Nature Knows and Psionic Success
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Can Prayer Improve Your Sleep?
When you lie down, you will not be afraid. When you rest, your sleep will be peaceful. PROVERBS 3:24 There is a growing body of research that supports the claim that prayer has a positive impact on sleep. The focus is on how it affects the brain, which is still largely a mystery to science. Neuroplasticity is the study of the brain’s ability to create new neuropathways through thought, emotion, and environmental stimuli. Neurotheology, which is an even more recent area of brain research, is the study of the brain and religion. Dr. Andrew Newberg, director of research at Thomas Jefferson Hospital and Medical College in Pennsylvania and author of How God Changes Your Brain explains: Dr. Christopher Ellison, a researcher at the University of Texas at San Antonio, reviewed several large studies of religious involvement (which included frequency of prayer, religious attendance, and religious importance) and their impact on sleep health (which included overall sleep quality, restless sleep, use of sleep medications). Their findings were published in Sleep Health: Journal of the National Sleep Foundation concluded that people who have higher levels of religious involvement tend to have healthier sleep outcomes than their less religious counterparts. Ellison believes this occurs because of reduced stress, higher social engagement with other members of the church, and lower levels of drug abuse. Harvard physiologist Walter B. Cannon first coined the term “fight or flight” in the 1920s. This mechanism is an instinctual physiological response to a physically or mentally threatening situation. According to Harvard Health Publishing , the fight or flight response starts with the amygdala, the part of the brain that contributes to emotional processing, sends a distress signal to the hypothalamus. The hypothalamus communicates with the rest of the body through the nervous system so that the person has […]
9 Tricks to immediately recover from being exhausted
Anyone can suffer from being exhausted, even the strongest people. Whether you’re at home or at work, these rather simple tips can effectively solve your fatigue problems. Here at Break, we’ve selected these energy-boosting tricks to help you fight fatigue and recharge your batteries. Take a 20-minute “power nap.” © DanielHillSKW / Reddit Sleep researchers believe that 20 minutes is just the right time for a nap that’ll make you feel alert and productive after you wake up. While a deeper and longer sleep at night gives your body and mind a full restoration, a 20-minute nap during the day will give you more energy to continue your work. Here are a few tips on how to make the most of your power nap: Take your nap in a cool, dark place with no distractions; Use a sleep mask to get rid of light; Take a nap an hour or 2 after lunch; Refresh yourself with a short walk or a splash of water on your face after you get up. Sit up straight. © Depositphotos.com © Depositphotos.com Studies have shown that sitting in an upright position helps us fight fatigue by increasing the oxygen level in our blood . Other trials have demonstrated that people who sit straight tend to be in a better mood and experience less negative emotions compared to those who sit in a slumped posture. You can also do some light stretching right at your desk to improve blood circulation and get a boost of energy. Have a good laugh. © HBO Laughter has many health benefits and making you more energetic and alert is one of them. When we laugh, we breathe in oxygen-rich air, which stimulates our heart and muscles , and increases the level of endorphins in our blood. As a […]
EIGHT STRATEGIC TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL FIRST DATE
Does the thought of a first date fill you with dread? Does your memory of the last one make you cringe with embarrassment? If so, you’re not alone. Few people find dating simple and straightforward, even (and perhaps especially) in the age of Tinder and Match.com. The good news is that, with the right strategy, you can avoid some of the more common pitfalls and anxieties. With Valentine’s Day almost upon us, we had some fun and applied the ERRC grid to first dates. Here’s what we came up. See if you agree. 