Archive for the ‘Mental Health’ Category

Personal Wellness

Sunday, December 21st, 2008

After returning from a great weekend at a spa resort, relaxation and wellness  are definitely on the top of my mind.  I am an admitted spa-junkie.  I love the calm, quiet atmosphere and the luxurious feeling of being pampered.  I love to take care of my skin and my body, with facials, body treatments and massage. It is what relaxes and centers me the most. I believe that everyone has a different definition of  wellness, and this is how I define wellness for myself..

Wellness can be defined in many ways. Some see it as physical well being, or medical health others think of mental well being and state of mind.  Tranquility, peace of mind and an overall healthy feeling are what make up wellness to me. At the spa I can indulge in some pampering, get some much needed R&R and eat delicious well prepared healthy food.

A weekend without stress is just what I need to make me feel balanced again. Especially now, during this busy holiday season, with shopping and parties and work and kids; a little “detox” time is perfect to promote a peaceful state of mind and mental wellness for me.  A trip to the spa, or any resort, all alone may be just the thing you need if you’re feeling totally overwhelmed and like you are spinning out of control.

If massage and spa treatments don’t do it for you, maybe a weekend in the country is a better idea.  Consider a log cabin in the mountains, or possibly a relaxing weekend on the beach. Even a big highrise hotel can be a place where you find your center again.  Lock yourself away from the world, stare out the window for hours, take naps, enjoy a good book or a few movies. Any of these activities, or lack thereof,  are a great way to unwind and get yourself  back on track again. Taking time for yourself can help promote wellness within anyone.

Find what interests you and makes you your most comfortable you, and take some personal time to create your own wellness, however you might define it.

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Effects of Food Dye

Monday, December 1st, 2008

Are you struggling with hyperactive behavior in your child, or in yourself? My recent research leads me to believe that food dye could be the cause of this behavior.  Red # 40 seems to get the most bad press, but yellow food dye is right up there on the undesirable list.  There is an epidemic of overly diagnosed and overly medicated children, being treated for ADHD, when they in fact may have a red dye allergy or a food dye allergy.

The “sugar rush” many parents fear after their child consumes a lot of sweets actually may be caused by the dyes found in a lot of the candies they consume.  While sugar may be the culprit, in many cases it it the effect of the food dye which causes this out of control behavior. Many of the children diagnosed with ADD or ADHD may just be on “dye overload”.

If your child is diagnosed with one of these conditions, try making dietary changes before you resort to prescription medications. Start by avoiding all foods with food dye.  Especially reds and yellows, starting with red #40 as it seems to be the leading cause of negative reactions in children. Within 3 days you will likely notice a dramatic difference in your child’s behavior.

As you begin the elimination process, you will notice that  food dyes can be found in all types of foods.  They are everywhere. They are found in “healthy” foods such as granola and even as an additive to some fruits to improve the appearance of the skins.  It’s best to avoid any processed foods.  Shop the perimeter aisles of the supermarket and read labels of EVERYTHING.

Food dyes are also known to cause other allergic reactions such as skin rash, and  anaphylactic responses.  They are becoming a hot topic overseas and banned from many popular foods in England. The dyes are only added for appearance, and are very harmful to many people.

Food dye reactions cause learning problems as well.  The fidgety behavior and inability to focus, (often diagnosed as ADHD), will certainly cause a child to fall behind in school. Many children begin to recognize the changes and know exactly what foods to avoid.  Some are even reported to recognize and dislike the way they feel after consuming the food dye.

It may be a bit inconvenient, but you will be doing your child, and yourself a big favor by removing it from their diet.

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Posted in Diet, Food dye, Healthy Eating, Mental Health, Stress Management, Testing | No Comments »

Depression Thoughts

Saturday, October 25th, 2008

Have you or a loved one ever suffered from depression?  True clinical depression, not just a down mood? If you have, then you know it is not just a state of mind.  Depression can be caused by many factors, but mostly it is linked to a chemical imbalance in the brain. Some people are genetically prone to anxiety and depression issues. If you or a loved one are in danger of developing any depression, it is important to recognize the signs and symptoms before it becomes out of control.

Part of dealing with depression is the ability to get treatment.  A depressed person, in most cases, will not ask for help.  In the beginning, it may be easier for them to ask for help, but part of the problem is the denial.  Depression manifests itself by causing the denial.  Those struggling with it will make every excuse in the book why they can’t function normally.  Whether it’s sickness or exhaustion or injury, they truly believe they just can’t get out of bed.

In my experience with a depressed family member, it seemed she could never get enough rest.  A simple shopping trip was all she could handle in a day.  Her whole life was falling apart.  She couldn’t work; therefore she called in sick 3-5 days a month.  She eventually had to quit her job.  Her house became cluttered and filthy beyond belief. Her life was truly not her own.  She was not living, merely existing. As a close family member, I tried to talk to her and all I got was the denial along with all the excuses.  Finally several family members had to step in and provide an intervention.

Clinical depression can ruin your life or family if not recognized and taken care of. There are multiple medications available for treatment and they do work wonders.  It is important to discuss any and all changes with your medical provider once taking a prescription because they can and do lose effectiveness after a period of time.  Some people can take the same drug and get great results while others need to change medications often.  Depression is nothing to play around with.  It should be taken seriously and treated before it takes over and it becomes too late.

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