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A Haven For Tam's Otherwise Homeless Thoughts and Rantings....

....do we write to connect to the world or to disconnect?.....

2/29/08 10:54 am - Know How Maternity Leave Works

Every expectant mother currently holding down a career has questions regarding maternity-leave laws. How does it work and how long are you legally allowed to be away from your job? What about paternity leave and the Family Medical Leave Act? With all of the bits and pieces of information out there, it is enough to make your head spin. Get your facts straight and plan accordingly with this simple guide to  maternity leave and how to do it right.


As soon as you find out you are pregnant, you will want to begin investigating the different rules and regulations within your own workplace.

The sooner you begin researching, the easier it is to arrange the first precious weeks with your baby and make sure all your bases are covered. It is ideal to have all paperwork completed and everything set in stone before you go into labor.

If your state’s maternity-leave laws require you to take short-term disability, do not despair. This works well for many new moms, as it ensures you will receive your salary (or a fair share of it) while you are caring for your child. Most corporations are mandated to provide short-term disability, not often making it an optional maternity-leave policy. This protects new moms in a lot of places where they otherwise would have no other option.

Most short-term disability is paid for by small subtractions from your paycheck during each pay period. You can also choose to buy your own private policy if you are concerned about parental leave and the way it works within your specific job structure.

Choosing When to Take Parental Leave
While it varies from state to state, federal laws ask you to put in your leave request approximately 30 days before you take it. However, most women choose to tell their bosses much earlier than this. Hiding your pregnancy is never a good idea, as you want to remain trustworthy to your employer before, during and following your maternity leave.

For this reason, as soon as the delicate first trimester is over and done with, most women choose to tell their employers. This also allows you ample time to work out details and take part in any negotiations if necessary.

Most women begin their maternity leave pay (if it’s an option) when they are eight months pregnant, though others choose to wait until their water literally breaks so they can have as much time off as possible. Your doctor can help you determine when it’s a good time to start your maternity leave. Thanks to the FMLA, you are legally allowed to start your unpaid leave anytime throughout your pregnancy. You can also choose to take it following the birth as long as your leave is complete and you are back at work full time within 12 months. If you are concerned about any confusion, talk to your boss or human resources department. Remember, if your company meets the employee population necessary for the Family Medical Leave Act, you cannot lose your job due to being a mom.

2/29/08 08:05 am - Dealing With Adult Night Terrors

While most of us look forward to sweet dreams after a long day at the office, those who suffer from night terrors are anything but at ease. Night terrors in adults, formally known as “pavor noctumus”, are a type of parasomnia sleep disorder that is distinguished by extreme fear and the impaired ability to return to full consciousness. An individual suffering from a night terror will wake up suddenly, usually sweating, gasping for air or screaming. It can be very difficult to rouse someone experiencing an episode of such a disorder, and oftentimes he or she will return back to normal sleep patterns without ever fully awakening. Since night terrors do not typically appear during rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, a person afflicted with such a disturbance usually cannot recall the attack.

The Reality of Night Terrors Adults Face
While night terrors are usually defined as a sleep disorder experienced by children under the age of seven, adult night terrors are a very real occurrence. Symptoms, similar to those exhibited in youngsters with the disorder, are usually blamed on trauma-based circumstance when they appear post-puberty. The physical signs of a terror may include not only excessive perspiration and labored breathing, but also a paling of the skin and eyes opened wide and yet seemingly unaware of what they are seeing. Since adult night terrors are so closely associated with life trauma and psychological disorders, many of those who endure this bedtime battle will often also exhibit signs of aggression, anxiety, memory loss, and inward pain that are often expressed in the form of self-mutilation. Some are even at risk of sustaining physical injury during a terror, as the unconscious mind is unable to overcome the disconnect between reality and illusion.

While night terrors stand alone as a childhood condition, in adults they are almost always a symptom of a deeper issue or more complicated diagnosis.

Just as psychological disorders such as manic depression and chronic anxiety can be hereditary, night terrors have also been linked to the gene pool. Only 2.2% of the adult population endure this sleep complication, and both those with and without a previously diagnosed mental condition can still trace their terrors back to a family member.

Differentiating from Nightmares
Unfortunately the night terrors adults experience sometimes are misdiagnosed as nightmares, even though the two are very different occurrences. During a nightmare, a sleeping individual can be easily roused, and quickly regains full consciousness. As noted above, this is not often the case with night terrors, and the sleeper can continue to experience the terror for up to twenty minutes. Night terrors also take place during slow-wave sleep, meaning they can never be confused with a nightmare that occurs during the previously mentioned REM cycle.

Lastly, a night terror rarely involves a dream at all. Nothing frightening has been shown in the subconscious; rather the gripping “feel” of fear is apparent despite a lack of a concrete basis for it. This lack of a tangible emotional trigger can cause even further distress in an individual, increasing the symptoms and intensity of the episode.

While nightmares appear randomly, night terrors tend to be more routine, varying in each individual, but usually appearing somewhere between nightly and monthly.

Both of these sleep occurrences find their basis in the life events of an individual, but while nightmares simply steal real-life facts for its nighttime production, night terrors instead cause instances of irrational fear and mental arrest that is considered to be a whole other league.

Preventing Night Terrors
Just as research has begun to reveal night terrors’ causes, treatments have begun to surface as well. For adults, medication is usually prescribed to keep the symptoms at bay. Many fall under the category of anti-depressants & pain reliever, namely Klonopin, Tofranil, and the less commonly used Valium. For those who aren’t comfortable with the idea of ingesting psychotropic medications, St. John’s Wort is a popular alternative. This all-natural herbal remedy has been shown to reduce the telltale symptoms of depression and anxiety, making it the perfect contender in the race to find a true cure for night terrors as well.

Beyond these doctor-approved choices, there are several other medicines currently being tested for their effectiveness against this debilitating disorder. These include sleep medications such as Lunesta, Ambien, and Sonata.

2/27/08 07:48 am - Understanding Psychoanalysis

Psychoanalysis has been used for years on countless patients searching for relief from internal struggles. While psychoanalysis has been met with extreme resistance by some, many still hold fast to its proven ability to promote emotional healing and recovery. While some remain wary of certain therapy methods, many are extremely loyal toward such treatments, claiming them to be their only hope in an otherwise hopeless world. What exactly is psychoanalysis and how is it used today? Does psychoanalysis really help people regain control of their life, or does it cause more damage than good? Gain insight into the methods used in psychoanalytic therapy by using the following guide.