1. Don’t overcomplicate things The first date with someone you know little or nothing about is full of uncertainty. Don’t make things more complicated by trying to arrange the perfect romantic dinner, or planning a whole day out. Instead, keep things short and simple. A cup of coffee in a central location will make it clear fast if your date is someone you would like to spend more time with. And if things go well, the coffee could turn into a lunch or dinner, adding some spontaneity into the mix. 2. Don’t stress unnecessarily A bit of anxiety is natural on a first date – in fact, it’s half the fun. But you’ll want to eliminate the kind of stress that will make you flustered and your date uncomfortable. Remember, the more relaxed you feel, the more comfortable your date will be around you. One simple trick is to sit at a right angle to your date rather than face them directly. This takes the pressure off trying to fill every pause in the conversation, and you can both do a bit of people-watching instead. 3. Cut down the texting, and meet in person The conversation might have started on an app or a website, but […]
Saffron and Depression : Here’s All You Need to Know
Numerous studies indicate positive results for the use of saffron for depression and anxiety disorders. Around the world today, as many as 1 in 10 people currently suffer from debilitating mood-altering conditions. Traditional prescription medications may not be effective for everyone and can cause undesirable side effects for others. And so it’s important to look for safer, holistic and natural treatment options. The statistics are not surprising in a world where success and personal performance are forever used to judge individual worth. Depression is a natural byproduct of our attempts to appear acceptable in the eyes of others. Sometimes it is necessary to take a step back and consider how to care for yourself. Take a break. Rest. Admit that everything is not wonderful in your life, and be yourself. There are some creative dietary solutions to help you stay relaxed and able to take on daily challenges. Ongoing studies have revealed the efficacy of a variety of herbs and spices for brightening your mood and adding variety to your diet. The effectiveness of saffron for health and emotional wholeness has been confirmed by recent studies around the world. So just how beneficial is saffron for depression? Is it worth the price tag? This product of Mediterranean origins has long been a natural herbal treatment for mood disorders, PMS symptoms, and even weight loss. As part of a healthy diet and exercise regimen, the spice can be effective for improving overall brain function, including mood and memory. [1] Saffron for Depression Depression manifests itself in many ways. If you suffer from this debilitating disorder, your own internal coping mechanism may be completely different from an acquaintance who also struggles. Some of the most common and easily recognized symptoms include: Lack of motivation Withdrawal from normal activities, especially social ones […]
The 9 Least Know Things About Orgasms
Below some experts share some unusual and enlightening facts about orgasms that will make you an expert on the subject yourself. The orgasm is a wonder of the body that deserves celebration, and thankfully, we have that very opportunity coming up soon. On July 31, the country can indeed rejoice in National Orgasm Day! To honor this fine event, it’s time to learn some facts about orgasms, and the benefits and mysteries these physical explosions entail. Interestingly, while orgasms are a natural function of the body, you nevertheless have to learn to have them, sexologist Dr. Carol Queen PhD, of Good Vibrations, who is also the curator of the Antique Vibrator Museum, tells Bustle. "Your orgasmic ability now might change over time, with more experience." Watch: 10 Facts About Orgasms You Didn’t Know. Queen also points out that what she calls "blended orgasms" are often suggested by sex therapists, which means you don’t just have to focus on the genitals to get there. "These involve adding two erotic areas together, like stimulating the clitoris and the nipples at the same time," Queen says. Sounds fun, right? Maybe you’re interested in 11 Things Men Are Sick Of Hearing All The Time So go forth and figure out for yourself what it is your body and mind are asking for when it comes to, you know, coming. Below some experts share some unusual and enlightening facts about orgasms that will make you an expert on the subject yourself. 1. People With Penises Have Shorter Orgasms Although each orgasm is a world of sensational possibility for each person, generally, what is happening in the body is a similar physical response no matter who you are — but there is a difference in orgasm length between people with penises and vulvas. People with […]
Health supplements: Are you doing it right?
