Thursday, August 11, 2016

Let's Talk: 6-tips On How to Start A Conversation With Loved Ones About Long-Term Care

Co-authored with Tom McInerney, President and CEO of Genworth Financial.

When looking into the future, we imagine our loved ones happy and healthy, doing the things they enjoy during their late adulthood years. We never want to think of them being ill, disabled or needing long-term care services.

However, the reality is that most of us–at least 70 percent of people over the age of 65, in fact–will. Along with a longer lifespan comes a greater chance you will need help with some of life’s basic needs.

Here are a few numbers to put it into perspective:

• According to the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey, 36 percent of people age 65 and older reported some type of disability, be it vision or hearing loss, cognition problems, difficulties moving around, or restrictions when it comes to self-care or independence, in 2014.

• Nearly 40% of people age 65 and older have difficulties with the activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, eating, toileting, getting out of bed, getting around inside one’s home or building, or leaving one’s home or building. Currently, about one in five older people that have these types of difficulties report that they need more help than they receive (Desai et al. 2001; Spillman 2013).

• Diseases that impair our ability to care for ourselves are on the rise. For example, one in nine people age 65 and older has Alzheimer’s disease according to the Alzheimer’s Association.

• When older people who need assistance do not get enough help, terrible things can happen, including falls, burns, inadequate nutrition, missed physician appointments, depression, hospitalization and emergency room use.

The truth of the matter is, by ignoring these statistics or failing to address the possibility of disability, we are doing ourselves and our loved ones a disservice. The power is in preparation and the best way to begin this preparation is to sit down and talk.

Admittedly, having a conversation about long-term care isn’t exactly like talking about the weather. You must pick your moment–and your words–carefully. Whether you are a loved one of someone facing long-term care needs or you are contemplating those needs yourself (or both), here are some tips on how to talk about it:

Find an entry point. It’s a good idea to use an event–be it a happy celebration, like a birthday or anniversary, or a near miss occurrence like a fall or brief illness–to trigger a discussion about long-term care. You can say something like, “it’s amazing that you are celebrating your 65th birthday; we should probably start talking about plans for your future.” Or, “you’re lucky you only sprained your wrist when you fell. Next time it could be worse, what can we do to prevent that from happening again?”

Back yourself up with facts. Its human nature to think aging-related disability will never happen to you. When faced with such a proposition, many people react defensively, saying things like “I’m never going to leave this house,” or “I’ll think about it when the time comes.” To get the conversation going it may help to present statistics on how often people over 65 actually do need some forms of long-term care.

Discuss the implications. Point out to your loved one that proper long-term care planning will not only put him or her in a safer position moving forward, but it will also help family members have peace of mind and avoid future conflict. Caring for an ailing aging loved one may put a major strain on families, and planning ahead helps pave the way and reduce that stress.

Make your loved one feel empowered. Explain to your loved one that the more they can plan when well, the more control they will have over their long-term care. For example, putting measures in place to allow them to live at home as long as possible rather than moving in to an assisted living or nursing home facility. It’s much better to plan while in good mental and physical health than to leave it to others should you become incapacitated.

Pull in a professional. If you are having trouble getting through to your loved one, or if you just want to add an expert perspective to the ongoing conversation, encourage a discussion with a professional. Talk to a geriatric medicine physician, elder law attorney, social worker, or a combination of these experts depending on your loved one’s needs. Your local Area Agency on Aging is also a good resource.

Crunch the numbers. When you look at the cost of long-term care, the numbers can shock anyone into reality. Use an online calculator to estimate your loved one’s long-term care costs (you can find one at http://ift.tt/2aZh3N5), and start planning financially as well as logistically. Such financial steps could include dedicating savings specifically for long-term care, purchasing long-term care insurance, buying life insurance or an annuity with long-term care benefits, or reviewing options for using or preserving a home’s equity. As you approach the tenuous topic of long-term care with a loved one, remember: it’s never too early to get the conversation started.

For more resources on how to have “the talk,” visit genworth.com.

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A Pill A Day To Keep HIV Away For Young South Africans

For the last six months, Thulisile has been taking pills used to treat people with HIV. But she’s perfectly healthy. The 20-year-old South African is on an antiretroviral drug that, if taken every day, is more than 90 percent effective at stopping her from contracting HIV, even if she has sex with someone who is infected with the virus.


While taking a pill every day for some isn’t such a big deal, for Thulisile it’s a huge commitment. “You do it because you know it prevents you from HIV, but the pill is big – it’s hard to swallow,” she said. “To take it every day at the same time – it’s like I’m living with HIV already.”


Thulisile may be reluctant, but she also knows she’s lucky. She is one of a handful of young women taking part in a pilot program to see if giving pre-exposure prophylaxis, or PrEP, to sexually active, HIV-negative young women can lower the rate of new HIV infections in South Africa, where around 7 million people currently live with the virus.


In sub-Saharan Africa, girls and young women account for 71 percent of new HIV infections among adolescents. The global health community has set itself ambitious goals to reduce the rate of HIV infections by 40 percent among adolescent girls and young women by 2017 in 10 sub-Saharan African countries. To that end, several countries in the region have launched PrEP pilot programs similar to South Africa’s. But experts have said any efforts to reduce HIV infection rates will fail unless countries first address the barriers that stop women from accessing essential health services, including stigma, gender-based violence and a lack of education.


While the effectiveness of PrEP is still debated, the technique has been gaining acceptance as a method for curbing the spread of HIV. In 2014 the World Health Organisation (WHO) recommended offering PrEP to men who have sex with men – a group known as MSM – but last year broadened its recommendation to include all people at substantial risk of HIV infection.


South Africa’s Medicines Control Council approved PrEP last year, and in June began rolling it out among selected sex worker programs across the country. Before making PrEP available to other groups at high risk of HIV infection, researchers are conducting the pilot program to assess how well young people – who are likely to skip a dose here and there – adhere to the daily treatment and whether they suffer any side effects from the medication.


Right now, the program involves HIV-negative adolescents between the ages of 15 and 19 in Cape Town and in the South African township of Soweto in Johannesburg. According to Linda-Gail Bekker, deputy director of the Desmond Tutu HIV Centre at the University of Cape Town and one of the lead investigators in the pilot, the plan is to eventually roll it out to other parts of the country. But that depends on funding and the capability of the health system. “Who we give it to to prevent ongoing infections will help with the ‘bang for the buck,’” she said. “These are some of the issues to iron out in the next weeks to months.”


Nomtika Mjwana, spokeswoman for the Sexual and Reproductive Justice Coalition in South Africa, believes the sooner PrEP is widely available to young women and girls, the better. And alongside the drug, she said, more needs to be done to educate women and girls about their healthcare options. “We need to look at the different support structures that are in place to support women’s access to these services,” she said.


Mjwana welcomes the pilot program in South Africa, but questions how it can be put into practice on a wider scale. “In order to normalize prevention strategies and create access for young people, we need to normalize the fact young people are having sex,” she said. But one of the biggest barriers to girls accessing sexual health advice and treatment, she said, is stigma and shame around visiting clinics.


“Healthcare workers are women and they’re the ones who are chasing girls away,” said Mjwana. “They have a problem with the fact that young girls are having sex. So we have the prevention tools, but when it comes to implementation, it’s just not happening.”


One of Thulisile’s friends, who asked not be named, said she has been put off asking for reproductive health advice at public clinics because of the attitudes of the staff at health centers.


“When you go to a clinic and want to have family planning [advice], they start asking questions. It’s like you’re being interrogated,” said the young woman. “At the end of the day you go home, engage in sex … then you can become pregnant and infected by HIV.”


She suggested staff need to be trained in how to communicate with young people without making them feel judged. “We need to make PrEP available at every local clinic [but we also need] to have someone more understanding who is able to work with youth,” she said.


Bekker agrees, adding that healthcare worker attitudes have to change whether or not PrEP is part of the picture. But the drug could provide a unique opportunity to finally engage with healthcare workers, she says.


“Healthcare workers need to be included in the process as much as possible and we should use innovation and creativity to do it,” says Bekker. “Not just an ‘or else’ directive.”


