Learn To Relax To Better Handle Depression

Depression is a condition that can affect any person, child, adult, or the elderly. Equal number of men and women are affected by depression. It can be triggered by any particular situation. It could be due to some personal problems or financial problems. Health problems have also been found to be a major reason for depression. In fact, people dealing with chronic health issues are constantly monitored for depression. The same is the case with their caregivers too. Even they are highly susceptible to depression. But there is help at hand; depression can be cured with proper therapy. 

Some of the common symptoms of depression in all age groups and sex can be broadly classified. They are fatigue, loneliness, social withdrawal, insomnia, loss of appetite of constant hunger pangs and general lack of interest in daily life. Work pressures are a common cause of depression. Children too are affected; the reason may be any kind of illness that they are going through. A large number of women have been found to suffer from postpartum depression. In the case of elderly, neglect and health issues may be the cause. The feeling of being unwanted is a major reason too.  

Help is easily available to deal with depression. Routine checks and screening by health care professionals helps detect the symptoms. Most of the cases can be treated with proper counseling and alternative therapies without resorting to anti depressants. However in chronic cases, medication is prescribed. Your physician will help you train to respond to stress. If there is a family history of depression, you may be more prone to it. With screening you will be better prepared to deal with stress that can be a cause for depression. Your doctor will educate you about depression and the symptoms that you need to look for and try to help yourself deal with it. Self help has proven to work wonders with stress.

Relaxation and depression go hand in hand. Depression is often triggered by stress. Stress is accompanied with anxiety or anger. Stress when unattended leads to sleep deprivation and the best way to beat stress is through relaxation. 

Relaxation techniques have proven to calm the mind and body thus reducing its harming effects. Many forms of relaxation techniques are available. You do not need to follow any rule-book to relax. Follow a pattern that best suits you. Yoga and meditation have found to have a soothing effect on the body and mind. Yoga emphasizes on physical exercise with proper breathing. Proper breathing is found to rejuvenate and relax the body completely and it can be practiced at your home at your chosen time. It is best done in the morning or at any convenient time and like any other physical exercise, not  after a meal. 

Any kind of physical exercise triggers higher levels of endorphin in your body that help you deal with pain and elevates your mood. So follow a regular exercise regime. The other mood elevators are good music, any form of art that you can appreciate and even good food. Take out some time for your self each day. You just need a few minutes to do something exclusively for your self to get boosted to better deal with the stresses of life.

Thyroid Surgery: What to Expect?

Thyroid surgery is the primary treatment for thyroid cancer, thyroid nodules and hyperthyroidism.  During the procedure, all or part of the butterfly-shaped thyroid gland located at the front of the throat is carefully removed.  Here, we'll take a closer look at what the procedure involves, plus we will discuss ways your body may change after thyroid surgery.

About Thyroid Surgery

Surgery is normally used to treat thyroid problems in a number of cases.  For instance, if your doctor has diagnosed you with thyroid cancer or if it is suspected that thyroid cancer is developing, you are a likely candidate for thyroid surgery.  In addition, if you have a benign thyroid nodule that has begun to interfere with swallowing or breathing, or if you have a fluid filled thyroid nodule which returns after having been drained more than once, you are a candidate for surgery.  Thyroid surgery is also prescribed for hyperthyroidism and Graves Disease which does not respond to radioactive iodine or medications.

During thyroid surgery, you may have your entire thyroid gland removed, or you may need to have only a portion of your thyroid removed.  If you require a total thyroidectomy, the entire gland, along with the lymph nodes surrounding it will be removed. 

If you require a thyroid lobectomy, either with or without an isthmectomy, only the affected lobe will be removed.  With an isthmectomy, the isthmus, which is the band of tissue that connects the two lobes, will be removed as well.  Before finishing surgery, the surgeon will have the removed tissue analyzed to determine whether cancer is present.  If cancer is present within the cells, the surgeon will remove the remainder of the thyroid.  This is called a completion thyroidectomy.

In cases of hyperthyroidism caused by Graves Disease, a subtotal thyroidectomy will be performed.  In this thyroid surgery, one complete lobe, part of the second lobe, and the isthmus will be removed.

Thyroid surgery once required long incisions which completely opened the neck; today, many surgeons are conducting endoscopic thyroidectomies using a number of small incisions which allow surgical instruments and a tiny camera to be inserted into the surgical site.  Not only does this reduce the appearance of scars post-surgery, it also reduces recovery time and produces less pain than standard thyroidectomies do.

