Monday, August 31, 2020
Sunday, August 30, 2020
Saturday, August 29, 2020
BLOG 282 MOSQUITO BITES
BLOG 282 MOSQUITO BITES
Summer time brings those pesky, itchy, pink colored bumps to
our skin. Mosquito bites are the result of the mouthpart of the insect
puncturing our skin and feeding on our blood…. Yuck!!!! For most of us, they
bother for just a couple days then go away. However, certain people have worse
reactions (especially children) which can include swelling and soreness to the
area. In children, this is called skeeter syndrome. We all get them, some more
than others, so let’s explore these common “bites” further.
The trouble is that mosquito bites can carry parasites and
viruses. Some parts of the world are greatly affected by the West Nile virus
that these bugs. Other illnesses included yellow fever and malaria. A person’s
inflammatory response can include fever, hives, and swollen lymph nodes.
Typically, one should see if a doctor if after a bite a person they develop a
fever, headache, or is have body aches.
Did you know that the only mosquitos that bite us are
female?? Males do not have the blood sucking mouth part. Females need the
protein from our blood to produce eggs. The “lady bug” fills herself with our
blood and then spits it back into our skin which causes the itchy bump. They
are drawn to the scent of our skin, sweat, and our exhaled carbon dioxide.
We should avoid areas that are mosquito filled and wear
repellent when exposed. The strongest repellent is DEET. Wearing long sleeves
and light colors is recommended. Mosquitos like standing water. Simple tricks
at home can be changing bird bath water, unclogging roof gutters, getting rid
of old tires sitting around, and emptying any flower pots or outdoor items that
collect water.
Some funny but effective at home tricks to relieve the itch
include toothpaste, oatmeal, honey, baking soda, basil, vinegar, onion, and
garlic. So basically the really strong spices.
A few summers ago I was getting really bad reactions to the
bites, with major swelling and redness to the areas. I’m an itcher so that
didn’t help. However, infection can only worsen if you break the skin of the
bite and have it exposed. The itching sensation doesn’t go away when we
scratch, it only prolongs the scratching cycle. But that is some serous mental
toughness to just let the bite be haha. I’m “bugging” out. I sort of equate
mosquito bites to flea bites on our pets. They can be miserable. So this
summer, I know I make you sweaty and mosquito tasty, but be sure to shower right
after workouts, drink your water so it isn’t idle, and wear long sleeves and
pants when you go for your walks and runs at reasonably climate friendly times.
Friday, August 28, 2020
Thursday, August 27, 2020
Wednesday, August 26, 2020
Tuesday, August 25, 2020
Monday, August 24, 2020
Sunday, August 23, 2020
Saturday, August 22, 2020
Friday, August 21, 2020
Thursday, August 20, 2020
Wednesday, August 19, 2020
BLOG 281 CHICKEN NOODLE SOUP
BLOG 281 CHICKEN NOODLE SOUP
Why is it when we aren’t feeling well, the home remedy of
choice is soup, specifically chicken noodle soup? Mom always had a couple cans
in the pantry no matter when. The lucky kids got homemade, better yet, homemade
by grandma. Maybe it’s just the nostalgia now that makes us feel better.
Whether exactly proven or not, there may be some benefits to this warm, tasty
choice.
Chicken broth can clear the nasal passages which helps with
breathing when all stuffed up. Chicken is protein which has the amino acids
good for immunity, muscles, and bone health. The noodles just make us feel full
and that’s satisfying when feeling under the weather. The idea is that the soup
is warm and clears the mucus out, the water and salt help the body have more
fluid which is necessary for all functions, and then what vegetables are in the
soup are nutritious. Sometime when you aren’t exactly hungry because you are
sick, soup is a lighter option that can help fill you up. Usually one cup has
about 100 calories, but the carbohydrates and sodium aren’t the ideal mix for
everyday consumption. Besides if you had the soup all the time, it wouldn’t
have that same healing feeling when you are actually sick (boy who cried wolf
syndrome).
There are many homemade versions and usually mom’s recipe is
best that has been passed down over the generations. We know it comes in the
traditional can too. Most defer to the can when they don’t feel up to cooking.
Many enjoy the varieties of noodle that can be used and the selection of
vegetables. Quick and easy, warm and good, it’s a meal in and of itself. I’m
sure we can all pinpoint our favorite ca brand. Sometimes even things that may
just be in our head, actually do help us feel better and get well faster.
