tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-64085365357441350732024-03-08T02:46:37.621-08:00Health And Fitness Success "Ben"Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14087441173870769813noreply@blogger.comBlogger11125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6408536535744135073.post-7781749828478018792012-11-05T22:37:00.000-08:002012-11-11T22:38:04.873-08:00White Contact Lenses<div id="article-content" style="text-align: justify;">
Contact lenses come in a variety of colors and effects these
days. These include basic white contact lenses. Courtesy of the fact
that many of these lenses are now created for cosmetic purposes, with a
power of 0.00, basic white contact lenses can be made available for all,
not just those with poor eyesight.<br />
One
must wonder of course, how basic white contact lenses could affect poor
vision, and the answer is that they couldn't of course.<br />
However, at a party, the effect of pure white in one's eyes could be very striking, if not a little bit scary .....<br />
In
a dramatic sense, theatrical contact lenses are used to help portray
specific characters, or idiosyncrasies that these characters may
possess. If a character were blind, then having basic white contact
lenses could have a significant effect on the portrayal of that
character. Having said that, basic white contact lenses will have a
'pupil hole' which would show up as a black dot in the eye. Without this
hole, you wouldn't be able to see anything of course.<br />
Taking this
theme a bit further, it is possible to get other color lenses which
give an 'all out' effect. By this I mean which are made of a solid
color, with only the pupil hole showing. These solid color lenses are
available in colors such as silver, black, red, yellow and violet. Again
the effects of these types of lenses would be considered theatrical in
nature, or perhaps used to add an effect for a night out.<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14087441173870769813noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6408536535744135073.post-42728223582357703132012-10-22T22:36:00.000-07:002012-11-11T22:36:57.095-08:00The Best Scary Contact Lenses<div id="article-content" style="text-align: justify;">
Technology works wonders in all areas of life, and contact lenses
are no exception. With the increased technology, and the popularity of
colored lenses, a new trend has developed with scary contact lenses.<br />
These
lenses have been around for awhile and were basically used in movies,
plays and other theatrical endeavors. The popularity and desire for
these lenses began to increase and the contact lens industry responded
with a huge selection of scary contact lenses for anybody with a
prescription and also for those without.<br />
These lenses are
wonderful for individuals who really enjoy getting into complete costume
for Halloween, costume parties or simply enjoy being eccentric and
having scary contact lenses.<br />
The best scariest contact lenses
really depend on your sense of scary and style. The selection of scary
lenses runs from the mild to the extreme. These lenses come in blood
red, cat eye, hourglass, stitches, tempest, demon, mummy, berserker and
other scary styles. You can even get a lens that is completely white.<br />
The
total blackout lens that makes the entire eye white is one of the
scariest lenses because it is incredibly freaky and disconcerting for
all who see the person wearing them. It looks like the person is walking
dead or something scarier.<br />
The Banshee style contact is another
incredibly scary lens, and in my opinion the scariest. The colored part
of the lens is shaped like a cat eye. The black pupil is surrounded by
yellow flames which are encapsulated by blood red. These contacts will
scare everyone in your presence and will perhaps convince your friends
you have been taken over by an evil spirit. Fortunately, these contact
lenses are available on the Internet and do not require a prescription
or a visit to an optometrist. However, this might be a good idea
especially if you have never worn contact lenses before and don't know
the diameter of your eye. You don't want to buy a lens and then it not
fit, so consider visiting your optometrist before purchasing these scary
lenses.<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14087441173870769813noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6408536535744135073.post-41728499033258868912012-10-15T22:35:00.000-07:002012-11-11T22:36:03.600-08:00My Sharper Image Ionic Breeze Air Purifier<div id="article-content" style="text-align: right;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
In a word - this air purifier is great. I bought one and let me
tell you about it. I needed an air purifier for allergies. Too much
dust and all the trees and plants in bloom it was causing quite a stir
in the air. I borrowed an air purification unit from my mom. I'll just
leave this brand name out of it, but it was a HEPA filter type unit
with a fan and such. It was large and round in shape. First thing when
I turned it on was it smelled like my mom's house. So, I needed to buy
a new filter element and those dudes aren't cheap. Reluctantly, the
air filter went to the garage since I didn't want any further smells
entering my house.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I
purchased the Sharper Image Ionic Breeze off of Ebay. It was a
returned unit and I got it from Sharper Image. They sell returns or
refurbish units at significant savings. I was lucky to get this unit
shipped and everything for about $130. That is a savings, and I thought
if it really does work, then I'll buy a brand new one.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I got it
in and couldn't tell that anyone had used it or anything. It looked
like brand new. I plugged it in and turned it on. Nothing happened.