As with most modern surgeries, thyroid surgery is generally safe.  There are some complications which may occur due to the surgery, including a changed voice or persistent hoarseness brought on by nerve damage.  The best way to avoid this is to select an experienced surgeon; in addition, those having lobectomies rather than complete thyroidectomies are at lower risk for speech difficulties.

If the parathyroid glands are damaged or mistakenly removed during a total thyroidectomy, then hypoparathyroidism can result.  This is not a common problem encountered in patients having lobectomies, and again, the more experience a surgeon has, the less risk there is of accidental parathyroid gland removal.

Thyroid surgery patients are sometimes seen on an outpatient basis; most remain in the hospital for a day or two after surgery.

Additional Considerations

If you must undergo a total thyroidectomy, you will need to take synthetic thyroid hormone; this can also occur if you have a subtotal thyroidectomy or a lobectomy.

If you have been diagnosed with thyroid cancer and have undergone thyroid surgery, you will more than likely require treatment with radioactive iodine after the surgery, to ensure that all the cancer cells and thyroid tissue are gone. 

If you have undergone thyroid surgery for hyperthyroidism, you may have low calcium levels; in this case, you will need to take calcium supplements. Be sure to have a discussion with your doctor regarding any concerns you may have surrounding thyroid surgery.  While the risk for complications is present, most patients go on to enjoy life better than they have in many years, once thyroid surgery is successfully completed.

3 Ways That Time Line Therapy Can Change Your Life

Time Line Therapy is all about dealing with things that have happened in your past that have affected you in a negative way. Sometimes bad decisions or experiences from our past can hold us back and stop us doing the things in life that we really want to and so Time Line Therapy helps to work through these to eradicate the negative emotions attached to them.

Over time, emotions such as guilt, sadness and anger can build up in the subconscious mind and begin to limit the goals that we can achieve. If left unaddressed then these emotions can have a strong impact on the directions our lives take so working them through with a Time Line Therapy practitioner can have multiple benefits.

Business

In life, we all have a lot of decisions to make and this is especially apparent in business. The day to day running of a business involves a lot of important decisions and it is only human nature that the people who have to make these will not always make the right choice. Similarly, the right decision may still leave the person feeling emotionally connected with the outcome and this can then go on to impact future decisions.

For example, a manager may have made the decision to fire somebody and now feels guilty about it or in the past, a business owner may have decided to take up an opportunity that then lead to a loss and now they are held back by being too cautious. Time Line Therapy can help to work through these issues and dispel the negative emotions attached to them so that your business life is no longer hindered.

Weight Problems

A lot of people who suffer from weight problems or eating disorders can cite one specific incident or time in their life that ultimately lead to the start of their eating problems. This can range from being bullied at school to a reaction to the death of a loved one. If the incident that prompted the current weight issue is known then Time Line Therapy can help to ease this and remove the need for over eating or other food related disorders.

The emotions connected to these issues such as shame and hurt can be worked through and removed from past experiences so that the person can continue to live their life without being controlled by them.

Family Issues

The idea of attending emotional therapy for things that are happening in your life may seem daunting; especially because in usual sessions you are required not just to talk about your feelings and emotions but to relive then too. With Time Line Therapy this is not the case and therefore it is a much simpler and more soothing process.

Instead, this type of therapy deals with the initial event that caused the resulting feelings and then by removing the negative emotions attached to this event, the rest of the emotions will be freed up too; much like a traffic jam. This could help to deal with family tensions by removing the anger you feel about a specific situation or stop you being held back in relationships due to having been hurt by someone in the past.

Whatever it is that you need help with; Time Line Therapy could be a simpler and more pain-free way of dealing with your negative emotions. What do think though, can therapy like this really help us achieve better things in life? Leave your comments below.

Hundreds of Americans Taking Back Their Prescription Drugs

September 29 was the fifth National Prescription Take Back-Day. This event has hundreds of collection sites across the country, and has accounted for 1.5 million of prescription drugs being taken back.

Even though National Prescription Take Back-Day has just passed, I think this event sparks a great conversation, and a great opportunity to educate ourselves.

So, let's take a minute and look at some information surrounding National Prescription Take Back-Day.

The Problem

So is there really a need for a nationwide Prescription Take Back-Day? You bet there is. There have been many studies done on the problems and effects of prescription drug abuse. Those studies have found that "more than 52 million Americans have abused prescription drugs at least once during their lifetimes." In 2008, over 20,000 lives were lost in the U.S. due to prescription drug abuse.