Definition and History of Psychoanalysis
Psychoanalysis is a version of psychotherapy invented by Sigmund Freud before the turn of the century. Like many of Freud’s discoveries and methods, psychoanalysis finds its roots in Vienna. Freud blamed the need for such a procedure on mental health issues that developed out of either unmet or traumatic sexual experiences. The procedure was also regarded to work on people who did not experience traumatic events and the results of this particular psychological derivative have been impressive.

While in traditional therapy the patient talks to the psychologist face-to-face, psychoanalytic therapy mandates that the therapist (analyst) face away from the patient. The one undergoing treatment is often lying down on a couch, and this image has long been mimicked and mocked in various movies throughout the years.

The reasoning behind the cold reception is found in the theory that having a patient look the analyst in the eyes would make them a friend or someone who is capable of judgment. By keeping some degree of anoniminity between patient and analyst, the client is able to release thoughts unhindered and transfer hurt emotions and memories onto the analyst. In turn, the analyst studies this transfer of thoughts, yielding results and insight then deemed helpful to the patient.

The psychoanalytic approach has been borrowed and used in other more traditional forms of psychotherapy, and almost all of psychology uses some variant of this original procedure. While most people who attend therapy undergo the more casual form of conversationalism or “talk therapy”, psychoanalysis is usually prevalent in the session, whether or not the client is aware of it.

The Good, the Bad and the Subconscious
Just as Freud was considered to be both a genius and crazy in his own time, his theories and methods continue to be cherished by some and met with disdain by others in the medical world. Psychoanalytic therapy can be beneficial, however like any other medical procedure, there are risks of things becoming worse rather than better. For this reason, all analysts are required to go through intense schooling and training until they are at last analyzed themselves to both test their level of experience and also to give them a chance to gain the viewpoint of the patient. This process can be daunting, but all licensed analysts must complete it.

This ensures patients receive the best quality of care possible, since all analysts have experienced and appreciate the rigorous demand of such a procedure.

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, 26.2 of Americans suffer from some form of mental illness. This equals a staggering 57.7 million people battling dangerous thoughts and feelings. For this reason, procedures such as the psychoanalytic approach are regarded with respect and credibility.

For the majority of people who receive some form of psychoanalytic therapy, be it Freud-esque or modern psychoanalysis, the outcome is usually positive. Through a lot of hard work, many patients find a tremendous comfort through various forms of counseling, and the sorting of thoughts and emotions tend to make them more functional and able to live their lives much more happily.

Psychoanalytic therapy usually involves talking through one’s childhood, where poignant memories and influences are often uncovered. This can be particularly painful for an individual who has sustained some form of abuse before adulthood, however, purging this from the mind and soul can lead to an impressive release of burdens, causing a new and improved outlook on life. Psychoanalysis also focuses on present circumstances, ranging from work to family to personal triumphs or defeats. Working through these with an objective analyst assists the client in finding his true self and often clears his head when otherwise trapped in a difficult situation.

The majority of psychotherapy patients improve rather than worsen.

Perhaps the largest risk that comes with psychoanalysis, is the fact we know so little about it. Many of Freud’s theories have proven to be rather abstract and disjointed, and it seems that his biggest fans in today’s generations have analyzed themselves out of ever needing analysis. Instead, everyday folks who have no scientific or psychological education are receiving these controversial treatments, often unaware of what they truly entail. There is always a risk that comes with digging deeply into the mind, and while we always hope for the outcome to be a positive one, many have internal demons yet to have been conquered. Psychoanalysis can bring these demons out, sometimes damaging those who have no ready defenses.

Fortunately, instances of damage or mental trauma due to psychoanalytic therapy are very rare. The majority of people who undergo such procedures usually do so once or twice a week for a few years and live to happily tell of victory. Freud’s theories and developments of enrichment for the psyche have helped countless individuals heal from bondage of the past, readying them to successfully live out the remainder of their lives.

2/26/08 07:31 am - What Your Cough Is Trying To Tell You

Coughing is the body's way of removing foreign material or mucus from the lungs or of reacting to an irritated airway. Coughs have distinctive traits you can learn to recognize. A cough is only a symptom, not a disease, and often the importance of your cough can be determined only when other symptoms are evaluated.

Productive coughs

A productive cough produces phlegm or mucus (sputum). The mucus may have drained down the back of the throat from the nose or sinuses  or may have come up from the lungs. A productive cough generally should not be suppressed; it clears mucus from the lungs. There are many causes of a productive cough, such as:

* Viral illnesses. It is normal to have a productive cough when you have a common cold. Coughing is often triggered by mucus that drains down the back of the throat.

*Infections. An infection of the lungs or upper airway passages can cause a cough. A productive cough may be a symptom of something more serious such as pneumonia.

* Chronic lung disease.

* Stomach acid backing up into the esophagus, which is often a sign of acid reflux disease.

* Nasal discharge draining down the back of the throat. This can cause a productive cough or the feeling that you constantly need to clear your throat. Experts disagree about whether a postnasal drip or the viral illness that caused it is responsible for the cough.

* Smoking.  A productive cough in a person who smokes or uses other forms of tobacco is often a sign of lung damage or irritation of the throat or esophagus.

Nonproductive coughs

A nonproductive cough is dry and does not produce sputum. A dry, hacking cough may develop toward the end of a cold or after exposure to an irritant, such as dust or smoke. There are many causes of a nonproductive cough, such as:

* Viral illnesses. After a common cold, a dry cough may last several weeks longer than other symptoms and often gets worse at night.

* Bronchospasm. A nonproductive cough, particularly at night, may indicate spasms in the bronchial tubes (bronchospasm) caused by irritation.

* Allergies. Frequent sneezing is also a common symptom of a form of allergy so severe, a doctor's visit may be required.

* Exposure to dust, fumes, and chemicals in the work environment.

* Asthma. A chronic dry cough may be a sign of mild asthma. Other symptoms may include wheezing, shortness of breath, or a feeling of tightness in the chest.

* Blockage of the airway by an inhaled object, such as food or a pill.

