World Smile Day

By Diane Forrest,

"Smile"

Smile, though your heart is aching

Smile, even though it's breaking

When there are clouds in the sky

You'll get by...

If you smile

With your fear and sorrow

Smile and maybe tomorrow

You'll find that life is still worthwhile

If you just...

Light up your face with gladness

Hide every trace of sadness

Although a tear may be ever so near

That's the time you must keep on trying

Smile, what's the use of crying

You'll find that life is still worthwhile

If you just...Smile!

This song was written by Charlie Chaplin; however you may recognize it from Michael Jackson.  It was one of his favorite songs, and was song by his brother at his funeral.  Smiles are contagious; when you see one...you have to just smile right back.  Of course I’m mentioning all this because today is World Smile Day.

Everyone is familiar with the big yellow smiley face.  But, did you know that it was created in 1963 by Mr. Harvey Ball?  Harvey Ball, a commercial artist from Worcester, Massachusetts created the smiley face in 1963. The State Mutual Life Assurance Company hired Harvey as a free-lance artist to create a smiley face for use in improving company morale. From there, the bright and cheerful smiley grew in popularity. Its popularity grew slowly at first. Then, it exploded in the 1970's. Ultimately, the smiley became wildly popular.  Its creation was even depicted in the movie Forrest Gump.

After Harvey died in 2001, the "Harvey Ball World Smile Foundation" was created to honor his name and memory. The slogan of the Smile Foundation is "improving this world, one smile at a time." The Foundation continues as the official sponsor of World Smile Day each year.

The message of the World Smile Day is "Do an act of kindness. Help one person smile."

Today, why don’t you see how many folks you can make smile.  It's free, easy, and not only does it makes you feel good, but will make someone else feel good too.

10/6-12 Physician Assistant Week

By Diane Forrest, RN

You wake up this morning, not feeling quite yourself.  You could have a bug, a virus, an allergic reaction.  You need medical attention but your doctor is booked up.  It’s not an emergency, so a trip to the hospital isn't necessary, so where do you go?  Many cities have places called after hour’s clinics or non-critical care clinics.  Many of these are staffed by Physician Assistants.

What exactly is a Physician Assistant?  They are professionally trained health care practitioners who work under a physician’s supervision.  They are concerned with preventing, maintaining, and treating human illness and injury by providing a broad range of health care services that are traditionally performed by a physician. Physician assistants conduct physical exams, diagnose and treat illnesses, order and interpret tests, counsel on preventive health care, assist in surgery, and write prescriptions, except for controlled substances.

PAs may be the principal care providers in rural or inner-city clinics where a physician is present for only 1 or 2 days each week. In such cases, the PA confers with the supervising physician and other medical professionals as needed and as required by law. PAs also may make house calls or go to hospitals and nursing care facilities to check on patients, after which they report back to the physician.

The role of the PA is relatively new.  The program was initiated in the early 60's at Duke University based on the training of medical corpsmen in WWII.  Their fast track to medical training provided the model for the curriculum at Duke.  This field of study does not take as long as a physian.  A PA can complete the course in 2 or 3 years following a degree in some sort of medical field, and they do not have to complete a residency program.

This is one of the fastest growing fields and is expected to continue to rise. In 2008 there were 74,800 in the United States.  More than 53 percent of jobs for PAs were in the offices of physicians. About 24 percent were in general medical and surgical hospitals, public or private. The rest were mostly in outpatient care centers, including health maintenance organizations; the Federal Government; and public or private colleges, universities, and professional schools. Very few were self-employed.

PA's are a very important part of the health care community. They provide a valuable service and are being recognized this week, during Physicians Assistants Week.  If you are being treated by a PA, please let them know that you appreciate them, and if you see them this week, make sure you give them a pat on the back.

For more information about physician assistants go to this site:  http://www.aapa.org/

Bipolar Disorder Awareness Day

By Diane Forrest, RN

Being a movie star or public figure has its ups and downs.  Not only do you have the love and appreciation of countless fans, not to mention all the perks and money, but you also have the inconvenience of having your life on display for everyone to know your deepest darkest secrets.  When you are in the public life, nothing you do or say goes unnoticed. For example, what do you think of when I say the names: Jim Carrey, Mel Gibson, Catherine Zeta Jones, Brittney Spears, and Charlie Sheen?  Most of you are thinking about the public meltdowns these stars have had in recent days.