From combining Vitamin C with iron to boosting absorption, there is a science to it Dietary supplements. For illustrative purposes only. Dubai: With an estimated worth of $128 billion (Dh470.78 billion) in annual sales as of 2017, the health supplements industry is upending the popular, and credible, advice by many health experts that a balanced diet is a far better option to maintain health than take supplements. In the UAE alone, according to ‘UAE Dietary Supplements Market By Type, By Sales Channel, Competition Forecast & Opportunities, 2013-2023’, dietary supplements market is projected to surpass $139 million by 2023. Whether multivitamins and other dietary supplements are necessary for the general population has always been a source of debate. Supplements remain recommended for certain populations with specific conditions — such as pregnant women. Expectant mothers should take folic acid to reduce the risk of neural tube defects, or children in developing countries whose diets do not provide enough vitamin A and iron — but for the most part, a balanced diet is a far better option say health experts. Veggies: A balanced diet is a far better option say health experts. Plus, it saves you money. Many supplements can be expensive. Plus, it saves you money. Many supplements can be expensive. Recent studies have found there is insufficient evidence to recommend multivitamin supplements to the average healthy adult, and that in fact, taking too much of certain vitamins can cause harm. Having said that, even if you are taking supplements, there are certain best practices to follow. For instance, did you know that calcium and magnesium are opposing minerals and that they best taken at different times of the day? Optimal absorption of a supplement is what it all comes down to. There is debate about whether taking your vitamins in […]
L-Theanine for Different Mental Health Problems
L-theanine is an amino acid that occurs naturally in tea leaves and is used in Asian medicine to treat many medical and mental health problems. In a previous blog post I briefly reviewed the evidence for l-theanine for stress and anxiety reduction. In this post I add to the discussion on l-theanine by reviewing important recent findings on l-theanine for a variety of mental health problems. Findings of animal and human research support that taking l-theanine on a regular basis improves cognitive performance, attention, sleep quality, and may enhance mood, and reduce symptoms of OCD, panic disorder and bipolar disorder . L-theanine also has important general health benefits including reduction of the risk of cardiovascular disease and fighting obesity ( Türközü 2017 ). Beneficial effects achieved through multiple mechanisms of action L-theanine increases brain levels of serotonin, GABA and dopamine , binds to excitatory neurotransmitter receptors (i.e., glutamate and NMDA), and may increase levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). Taking l-theanine on a regular daily basis for 3 to 4 weeks may confer general neuroprotective benefits by increasing synthesis of brain-derived neurotrophic factor. The stress reducing and cognitive enhancing benefits of l-theanine are probably related to its role in oxidative damage caused by ‘ free radicals .’ Collectively, these effects are believed to result in anxiety reduction and the other beneficial effects of l-theanine on mental health. Promising findings for beneficial effects on memory , learning and cognitive function as well as for treatment of OCD, bipolar disorder, panic disorder and schizophrenia Findings of animal and human studies have established that l-theanine improves learning, memory and cognitive function, and enhances selective attention during challenging mental tasks. In addition to its well-known benefits for reducing stress, regular consumption of tea made from the leaves of Camellia sinensis, may have therapeutic […]
Geoengineering – even in modest amounts – works just like a drug, will kill the planet slowly
( Natural News ) What do geoengineering and taking drugs have in common? The parallels aren’t immediately obvious, but once you take a look at the potential ramifications of the process, it’s pretty easy to see how it will slowly but surely kill the planet. Many people start taking drugs in hopes of improving their physical or mental health somehow, whether they take statins to lower their cholesterol or cocaine to lower their inhibitions. Geoengineering, too, appears to have some immediate rewards. This process uses technology to manipulate our climate system – a bit like playing God – in a way that proponents claim will reduce the effects of global warming . One method of geoengineering that gets a lot of buzz is stratospheric aerosol injection, which entails introducing aerosols into the atmosphere that will reflect sunlight back before it reaches the surface of the planet. This, in theory, could cool the planet much like what happens following