Many coughs are caused by a viral illness. Antibiotics are not used to treat viral illnesses and do not alter the course of viral infections. Unnecessary use of an antibiotic exposes you to the risks of an allergic reaction and antibiotic side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, rashes, and yeast infections. Antibiotics also may kill beneficial bacteria and encourage the development of dangerous antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

A careful evaluation of your health may help you identify other symptoms. Remember, a cough is only a symptom, not a disease, and often the importance of your cough can only be determined when other symptoms are evaluated. Coughs occur with different infections such as viral and bacterial. If you have other symptoms, such as a sore throat, sinus pressure, or ear pain, see your doctor for a more accurate and informed diagnosis.


2/24/08 07:27 am - A Downer or Upper?: New Controversial Study on Antidepressants Cries Foul

A new medical study is causing an uproar as it so boldly suggests that many of today's leading antidepressants, including Prozac, Paxil and Effexor, are no more effective than placebo pills that are given to equally ailing mental health patients. As you can imagine, this has upset many researchers and doctors in the mental health industry, especially those whose livelihood is dependent upon prescribing such medications.

The findings were published in the February issue of PloS Medicine, and researchers report in the article that when taken as a whole, only a small group of patients responded more positively than those who took placebos. In conclusion, most patients who are on antidepressant medications need not be.

While this provocative new research is causing a stir, the very people who reported such facts are quick to recognize that the information does in fact contradict several studies which show a positive impact in those taking pills. The American Psychiatric Association President-elect Nada Stotland, MD has come out to say that a study such as this new one, which compares one specific drug to a placebo, cannot accurately reflect the way doctors prescribe antidepressants to most patients.

She goes on to say that many people who are depressed do not respond to the first medication they try, or in some instances, even the first several. Thus, testing one specific drug on a group of affected  people will obviously show that many do not improve.

So why the worry? This could partly be due to the fact our society still places such a stigma on the mentally ill and the help they receive. Many people still associate antidepressants with weakness or "crazy" behavior, and they are far from being supported as strongly as physical medications are. This can cause even the most sophisticated of researchers to jump all over the opportunity to disprove the efficiency of certain medications, leading to a new wave of doubt and speculation that both the traditional medical community and modern day media love.

There has also been plenty of evidence to support long term physical damage when particular medications are used continuously for many years. For this reason, less conventional doctors can use new studies such as this one as a platform to argue that antidepressants are not a constructive nor helpful way out of the debilitating life depression creates for an individual.

However despite all of this, talk therapy and medication prescriptions continue to be the most widely accepted way to treat severe depression. Many doctors are able to prescribe an appropriate medication on the first or second try, enabling them to help suffering individuals each year. Dr. Ronald R. Fieve, a psychopharmacologist and professor at Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center in New York recently stated that patients also must realize it can take up to 6 weeks for some medications to take effect. In his personal practice, 65% have seen improvement on the first antidepressant given, with 85% meeting success on the second or third.

In other words, society shouldn’t give up hope on antidepressant medications quite yet. There is plenty of research to be done, and out of the studies that have been completed, many more point to positive outcomes rather than negative conclusions as this most recent study has shown.

2/17/08 07:48 pm - Natural Mood Enhancers

We all have bad days.  Understandably, life at times makes it impossible to avoid the blues, and in today’s world, prescription mood enhancers are more readily available than ever.  While these are extremely beneficial to those struggling with clinical depression, they aren’t always necessary for everyone. If you want to get back to basics and find comfort in some natural mood enhancement, check out the suggestions listed below.

Good Mood Food: Mood Enhancers from the Kitchen

Women especially find comfort in eating when they are in a low mood, and scientists agree that while this isn’t always the best solution for your waistline, eating your troubles away does have some validity to it. Serotonin, the chemical that your brain releases to stay stable and happy, is rooted in the essential amino acid known as tryptophan.

While women make the mistake of assuming it’s found in ice cream and chocolate, the reality is you can find tryptophan in a variety of foods that are not only yummy to eat, but are healthy for your body too. You will find this serotonin releaser in fish, chicken, turkey, bananas, avocados, cottage cheese and wheat germ.

If these healthy foods make you squirm, don’t worry. Since some quality girl talk can also help you to feel better, you probably don’t want to entirely shelve the junk food just yet. Save them for the next time you have a friend over, and feel free to occasionally drown your troubles in this tried and true mood enhancer: hot fudge sundae therapy.


Taking a Cue from Nature: Herbal Mood Enhancers

The organic food craze is stronger than ever, and with it comes a wave of herbal mood stabilizers and enhancers that have been proven to improve your outlook on life without filling your body with unwanted chemicals.

St. John’s Wort has long been noted for its ability to cure mild to moderate depression, and Vitamins C, E, and B12 have been made into various extracts and powders to be used as mood enhancers. The goal of many herbal mood enhancers is to increase your activity level through renewed energy sources. In fact, many people have added these vitamins to their diet, only to later discover their body was experiencing a deficiency – causing sluggishness and depression. With all its needs now being met, the outlook outcome proved better than ever!

Natural mood enhancers are rooted in ancient civilizations, where people first realized the ability they had to manipulate their emotions with a little help from Mother Nature. Today, holistic medicine is returning to this approach as more patients complain about the uncomfortable side effects often associated with prescription anti-depressants. Many of those who have suffered from depression in the past often find themselves weaned off of their medications completely once their bodies have begun to respond to herbal remedies instead.

All herbal remedies can be purchased at your local health food store, and many are becoming available in mainstream grocery stores as demand increases.

The Power of Positive Thinking

We all have that one friend or family member who seems as if life never gets her down.

What’s her secret? Perhaps she was born with an incessantly optimistic disposition, however more likely is her chosen outlook on life. To a large extent, we choose the path our emotions take, and while they can sometimes seem difficult to control, it is almost always possible.

In the 1990s, psychologists began to suggest smiling in the mirror while getting ready for work in the morning. The body was proven to release more serotonin and adjust to a happier mindset, simply by putting on a happy face. Those who smile and laugh for the first fifteen minutes of their day are more likely to snap out of a slight depression than those who trudge through their morning routine.

