Teen Mental Health

Teens

Kids and Teens
Parents worried about teen mental health need not look any further. Factual information can help you to make decisions that will actually help your child be happier in his or her life. Teens are at the vulnerable stage in life and, as a parent, if you search the net or talk to your friends, you will get a lot of advice on how to help improve your teen's mental health.
Kids and Teens
Yet, facts are what matter! Facts have no vested interest or bias and may help you, the loving parent, to determine what is best for your child. First, to define mental health symptoms, disorders and diagnoses, there are these facts: No medical tests exist that can detect a mental health disorder (no brain scan, no blood test, no chemical imbalance test).
 Kids and Teens
Dr. Allen Frances, Editor of the psychiatric diagnostic manual, edition IV, states in an article titled, Mislabeling Medical Illness as Mental Disorder, " that the diagnoses "will harm people who are medically ill by mislabeling their medical problems as mental disorder." Dr. Russell Barkley, clinical professor of psychiatry, and pediatrics, in the same article, states, " There is no lab test for any mental disorder right now in our science."
Kids and Teens
Psychiatric disorders are listed in the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. The disorders are voted on by workgroups comprised of psychiatrists. Dr. Thomas Insel, Director of the National Institute of Mental Health, was reported by the New Yorker as refuting the validity of mental health diagnoses.
 Kids and Teens
"Insel announced that the D.S.M.'s diagnostic categories lacked validity, that they were not 'based on any objective measures,' and that, 'unlike our definitions of ischemic heart disease, lymphoma or AIDS,' which are grounded in biology, they were nothing more than constructs put together by committees of experts. America's psychiatrist-in-chief seemed to be reiterating what many had been saying all along: that psychiatry was a pseudoscience, unworthy of inclusion in the medical kingdom.
Kids and Teens
According to a 2012 report from the University of Massachusetts, "Three-fourths of the work groups continue to have a majority of their members with financial ties to the pharmaceutical industry". Per the FDA, some of the side effects of psychiatric drugs include mania, psychosis, depression, suicidal thoughts, homicidal thoughts and death. Non-psychiatric medical professionals can, and do, perform medical tests to detect any potential underlying physical cause of unwanted mental health symptoms.
Kids and Teens
Per Florida Department of Health Regulation, Florida Patient's Bill of Rights and Responsibilities, each individual has the right to be fully informed about the proposed medical treatment or procedure. This includes the right to know the risks and alternatives. For those who live outside of Florida, Informed Consent, the right to know the risks and the alternatives to any treatment, is a legally accepted term that is used globally and ensures your right to make decisions for your health and well being.
Kids and Teens
Second, considering the, above-mentioned, facts, there becomes a vicious circle for any teen, adult or elder, who is experiencing life's stresses, and therefore the effects of those stresses, such as anxiety, depression, mood swings, aggression, and more. The never-ending circle is that of mental health diagnoses, mental health drugs, (more drugs, whether prescribed or abused) and more mental health diagnoses, with only seeming improvement in symptoms if the drug or drugs have chemically restrained the initial and unwanted mental health symptoms, temporarily.
Kids and Teens
Unfortunately, for most those restraints fail to work after time and the adverse effects take place, which of course produce more mental health symptoms, more diagnoses and more drugs.
Teen mental health is an important topic! It has to do with the welfare of your child, our future adult in society. Those that shape and direct how our culture will develop over time. To improve your teen's mental health, consider the facts and in doing so, talk to traditional, non mental heath, medical professionals about the possibility of a thorough medical exam that will test for all possible physical causes of the teen's depression, anxiety, aggression, etcetera.
Kids and Teens
Time and history are on your side, because over time, and strewn through the last 4 decades are medical research and multitudes of documented real-life cases of individuals who did avail themselves of a thorough physical examination, found the true physical cause of their problems and resolved all through the use of medical science that carried none of the FDA warnings on mental health drugs, which of course, are mental health symptoms in themselves. Such as, mania, delusions, psychosis, worsening depression, anxiety, hallucinations, suicidal and homicidal thoughts and actions.
Kids and Teens
Will Fudeman, a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, recently published an article about his work as a psychotherapist. He felt he had to do more to help his patients than listen to their woes. He decided, after his own personal experience of having horrific pain after a car accident, that he wanted to study Chinese medicine. He got his license to practice as an Acupuncturist and, after his 20 years as a therapist, he says that he had come to understand that emotional and physical are "intertwined".
Kids and Teens
Dr. Fudeman cites Dr. Bessel van der Kolk and his research treating those who have experienced all types of trauma. Even those who have been to war, experienced natural disasters and serious accidents, etcetera. Fudeman says "Van der Kolk has found that survivors of trauma are helped most by treatments that bring them into their bodies in the present time."
Kids and Teens