volcanic eruptions. However, there’s always a catch. Just like statins sometimes can lower your cholesterol but may also cause brain dysfunction and raise your risk of diabetes, some researchers have shown that applying geoengineering in one hemisphere can cause serious damage in the other one. In simulations, they found that although using stratospheric aerosol injection in North Atlantic storms might decrease the tropical cyclone activity there that can lead to major hurricanes, it will raise the chances of drought in Africa at the same time. The reverse is also true: Injecting aerosols over the southern hemisphere of Earth would reduce drought significantly in some areas of Africa but the frequency of tropical storms would rise dramatically in the Atlantic Ocean. GLYPHOSATE testing is now being applied to all Health Ranger Store branded products. Our in-house lab uses LC-MS-MS (triple quad mass […]
Enhance your strength and stamina with Astaxanthin, one of nature’s most potent antioxidants
( Natural News ) Who would have thought that tiny, single-celled microalgae could hold the key to one of nature’s best-kept health secrets for boosting your overall strength, endurance, and stamina? Astaxanthin is a fat-soluble antioxidant created by single-celled microalgae that use this remarkable natural molecule to survive for years without food or water under harsh sunlight. This reddish pigment can provide extraordinary nutritional benefits that support healthy joints, skin, and heart health . Like many other naturally occurring pigments, astaxanthin is a keto-carotenoid that belongs to the same family as beta-carotene, lycopene, and lutein . However, other carotenoids pale in comparison to astaxanthin in many ways. Its free radical scavenging capability is at least ten times more powerful than other antioxidant carotenoids, earning astaxanthin the nickname “King of Carotenoids.” Additionally, astaxanthin has a unique molecular structure that allows it to move throughout your entire body while providing protection for all your cells – something not all antioxidants can do. (Related: Astaxanthin 101 – Nature’s Most Powerful Antioxidant .) Aquatic animals such as shrimp, trout, and salmon consume large quantities of astaxanthin-rich microalgae, which give them their distinctive reddish or pinkish colors, along with enhanced vitality. Astaxanthin is truly one of nature’s most powerful antioxidants , as it is this antioxidant’s health-promoting properties that allow these organisms to sustain their strength, even in the most difficult conditions. In fact, astaxanthin gives salmon their ability to achieve marathon swimming feats, leaping up waterfalls against strong currents. With the help of astaxanthin, they become superstars of the aquatic world, performing incredible feats of physical strength and endurance. Discover how to prevent and reverse heart disease (and other cardio related events) with this free ebook : Written by popular Natural News writer Vicki Batt, this book includes everything you need to know […]
You may have a wicked tan, but your job is hella hard: Your Letters to the Editor for August 4
Austin Goldhammer is a lifeguard at Terrace Park Family Aquatic Center in Sioux Falls, S.D., Monday, June 8, 2015. (Photo: Emily Spartz Weerheim / Argus Leader) Letters to the Editor for August 4: Have you thanked a lifeguard today? My four kids and I have been to pools at least 30 times this summer without an incident other than a "hey sweetie" or a "walk buddy" floating over the loud chatter of joy and splashing. I love going to all the pools and we have settled on a few favorites, but I love knowing that wherever we go my kids are safe. Over the summer months and the 15 bottles of sunscreen, I became immune to the clockwork rotation of the lifeguards while I updated my status, caught some rays or called up with an old friend. Somehow the trip to the pool became routine and an every other day experience. Fast forward to a hot, sunny Saturday in July and the pool is packed. There seems to be five kids for every adult and a small army of lifeguards on their clockwork rotation. My kids are slathered in SPF 50 and I found a shady spot, when rapid whistles sounded the alarm. Enter Hollywood slow-motion effects as the lifeguard leaps from her stand and through a sea of children, reaches and grabs a little boy who emerges coughing, shaken and scared now sitting on the edge of the pool. It was that fast. In that moment everything seemed to go mute and the swimsuit troops swooped in. Within a few moments that boy was okay and it was back to the clockwork rotation. But I was in awe, my heart was racing and I felt nauseous. What if that was my little boy? I mean, I had a […]
L-theanine for Different Mental Health Problems