This article originally appeared on Women & Girls Hub. For weekly updates, you can sign up to the Women & Girls Hub email list.

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6 New York Yogis Share Their Post-Practice Snacks

By: Shira Atkins

Walk down any New York City street and you’ll see people with mats slung over their shoulders, as well as endless food options. Here’s what six urban practitioners eat after yoga.


Some say that what we eat after we work out is the most important food we’ll eat in a day. Our body is highly receptive to what we put into it in the 30 to 45 minutes after exercise when our muscles require protein and carbohydrates to repair. When it comes to eating after yoga practice, there’s even more reason to be discerning. The practice doesn’t only affect us on a physical level, but it shifts us in many subtle ways as well. Eating foods that are wholesome and Ayurvedically appropriate is important to our overall sense of balance, which is why for many practitioners, what they eat in summer is different than in winter, just as it’s different in morning as at night. We polled a few New York-based yoga practitioners to hear what foods they incorporate into their days to stay balanced and nourished.

Allie Mazur, director of growth operations at Exubrancy, an office wellness company based in New York City
For a perfect breakfast after a morning yoga session, I toast two Ezekiel Buckwheat waffles, drizzle them with a bit of olive oil (for healthy fats!), then smash fresh raspberries on top of them–a much healthier sweetener than syrup.

Maria Macsay, yoga and fitness instructor
It really depends on how my body is feeling that day and what it’s asking for. Many times it’s a delicious vegan smoothie and other days it’s an egg sandwich or a leafy green salad.

Sara Miller, yoga teacher and associate director, partnerships and brand development at Jet.com
After morning practice I’ll eat overnight oats with chia seeds and peanut butter. After evening class I’ll have red wine and Brussels sprouts. Trust me.

To learn the post-practice snacks of three other yogis, read the original article on Sonima.

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Healthify Your Pantry

Let’s face it. There are days and weeks that are so busy that even getting to the supermarket can seem like a challenge. Stocking up on pantry items that have a longer then average shelf life can be a lifesaver when things get too busy or when you need an on-hand addition to an already fabulous meal. Stock up on these foods and use them as your go-to staples when you want a well-balanced meal that wows!

Black Beans: A powerhouse of protein and fiber, black beans can be used to make soup, dips, spreads and are a delicious addition to any salad. I prefer using the dried beans as opposed to the canned beans so that I can control the level of salt and cooking preferences. When I am super crunched for time however, I will rinse the canned version under cold water for ten seconds to reduce the sodium and the slightly metallic taste. Other great beans to keep on hand are lentils, kidney beans and chickpeas.

Spices: Not only do they tantalize your taste but spices are composed of a variety of phyto-nutrients, antioxidants and vitamins that are essential to your overall health. My favorites are turmeric, cinnamon, garlic, cayenne pepper and ginger. I add turmeric, garlic and some cayenne to almost every soup, stew or hot food I prepare, and I use cinnamon and ginger to enhance teas and after dinner treats. Ground spices can last for up to three years. 

Quinoa: Yes, although quinoa is a plant, it is a complete protein! It provides a boost of energy and will satisfy hunger in the same way that meat would, but without the fat. It takes less than 15 minutes to prepare and is a satiating addition to just about any meal. Try it on its own or is in addition to sautéed vegetable, soups, stews, spreads and my personal favorite, salads. 

Brown rice noodles: A healthy pasta alternative to its white counterpart and free of wheat or gluten, making it perfect for anyone with gluten intolerance or celiac disease. Use these as a substitution in all your pasta and noodle dishes and indulge in the delicious flavors and health benefits.

Crushed tomatoes: Rich in flavor and amped up in the antioxidant, lycopene, crushed tomatoes are extremely useful for creating vitamin rich foods. Add to homemade whole-pizzas, soups, and sauces. Opt for the no-salt added versions when possible. 

Extra-virgin olive oil: Gotta love those healthy fats! A natural antioxidant that is a staple in the Mediterranean diet, EVOO reduces the risk of heart disease and has also been shown to reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes. Take note that this type of oil does not have a high smoke point and is better as a drizzle for salads, dips and other cold foods so resist the urge to cook with it. 

Nuts: always a convenient and energy-boosting go-to snack, nuts have a large amounts of protein, fiber, calcium and other nutrients. Almonds are heart healthy and packed with the most fiber and protein of all nuts. Ground nuts are a tasty and healthy alternative to breadcrumbs and an excellent substitution for flour in baked goods. Nuts can be stored in the freezer for up to one year.   

Take this list with you the next time your go to the supermarket and reap the benefits for weeks and months to come!

Melody Pourmoradi is a Women’s Life & Wellness Coach. She thrives on supporting women to nourish themselves mind, body & soul to become the best version of themselves. She currently lives in NY with her husband and her beloved twin daughters. In her newest passion project, she is creating a GiRLiFE Empowerment training for mothers, coaches and others who are on a mission of empowering young girls to live a life of happiness, peace & success. For more information, check out http://ift.tt/2bi2RQN

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One Thing You Can Do To Improve Your Relationship...In Public

“That’s not what you told your mom about me…

"You told your best friend that I was bad in bed!?”

“I don’t understand why you get so ticked that I talk to my friends about our issues. It’s not like I can talk to you about them!”

“I just needed to let off some steam.”

“You told our son that I was being a crazy b****!”

“Whatever. I just told them about that one argument we had.”


When a couple faces crisis and ends up in the office of a therapist such as myself, I often begin the process by tuning into what’s left, if anything, of positivity in the relationship. When couples are at their breaking point, there is often little or no respect or understanding left between them.

Does it surprise you to know that this dynamic is actually preventable? And that there are things you can do, early on in your relationship, to negativity-proof your relationship later on? Couples don’t often realize the power they hold in maintaining respect and health in their relationship. Today, I want to share one simple yet powerful tool for you to consider – and here’s the thing – it’s really not rocket science. But it must be done consistently and in public.

Speak highly, positively, and respectfully about your partner to the outside world.

One of the most common patterns I see in couples who are struggling in their relationship is the challenge of not pulling third parties and external sources into their issues. Partners lose the ability to talk to their mate, so they turn to outside sources (be it a family member, coworker, friend, or other person of the opposite sex) for relief. This leads to long term issues with trust, respect, communication, and the ability to work problems out with one another.

Have you ever heard coworkers, friends, or family members speak poorly of their mate? Putting them down, making fun of them, or making low blows that obviously allude to bigger underlying issues?

This is one of the most insidious and unhealthy things you can do in a relationship. Talking negatively about your partner actually increases the likelihood of you continuing to see them in that regard, even if they make healthy or positive changes.

So, do you hold your partner in a high regard to others?

Do you frame them in a positive light to the outside world, or is your commentary about him/her more critical, complainant, and comparative to others?

If your partner heard how you talk about them to others, how would they feel?

When you choose to respect your partner even when they don’t see or hear you- especially when they don’t see or hear you- you are bringing a fresh, healthy, and respectful approach to how you relate to them in your world.

Wouldn’t you hope for the same in return?

So, get public! Share with the world what you appreciate, love, and are proud of about your partner. And by the way, this is NOT “being fake”. If there really are problems that exist in your relationship, it is a relationship 101 not to involve other parties who may be biased and to seek professional help. Do the healthy thing and do right by your relationship to carefully filter who you allow into your relationship issues.

Speak highly, positively, and respectfully about your partner to the outside world.

Are you experiencing relationship issues? Snag a FREE copy of my relationship e-book: The Five Relationship Mistakes You Are Making, And What To Do About Them!

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Eavesdropping On The Stars

Upon the latter part of the evening, I was feeling very peaceful and decided to step outside to gaze at the stars. It was so quiet, you could hear a pin drop. Apparently the stars weren’t aware that I was looking and listening in, because it wasn’t but a few moments later that I was able to eavesdrop on their conversation. I caught them in a moment when they were gossiping, and it was about us.

The larger of the twinkling stars said, “The earthlings on the planet, the third from the sun, are an unfinished adventure. Over the past several thousand years it’s been interesting watching them evolve. Remember when they came up with the idea of "private property” and decided to divide the planet into parcels? Wow, what a nightmare that has become. They continue to slaughter and maim one another in the name of their acquired country and call it “patriotism.” They become even more neurotic about ownership of the planet by building fences and walls everywhere, and living in gated communities.

