Beyond PTSD: Soldiers Have Injured Souls - truth-out.org

Beyond PTSD: Soldiers Have Injured Souls
Saturday 3 September 2011
by: Diane Silver, Miller-McCune

John Fisher got his soul back when he visited a cemetery in Greece.

Shelley Corteville felt “rocketed” into healing when she told her story at a veterans’ retreat after 28 years of silence.

Bob Cagle lost his decades-long urge to commit suicide after an encounter at a Buddhist temple.

These veterans and thousands like them grapple with what some call “the war after the war” — the psychological scars of conflict. Working with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and private organizations, these men and women are employing treatments both radically new and centuries old. At the center of their journey is a new way of thinking that redefines some traumas as moral injuries.

The psychological toll taken by war is obvious. For the second year in a row, more active-duty troops committed suicide in 2010 (468) than were killed in combat in Iraq and Afghanistan (462). A 2008 RAND Corporation study reported that nearly 1 in 5 troops who had returned from Iraq and Afghanistan... Read the rest at www.truth-out.org

Rheumatoid Arthritis

I found a great page describing EVERYTHING about Rheumatoid Arthritis. You can see the page in it's entirety over at adam.about.net

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic disease in which various joints in the body are inflamed, leading to swelling, pain, stiffness, and the possible loss of function.

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease in which the body's immune system attacks joints and other tissues. The pattern of joints affected is usually symmetrical, involves the hands and other joints, and is worse in the morning. Rheumatoid arthritis is a systemic (body-wide) disease, involving other body organs, whereas osteoarthritis is limited to the joints. Both forms of arthritis can be crippling.
The process may develop in the following way:

The disease process leading to rheumatoid arthritis begins in the synovium, the membrane that surrounds a joint and creates a protective sac.
This sac is filled with lubricating liquid called the synovial fluid. In addition to cushioning joints, this fluid supplies nutrients and oxygen to cartilage, a slippery tissue that coats the ends of bones.
Cartilage is composed primarily of collagen, the structural protein in the body, which forms a mesh to give support and flexibility to joints.
In rheumatoid arthritis, an abnormal immune system response produces destructive molecules that cause continuous inflammation of the synovium. Collagen is gradually destroyed, narrowing the joint space and eventually damaging bone.
If the disease develops into a form called progressive rheumatoid arthritis, destruction to the cartilage accelerates. Fluid and immune system cells accumulate in the synovium to produce a pannus, a growth composed of thickened synovial tissue.
The pannus produces more enzymes that destroy nearby cartilage, aggravating the area and attracting more inflammatory white cells, thereby perpetuating the process.
This inflammatory process not only affects cartilage and bones but can also harm organs in other parts of the body.

Don't be blind to the sun's effects on eyes - USA Today

Don't be blind to the sun's effects on eyes
Michelle Healy, USA TODAY

If you've heeded the health messages to protect your skin by covering up and slathering on the sunblock, you're taking important steps to playing it safe in the sun. But you'll come up short if you don't also wear sunglasses and a hat to protect your eyes from harmful ultraviolet rays, health experts say.

"Most people are not aware that long-term exposure to sunlight, with its ultraviolet wavelengths, can be very damaging to the eyes," says Lee Duffner, an ophthalmologist in Hollywood, Fla., and spokesman for the American Academy of Ophthalmology.

Although there's considerable public awareness about UV light's ability to burn and age the skin, awareness of its effect on the eyes has "fallen in the shadows," says optometry professor Jan Bergmanson of the University of Houston College of Optometry, founding director of the Texas Eye Research and Technology Center.

A 2009 survey by the American Optometric Association found that one in three adults are unaware of the eye health risks of spending too much time in the sun without proper protection. Just 29% of parents say they make sure their children wear sunglasses while outdoors.

A report in March by Prevent Blindness America, a leading eye health and safety organization, says the cumulative exposure to UV light over time can contribute to "significant and lasting damage to the eye and vision," including:

Cataracts, a clouding of the eye's lens that can blur vision. It afflicts one in every six Americans over 40 and more than half over 80, about 20 million people. An estimated 20% of cases are caused by extended UV exposure.

Macular degeneration, resulting from damage to the retina that destroys sharp, central vision. It is the leading cause of blindness in the USA.

Pterygium, a tissue growth over the white part of the surface of the eye that can alter the curve of the eyeball, causing astigmatism. If the pterygium starts to grow over the cornea, it can blur or obstruct vision and may need to be removed.

But even a few hours of intense, unprotected exposure can have consequences, says optometrist Sarah Hinkley of the American Optometric Association.

Among the most common conditions is photokeratitis or sunburn to the eyes, also known as "snowblindness," a temporary but painful burn to the cornea resulting in blurred vision and even temporary blindness, Hinkley says.

It's unclear how much UV exposure is required before vision is affected, but there is concern that environmental conditions are increasing the number of UV-related health issues, including sunburn, skin cancer and eye diseases.

