Can't Bear the Holidays Alone? Plan a Singles Vacation

Holidays really should be like commercials; they abound with happy people. From loving couples holding hands while walking in the snow to smiling families all gathered around a dinner table or seated in front of a beautifully decorated tree, commercials make holidays perfect. There is not one solitary person in any commercials, only couples and crowds.



But what if you're going to be a "single" this holiday season? What if you've recently broken up with someone? This is especially hard to handle especially around friends and relatives who may either offer pitiful looks, which you don't want, or be overly cheerful and try too hard to hook you up with "this great guy we know!"



Breaking up is difficult at any time of the year, but it is especially painful during the holiday season. How do you handle the party season where you might just run into your ex, possibly with his new date?



My advice is to do what is comfortable for you. If you truly don't want to make the rounds of holiday gatherings because you just don't feel festive enough to be around people who know your situation or you don't want to run into you-know-who, don't. You're in control of what you do. A cautionary tip here: Don't stay home and wallow in misery either. Do something else that will give you pleasure and a sense of holiday joy. You may need to get away from everything that reminds you of your past relationship.



If you're not part of a happy, smiling, jewelry giving and receiving couple (oh that awful Jane Seymour open heart pendant commercial!) or if your family is a group of people you'd rather not spend the holidays with, take heart. And take care of yourself by planning to go on a vacation.



There are many resorts that offer mini-vacations catering to singles at this time of year. The resort is decorated for the holidays, there's good food and activities, you feel pampered, and you're not alone. That may be just what you need. Be good to yourself and remember: You got "separated" from one person, not from life. With a little self-nurturing, you can, and will, get through it.



You're not alone in "being alone" because there are many others in the same situation at holiday time. Vacations have become a major venue for those who might otherwise be spending the holidays on their own, either by circumstances or choice.



The great news is that resorts, hotels, and vacation spots do especially cater to singles; they have many festivities that you can attend on your own and still be part of a holiday crowd. From sitting and relaxing in a hot tub surrounded by snow in Reno, Nevada to watching live entertainment under the stars at a Caribbean resort, your choices of where to go are limited only by your imagination.



Cruise ships have entire cruises dedicated to singles only and ski resorts abound with special package deals. Mini-vacations or a full seven-day trip are available. All you have to do is make plans and the earlier the better.



If you know that you're going solo on a holiday, give yourself an early gift and make reservations at a place you want to be. Saving towards this special gift gives you the fun of anticipation. Treat yourself well. This is your holiday as well as everyone else. Planning ahead a few months will enable you to get the best for your money.



Don't be shy about asking if there are special rates for singles or requesting favors. The staff is there to make sure you're comfortable and happy. If you dread eating alone, ask if there are restaurants where you can eat with others. A good example of this is Teppanyaki, a Japanese style of dining where food is prepared at your table on a grill that sits in the center. Each square-shaped table seats about 10 people. Seating is arranged on three sides of the table with the chef standing on the fourth side. The fun of watching the chef's expertise as he slices and dices your food leads to interesting conversation with others.



Understand that this is a festive time of year and people are going to be friendly and in high spirits at your destination. You won't feel so alone because the holiday spirit seems to prevail more strongly when people are being catered to and do not have the hassle of decorating and entertaining. You're a guest and so is everyone else at the hotel or resort.



Holidays should be about being happy and taking some time off from everyday life. This year give a personal gift to yourself that will make the holiday a special time for you. Make your holiday a happy one or you!



---




Read the just released Welcome to Hell by Kristen Houghton. An Amazon Kindle Best.



And Then I'll Be Happy! Stop Sabotaging Your Happiness and Put Your Own Life First ranked in the top 100 books by Tower Books



Kristen Houghton is the author of the hilarious book, No Woman Diets Alone -- There's Always a Man Behind Her Eating a Doughnut in the top 10 hot new releases at Amazon available now on Kindle, Nook and all e-book venues.



You may email her at kch@kristenhoughton.com.



from Healthy Living - The Huffington Post http://www.huffingtonpost.com/kristen-houghton/holidays-single_b_4361489.html?utm_hp_ref=healthy-living&ir=Healthy+Living

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An Attitude of Gratitude

Whenever you take a moment to celebrate an activity or a thought such as, "I love this shirt I am wearing," "I love this food I am eating," "I love these people in my life," or "I love this brand new day of possibilities," these sincere reflections of appreciation immediately will bring you into perfect alignment with the Divine Source of your being. When you acknowledge these gifts and exhibit gratitude for other beings, you will begin to change energetically, and it will influence every aspect of your life. By practicing an attitude of gratitude, you begin to have a relationship with the true essence of who you are and everyone who is within your sphere will benefit from your appreciation. The joy of giving is intertwined with the joy of receiving.



By living with an awareness of gratitude, you are open to appreciating the element of love in all things. As it touches every area of your life, it cultivates well-being and happiness, and when focused toward others, it brings about an increased level of peace, optimism and empathy. Gratitude is not only the greatest virtue that exists, but the person who exhibits the most gratitude will benefit the most people involved.



How do you cultivate a sense of appreciativeness every day? Well, it was probably one of the very first lessons your parents taught you when you began to pronounce words. Most of us were taught the words "thank you" as a response to a kindness. Just by saying the words aloud, it demonstrates an acknowledgment to others. I have worked at practicing and remembering to give thanks and gratitude as often as possible and have even crafted it into my daily ritual. Every morning, while waiting for my coffee to brew, I go to the window, gaze out at the morning sky and send out an intentional thought of gratitude. I let the Universe know that I am grateful and appreciative for letting my soul have another opportunity to learn, understand and perhaps influence another being and hopefully change a life for the better.



How can you grow by incorporating gratitude into your daily agenda? First, it enables you to acknowledge the positive aspects of your life, whether it is friends, material goods or even opportunities to view something from a different point of view. It can assist you in putting things in perspective. When you have a negative thought such as "I hate my job," gratitude can spin that thought into "I am happy that I have a job." Whenever you look at life as hard and difficult, instead think of it as exciting and challenging. Start to perceive obstacles as opportunities to learn and grow, and change and improve.



When you take the time to use those two words that your parents taught you, you can change another person's life in ways that you may have never thought possible. Just an acknowledgement might be exactly what that person needs at that moment in order to act in a positive and loving way to others. Your one kindness has a ripple effect. Everyone on this earth loves to be acknowledged for who they are and what they do. So few of us perform this simple deed; but if we only knew the profound affect that it has, we could (and would) be forever transformed.



When you emanate an attitude of gratitude, it is the same vibration as the energy of love. When you practice a mindset of appreciation, you will let go of doubt and fear and live in the presence of everything that feels right and good. The act of giving thanks will make you feel good, and this feeling is your soul's way of letting you know that gratitude is part of your innate make up. As you live with gratitude, your view of the world and yourself will completely change and your circumstances, situations and relationships are forever altered.



When you practice an attitude of gratitude, you see everything in your life as a miracle and you become aware of how many opportunities and possibilities are before you. You look at the things that are rich and positive instead of poor and fearful. It strengthens your body, mind and heart, and you will begin to attract those situations and people into your life that are also positive and soul-enriching.



Look around you today and acknowledge everything for which you are grateful. And give thanks.



from Healthy Living - The Huffington Post http://www.huffingtonpost.com/james-van-praagh/gratitude_b_4356679.html?utm_hp_ref=healthy-living&ir=Healthy+Living

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The Grieving Introvert and the Holidays: A Different Kind of Survival Guide

All over the Web, people are posting "how to survive the holidays" articles. It's true -- this time of year adds an extra measure of pain to people already bearing more than they can, more than they should ever have to. There is the empty seat at the table, the heaviness of all the ways the one you love is missing, traditions that have gone flat, smacking against the empty place.