The smaller of the twinkling stars chimed in, “And though it’s a very guarded way of living, they call it "freedom.” It seems these earthlings have evolved technologically, but they’ve not evolved one centimeter from their cave-man lifestyle when it comes to their outrageous butchery in the name of their boundaries. Yet when they see a lion devour a zebra, they shudder and wail about the cruelty.“

The larger star then added, "They seem to believe that there are not enough natural resources or enough room on the planet for all of them to survive. They further the exasperation by setting boundaries in their minds. They will do to one another whatever it takes to maintain their beliefs. One of the wiser of them, John Steinbeck, I believe, once said, "Man is the only kind of varmint, sets his own trap, baits it, then steps in it.” It seems that they live by habit and inheritance, then constantly step in those traps. Although their eyes are hungry, their ears are thirsty and their hearts are yearning for new answers, they scream, “Leave things alone. Fight not to change them.” Thus their lives remain a baffling puzzle.

A third twinkling star laughingly uttered, “Yet we know that the planet, third from the sun, is far more intelligent than any of its inhabitants including those varmints that set their own traps. For no environment can be less intelligent than its occupants. The planet would never allow a population explosion that it could not sustain. If that were to happen, the planet would resolve the problem quickly, as it did when it rid itself of the dinosaur. I hear these earthlings speak about saving the planet, not knowing that they need never worry about that, but they should be gravely concerned with saving themselves.”

The larger star concluded, “These earthlings, who not only insist that parcels of the planet are theirs exclusively and will harm intruders who don’t agree, also divide themselves into two parts: those who believe in their god and those who don’t. Heaven help those who don’t. With that one trap, a life that could be a delightful journey has become a woeful maze. What misery they lay upon themselves when they slay others in the flesh. Do they not slay themselves in spirit?”

All of a sudden, I think one of the stars noticed me listening in because the chatter stopped. They continued to twinkle but there was no more small talk. Oh well. I went in the house, watched an old rerun of the Seinfeld sitcom and went to bed.

International Bestselling book author, Rob White, offers other inspiring short stories that reveal ordinary gurus who come to you to prove there’s no such thing as a final failure unless you say so in his book And Then I Met Margaret.

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Top Super Fruits You Need In Your Life

The majority of people in our country are genuinely interested in finding the secrets for optimal health. Such secrets can involve how to achieve overall health and wellness, what foods to choose, and how certain foods benefit our bodies, but the reality is that the majority of people don’t know how to go about finding those ‘secrets’.

Truth be told, most people find it hard to assess and accept all the information available at their fingertips especially when having to decipher what information can truly influence their health in a more positive way. Currently, there is an overload of health information available that is just downright overwhelming.

That being said, when I think of 'optimal health’, both exercising and eating a daily balanced diet consisting also of fruits and vegetables, quickly comes to mind. Additionally, I have found a 'secret’ for optimal health that I would like to share with you today; one that is not only rich in nutrients, but also absolutely appetizing!

Eating super fruits
Eating plenty of fruits on a regular basis is a habit that most people should develop early on. Powerful antioxidants such as vitamin C along with potassium, fiber and others, are just a few of the many benefits that can be found in a recommended portion of fruits.

Below are some of the top most powerful super fruits:

Mango
Nutritional facts - 1 cup mango
100 calories
1 gram of protein
25 grams of carbohydrates
A good source of fiber - Each cup has 3 grams of fiber (or 12% of daily recommendations)
Excellent source of vitamin C - A cup of mango has 100% of daily vitamin C needs
35% of vitamin A needs
Mangos contain over 20 different vitamins and minerals
Each mango is cholesterol free, sodium free and fat free
Ongoing research surrounding the health benefits of mangos have found mango consumption beneficial for blood glucose control, cancer protection and digestive health

Favorite Quick Serving Tips
Add them to salsas, salads, grilled seafood, kabobs, smoothies, and desserts such as cheesecake or sorbet.

Resources
For more information, recipes and tips visit: Mango

Raspberries
Nutritional facts - 1 cup (140 grams)
80 calories per cup
9 grams fiber per cup providing more fiber than any other berry
One of the lowest in natural sugar content compared to other berries
Excellent source of vitamin C, providing 60% daily value recommendations
Packed with phytochemicals that may help slow the aging process and may reduce the risk of certain diseases.

Favorite Quick Serving Tips
Add them to beverages, salads, as a garnish or to desserts such as fruit tarts.

Resources
For more information, recipes and tips visit: Raspberries

Strawberries
Nutritional facts - 1 cup (8 medium strawberries)
45 calories per cup
Excellent source of vitamin C - 140% Daily value recommendations
3 grams of fiber per cup
Packed with antioxidants and important nutrients such as potassium, folate and fiber.
Clinical research shows a serving per day may improve heart health, help manage diabetes, support brain health and reduce the risk of some cancers.

Quick Serving Tips
Add them to salads, sauces, smoothies, and desserts such as strawberry pie.

Resources
For more information, recipes and tips visit: Strawberries


Blueberries
Nutritional facts - 1 cup (148 grams)
84 calories per 1 cup
2 grams of fiber
14 grams of vitamin C or 16% of the daily value recommendations
Rich in antioxidants and important minerals and vitamins
Research indicates that blueberries may improve motors skills and reduce the aging short- term memory loss.

Favorite Quick Serving Tips
Add them to quick breads such as pancakes and hot cereals, smoothies, or deserts such as blueberry pie or bars.

Resources
For more information, recipes and tips visit: Blueberries

Cherries
Nutritional facts - 1 cup without pits
97 calories per cup
3 grams of fiber (12% daily value recommendations)
A good source of Vitamin C - 25% daily value recommendations
Cherries provide vitamin A and potassium as well as other important nutrients such as vitamin K, B vitamins, magnesium and copper.

Favorite Quick Serving tips
Add them to sauces, beverages, quick breads, salads, as a garnish or as a topping for ice cream desserts.

Resources
For more information, recipes and tips visit: Cherries

Nutrition data information obtained from the USDA Data Base

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How Harry Potter Added Mindfulness And Magic To My Family Vacations

How Harry Potter Added Mindfulness & Magic to My Family Vacations
by Debbie Lyn Toomey, author of The Happiness Result



2016-08-10-1470840337-5371352-HarryPotter.jpg


My family and I recently had a vacation and instead of flying to our destination, we decided to drive. It didn’t take us very long to agree upon Acadia National Park in Maine. We went 3 years ago and had to go back because we had such a blast on our previous visit. Because this road trip was going to be a 4 to 5-hour drive for us, we planned on ways to make it comfortable and enjoyable for my 3 boys, my husband, and me. We made sure to carefully pack all of the essentials. In the trunk went our luggage, beach chairs, and the $1.50 kite that I bought on sale at the end of last summer. Also, within our reach were our sweet and salty snacks and an assortment of drinks that were sure to please everyone on the trip. Finally, in the front, we had our old Harry Potter book on tape. Cassette tape that is.

Mad About Harry

The Order of the Phoenix was the only Harry Potter audio book that we had on tape. Although we had the other ones on CD’s, it was the story that we wanted for our long drive. Luckily, our family minivan had a working cassette tape player that we often used to listen to 70’s music. We had our first experience with listening to the Harry Potter audio book 12 years ago when we did a 7-hour drive all the way up to Toronto, Canada to visit relatives. It was then that my husband became interested in the Harry Potter stories and my whole family fell in love with the audio book series.
I still smile to this day as I recall my husband’s face as he drove us to Toronto. He was listening so intently that our bathroom breaks ended up happening only after the end of the exciting parts of the story. Listening to the Harry Potter audio books made what can seem like a long and boring road trip into a fun and memorable adventure for everyone.