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The Most Effective Way of teaching our kids

Kids and Teens
When we already have kids on their early adolescent stage, it's very difficult to motivate them to be more compliant to us parents. During this period, our children are older and more mentally and physically mature. So, we expect them to be capable of doing simple house chores such as making their beds, washing dishes, sweeping the yard, putting away clean laundry and even cleaning the house. At this point, our kids even start learning how to cook. To top it all, we are teaching them to learn how to spend money wisely.
Kids and Teens
Many parents choose to give children a small amount of money for completing certain chores. By doing this, children are taught how to spend and to save money at a relatively early age.
We can help our children learn about spending and saving by setting a good example of the value of thriftiness and having discussions focused on this topic. For example, letting our kids know the cash flow of the family. Then, let them help on the budgeting. List the things that need to be bought. Allow them to see which is needed or not. Thus, we let our kids realize how to separate the needs from their wants.
Kids and Teens
Children are most likely to learn and take to heart these important money-related skills and values when they see us actually doing these things rather than just talking about them. Therefore, it is useful if we can let our children see us in paying bills and going to the bank to save money, and setting up and following a budget, rather than hiding these activities from our children's view. We can also have a piggy bank at home. We can show them that no matter how tight our budget is, we still allocate a small amount for savings. Having a reserved fund helps a lot especially in cases of emergency.
Kids and Teens
We also need to have an open and honest conversations with our children about money so that they can appreciate the fact on how the family gets money, and how that money is spent to provide food, clothing, shelter, medical care, education, etc. By showing children that obtaining money requires hard work and a lot of effort, they will know how much money must be budgeted just to provide for the basics of life. Thus, parents can help children better appreciate the value of money so that they are less likely to waste it on useless things such as buying toys instead of food.
Kids and Teens
Our kids may find it hard to appreciate what we go through just to provide them food and shelter. It may be easier for our kids to understand if money discussions are put into concrete terms children are more familiar with like spending money on a computer games. We can assist our children in understanding concepts like budgets by helping them set up their own budget.
Kids and Teens
Thus, setting a good example still remains the most effective way of teaching our kids to be more responsible in spending and saving money.

This article speaks of the most effective way of teaching our kids to be more compliant and responsible.
Kids and Teens

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Horses

Horse

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Many children become obsessed with horses. For some, the obsession will last a lifetime, but for others it is just a phase. The key is to make sure your child's love is not just a passing phase before you make the huge commitment of purchasing a horse.

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The best way to do this is to sign your child up for riding lessons at a local stable. Even if you do purchase a horse, your child will need to take lessons, be it from a professional or an experienced friend, in order to maximize the safety and enjoyment of having a horse. I highly recommend starting with lessons from a professional for a minimum of six months to a year before even thinking about buying a horse. If you live in a climate that is cold during the winter months, make sure you get through the winter before making a decision. In colder seasons, riding becomes much less desirable, and your child may not want to make horses a day-in, day-out, year-long commitment after experiencing the barn in the winter.

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It's also helpful for your child to get some experience with the non-riding-related labor that comes with horse ownership, especially if you will keep your horse at home instead of boarding it. See if the stable your child takes lessons at will let him or her help muck out stalls, stack hay bales, clean water troughs or buckets, etc. When I was a kid, I happily did these tasks just to be able to spend more time in the barn. If your child is less than enthusiastic about this extra work, you may want to think twice about buying him or her a horse. There's an old saying that for every hour of riding, there are two hours of work: grooming, cleaning tack, feeding, mucking stalls, and so on. It's true.

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If, after a long period of lessons and barn work, your child still adamantly wants a horse, then it is safer to consider. Regardless, there are many ways to ride and work with horses without actually owning one. Aside from riding lessons, you could consider leasing a horse. The most common types of leases are a full lease and a half lease. In a full lease, the lessee has use of the horse at all times and generally pays for all the expenses and veterinary care.

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This is a great way to see if you and your child are ready to purchase a horse, without making the ultimate commitment. Leases can span a time period anywhere from a month to several years. Sometimes there is an option to buy the horse at the end of the leasing term. In a half lease, the lessee would have use of the horse only on certain days or times. The schedule and financial responsibilities can vary with this arrangement, depending on what works best for you and the owner.

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If you do not have horse experience, you will need to learn some things as well before buying a horse, especially if you will be keeping it at home. While you as the parent may not want or need to actually ride the horse, you should be comfortable handling it and leading it, and have basic horse safety skills and a general knowledge of horse behavior.

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Once you're certain your child's passion for horses will endure through all the hard work and tough days, then you can confidently consider whether or not to buy him or her a horse. There are of course many other factors to take into account, but the first step is deciding whether your child is truly committed.