Feel like you have nothing to smile about? Think again. Purchase a journal from your local bookstore and begin to make lists of all you are grateful for. From family to a Saturday afternoon nap, we all have something that makes us happy in life. Taking a few moments out of your day to conjure up these more positive thoughts can get you through tough times. Keep the journal close at hand if you are entering a situation where you know you’ll need a pick me up. Re-read your lists and try your best to focus on the positive.

You can also make a playlist for your car or mp3 player of songs that tend to elevate your mood. Dance music, classical piano, or a vintage comedy sketch – whatever works for you personally; fill your mind with it whenever you feel negative thoughts creeping in.


Positive thinking is also a mood enhancer often found in companionship. Invite over a friend who is guaranteed to make you chuckle. Laughter is not only good for your mood; it is a great way to burn calories at the same time! Watch a funny movie together, or recall some good memories. Whatever you do, maintain a high giggle quotient, and you will find the stress and worry melting away.

Spirituality as a Natural Mood Enhancer

Finding a spiritual focus has helped numerous individuals alleviate a chronic bad mood. No matter what you believe, chances are there is a deeper faith to be explored, and through that process you may find the root of your sadness you never even realized was there before.

From a traditional church group to new age meditation and breathing techniques, rediscovering your personal spirituality can work well as a natural mood enhancer whenever life gets you down.

If you aren’t sure where to start on your path to spiritual enlightenment, consider investigating the faith of your friends and family members. Surrounding yourself with those who have a strong soul foundation can be inspiring and empowering, leading you down your own road of self-realization.

Helping Others: The Ultimate In Mood Enhancements

When we are struggling to make sense of hurtful circumstances, the best remedy at times is to get outside of ourselves completely. Check in with your local recreation center or surf a website such as VolunteerMatch.org, and find a way to chase away your storm clouds through serving others.

Volunteer in a soup kitchen, or take part in an after school program for high risk youth. If you love animals, pay a visit to the humane society and see if there is anything you can do to help. Whatever activity you choose, you will find your mood is improved by doing a good deed and uplifting the hearts of others.

Planning a surprise getaway for yourself and a loved one is another great opportunity to brighten someone else’s day while upping your own at the same time.  Go play in the great outdoors or visit that art museum exhibit you’ve been meaning to see. Taking the steps toward turning off the TV and rediscovering your passions with a close friend or significant other will leave you feeling happier than ever before.

Lastly, check out a book at your local library. There are numerous self-help books available for those who are looking for further resources in the genre of natural mood enhancement. You can also pick up an inspirational novel or other form of comfort to indulge in during an evening at home. Feed your heart, mind and soul, and you’ll find your happy mood is rarely far behind.

2/16/08 10:19 am - Getting Help From Healthsphere

The Internet has become such a resourceful place for information, and no matter what you are looking for, chances are you can find it on the Net. This is especially true with healthcare facts, as medical websites have continually increased in popularity over the years. Riding the wave of this trend, many have cropped up with self-diagnosis tools and medical jargon that has increased the common knowledge of the public to the point where everyone is able to get an increased medical education.

However, while self-diagnosis is not always the best of ideas, there are a handful of websites out there who have focused on other areas of medical expertise – providing accurate information, community chat boards, and superb search functions able to provide the resources a common web user may be seeking.

Out of all the sites available, Healthsphere has continually proven itself to be one of the strongest entities on the Net.  Heavily community-based, their message boards are the perfect forum for a person to chat about their existing health issues, finding both support and information in the form of real-life individuals going through the same struggles as they are. It is not necessary to try to find solace in an automated system, when they can experience more personable interaction courtesy of Healthsphere.

 

Healthsphere also contains an extensive search feature, able to locate information on almost any health related topic, be it physical, mental, or emotional. When you enter the keyword of your choice, you will be given an extensive amount of links devoted to the topic you selected. What makes Healthsphere stand out from the crowd, is its video library collection, giving you interactive search results you can view as a television program, rather than the typical essay-style reading material available on other websites. These videos are dynamic and informative, great in their style and able to easily keep your attention.

 

Healthsphere has also recently added a predictive health analysis tool that has become the fruit of numerous research and case studies – literally decades of work. This tool is able to help you analyze your current health state, help make you aware of your potential risks, and provide you with suggestions to improve and sustain good health. 

To use this tool, all you have to do is enter a few easy questions, and you will be mailed your test results. All information is confidential and you can rest assured that all of your answers will be secure.

Using Healthsphere is easier than most healthcare sites, as it is simple and more concise than its competitors. Why click through fluff and annoying advertisements, when you can get the solutions you need in no time flat? This is Healthsphere’s thinking, allowing you to track information through several different topic bases. Browse through a symptoms list, look through various conditions, research different tests & procedures, or find out information about your current medications. You can also discover what vaccinations you or a family member may need, as well as what treatment options are available for a particular health issue. Lastly, an extensive database of general health topics are available for your at-home research.

Registering with Healthsphere provides you with the latest updates of pertinent information, while giving you full and total access to one of the best medical websites as well. You can enjoy expert ratings on a variety of subjects, as well as information services personalized especially to your specific wants and needs. Lastly, enjoy medical expert blogs and research information on hospitals local to your area. Nervous about an upcoming surgery? Rest assured by reading performance ratings and license statuses for particular facilities.

Healthsphere is your one stop shop for all your medical related needs. Why would you consider visiting anywhere else, when this site is so complete and full of the answers you need!

2/16/08 10:09 am - Understanding Pneumonia

Pneumonia, despite modern medical treatments, is still a serious illness that usually takes place during the winter months. Especially an issue in the elderly, no one is immune to pneumonia, and often the simplest of chest colds can turn into this sometimes critical condition. Pneumonia, by definition, is an inflammatory illness of the lung. The disease occurs when the parenchyma (air-filled sacs of the lungs that absorb oxygen from the environment) become not only inflamed, but begin to fill up with fluid. You can catch pneumonia from bacterial infections, a virus, or even a chemical injury to the lungs. Many 9/11 rescue workers experienced pneumonia-like symptoms following the inhalation of the damaging air engulfing Ground Zero.

If you are suffering from pneumonia, you will experience a wide variety of symptoms, primarily isolated to your respiratory area. These can include a persistent cough, chest pain, difficulty in breathing, and a high fever. You will usually be diagnosed through a series of x-rays and other examinations. Your x-ray will reveal any white areas in your lungs that show infection. A computed tomography can also show evidence of pneumonia; however it is not a favored diagnosis, as it can diagnose individuals with pneumonia when they actually may have a more serious disorder such as congestive heart failure.