No noise. Then I felt the breeze blowing from the front. Here I want
to take the thing apart to find the fan. But there isn't a fan in there
at all. The way it charges the collector plates causes air to flow
through the unit. It really is remarkable just for the fact that it can
get the air to stir silently. And they say silent, and I'm here to
tell you the unit is silent.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
So I let it run a few days and sure
enough, it has collected dust on the collectors. It really does work. I
can tell the air is charged or something. Maybe its just because its
clean now. I keep mine in a high traffic area and I don't notice the
unit at all. So here's the big test. I have some gerbils. They don't
stink, but their bedding is a little aromatic and they do get to digging
and stirring up dust. I put the ionic breeze by their cage. I wanted
to see what it could do. No smell from the cage. I kid you not.
Nothing. I shut it off and then I started to smell the gerbils. It is
truly amazing.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
When the collectors start to get full, I notice it
makes a little zit noise. I take the fins and rinse them. They say to
use a damp cloth, but I run them under the faucet and let them dry good
before re-inserting them. This is one of the best purchases I have ever
made and I see it as being something I have in my house for years. I
put some pictures of it on my website.</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14087441173870769813noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6408536535744135073.post-10356590810838813692012-10-08T22:34:00.000-07:002012-11-11T22:35:10.000-08:00Could You Answer These 15 Questions<div id="article-content" style="text-align: justify;">
More than 106 million American adults have a blood cholesterol
level high enough to require medical advice. High cholesterol claims
thousands of lives every year and the really sad thing is that it’s
treatable as long as you don’t ignore it.<br />
The
chances of you not having this condition are slim to none ... most
Americans do have cholesterol, it’s a natural part of our physical
makeup. Like everything in nature, it only becomes a problem when there
is an imbalance.<br />
The 15 questions that most people ask about cholesterol are:<br />
# 1 - What is cholesterol?<br />
# 2 - How does it affect my health?<br />
# 3 - How do I know if I’m at risk?<br />
# 4 - Is there a test that will tell me if I have it?<br />
# 5 - How does it affect my lifestyle?<br />
# 6 - What are my LDL and HDL levels?<br />
# 7 - Will I need medication?<br />
# 8 - Is it affected by diet?<br />
# 9 - What can I eat?<br />
#10 - Will it go away with exercise?<br />
#11 - Should I take supplements?<br />
#12 - Is it possible to get rid of it?<br />
#13 - What are some of the treatment options?<br />
#14 - When is medication necessary?<br />
#15 - Are natural treatments effective?<br />
Do you know the warning signs for high cholesterol?<br />
Are you aware of your LDL and HDL levels … do you even know what they mean?<br />
If
you don’t know the answers to these questions and how to lower your
cholesterol, you owe it to your family and yourself to find out. You can
find the answers to all these questions in an outstanding book titled
"Lowering Your Cholesterol
[http://www.lifestyle-health-news.com/downloads_cholesterol/cholesterol_sales.html].
Now is the time to take control of your cholesterol and your life.<br />
Sadly, thousands of men and women ignore the warning signs until it’s too late!<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14087441173870769813noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6408536535744135073.post-72722971100766793492012-10-01T22:33:00.000-07:002012-11-11T22:34:15.551-08:00Ruin Your Summer Fun<div id="article-content" style="text-align: justify;">
I love summer! Summer is my favorite season of the year. I love
playing sports outside and walking on the beach. I especially enjoy
being at an outdoor barbecue. Maybe you enjoy summer activities as
well. Imagine with me for a moment being at an outdoor barbecue. Just a
little distance away from you there's a swimming pool full of kids who
are having fun playing, laughing and splashing in the water. In another
spot there might be a horseshoe game playing. You can hear the "clank"
of the horseshoes hitting the posts as the players are trying to get a
ringer. And of course there's the barbecue grill. On the grill might
be hamburgers and hot dogs, chicken or steaks. The only thing better
than the smell coming from the grill is the taste of the food when it's
time to eat. Can you just imagine the fun that you will have this
summer?<br />
Now
fast forward with me a few hours. You are at home and your skin is
starting to itch. Just before bedtime you're taking your shirt or
blouse off to get into your bed clothes and just the material rubbing up
against your skin is painful. When you do go to bed that evening you
toss and turn trying to get into a position that isn't painful so that
you can go to sleep. However, you spend hours awake only thinking about
the pain that your body is experiencing instead of the tremendous fun
you had that day. What is the reason for this itching and pain? You
have probably guessed it. You have a sunburn!<br />
Fortunately you can
do something about it before it happens. The U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency has provided us with some steps that we can take to
help reduce our chance of having to deal with sun damage. These seven
simple action steps are as follows:<br />
1. Limit Time in the Midday
Sun - The sun's rays are strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Whenever
possible, limit exposure to the sun during these hours.<br />
2. Wear a
Hat - A hat with a wide brim offers good sun protection to your eyes,
ears, face, and the back of your neck - areas particularly prone to
overexposure to the sun.<br />
3. Cover Up - Wearing tightly woven,
loose-fitting, and full-length clothing is a good way to protect your
skin from the sun's UV rays.<br />
4. Wear Sunglasses that Block 99-100%
of UV Radiation -Sunglasses that provide 99-100% UVA and UVB protection
will greatly reduce sun exposure that can lead to cataracts and other