Pets

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How to Introduce a Cat to Your New Baby

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There are plenty of old wives tales around that convince people that because they are pregnant, this means they need to give up their cat because of the risks to the baby. But the reality is that with some precautions taken during pregnancy and careful introduction of baby and cat, the process can be straightforward and successful.

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Before the birth

The biggest thing to remember is that the biggest risk to a pregnant lady from a cat is from a parasitic infection called toxoplasmosis. This can result in miscarriage, stillbirth or a number of birth defects including blindness, deafness, hydrocephalus or even epilepsy. The cat can become infected with these parasites by eating a bird or small mammal so the best way to avoid this is to keep the cat indoors. It also makes it not an ideal time to take in a stray cat or a new cat from a shelter.

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Toxoplasmosis cysts are also shed through the faeces of an infected animal so it is important to wear gloves when gardening in case a cat has used the garden as a litter tray. Also, do the same when washing raw fruit and vegetables, handling raw meat or scrubbing food preparation areas. If you are cleaning out the cat litter, the gloves are also essential for doing this job.

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On the personality side, some cats don't take to any changes and this can come to the fore when the lady of the house is pregnant. It is important to help adjust the cat to the presence of a baby beforehand and by playing tapes of baby noises is a good way to do this. Get them used to baby lotion by rubbing it onto your hands and then doing things like rubbing the cat in their favourite way or cuddling with them - this helps associate the smell with good things. Avoid encouraging them from becoming too happy sitting in the cot or the changing table as this may lead them to sit on the baby when it comes.

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After the birth

When you first come home with your new baby, make sure you greet the cat and fuss it without any interruptions. After a few minutes quiet time, let everyone else in, including the baby and visitors. The cat will likely behave in their normal way, either staying to greet the visitors or leaving the room and returning when things settle down.

Pets

At this point, put down a receiving blanket or a piece of the baby's clothing in a quiet spot for the cat to investigate. When you are nursing, allow the cat to approach and see what is going on and come into the nursery, as long as he doesn't jump into the crib. Cats will seek out another warm body to curl up with so left alone may curl up with the baby and could lead to breathing difficulties. This means it is best to keep the nursery door closed when you aren't there, or put a screen up so the cat can't get in but you can hear what's happening.

Pets

Once the baby is settled for the night, make sure you spend the time with the cat that you would normally do so they don't feel left out or jealous of the baby.

Pets
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Breast Cancer Information and Statistics

Cancer

Today we are here to discuss information and statistics surrounding one of the most common cancers currently in America. Breast cancer is defined as the formation of malignant tumors that are created in the cells of the breast. Malignant tumors can grow and spread to surrounding tissues and other areas of the body. This disease almost occurs exclusively in women but in some rare cases men have been diagnosed with it as well. The American Cancer Society projects that in the year 2015 an estimated 231,840 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed in women. 

Cancer

Out of those women who are diagnosed, a projected 40,290 women will die from this form of cancer. Both of these are extremely alarming statistics that we must work on reducing in the future. Another surprising statistic is that about 1 in 8 (12%) of all women in the US will develop invasive cancer of the breast at some point throughout their lifetime. Statistics show that breast cancer is the second most common cancer in American women and is only behind skin cancer. 

Cancer

Death rates have been in the decline since about 1989 thanks in large part to the results of early detection screenings and the increase in public awareness surrounding the disease. Currently, the United States boasts over 2.8 million survivors of this deadly disease.

Cancer

Survival rates for breast cancer greatly determine on the stage your cancer is in when it is detected. Stage is a reference used to describe the amount of area that your cancer has spread throughout your body, the size of the tumor, and whether or not your cancer is invasive. This is the one of the most important factors in determining prognosis and treatment options.

Cancer

In order to evaluate for changes in the breast many doctors recommended that women undergo a mammogram exam. Women should undergo a mammogram on an annual basis so that doctors can look for lumps, calcifications, and to measure breast density to determine if any tumors could have formed inside the tissue of the breast.

Cancer

All women should be aware of the risk factors surrounding breast cancer to know if they are at an increased risk for breast cancer diagnosis. Many risk factors for breast cancer are often not related to personal choice and include gender, age, race or ethnicity, genetic risk factors, and family history of breast cancer. On the other hand, there are also multiple lifestyle-related factors that contribute to an increase in risk for breast cancer. These factors include having children, birth control, and breastfeeding, drinking alcohol, obesity, and not undergoing enough physical activity. For the most part, one or two of these lifestyle factors are not a big deal but if you fall under multiple categories your risk for breast cancer is significantly increased.

Cancer

Simply put, breast cancer is a disease that continues to ruin lives and tear families apart. It cannot be stated enough how important it is to undergo the proper examinations on a regular basis to ensure you cancer will be detected in an early stage so that your chances for survival will be as high as possible. Cancer Society's online communities offer support by connecting you with patients, survivors, and cancer experts to help you cope with you or your loved ones cancer diagnosis.