The first holiday season after Matt drowned was surreal for so many reasons. Death. There's the big one. But there was also the frantic need for people to make it a "good" holiday for me: I received so many invitations. Far more invitations than I ever had in the past. Invitations from people I barely knew, and from friends and family. I'm not sure how to say this without seeming ungrateful for the true care and love behind these invitations: This drove me crazy.


Matt and I were not big holiday people. Neither of us enjoyed the normal small talk of parties, or the general cacophony and chaos of shopping. For his part, Matt preferred to spend the holidays quietly, home with just his son and I, or off on a hike somewhere. As a therapist, I liked not having to talk to anyone for a few days in a row. Any days we both had off at the same time was a rarity, and meant for adventure. Our adventures.



See, this is what we shared. Not just from November through New Year's, but all year long: the enjoyment of our own company. Pleasure in being alone, and in being alone together. We shared the same outlook. With him, I always had my social comrade -- agreeing on the time and plan of escape before entering a party or gathering, knowing each other's signals so well and clearly that one glance across the room was enough to know it was time to leave. When he died, I not only lost my companion, but also my reflection: We were so alike in our social needs, we validated each other just by our existence.



Being introverted is getting a lot of press these days -- and for once, it's positive press. It's now cool to be quiet, to be more reflective and inner-directed. From my own experience, being both an introvert and in grief brings unique challenges.



So if you're with me here, nodding your head, eyes tearing up, missing the one you are quiet with -- let's talk about how to survive these holidays when maybe they were a bit trying even before life went sideways.



• Say no a lot. Really. Other people will tell you you should say yes to things, get out more, be social. You know what? No. If "being social" gives you the hives, why on earth would you do that? Remember that "no" is a complete sentence. You can say "no, thank you" if you must say more.



• Choose your gatherings. If you do choose to attend something holiday-ish, choose wisely. Sometimes a big crowd is easier than a small one, because you can slip out un-noticed as you need to. While a small gathering might have been most comfortable in your life. Before, those intimate things can feel more like a crucible now, with people watching to see how you are.



• Find ways to be alone-together with others. Musical offerings, candlelight meditations or services -- check those little local newspapers and see what's going on in your community.



• Volunteer. The first Thanksgiving after Matt died, I volunteered in the local soup kitchen. It was an "acceptable" reason for not attending family obligations, and also a way I could serve others in my own quiet way.



• Have a plan. As I mentioned above, Matt and I always had our exit strategy planned in advance. Before you go to a party or an event, be sure to make your exit plan clear -- with yourself. Give yourself an out, whether that is a specific time limit or an emotional cue that lets you know it's time to go.



• Check in with yourself. This is true not just for events and gatherings, but for every single moment of life. Check in with yourself. Take just a minute to take a breath, one good inhale/exhale, and ask yourself how you're doing. Ask yourself what you need. It may be that the piped in Christmas carols at the grocery store are just too much. Maybe you need to leave now -- just abandon that cart in the aisle. Or maybe you feel like you can push through, so you put your emotional blinders on and sing yourself some other song to blot out the noise.



Which brings me to my favorite anytime-not-just-the-holidays tip:



• LEAVE WHENEVER YOU WANT. Stop whatever you're doing whenever you want. Please remember that this is your life. You do not have to do anything that feels bad or wrong or horrifying. Even if you agreed to participate in something, you can change your mind at any time.



The holidays are going to hurt, my friend. That is just reality. Whether you are missing someone who should be part of the festivities, or you are missing someone who shared your love of quiet acknowledgment over raucous partying, this season will add some to your grief.



Companion yourself. Care for yourself. Listen. Reach out where it feels good to reach, curl in when that is what you need. Make this season as much of a comfort to you as you can. And when it is not a comfort, know we're here. All these other grieving introverts: We get you. We understand.



Megan Devine is the author of Everything Is Not Okay: an audio program for grief. You can find her at www.refugeingrief.com, on facebook at www.facebook.com/refugeingrief, and at holiday festivities -- watching from an appropriate distance.



from Healthy Living - The Huffington Post http://www.huffingtonpost.com/megan-devine/holidays-grief_b_4346410.html?utm_hp_ref=healthy-living&ir=Healthy+Living

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Finding Holiday Joy 10 Minutes at a Time

Santa is really a very wise man. He may not have gifted gold, frankincense or myrrh, but he knows the wisdom of making a list and checking it twice. I am a list maker from January to October, but somehow the holidays always catch me in a frenzy of living "just in time." Last year's photo calendar (our annual gift to the relatives) wasn't even created until well into January. Cards to teachers were written the night before the last day of school before Christmas break. Just a day or two earlier, I probably could have included at least one special thing each of the kids said about their teachers in the cards. The teachers probably would have liked a little personal recognition more than a mini banana loaf anyway.



So this is the year that I'll pause, take a deep breath, and make a thorough list of to dos and goal dates. My main goal is to build in (and block off on the calendar) time for quality activities -- more time to shop with the kids for the gifts we'll contribute to the toy drive, and less time doing it myself. More time with friends, less time with obligations. More time enjoying the preparations, less time finding them a burden.



This will not be perfect -- already I messed up with the Thanksgiving food drive. My hope had been to go to the grocery store with the kids and we'd all pick our favorite items to share. I thought this would help the kids picture what they're doing for someone else. Instead, I not only bought the items myself, but I even walked the bag into school.



My goal is to get holiday-ready 10 minutes at a time -- pausing, being thoughtful, and being proactive. I may spend hours wandering a mall or at a Christmas recital -- that time doesn't count. It's the 10 minutes where I'm thinking ahead and thinking about how to make the holidays meaningful, or even the 10 minutes actually enjoying the recital or the mall -- those count.



The first thing I did was block off a few dates. I felt like this was the most important thing to confirm before things get too busy. These are a few dates that seemed important, valuable, meaningful:



• decorating the house

• planning a family outreach activity

• scheduling a day with friends -- skating and cookie baking (kids) and holidays cocktails (adults)

• shopping with the kids so they can pick out their gifts for their siblings and relatives



The rest of my list was "soup to nuts" (almost literally, since it did involve finding recipes), things like:



• Taking holiday photo

• Designing the holiday card (that's my husband's to-do)

• Getting the email list together for the card

• Selecting photos for the calendar

• Finding a coupon for calendar

• Placing the order for calendar



I know those steps sound tiny (couldn't I have bundled it all under one item: "Calendar"?) but each of those little steps takes a fair amount of time, and if I don't break it up I'll never get it done! Or I'll try to do it all at once and will be mad at myself that ordering one little calendar takes so darn long.



I've been obsessive about writing everything down now -- any random thought or gift idea that pops into my head, I send myself an email. Right now in my inbox there's an email that says, "Grilled cheese and tomato sandwiches with tomato soup" (my dad always made us that on cold winter days. We don't have too many of those in Los Angeles, but I'll try to replicate the mood) and one that says, "Tipping/crisp bills" to remind myself to finally learn the guidelines for tipping around the holidays (have I always been over? Under?) and to get crisp bills from the bank for gifts. If it doesn't get on the list, it doesn't happen!



Probably the biggest to-do for me should be to continually remind myself (cumulative 10 minutes a day) to enjoy the time, that whatever happens happens. We've been in technology bedlam all week (no Internet or land line, plus a power failure two nights ago leaving us with a slowly rotting turkey). Not being able to do things efficiently puts me in a low level of depression and frustration. I've been grumpy and ranting all morning (my family may say longer). Just trying to register for the Turkey Trot had me dropping F-bombs as the registration process from my phone churned as slowly as I will trot. It's time for me to lighten up and get some perspective -- the Turkey Trot is supposed to be fun! No matter how much stress and frustration I have during the holidays, I'm pretty lucky to have it. Still, I wouldn't mind if Santa gave me back my internet for Christmas.