Serious Blackness

I recall yet another family vacation where Harry came along with my us. It was 8 years ago and we were staying at our condominium in New Hampshire. My family had just finished clearing off the dinner table after having a tasty assortment of leftovers we collected over the previous days. It was a perfect night to stay in because of the heavy rains that were expected to come. Just as we were about to discuss which “oldie but goodie” movie to watch that evening; the lights went out. In fact, the whole condominium complex was seriously dark all around us. The only light source that we had was from outside: the full moon that came out from the clouds after the rain had stopped.


Lumos Maxima!

Luckily, as if I had my own magical wand, I grabbed my iPhone and it created a source of light for us. It gave us light similar to the charm, “Lumos” that the Harry Potter characters would say when they were in the dark and needed light. Thankfully my mobile phone gave me enough light to help me find my Yankee Candles jars and lighter easily. In order to keep my youngest Max, who was 3 years old at the time, from getting scared we decided to make the most of it by gathering around the kitchen table to play cards and listen to more of Harry Potter in my boom box that had newly replaced D batteries.
Eventually, the rain stopped, but only a few of the condominium complex’s emergency lights went on. Curious about the bright lights from the nearby town that was a couple blocks away, my family and I set out on an adventurous walk to get some much needed ice cream. What a night! What was supposed to be a quiet evening watching old movies became a magical one filled with storms, Harry Potter, and a walk to the nearby town in darkness. I would say it was an evening almost worthy of a Harry Potter chapter.

To Harry!

As a parent, I noticed how something as simple as listening to an old Harry Potter audio books gave my whole family yet another common interest to enjoy together. Whether it was going for a long drive or listening to it as we played cards, it gave what we were doing together a greater sense of meaning and pleasure. To be silly, my family and I still do a playful toast with our best British accent and say, “To Harry!” mimicking a scene in the book. It never ceases to bring a laugh out of everyone.


Mindfulness
As a Health and Happiness Specialist, someone who teaches and writes about mindfulness for today’s busy people, I have noticed how listening to a great story can captivate the attention of a group, similar to the practice of mindfulness listening. It’s a kind of listening where one becomes so engrossed in the story that your whole being comes to life with the story. It’s mindfulness concentration at its best. Further, listening to the Harry Potter stories had the power of gathering people together and appreciating their special time. I am forever grateful for the mindfulness and magic that Harry and his stories added to my family vacations.

How about you?

If you’re wondering about how to make your family time extra special? Try this.

1. Encourage your family to listen to an audio book during your time together.
2. Involve the whole family to pick an audio book and chose one that everyone will enjoy.
3. Make sure to have a way to listen it both inside and outside the car.
4. Hit “play” and start listening.
5. Notice how your family reacts to the activity.
6. Intermittently discuss what’s happening in the story.
7. Share what went well by doing this together.
8. If your family enjoyed this, repeat next time with another audio book.

I’m confident that once you start a family activity like this, it will become a tradition as it has for me and my family. Enjoy! Please leave your comments below and share with us some ways that you create lasting and meaningful memories with your family.

To learn more about ways to gain more time, more health, more love, and more success in the midst of your busy day, be sure to get my upcoming book, The Happiness Result. This book was created with today’s busy people in mind to help them use 7 simple techniques for creating an awesome life. Go to http://ift.tt/29kvUBq to read the reviews and sign up to be notified when the book is available for purchase.

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Keeping Your Home Cool: Tricks For Staying Comfortable In The Summer Heat

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We’ve all been enjoying the recent hot weather, but sometimes it gets too much.
And for those whose businesses rely on balanced temperature, it becomes imperative to find ways to make it work.
In addition, we sometimes need to retreat back into our homes to stay comfortable and cool. Check out my top tricks for keeping your home cool during the heat wave.

1. Get Smart With Bedding
Switching your sheets to cotton during the summer months is a great idea as this breathable material stays cooler than satin, silk or polyester options. For an especially cool and comfortable slumber, invest in ‘smart beddings’ such as The Fine Bedding Company’s Breathe Duvet and Cool Touch pillow, both of which have unique temperature control action.

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2. Get Planting
For a long-term solution, planting trees in front of light-facing windows and vines over verandas will help to shade your house and prevent the sun’s glare from entering and overheating your rooms. In these months where folks complain of itchy eyes and running noses, It’s also necessary to monitor the air we breathe especially while indoors.

Research show that people spend more than three-quarters of their lives indoors and thus plants like ferns are considered exceptionally proficient in indoor air purification and cooling. So get planting.

3. Dine Alfresco
Your kitchen easily heats up the rest of your home when you’re cooking. As often as you can, stick to cold food like salads in the hot weather, and if you want hot food, fire up the barbecue.
Cooking and dining outside will keep your house from warming up, and you get to make the most of the hot weather.

4. Keep your conservatory cool
Conservatories are notorious for getting too hot in the summer. The large window panes cause sun to stream through and heat up the room. That’s where blinds are perfect for keeping your conservatory cool. Duette blinds have a honeycomb design which stops heat from coming into your conservatory. They keep as much as 78% of heat outside, and will reduce the sun’s glare by up to 99%.
In the summer, the conservatory can overheat, whilst in the winter it can be difficult to keep warm without suitable heating controls.

5. Let Air Circulate
Although window blinds will help keep your home cool, you should also make sure air can circulate around. Keep plants planted as well as windows and doors open so you get a good natural air flow going.
This helps with proper balance of oxygen and carbon dioxide.

6. Keep An Optimal Climate In Your Home Office
Keeping rooms at a consistent temperature, regardless of the weather outside, as well as allowing fresh air and light into the room is key to creating a comfortable environment and boosting concentration levels when you’re working or studying.
Whether your kids are revising or you’re catching up on some work at home, you all will need a cool and calming atmosphere to be at your most productive.

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7. Make Your Bedroom Comfortable
There’s nothing worse than the feeling of going to bed hot. Sometimes opening the windows just won’t cut it.
Blackout blinds are perfect for keeping the hot air out and helping you get a good night’s sleep. Blackout blinds that block out 99% of the sun’s rays so you won’t be disturbed by the heat or glare. Having flowers that enable free flow of air also helps keep the room more comfortable.
There’s nothing better than having peace and quiet when you need it most. Bedtime is one of these times. Relax in comfort with stunning energy saving window blinds, as they absorb up to 45% of unwanted noises.

8. Turn The Lights Off
It sounds obvious, but light bulbs give off heat so take advantage of the longer sunshine filled summer days and utilise the abundance of natural light as much as possible.
Keep rooms cool after dark (and save energy!) by only using lights minimally or not at all and be sure to unplug electronics and small appliances which also give off heat, even when turned off.

These simple tips for keeping cool will help you even in the balmy temperatures we’ve been experiencing in the last week. Let’s hope it carries on for a bit longer!

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Against North Carolina's HB2 Law: Mental Health And Discrimination Cannot Co-Exist

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This past May, the board of directors of Grantmakers in Health (GIH) decided to relocate the organization’s 2017 Annual Conference on Health Philanthropy from Charlotte, North Carolina, to another city.

This difficult decision was made in light of the state of North Carolina’s controversial new law, the Public Facilities Privacy and Security Act (HB2). The law overturned a Charlotte ordinance that extended rights to gay and transgender people.

In doing so, the state effectively sanctioned discrimination against a class of its citizens.

I am a member of the GIH board. Not only am I proud of GIH’s decision, but as executive director of a mental health grant-making foundation in Texas, I have compelling reasons of my own for associating myself with this action.

Since its founding seventy-five years ago, the Hogg Foundation for Mental Health has had an overarching mission: to advance mental wellness for the people of Texas. Our sense of what this means, and of the hard realities we feel called upon to address because of this mission, has evolved over time and with changing social conditions. As far as we’re concerned, transgender individuals are rightful members of the human community to whom we feel obligated, as a humanitarian organization.

What’s more, there is no definition of “mental wellness” that can abide the psychosocial harm of the kind of discrimination that the HB2 law enshrines.

The world changes, and we change with it. It wasn’t that long ago that prejudice against, and even vilification of, transgender persons would have been a nonissue for most people. My own profession, psychiatry, has historically been complicit in the pathologizing of gender identities that do not conform to the “gender binary”–that is, the rigid categorization of people as either male or female based on their visible anatomy.