L-theanine has beneficial effects on general health and improves many areas of mental functioning L-theanine is an amino acid that occurs naturally in tea leaves and is used in Asian medicine to treat many medical and mental health problems. In a previous blog post I briefly reviewed the evidence for l-theanine for stress and anxiety reduction. In this post I add to the discussion on l-theanine by reviewing important recent findings on l-theanine for a variety of mental health problems. Findings of animal and human research support that taking l-theanine on a regular basis improves cognitive performance, attention, sleep quality, and may enhance mood, and reduce symptoms of OCD, panic disorder and bipolar disorder . L-theanine also has important general health benefits including reduction of the risk of cardiovascular disease and fighting obesity ( Türközü 2017 ). Beneficial effects achieved through multiple mechanisms of action L-theanine increases brain levels of serotonin, GABA and dopamine , binds to excitatory neurotransmitter receptors (i.e., glutamate and NMDA), and may increase levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). Taking l-theanine on a regular daily basis for 3 to 4 weeks may confer general neuroprotective benefits by increasing synthesis of brain-derived neurotrophic factor. The stress reducing and cognitive enhancing benefits of l-theanine are probably related to its role in oxidative damage caused by ‘ free radicals .’ Collectively, these effects are believed to result in anxiety reduction and the other beneficial effects of l-theanine on mental health. Promising findings for beneficial effects on memory , learning and cognitive function as well as for treatment of OCD, bipolar disorder, panic disorder and schizophrenia Findings of animal and human studies have established that l-theanine improves learning, memory and cognitive function, and enhances selective attention during challenging mental tasks. In addition to its well-known benefits for reducing stress, […]
14 Weird Brain Exercises That Help You Get Smarter
Healthy Living Giving your brain new experiences that combine physical senses—vision, smell, touch, taste, and hearing—with emotional “sense” stimulates more connections between different brain areas, causes nerve cells to produce natural brain nutrients that dramatically help memory, and makes surrounding cells stronger and more resistant to the effects of aging. Try these brain exercises during your morning routine or your down time and see if you feel the difference. istock/kupicoo Brush teeth with your non-dominant hand Research has shown that using the opposite side of your brain (as in this exercise) can result in a rapid and substantial expansion of in the parts of the cortex that control and process tactile information from the hand. Brain exercise: Brush, and don’t forget to open the tube and apply toothpaste in reverse, too. Here are more healthy habits proven to boost your brain health . istock/andresr Shower with your eyes closed Your hands will probably notice varied textures of your own body you don’t “see,” and will send messages back to your brain. Brain exercise: Try using just your tactile senses (although, use common sense to avoid burn or injury). Locate the taps solely by feel, and adjust the temperature. Then wash, shave, and so on with your eyes shut. These are the showering mistakes you didn’t know you were making. istock/Leonardo Patrizi Switch around your morning activities Brain imaging studies show that novel tasks exercise large areas of the cortex, indicating increased levels of brain activity in several distinct areas. This activity declines when the task becomes routine and automatic. Brain exercise: Get dressed after breakfast, walk the dog on a new route, or change your TV or news station. Even watching a kids’ program like Sesame Street , for example, may arouse the brain to notice how much of […]
Creating Superman (and woman): Who benefits from human enhancement?
“Improve a mechanical device and you may double productivity, but improve man and you gain a thousand fold.” That’s what the character Khan Noonien Singh remarked on the original Star Trek episode Space Seed . Portrayed brilliantly by the late Ricardo Montalbán, Khan was the leader of a group of enhanced humans created through eugenics. From the demigods of Greek mythology to the superheroes of 20 th century comic books, we’ve been intrigued by the idea of human enhancement for quite a while, but we’ve also worried about negative consequences. Both in the Greek myths and modern comics and television, each enhanced human has been flawed in some way. In the area of lifespan enhancement, for instance, Tithonus, though granted eternal life, shrunk and shriveled into a grasshopper, because his immortal girlfriend Eos, forgot to ask Zeus to give him eternal youth. Achilles, while super strong and agile, had a weak spot at the back of his heal, and Superman would lose his power if exposed to “kryptonite”. As for Khan’s people, their physical superiority, both physical and mental, made them overly ambitious, causing a third world war that nearly destroyed