My Best Buddy
July 30, 2006
My son, Dakota is now 7 yrs old. He is so smart for his age. I recently had a conference with his 1st grade teacher and was surprised to find out that he was having a hard time in school. I guess I was surprised because at home he was perfectly fine. She seems to believe that his problem lies with his inability to pay attention in school. She says it isn’t that he is disruptive but that he can’t seem to keep his attention on one thing for long at a time.
She also warned me that at some point in time someone may suggest he has ADD, and of course with that diagnosis comes medication. I am absolutely against the medicating of kids. I think it is a moral issue as well as a health risk. Kids need to be kids and when teachers can’t deal with them as kids they become easier to be dealt with when medicated. I have seem kids on this medication and they are like zombies, they also lose weight, sleep all the time, have fits of rage, and are likely to have health risks because of this.
My child will not be put on medication for being a kid and that is my final thought on that. Do you know that children have died from heart problems as a result of taking meds. for ADD? It is a fact. I think the school systems need to find another way in dealing with children who do not have an attention span of some others. Do you think TV may have something to do with this? Just a thought. I know kids who sit in front of the TV all the time, never go outside, never work for anything, and they seem to be the most interested in the teacher.
My son never watches TV other than at bedtime or if it’s raining or snowing. He is always outside, I cant keep him in, and that is how it should be. They need to be entertained and encouraged to be active not slugs. I know a lot of parents are pushed into feeling medication is the best solution, but I disagree strongly and feel there has to be better solutions out there. This teacher was not saying he should be medicated, simply suggesting that when and if some one says he has this condition to be prepared. Could it not be that he is a healthy 7 yr old child that gets bored with repetitive work??
Seems logical to me guess we will see where this goes but I am concerned for the youth of today, I’ll leave my doubts and concerns in God’s hands and hope for the best. God bless you and your families.
Vaughn Pascal
To Bub: Grateful that you are a healthy and happy kid, continue being so, I love you Thank You God and Jesus for blessing me with such a smart and healthy, happy child
Lawn Furniture
July 30, 2006
Lawn Furniture
by: Bob Benson
If you love being outdoors, you should pick lawn furniture that you love! It should be more than practical and functional. It should add to the very experience of being outside. There are so many options in lawn furniture, and you are sure to find something to fit within your budget.
Does your family host a lot of picnics? If so, there’s no doubt a picnic table in your future. Picnic tables come in a lot of varieties ranging from plastic to cast iron. This is one piece of furniture that can truly fit into any budget. If the picnic table will be used predominantly by adults, a cheaper plastic variety might suit your needs. But if kids are planned guests, think about investing in something just a little more sturdy that can hold up to a flurry of activity that usually follows kids.
If a picnic table and benches are not your style, don’t despair. Look into other tables. Choose a heavy glass and concrete pedestal table. Mix and match chairs to get the lawn furniture look you want. Or buy a set. Your lawn furniture fashion options are endless!
You can find lawn furniture at a number of stores ranging from your local discount or “big box” store to the woodworker who custom designs lawn furniture specifically to your liking. And don’t forget the Internet as a source. You have a world of lawn furniture at your fingertips and can even shop from home while wearing your pajamas!
No matter where you plan to buy your lawn furniture, there are a number of items you should check before making a purchase. First, if there happens to be a model on display, try it out. Sit in the chairs. Put pressure on the table top to see how sturdy it is. Does it tip easily? There is only one way to find out! If you buy a lawn furniture set that needs to be assembled, do an inventory of the contents of the box as soon as you open it. If you find that you are missing a part, call the store immediately and let them know you will be coming for either a replacement for the missing part or returning the set you have for a complete one. Once you get the complete set, follow the manufacturer’s directions for assembly.
Speaking of assembly, if the thought frightens you, ask the sales clerk if the store offers an assembly service. You can expect to pay extra for the service, but if saving time means something to you, the assembly service is worth considering.
Once you have constructed your lawn furniture, you are ready to start enjoying it. Maybe you already have the perfect place in mind for it. If not, just pretend your yard is a big room. Move your lawn furniture around to experiment with placement just like you would in your house. Once you find the spot, settle in. You’ll be happy with your lawn furniture purchase for a long time.
contact@loan-source.co.uk
How To Be a Champion in Your Life
July 30, 2006
Are you left with inspiration but no action after hearing, reading, and watching stories about other people who are successful? If so, you’re not alone. I’ve got a question for you: Why watch Oprah when you can be on Oprah instead? Don’t you see different guests on her show every day? They’re people just like you. They didn’t start out on Oprah, they ended up there and it wasn’t by luck either. They changed their lives to get there.