eye damage. Check the label when buying sunglasses.<br />
5. Always Use
Sunscreen - Apply a broad spectrum sunscreen with a Sun Protection
Factor (SPF) of at least 15 or higher liberally on exposed skin. Reapply
every 2 hours, or after working, swimming, playing, or exercising
outdoors. Even waterproof sunscreen can come off when you towel off,
sweat, or spend extended periods of time in the water.<br />
6. Avoid
Sunlamps and Tanning Parlors - The light source from sunbeds and
sunlamps damages the skin and unprotected eyes. It's a good idea to
avoid artificial sources of UV light.<br />
7. Watch for the UV Index -
The UV Index provides important information to help you plan your
outdoor activities in ways that prevent overexposure to the sun.
Developed by the National Weather Service (NWS) and EPA, the UV Index is
issued daily in selected cities across the United States.<br />
Why am I
telling you about these simple action steps that can help protect you
from the sun? I want you to have fun this summer. I want you to have fun
this summer under the sun.<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14087441173870769813noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6408536535744135073.post-77780142385273732192012-09-24T22:33:00.000-07:002012-11-11T22:33:30.026-08:00Four Powerful Keys To Healing<div style="text-align: justify;">
Here is a simple process to become pro-active with your health.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Many
people with an illness waste a lot of time on future events that have
not or will not happen. A future event is anything not in the NOW. For
example: I might not feel like going out tonight because I am might be
tired (notice the words-might be tired).</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I had a friend that was
HIV (diagnosed with AIDs) and every statement he made was like this:
"Let's go to the beach today because I might be dead tomorrow."</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Starting
today be aware of your words because they have power. Here is an easy
technique to focus on all the good in your life and NOT on what may or
may not happen in the future.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Write this format on a piece of paper:</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Statement</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Pro</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Con</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Turnaround</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Action</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Example One</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Statement</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I am always in pain.
<br />Pro</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I have friends that always sympathize with me and I get attention.
<br />Con</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I wish I could spend more time with my grandchildren.
<br />Turnaround</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I felt great this morning.
<br />(NOTICE: I did not say, "I was pain-free in the morning" because that would still be focusing on the pain.)
<br />Action</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Pick-up the phone and say Hi to your grandchildren. Ask
them how THEY ARE---focus on the good and positive of other people. DO
NOT talk about how much pain you were in before.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
In addition after
you have worked with one statement you can also take a sentence from
your PRO or CON list and apply it to this format. Pick the ones that
have the most "charge" or emotions attached to them.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Example Two</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Statement</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I have friends that always sympathize with me and I get attention.
<br />Pro</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I feel like I am needed.
<br />Con</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I feel useless.
<br />Turnaround</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I get attention by listening to other people.
<br />(This is NOT about having a pity party and sharing negative stories.
Focus on the good and positive aspects of the day. Take action and
direct the conversation to a place of joy.)
<br />Action</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I do things that are helpful around the house.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
This
simple process is easy to do and it works. The best way to starting
using this process is today. Be aware of what you are saying and then
immediately write it down.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
To help you stay in the moment say, "I am healthy whole and complete and I love myself for who I am right here, right now."</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Remember,
be pro-active with your health and keep all conversations positive.
Make a sign that says, "No Whining Allowed" to remind you of your
commitment to health. People will notice you have changed. Focus on the
good in your life and the beauty around you. Soon you will be feeling
better, doing more and living a more fulfilling life.</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14087441173870769813noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6408536535744135073.post-2262304781955394342012-09-10T22:32:00.000-07:002012-11-11T22:32:40.206-08:00Contact Lens Thermal Cleaner<div id="article-content" style="text-align: justify;">
Hand washing contact lenses is not the only way to go. You can
use a contact lens thermal cleaner to achieve the same effect. Or at
least to do part of the job. You should still use a cleaner to remove
dirt and protein deposits from your contacts, and you must rinse them
thoroughly afterwards, but a thermal unit can be used to disinfect the
lenses afterwards.<br />
The procedure for cleaning your lenses using a contact lens thermal cleaner is as follows.<br />
1. Clean your hand thoroughly with a non perfumed soap, before removing your lenses.<br />
2.