Before x-rays are done, usually there is a physical examination given, including listening to the lungs with a stethoscope. This can decipher whether or not your breathing sounds are normal, if there is an existent “crackle” sound, or if there is other evidence of stiffened lungs potentially filled with fluid.

Your treatment plan will vary depending upon the type of pneumonia you have, for example, bacterial pneumonia will be treated with antibiotics. Now that medical advancements have been made, there are even certain vaccines available to help prevent certain types of pneumonia.
As mentioned above, there are various forms of pneumonia that can be contracted. The most dangerous is known as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). This gained international attention after a severe outbreak occurred in China in 2002. Fortunately, there have been no new instances of this version of pneumonia since 2003. It is very rare, and is the most deadly.
Chemical Pneumonia is caused by the inhalation of toxins like oils and pesticides. You don’t have to only inhale the poisonous substance, as you can contract it through the pores in your skin.

Aspiration Pneumonia is caused by inhaling random objects , usually during eating or vomiting. The lung inflammation that follows can contribute to an infection that develops into pneumonia. Aspiration pneumonia is one of the highest causes of death among elderly people, as their airways are weakened with age and they do not have all of the physical abilities common among the young. At times, very sick hospital patients can also suffer from aspiration despite age.
When you have pneumonia, you can usually heal without the need for hospitalization. Oral medications and plenty of fluids and rest can resolve pneumonia. If things have progressed to a point of severity, hospitalization may be necessary. Often this forced rest and round the clock care will help a patient to greatly improve, and fortunately hospital stays can often be brief.
If pneumonia is left untreated, it can lead to respiratory or circulatory failure. While pneumonia rarely starts out as a serious illness, ignoring it will inevitably cause a distressful progression. Treatment should always be sought, as often the solution is simple. Unfortunately sometimes newborns suffer from pneumonia if the amniotic fluid is not properly suctioned by the nurse or doctor at birth.

Fortunately, with proper health choices and prevention, pneumonia is an illness that most people never have to worry about. If you do however begin to experience pneumonia-like symptoms, call your doctor immediately.

2/16/08 08:07 am - Going Back To Doctor Mom: Home Remedies That Heal

The common cold or flu is almost synonymous with these winter months, and if you find yourself heading out to the drug store to dope up on NyQuil, then think again. Home remedies that usually fade away with our childhood, are beginning to be rediscovered thanks to the various websites available that are now promoting them. However, these treatments go far beyond chicken soup for a runny nose. Today's home remedies are just as good as what your mother and her mother before that offered up, and thanks to organic trends, you have the opportunity to give even better homemade remedies to your kids. Read on for five favorites.

Healing a Cold with Lemon & Garlic

It's tempting to take those overly advertised cold medicines when you get the sniffles, but did you know that common kitchen foods can make you well without giving your system unnecessary chemicals? Lemon is a great example of this. You may have noticed that a lot of cold & flu medications are infused with lemon. That's because the pharmaceutical industry has caught on to a secret your ancestors knew all along - lemon can make you well. Add some Vitamin-C enriched lemon juice, or a slice of fresh lemon, to a glass of warm water for relief from common cold symptoms.

Garlic also packs a powerful punch against cold & flu season. Garlic soup can greatly reduce the strength of your symptoms. Eat it once a day to keep the doctor away! You can prepare it by boiling up three cloves of chopped garlic in a cup of water. The vegetable's natural oils helps to clear up your clogged airways. It can also work to flush away toxins.

Conquering a Cough

Catch that chronic cough from a coworker? A nagging, chesty cough that hinders your day when you feel otherwise fine, can be beyond annoying. Chop up some ginger (around 10 grams) and boil it in a cup of water. Strain and then add a teaspoon of sugar for a cough suppressant designed by Mother Nature herself.


Beating A Bad Case of Nausea


Plagued with the stomach flu and can’t find any relief? Now is the time to get your sweets in. Peppermint tea has been known to help with an unsettled stomach, and sucking on lemon drops can do the trick as well. Honey chamomile can also help with this. Lastly, while it is never a good idea to make soda drinking a daily habit, a little 7-Up can go a long way when you are feeling queasy. Pair it with some unsalted soda crackers to get your digestive system back on track.


If your nausea isn’t caused by the time of year at all, but is rather being caused by first trimester pregnancy, then add a few teaspoons of wheat germ to a glass of milk to reduce your queasiness.


  Healing Headaches


If you find yourself with a debilitating headache right before that important company meeting or big party, then return back to my original praise of the lemon. The crust of a lemon peel can be mashed down and applied as a mask directly to the forehead, or you can squeeze out the pure lemon juice and add to your favorite tea for hopefully close to instant relief. Three to four slices should do the trick.

If you  like the idea of a homemade headache mask, mixing cinnamon with water to form a paste to then be applied to the throbbing area is another home remedy trick that has been proven to work. 


Abolishing the Aches


While it sounds far from appetizing, raw potato juice is known as one of the best weapons against aches and pains, especially those stemming from mild arthritis. Cut a medium potato into very thin slices, and place them overnight in a glass of cold water. Drink the water in the morning before you eat anything, and you should see some sort of improvement with your achiness.


Home remedies run abundant all over the Internet and in the recipe boxes of our grandparents. Consider rediscovering them before you spend unnecessary money on over the counter medications.






2/14/08 07:37 pm - Chemical Safety During Pregnancy

Finding out you are pregnant can be a very exciting time, however it can also be nerve wracking as you realize you have a lot of new rules to follow when it comes to your everyday life. There are plenty of healthy choices to be made, however having a strong pregnancy goes beyond just eating your fruits and veggies. There are some precautions to take that perhaps you haven’t thought of before you found out about baby. Now is the time to make some healthy choices for both you and your little one, while working to debunk some of those common pregnancy myths. Below are just a few of what you may have heard, and what you should really worry about, especially pertaining to chemicals and other household products .

Coloring Your Hair

There has been a great debate over whether or not it is safe to dye your hair during pregnancy. Most doctors recommend you stay away from doing so, especially during the first trimester. However, there is no evidence that the chemicals can actually cause birth defects, miscarriages, or any other negative pregnancy effects. Despite no concrete facts, you will usually be advised against using these products during your term.