My hope is that my lists and my 10-minute timer keep me grounded. I hope they will help me enjoy, share, appreciate, step back, jump in and even relax. There are not too many Christmas carols that celebrate "relaxing," but that would truly bring joy to my world.



from Healthy Living - The Huffington Post http://www.huffingtonpost.com/laura-brady-saade/holiday-joy_b_4353430.html?utm_hp_ref=healthy-living&ir=Healthy+Living

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Mysterious Illness In Las Vegas Afflicts Dozens Of Youth Football Players, Parents (VIDEO)

A mysterious illness swept through a Las Vegas youth football tournament earlier this week, leaving dozens of players and parents ill.



Local news agencies estimated anywhere between 40 and 80 people became sick with the unknown bug earlier this week while in town for the National Youth Football Championships. Those afflicted all reported flu-like symptoms, according to NBC affiliate KSNV.



"As of now there are nine teams reporting illness and three of those teams are from Las Vegas," Justin Gates, an officials with the organization that's running the tournament, told KSNV in a phone call. "We first thought it was an illness spread at the team weign-in on Wednesday, but the three Las Vegas teams weighed in on Tuesday. We now think it might just be a flu-like illness spreading in Western states. It's hard to tell because many of the teams traveled up to 48 hours on a bus to get to Las Vegas and that could have made it easy to spread the bug."



The illness first came to the attention of authorities Friday morning, when the Clark County Fire Department responded to distress calls at the Rio All-Suites Hotel & Casino, per KSNV.



"We have 18 people, five adults and the rest children between 7 and 9 years of age, who were transported by Rio shuttles to two area hospitals" CCFD Deputy Chief Fernandez Leary told the station. "The symptoms are nausea, vomiting and diarrhea."



Parents and coaches of the affected players said they just wanted to understand what was causing the illness, reports local ABC affiliate KTNV.



"I was very scared because I really didn't know what was going on," Alastair Jones, coach of the Santa Monica Vikings Tiny Mites and parent of a 7-year-old son who was sick, told KTNV.



"We just want to figure out what it is," parent of another sick child Annalisa Johnson said, per KTNV. "We're just scared because we don't know what it is."



Fox affiliate Fox5 also spoke with Johnson, who told them around 40 people from her league were sick, and an additional 40 others from different leagues had become ill as well.



Meanwhile, the Jorge Viote, Public Information Officer for the Southern Nevada Health District, assured Fox that his team would be conducting an investigation.







from Healthy Living - The Huffington Post http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/11/30/mysterious-illness-las-vegas-youth-football_n_4365174.html?utm_hp_ref=healthy-living&ir=Healthy+Living

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Just A Reminder: You're Not Crazy for Being an Introvert

I remember taking one of those "introduce yourself" icebreaker surveys back in middle school and one of the questions read, "Are you an introvert or extrovert?" I circled "extrovert" fully knowing that it was untrue, yet out of middle school naiveté and a yearning for social aptitude, I so desperately wanted for it to be true. Recently, I began to think about why.



The introvert vs. extrovert conservation has been happening since forever ago, but let's recap on some of the stereotypes: introverts are antisocial and think they're better than others, introverts miss out on so many social events, introverts are soo intense (why do they have to keep all their feelings to themselves?), introverts are boring; the list goes on. But really, when has the term "introvert" ever been favorably portrayed?



Growing up, I learned these stereotypes too. On Mondays back at school when people would ask "Hey, where were you this weekend?" I'd fib because I couldn't bring myself to admit that I enjoyed the company of books/Nintendo/Ugly Betty/music more. But I didn't feel "high" from attending social gatherings, flirting with boys was immensely awkward and eating in the cafeteria gave me anxiety when everybody else couldn't wait to rush to see their friends. Eventually, I felt totally disjointed from the established social culture.



As Susan Cain wrote in her book Quiet, I thought being introverted was "a second-class personality trait, somewhere between a disappointment and a pathology."



So to make up for this social shortcoming I over-exerted myself to try and mask my introvertedness: I went to more football games, movies, mall trips, sleepovers, parties and everything in between not necessarily because I was thrilled to do these things but because they were "fun" and so I felt obligated to at least make an attempt to enjoy them. Sure, no one forced me to do these things besides myself, but I didn't know how to be "normal" any other way. The harder I tried to force myself to "convert" myself to an extrovert, the faster I found myself growing more and more unhappy.



So I gave up. It's cliché to say, I realize, but I gave up trying to be something that I wasn't then and probably never will be.



And... I guess with time, I settled into my introversion and grew to embrace it.



Now I eat lunch alone and check my emails or catch up on news while comfortably tucked away in a wing where few people ever see me, I "go out" sparingly, my circle has narrowed down to a few close friends, I prefer to spend Friday nights unwinding, I've stopped trying to hold a front of social sleekness and I'm happier than I've ever been in my whole life. By spending time off that's removed from my environment, I've gotten better acquainted with myself and discovered the things I'm truly passionate about: human rights, education and blogging. And by pursuing these passions, I've become connected to a whole network of like-minded people with whom conversation flows naturally and the interactions we have leave me feeling inspired and motivated. I genuinely enjoy having a few close friends I can to talk on the phone, go to dinner and explore cities with. I love getting to know people one-on-one. And I finally feel like "me" now... without any discomfort or fakeness.



I'm still figuring it out (ain't that the anthem to teenage-hood?), but I know that being an introvert is a key component of my personality and that by embracing it I have been able to fully accept myself. It's not at all crazy to be introverted and to love it. Not one bit.



from Healthy Living - The Huffington Post http://www.huffingtonpost.com/katy-ma-/being-an-introvert_b_4351966.html?utm_hp_ref=healthy-living&ir=Healthy+Living

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Ways To Volunteer That Really Show Your Thanks

8 Immediate Stress Busters and Serenity Boosters

Let's face it, daily life can be beyond stressful. And between a demanding job and even more demanding home life, it becomes next to impossible to squeeze a bit of serenity into our everyday rounds. In an attempt to conquer it all, we're always on the go, always occupied and always a step ahead. But what if being idle were just as productive -- and necessary -- as being super busy? As Ecclesiastes says, there is "a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them." Often we forget to retrieve our personal stones after we've scattered them about, and our energies remain dispersed in a thousand different directions. Take time not just to participate in your routine, but to suspend it and indulge in your wants and needs. Gather your stones to regain peace.



Practice these eight exercises to ward off stress and welcome serenity into your heart and mind:



1. Empowering meditations. Meditations are excellent de-stressors because they can be customized to include whatever is most relevant for you. Best of all, there are only three things you need to do to meditate correctly: retreat to a quiet space, close your eyes and breathe deeply and detach your mind from the physical world. In your meditation, you are free to visualize any pleasant thought and conjure any ideal reality. There are no worries here, no deadlines, no pressures and no pains. There are only the beautiful projections of your soul. Relaxation seeps through every thread of your being as you inhale new hope and exhale your fears far away.



2. Exercise. As we all know, exercise plays a positive role in every element of our bodies, from increasing circulation to strengthening the heart. But exercise is also a prime stress buster in that physical movement produces a spike in the level of feel-good neurotransmitters known as endorphins. Apart from this, the mental concentration associated with sports and fitness diverts our attention from daily distresses. Move in any way you love; a good game of tennis, running, swimming or even yoga. The important thing is that you stay active to stay stress-free.



3. Music in solitude. Retreat to a place of solitude and put on your favorite song. Be sure to play a song that is mellow, slow and soothing, one that really speaks to you. Don't do anything other than listen; absorb the words and allow the melody to glide over your body. Breathe in sync with the song, following the highs and lows of the rhythm. Create a special playlist just for this time of solitude and allow the music to continue playing until you feel fully recharged.



4. Calming affirmations. Affirmations are the art of the spoken word used to your full advantage. Patterns of speech form systems of belief. When you reassure yourself repeatedly through the correct words, you begin to believe that which you affirm. Here are five great affirmations to practice any time you need to unwind:



Serenity surges through my mind, body and soul.

I am in control. I am calm. I am still.

I conquer my burdens; I am master of my challenges.

