those other drivers lives. Perhaps they were having a hectic start to the day and your act of kindness was the one bright spot that started the day running smoothly. The catch is you will probably never know what impact you have had.<br /><br />The same applies to work. If we approach work with the mindset that we are there to do God’s will in all we do, then picking up a dropped piece of paper or holding a door open can be the spark that starts a chain reaction of goodwill. Not to long ago, there was a movement to do “Random acts of kindness”. This was touted on the Oprah Winfrey Show, promoted by books such as Chicken Soup for the Soul, and other such venues. This was exactly what I was trying to describe to my colleague. By doing random acts of kindness, you give others a glimpse of God’s love for them. They may not realize that is what you are doing, but that tiny glimpse may be all they need to seek further the kingdom of God. Yet we may never see the results, but that is not really what matters, is it?<br /><br />~~Andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17621096850297601600noreply@blogger.com0