Wouldn’t you like to experience some of that success for yourself? It’s not difficult at all. You just need to learn how to redirect the thoughts and energy you’re using already. You’re getting results, but they may not be the results you really want. What Does being a Champion in your life mean to YOU?
Being self-employed?
Making a certain amount of money per year?
Living in the city that you really want to live in?
Having more free time?
Having more vacation time with your family?
Living in your dream home?
Having effective communication with your family?
Having the relationship you’ve always wanted with someone who understands you?
Having free time for volunteer work or community service?
Having a family?
Having a deep sense that you’re making a contribution to the world
Visiting all the cities and countries you’ve wanted to visit?
Being able to hire a nanny or cleaning person?
Being the best mother, daughter, father, son or friend you can be?
Driving the car you’ve always wanted to drive?
Having the furniture to fill your dream home?
Writing the book you’ve always wanted to write?
Creating the inventions in your head?
Taking action on the ideas in your head that never get out of your head?
Being able to hire an interior designer?
Having the wardrobe you’ve always wanted?
Having more closet space?
Having the free time to dream and imagine?
Meeting a famous person you’ve always admired?
Having the financial resources to contribute to people and causes you love?
Having a personal trainer?
Getting and staying on track with your diet?
Having a lean toned body?
Learning what you’ve always wanted to learn?
Going to school to get a degree?
Being the best when you do your favorite activities?
Doing the things you’ve always wanted to do but haven’t done?
Whatever it is for you, you can have it!
Maybe this is hard for you to believe because you aren’t satisfied with the life you’re living today. Well, your present circumstances don’t determine your future. We have plenty of examples to show us that this isn’t true.
Think of where these people started in life and how they’ve ended up: Bill Gates, Stevie Wonder, Helen Keller, Steve Jobs, Oprah Winfrey, Eckhart Tolle, Anthony Robbins, Steven Speilberg, Julia Roberts, Colonel Sanders, Abraham Lincoln, Martin Luther King Jr., Ghandi (the obvious choices), most professional athletes, most professional musicians and so many others.
They all started out as babies with nothing but personal passion to fuel them on to creating wonderful lives. They all took different roads to climb their individual mountains of success, but they all got there by being focused and by taking action consistently.
Every successful person you have ever known or heard of has had help to create effective results in their lives. They all got where they wanted to go in life. It just took some support. Olympic athletes, businessmen and women, parents, students, salespeople, writers, artists ÷ anyone can have what they want.
If you don’t have enough belief in yourself or you don’t have enough support from those around you, then having a coach or mentor can make the difference for you. Working with a qualified coach can support you in succeeding the simple way instead of trying to re-invent the wheel to get results the hard way.
If you’d like more inspiration and direction in becoming a champion visit www.AngryEnoughToChange.com.
An ancient Chinese proverb says, “If we don’t change where we’re going we’ll probably end up there.” Do you want to end up where you’re headed right now?
Think about what it would look like for you to be a champion in your life. Take action in that direction, no matter how small, to start creating it today.
As simple as it sounds, just taking one small step in this direction can lead you to the life you really want. Every destination you’ve arrived at started with one step whether it was in the right or wrong direction.
If you ever look at your life and think, “How did I get here and how do I get out?” then this simple step may open the door to the path you’re looking for.
About The Author
Sopan Greene, M.A.
http://www.AngryEnoughToChange.com
ARE YOU SICK AND TIRED OF BEING SICK AND TIRED YET?
Grab your FREE e-mail course: “How To Get Angry Enough to Change??!” along with 2 FREE eBooks: “Angry Enough to Change??: 8 True Stories About Real People” and “The Angry Enough to Change?? Quiz” mailto:webmaster87-41205@autocontactor.com
The Benefits Of Drinking Herbal Teas
July 30, 2006
Herbal teas have long been known to have medicinal benefits as well as being tasty to drink! Some of my favorite teas are chamomile tea, jasmine tea and ginger tea. Each of these has a distinctive taste as well as health benefit.
Chamomile tea is a favorite herbal tea that many use if they have trouble sleeping. It has natural sedative, antiinflamatory and antispasmodic properties so is also good for cramps. Due to it’s calming benefits it is often used to help relieve anxiety. It is rich in essential oil and can help the digestive system function properly. Chamomile is also very good for your skin and you can wet a cloth in the tea and use it as a skin cleanser or compress.
Jasmine tea is a combination of green tea leaves and jasmine flowers. It has a lovely jasmine scent and flabor with all the wonderful antioxidant properties of the green tea. Jasmine tea has long been used for it’s relaxing and warming qualities and is also soothing to the digestive system. This tea also may help lower cholesterol according to recent studies and may even help with longevity.