Today is Bipolar Disorder Awareness Day, and this disease is the cause of these melt downs.  Bipolar disorder is a condition in which people go back and forth between periods of a very good or irritable mood and depression. The "mood swings" between mania and depression can be very quick.  Bipolar disorder affects men and women equally. It usually starts between ages 15 - 25. The exact cause is unknown, but it occurs more often in relatives of people with bipolar disorder.

Symptoms:

The manic phase may last from days to months. It can include the following symptoms:

• Easily distracted
• Little need for sleep
• Poor judgment
• Poor temper control
• Reckless behavior and lack of self-control
• Spending sprees
• Very elevated mood
• Excess activity (hyperactivity)
• Increased energy
• Racing thoughts
• Talking a lot
• Very high self-esteem (false beliefs about self or abilities)

The depressed phase of both types of bipolar disorder includes the following symptoms:

• Daily low mood or sadness
• Difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions
• Eating problems
• Loss of appetite and weight loss
• Overeating and weight gain
• Fatigue or lack of energy
• Feeling worthless, hopeless, or guilty
• Loss of pleasure in activities once enjoyed
• Loss of self-esteem
• Thoughts of death and suicide
• Trouble getting to sleep or sleeping too much
• Pulling away from friends or activities that were once enjoyed

There are no tests to determine if you have Bipolar Disorder, They key to diagnosis it to take a detailed medical history, including  interviews with friends and family.  A family history of Bipolar Disorder is also a good determining factor.  Bipolar is treated with some medications such as lithium or antipsychotics.   The goal is to make sure the patient continues to take their medications, even when they are feeling better.  Some people stop taking the medication as soon as they feel better or because the mania feels good. Stopping medication can cause serious problems.

Suicide is a very real risk during both mania and depression. People with bipolar disorder or think or talk about suicide need immediate emergency attention.

Some people stop taking the medication as soon as they feel better or because the mania feels good. Stopping medication can cause serious problems.

Take this short quiz to see if you have some of the symptoms of Bipolar disorder http://psychcentral.com/quizzes/bipolarquiz.htm

For More information on today, go to this site: http://community.wegohealth.com/events/national-bipolar-awareness-day

10/6 Mad Hatter Day!

By Diane Forrest,

Twinkle, twinkle, little bat!

How I wonder what you're at!

No, I haven't gone mad....but I could today, its Mad Hatter Day!  Mad Hatter Day is a great day to be silly and celebrate silliness.

The Mad Hatter is a fictional cartoon character depicted in Alice's Adventures in Wonderland. The Mad Hatter is always acting silly.

Despite being a silly day, the selection of the date was actually quite logical. The Mad Hatter wears a top hat. On the front of the hat is a slip of paper with "10/6" written on it. The paper is believed to be an order to make the hat, and that it costs ten shillings sixpence.

I don't know about you, but I am beginning to see a theme developing this month.  There was Mental Illness Awareness, then Bipolar Disease, Depression Screening, and Now Mad Hatter day.

"Mad as a hatter" is a colloquial phrase used in conversation to refer to a crazy person. In 18th and 19th century England mercury was used in the production of felt, which was used in the manufacturing of hats common of the time. People who worked in these hat factories were exposed daily to trace amounts of the metal, which accumulated within their bodies over time, causing some workers to develop dementia caused by mercury poisoning. Thus the phrase "Mad as a Hatter" became popular as a way to refer to someone who was perceived as insane.

Throughout the course of the film, Disney's Alice in Wonderland, the Hatter pulls numerous items out of his hat, such as cake and smaller hats. He and the Hare also break the laws of physics more than once; they pour tea cups and plates out of tea kettles, and the Hatter is seen eating plates and other inedible items at the tea party, also the March Hare asks the Hatter for half a cup of tea, and the Hatter cuts his tea cup in half and pours him the tea. His personality is that of a child: he is angry one second but happy the next. He also takes an immediate liking to Alice after she tells him she's a fan of his singing.

So, on Mad Hatter Day, it is only fair and fitting to act a little silly yourself.   Grab yourself a top hat, and have a a very silly Mad Hatter's Day!

October is National Chiropractic Month

By Akindman

“Quacks! Waste of money – it is all in his head.” Yep, those were my dad’s words about me seeing a Chiropractor when I was about 15 – mom prevailed and lo and behold, after a few sessions – back and legs were back where they belonged. They were knocked out of whack about eight years earlier in an auto accident.

Alternative medicine, healing, wellbeing are often taboo in our society –especially over the past five decades.  We are learning just how beneficial they can be. Yoga, meditation, massages therapy, reflexology, herbs, spices, honey, cinnamon, veggies and fruits to touch on just a few.