Tuesday, August 18, 2020
Monday, August 17, 2020
Sunday, August 16, 2020
Saturday, August 15, 2020
Friday, August 14, 2020
Thursday, August 13, 2020
Wednesday, August 12, 2020
BLOG 280 STRUCTURE
BLOG 280 STRUCTURE
Parents always talk about creating structure for their
children via bedtime, homework time, and the varies rules that are set to
follow. Structure in the work environment consists of deadlines, requirements,
meetings, and protocol. Structure in school pertains to lesson planning,
classroom management, and completion of tasks. Routines and patterns help plan
for better choices. A programmed system of routines and habits make us feel in
sink and naturally allows us to move throughout the day from task to task. Our
brains actually depend on structure to be able to complete all our daily
routines. Then our behaviors become habitual and instinctive.
We hear about needing balance in our lives. We have to
consider how much time we allocate to different activities and responsibilities.
When we deliberately schedule our time we are better prepared to follow
through, complete, and clear up our schedule for free time later. Structure
also provides the foundation to respond better to problems and disruption. We
become better equipped to handle triggers because we want to settle ourselves
back to where we need to be to have structure. For example a person trying to
maintain sobriety knows that situations that make drug or alcohol use possible
can threaten their will power. They seek structure to keep on the straight and
narrow path.
Even people who claim to be free spirited, know that they
benefit from structure. At some point it is needed to function. Jumping up out
of bed and running late everywhere at some point causes unnecessary stress.
On your fitness journey, structure provides the means to
have time for exercise and to make healthy eating choices. Disorder and chaos
lead to poor eating and living in the moment. Structure provides organization.
Structure means you pack your clothes to go to the gym. You prep your food and
go grocery shopping. Without this, it is most likely you will fall off the path
of reaching your goal. Fast food will just become the norm and sleeping in or
going straight home from work skipping the gym will just become regular
occurrences. I’m a strong advocate for structure and I thrive on this to reach
my goals. Maybe I enjoy structure too much, but it has helped me become
successful and reach plenty of my goals.
Tuesday, August 11, 2020
Monday, August 10, 2020
Sunday, August 9, 2020
Saturday, August 8, 2020
Thursday, August 6, 2020
BLOG 279 THERAPY TYPES
Therapy Approaches: Finding Happiness
There are many different approaches to therapy and
medication when it comes to psychiatry. Understanding mental health coupled
with emotional well being is important to be able to focus, destress, and be
happy. Even T.V. stars and elite athletes use therapy. It is human nature to
feel protective and guarded with this personal issue, but seeking help,
specifically the right type, can save a person’s life.
There are several traditional and new age techniques being
used in this realm:
1.
Psychoanalytic therapy: This is the oldest
technique. This involves setting your past which will help gain insight for the
present. It is figuring out your childhood.
2.
Humanistic therapy: The therapist listens and
lets the patient verbalize their feelings.
3.
Exposure therapy: Exposing yourself to the
source of fear or anxiety will help you overcome those very things.
4.
Mindfulness/Meditation: This is about living in
the present and becoming more aware of yourself and other people.
5.
Behavioral activation: This is about correcting
behaviors that cause depression.
6.
Somatic therapy: This approach uses body and
movement such as yoga or exercise. These serve as an antidepressant.
7.
Emotional regulation: This is about grounding
your emotions and finding a better baseline.
8.
Assertiveness training: It is okay to say no and
not feel guilty about it. This is learning to express yourself in a healthy
way.
9.
Cognitive restructuring: This is about shifting
yourself away from negative thinking and learning how to adapt to new healthy
ones.
Some of these therapeutic approaches are coupled with
medication. Antidepressants called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors
(SSRIs) can safely treat depression. Serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake
inhibitors (SNRIs) treat depression and help with motivation issues, energy, focus,
and concentration. Norepinephrine dopamine reuptake inhibitors (NDRIs) also
help with energy and concentration. Antianxiety medication, also called
benzodiazepines, can be used to treat anxiety as well as insomnia and sometimes
depression. Stimulants can be used to treat attention deficit hyperactive
disorder (ADHD).
Some of these medications can become addictive. Many find
successful help from these therapy approaches as well as different medications.
Sometimes finding the right combination or strategy can take time. Although a
quick fix is always desired, working through deep rooted issues takes time to
heal and figure how to heal. It is okay to interview and work with therapists
until the right one clicks. Laying out what is bothering you and finding
someone who specializes or has experience with people similar to you, can
always lead you in the right direction. Taking control of mental health is
necessary for happiness.