I triumph over my stress and celebrate my inner harmony.

As I breathe in, I feel my spirit swell with tranquility.



5. Memories. Recounting memories is a great way to escape current circumstances and temporarily travel to a happier place. Don't be afraid to bring up "that time when" for a few much-needed chuckles that ease the tensions of a long day. Recollect fondly the most pleasant parts of your past with friends and family to distract your thoughts from present doubts.



6. Physical contact. The grace of a simple touch can be a soothing balm. When overwhelmed with affliction, embrace a loved one and hold tight. Feel their warm energy melt away your anxieties. Allow your pet to cuddle next to you and sleep placidly. Rest your head on a friend's shoulder. There's no need for speech; holding a wanting hand says it all.



7. Mindful writing. Take out a pen and paper (like you used to do in school), and take a deep breath. Chances are your concerns are on the tip of your brain. Now, they will travel to the tips of your fingers. Begin to write -- about your day, a dilemma or something that upsets you. Don't type your frustrations, write them by hand. Release your emotions and your pent-up struggles through your words; from your body to the page, let your writing become the conduit of your stress.



8. Favorite hobby. The key here is to engage your mind in an enjoyable activity rather than have it contemplate the million things that must be done by tomorrow. Practice a craft that you love and that requires your attention, such as a game, creating something or cooking. It is equally valuable to devote time and effort to the things you want to do, not just the things you have to do.



An inevitable part of day to day life, stress does us a great disservice unless we take simple but powerful steps to find relief from everyday demands. Practice the relaxing exercises above and take comfort in the more serene joys of life.



To your serenity,

Dr. Carmen Harra



To connect with Dr. Carmen Harra on Facebook, click here.



For more by Dr. Carmen Harra, click here.



For more on serenity, click here.



from Healthy Living - The Huffington Post http://www.huffingtonpost.com/dr-carmen-harra/dealing-with-stress_b_4318566.html?utm_hp_ref=healthy-living&ir=Healthy+Living

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Finding Happiness And Success By Giving Thanks

By Hannah Morgan for U.S. News



Giving thanks and being grateful is trendy right now and this season is the time to give thanks. A tradition that began hundreds of years ago as a way of showing gratitude for the food harvested. It is easy to lose sight of the original meaning of this holiday when we're overwhelmed by the force of holiday consumerism. Let's slow down a minute to look at what thanks and giving can do to improve your happiness, without draining your wallet.



Success does not equal happiness. We've all said it: "If I just get this job, everything will be great," or "this promotion will get me on the right career path." You may have even resorted to saying, "a decent wage is all I'm asking for." The problem is, once you get the job or more money, your brain resets the goal for happiness and you never reach the point where it allows you to feel happy. Think about the last time you really felt sustained happiness after you reached a goal. You may have experienced the initial rush of excitement, but how long did that last? The key to sustained happiness and success lies in retraining your brain.



Retrain your brain. Shawn Achor is an award-winning Harvard professor, speaker and author of "The Happiness Advantage." In his TedX Bloomington talk, Achor says, "only 25 percent of job successes are predicted by IQ. Seventy-five percent of job successes are predicted by your optimism levels, your social support and your ability to see stress as a challenge instead of as a threat." Achor's research found that we can reprogram our brains to be more positive and productive. It takes just as much energy to think positively as it does to complain.



Be grateful. By taking a few minutes each day to recognize the good, positive elements of your life and writing those things down, you can reprogram your brain to be more positive. In other words, you have reprogrammed your brain to seek out the positive. Achor found that when people wrote down three positive things for 21 days, it improved the participants' productivity and outlook. You may want to check in with your friends who have been expressing gratitude on Facebook this month and see how they are feeling these days. Stick with your gratitude journal for 21 days and afterward, leave a comment at the bottom of this post.



Get moving. Exercise produces dopamine, a chemical found to improve your brain's activity and your mood. By adding regular exercise to your daily routine, you stimulate your brain and produce happy and healthy thoughts. Creating an exercise ritual doesn't have to cost a lot of money, it just requires a time commitment. We all have 30 minutes we can re-allocate to exercise if we wanted to. The evidence to support the many benefits of exercise are out there, so just do it.



Take a time out. Another way to gain more control over your brain is to practice meditation. When you slow down, it allows you to focus. All our hectic lives with multi-tasking and balancing personal and professional priorities needs is a good old-fashioned time out. Meditation only requires self reflection, deep concentration and some quiet space.



Give, give and give. When you take an extra step to articulate your gratitude to others, it helps your outlook too. This may even lead you to perform random acts of kindness. What harm can these acts cause? They take very little energy and time and, just looking for these opportunities to help reprograms your brain to make a difference.



Is it real? Only you can be the judge of whether these actions will work to change your outlook. Be positive and you'll think positive. Why do you have any reason to believe this wouldn't work?



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Hannah Morgan is a speaker and author providing no-nonsense career advice; she guides job seekers and helps them navigate today's treacherous job search terrain. Hannah shares information about the latest trends, such as reputation management, social networking strategies, and other effective search techniques on her blog, Career Sherpa.



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How Seeking Your Passion Boosts Self-Esteem

Have you ever had times in life when you simply weren't happy with yourself? You didn't feel good about your appearance. You weren't exercising or eating right. Your job was drudgery and your life was boring.



All of us experience periods when we're down on ourselves, when nothing we do seems good enough, and it seems everyone else has a better personality, a better body, a better job, heck -- a better life entirely. Sometimes these feelings are a brief blip on the radar screen, a momentary phase when the stars aren't in alignment for us.



But if these feelings last long enough, they can do a number on our self-esteem. Having low self-esteem is a vicious cycle. The worse you feel about yourself, the harder it is to change your thinking patterns. They become ingrained in your brain, further entrenching your negativity and making it difficult to take action to pull yourself out of the quicksand of low self-esteem.



Often people suffering with low self-esteem are out-of-touch with their authentic selves. They don't know who they are, what they value, or what they want in life, so they look outside of themselves for approval and reinforcement.



As Dr. Phil McGraw reminds, "Your authentic self is who you are when you have no fear of judgment, or before the world starts pushing you around and telling you who you're supposed to be." When you're operating as the person you're "supposed" to be, it's hard to love yourself. You don't really know the self you're trying to love.



So how can you get in touch with your authentic self, the person you truly are, so you can boost self-esteem? A great place to start is by seeking your passion.










Now an obvious question here is, "How do I find my passion if I don't know my authentic self?" But seeking your passion inevitability leads to your authentic self. The work involved propels you to a new level of self-awareness and inner wisdom, which in turn allows you to understand and love yourself.



Many people don't realize life passion must be actively sought. It doesn't arrive at your doorstep or magically fall from the sky. There's a process involved that can take months or years depending on the complexity of the passion and the commitment of the person involved.



This is why many people avoid seeking their passion. Once they get started, they realize it's not as easy as simply taking a career quiz or creating a dream board. The process is multi-faceted and lengthy, but the good news is the passion work is actually enlightening, life-changing, and even fun.



The first step in finding your life passion is learning as much as possible about yourself. It's useful to take a personality assessment and skills inventory, as this information will give you a general understanding about your traits and aptitudes. But that's just a starting point. You must dig deeper to explore your inner self to really get to the core of who you are.



Self-questioning can help you ferret out more information. Ask yourself these questions:



When do I feel the happiest and most engaged in what I'm doing?

What natural skills do I possess that I really enjoy?

When have I been so engaged and focused that time disappears?

What were some of my childhood dreams and goals?

If I didn't worry about money or what other people thought, how would I spend my time?

How am I spending my time and energy that drains me and doesn't fill me up?

What am I doing in life in order to please others or live up to expectations?

What beliefs or outlooks have I adopted without defining them for myself?

What do I deeply value -- what are my most important guiding principles?



As you uncover more about who you are, you'll stir up feelings of resistance and fear. One of the most self-esteem boosting requirements of a passion search is addressing these roadblocks -- and then busting through them.