humanity in the Star Trek backstory. Using genetic modification, nanotechnology, bionics, reconstructive surgery, hormones, drugs or any combination of these approaches, real-life human enhancement is looking ever more achievable. As with the fictional examples, the idea of enhancement being a double-edged sword will surely remain part of the discussion. At the same time, though, because enhancement means mastering and manipulating human physiology and the basis of consciousness and self-awareness, the road to enhancement will be paved with advances beneficial to the sick and the disabled. This point must be at center stage when we weigh the pluses and minuses in various enhancement categories, especially physical capability, mental function, […]
21 Reasons Avocados Are One of the Best Foods on the Planet
From our love of guac to our obsession with avocado toast, these green and creamy fruits continue to steal the hearts of many all over the world. While they certainly have their own unique and gooey goodness, avocados also have a wide variety of health-boosting benefits . Health Benefits of Avocado Although avocados often get a bad rap as being a particularly fatty fruit, vitamin and nutritional content in these fruits make them too good to pass up. So if you’re ready to transform your health with this special fruit, keep reading. 1. Improve Your Nutrient Intake Avocados are one of the most nutrient-rich fruits in the world. With vitamins like B6, K, E, and C, avocados also contain significant amounts of the nutrients potassium, magnesium, folate, niacin, riboflavin, and pantothenic acid. Additionally, these fruits are filled with omega-3 fatty acids, beta-carotene, and lutein. Though avocados are often avoided due to their fat content, this fruit is actually one of the healthiest options for keeping you full. Fat itself isn’t terrible for the body. Indeed, these healthy fats help boost skin health. And they enhance the absorption of certain minerals, nutrients, and minerals. When eating avocados, your body will slow the breakdown of other carbohydrates, which will help keep your blood sugar levels stable. 2. Boost Your Heart Health Avocados are also one of the healthiest fruits to add to your diet due to the amount of beta-sitosterol they contain. Regularly consuming this beta-sitosterol through avocado recipes will help the body maintain healthy cholesterol levels. 3. Improve Your Vision Avocados contain zeaxanthin and lutein. These two phytochemicals are located in eye tissue and this helps protect your eyes and minimize any damage from UV rays. By consuming this fruit with the best avocado recipes, you’ll increase your intake of […]
9 Amazing Acetyl-L-Carnitine Benefits & Side Effects
Acetyl-L-carnitine can lift your mood, sharpen your mind, and offset brain aging. It works by maximizing energy use in the body and boosting acetylcholine, the most important neurotransmitter for learning and memory. Read on to find out if acetyl-L-carnitine is for you and how to use it for optimal results. Acetyl-L-carnitine (ALC or ALCAR) is an amino acid that fuels energy production in your cells and supports nerve function. It supplies the acetyl group for burning fats in your mitochondria ( fatty acid oxidation ) and producing acetylcholine [ 1 , 2 ]. Your muscles and heart tissue stock different forms of carnitine as energy reserves [ 3 ]. Meat and other animal foods contain L-carnitine, but your liver and kidneys can also produce it from two amino acids: lysine and methionine . An enzyme called carnitine acetyltransferase (CRAT) then turns L-carnitine into acetyl-L-carnitine and vice versa [ 4 ]. Vegetarians consume less carnitine from the foods they eat, however, they maintain normal carnitine levels in the blood. How? The theory is that vegetarians are able to adapt to diets low in carnitine and absorb it more efficiently [ 3 ]. Under normal conditions, your body will produce sufficient amounts of carnitine and acetyl-L-carnitine. However, the following may impair the process and raise your risk of carnitine deficiency [ 5 , 6 , 7 , 3 ]: Genetic disorders Old age Kidney disease Liver disease Antibiotics Diabetes Obesity Long-term fasting or calorie restriction Drugs for seizures Premature birth Do athletes and bodybuilders need more carnitine? Not quite. However, they benefit from supplementation because higher levels of l-carnitine in the blood and muscles increase blood flow and oxygen supply, enhancing muscle recovery after exercise [ 8 ]. Most people use acetyl-L-carnitine to enhance their cognition and rev up energy levels. […]
Using Self-Pleasure as a Way to Get to Know Yourself