When transgender people were noticed at all in the past, their experience of themselves and of the world was invalidated. The real psychological toll of being forced to live outlaw lives was misdiagnosed as the natural and inevitable consequence of “deviant” behavior.

As a foundation, we pride ourselves on our circumspect approach to challenging and complex issues and appreciate the need to be respectful toward differing viewpoints. However, there also comes a time when, as an organization devoted to mental health, we must stand in solidarity with all of those people who are striving to create healthful identities in the face of ongoing stigma and discrimination.

Consider what’s at stake. A recent NPR story contrasts the results of two recent studies. One, published in JAMA Pediatrics, found that among a group of young transgender women in Boston and Chicago, the rate of mental illness and substance use disorders was 1.7 to 3.6 times greater than the rate for the general population. The other study, published in Pediatrics, studied seventy-three transgender children between ages three and twelve. In contrast to the transgender population in the JAMA study, this group had rates of depression and anxiety roughly on par with those of their non-transgender peers.

What’s the difference? The transgender children received emotional support from peers and family, while the young women experienced being transgender within a context of poverty and lack of such support.

This difference points up why it’s misleading and dangerous to trivialize HB2 as the “bathroom bill.” Stigma, whether perpetuated by family or ratified by a legislature, encroaches on emotional well-being and the ability of people to live whole and happy lives.

We know that this is a complicated issue about which people of good will can disagree. Within GIH, we discussed whether to show support for Charlotte by keeping the conference there or to protest HB2 by moving our meeting. And, we should not forget the many proud North Carolinians who have spoken out against HB2.

This opinion should not be taken as a severance of my relationships with friends and colleagues in North Carolina who continue to do great philanthropic work. Nor is it a call for a wider boycott. It is an opinion in defense of the relocation of a single event as a modest statement on an issue of great importance.

Returning to my field, consider that psychiatrists today don’t recognize drapetomania, once hypothesized as the cause of black slaves’ desire to flee captivity, as a legitimate mental disorder. Those of us who are concerned with healthy minds and the social conditions that support them should always permit ourselves the freedom to get out from under the legacy of past mistakes.

[Image credit: Health Affairs Blog]


A version of this post was originally published on the Health Affairs Blog, August 4, 2016. Copyright ©2016 Health Affairs by Project HOPE - The People-to-People Health Foundation, Inc.

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3 Not-So-Crazy Reasons To Sell Your Life Insurance

If you are a 65+ something or know someone around this age who owns a life insurance policy, you may be able to sell it for an upfront payout. Say what???? Yep, this nifty idea is called a Life Settlement. Like your house or your car, your life insurance is an asset which can be sold to someone else. Pretty cool, right?

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How it works:
It sounds a bit crazy, but there are legitimate financial companies that will pay you if you no longer want your policy. Life settlements have actually been around for many decades and Uncle Sam heavily regulates the industry today.

The industry average payout for a policy that is sold is around 20% of the policy’s benefit value. Once the transaction is done, the investor becomes responsible for paying the ongoing premiums and the investor collects the benefit when you pass away. This little fact is super important for consumers to know about because most life insurance policies never actually end up paying out a claim.

Here are some of the most common reasons why people sell their policies:

1. They no longer need the coverage

You usually buy life insurance to protect your loved ones in case you pass away early. As time passes, that need for protection can change. When your children are all grown up and financially independent, you may no longer need the insurance. Similarly, your spouse no longer needs the protection because you’ve saved enough for retirement to essentially “self-insure”. When you outgrow the original purpose, it can make sense to consider selling the life insurance policy and putting the money you make to good use.

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2. The premiums are too expensive

Retirees may not have the same income and financial cushion to keep paying their life insurance premiums. Spending part of a monthly budget towards an insurance policy may not be the best use of your piggy bank. This is especially true for certain types of insurance where the premium increases with age. Over time, the costs to upkeep a policy may just be too expensive to maintain the plan. Consider the cost of giving up the insurance coverage versus the benefit of eliminating the premium payments and getting an upfront payout.

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3. They want to fund a better retirement

In some cases, people may decide to sell the life insurance policy to fund their retirement. Peter Colis, the CEO of Ovid, a life settlement company, explains “The most common reason people come to us is to improve their quality of life. We like giving customers a large payout instead of the customer lapsing and losing their life insurance policy. We help people fill their retirement account, pay for medical costs, buy a vacation home and many other things.”

Instead of paying someone for something you most likely won’t need anytime soon, you have the potential to enjoy your retirement with some extra cash. Of course, make sure that you are financially secure to begin with. Consider selling and get ready for some fun!

How to proceed:


Selling a life insurance policy is no simple task. A good starting point is to learn about the various types of life settlement companies involved in the process. If you become serious about pursuing the option, you should consult with your financial advisor to see if it makes sense for your situation. Selling is a big decision but has the potential to make your golden years even more relaxing and fun.

I can’t wait until I get to retire and chill out for the rest of my days! Until then, you can find me blogging on www.followmeaway.com

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The Expert Guide To Treating Drug Addiction

There are not many realities more tragic than the devastating effects that drug addiction can have on people, families, and communities.

Drug addiction is a very complex disease that can affect both our behavior and the way our brains function. In fact, drug abuse alters the structure of the brain and the way that it functions. This is why even after drug abuse has been successfully treated the behavioral changes to the individual can continue for an indefinite amount of time. This may be why so many addicts relapse even when they seem to have been clean for an extended period of time.

Since drug abuse can be devastating it is crucial that it is treated appropriately. The following are expert tips for treating drug addiction and making recovery permanent.

Individualized Treatment

There is no single drug abuse treatment that is appropriate for everyone. The best type of treatment will vary based on the characteristics of the patient and the type of drug being used. The most effective drug abuse treatment centers will understand this. That is why professional treatment centers like Canadian Addiction Rehab in Canada make sure that they match the treatment setting, intervention, and service to the patient’s specific problem and needs. This is the cutting edge of drug abuse treatment and critical to long-term success. An individualized program gives every patient the best opportunity to return to being a functioning member of society.

Treatment Centers

As we touched on previously treatment centers are an excellent way to address drug addiction. The best thing about treatment centers is that they always remain readily available. When a person is addicted to drugs they are often uncertain about entering into a treatment program. It is essential that a program be available the minute they decide they are ready to enter treatment. If they are ready, and there is no treatment immediately available, they may no longer be willing to start treatment when it finally is.

Just like with any other disease when treatment is offered early the probability of a positive outcome is greatly increased. This means the earlier into their addiction a person is treated the greater likelihood the treatment will be successful. This is why early intervention is so crucial and families are encouraged to seek help for their loved ones as soon as possible. Treatment centers ensure that treatment is always readily available, especially at the crucial time when the disease is still new.

Treat the Whole Person

In order to effectively treat drug abuse successfully a treatment plan cannot just focus on the abuse. The multiple needs of the individual need to be addressed. This includes medical, psychological, social, vocational, and legal problems. The treatment should also be appropriate for the gender, age, culture, and ethnicity of the individual.

Treatment programs should always start by testing patients for HIV/AIDS, hepatitis, tuberculosis, and other infectious diseases. They should also provide risk-reduction counseling. This type of counseling can focus on reducing infectious disease risk and help patients avoid high-risk behaviors. If they are already infected they can learn to better manage their illness.

By focusing on the person as a whole issues can be resolved that have further prevent the individual from returning to drug abuse.

Treatment Time

It is critical that every patient remains in treatment for an adequate amount of time. This time will vary depending on the type and degree of the individual’s needs and problems. The current research indicates that most addicted individuals need a minimum of 3 months in treatment in order to eliminate or significantly reduce their drug use. The best outcomes are strongly correlated with longer treatment.

It is important to remember that recovery is a long-term process. Many times it requires multiple episodes of treatment. Relapses can occur and when they do treatment needs to be started again and possibly adjusted. Many individuals unfortunately leave treatment prematurely, so quality treatment programs will institute strategies that engage patients to make sure that they remain in treatment.

There is no benefit to rushing treatment. The goal is to eliminate drug use and that requires time and effort on behalf of the patient and treatment provider.

