International Boost Self-Esteem and Expect Success Month

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By Terry Orr

Self-esteem is a term used in psychology to reflect a person's overall emotional evaluation of his or her own worth. It is a judgment of oneself as well as an attitude toward the self. Self-esteem is also known as the evaluative dimension of the self that includes feelings of worthiness, prides and discouragement. One's self esteem is also closely associated with self-consciousness. (Source: Wikipedia)

Confidence is generally described as a state of being certain either that a hypothesis or prediction is correct or that a chosen course of action is the best or most effective. Self-confidence is having confidence in oneself. Arrogance or hubris in this comparison, is having unmerited confidence—believing something or someone is capable or correct when they are not. Overconfidence or presumptuousness is excessive belief in someone (or something) succeeding, without any regard for failure. Confidence can be a self-fulfilling prophecy as those without it may fail or not try because they lack it and those with it may succeed because they have it rather than because of an innate ability. (Source: Wikipedia)

According to Psych Center - Have you wondered about what self-esteem is and how to get more of it? Do you think your self-esteem is low? Do you know how to tell? Do you know what to do about it?

Self-esteem answers the question, “How do I feel about who I am?” We learn self-esteem in our family of origin; we do not inherit it.

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Interesting and favorite quotes:

“Believe in yourself and the world will follow suit.”

― Tadahiko Nagao, Kokology: The Game of Self-Discovery

“Believe in yourself! Have faith in your abilities! Without a humble but reasonable confidence in your own powers you cannot be successful or happy.”

― Norman Vincent Peale

“How would your life be different if…You stopped allowing other people to dilute or poison your day with their words or opinions? Let today be the day…You stand strong in the truth of your beauty and journey through your day without attachment to the validation of others”

― Steve Maraboli, Life, the Truth, and Being Free

“You're always with yourself, so you might as well enjoy the company.”

― Diane Von Furstenberg

“People simply feel better about themselves when they’re good at something.”

― Stephen R. Covey, The 8th Habit: From Effectiveness to Greatness

“I exist as I am, that is enough,

If no other in the world be aware I sit content,

And if each and all be aware I sit content.

One world is aware, and by the far the largest to me, and that is myself.”

― Walt Whitman

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Self-esteem and Expect Success Tips:

Count Your Blessing – All too often we fail to appreciate what we have.  Take a few minutes each and every day and give thanks.

Help Others – Is always a good thing to do and frequently you will feel better too

Be True to yourself – You are unique, one of a kind – keep that in mind.

Learn how to relax – Lots of ways to do this…find a few that are just right for you.

Volunteer – Pitch in and help

Smile – Is good for you and those around you.

Laugh – Laughter is the best Medicine – no doubt about it!

Think Positive thoughts – Find the up side of things and keep them your central focus!

Have Fun - Do something that you really enjoy!

Exercise – We hear it all the time to exercise and benefits in doing so – and it works!

Give Someone a Hug – An emotion that really helps. It is a simple act – but an important one.

Get Help – There are times we simply need to get help – Do It!  Best advice I can offer you and yes, been there done that – and it made a huge difference.

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Take another look into that mirror, smile, think positive things and enjoy your day!

References and Links:

http://psychcentral.com/lib/2006/how-to-raise-your-self-esteem/

http://kidshealth.org/parent/emotions/feelings/self_esteem.html

World Salt Awareness Week

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By Nurse Diane

Salt has been used since the beginning of time from everything from seasoning food to preserving food. Salt is also essential for the body as well. Sodium is one of the primary electrolytes in the body.  The lack of Sodium or not enough sodium in the body can cause muscle cramps, dizziness, or electrolyte disturbance, which can cause neurological problems, or death. Drinking too much water, with insufficient salt intake, puts a person at risk of water intoxication (hypernatremia). Salt is sometimes used as a health aid, such as in treatment of dysautonomia.  The condition happened with my grandfather many years ago.  His doctor told him to stop eating salt, so he never ate it at all.  He was admitted to the hospital with hypernatremia, which is treated with an IV solution of Sodium Chloride, or salt water.

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Too much salt is also a danger. According to the CDC, Eating less sodium can help prevent or lower your risk of stroke. Current dietary guidelines recommend eating less than 2,300 milligrams of sodium per day. If you are African American, 51 years of age or older, have high blood pressure, diabetes or chronic kidney disease, you should further reduce sodium to 1,500 milligrams per day.  Salt not only comes from the shaker on our table, but it is also hidden in many of the processed foods and drinks we consume. Some of the main sources of hidden salt according to the CDC include:

·        Breads and rolls

·        Cold cuts and cured meats

·        Pizza

·        Poultry

·        Soups

·        Sandwiches

·        Cheese

·        Pasta dishes

·        Meat dishes

·        Snacks

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Some of the tips I use include

·        Never pour salt directly on your food, shake it in your hand. Then sprinkle it on

·        pour out the water in canned vegetables, then rinse and add fresh water

·        I don’t add salt when cooking, but wait until after I get ready to eat.

·        Watch condiments, Ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise and pickles are all loaded with salt.

·        Check food labels for Sodium content.

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You can also try keeping a record of salt included in food, and it won’t take you long before you can just automatically recognize how much you are eating.   Try using a salt substitute or different seasoning such as Mrs. Dash.  2300mgs of salt is about 1 tsp.  While this may not seem like much, you can measure out a tsp, put it in a small dish. And sprinkle it on your food during the day.  You will be surprised how far it will go, especially if you put it on your food, instead of cooking it in with your food. But remember the other foods that also have it included.

This is World Salt Awareness Week.  You don't want to cut it from your diet all together, just stay within the guidelines for a healthy heart and healthy life.

Heart Health Month

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By Nurse Diane

I've been doing alot of thinking about hearts lately.  Trying to design my Valentine's Day cards, deciding what kind of treats I want to fix for my family, thinking of people that I love, all these things come to my mind as Valentine's Day approaches.  I guess I am not alone when it comes to thinking about hearts this month.  That is why the American Heart Association has chosen February as Heart health Month.

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According to the CDC, Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the United States; one in every three deaths is from heart disease and stroke, equal to 2,200 deaths per day.  In November 2011, the Department of Health and Human Services launched a program called one Million Hearts.  The goal of this program is to prevent 1 million heart attacks over the next 5 years.  They are trying to raise awareness by promoting healthy food choices, encouraging exercises, teaching preventative measures such as stop smoking, and getting regular checkups and following your doctor’s orders.

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I have a friend who's heart is as big as Texas.  He has had health problems with his heart, and recently had a pacemaker inserted.  He is very cautious about his Dr's orders.  He eats properly; he takes his medications regularly, and exercises three days a week, well more than that normally.   He doesn't drink or smoke, and had cut down on his caffeine intake.  He is doing all he can to keep his heart healthy and functioning for a very long time.

Here are some recommendations from the CDC to keep your heart healthy:

• Get up and get active by being physically active for at least 30 minutes on most days of the week.

• Know your ABCS:

Ask your doctor if you should take an Aspirin every day.

Find out if you have high Blood pressure or Cholesterol, and if you do, get effective treatment.

If you Smoke, get help to quit.

• Make your calories count by eating a heart-healthy diet high in fresh fruits and vegetables and low in sodium and Trans fat.

• Take control of your heart health by following your doctor's prescription instructions.

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For more information about how to make your heart healthier, visit this site:

http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/GettingHealthy/GettingHealthy_UCM_001078_SubHomePage.jsp