Arman Zhenikeyev via Getty Images Where’s my vulva? There’s my vulva! Masturbation — there, I said it! For some reason, people treat masturbating as if it’s something to be shameful about. And let’s face it, everyone does it, so why is it so taboo to talk about? Even married people masturbate. It’s a great stress reliever and completely natural. Not to mention that it also releases tension, promotes better sleep quality, boosts your mood, and even relieves menstrual cramps. So how could something so right be wrong? When it comes to the body, masturbation can be a delicious treat for one. The best thing you can do for yourself is find your pleasure zone. It’s your time to be selfish, find what you like, and satisfy yourself. And it’s guilt-free! All you’ve got to do is focus on yourself and what feels good. Don’t be afraid to explore your body. Get lost until your G-spot is found! My discovering started in my late teens. Masturbation for me was like an awakening, mentally and physically — but not initially. I’d always been self-conscious about my body because I was tall, and I wasn’t as thin as I wanted to be. So revealing my body to someone else wasn’t an option, which meant sex wasn’t either. However, I did grow curious about how an orgasm would feel, despite my insecurities. My first time masturbating was a complete fail. I’d planned it all out. I waited until everyone was asleep and locked my door, turned the lights out, and began to touch on myself all over. Nothing could do it for me — but looking back, it’s because I had no clue who I was as a person. I was trying to find myself twice over. Just like you have to study […]
Jack Levine: Art O’Hara — a memorial tribute
Ed. note — Longtime St. Petersburg children’s advocate Art O’Hara died in June at age 67. The following is from a celebration of his life held July 27 at the Mount Zion AME Church in St. Petersburg. ___ I have had the honor to call Art O’Hara a dear friend and advocate ally for some four decades. Of course, some gathered here today to celebrate the life and honor the memory of this kind, considerate, gregarious, generous and oh so loving man have known Art for a longer time than I. We must agree, though, that the power and impact of this great man was not limited to any time frame. For me … and for so many others … just a single encounter with Art O’Hara had the potential of being a life-changing event. What was the power of Art’s personality? First, it was his sincerity and authenticity. When Art shared time with you, his communication was clear and consistent with his core belief that all people deserve to be respected. Irrespective of age, ethnicity, gender, religion, economic status, political leaning or other unique characteristic, Art truly leaned forward to listen and learn in his own special way … his willingness to be a friend to all glowed like a bright candle. We were all attracted to that flame. Art never limited his willingness to engage with others … he was truly a lifelong learner. The amazing diversity of Art’s interests, involvements, and leadership roles are ample evidence that he was forever eager to be open to the amazing possibilities which life offers. Art O’Hara never met a challenge with anything but bountiful confidence, conscientious analysis and a steadfast resolve to confront every problem with a viable solution. Most significant was Art’s intense focus on exerting his creative […]
Ellen’s Prescription for Work Stress
In 1862, the first year of the Civil War, Abraham Lincoln said, “With the fearful strain that is on me night and day, if I did not laugh, I should die.” Lincoln was well-known for his sense of humor, and had an acute awareness of its value in enabling him to endure the most trying of times. Although most of us don’t have the weight of a nation’s fate resting on our shoulders, we all have experienced work stress in some form. It’s a universal experience with the potential to significantly impact both mental and physical health. Stress occurs any time the body and mind are called upon to respond to a demand. It can arise from a one-time occurrence (such as a major accident or natural disaster) or one that is repeated over time (such as family and work stress). These experiences cause the body to go into fight-or-flight mode. Muscles become tense, respiratory rate increases, the pulse quickens, the brain uses more oxygen, and levels of stress hormones cortisol and adrenaline spike. The fight-or-flight response increases responsiveness to stressors to promote survival. But serious mental and physical health issues can develop if the stress is constant and long-term, as is the case with work stress. With chronic work stress, the repetitive stress response in the body can lead to increased rates of high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity, insomnia, irritability, headaches, anger, sadness, viral infections, depression, anxiety, and a number of other mental and physical ills. The APA’s recent Stress in America survey revealed that a majority of Americans cite work as a significant source of stress in their lives. Common work-related stressors include excessive workloads, conflicting demands, lack of control over one’s own work, work that isn’t challenging, work that isn’t meaningful, and low salaries. While […]