Behavior Therapy

Behavior therapy is a critical component of any treatment plan. This therapy can include just the individual, the individual’s family, or group counseling. These therapies vary in focus and many times involve addressing the patient’s motivation for changing. The motivation for changing can be a powerful tool in the fight to remain clean. Therapy can also provide incentives for abstinence, skill building to resist drugs, help finding replacement activities for drug use, help improving problem solving skills, and help to build better interpersonal relationships.

These therapies can also be an important component of the plan post-treatment. Group therapy and peer support groups are specifically effective after treatment has been completed as a continual resource for recovering addicts.

Medication

Many patients find that medications are a vital component of their treatment, especially when they are used in conjunction with counseling and other behavioral therapies. For example, Methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone (including a new long-acting formulation) have been proven to help people addicted to heroin stabilize their life and reduce drug use. Also acamprosate, disulfiram, and naltrexone are medications that have been approved for the treatment of alcohol dependency.

Medically assisted detoxification is also commonly the first stage of treatment. This helps to manage the physical symptoms of withdrawal. However, it is important to remember that this is part of a larger treatment plan, and medication is typically not the answer to successfully ending drug abuse.

Constant Assessment

The individual treatment plan should be continually assessed and modified when needed to ensure it meets the changing needs of the patient. Patients may require different combinations of services during treatment and recovery. Counseling and psychotherapy may just be the start.

Assessments may show that they need medication, medical treatment, family counseling, parenting guidance, vocational development, and even legal services. The continuing care approach provides the best results with the type of treatment and intensity varying depending on the changing needs of the patient.

Drug use during treatment should also be continuously monitored. Lapses during treatment do happen. When patients know their drug use is monitored it is a strong incentive to withstand their urges. This monitoring can also help identify patients who may need their treatment plan adjusted for better results. The goal is always to help the patient finally end their drug addiction, so ensuring they are monitored is an important step.

Conclusion

Drug abuse can be devastating but luckily treatment is available. When properly treated many addicts beat drug addiction and go on to lead happy and fulfilling lives. However, this is a life-long process and no one is ever completely recovered. Taking things one day at a time is usually the best strategy. With the appropriate treatment anyone can battle their demons and overcome drug addiction.

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Let's Talk: 6-tips On How to Start A Conversation With Loved Ones About Long-Term Care

Co-authored with Tom McInerney, President and CEO of Genworth Financial.

When looking into the future, we imagine our loved ones happy and healthy, doing the things they enjoy during their late adulthood years. We never want to think of them being ill, disabled or needing long-term care services.

However, the reality is that most of us–at least 70 percent of people over the age of 65, in fact–will. Along with a longer lifespan comes a greater chance you will need help with some of life’s basic needs.

Here are a few numbers to put it into perspective:

• According to the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey, 36 percent of people age 65 and older reported some type of disability, be it vision or hearing loss, cognition problems, difficulties moving around, or restrictions when it comes to self-care or independence, in 2014.

• Nearly 40% of people age 65 and older have difficulties with the activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, eating, toileting, getting out of bed, getting around inside one’s home or building, or leaving one’s home or building. Currently, about one in five older people that have these types of difficulties report that they need more help than they receive (Desai et al. 2001; Spillman 2013).

• Diseases that impair our ability to care for ourselves are on the rise. For example, one in nine people age 65 and older has Alzheimer’s disease according to the Alzheimer’s Association.

• When older people who need assistance do not get enough help, terrible things can happen, including falls, burns, inadequate nutrition, missed physician appointments, depression, hospitalization and emergency room use.

The truth of the matter is, by ignoring these statistics or failing to address the possibility of disability, we are doing ourselves and our loved ones a disservice. The power is in preparation and the best way to begin this preparation is to sit down and talk.

Admittedly, having a conversation about long-term care isn’t exactly like talking about the weather. You must pick your moment–and your words–carefully. Whether you are a loved one of someone facing long-term care needs or you are contemplating those needs yourself (or both), here are some tips on how to talk about it:

Find an entry point. It’s a good idea to use an event–be it a happy celebration, like a birthday or anniversary, or a near miss occurrence like a fall or brief illness–to trigger a discussion about long-term care. You can say something like, “it’s amazing that you are celebrating your 65th birthday; we should probably start talking about plans for your future.” Or, “you’re lucky you only sprained your wrist when you fell. Next time it could be worse, what can we do to prevent that from happening again?”

Back yourself up with facts. Its human nature to think aging-related disability will never happen to you. When faced with such a proposition, many people react defensively, saying things like “I’m never going to leave this house,” or “I’ll think about it when the time comes.” To get the conversation going it may help to present statistics on how often people over 65 actually do need some forms of long-term care.

Discuss the implications. Point out to your loved one that proper long-term care planning will not only put him or her in a safer position moving forward, but it will also help family members have peace of mind and avoid future conflict. Caring for an ailing aging loved one may put a major strain on families, and planning ahead helps pave the way and reduce that stress.

Make your loved one feel empowered. Explain to your loved one that the more they can plan when well, the more control they will have over their long-term care. For example, putting measures in place to allow them to live at home as long as possible rather than moving in to an assisted living or nursing home facility. It’s much better to plan while in good mental and physical health than to leave it to others should you become incapacitated.

Pull in a professional. If you are having trouble getting through to your loved one, or if you just want to add an expert perspective to the ongoing conversation, encourage a discussion with a professional. Talk to a geriatric medicine physician, elder law attorney, social worker, or a combination of these experts depending on your loved one’s needs. Your local Area Agency on Aging is also a good resource.

Crunch the numbers. When you look at the cost of long-term care, the numbers can shock anyone into reality. Use an online calculator to estimate your loved one’s long-term care costs (you can find one at http://ift.tt/2aZh3N5), and start planning financially as well as logistically. Such financial steps could include dedicating savings specifically for long-term care, purchasing long-term care insurance, buying life insurance or an annuity with long-term care benefits, or reviewing options for using or preserving a home’s equity. As you approach the tenuous topic of long-term care with a loved one, remember: it’s never too early to get the conversation started.

For more resources on how to have “the talk,” visit genworth.com.

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Healthify Your Pantry

Let’s face it. There are days and weeks that are so busy that even getting to the supermarket can seem like a challenge. Stocking up on pantry items that have a longer then average shelf life can be a lifesaver when things get too busy or when you need an on-hand addition to an already fabulous meal. Stock up on these foods and use them as your go-to staples when you want a well-balanced meal that wows!

Black Beans: A powerhouse of protein and fiber, black beans can be used to make soup, dips, spreads and are a delicious addition to any salad. I prefer using the dried beans as opposed to the canned beans so that I can control the level of salt and cooking preferences. When I am super crunched for time however, I will rinse the canned version under cold water for ten seconds to reduce the sodium and the slightly metallic taste. Other great beans to keep on hand are lentils, kidney beans and chickpeas.

Spices: Not only do they tantalize your taste but spices are composed of a variety of phyto-nutrients, antioxidants and vitamins that are essential to your overall health. My favorites are turmeric, cinnamon, garlic, cayenne pepper and ginger. I add turmeric, garlic and some cayenne to almost every soup, stew or hot food I prepare, and I use cinnamon and ginger to enhance teas and after dinner treats. Ground spices can last for up to three years. 

Quinoa: Yes, although quinoa is a plant, it is a complete protein! It provides a boost of energy and will satisfy hunger in the same way that meat would, but without the fat. It takes less than 15 minutes to prepare and is a satiating addition to just about any meal. Try it on its own or is in addition to sautéed vegetable, soups, stews, spreads and my personal favorite, salads. 

Brown rice noodles: A healthy pasta alternative to its white counterpart and free of wheat or gluten, making it perfect for anyone with gluten intolerance or celiac disease. Use these as a substitution in all your pasta and noodle dishes and indulge in the delicious flavors and health benefits.

Crushed tomatoes: Rich in flavor and amped up in the antioxidant, lycopene, crushed tomatoes are extremely useful for creating vitamin rich foods. Add to homemade whole-pizzas, soups, and sauces. Opt for the no-salt added versions when possible. 