Remove one lens at a time and put it in the palm of your hand, so that
the rounded part that actually covers your eye is facing upwards. Pour a
few drops of your cleaner over the lens, and using one finger, rub the
lens gently.<br />
3. Rinse the lens thoroughly using your saline rinsing solution.<br />
4.
Fill your lens case with the recommended solution. Put the lens in its
case, and repeat these steps with the other lens. Screw the caps on and
put the case into the heating unit. Plug in the unit, and then switch
it on.<br />
5. Read the thermal cleaner's instructions, regarding how
long you should allow it to heat in order to disinfect the lenses, and
also how long it needs to cool down before you can remove the lenses.
Once this procedure has been followed, you can put your lenses in your
eyes.<br />
6. Rinse the case thoroughly with water, and allow it to
dry. Be careful that you do not use dirty or oily cloths to dry the
case, because some of this matter could end up in your eyes.<br />
Remember
that the thermal cleaner is just a tool to use, and that you should
continue to take care and responsibility for your lenses.<br />
</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14087441173870769813noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6408536535744135073.post-63575532828773166222012-09-03T22:31:00.000-07:002012-11-11T22:31:36.128-08:00Adjustable Dumbells Are Part Of Any Balanced Fitness plan<div style="text-align: justify;">
Dumbbell exercise is a key component of every balanced
<br />exercise and fitness regime. Finding the right dumbbells
<br />for your own specific fitness program is important and that
<br />is why adjustable dumbbells are ideal.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Adjustable dumbbells allow you to save space and time
<br />during weight training sessions meaning that you can
<br />purchase a set for your own personal dumbbell exercizes at
<br />home or you can find a set at the gym and use those.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Adjustable dumbbells are even more desirable because you
<br />don't have to purchase a large set of dumbbells in order to
<br />change weight increments so your weights can change as your
<br />increase your strength.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
With adjustable dumbbells you can adjust the dumbbells in
<br />five pound increments to increase or decrease the weight
<br />according to the dumbbell workouts you need to do.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
To make the increase or decrease in the dumbbell weights
<br />for your dumbbell workout, you merely need to turn a dial
<br />that is situated on the side of the dumbbells.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
In order to add or release weight plates in adjustable
<br />dumbbells in the correct way, you should position the bar
<br />and weight plates in the tray where you can then position
<br />the dial to the contoured end of the tray.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
This ensures that you are changing the weights safely and
<br />effectively so when you are actually using the dumbbells,
<br />you are able to turn the dial counter-clockwise to release
<br />weights and clockwise to increase weights during your
<br />workout.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
This is ideal because it means that you can adjust your
<br />workout according to what kind of challenge level you are
<br />looking for in your workout. The real benefit comes with
<br />the fact that you can change these dumbbells every day if
<br />you want to.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Adjustable dumbbells are widely available for purchase from
<br />fitness stores in your local area or from online catalogs
<br />over the Internet. Online companies and fitness stores that
<br />have their own website will quite often offer fitness
<br />equipment at well below retail.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Sometimes you can even have your dumbbell system sent
<br />directly to your home with free shipping, depending on how
<br />much you spend.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Two of the best brands of adjustable dumbbells are ProBell
<br />and Hex. ProBell offers a dumbbell system that sits on a
<br />high-impact nylon storage tray. Its plates are zinc dye
<br />cast and are coated to deliver long term durability. Hex
<br />dumbbells are also made from high quality iron casting that
<br />is very durable over time.</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14087441173870769813noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6408536535744135073.post-44067565920575397522012-08-27T22:30:00.000-07:002012-11-11T22:30:45.680-08:009 Simple Ways to Keep Your Eyes Healthy<div style="text-align: justify;">
Do you eyes feel tired and sore by the end of the day? Modern life
puts a lot of stress on our bodies and eyes are among the first things
to suffer. But it doesn't have to be this way. Learn simple things you
can do for your eye health and your eyes will feel and look much better
in only a few days.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Have your eyes checked every 12 month</b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Uncorrected
vision problems can progress, and wearing corrective contact lenses or
glasses that are no longer right for you can cause vision problems and
severe headaches.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
If your contacts don't feel right in your eyes,
it is probably time to visit an eye doctor, even if it hasn't been a
year since your last visit.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Go for the best quality contact lenses</b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Not all contact lenses are equal. Some are safe for you, while others put you at risk of damaging your eyes.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
See reviews of quality contact lenses.