You will feel fear, confusion, and self-doubt when you try to find your passion. There are so many unknowns, "what ifs," and self-doubts about your ability to succeed. You aren't yet sure who you are, so you don't trust yourself and your judgment.



However, if you challenge your fears and take small actions in spite of them, you're injecting the antidote to low self-esteem. By facing your fears and taking action, you'll awaken to your true self and realize what you're truly capable of doing.



Most of what we fear about our passion search rarely comes to pass anyway. Our fears are part of the "ego self" resisting change -- even change for the better. You can help bust through your fears by asking these questions:



What is it I fear the most?

What evidence do I have my fear is based in fact?

What evidence do I have that contradicts this fear?

What limiting beliefs do I hold about myself and my abilities?

Are these beliefs really true?

What excuses do I give myself and others for not pursuing my passion?

What is the worst thing that could happen if I pursue my passion?

What is the best thing?



There are many more steps involved in a life passion search. You'll test and experiment with various pursuits and ideas. You'll get clear on your life priorities, and begin eliminating what drains and distracts you. You'll make connections with like-minded people who inspire and mentor you.



All of these steps further empower you and reveal more of who you truly are. And as you face your internal roadblocks, you'll see how capable you are of controlling your own destiny. You become a creator of your life rather than a reactor to it. Once you do find your passion, you will meet it joyfully and confidently, with a strong foundation of self-esteem.



(PS: If you enjoyed this post and want to read more from Barrie Davenport please check out her self-improvement articles at Live Bold and Bloom and join her active Facebook community of seekers.)



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Am I Crazy? The Bizarre Experience of Sleep Paralysis

By Brandon R. Peters, M.D.



Quite simply, the experience of sleep paralysis sounds too crazy to be true. When it occurs, which it does with surprising frequency, the victim often questions his or her own sanity. It is not uncommon to ascribe the experiences to demonic possession, aliens, and any number of otherworldly phenomena. What exactly is sleep paralysis? Learn about this unusual experience and what science tells us about the likely cause.



Sleep paralysis can be experienced in an astonishing number of ways, but it tends to share a few common elements. First, it inevitably involves a transient inability to move or speak as you transition from sleep to wakefulness. You may feel absolutely frozen in place. Eye movements and breathing are always preserved, though some people experience a sense of breathlessness. This paralysis may be accompanied by vivid hallucinations. These hallucinations are often quite frightening, and may include seeing, hearing, smelling, or even feeling things that are not there.



Many of those afflicted with sleep paralysis report the perceived presence of a human figure at the bedside, often described as dark, like a ghost or a shadow. It tends to be just beyond the periphery of vision, and it is often menacing. This may be accompanied by a sensation of being touched, and some even describe feeling like they are being held down. Understandably, this experience in the middle of the night, as you come out of sleep, can be downright terrifying.



In fact, fear often accompanies the experience of sleep paralysis. Sleep paralysis can literally be a waking nightmare. Beyond the hallucination of a stranger's presence, some people have a sense that they may be experiencing a health crisis or even be dying. The occurrences are often recalled as being weird or strange, and though the episodes may last only minutes, the sense of helplessness may leave a lasting impression.



The Causes of Sleep Paralysis

Sleep paralysis is extremely common, if not widely discussed. Research studies suggest that between 20 and 60 percent of people have experienced it, depending on the population assessed. A smaller portion, perhaps one in 25 people, have had five or more episodes. It occurs throughout the world and goes by different names. For example, in Great Britain it is called the "old hag." What causes such an unusual and widespread condition?



There is no evidence that isolated sleep paralysis represents a serious medical or mental health problem. Just as dreams can be extraordinarily vivid and seem real as they are experienced, sleep paralysis can sometimes lead us into fanciful ways of explaining the occurrence. Was it a demon presence? Have the aliens finally arrived? Is my house haunted? Fortunately, it does not require a supernatural explanation. We understand the scientific rationale for the occurrence quite well.



Scientifically, sleep paralysis is understood to be related to the intrusion of rapid eye movement (REM) sleep elements into wakefulness. REM sleep is when we have our most vivid dreams. It occurs cyclically throughout the night, with these periods normally appearing every 90 to 120 minutes. During REM, the muscles of the body are actively paralyzed, so that the dreams are not inappropriately acted out. The muscles controlling the eyes and diaphragm remain active. The stuff of dreams floods our mind in REM, resulting in fantastical adventures if we are asleep -- or terrifying confusion if we are partially awake.



Indeed, this overlap accounts for the bizarre experiences reported as part of sleep paralysis. Sleep is not a switch that turns our brain on or off. In fact, mixed states of consciousness may occur. Parts of our brains may be both awake and asleep at the same time. The part that controls consciousness and memory may be turned off while the part that controls walking may be turned on, resulting in sleepwalking with no awareness or recollection. Similarly, we can be awake and looking around the room while the elements of REM sleep keep us unable to move and hallucinating wildly.



These mixed states are more likely to occur when the entire system is left unstable. Other sleep disorders may contribute, most particularly a rare disorder called narcolepsy. Sleep apnea or periodic limb movements of sleep may also fragment our sleep states and prolong the overlap as we transition. More commonly, irregular or inadequate sleep may make the states more tenuous and fluid. Anxiety, depression, shift work and alcohol use may also increase the incidence of sleep paralysis.



As sleep paralysis is most often infrequent and short-lived, it does not require any specific treatment. Many people are reassured by knowing it is nothing serious, that all their marbles are accounted for. If it becomes a more frequent visitor, you may wish to speak with a sleep specialist about some of the other possible causes of sleep fragmentation. For everyone else, take comfort knowing that these strange episodes have a clear explanation and are a widely shared experience.



Sources:



Kryger, M.H. et al. "Principles and Practice of Sleep Medicine." ExpertConsult, 5th edition, 2011.



Peters, B.R. "Understanding the Terrors of Sleep Paralysis." Sleep Disorders, About.com, 2009.



Peters, B.R. "Symptoms of Sleep Paralysis." Sleep Disorders, About.com, 2012.



Peters, B.R. "How Do You Get Sleep Paralysis?" Sleep Disorders, About.com, 2013.



Peters, B.R. "How Is Sleep Paralysis Treated?" Sleep Disorders, About.com, 2013.



Spanos, N.P. et al. "The frequency and correlates of sleep paralysis in a university sample." J Res Pers. 1995;29:285-305.



Takeuchi, T. et al. "Factors related to the occurrence of isolated sleep paralysis elicited during a multiphasic sleep-wake schedule." Sleep 2002;25:89-96.



Brandon R. Peters, M.D., is the writer on sleep for About.com, a neurology-trained sleep medicine specialist in Novato, Calif., and consulting assistant professor at the Stanford Center for Sleep Sciences and Medicine. This Center is the birthplace of sleep medicine and includes research, clinical, and educational programs that have advanced the field and improved patient care for decades. To learn more, visit us at: sleep.stanford.edu.



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Recessions Associated With Cognitive Decline In Old Age, Study Finds

The effects of economic recessions -- including layoffs and having to work lower-status or lower-paying jobs than you're qualified for -- could take a toll on cognitive functioning, a new study suggests.



Research published in The Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health shows that the more recessions a person lives through in early and middle age, the more likely he or she is to experience cognitive decline later on in life.



University of Luxembourg researchers analyzed cognitive functioning of 12,000 people in 11 countries who were part of the Survey of Health, Ageing, and Retirement in Europe; their cognitive functioning was assessed in 2004-2005 and 2006-2007. Researchers compared those cognitive functioning scores with the participants' work histories, which were collected in 2008-2009, as well as any capita fluctuations in their countries' GDPs that occurred between 1959 and 2003 (in order to tally the number of recessions the participants lived through specifically at ages of 25 to 34, 35 to 44, and 44 to 49).