Extra-virgin olive oil: Gotta love those healthy fats! A natural antioxidant that is a staple in the Mediterranean diet, EVOO reduces the risk of heart disease and has also been shown to reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes. Take note that this type of oil does not have a high smoke point and is better as a drizzle for salads, dips and other cold foods so resist the urge to cook with it. 

Nuts: always a convenient and energy-boosting go-to snack, nuts have a large amounts of protein, fiber, calcium and other nutrients. Almonds are heart healthy and packed with the most fiber and protein of all nuts. Ground nuts are a tasty and healthy alternative to breadcrumbs and an excellent substitution for flour in baked goods. Nuts can be stored in the freezer for up to one year.   

Take this list with you the next time your go to the supermarket and reap the benefits for weeks and months to come!

Melody Pourmoradi is a Women’s Life & Wellness Coach. She thrives on supporting women to nourish themselves mind, body & soul to become the best version of themselves. She currently lives in NY with her husband and her beloved twin daughters. In her newest passion project, she is creating a GiRLiFE Empowerment training for mothers, coaches and others who are on a mission of empowering young girls to live a life of happiness, peace & success. For more information, check out http://ift.tt/2bi2RQN

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6 New York Yogis Share Their Post-Practice Snacks

By: Shira Atkins

Walk down any New York City street and you’ll see people with mats slung over their shoulders, as well as endless food options. Here’s what six urban practitioners eat after yoga.


Some say that what we eat after we work out is the most important food we’ll eat in a day. Our body is highly receptive to what we put into it in the 30 to 45 minutes after exercise when our muscles require protein and carbohydrates to repair. When it comes to eating after yoga practice, there’s even more reason to be discerning. The practice doesn’t only affect us on a physical level, but it shifts us in many subtle ways as well. Eating foods that are wholesome and Ayurvedically appropriate is important to our overall sense of balance, which is why for many practitioners, what they eat in summer is different than in winter, just as it’s different in morning as at night. We polled a few New York-based yoga practitioners to hear what foods they incorporate into their days to stay balanced and nourished.

Allie Mazur, director of growth operations at Exubrancy, an office wellness company based in New York City
For a perfect breakfast after a morning yoga session, I toast two Ezekiel Buckwheat waffles, drizzle them with a bit of olive oil (for healthy fats!), then smash fresh raspberries on top of them–a much healthier sweetener than syrup.

Maria Macsay, yoga and fitness instructor
It really depends on how my body is feeling that day and what it’s asking for. Many times it’s a delicious vegan smoothie and other days it’s an egg sandwich or a leafy green salad.

Sara Miller, yoga teacher and associate director, partnerships and brand development at Jet.com
After morning practice I’ll eat overnight oats with chia seeds and peanut butter. After evening class I’ll have red wine and Brussels sprouts. Trust me.

To learn the post-practice snacks of three other yogis, read the original article on Sonima.

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A Pill A Day To Keep HIV Away For Young South Africans

For the last six months, Thulisile has been taking pills used to treat people with HIV. But she’s perfectly healthy. The 20-year-old South African is on an antiretroviral drug that, if taken every day, is more than 90 percent effective at stopping her from contracting HIV, even if she has sex with someone who is infected with the virus.


While taking a pill every day for some isn’t such a big deal, for Thulisile it’s a huge commitment. “You do it because you know it prevents you from HIV, but the pill is big – it’s hard to swallow,” she said. “To take it every day at the same time – it’s like I’m living with HIV already.”


Thulisile may be reluctant, but she also knows she’s lucky. She is one of a handful of young women taking part in a pilot program to see if giving pre-exposure prophylaxis, or PrEP, to sexually active, HIV-negative young women can lower the rate of new HIV infections in South Africa, where around 7 million people currently live with the virus.


In sub-Saharan Africa, girls and young women account for 71 percent of new HIV infections among adolescents. The global health community has set itself ambitious goals to reduce the rate of HIV infections by 40 percent among adolescent girls and young women by 2017 in 10 sub-Saharan African countries. To that end, several countries in the region have launched PrEP pilot programs similar to South Africa’s. But experts have said any efforts to reduce HIV infection rates will fail unless countries first address the barriers that stop women from accessing essential health services, including stigma, gender-based violence and a lack of education.


While the effectiveness of PrEP is still debated, the technique has been gaining acceptance as a method for curbing the spread of HIV. In 2014 the World Health Organisation (WHO) recommended offering PrEP to men who have sex with men – a group known as MSM – but last year broadened its recommendation to include all people at substantial risk of HIV infection.


South Africa’s Medicines Control Council approved PrEP last year, and in June began rolling it out among selected sex worker programs across the country. Before making PrEP available to other groups at high risk of HIV infection, researchers are conducting the pilot program to assess how well young people – who are likely to skip a dose here and there – adhere to the daily treatment and whether they suffer any side effects from the medication.


Right now, the program involves HIV-negative adolescents between the ages of 15 and 19 in Cape Town and in the South African township of Soweto in Johannesburg. According to Linda-Gail Bekker, deputy director of the Desmond Tutu HIV Centre at the University of Cape Town and one of the lead investigators in the pilot, the plan is to eventually roll it out to other parts of the country. But that depends on funding and the capability of the health system. “Who we give it to to prevent ongoing infections will help with the ‘bang for the buck,’” she said. “These are some of the issues to iron out in the next weeks to months.”


Nomtika Mjwana, spokeswoman for the Sexual and Reproductive Justice Coalition in South Africa, believes the sooner PrEP is widely available to young women and girls, the better. And alongside the drug, she said, more needs to be done to educate women and girls about their healthcare options. “We need to look at the different support structures that are in place to support women’s access to these services,” she said.


Mjwana welcomes the pilot program in South Africa, but questions how it can be put into practice on a wider scale. “In order to normalize prevention strategies and create access for young people, we need to normalize the fact young people are having sex,” she said. But one of the biggest barriers to girls accessing sexual health advice and treatment, she said, is stigma and shame around visiting clinics.


“Healthcare workers are women and they’re the ones who are chasing girls away,” said Mjwana. “They have a problem with the fact that young girls are having sex. So we have the prevention tools, but when it comes to implementation, it’s just not happening.”


One of Thulisile’s friends, who asked not be named, said she has been put off asking for reproductive health advice at public clinics because of the attitudes of the staff at health centers.


“When you go to a clinic and want to have family planning [advice], they start asking questions. It’s like you’re being interrogated,” said the young woman. “At the end of the day you go home, engage in sex … then you can become pregnant and infected by HIV.”


She suggested staff need to be trained in how to communicate with young people without making them feel judged. “We need to make PrEP available at every local clinic [but we also need] to have someone more understanding who is able to work with youth,” she said.


Bekker agrees, adding that healthcare worker attitudes have to change whether or not PrEP is part of the picture. But the drug could provide a unique opportunity to finally engage with healthcare workers, she says.


“Healthcare workers need to be included in the process as much as possible and we should use innovation and creativity to do it,” says Bekker. “Not just an ‘or else’ directive.”


This article originally appeared on Women & Girls Hub. For weekly updates, you can sign up to the Women & Girls Hub email list.

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Against North Carolina's HB2 Law: Mental Health And Discrimination Cannot Co-Exist

2016-08-10-1470836343-8813172-Blog_Smart1.jpg

This past May, the board of directors of Grantmakers in Health (GIH) decided to relocate the organization’s 2017 Annual Conference on Health Philanthropy from Charlotte, North Carolina, to another city.

This difficult decision was made in light of the state of North Carolina’s controversial new law, the Public Facilities Privacy and Security Act (HB2). The law overturned a Charlotte ordinance that extended rights to gay and transgender people.

In doing so, the state effectively sanctioned discrimination against a class of its citizens.

I am a member of the GIH board. Not only am I proud of GIH’s decision, but as executive director of a mental health grant-making foundation in Texas, I have compelling reasons of my own for associating myself with this action.

Since its founding seventy-five years ago, the Hogg Foundation for Mental Health has had an overarching mission: to advance mental wellness for the people of Texas. Our sense of what this means, and of the hard realities we feel called upon to address because of this mission, has evolved over time and with changing social conditions. As far as we’re concerned, transgender individuals are rightful members of the human community to whom we feel obligated, as a humanitarian organization.