One of the main reasons for no reliable proof or evidence, is because it has not yet been studied long enough to yield results either positive or negative. For this reason, avoidance is recommended, or you should at least minimize your contact with them during the first trimester.

If you absolutely must color your hair, consider getting a highlight or just streaking color instead, so you can minimize the amount of dye coming into contact with your scalp and skin. You can also opt for a much safer (yet also less common) vegetable-based dye like henna. If you go on ahead toward a self-dye, make sure you follow the directions carefully and color your hair in a well ventilated area. Wash off immediately after completed, do not leave on for an extended amount of time.

Painting and Decorating

Especially if it’s your first baby, chances are you need to renovate the guest room or office into a haven for your little one. If painting is on the agenda, it is probably best to have someone else get the job done. However, if you do choose to paint, then make sure you are again in a well-ventilated area and wear protective clothing. Be sure to not ingest any food or beverages while you are in the room, as you don’t want to accidentally digest paint flecks or other chemicals.

Avoid paints that include a solvent known as a glycol ether, as these greatly increase your risk of miscarriage. Other solvents can cause birth defects. Oil-based paints are the most likely to include solvents, so stick to water-based paint whenever possible.

Second Hand Smoke

Even if you feel you’re doing a great thing by not smoking during your pregnancy, (and you are!), secondhand smoke can cause damage to your baby as well. Being in direct contact with a smoker during your pregnancy can cause low birth weight, learning disabilities, and certain forms of childhood cancers. For that reason, make sure your baby’s father, or anyone else within regular contact with your up and coming baby, are smoke-free and conscious about their health as well. You can all work together to improve the health of the baby, and refraining from smoking is one of the best ways to do this.

All Sweetened Up

A lot of women have been concerned about aspartame, a commercially engineered artificial sweetener that is usually found in a large variety of foods – especially those that are “sugar free.” While doctors usually recommend using natural sweeteners whenever possible, there is no evidence to suggest that using NutraSweet, Equal, or any other sweetener leads to miscarriage or other early formed birth defects.

12/27/07 08:55 pm - Make a Lifetime Investment with Silver

Monex Deposit Company has long been leading the way as a winning company in terms of gold and silver sales. Able to provide both coin and ingot forms, their over 30 years of experience in the business make them a prime place to go when you are looking to start a great investment.
You will find gold price to be quite reasonable when you take into consideration how often gold is equated with wealth and prosperity. Purchasing a gold coin silver bullion or any other fine precious metal product from Monex sets you on the right track toward financial excellence.
Every year since 1990, the demand for silver has increased and exceeded annual production, meaning that now is the perfect time to buy. America, once the holder of a great silver stash, is now actually in the buying market, meaning that being an owner of silver bullion and gold coins is a lucrative investment.
Monex is proud of its commitment to excellent service and their ever-growing staff of dedicated individuals are working hard to keep them on top as America’s most prized deale of precious metals.

12/11/06 04:28 pm - The Lowdown!

I have a public blog now....but it isn't here! :)
Tammy's deep thoughts have moved to a new neighborhood! If you want the address to my new journal, please comment me and I will get back to you with it! It is for your eyes only....so please don't share it with people that I don't like ;) Thanks! :) Leave a comment to become a reader!


:) T :)

12/10/06 10:44 pm

Tonight was the children's musical at my church. I love working with the kids. I remember when I was in children's theatre when I was little, and I used to look up at our director and think, “Man, I would NEVER want this job!!!” She was always so busy looking after all of us and trying so desperately to make things perfect with a group of kids severely lacking in talent and discipline. And we always had so much fun.

And now here I am on the director's side of things and it wasn't really so bad. I was bummed that I disappointed a few people today. I just haven't had it “together” lately. Things are going on with me that people don't understand and that I can't even begin to explain, and I have started to take advantage of a life that has been so good to me. I seriously need to shape up before I am shipped out.

I love seeing God's grace through the eyes of a child though. They don't doubt that He is there, that He is watching.....and He is. I want to always remember that. To have that passion and excitement that kids have for everything. I understand exactly why God requires us to be like little children. They have the best methods of getting through life. I need to learn to get more excited about things again.

The best part of tonight, amidst the disappointment and stress, was when I was just wandering out onto the stage before the performance and there in the back row of the church next to Elisa was Frank. He wasn't supposed to come back from Chile until tomorrow afternoon, and at first I thought to myself, “Oh my gosh, I miss my husband so much that I am actually seeing a Frank mirage like those people see fountains of water in the desert.” But he really had come early to surprise me, which was so unexpected and very unlike him.

I ran screaming through the church and jumped into his arms, I was so happy that he was there. I missed him. He is not allowed to go to South America ever again. ;)

Gosh, I am looking forward to just trying to be successful and happy again this week. I want to honor God in all that I do and stop partaking in the garbage that I just don't need to be a part of in this world.
I need more friends over here where I live now, and hopefully someday I will have strong friendships like I have back in the bay area. Because this girl gets pretty lonely sometimes.

I feel like my mind is jumping and skipping around with no order or explanation. Anyway, I got some Christmas presents from the little performers tonight that I still have to open, so I am going to do that and then go to SLEEP! God is good. I love Him so much. And I'm praying that someday I learn to act like it.

11/9/06 11:56 am - Paid Blog Link For Today

These paid blog links are fun becuase they give me practice writing, and also, I really do stand for this one because I love Florida.

I could definitely move there without too much hesitation. With its gorgeous scenery and agreeable weather, it is just a really fun place to check out. If you are in the mood to find information on Orlando vacation home rentals, then check out that link to find out all of the amazing things that Orlando has to offer!

Did you know that there are 52 theme parks in this area alone? And beaches are closer than an hour away! All of this plus the fact that getting an Orlando vacation home to rent can be even cheaper than staying in one of the hotels in the area, or visiting other popular destinations.

Orlando is more than Disney World with its top rated golf coruses and the second largest convention center in the world. But not ignoring their Disney Draw, most everything in Orlando is family friendly.
If you haven't been to the area in the past few years, I really recommend coming back, since the theme parks are constantly adding new attractions. Florida has always been a huge draw for families looking for entertainment and a place to get away, and Orlando is truly the center of that experience.