Knowing what the modern contact lens industry has to offer will help
you make an educated choice, not just blindly follow what your doctor
says.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>In summer, always wear sunglasses</b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
It is proven
that UV rays can seriously damage your eyes, but good sunglasses can
prevent this damage. When buying sunglasses, make sure that they block
at least 98% of UV radiation. Contrary to popular belief, light
sunglasses can block UV as well as very dark ones, even though dark
glasses usually offer more protection against bright sunlight.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
By
the way, did you know that you need sunglasses on cloudy days as well?
Clouds might provide shade, but they are no barrier for UV light. Clouds
are basically water, and water is UV-transparent.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Finally,
remember that you would need sunglasses even if your contact lenses
offer UV protection. Even a very high quality lens can only protect the
area it covers, but the entire surface of your eye needs protection.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Eat what is good for you and your eyes</b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The
good news is that there are no foods that would be harmful for your
eyes. Most foods don't affect your eyesight at all, although the right
vitamins and minerals are helpful. Recent studies have shown that
vitamins of the antioxidant group can prevent, or at least slow down,
age-related conditions like macular degeneration and the development of
cataracts. So a healthy diet won't restore eyesight that is already
lost, but it can definitely slow down the process of the disease, or
prevent one from starting.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Vitamins C, A and E, folic acid,
selenium and zinc are definitely beneficial for the health of your eyes.
The effects of the other vitamins and minerals aren't determined yet,
but it seems likely that they affect your eyesight as well.
Thousand-page books have been written on the topic of nutrition for eye
health but, to summarize, it is known that whatever is good for your
body is good for your eyes, too. So put a carrot and a bunch of grapes
into your lunch box.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>When you read or work on the computer make sure that the light is right</b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
It is a common knowledge that working with poor light can cause eyestrain, but light that is too bright can do as much damage.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Keep
your blinds down on sunny days and switch off half of the household
lights, if possible. The best lighting for working on the computer is a
soft desk light, coming from the side. Also, you can try decreasing the
brightness of your monitor. The colors won't be so vivid, but your eyes
will feel much better by the end of the day</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Give your eyes a health break</b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The
great invention of the 20th century - computers - is not so great from
the point of view of health. Almost everybody feels discomfort in their
eyes after peering at a computer screen all day long. This is because
people blink about 25% less often then usual, while working at the
computer, which causes eye dryness.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I won't advise you to blink
more often - it is almost impossible to control natural reflexes. One
thing you can do, though, is close your eyes and count to 5 before
opening them, whenever your computer decides to take its sweet time
doing something. Another thing is to look away from the screen and focus
on some faraway object, as often as possible. If you train yourself
into the habit, your eyes should feel much better at the end of your
working day.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>If you wear contact lenses, take proper care of them</b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Contact
lenses don't require a lot or fuss, but you can't neglect their
cleanliness. Every time you put your lenses in or take them out, rinse
them. You should also take care to change the solution, when you are
putting your lenses to rest for the night.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Wear your contact lenses to the recommended schedule</b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Daily
disposable lenses should be replaced daily, two weeks replacement
lenses should be replaced every two weeks, and so on. Some people try to
save money by wearing their lenses for much longer than is intended.
This isn't a good idea. Even though the quality of the lens itself might
not decline, protein build-up will make your vision less clear. Another
thing to consider is that the longer you wear your lenses, the higher
is your risk of eye infections.</div>
<div style="overflow: hidden; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14087441173870769813noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6408536535744135073.post-40585070379222139032012-08-13T22:29:00.000-07:002012-11-11T22:29:38.500-08:00Who Has Had First Hand Experience With Mental Health Treatment<div id="article-content" style="text-align: justify;">
Today, Norm Goldman, Editor of Bookpleasures.com welcomes as a guest,
<br />Sheryl J. Stevens, Author of Operation Soul Recovery (From Default To Purpose).<br />
Good day Sheryl and thank you for agreeing to participate in our interview.<br />
Norm:<br />
Sheryl,
could you tell our readers something about yourself and what motivated
you to write Operation Soul Recovery (From Default To Purpose)?<br />
Sheryl:<br />
Throughout my life I've been faced with mental illness at many different levels, involving my parents and other family members.
<br />While never discussed, their quiet desperation kept inside was at
times apparent, even though outwardly, they were able to lead honorable,
hard-working lives.<br />
The stable nurturing environment of the whole
community seemed to overrule anything bad or unpleasant. Consequently,
my childhood was one of contentment, until I left that part of my life.