My experience with these and others has truly improved my quality of life and highly recommend them for others.

Chiropractic is a form of alternative medicine that emphasizes diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of mechanical disorders of the musculoskeletal system, especially the spine, under the hypothesis that these disorders affect general health via the nervous system. It is generally categorized as complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), a characterization that many chiropractors reject. Although chiropractors have many attributes of primary care providers, chiropractic has more of the attributes of a medical specialty like dentistry or podiatry] The main chiropractic treatment technique involves manual therapy, including manipulation of the spine, other joints, and soft tissues; treatment also includes exercises and health and lifestyle counseling. Traditional chiropractic assumes that a vertebral subluxation interferes with the body's innate intelligence, a vitalistic notion that brings ridicule from mainstream health care.  A large number of chiropractors want to separate themselves from the traditional vitalistic concept of innate intelligence.

D.D. Palmer founded chiropractic in the 1890s, and his son B.J. Palmer helped to expand it in the early 20th century. It has two main groups: "straights", now the minority, emphasizes vitalism, innate intelligence and spinal adjustments, and consider vertebral subluxations to be the cause of all disease; "mixers", the majority, are more open to mainstream views and conventional medical techniques, such as exercise, massage, and ice therapy. Chiropractic is well established in the U.S., Canada and Australia and is the third largest health profession, behind medicine and dentistry. It overlaps with other manual-therapy professions, including massage therapy, osteopathy, and physical therapy] Most who seek chiropractic care do so for low back pain. [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chiropractic]

The American Chiropractic Association (ACA) will once again lead the nation in celebrating National Chiropractic Health Month (NCHM).

This year’s theme — “Get TechnoHealthy!” — and activities focus on how doctors of chiropractic can help the public stay healthy and injury free while toting the gadgets they love or working long hours in front of a computer.

The excessive use of mobile devices and incorrect posture while using smart phones and other gadgets or while sitting in front of a computer can lead to neck, back, wrist, and even thumb pain, in addition to other musculoskeletal issues. The problem is becoming so widespread that earlier this year a spokesperson for the Occupational Safety and Health Administration said that musculoskeletal injuries remain one of the biggest workplace health and safety problems in American industry.

National Chiropractic Health Month offers us an opportunity to educate the public on the potential injuries associated with extended technology use, which is a growing public health issue, and also raise awareness of how chiropractic care can help people prevent and treat these conditions naturally.

National Chiropractic Month is a nationwide campaign spearheaded by the American Chiropractic Association and held each October. This year’s activities will educate consumers about the value of chiropractic and the health care services available through doctors of chiropractic (commonly referred to as chiropractors or chiropractic physicians).

Did you know that doctors of chiropractic most often treat conditions such as: back pain, neck pain, headaches, whiplash, as well as sports and work-related injuries? Did you know that doctors of chiropractic are trained to recommend therapeutic and rehabilitative exercises, as well as to provide nutritional, dietary and lifestyle counseling?

Chiropractic care is an important aspect of today’s health care delivery system and is used by more than 22 million Americans each year. There’s never been a better time to discover how chiropractic can help limit your pain and improve your overall health.

Facts about Chiropractic:

Chiropractic offers a conservative, non-invasive, and preventative approach to health care. As evidence supporting the effectiveness of chiropractic continues to emerge, consumers are turning in record numbers to chiropractic care a non-surgical, drug-free treatment option. [http://www.chiromedicalgroup.com/node/218]

A Double Celebration Day

National Apple Brown Betty Day

By Diane Forrest

Each year has 365 days, well except on leap year when they throw in an extra day just for fun. On each of these days someone somewhere has designated it a day to honor someone or something.  With so many things in this world that deserve our attention, some days have more than one occasion to celebrate or become aware of.  Today is no exception, but I thought it would be nice to combine two of the occasions.  Today is National Apple Brown Betty Day and Do Something Nice Day.

Do Something Nice Day

Some of you are scratching your heads wondering what is Apple Brown Betty?  Well...I have to admit I was scratching my head too. A brown Betty  is a simple American dessert made from fruit (usually apple) and sweetened crumbs that is thought to date back to Colonial times.  It is similar to a cobbler or bread putting.  It consists of a baked pudding made with layers of sweetened and spiced fruit and buttered bread crumbs. It is usually served with a lemon sauce or whipped cream. The most familiar version is the Apple Brown Betty, made with sliced apples and brown sugar. Other popular fruits are berries, and pears.

This is said to be the favorite dessert of Mrs. Nancy Reagan, wife of former President Ronald Reagan as noted in the White House cook book.