11/6/06 05:46 pm - Here I Am Again On My Own.....

This weekend was über fun. I am trying out the word "über" today, though I am not quite sure when you can actually use it and when you cannot. So I will just use it an über lot. I should end up being correct in my usage at least some of the time then, right?

Anyway the weekend was good. Frank and I drove down to the Bay Area to see Blue Man Group. We saw them a few years ago right after we got engaged, and we loved them. This time it was even more fun than before. I love that blend of creativity and sheer madness that they use in their shows. I totally recommend them.

We made the unfortunate mistake of deciding to eat dinner at HP Pavilion. If you have a sensitive gag reflex, then I would

Skip this part

So we wandered around the arena, searching for all of these restaurants promised to us by the little front door map & flyer, and when it was too much effort to find a good one, we just settled for the grill at the edge of the arena. There was a huge crowd waiting for their burgers and fries, and so it must be good, right?

We order. Burger, fries, soda for both of us. $12 for each of us, ouch. But whatever, it's HP Pavillion. They charge you $15 just to park near it. (I am sparing you the story of the barrio six blocks away that Frank opted to leave his car at instead since we didn't have cash.)

So anyway we get to the counter service restaurant and order. The woman is the rudest thing this side of the Mississippi, and barks at Frank that they are out of Sierra Mist. He settles for Pepsi and she goes to fill the soda cups. As she is halfway through mine, she leans over the grating below her (at least I hope there was some sort of grating or form of release below), and she spits.

She doesn't just spit, mind you. It is a full out, giant loogie chunk with the long thin strand of spit dangling after it, just hanging in mid air for a few seconds as she lets it go and slurps up the residue. She then proceeds to wipe her mouth and grab my soda cup with the same hand.

Anyone who knows me well knows that I HATE spit. I don't spit, I don't share forks, and I don't French kiss. I hate spit. If someone spits on the sidewalk in front of me, I have to instantly go to my happy place to keep myself from vomiting all over the floor. Just retelling this story is causing my eyes to water and my throat to clench up. I hate spit.

Which is why I was probably ruder to this rude lady than I have ever been to anyone in customer service in my life.

Me: Um, can I have a new cup?

Her: (really snotty and mean) WHY?!

Me: Because you just SPIT and wiped your drooling mouth and then TOUCHED MY CUP.

Now may be a good time to interject that this woman was already not exactly the poster child for hygiene in the first place.

So she glared at me, got me a new cup, and then left the old one on the soda fountain. I watched horrified as another worker grabbed the half-filled, spit covered cup, finished filling it, and gave it to another customer.

Ew.

She then threw the cheeseburgers at us, across the counter and as they skidded to a stop, Frank's came unwrapped.

We walked our gourmet meal up to our seats and then realized the burgers were dry. It was pretty much impossible to leave our seats again, and I could feel Frank's silent misery. I happen to like dry burgers. My husband however, does not. He hates them about as much as I hate spit and poor hygiene.

Silence ensued until he finally said sadly, "This is the worst 12 dollar meal I have ever had."

Fortunately Tracy Bonham and Blue Man Group positively rocked, and all was forgiven J

The rest of the weekend went by so fast. I saw Elisa (and CAROLYN!!! Yay!!!) and we got her spray tanned and bought her tiara and the wow, the wedding is SOON! J

Then Frank and I went to see Connie and baby Logan, then it was out to a very stressful dinner at Elephant Bar with my family and then it was time for goodbyes.

I hugged my little sister so tightly. I didn’t want to let her go. I cried all of the way to Marie Calendar's where we were meeting Katie and John for dessert on our way home.

Then after dessert, I cried all the way to Tracy before I finally exhausted myself and kind of forgot about everything I just left behind and began to think about work, dance, and the upcoming missions trip instead.

Frank was pretty affected by my crying though. He doesn't usually come home with me, and so he didn't know that tears halfway back to Sacramento was normal behavior. He asked me how much Connie's rent was, so that we could start looking at places to live in the bay area.

It is hard. I don't know if I should make him make that sacrifice, when the only reason I want to go back there is for people who more than likely will move away themselves within the next few years. If I had my friends here and my family there, or my family here and my friends there, then really I would be alright. But with both there and me here, it is just difficult.

I have met some amazing people here (Sarah, Amelia, Christina, Nichole, Brandi, etc.), but sometimes I still feel like a people person without any people. Roseville is too far to just "go hang out." And obviously Santa Clara is too.

I am a ship without a sail ;)

When we got back, we encountered some unforeseen circumstances, and after those died down, we found out that Karen got engaged this weekend! I am so happy for my cool sister in law. She is going to marry a really, really good guy.

And that is all……

10/25/06 01:28 pm

My daily bible verse today was a favorite from Romans: "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit."

This is a good verse to remember today as I truly mourn a loss.

Krispy Kreme donuts.

Now I may be a little bit behind in the news (this was released two weeks ago), and Frank did tease me with the announcement of the closure, but I guess I didn't really listen until I saw the stripped and shuttered Roseville location this week. And then noticed the Elk Grove one a few days later. The Krispy Kremes located in two flagships in my life, - gone.

The one in Saratoga also closed, and so now even going home to the bay area won't bring me any Krispy Kreme goodness.

I love Krispy Kreme, though I can only eat their donuts a few times a year. They are so sickeningly sweet and yet are so remarkably euphoric. And now all of the Northern California stores are closing. Does this mean that I now have to move to North Carolina so I can be near their headquarters and ensure that the donut making continues SOME where in this formerly great nation?

Now, I know that God is actually making my life a lot easier with the Krispy Kreme closures over here in California. While I don't go often, I do like to go seasonally show my support for their Pumpkin Spiced Glazed donut, and now I saved myself about a katrillion calories, but really I continue to mourn.



R.I.P. Krispy Kreme. Your memory will live on in my butt and thighs.

On a lighter note, it is ridiculously windy outside. Dania said it best today when she said simply. "Wind is stupid." It's true! Stupid wind, you have no point other than to mess up my hair. Damn you, eco system!

Until later, have a great Wednesday everybody!