Ginger tea has powerful medicinal properties. It is reputed to be a aphrodisiac and can help freshen your breath! It has anti fungal and anti spasmodic properties and can help sooth stomach upset by neutralizing acids and aiding digestion. Ginger is also reputed to help relieve nausea, motion sickness, dizziness, flatulence and even help to ease muscle pain.
To properly make herbal tea, use 1 tea bag per person or, if you are making it from the dried herbs, use 1 teaspoon of the herb. Add boiling water to the herb mixture and let sit for 5 minutes. Don’t let it sit for too long or it will start to taste bitter. Don’t drink it too soon or the herb won’t have imparted it’s flavor into the water enough. Typically herbal teas are taken "black" but you could add a little milk or some sugar or honey to taste if you like.
Lee Dobbins is owner and editor of Vitamin and Herb Guide For Natural Care and Healing where you can find out more about the healing benefits of herbs.
Gardening For Birds
July 30, 2006
What a cruel trick the weather is playing on us.
WE HAVE SNOW ! ! !
A bit depressing for us outdoor types.
Yet, what better time to cheer myself up by writing to you.
Karen is in the kitchen right now.
Pookie (Putta) is leaning on me while I give him some attention.
Who knows where the cats are.
Yolonda is in her room folding cloths for her mom.
The feeders are busier right now with the nasty weather, too bad the windowsare closed again.
Some good news for me…………. my mom is back in her apartment aftera few weeks in the hospital and therapy.
I’m a mama’s boy so that was a bit taxing on me.
Last week I told you about the yard where I grew up.
My dad passed away 20 years ago, but my mom kept the “Ole Homestead”for another 15 years.
With her kids busy raising families of their own, the yard didn’t receive a lotof attention. Yet, the yard and wildlife flourished.
Mom added a humming bird garden off the back patio and would sit out thereon milder days and summer evenings and watch her little jewels.
Her birds would hardly flinch when we moved.
When filling her feeders, as soon as I turned my back the birds would show as fast as they left.
A small wooded area sat about 75 yards from our house. I believe the yardbecame an extension of the woods. As things grew, so did the collection of birds and wildlife.
HOW TO DOUBLE THE NUMBER OF BIRDS COMING TO YOUR YARD
Remember, where you live makes a difference in what you can plant and thevarieties of birds you will attract.
However, planting for birds will double the number of birds coming to your yard.
Here is a small list of trees for birds: Attracting Birds: Trees
Native trees work best, though not a total requirement. Some introduced specimens have been around long enough that plants and birds have adapted.
Look for trees that are zone hardy where you live.
Here is a zone map from USDA for North America:National Arboretum - USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map
If you need some help, talk to your local garden center or better yet - a Certified Nurseryman in your area.
Speak with a professional who can assist in planting guidelines and requirements; such as sun or shade, will a tree tolerate wet feet.
What about fertilizer?
LET’S TAKE A WALK!
It’s a nice day today, how about you and I go for a walk in a local park witha wooded area or find us an Arboretum.
Do you notice the canopies of the trees?
Do you see the brakes in the shaded areas?
The lower growing trees and shrubs.
Do you see the varieties of ground cover and under brush?
The wild flowers in bloom today are food tomorrow.
Can you hear the birds singing in the trees?
Did you notice the chickadee following us as we went down the trail?
I enjoyed this walk with you.
Let’s do this again a few more times. Every couple of months just to see whatnature is offering the birds.
WHAT IS NEXT
Remember, now, to start with what you have.
Make your current trees and shrubs a focal point for now.
Backyard habitats take time and are years in the making.
Do what your budget, time, and body will allow.
This is a very important point, so let me say it again here:
"Do what your budget, time, and body will allow."
You’ll experience the most joy backyard birding if you use this approach.
Also, look for sales.
Do any of your friends have snips of bushes you could root?
How about a family member or friend that has a few extra trees growing in a field?
Ask if you could dig some up.
Explain what you plan to do.
Remember, it is illegal to dig up any wild trees or flowers on public or private land without permission first.
Make a list of what you have and don’t have.
Make another list of what you would like to plant for your new birdscape.
You might even mention to your neighbors what you plan on doing and dare suggest it become a neighborhood event.
I get excited talking to you about birds and nature.
Wouldn’t it be nice to give back what we get from our surroundings?
Until next time my friend.
Have a blessed week and always SMILE.
Ron
http://www.backyardbirdingtips.com/
Ronald Patterson is an avid backyard birder, going back 40plus years. Ron and his wife Karen owned a wildbird specialty store through much of the 90’s and through 2001. Ron is also a Michigan Certified Nurseryman. This aids in giving expert advice on birds and what to plant to attract wildbirds to your yard.
Ron’s newsletter:
Backyard Birding Tips
http://www.backyardbirdingtips.com/ is a FREE weekly publication
Eczema: Getting the Facts
July 30, 2006
People from all walks of life and all ages live with eczema; however, it typically appears in infants. Also called contact dermatitis, eczema is actually a group of skin conditions. Although it may sometimes look like a contagious condition, eczema is not contagious.