Then, researchers compared that number of recessions with cognitive ability at ages 50 to 74. They also took into account other potential influencing factors, such as education, type of first job, health and material deprivation, among others.



The cognitive scores of people between ages 50 and 74 was lower if they experienced more recessions earlier in life, according to the study. Specifically, men who did not live through any recessions in their mid- to late-40s had an average cognitive score of -0.07, while those who lived through at least four recessions in their mid- to late-40s had an average cognitive score of -0.12.



For women, those who did not live through any recessions in their mid-20s to mid-30s had an average cognitive score of -0.05 between age 50 and 74, while those who lived through four or more recessions in their mid-20s to mid-30s had an average cognitive score of -0.17 between 50 and 74.



"Men who experienced an additional economic recession at ages 45-49 fared worse cognitive outcomes later in life, which could potentially be due to high likelihood of job loss due to lay-off or plant closer at these ages," the researchers wrote in the study.



Meanwhile, for women, "experiencing an additional recession at ages 25-44 was also associated with poorer cognitive outcomes, which may be explained by their higher rates of job loss due to lay-off or plant/office closure, less stable job careers and higher likelihood of downward occupational mobility associated with recessions."



This is hardly the first time research has suggested that bad economic times can take a toll on physical and mental health. Recently, a study from researchers at Imperial College London and the University of Oulu found that being unemployed long-term is associated with shorter telomeres, which are the protective caps at the ends of chromosomes; shorter telomeres are linked with premature aging.



from Healthy Living - The Huffington Post http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/11/30/recessions-cognitive-decline-economic-_n_4338607.html?utm_hp_ref=healthy-living&ir=Healthy+Living

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We Tried It: Lacey Stone's Booty Camp Class

6 Signs It's More Than A Cold

By Jennifer Acosta Scott

Medically reviewed by Niya Jones, M.D., MPH



When you're under the weather, it can be tempting to skip going to the doctor and instead huddle in bed with your favorite blanket. Though that approach might be fine for treating the common cold, it won't work so well for more severe ailments. It's common for people to put off going to the doctor for serious illnesses because the conditions often start out as something minor.



"Most serious illnesses originally [start out] as colds," noted Dr. David Weitzman, M.D., an urgent care physician in North Carolina and a board member of the American Academy of Urgent Care Medicine.



So how can you tell the difference between a cold and a condition that requires medical attention? These six signs are red flags that you need more than a cold treatment.



High Fever

If you're an adult and you have a fever higher than 102, it's likely that your body is dealing with more than a cold, explained Weitzman. Though a moderate fever can actually help your immune system kill bacteria and viruses, going to the doctor is probably a good idea to address any underlying issues.



Rebound Illness

Feeling mildly sick, then better and then sick again could be a sign of a "superinfection" -- a more serious secondary infection that results when your immune system is weakened from a mild illness. "It could be that the immune system got tired and another infection was able to come in," Weitzman said. "Or the normal flora in your body that protected you from getting sick got thrown off a little and other bacteria came in. Or you were exposed to a second type of virus and got sick again." In any case, he said, your doctor would probably like to see you to make sure there's nothing serious going on.



Severe Headaches

Headaches so intense they cause problems with your concentration or ability to think clearly should be checked out by a doctor. This could indicate a disorder that affects the central nervous system, like meningitis. "Most people [with meningitis] get that fuzzy, lightheaded feeling," Weitzman noted. Don't tough it out -- make an appointment.



Feeling "Run Over By A Freight Train"

If you're so achy and weak that even getting out of bed seems like a monumental task, it's time to seek medical help. Muscle aches and fatigue might mean you have the flu, a contagious respiratory illness caused by a virus. Contrary to popular thought, there are things your doctor can do to make your flu experience slightly less miserable. For example, your doctor can prescribe an antiviral medication, which weakens the flu virus and shortens the duration of your symptoms. "It also prevents the flu from causing bad secondary problems, like with the lungs," Weitzman added.



Having A Chronic Condition

People who have significant health problems, like diabetes, hypothyroidism or kidney disorders, should go to the doctor even if they have only cold symptoms. Think of it as better safe than sorry. "I don't care if you think it's a cold or not -- I'd want to see you," Weitzman said. For example, people with diabetes can have problems controlling their blood sugar when they're sick. A visit to the doctor could prevent potential complications.



Heart Palpitations

Many people think nothing of the occasional irregular heartbeat, but sickness accompanied by arrhythmia might mean something more serious, like dehydration or a virus that's attacking the heart or its lining. A pulmonary embolism, which is a blood clot that enters the lungs, can also cause heart palpitations.



Bonus Tips: Communicating With Your Doctor

Once you've decided that going to the doctor is your best bet, you can help the doctor give you an accurate diagnosis by being as detailed and honest as possible about your symptoms and the circumstances surrounding them. Weitzman said that "communicating freely with your doctor and explaining everything that's going on is the most important thing anyone can do."



Make sure to list any medications you're taking, whether they're prescription or over-the-counter, and explain all of your symptoms thoroughly. If you've done anything out of the ordinary recently, be sure to mention that too. Even if your health details seem a little strange, don't worry -- it's likely your doctor has heard it all before.



"In my 30 years of practice, you'd be amazed at what I've heard and seen," Weitzman said. "No one really catches me off guard anymore."



More from Everyday Health:

What Your Nails Say About Your Health

When Breast Cancer Runs in the Family

7 Common Questions About Multiple Sclerosis





"6 Signs It's More Than a Cold" originally appeared on Everyday Health



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Ancient Healing Techniques That Can Improve Your Modern Life

Ironically, when it comes to treating the ailments of modern life -- which can be exacerbated by chronic stress and a relentlessly fast-paced life -- thousand-year-old healing methods might be some of the best remedies.



The exploding popularity of meditation and yoga in the West -- the physical and mental health benefits of which are supported by an extensive body of scientific research -- have put ancient healing methods on the map. In addition to the more popular mindfulness practices, there are many more timeworn (but still science-supported) self-healing methods you may not have heard of that can work wonders in boosting your health and well-being.



As the early Greek physician Hippocrates said, “The natural healing force within each of us is the greatest force in getting well.” Here are five ancient self-healing techniques that may just be worth trying.



Tai Chi







Like yoga, this calming, low-impact exercise comes with a host of scientifically backed physical and mental health benefits. Tai Chi was originally developed as a type of Chinese martial art and a moving meditation, with a focus on attention, breath and mindful movement. The practice is thought to unlock the Chinese concept of qi, the energy force that flows through the body, and encourage proper flow.



Studies have found that when used to supplement traditional treatment, Tai Chi can help improve quality of life for breast cancer patients, maintain bone density, reduce pain for patients with severe osteoarthritis in the knee, promote heart health, reduce hypertension and more.



"A growing body of carefully conducted research is building a compelling case for tai chi as an adjunct to standard medical treatment for the prevention and rehabilitation of many conditions commonly associated with age," Peter M. Wayne, Harvard Medical School professor and director of the Tai Chi and Mind-Body Research Program at Harvard, said in a statement.



Acupuncture







Acupuncture may seem unappealing to some -- it does, after all, involve pricking lots of little needles into your skin -- but research has shown that the ancient Chinese medicinal practice can really work. Like Tai Chi, acupuncture seeks to balance the flow of qi in the body by inserting needles into certain pathways, or meridians, throughout the body. Western practitioners tend to view the practice as a way to increase blood flow by stimulating the nerves, muscles and connective tissue in various parts of the body, according to the Mayo Clinic.



Research has shown that acupuncture may be helpful in the treatment of headaches, hypertension, depression, back pain, nausea, rheumatoid arthritis and other conditions.



"Western doctors are beginning to embrace it, sometimes sending their patients to acupuncturists for specific conditions," The New York Times wrote in 2010.



Reiki







According to practitioners of the ancient Japanese art of Reiki, the power of touch is able to heal a variety of different physical ailments and relieve stress. In a Reiki session, the practitioner places his or her hands over various parts of the patient's body, with the goal of directing and stimulating the flow of "life force energy."