The Office of National Drug Control Policy considers prescription drug abuse one of our greatest problems. They have said that, "In recent years, we've seen that prescription drug abuse constitutes one of the greatest public safety and public health epidemics of our time, inflicting devastating, long-term, effects on individuals – and destroying families, neighborhoods, and entire communities – all across the country."

Purpose

Prescription drug abuse has very quickly become one of the most common forms of drug abuse and addiction in our country. National Prescription Take Back-Day was created as a way to try to combat that. It gives citizens a way to properly dispose of their unneeded prescription medications. This collection comes at no cost to the participants, and with no questions asked. It is just a way for people to easily get rid of the prescriptions that they no longer want or need.

By providing people with an easy and structured way to dispose of their prescriptions, they are hoping to get less of these drugs off the streets. It also works as a way to educate people on the severity of the problem of prescription drug abuse in our country, and the importance of properly disposing of their unused prescriptions. It also serves as a reminder to dispose of them properly. By getting these prescriptions out of people's homes, the hope is that they can reduce the supply for prescription drug abuse.

What We Can Do

Yes, National Prescription Take Back-Day has already passed. But that doesn't mean that there is nothing you can do until the next one comes around! You don't have to wait for another National Prescription Take Back-Day. Over half of individuals who abuse prescription painkillers aren't buying them from dealers. They are getting them from their friends and family members. So, do your part to work to prevent this from happening with you and those around you.

Learn how to properly dispose of your unneeded prescriptions. Never share your prescriptions with others. Pay attention to the prescriptions you have in your home: make sure that you are monitoring their amounts, and that none are missing. When you are finished with a prescription of yours, make sure to properly dispose of any leftovers. And educate yourself and your children on the harms of prescription drug abuse. If we all do our part, hopefully we can work to better fight this growing epidemic in our country.

Tips for Improving Your Health During the Golden Years

How many calories?

The elderly have gradually slowing metabolisms that can easily lead to weight gain if a person is not careful. In general, elderly women and men need slightly different caloric requirements based on how active they are. An active woman over 50 needs about 2000 calories per day. A semi-active woman needs about 1800 calories, and a non-active woman needs about 1600 calories per day. An active man over 50 needs about 2400-2800 calories per day, a semi-active man needs about 2200-2400 calories per day, and a non-active man needs about 2000 calories per day.

Diet

The foods you choose to eat can have a huge impact on your overall health. Not only can food help you avoid minor illnesses, but a good nutritional path can also help prevent other diseases, including heart disease, high blood pressure, and other common health issues that commonly affect the elderly. Eat from a variety of food groups to maintain your optimal health throughout your golden years.

Fruits: The elderly should eat plenty of fresh fruits. Eat a variety of fruits in various colors and try to eat at least one to two servings of fruit a day.

Vegetables: Try to consume the darker vegetables that are rich in iron and other nutrients. Eating 2 to 2 ½ cups of vegetables a day will go a long way toward preserving your health.

Protein: It is an important part of your diet as you age. Most seniors need about half their bodyweight in grams of protein each day. For example, a 200 pound man needs about 100 grams of protein each day. Eat protein from a variety of sources, including meat, dairy, and nuts.

Calcium: It is an extremely important requirement as you age. Your natural calcium depletes and makes your bones weaker and more brittle. Try to eat at least 1,200 mg of calcium each day from sources like dairy, nuts, and dark green vegetables.

Grains: They are an important part of any diet, but it is easy to consume too much. Always choose whole grains over processed grain, and shoot for about 6 to 7 ounces each day.

Avoid high concentrations of salt and fat to eliminate unhealthy weight gain and sodium build-up, which can lead to health problems.

Exercise

Exercise is important to maintaining your overall health. Exercise is not only good for your body, but it is also good for your mind. You don’t have to expend a lot of energy on exercise. Moderate exercise three or four times a week will provide many of the benefits of exercise, such as health blood pressure, reduced weight, and improved mental clarity. Low-impact exercises like walking or swimming are perfect for seniors.

Get involved

The health of your body is not the only thing that keeps you in good shape as you age. It is also important to keep the mind active. Get involved in a few different group activities. Try volunteering at a local church or charity. Participate in game night with friends or family. Entertain yourself with mentally-challenging games, like Sodoku, crossword puzzles, or brain teasers. You can even get a pet to keep you company. These mental activities will help you avoid depression and loneliness as you age.

If you want to have a healthy life from start to finish, it is important to maintain your health through physical activities, exercise, and diet. These three things will help prevent many preventable diseases and health problems that often affect the elderly. If you start preparing your body in advance, you can delay or avoid these problem and live a healthy life well into your golden years.