Here is a quick and easy recipe to try today for the Apple Brown Betty:

Ingredients

• 3 whole Apples, Preferably Granny Smith
• 7 slices Wheat Bread
• 3/4 cups Regular Salted Butter
• 1-1/2 cup Packed Brown Sugar
• 3 Tablespoons (to 4 Tablespoons) Water

Preparation Instructions

• Peel and thinly slice 3 apples. Slice bread into a small dice, or tear into very small pieces.
• Coat a small baking dish or pie plate with butter. Then add 1/3 of the brown sugar, 1/3 of the apple slices, and 1/3 of the breadcrumbs. Repeat these layers twice more, ending with breadcrumbs.
• Slice butter and lay slices all over the top of the breadcrumbs. Sprinkle dish with water and a little more brown sugar, and bake in a 375-degree oven, covered in foil, until done – about 45 minutes. Remove foil in last few minutes of baking to brown the top.
• Serve with ice cream, whipped cream, or Reddi Whip.

Now that you have made your Apple Brown Betty, it's time to do something nice.  Do something nice day is a day to do something nice for someone. It doesn't matter how big or how small, doing something nice is good for both the giver and the receiver- heart and soul. A random act of kindness does everybody good.  Why not scoop up some of that delicious smelling dessert and take some to a friend or neighbor?  Life just gives you time & space; it's up to you to fill it, so why not fill it by being nice to some unsuspecting person today.

Do something nice: Six tips for good deeds that take less than five minutes. (From the Happiness Project http://www.happiness-project.com/)

1. 1.       Be friendly.
2. 2.       Say “yes.
3. 3.       Say “no.”
4. 4.       Sign up on the national organ-donor registry.
5. 5.       Lead them not into temptation.
6. 6.       Do someone else’s chore

About the Holiday (http://www.giftypedia.com/Do_Something_Nice_Day)

Do Something Nice Day is a holiday that is simple to celebrate, all you have to do is to do something nice. Like random acts of kindness. Do Something Nice Day is a holiday that we should all be celebrating everyday. This would be a great opportunity to buy a token of appreciation for someone, and sit back and watch as they try to figure out who sent it to them. This is a great day to pay-it-forward.

October is Celiac Disease Awareness Month

By Diane Forrest, RN

How many of you have walked down the aisle of your grocery store and seen packages that are marked Gluten Free? Raise your hands if you don't know what they are talking about. ( raising my hand)  I have heard of being a glutton for punishment, but had no clue to what gluten was.  So....I looked it up.  Gluten is  a protein composite found in foods processed from wheat and related species, including barley and rye. It gives elasticity to dough, helping it to rise and to keep its shape, and often giving the final product a chewy texture.  Why am I talking about this?  Well because October is Celiac Disease awareness month, and Celiac disease is a condition that damages the lining of the small intestine and prevents it from absorbing parts of food that are important for staying healthy. The damage is due to a reaction to eating gluten, which is found in wheat, barley, rye, and possibly oats.

The exact cause of celiac disease is unknown. The lining of the intestines contains areas called villi, which help absorb nutrients. When people with celiac disease eat foods or use products that contain gluten, their immune system reacts by damaging these villi.

This damage affects the ability to absorb nutrients properly. A person becomes malnourished, no matter how much food he or she eats.

The disease can develop at any point in life, from infancy to late adulthood. People who have a family member with celiac disease are at greater risk for developing the disease. The disorder is most common in Caucasians and persons of European ancestry. Women are affected more often than men.

Some symptoms of Celiac disease include:

• Abdominal pain, bloating
• Constipation
• decreased appetite
• Diarrhea
• foul smelling stools, that float
• unexplained weigh loss

Children with celiac disease may have:

• Defects in the tooth enamel and changes in tooth color
• Delayed puberty
• Diarrhea, constipation, fatty or foul-smelling stools, nausea, or vomiting
• Irritable and fussy behavior
• Poor weight gain
• Slowed growth and shorter than normal height for their age

Celiac disease is diagnosed through blood tests.  Celiac disease cannot be cured. However, your symptoms will go away and the villi in the lining of the intestines will heal if you follow a lifelong gluten-free diet. Do not eat foods, beverages, and medications that contain wheat, barley, rye, and possibly oats.

You must read food and medication labels carefully to look for hidden sources of these grains and ingredients related to them. Because wheat and barley grains are common in the American diet, sticking with this diet is challenging. With education and planning, you will heal.

For more information go to this site:  http://www.celiaccentral.org/