Afterwards, I also struggled with anxiety and depression, seeking help
from many sources, though failed to find it.
<br />There was no choice, other than learning to live with the conflicts, and expand my knowledge of the disorders.<br />
When
my youngest daughter was 14, her battle with depression began. It
manifested first as bulimia, then escalating to other addictions and
destructive behaviours, including numerous suicide attempts.<br />
Over a
period of 20 years, she likewise sought help from all that was
available--countless in-patient and out-patient treatments,
anti-depressants, counselling, 12-step programs, religious experiences,
without any lasting results.<br />
During Kelly's struggle, my desire to
understand the baffling power of addiction and mental illness
intensified. Pain, in many forms, became the driving force to continue,
which led to realizing that my daughter was far from an isolated case
in the failure to find effective treatment. In fact, millions are
struggling within the hopelessness of the 'systems' with no end in
sight.<br />
At one point in the process, I witnessed an extra-ordinary
Vision. It was filled with many of my own learning experiences,
including a number of parallels to the gentle farm community. I
immediately realized, along with wisdom far beyond my awareness that it
all clearly came into focus. Amazing, yet basic, it was a phenomenon
that I knew for certain could heal the hearts and minds of desperate
people everywhere.<br />
Although, the difficulty was putting the
picture into words in order that others would understand, I felt
compelled to find a way to describe it. I finally succeeded.
Thereafter, the Vision became the central motivation to write the book.<br />
Norm:<br />
What challenges or obstacles did you encounter while writing your book?<br />
Sheryl:<br />
Gathering
my thoughts is often a challenge in itself, even though writing has
always been my best means of expression. In this case the subject
matter was at times very emotionally draining, trying to find words that
best described the various ideas I felt were important.<br />
The
biggest obstacle I faced was fear that the book would be rejected. What
I've noticed throughout my journey is that most people are afraid to
even think "outside the box", even though some of the best things in
life are beyond all rigid confinements. And this book is definitely
outside the box.<br />
Most of it was actually written before September
11th but I allowed the fear of failure to keep me from finishing it
until that jolting moment, which became my resolve to complete the book.
I realized that I'd lived way too much of my life trying to please
people, as though the crumbs of love were better than none at all. But
it hadn't worked well. I knew it was time to face the fear and write
straight from the heart.<br />
Norm:<br />
How do you plan to market your book and is there a particular audience you wish to target?<br />
Sheryl:<br />
So
far I've been playing it by ear, sending press releases through
distribution services, as well as using them as promotional material I
send personally or email to other potential sources and individuals.<br />
One
of my next projects will be emailing a letter along with the latest
news release (April 21) to 40+ members of Congress to find out what
their response or level of support might be, if any.<br />
Obtaining
reviews is another quest. I've now received several with 5-star
ratings, which is very encouraging. The book is also entered in 3
different categories with Nautilus Book Awards 2005 in New York on June
2.<br />
I recently ordered John Kremer's book 1001 Ways to Market Your Books. I'm new at this and need all the good advice I can get.<br />
To
classify the audience is a bit difficult--perhaps Mental Health
professionals, Religious/Spiritual leaders and followers, Non-profit
Organizations.<br />
But most of all Dreamers, Visionaries, those who
think big, fearless of challenges, and are passionate about changing our
troubled world. The question is, where do you find them? I might add
that Operation Soul Recovery is also in the process of being established
as a non-profit organization.<br />
Norm:<br />
I once asked a relative
of mine, who is a Psychiatrist, what in his estimate has been the
biggest advancement in the treatment of mental illness? His reply was
the invention of the tranquillizer. Would you care to comment?<br />
Sheryl:<br />
Personally,
I've tried many anti-anxiety and anti-depressants over the years, but
found the side effects to be much worse than dealing with the negative
feelings without medication.
<br />I have also watched my daughter, under doctors' care and
prescription go through horrific experiences while on certain
medications.
<br />However presently she is on 6 different kinds, which altogether
appear to be somewhat helpful. Although over time, one or more of them
lose their effect, then its back to square one again trying to find
balance.<br />
I acknowledge that some people do benefit from certain
drug therapies; however there seem to be more who do not, or at least
don't find lasting success. I am most concerned about the extreme
cases, for example Andrea Yates who killed her five children, or
Christopher Pittman, the 12-year old who killed his grandparents. They
were both afflicted with mental disorders, though the crimes they
committed were completely out of character for their personalities.
