Sleep |

June 16, 2010

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Is There a Chance You Could Be Suffering From Compassion Fatigue?

Is There a Chance You Could Be Suffering From Compassion Fatigue?

Is There a Chance You Could Be Suffering From Compassion Fatigue?

Whether your job requires that you struggle to function in a care giving environment that constantly presents heart-wrenching-emotional challenges, or you are a Sandwich generation caregiver torn between the needs of your young children and the needs of your dependent elders, Compassion Fatigue is something you should always be aware of.

Do you strongly identify with the pain of others?

Does it seem like you can actually feel their pain?

You are not alone.  Your empathy has everything to do with your desire to become a care giver in the first place.

It’s also the reason you are so susceptible to Compassion Fatigue.

The first step to healing is awareness.

What Are the Symptoms of Compassion Fatigue? Continue reading article →

Social Connection |

June 14, 2010

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Are There Tools To Help Manage Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome?

Are There Tools To Help Manage Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome?

Are There Tools To Help Manage Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome?

Having trouble coping with the stress in your life?

Do you feel on edge?

Have you been over-reacting to small irritants?

It’s not a good feeling to see yourself reacting and be unable to stop yourself.

After all, you want to choose your response to life, rather than reacting unconsciously.

Don’t you?

Over the weekend, I was headed home on the highway when a bad car accident happened just ahead of me.

When I arrived at the scene I got out to see if anyone was needing help.  The accident involved a very large truck and a very small car.

The passengers of the car were really lucky, it could have been so much worse.  They really didn’t seem to need any help I could offer so I stood back to wait for the paramedics.

I noticed that a teenage passenger from the car was getting really intense and freaking out with the most injured passenger who was still in the back of the car.

He was screaming, asking her not to die and begging her not to go to sleep.  I was concerned that he was going to hurt her worse than she already was, so Continue reading article →

Mind Set |

June 13, 2010

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Can Quotes To Live By Keep You Focused On Your Dreams?

Can Quotes To Live By Keep You Focused On Your Dreams?

Can Quotes To Live By Keep You Focused On Your Dreams?

I woke from a very upsetting dream early this morning.  It disturbed me deeply.  I tried to shake it off and focus on what was important, but the memory of it hung in the air.

I keep a collection of “quotes to live by”, and read a few trying to shine a light on my dark mood.

“The universe is change; our life is what our thoughts make it.” -Marcus Aurelius

“There is no value in life except what you choose to place upon it and no happiness in any place except what you bring to it yourself.” -Henry David Thoreau

“I don’t want to live. I want to love first, and live incidentally.” -Zelda Fitzgerald

The quotes felt empty and distant compared to the darkness that enveloped me.

I tried to focus on the chores needing to be done and went into my daughter Briana’s room to collect her dirty laundry.  She is a quote collector too, and has many taped to her walls.

I read the one directly above her hamper …

“Life’s but a walking shadow, a poor player that struts and frets his hour upon the stage and then is heard no more.” –William Shakespeare

It reminded me of a “Briana quote” that I have heard her say many times.

“Life would be so much more fun if it were a musical”

Her wonderful quote made me want to feel better, but Continue reading article →

Social Connection |

June 12, 2010

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Is Tolerance the Tie That Binds Different Types of Religion?

P religion world
Image via Wikipedia

How important is tolerance in your religion?

Do you find yourself helping God with his job as Judge?

I met JoAnn about 10 years ago, after I answered an ad she had placed in the paper.  We hit it off right away and have been close friends ever since.

She is almost 40 years my senior, but we seem to speak the same language.  We both value spiritual growth and often talk about tolerance and God’s unconditional Love.

Many of JoAnn’s neighbors have tried to “save her” by inviting her to their churches.  She tells me that she appreciates their kindness, but Continue reading article →

Heart Crisis |

June 11, 2010

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Are There Symptoms Before a Stroke?

Don’t expect to have symptoms before a stroke.

If you are observing symptoms of stroke, it is best to assume that a stroke is presently occurring, and call 911.

In other words.  The answer to, “Are there symptoms before a stroke?”, is NO!  There are symptoms DURING a stroke!

There are, however, risk factors for stroke that you should be aware of.

Reduce Risk of Suffering a Stroke.

Are there symptoms before a stroke?

Controllable or treatable risk factors:

  •  high blood pressure
  •  atrial fibrillation
  •  high cholesterol
  •  diabetes
  •  tobacco use and smoking
  •  alcohol use
  •  physical inactivity

Uncontrollable risk factors:

  •  family history
  •  fibromuscular dysplasia
  •  patent foramen ovale
  •  previous stroke or TIA

What is a TIA or transient ischemic attack? Continue reading article →

Meditation&Exercise |

June 10, 2010

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Do You Find Health Related Articles Helpful or Annoying?

Do You Find Health Related Articles Helpful or Annoying?

Do You Find Health Related Articles Helpful or Annoying?

Are you doing all you can do to nurture your health and vitality?

Health related articles are meant to inspire you to take positive action toward better habits.

Do you eat at least 5 servings of fruits and veggies everyday?

How about exercise?

Are you active on a regular bases?

If you know that you need to eat more produce and be more active, then why don’t you?

Do you KNOW why?

“Because  I like to eat and I’m lazy?”

Have you ever said that about yourself?

Just for the sake of argument … what if Continue reading article →