Cancer

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Breast Cancer

Cancer

One in eight US women will be diagnosed with breast cancer. Overcoming breast cancer is a personal journey with choices along the way. There are choices about the type of breast surgery, the need for additional treatments and options for breast reconstruction. Research has found that breast reconstruction contributes to a woman's self-esteem and sense of wellbeing; however, more than 70 percent of women eligible for breast reconstruction are not told about all of their options.

Cancer

The media frequently heightens awareness of breast cancer, but awareness doesn't always translate into a positive impact on health care. Agreeing or disagreeing that Angelina Jolie Pitt's decision to surgically remove her ovaries and fallopian tubes to prevent ovarian cancer was a heroic and courageous move is a matter of perspective. However, in between the lines of Angelina's latest article in the NY Times ("Angelina Jolie Pitt: Diary of a Surgery", NY Times, March 24, 2015) lies a subtler message... KNOWLEDGE IS POWER AND WOMEN NEED TO ADVOCATE FOR THEIR OWN PHYSICAL HEALTH.

Cancer

This is a dialogue we need to have with ourselves. Angelina Jolie Pitt made choices consistent with her history and lifestyle. As the Delphic Maxim on the Temple of Apollo reads "Know thyself." Each person is driven by different motives and sensitivities, personally unique to their individual circumstances. There is always more than one way to deal with any health issue. The most important thing is to learn about your options and choose what is right for you and your loved ones.

Cancer

Every woman diagnosed with breast cancer should seek a referral to a plastic surgeon to learn about all of her reconstructive options before her cancer is treated and removed. Breast reconstruction after mastectomy or lumpectomy generally falls into two categories: implant based reconstruction or reconstruction using a person's own tissue, also known as autologous reconstruction. Autologous reconstruction can be subdivided into flap reconstruction, total reconstruction with autologous fat transfer, or a combination of the two. Reconstructive techniques are not necessarily mutually exclusive, and often techniques are combined to give the best result.

Cancer

Breast reconstruction is staged which means more than one surgery will need to be performed to reconstruct the breasts to a more natural shape and size. Not all plastic surgeons are the same, and in one's weakness lay another's strength. Speaking to more than one plastic surgeon may help a woman affected by breast cancer (and her family) see the picture through a wider lens.

Cancer

As health care professionals, we are here to help you make the decisions that will give you the best quality of life in the long run. In closing her article Jolie Pitt poignantly wrote, "It is not easy to make these decisions. But it is possible to take control and tackle head-on any health issue. You can seek advice, learn about the options and make choices that are right for you."

Cancer
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Baby Boomers

 Home and Family
A recent study by the Federal Reserve revealed that more individuals 55+ years are now working longer. This is a turnaround of the style of a couple of decades earlier. It seems the Baby Boomers are not retiring as early. There are a few reasons:
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1. They can not afford to retire. In between higher living expenses yet incomes not increasing to stay up to date with the rising cost of living, there are fewer individuals able to save enough money for retirement.
2. In the U.S. the size of the public debt could suggest a loss of social security benefits at some time in the future. The huge number of individuals qualified for payments is increasing also. Federal government benefits might not be a trusted source of income.
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3. With such a multitude of retiring employees but fewer young employees to fill the work, it leaves job vacancies for the older employees to take. What business would not desire seasoned, already educated employees in every industry?
Josh Zumbrun writing for The Wall Street Journal has explained that Americans are working longer but eventually they do get around to retirement. We haven't returned to the Dark Ages when individuals functioned till they broke down and passed away.
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The change in labor force participation that has happened at each age has been biggest for workers in their mid-60s. From age 62 to 65, women are about 10-12 percentage points more likely to work today than in 2000, and men about 6-8 percentage points more likely. These are precisely the years when decisions to continue to work help optimize the size of Social Security payments and the years where some workers may choose to continue working until becoming eligible for Medicare.

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Americans' retirements have been delayed, but not abandoned entirely. Having the financial means to retire is a big part of the story. But the vast majority are still getting to their golden years eventually.

Home and Family
It needs to be explained that the style to work longer is true for both men as well as females. Just what will the future hold for those reaching their 60's? Will they retire at 65 as their family members did? It's unlikely as individuals are also living longer now.
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Retired life for 30 years is bound to be expensive as well as for some individuals, somewhat boring. I think there will certainly be more individuals altering occupations in mid-life, much as the retiring armed forces do now. The community colleges already offer good training as well as correspondence courses. We see an increase in online courses also. Just what do you believe is ahead for retiring employees and exactly what do you intend to do?
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