"Reiki treats the whole person including body, emotions, mind and spirit creating many beneficial effects that include relaxation and feelings of peace, security and wellbeing," according to the International Center For Reiki Healing.



Although research on Reiki's benefits is limited (and conflicting) at this point, some studies have suggested that Reiki may be helpful in reducing anxiety, stress, and pain, improving symptoms of fatigue and depression, and boosting well-being. The technique has started to become more accepted in the West, and is increasingly used as part of an overall emotional care plan in disease treatment in U.S. hospitals, along with more conventional care, as well as holistic healthcare centers.



Ayurveda







As the popularity of meditation and yoga have risen in the U.S., so has interest in Ayurveda, the 5,000-plus-year-old Indian "science of life" that deals with healing through food, lifestyle and herbal supplements. The theory goes that Ayurveda can help heal imbalances in the body's doshas -- the three basic energy types -- which include pitta (the principle of transformation; the fire element), vata (the energy of motion; the air element), and kapha (the principle of growth; the earth element).



Ayurvedic practitioners believe that each person has some vata, pitta and kapha in them, but that one or two is typically dominant, explains the University of Maryland Medical Center: "Many things can disturb the energy balance, such as stress, an unhealthy diet, the weather, and strained family relationships. The disturbance shows up as disease. Ayurvedic practitioners prescribe treatments to bring the doshas back into balance."



Although Ayurveda is understudied in the West, preliminary research has looked at the effectiveness of Ayurvedic programs in the treatment of depression, anxiety, hypertension, Alzheimer's and other medical conditions. Ayurvedic medicine should be used under the supervision of a trained practitioner -- some may be harmful, particularly if used improperly.



Reflexology







By applying pressure to specific parts of the hands, feet and ears, reflexology is thought to improve health by using "body mapping," a system that links these pressure points with various organs and systems throughout the body.



Some studies have found reflexology may be helpful in reducing pain, anxiety and depression, as well as promoting relaxation and stress relief, the Mayo Clinic reported, but claims that reflexology can treat illness such as asthma and diabetes have not yet been supported.



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Malls Now Offer 'Quiet' Santa Visits For Kids With Autism (PHOTOS)

Meeting Santa Claus at a shopping mall can be horribly hectic. There are large crowds, long lines, and holiday music blaring from speakers. It's a recipe for madness -- and for children with autism, it's especially unbearable.



So, malls across Canada are now offering special 'quiet' Santa visits for kids with autism, CTV News reports. A few malls in the U.S. are also offering similar programs, according to 13News Now.



The special visits occur before opening time, according to CTV. In Canada, nine malls offer the program -- eight more than last year.



“We thought we could do this and make such a difference with these families and their holiday experience," Elena Price, a marketing director from one of the participating malls, told the Toronto Star.



Carol Blossom is one of the many parents thankful for the program.



"It's about making it accessible to [my son] and all the other kiddos," Blossom told CTV. "It's such a big deal to me and other people too –- to come and see Santa."



Story continues below.





Parents at a mall in Virginia Beach in the U.S. were equally grateful. Penny Madsen, whose son, Cylus, has autism, told 13News Now that she teared up when she watched him meet Santa.



"He's such a great kid," Madsen said, "but he has such an aversion to other people, strangers usually. It's really difficult to get him to really warm up to people, so when he just jumped on his seat with Santa, it really tore me up."



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Dandelion Grows Inside Ear Canal Of Girl In China

When they say dandelions can grow anywhere, they mean it.



A doctor in Beijing removed a dandelion that was growing in the ear canal of a 16-month-old girl earlier this week, according to Shanghai Daily's translation of the Beijing Morning Post.



The child, identified as "Ranran," had been scratching at her ear for months. Apparently a seed had lodged in her ear canal, and by the time her parents brought her to the Capital Institute of Pediatrics, "the dandelion had totally grown into Ranran's ear and filled her ear canal wall," Dr. Gu Qinglong said, according to the Beijing Evening News. "Even the slightest bit of pressure put her at risk for internal bleeding so it had to come out."



Doctors were able to surgically remove the flower.



If the thought of a dandelion growing in your ear skeeves you out, you should know that much more disturbing things have been found in ear canals.



In July, an English woman who had unexplained headaches learned that her ears were filled with flesh-eating worms that she picked up in Peru.



And last year, a woman in China who complained of an itchy ear was found to have a spider taking up residence inside of it.



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Solar Power Gets Massive Boost In Connecticut As States Continue To Support Green Energy Push

MANCHESTER, Conn. (AP) — As Connecticut pushes aggressively to expand solar energy to homes across the state, few supporters are more enthusiastic than Eugene DeJoannis.

The retired mechanical engineer from Manchester has long been a booster of green energy and boasts a keen interest in home energy issues. He's now serving as a volunteer solar ambassador promoting a state program that subsidizes home solar projects and urges homeowners to participate.

"I have a personal fascination with the residential energy picture," DeJoannis said. "Whenever we go to church, I invariably take out my literature and display it there."

Backed by a $27 million fund supplied by utility ratepayers, a campaign known as Solarize Connecticut joins as many homeowners as possible to lower the cost of residential solar installation. It annually earmarks $9 million of the available funding to finance residential installation by solar panel businesses competitively picked.

The intent is to boost nonpolluting energy, reduce demand on the electric grid relied upon by utilities and cut dependence on overseas sources of power such as oil.

Bob Wall, director of marketing and outreach at Connecticut's Clean Energy Finance and Investment Authority, said the agency is running solar panel installation campaigns in 22 of the state's 169 towns and cities and has completed solar energy installation campaigns in nine towns.

In the past 22 months, 2,160 residential solar systems contracts have been approved.

Gary and Debbie Sweet, looking for information about putting solar panels on their house, attended a recent meeting in Manchester organized by state energy officials, bankers and solar installers. Sweet, an architect, said solar panels could slash his electricity costs.

"It doesn't cost me anything. Why not?" he said.

The cost to homeowners is significantly reduced, and although it's touted by Connecticut as a "once in a lifetime bargain," it's not free. Glenn Cucinell, solar division manager at Encon Solar Energy Division, which won the contract to install solar panels on homes in Manchester, said a typical system in Connecticut would cost about $24,000.

After a state rebate of about $8,000 and a 30 percent federal tax credit available for the remaining $16,000, a homeowner's cost for a residential solar system would be cut by more than half, to $8,000 to $12,000, which can be paid for in long-term financing.

Connecticut's subsidy is not unusual. Virtually every state offers loans, grants, rebates and other incentives to support broader use of residential solar panels, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. "It's an incentive driven industry at this point," Cucinell said.

In 2010, the most recent year for which statistics are available, solar energy received $1.13 billion in federal subsidies in the form of direct spending, research, tax benefits and loans, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. In contrast, wind power received nearly $5 billion in subsidies, and coal was the beneficiary of $1.36 billion in subsidies.

Andy Pusateri, a utilities analyst at Edward Jones, said solar power will not be weaned off federal and state subsidies anytime soon. Wind power is the fastest growing alternative source of power, but solar energy has a greater growth potential, he said.

"We're still a ways off from a competitive generation source without subsidies," he said.

Pusateri said politics is a factor behind the push for public subsidies of solar energy.

"Democrats tend to favor renewable energy," he said. "I think that's driving that."

The solar campaign is part of a broader effort by Democratic Gov. Dannel P. Malloy to rework Connecticut's energy policy. It includes a greater reliance on hydropower from Canada, an increase in natural gas connections to homes and businesses and a push for renewable power such as solar.

DeJoannis promises to keep at it with his campaign for home solar projects.

"There's a garden club meeting tonight. Maybe I can break in there," he said.

from Healthy Living - The Huffington Post http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/11/29/solar-power-connecticut-green-energy_n_4359785.html?utm_hp_ref=healthy-living&ir=Healthy+Living

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7 Health Problems Improved By Sleep

What if the cure for what ails you was as simple as going to sleep?