Symptoms related to eczema depend on the causes and severity of the form of eczema. A person with mild eczema has dry, hot, and itchy skin. Severe eczema causes the skin to crack, bleed, and often takes a long time to heal. Inflammation in the area is common depending on the type of eczema.
Type of eczema
More information
Atopic eczema
- Most common form of eczema; affects children and adults.Symptoms include:
- extreme itchiness
- dryness of the skin
- redness
- inflammation
Irritant contact dermatitis
- Occurs when skin becomes irritated by detergents and other chemicals (e.g. perfumes, soaps, bubble bath powder and more).
Varicose eczema
- Affects skin on the lower legs and is caused by poor circulation of blood.
Allergic contact dermatitis
- Body’s immune system attacks a substance in the skin.
- Symptoms are similar to those listed for atopic eczema.
Infantile seborrhoeic eczema
- Found on infants under one year old.
- Often looks unpleasant but does not affect the infant’s comfort and may appear on the scalp or bottom.
Discoid eczema
- Typically associated with adults.
- Found on upper body and lower legs.
Dealing with eczema
In order to deal with eczema, you need to figure out what type of eczema you have. A doctor can help a person living with eczema or someone caring for a child with eczema manage the condition.
Diagnosis of eczema is not simple. A doctor must look at the person’s medical history, when they first recognized the condition and what triggers the condition. Some people with atopic dermatitis have allergies and may need allergy testing, especially if treatment with medication is not working.
Reducing the number and frequency of outbreaks is the goal of any eczema treatment. To reach this goal, a person living with eczema may need to:
- make certain lifestyle changes (e.g. avoid certain irritating products)
- use medication to control the outbreaks
- kidneys
- follow a regular skin care routine
Lifestyle changes are often useful in reducing and preventing the symptoms of eczema. However, some of these lifestyle changes work for some people and not others. Some changes to consider include:
- wearing cotton clothing and using cotton bedding to reduce the itchiness associated with the condition. Synthetic fibres don’t allow the skin to breathe and wool can irritate the skin.
- using biological laundry detergents, also avoid using fabric softeners. Synthetic laundry detergents, and fabric softeners may increase itchiness and cause a person to scratch more often. As a result, not using them may help reduce the skin’s itchiness.
- vacuuming, dusting, and changing bedding regularly. This is extremely important because it reduces the number of house dust mites and the droppings from dust mites that are found in bedding, mattresses, curtains, and carpets.
- possible changes to the foods you eat. Even though the link between diet and eczema is not conclusive, making changes to certain foods consumed in some severe cases of eczema, especially in babies and young children seems beneficial. Always ask your doctor before making dietary changes to ensure the foods eaten will include all necessary nutrients for growth and development.
Common treatments for people with eczema require moisturization of the skin and use of medications, if necessary. Treatment is usually based on a person’s age, health, medical history as well as the type and severity of eczema. Possible treatments consist of:
- lotions and creams: These products are applied directly on the skin to keep in as much moisture as possible. Using organic lotions and creams may be a good alternative to non-organic moisturizers since the non-organic moisturizers contain synthetic chemicals that may cause an outbreak. Moisturizing the skin after showering helps lock in moisture.
- medications such as topical steroids, oral steroids, and topical immunomodulators: Prescription and non-prescription corticosteroids come in the form of creams and ointments that can be applied to the skin. Prescription corticosteroids are more potent than non-prescription ointments but both have potential side effects, especially if used for long periods of time. Oral steroids are usually prescribed for severe outbreaks. Topical immunomodulators do not contain steroids and are available by prescription to treat atopic eczema.
Other tips that may help people with eczema improve the skin’s condition include:
- keeping nails short
- avoiding sudden changes in temperatures (e.g. going from cold environments to hot environments)
- relaxing to reduce stress
References:
- www.skincarephysicians.com/eczemanet/whatis.aspl
- www.eczema.org
- www.skincarephysicians.com/eczemanet/treatment.aspl
- www.skincarephysicians.com/eczemanet/preventing.aspl
- http://www.naturalmake-up.ca
Lori Stryker has been researching and developing all natural skin care and make-up for the purpose of offering men and women safe, natural cosmetics for everyday use. She brings to her research a specialist in human biology from the University of Toronto, coupled with a professional home economics degree and an education degree from the University of British Columbia, fusing chemical and biological knowledge with food, family and textile sciences.
You may use this article but any modification or publication of this article for fiancial gain must be approved of by the author. The author’s name, Lori Stryker and her company’s name, The Organic Make-up Company, needs to by noted when used.