Also both of them were under the influence of anti-depressants for quite
some time before, and during the incidents.<br />
Who will ever know
what part the medications played in these tragedies, and countless
others we never hear about? Perhaps because the power of the drug
companies (and the rest of the system) will never let it be known?<br />
Another
consideration is that Americans are notorious for being an impatient,
pill-popping society. We want a quick fix for everything from headaches
to depression, not to mention the thousands of other advertisements
that promise to make our lives better. So we believe them, and buy
them, because we're also gullible. When it comes to mental and emotional
disorders it seems that the 'wonder drugs' in most cases, are simply
dealing with the symptoms and not the underlying causes.<br />
Furthermore,
if pills really were the magic cure, why is mental illness continually
rising to shocking levels, while the use of anti-depressants has tripled
in the past decade? Yet until there is a complete transformation in
the treatment of mind and spirit disorders, there will be those who
actually need them, and those who at least believe they have found
relief in them.<br />
Norm:<br />
Do you have any statistics as to the percentage of individuals in the USA who suffer from one kind or another of mental disease?<br />
Sheryl:<br />
According
to the National Mental Health Association, almost 20% of Americans
admittedly suffer from some form of mental illness.
<br />Indeed, mental illnesses are now more common than cancer, diabetes,
or heart disease. Due to the hidden nature of these diseases, one can
only imagine that to include those who are in denial, the percentage
would be considerably higher.<br />
Also the National Center for
Workforce Disability confirms that mental illness is fast becoming the
leading cause of disabilities. A recent NMHA women's survey revealed
that women found depression to be a greater obstacle to professional
success than other barriers such as child- and elder care
responsibilities, pregnancy and sexual harassment.
<br />Another NMHA survey stated that the U.S. loses $113 Billion annually
from untreated and mistreated mental illness. These are merely a few
of the grim statistics.<br />
Norm:<br />
What do you feel are the most pronounced shortcomings of the health system in the USA in the treatment of mental illness?<br />
Sheryl:<br />
I
think the core of the shortcomings in the system boils down to the lack
of money and resources available to obtain adequate treatment.<br />
The
vast majority of those suffering from addiction and/or mental illness
cannot afford the high cost of psychotherapy, medications, and the more
prominent treatment centers that have greater success rates.<br />
If
the people in need are fortunate enough to even have insurance, and many
do not, the insurance companies are largely unwilling to bear the
burden as they do in physical ailments, by refusal to recognize these
disorders with the seriousness they deserve.<br />
The next possibility
is to meet the criteria for public assistance, which automatically
excludes another huge group of people, whose options have suddenly
become none. So the remainder, who are in a sense rewarded for owning
nothing, are able to reap some benefit at the mercy of the state.<br />
The
problem there is that funding for these programs (treatment centers and
out-patient therapies) is continually being slashed and weakened by the
ignorance of political forces, until these remedial means have
significantly lost their effectiveness.<br />
Due to the enormous
overload of needy people and the understaffed, underpaid workers in
these facilities, the chances of getting the kind of treatment necessary
for successful recovery is utterly grim.<br />
Consequently, a great
number of those who fall into the latter category remain locked in the
system, unable to find the help they need, thus unable to move forward
with their lives. Seemingly unaware of the plight of the entire
situation, they continue going back to treatment many times over, only
too often to reinforce the ever-mounting failure syndrome, believing it
is their fault when it is most likely not.<br />
I have spoken with
mental health-care counsellors, since writing the book, who are in total
agreement with the evaluation of the 'system' as I see it, if not more
so. They are the ones who, on a daily basis, are faced with the
overwhelming misery of the people, and are very aware of the little time
they are able to give each individual. They feel as though their hands
are tied, while the burnout period for them also becomes shorter due to
the depressing situation.<br />
The whole system, as it is, seems like a
waste of everyone's time and money, along with the proof that 2nd rate
health-care or none at all is far more costly than 1st rate. Certainly
this is the case in the treatment of mental illness.<br />
Norm:<br />
What has been the reward to you in writing your book?<br />
Sheryl:<br />
The
greatest reward in writing the book was being able to create an
expression on a subject that has burned in my heart for decades, much
like putting together the many pieces of a puzzle.<br />
For so many
years, what seemed like millions of thoughts and feelings kept churning
around inside, to the point I was unsure they could ever be sorted out.<br />
Even
though the book reflects merely highlights of what I feel, it was
enough to relieve the pressure of trying to contain the passion.