We spend a lot of time talking about how dangerous it is to skimp on that good quality shut-eye. Sometimes we ignore the flip side of that equation: Sleep can work wonders.



No, it won't cure cancer or save you from a heart attack (although it might help). But getting enough sleep may be just what you need to turn the corner when it comes to a number of health concerns. Check out a few problems sleep can improve below, then tell us why you make sleep a top priority in the comments.



Weight Gain



When we're well-rested, we don't have to rely on extra calories for extra energy. A small new study found that kids who sleep more consume fewer calories, and well-rested adults choose smaller portion sizes than their sleep-deprived peers.



People who get enough sleep may also make smarter choices about what foods to eat. One small study found that after a night of little sleep, people were more likely to crave high-calorie snacks and junk foods than when they were well-rested.



Going to bed and getting up around the same time every day has even been linked with having lower body fat. In a recent study, researchers found that healthy young women who altered their sleep and wake times less than 60 minutes and slept between eight and eight-and-a-half hours each night had the lowest body fat. All of this research may come back to the intricate relationship between sleep and the hormones that regulate hunger.



Diabetes Risk

That tinkering that sleep-deprivation does to hunger and our cravings for sugary, fatty foods may be linked to another frightening risk of regularly getting too little sleep: Type 2 diabetes. A small 2012 study found that skimping on sleep significantly hinders how fat cells respond to insulin, Health.com reported. In fact, after four nights of sleep deprivation, the participants' overall insulin sensitivity had dropped 16 percent, and their fat cells' insulin sensitivity had dropped by 30 percent, placing them in a range typically seen in people who are obese or who have diabetes. Getting adequate sleep may help mitigate this "metabolic aging".



Low Libido



Both men and women report feeling less interested in sex when they're sleep-deprived, WebMD reported.



Not feeling in the mood isn't just an indication of being tired -- it may actually be hormonal: A number of small studies have investigated the link between sleep and testosterone in men, finding that lack of sleep decreases testosterone, and that the overall sleep a man gets is a solid predictor of his testosterone levels in the morning.



Slipping Memory

When we cut our sleep short, we limit the time spent in one of the most intriguing stages of sleep, rapid eye movement or REM sleep. The sleeping brain cycles in and out of REM sleep throughout the night, but the longest period of REM sleep occurs closer to wake-up time. The bad news is REM sleep is the phase most closely linked to improved learning and memory. Even just a quick nap seems to have a positive effect on memory, learning, focus and alertness -- proof that just a little more sleep goes a long way.



Frequent Colds



Can't shake the sniffles? Instead of loading up on vitamin C (which may not do much good anyway), consider hitting the hay: People who sleep eight hours or more are almost three times less likely to catch a cold as people who sleep less than seven hours each night, according to a 2009 study.



Stroke Risk

It's not quite as simple as sleep more, avoid a stroke. However, a compelling 2012 study found that people who regularly get fewer than six hours of sleep a night have four times the risk of having stroke symptoms, HuffPost reported, even among people who aren't overweight and who have no history of stroke.



Cancer Risk

The link between sleep and cancer risk is another complex relationship. A 2010 study found that among people screened for colorectal cancer, those who were diagnosed were more likely to average fewer than six hours of sleep a night. And a 2012 study found that women with breast cancer who got six or fewer hours of sleep a night seem to have an increased risk of recurrence and more aggressive cancers. "Effective intervention to increase duration of sleep and improve quality of sleep could be an under-appreciated avenue for reducing the risk," study researcher Dr. Li Li, M.D., Ph.D., said in a statement.



from Healthy Living - The Huffington Post http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/11/29/sleep-health-problems_n_4338521.html?utm_hp_ref=healthy-living&ir=Healthy+Living

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Why You Need to Slack Off at Work This Week

Every office has an eager beaver. You know the one: arriving before everyone else and still logging hours after the boss has gone home. But during the week of Thanksgiving, even this person is probably taking a day or two off work. This is the magic of the holidays.



And though you may mock and/or resent the eager beaver, you may have more in common with him than you think.



Nowadays, Americans are working more than ever. According to a recent Workforce magazine study, 55 percent of employees have seen their workload increase since the Great Recession, and 27 percent say it's doubled. That means more work and less vacation for almost everyone.



One fairly disturbing poll from Ipsos Public Affairs reveals that 44 percent of Americans have not taken a vacation in more than two years! Assuming they are able to accrue vacation, why would anyone choose not to take the time away that they've rightfully earned?



For many, fear is a factor -- fear of missing out on promotions, topping the layoff list, being judged by bosses or coworkers, or returning to an insurmountable pile of work.



But even though taking time off can feel scary and stressful, it turns out to be far better than the alternative. The research is clear. Working too much makes us stupider, unhappier, unhealthier and less successful. Let's break this down, shall we?



Working too much makes you stupider.

Long hours affect brain functioning. One American Journal of Epidemiology study followed British civil servants over five years, and compared to those who worked 40 per week, participants who worked more than 55 hours showed poorer vocabulary and reasoning skills. In plain English, working too much actually makes us stupider.



Working too much makes you depressed.

Long hours are also a significant risk factor for depression. A study published in Plos One examined more than 2,000 workers in the United Kingdom over six years. They found that employees who worked more than 11 hours per day had more than twice the risk of depression than those who worked eight hours or less. This was true even when researchers statistically removed the influence of chronic physical disease, smoking and alcohol use.



Working too much hurts your career.

When people think about how to get ahead, most have a "more is better" philosophy. Just look at the hours worked at many law firms, tech companies, and Wall Street. But more hours do not always equal better performance -- human beings have an upper limit for productivity on any given day. And somewhat counter intuitively, a 2006 Ernst & Young study cited by Tony Schwartz found a positive relationship between time off and performance: For each additional 10 hours away from the office, employees' reviews were eight percent higher the following year!



Working too much can actually kill you.

In August of this year, a 21-year old Bank of America intern was found dead in his London dorm room. During the course of Moritz Erhardt's demanding seven-week internship, he'd pulled eight all-nighters in two weeks. Although Erhardt's case is as rare as it is tragic, it reflects the general lesson that working too much is simply not healthy. Luckily, when we take time away, these effects are mitigated. The Framingham Heart study, for example, reported that when workers take annual vacations, their risk for heart attack is reduced by 30 percent in men and 50 percent in women.



Two Tips for Taking Time Off Without Paying for It When You Return:

Hopefully, cashing in some of that vacation time feels more important than it did a just few minutes ago (for me, at least, the threat of death tends to have that effect). So, as long as you're not being forced to show up at work at 6 a.m. on Thanksgiving, this is a perfect week to take a few days off to be with your friends and family. Here are two simple tips:



1. It's okay to start small.

Good news: Short vacations have similar positive effects as long ones. One study from Radboud University Nijmegen in the Netherlands found that even vacations of just a few days increased health and well-being. And because benefits from most vacations fade after five days, frequent, shorter vacations may actually be better. So instead of blocking off two weeks and paying for it when you return, go ahead and start with a day or two.



2. Check in with the office if you need to.

If the mere thought of being cut off from work makes you break out in hives, never fear -- it's actually okay to check email a few times while you're away. The above study revealed that people who worked during vacations still showed increases in health and well-being, albeit smaller ones. So, within the bounds of reason, go for it! Just don't let things get out of hand, lest your spouse or partner lock your iPhone in the broom closet.



After a few days away from the office this holiday season, you'll probably feel rejuvenated. Your next challenge is to make this a habit and regularly carve out time away. After all, on his deathbed, even the eager beaver is unlikely to lament, "I wish I had spent more time at the office."



from Healthy Living - The Huffington Post http://www.huffingtonpost.com/tasha-eurich-phd/work-life-balance_b_4341078.html?utm_hp_ref=healthy-living&ir=Healthy+Living

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