"Much of what we are experiencing in terms of skin and eye damage is caused by the deterioration of the ozone layer," which is designed to "filter out the most toxic of the ultraviolet waves," says Bergmanson, who studies the effects of UV radiation on the eye. "When the ozone layer is depleted, more UV light makes its way to the Earth's surface."

To see more of USAToday.com, or to subscribe, go to http://www.usatoday.com

Copyright 2011 USA TODAY, a division of Gannett Co. Inc.

Are Energy Drinks Damaging Your Health? - wellness.com

Are Energy Drinks Damaging Your Health? - wellness.com

Energy drinks are on the rage in recent years. It seems that everyone, particularly young people in ages of 20 to 30 years, has one on their hand.

They're highly touted to boost your energy, increase your metabolism, keep you alert and focused. Some even markets to help you lose weight.

There's always new brand, new marketing spin popping up every week.

Here’s how it’s done.

1. Give your can of sugar water a hip-sounding name, like Monster, Rockstar, or Amp.

2. Promise that the product will do something exciting to your body, like boosting your energy and alertness, so you, too, can be a rock star—or at least stay up as late as one.

3. Make your product sound slightly dangerous. Anything will sound cooler when grown-ups hate it: Dr. Oz calls energy drinks “addictive” and “unhealthy.” Other experts point to thousands of caffeine overdoses among young people 19 and under.

But all the hoopla surrounding energy drinks is just hysteria, right? Sure, drinking them by the six-pack isn’t a good idea, but in moderation, a single can of cold, tangy, eyeball-popping energy fuel can’t be bad for you . .

Or can it?

Well, the truth is that while you can call a product RockStar, a more accurate name for some of their drinks might be Fat Roadie. Because while massive doses of energy drinks are obviously dangerous, adding even a single can a day of some of them to your liquid intake could cause more than 29 pounds of weight gain in a year! Below, I’ve outlined some of the worst energy drinks, and some much saner alternatives. Making these simple swaps could be the difference between Lady Gaga, and Lady Gargantua.

WORST MORNING JOLT

5-Hour Energy (1.93-oz bottle)
4 calories
0 g sugars
Caffeine: 135 mg

Drink This Instead!
Black Coffee (12-oz cup)
0 calories
0 g sugars
Caffeine: 95-200 mg

What’s really in 5-Hour Energy? Wouldn’t you like to know! The company claims the product is packed with a variety of vitamins and other compounds that promote energy, but when Consumer Reports recently requested a copy of the supporting research, the company balked. Here’s a golden rule of food and drink: If the company selling the product won’t put its money where its mouth is, don’t put their product where your mouth is.

Bottom line: The only proven ingredient in this bottle is caffeine, and one bottle contains about as much as a cup of coffee. You know what costs much less, contains loads of natural antioxidants, and also has as much caffeine as a cup of coffee? You guessed it, a cup of coffee. No energy drink on the planet is more reliable.

Older Americans Mental Health Week - May 23- 29th, 2011

Mental Health from wellness.com

Regardless of age or physical ability, some people who suffer from mental health disorders become homebound during their recovery. Anxiety, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and depression can all easily affect entire families, not just those who are diagnosed.

Right at Home can provide numerous Care Services that help you do more than just survive a loved one’s struggle with the effects of a mental health disorder. We can be a large part of helping you thrive on their path of recovery.

We can also help when mental health is a concern for seniors who are coping with the reality of becoming homebound.

Here are five tips to keep your aging loved one's brain fit:

The importance of keeping our minds sharp to prevent age-related memory loss is no secret. The memory is like a muscle, and as your loved one ages, it is important for him to exercise his mind. The more exercise the brain gets, the better it becomes at processing information. Here are five simple tips from Right at Home for you to share with your loved one:

Read the daily paper
Reading regularly can decrease the chances of mild cognitive impairment by 30 to 50 percent, according to the Mayo Clinic. Reading is an active mental process — you must interpret letters and words while processing overall concepts and ideas. Reading helps with word recall and improves concentration and focus. As an added benefit, reading always provides new conversation topics for your loved one to discuss with friends and family.

Play a memory game
Memory games are among the brain exercises most likely to maintain healthy cognitive function in seniors, according to a Journal of American Medical Association study. Play a classic game of “Memory” or put together a jigsaw puzzle to stimulate the mind.

Try new food
Trying a new dish for dinner with unique ingredients is a great way to stimulate our senses. While food is necessary for survival, our brain plays a big role in what foods we enjoy, and our senses play a big role in brain function. By introducing new foods to your loved one, you can increase his mental activity by tasting, smelling and seeing foods outside of his normal diet.

Paint a picture
Creativity is a beneficial cognitive exercise that can delay the onset of dementia or lessen any effects your loved one may feel from dementia, according to LiveStrong.com. The more frequently you engage in creative activities such as painting a picture or playing a musical instrument, the more beneficial they are.

Socialize with family and friends
Interaction is an unpredictable activity when it comes to brain function. Encourage your loved one to build and maintain relationships with his friends and family. Engaging in a stimulating conversation, playing a game of cards or sharing a meal together are all simple ways to socialize with others.