What’s more, there is no definition of “mental wellness” that can abide the psychosocial harm of the kind of discrimination that the HB2 law enshrines.

The world changes, and we change with it. It wasn’t that long ago that prejudice against, and even vilification of, transgender persons would have been a nonissue for most people. My own profession, psychiatry, has historically been complicit in the pathologizing of gender identities that do not conform to the “gender binary”–that is, the rigid categorization of people as either male or female based on their visible anatomy.

When transgender people were noticed at all in the past, their experience of themselves and of the world was invalidated. The real psychological toll of being forced to live outlaw lives was misdiagnosed as the natural and inevitable consequence of “deviant” behavior.

As a foundation, we pride ourselves on our circumspect approach to challenging and complex issues and appreciate the need to be respectful toward differing viewpoints. However, there also comes a time when, as an organization devoted to mental health, we must stand in solidarity with all of those people who are striving to create healthful identities in the face of ongoing stigma and discrimination.

Consider what’s at stake. A recent NPR story contrasts the results of two recent studies. One, published in JAMA Pediatrics, found that among a group of young transgender women in Boston and Chicago, the rate of mental illness and substance use disorders was 1.7 to 3.6 times greater than the rate for the general population. The other study, published in Pediatrics, studied seventy-three transgender children between ages three and twelve. In contrast to the transgender population in the JAMA study, this group had rates of depression and anxiety roughly on par with those of their non-transgender peers.

What’s the difference? The transgender children received emotional support from peers and family, while the young women experienced being transgender within a context of poverty and lack of such support.

This difference points up why it’s misleading and dangerous to trivialize HB2 as the “bathroom bill.” Stigma, whether perpetuated by family or ratified by a legislature, encroaches on emotional well-being and the ability of people to live whole and happy lives.

We know that this is a complicated issue about which people of good will can disagree. Within GIH, we discussed whether to show support for Charlotte by keeping the conference there or to protest HB2 by moving our meeting. And, we should not forget the many proud North Carolinians who have spoken out against HB2.

This opinion should not be taken as a severance of my relationships with friends and colleagues in North Carolina who continue to do great philanthropic work. Nor is it a call for a wider boycott. It is an opinion in defense of the relocation of a single event as a modest statement on an issue of great importance.

Returning to my field, consider that psychiatrists today don’t recognize drapetomania, once hypothesized as the cause of black slaves’ desire to flee captivity, as a legitimate mental disorder. Those of us who are concerned with healthy minds and the social conditions that support them should always permit ourselves the freedom to get out from under the legacy of past mistakes.

[Image credit: Health Affairs Blog]


A version of this post was originally published on the Health Affairs Blog, August 4, 2016. Copyright ©2016 Health Affairs by Project HOPE - The People-to-People Health Foundation, Inc.

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The Expert Guide To Treating Drug Addiction

There are not many realities more tragic than the devastating effects that drug addiction can have on people, families, and communities.

Drug addiction is a very complex disease that can affect both our behavior and the way our brains function. In fact, drug abuse alters the structure of the brain and the way that it functions. This is why even after drug abuse has been successfully treated the behavioral changes to the individual can continue for an indefinite amount of time. This may be why so many addicts relapse even when they seem to have been clean for an extended period of time.

Since drug abuse can be devastating it is crucial that it is treated appropriately. The following are expert tips for treating drug addiction and making recovery permanent.

Individualized Treatment

There is no single drug abuse treatment that is appropriate for everyone. The best type of treatment will vary based on the characteristics of the patient and the type of drug being used. The most effective drug abuse treatment centers will understand this. That is why professional treatment centers like Canadian Addiction Rehab in Canada make sure that they match the treatment setting, intervention, and service to the patient’s specific problem and needs. This is the cutting edge of drug abuse treatment and critical to long-term success. An individualized program gives every patient the best opportunity to return to being a functioning member of society.

Treatment Centers

As we touched on previously treatment centers are an excellent way to address drug addiction. The best thing about treatment centers is that they always remain readily available. When a person is addicted to drugs they are often uncertain about entering into a treatment program. It is essential that a program be available the minute they decide they are ready to enter treatment. If they are ready, and there is no treatment immediately available, they may no longer be willing to start treatment when it finally is.

Just like with any other disease when treatment is offered early the probability of a positive outcome is greatly increased. This means the earlier into their addiction a person is treated the greater likelihood the treatment will be successful. This is why early intervention is so crucial and families are encouraged to seek help for their loved ones as soon as possible. Treatment centers ensure that treatment is always readily available, especially at the crucial time when the disease is still new.

Treat the Whole Person

In order to effectively treat drug abuse successfully a treatment plan cannot just focus on the abuse. The multiple needs of the individual need to be addressed. This includes medical, psychological, social, vocational, and legal problems. The treatment should also be appropriate for the gender, age, culture, and ethnicity of the individual.

Treatment programs should always start by testing patients for HIV/AIDS, hepatitis, tuberculosis, and other infectious diseases. They should also provide risk-reduction counseling. This type of counseling can focus on reducing infectious disease risk and help patients avoid high-risk behaviors. If they are already infected they can learn to better manage their illness.

By focusing on the person as a whole issues can be resolved that have further prevent the individual from returning to drug abuse.

Treatment Time

It is critical that every patient remains in treatment for an adequate amount of time. This time will vary depending on the type and degree of the individual’s needs and problems. The current research indicates that most addicted individuals need a minimum of 3 months in treatment in order to eliminate or significantly reduce their drug use. The best outcomes are strongly correlated with longer treatment.

It is important to remember that recovery is a long-term process. Many times it requires multiple episodes of treatment. Relapses can occur and when they do treatment needs to be started again and possibly adjusted. Many individuals unfortunately leave treatment prematurely, so quality treatment programs will institute strategies that engage patients to make sure that they remain in treatment.

There is no benefit to rushing treatment. The goal is to eliminate drug use and that requires time and effort on behalf of the patient and treatment provider.

Behavior Therapy

Behavior therapy is a critical component of any treatment plan. This therapy can include just the individual, the individual’s family, or group counseling. These therapies vary in focus and many times involve addressing the patient’s motivation for changing. The motivation for changing can be a powerful tool in the fight to remain clean. Therapy can also provide incentives for abstinence, skill building to resist drugs, help finding replacement activities for drug use, help improving problem solving skills, and help to build better interpersonal relationships.

These therapies can also be an important component of the plan post-treatment. Group therapy and peer support groups are specifically effective after treatment has been completed as a continual resource for recovering addicts.

Medication

Many patients find that medications are a vital component of their treatment, especially when they are used in conjunction with counseling and other behavioral therapies. For example, Methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone (including a new long-acting formulation) have been proven to help people addicted to heroin stabilize their life and reduce drug use. Also acamprosate, disulfiram, and naltrexone are medications that have been approved for the treatment of alcohol dependency.

Medically assisted detoxification is also commonly the first stage of treatment. This helps to manage the physical symptoms of withdrawal. However, it is important to remember that this is part of a larger treatment plan, and medication is typically not the answer to successfully ending drug abuse.

Constant Assessment

The individual treatment plan should be continually assessed and modified when needed to ensure it meets the changing needs of the patient. Patients may require different combinations of services during treatment and recovery. Counseling and psychotherapy may just be the start.

Assessments may show that they need medication, medical treatment, family counseling, parenting guidance, vocational development, and even legal services. The continuing care approach provides the best results with the type of treatment and intensity varying depending on the changing needs of the patient.

Drug use during treatment should also be continuously monitored. Lapses during treatment do happen. When patients know their drug use is monitored it is a strong incentive to withstand their urges. This monitoring can also help identify patients who may need their treatment plan adjusted for better results. The goal is always to help the patient finally end their drug addiction, so ensuring they are monitored is an important step.

Conclusion

Drug abuse can be devastating but luckily treatment is available. When properly treated many addicts beat drug addiction and go on to lead happy and fulfilling lives. However, this is a life-long process and no one is ever completely recovered. Taking things one day at a time is usually the best strategy. With the appropriate treatment anyone can battle their demons and overcome drug addiction.

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