Concordia researchers receive more than $1 million for interdisciplinary explorations on aging
Christophe Guy: “These projects offer next-generation solutions to the many problems faced by our aging population.” Members of Concordia’s engAGE: Centre for Research on Aging will be able to advance their work thanks to more than $1 million from the Fonds de recherche du Québec (FRQ ). “These grants are further recognition that Concordia continues to distinguish itself in health research,” says Christophe Guy , vice-president of research and graduate studies. “New breakthroughs in health care for our aging population depend on the kinds of interdisciplinary projects undertaken here.” Two of the three Concordia-led projects are based in the Faculty of Arts and Science and the third is in the Faculty of Fine Arts . The researchers were chosen as part of the 2019-20 call for proposals by the Platform of Funding Programs for Intersectoral Research on Aging. Proposals were selected based on scientific excellence and the recommendations from an international peer committee, as well as the assessment criteria specified in the call . Meet me at the mall: Engaging older adults in living labs for well-being An associate professor in the Department of Creative Arts Therapies , Janis Timm-Bottos will receive $844,774 to create a living lab project that connects Concordia students and researchers with Montreal’s community of older adults. The living lab, located in a mall storefront, will be a community space that facilitates the co-creation, design, production and dissemination of university-community research. Through music, visual arts, literature and more, older people will work in collaborative partnership with researchers to explore science and express their needs and experiences. “A media spa and art hive will anchor the engAGE Living Lab, with programming hosted by Concordia co-investigators based on the interests and needs of the older adults,” says Timm-Bottos. “By promoting a culture of public science through the […]
My favourite superfoods by Dr Johanna Ward
Broccoli: Broccoli is one of the healthiest greens you can eat. It belongs to the cruciferous family and contains an abundance of vitamins, minerals, phytonutrients and antioxidants, not to mention the incredible sulforaphane. Dr Johanna Ward Sulforaphane is mainly found in cruciferous vegetables. Sulforaphane supports liver detoxification and has been shown to reduce the size and number of breast cancer cells in mice, blocking tumour growth. It also helps fight infection by reducing levels of cytokines and NF-kB, which all drive inflammation. Numerous studies have shown that regular broccoli intake is associated with a decreased risk of heart disease and cancer. Sulforaphane is created by a chemical reaction that only happens when you chop or chew broccoli. Kale: Kale is probably one of the most beneficial greens so try and get it into as many of your dishes as possible. It can taste a bit like grass(!) so try to conceal it in smoothies and salads. Kale is an immune-boosting superfood with significant antioxidant power. Spinach: Spinach is a super all-rounder when it comes to nutrient delivery. It is packed with vitamins A, C and the much-forgotten vitamin K. It also has abundant manganese, magnesium, iron, calcium, folate and potassium. It’s loaded with antioxidants and phytonutrients and is particularly effective at fighting free radical damage. Bell peppers: Bell peppers are rich in quercetin, flavonoids, carotenoids, vitamin c and ferulic acid – all antioxidants and phytonutrients that work to combat renegade free radicals and reduce inflammation. Bell peppers contain over 30 different phytonutrients so their nutrient capacity is simply phenomenal. Sweet Potato: Sweet potatoes are an antioxidant and nutrient packed superfood grown all over the world. They are loaded with fibre, antioxidants, phytonutrients, vitamins and minerals which makes them great for combatting renegade free radicals that otherwise could damage your […]
The Power Within by Corey Daniels book available for only $2.99
Mind has both conscious and subconscious halves. These are likened to a driver and the truck he drives. The driver plans the destination and observes road conditions, while the truck provides motive power. Your subconscious mind is like the truck and it only goes in the direction in which is a steered. This can be the road or off a cliff. Likewise, the consciousness paints a picture of what the world is and what your goals are and the subconscious acts on them through emotion, physical response and energy, whether these are correct, rational images or false negative ones. The subconscious is also like an emotional reservoir which your body and mind draw responses from to external stimuli.
The Power Within lays out a method of programming your subconscious and tapping into the Holy Spirit, God voice or what the Greeks called the daimon (godman).