Right at Home is your international expert for issues related to caring for your loved one and is dedicated to keeping you informed about home care. Right at Home offers in-home care and assistance so your loved one can continue living independently and enjoying a vibrant life. Our caregivers are screened, trained, bonded and insured prior to entering your home so you can trust us with the caregiving while you focus on your loved one.

What kinds of mind-building games does your loved one enjoy?

For more information contact us at - http://www.rightathome.net/plantcity or call 813 - 764-9290

Blog Update 2/15/2011

I am trying to figure out how to use simple little icons here and there. I guess i'll save this for later.

What Are the Warning Signs of Stress? - medicinenet.com

From medicinenet.com

What Are the Warning Signs of Stress?

When you are exposed to long periods of stress, your body gives warning signals that something is wrong. These physical, cognitive, emotional and behavioral warning signs should not be ignored. They tell you that you need to slow down. If you continue to be stressed and you don't give your body a break, you are likely to develop health problems like heart disease. You could also worsen an existing illness.

Below are some common warning signs and symptoms of stress.

Physical signs

Dizziness, general aches and pains, grinding teeth, clenched jaws, headaches, indigestion, muscle tension, difficulty sleeping, racing heart, ringing in the ears, stooped posture, sweaty palms, tiredness, exhaustion, trembling, weight gain or loss, upset stomach
Mental signs

Constant worry, difficulty making decisions, forgetfulness, inability to concentrate, lack of creativity, loss of sense of humor, poor memory

Emotional signs

Anger, anxiety, crying, depression, feeling powerless, frequent mood swings, irritability, loneliness, negative thinking, nervousness, sadness

Behavioral signs

Bossiness, compulsive eating, critical attitude of others, explosive actions, frequent job changes, impulsive actions, increased use of alcohol or drugs, withdrawal from relationships or social situations

How Can I Cope With Stress?

After you've identified the cause of stress in your life, the next step is to learn techniques that can help you cope with stress while fighting heart disease. There are many techniques you can use to manage stress. Some of which you can learn yourself, while other techniques may require the guidance of a trained therapist.

Some common techniques for coping with stress include:

Eat and drink sensibly. Abusing alcohol and food may seem to reduce stress, but it actually adds to it.
Assert yourself. You do not have to meet others' expectations or demands. It's OK to say "no." Remember, being assertive allows you to stand up for your rights and beliefs while respecting those of others.
Stop smoking. Aside from the obvious health risks of cigarettes, nicotine acts as a stimulant and brings on more stress symptoms.
Exercise regularly. Choose non-competitive exercise and set reasonable goals. Aerobic exercise has been shown to release endorphins (natural substances that help you feel better and maintain a positive attitude.)
Relax every day. Choose from a variety of different techniques (see below).
Take responsibility. Control what you can and leave behind what you cannot control.
Reduce causes of stress. Many people find life is filled with too many demands and too little time. For the most part, these demands are ones we have chosen. Effective time-management skills involve asking for help when appropriate, setting priorities, pacing yourself, and taking time out for yourself.
Examine your values and live by them. The more your actions reflect your beliefs, the better you will feel, no matter how busy your life is.
Set realistic goals and expectations. It's OK, and healthy, to realize you cannot be 100% successful at everything all at once.
Sell yourself to yourself. When you are feeling overwhelmed, remind yourself of what you do well. Have a healthy sense of self-esteem.
Get enough rest. Even with proper diet and exercise, you can't fight stress effectively without rest. You need time to recover from exercise and stressful events. The time you spend resting should be long enough to relax your mind as well as your body. Some people find that taking a nap in the middle of the day helps them reduce stress.

How Can I Keep a Positive Attitude?
A positive attitude and self-esteem are good defenses against stress and heart disease because they help you view stress as a challenge rather than a problem. A positive attitude keeps you in control when there are inevitable changes in your life. A positive attitude means telling yourself there are things you can do to improve certain situations and admitting that sometimes there's nothing you can do. To maintain a positive attitude during a stressful situation (or to prepare yourself for a potentially stressful situation), keep these tips in mind:

Stay calm. Stop what you're doing. Breathe deeply. Reflect on your choices.
Always tell yourself you can get through the situation.
Try to be objective, realistic and flexible.
Try to keep the situation in perspective. Think about the possible solutions. Choose one that is the most acceptable and feasible.
Think about the outcome: Ask yourself, what is the worst possible thing that can happen? (Chances are that won't happen)
Tell yourself that you can learn something from every situation.

How Can I Reduce My Stressors?
While it is impossible to live your life completely stress-free, it is possible to reduce the harmful effects of certain stressors on you and your heart. Here are some suggestions:

First identify the stressor. What's causing you to feel stressed?
Avoid hassles and minor irritations if possible. If traffic jams cause you stress, try taking a different route, riding the train or bus, or car-pooling.
When you experience a change in your life, try to continue doing the things that you enjoyed before the change occurred.
Learn how to manage your time effectively, but be realistic and flexible when you plan your schedule.
Do one thing at a time; concentrate on each task as it comes.
Take a break when your stressors compile to an uncontrollable level.
Ask for help if you feel that you are unable to deal with stress on your own