4 Tips for Getting Organized with ADHD

While thought of as a condition that affects children , ADHD can continue to impact you for the rest of your life. The symptoms of ADHD do not mix well with the added responsibilities of adulthood, such as work, paying the bills on time and other task associated with running your household and life. Disorganization can be disastrous and it is often a major problem for people with this condition. If your ADHD makes it hard to keep your life in order, take heart in the fact that there are some simple strategies that are applicable to anyone looking to get more organized; the only difference is, because of your condition, you will need to be more diligent in applying them consistently to make them work for you.   

Use a Calendar

One of the keys to getting more organized is bringing all the stuff you need to remember out into the world in physical form rather than trying to track it all in your head; even someone without ADHD can easily become disorganized trying to operate in this mode. A calendar is a great way to keep things in order. If you have a family, assign each person a color to easily track whose information is whose. You do not have to use a calendar just for activities; you can write down the due dates of your different bills and anything else where you need to remember to do something at a certain time or a certain day.

To-Do Lists

To-do lists can be a life-saver for someone with ADHD. They are great for creating order in your mind and will eliminate the possibility of you forgetting to do something because it slipped your mind. When it is written down, you will quickly be reminded. It is best to set up your list for the following day the night before; then when you wake up, you can start tackling what you have written down. This will probably also help you sleep a lot better since you will not be worrying about trying to remember all the things you have to do the next day. As someone who has recently taken to writing out to-do lists for my daily work tasks, I can personally speak to the effectiveness of this method; not to mention, the awesome feeling of satisfaction each time I cross something off the list.

Develop a Simple System for Storing Important Documents

Finding a way to keep all of your paperwork organized is an important part of your overall organization  efforts since this is one area where many of us tend to falter—bills laid out all over the kitchen table, important letters and documents nowhere to be found. Systems are supposed to make things easier so a key component of their design is simplicity. The easier your system for storing important documents, the more likely it is you will stick with it. You might consider getting different colored file folders or colored labels for each of your different types of documents. One folder might be all the bills for the house while another might be insurance paperwork or documents needed for your taxes .

Clear Out the Clutter

Mess and organization really do not go together and if you want to get organized, you are going to have to commit to creating a clean, orderly environment. To avoid overwhelm, start out small. Do a little something each day or commit to one day a week where you will spend a good chunk of time going through and cleaning everything up. Once you get everything settled, schedule regular times, perhaps once a week, where you will de-clutter and prevent a big pile-up of mess.

Hot Flashes: How Hypnosis Can Help You in Reducing Menopause Symptoms?

Hot flashes: those instant experiences of hotness that sweep by means of a woman's body system, normally accompanied with a expeled experience and even excessive sweating. They really are the most common signs and symptoms of menopausal also perimenopause together with -- quite truthfully -- hard drive a great deal of mature females insane. Hypnosis will be helpful get rid of hot flashes in postmenopausal women of all ages and, minimizing their occurrence as high as 74%, professionals say. Hot flashes have an effect on about 80% of women as they simply go through menopausal. The unexpected hasten of heat function could be pursued by anxiety allowing it to eliminate good quality of lifestyle. 

However right now the latest research states that that medicinal hypnosis can aid in eliminating hot flashes in addition to their associated signs or symptoms. Hypnotic relaxation therapy diminished hot flashes by just as much as 80%, as reported by analysis from Baylor University's Mind-Body Medication Researching Laboratory. The conclusions also suggested that attendees encountered a more suitable excellence of living because of sensation much less anxiousness and depression symptoms. 

A healthy diet is best part for a number of women: Above two-thirds of North American most women experience hot flashes in the course of perimenopause, together with nearly every individual who suffers through triggered or premature the symptoms of menopause, according to WebMD. The more than likely disadvantage of employing hypnosis for hot flashes, is the time and effort demanded. Preliminary instruction should be issued by a medical professional well-versed in hypnosis, after which you will need to rehearse at your home. 

Professionals don’t are fully aware of exactly how hypnosis might work to comfortable the hot flashes. It most likely impacts on the body’s thermostat control in the human brain. To be clinically essential, the reduction will have to be 55% or even more, he stated. Furthermore reducing in number of occurrence, the hot flashes as well started to be milder. 

Although hypnosis might end up being a whole new alternative for hot flash affected people, a previous all natural treatment was just lately debunked. In contrast to past researches looking into the association between soy as well as these particular menopausal signs and symptoms, the present review incorporated an incredibly major human population over an extensive period of time of their time: much more than 1,600 women of all ages over a decade.