10/12/06 08:29 pm

So I've (finally) officially begun Project Three Sixty Five. If you don't know what it is, I have basically decided to give a piece of every day for the next year (starting yesterday) to sharing Christ with others. I will follow the Adult Scouts code of ethics and not make an obnoxious televangelical fool out of myself, but instead preach love and what the Lord has taught me. I am hoping to make it into a book next year.

I am documenting it on a separate blog right now, and when I am ready to share it, I will post that link up here. But so far I have already had some adventures! Namely getting flagged off of craigslist three times in less than 24 hours and dialouging with a complete stranger through email as to why he/she does not believe in Christianity.

This is an excerpt from his/her last email to me, and it completely broke my heart,

"What sect of christianity are you? I have talked
with mormons, jesuits, catholics, protestants,
southern baptists, and few other but I can't place
your belief. I have heard of this personal
relationship with jesus but I have never talked to a
person who has this belief."

To have someone - an AMERICAN - experience people of that many denominations, all who claim to be Christ loving denominations, and to have NEVER seen an example of a personal relationship with Jesus??!?!??! My gosh. How is that even possible? Are we as a church doing such a crappy job that the world believes that we think that we are just divinely excused from our actions and that we hang out in holier than thou huddles and never tell others about the joy we have found?

I am sort of mourning this today. I hate how the word "Christianity" leaves a bad taste in the mouths of so many, and that is why I think it is important to remember that the word literally translates into "little Christ" and not into "big shot."
I want my relationship and love for my Jesus to shine through more than I want my church status and tithing record to be apparent.

What about you?

10/12/06 03:56 pm - Paid blog link for today

For awhile, I was toying with the idea of getting my masters degree online. I didn't have the time though since I had to work full time and loved teaching dance. I dabbled in the information presented on the internet. A lot of colleges are set up to offer online degrees.



Capella university is one of these colleges. It is fully accredited and and reputable. It was founded in 1993 and you can get graduate level education here that is worth your money. Some of the majors you can pick from are business, information technology, education, human services, and psychology, and bachelor’s degree programs in business and information technology.

They also have over 76 specializations within those disciplines. It's a pretty popular school, serving over 16,000 students from all over the U.S. as well as other countries. And if you are going to go to an online university, then wouldn't you want to enroll in a school that has been recognized as one of the leaders in online education? Capella is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission which is a leader of online college accredidations and is also a member of the North Central Assc. of Colleges and Schools.

Besides, who wouldn't want to go to Chicago? The windy city! This Californian sure wouldn't mind!

9/21/06 11:43 am - Friends Only Again!


The rest of my journal entries are friends only. If you were were an LJ user on my list, you are still on my list, but FYI you will actually have to be logged into LJ to read on.

If you would like to be placed on the list, comment to be added. I add most people, whether I know them personally or not, as I love the whole concept of free thought and community discussion.

However, I will not add drama queens, gossips, or those who thrive on slander.

Life is too short to be shallow.

If you don't have an LJ, you can visit me at my myspace page and comment to be on the preferred list there.

I will still have public posts on here, but not nearly as often.




"Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful."
~Proverbs 27:6~

9/17/06 08:16 pm - But I'm Still On Fire

Today was a good day. Dress rehearsal yesterday went suspiciously smooth and chaos free, and when I got home I had nothing to do in regards to show prep, so I went out to dinner with husband and actually went to bed by 11:30.

I managed to get my sleepy lazy butt out of bed by 6:15 and almost got to the church on the time ;) And then the dancers danced.
They did really well, especially during the first performance. Of course there were the little mistakes here and there, but it was the first time that I was not dancing with them and was able to actually sit in the audience and relax. Almost ;)

It was a little nerve wracking because Pastor Scott hadn't seen any of the show, and so I was holding my breath hoping he would like it. I ended up sitting next to him, and when he whispered to me, "This one is the best yet." Okay whew that was a relief!

The dancers remembered their lines (except for one little unfortunate mis-speech, ha ha I love you Christina!), nailed their dances, and the audience seemed to really enjoy it. One of the best parts, Lucinda ([info]misswong77) came up from the bay area to watch it and it was just so fun! I didn't really invite people this time around, and some I didn't even bother to tell...so it was such a blessing that she just took it upon herself to come up and support us. I love you! :)

The theme of Just Like You was "connecting" and really fitting into a ministry at church. It was unique in the sense that it wasn't nearly as evangelistic as past performances, and yet it ended up reaching outside just the same. Which I love. Double whammy! ;)

We put puzzle pieces up on the wall of the dance room, on the front of the program, on the summer team shirts, and then I gave each dancer a silver puzzle piece with their name and an attribute about them that I loved and that had really connected them to the group. It was hard not to cry. Even though I get grumpy at them a lot and get frustated with them a lot, I really do love them so much and there is going to be a big hole in my life on Tuesday.

But great things are ahead! :) I got final approval and confirmating for our "big adventure" and it looks like we are going to be embarking on it around June 29, ah! i WILL stop being so secretive about this soon, I just know that some of the dancers may read this and it is still "classified" information ;) But get excited guys! It is going to be AMAZING.

I feel so unsatisfied in a way this weekend though. And it has nothing to do with Turning Point or the show today. There is just such a furvor within me to serve God more and more. As I get older, I find that I don't care if I have hundreds of friends or if I have a job that pays a lot.

At the away day at work on Wednesday, I grew so weary of listening to profit lectures and budget graphs, and hearing about how what we sell, (or in my case, what I write) helps the company to get more money.

Read my lips (or, er, read my words)

I DON'T FREAKING CARE.

I want to continue to do God's work, whether it is through dance evangelism or anything else that he sets before me. I have never been one for mountaintop experiences, I am grateful that God has kept my passion for sharing his love with others pretty consistently, but of course I definitely hit a lot of my valleys just like everyone else. But now especially, I feel there is just so much to be done and I want to do it all RIGHT NOW! There is a fire inside of me that just seems to get crazier and bigger, whether I ignore it or address it.

I know that I can't. And that I shouldn't.

But I am going to continue to praise God in the valleys and in times of joy, and be consistent in sharing Him with others. It's all I think about, and has been for a long time. So how could I ever let work hours or hanging out with Christian friends get in the way of that?

I want to get out there into the world.

And make them wonder.

I love my life.

Thank you, dancers. You did amazing.

Thank you, friends. For being endlessly supportive and wonderful.

Thank you, Jesus. For everything.
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