Furthermore it wasn't the quantity of words on each concept that was
important to me, but that many ideas were brought to light. Until at
last I could comfortably say "I've done my best--the picture is
finished"! However challenging, the reward was immeasurable.<br />
Norm:<br />
Have you used the Internet in your research, and do you intend to use the Internet in promoting your book?<br />
Sheryl:<br />
Yes,
I do use the Internet for research, although my computer skills are
somewhat limited and I find the overwhelming amount of information to be
rather daunting at times.<br />
I often watch Larry King Live on CNN
and other talk shows such as Oprah that are relevant to my interests,
where I've obtained many excellent sources of information from various
guests. Most of them have web sites, which I usually refer to
afterwards.<br />
I also read a lot of books (or used to that is) and I
am an avid people watcher and listener. Learning is everywhere we turn
in this day and age. I now spend a great deal of time on the Internet
promoting my book in one way or another, always looking for new methods
and ideas.<br />
Norm:<br />
Are there any other ideas or thoughts you wish to share with our audience that you have not been covered?<br />
Sheryl:<br />
The
book is only the beginning of the reward I hope to see. Its objective
is not a self-help book of ideas to be implemented here and there; nor
is it meant to be just a story about my daughter, or about me and my
beliefs to draw empathy for either one of us; nor is it intended to
simply bash the many current attitudes and systems as a citizen's right
of freedom, to end there. Instead it is a straightforward call for
attention and action to an enormous problem with a hopeful solution.<br />
I
regard the key to healing mental illness as first of all getting back
to basics that consists of many factors including reconnection with the
inner-child where our finest resources lie. Without this foundation
there is nothing solid to build on.<br />
I was blessed in countless
ways for which I am most thankful, and chose to share a small portion of
them in the book. I also meant to point out that a safe and secure
childhood is no guarantee that we will live happily ever after. It
didn't happen to me, but it did remain a constant source of strength<br />
I
believe that sometimes God allows us to wander in the wilderness of
human suffering in order for a higher purpose to be accomplished. In
this case it doesn't matter who I am, only that "Any idea constantly
held before the mind MUST come into existence." Yet the Vision cannot
manifest into reality by its eyewitness alone, no matter how passionate.<br />
I
am well aware of my limitations, likewise strengths. It will take many
able, influential, visionaries, lots of prayers and careful
organization, and more than volunteers to empower the Plan into
existence. Would it be worth it? Absolutely! America needs this Place
desperately, ultimately in every locality. My hope and prayer is that
this small book will begin to ignite a forest fire that's unstoppable!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14087441173870769813noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6408536535744135073.post-51165750714919914292012-08-06T22:28:00.000-07:002012-11-11T22:28:39.033-08:00Advanced Are We In The Treatment Of Mental Disease<div style="text-align: justify;">
I once asked a relative of mine what he believed to be the biggest
advancement in the treatment of mental illness, and his succinct reply,
the invention of the tranquillizer.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Unfortunately,
as we have no doubt have come to realize, the tranquillizer is not
exactly the cure all. Just look at the terrible side effects of such
medication as Prozac.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Sheryl J. Stevens, who has first hand
experience in dealing with the mentally ill, or as she prefers to call
these individuals "lost souls," has written a wake up call in her book
Operation Soul Recovery (From Default To Purpose).</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The author
strikes just the right tone: direct and passionate, in pointing out to
her audience that the treatment of these lost souls is very low down on
the health care totem pole. Furthermore, as the author asserts, we are
lacking in sensitivity in our understanding that there is no physical
pain comparable to that of a broken spirit.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
As pointed out, we
would hardly expect someone with a broken leg to run a race. Instead, we
would promptly treat the fracture by a qualified medical doctor. Why
then is it so difficult to understand the basic requirements needed to
treat the mind and spirit? There seems to be a tendency to cop out and
either ignore the gravity of the situation or rely solely on medication.
Do we really believe, as Stevens asserts, that these illnesses are
incurable?</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The book is an engrossing and soul searching read that
provides a window into the mistreatment of the mentally ill and in
particular with society's obsession in looking for whom to blame, rather
than trying to find a solution to the cure. As mentioned, "it is the
cure that should be capturing our attention."</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
After lambasting the
system, Stevens does present several constructive ideas for improving
the system in her chapter entitled A Manor Of Eden. It is here where she
emphasizes the principle that no human being is a hopeless case, and it
is essential that we treat the body, mind and the soul simultaneously,
and not giving more importance to one over the other.
<br />Furthermore, the program of treatment is to be divided into a series
of steps that considers the whole gamut from dealing in depth with the
past, recovering the wisdom and value of the inner-child, developing
knowledge of healthy living and formal education, job training, and job
placement.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
There is a great deal here to ponder about, and as
Stevens mentioned in her interview with me, the book definitely presents
ideas and suggestions that are outside of the box. However, the
question that remains is, who will be listening?</div>
<div style="overflow: hidden; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14087441173870769813noreply@blogger.com