Recently there was a news article in the Yahoo! Health section that talked about Stress Sabotaging my Diet Success. This article couldn't have come at a better time! This past Tuesday I recently visited with my doctor about this very subject. I exclaimed, "I exercise daily, I watch my calorie intake, eat the right foods, but I can't ever seem to lose weight. What's wrong with me?" He replied that I needed to do everything possible to lower the stress in my life because stress is a H-U-G-E contributing factor to my diet success.
And if you read the previous post about this past week, I'm sure you're probably wondering how in the heck I'm suppose to reduce my stress levels.
Well lucky for me, the article gave some helpful tips. I hope they help you too!
Turn up the tunes. Listening to music that has a steady (not frenetic) beat may cause brain waves to keep time and relax you, research from a music symposium at Stanford University in California reports. Load your iPod with a playlist of the songs that make you happiest.
Phone a friend. Pouring your heart out to pals can help you cope with bad feelings and brainstorm new ways to solve problems. And don't forget to return the favor: Lending an ear and offering support can make you feel needed and reduce anxiety. (Or drop them an e-card to say thanks!)
Break a sweat. Exercising for 30 minutes makes your body release chemicals that dull the physiological effects of stress response for up to a full day. But the effect only works when the activity is something you really want to do, so make sure you're psyched about channeling your energy in that cardiovascular direction.
Use a better bulb. Outfit your office lamp with an incandescent bulb, particularly if your cubicle is brightened by fluorescent lights. Incandescent and fluorescent lights work together to more closely mimic outside light. And it's sunshine (or the perception of it) that regulates the body's biorhythms. Not getting enough of it can affect hormone levels, suppressing the immune system and increasing the probability of mood swings, depression and sluggishness.
Pamper yourself. Whether you get a pedicure or splurge on a blowout, giving yourself special treatment reduces your blood pressure and gets your mind off what’s bothering you. Science supports this coping mechanism as well: A warm bath can activate neurons that increase serotonin, and a study from Bowling Green State University in Ohio found that a 15-minute massage can significantly cut anxiety levels. Not up for a splurge? Get the same effect from an at-home pedicure, manicure or blowout.
Dine by candlelight. The effect won't just make you look gorgeous. The dim setting actually signals your brain to release melatonin, the good-for-you sleep hormone which ensures a better night's rest. And catching enough zzz's helps keep your stress levels under control and your immune system humming. Can't sleep? See what your stress dreams are trying to tell you.
Snuggle with your sweetie. A simple 20-second kiss or hug increases endorphin levels, while having sex releases more calming hormones than any other form of sex play, researchers at the University of the West of Scotland at Paisley note.
Keep a journal. Jotting down your stressful thoughts can help you look at them more logically, potentially easing anxiety, mentally and physically. A study in the Journal of Health Psychology finds that a mere month of expressive writing can help reduce hypertension. Keep a pretty notebook handy at all times.
Anticipate something awesome. Or something tiny that makes you smile. The point is to look forward to something each day, whether it’s enjoying your morning java or counting down to an exotic vacation. Practicing this will keep your mind from focusing on what could go wrong that day.
Exhibit your exhilarating moments. Tape up pictures of three amazing days you’ve experienced, such as dancing at your wedding or crossing the finish line of a half-marathon. Honing in on the images for at least 10 seconds can lower muscle tension and stabilize your heartbeat.
Give someone props. Go on, pay a compliment to someone deserving. Research has shown that the more warm personal connections you make, the better your body is at jettisoning the effects of stress.
I know I've already tried out some of these tips today. Hopefully, this will moderately improve my weights steady fluxuation and start showing some real results!
Saturday, March 28, 2009
This Past Week
To kind of fill everyone in on my past week: Monday I took Roger to the hospital because he may have re-torn the miniscus in his left knee; the same one he had surgery on approximately four and a half years ago. Tuesday was my doctors appointment for birth control and concerns about not losing weight; Roger and I finally decided we are NOT going to try and have another one right now! By Wednesday Kambrya developed a horrible diaper rash; we attempted to the rash from her starting with A&D Ointment, then Destiten, then an antibiotic ointment (her or had previously perscribed for yeast infections) for the rash only to become progressively worse. Having to pat her dry when wiping because she was beginning to bleed. So of course, I took her to the doctor to be perscribed something similar to Cortizone Cream; her rash is looking much better now. Thursday, luckily there were no additional visits to the doctors. Then Friday, Nikholi woke up with defined red circles on and around his feet. Roger and my first assumption was ring worm, but the area wasn't dry or flaky and he claimed the infected area didn't itch; so again, off to the doctors. The doctor couldn't be sure as to what it was, but mentioned granuloma annulure. I asked what it was and what would cause such a horrible 'disease' in such a young boy. He said again he couldn't be sure and this was why he didn't become a dermatologist.
Friday, March 27, 2009
NewsLetters
March Family Newsletter
If you are unable to get onto the blogspot regularly and you still want updates on our family I'll be sending out Family Newsletters. My intentions are to make these monthly for family and friends who are unable to access the internet. I'm working with a new computer programs to increase my credentials in the work field. The newsletter will include: Updates on the family; weather and activities here; our family's overall health; a healthy tip; movie review; occasional book or book section review; and a recipe to try at home. Updates and entries from the entire family will be included in the newsletter. If you are interested in receiving a newsletter please let me know through by the 15th of each month at Nikholismom@yahoo.com or (240) 419-0071.
If you are unable to get onto the blogspot regularly and you still want updates on our family I'll be sending out Family Newsletters. My intentions are to make these monthly for family and friends who are unable to access the internet. I'm working with a new computer programs to increase my credentials in the work field. The newsletter will include: Updates on the family; weather and activities here; our family's overall health; a healthy tip; movie review; occasional book or book section review; and a recipe to try at home. Updates and entries from the entire family will be included in the newsletter. If you are interested in receiving a newsletter please let me know through by the 15th of each month at Nikholismom@yahoo.com or (240) 419-0071.
Friday, March 13, 2009
Nikholias
I can't believe it's been four years already; from the day I held you in my arms to watching you walk up the steps to school. I would hope that in the future I will inspire you, but for now you inspire me. I hope you have a happy birthday. I love you Nikholi.
`Mommy
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Roger Getting Tased
Over the weekend we went to a cookout at Roger's brothers' place. There one of his sisters brought a taser to show the family what she had bought for protection. Roger had said previously that he wanted to be tased to see what it felt like, so when they brought out the taser, they held him up to his offer. Here is a video taken by Roger's sister of Roger being Tased.
roger being zapppp!!!!
roger being zapppp!!!!
Monday, March 9, 2009
Youth Off-Road Vehicles Banned
Below is a paper I wrote for school regarding a Criminal Law that has been passed in the United States within the past year. Roger and I were shopping for a little PW50, with training wheels for Nikholi for his birthday this Friday. This is when we came to find out that this disturbing law took affect last month, making all dirtbikes and ATV's made for children under the age of twelve "Hazardous Material!"
This is a picture of Roger with his previous bike, a Yamaha YZ250 - 2 stroke:
Many are outraged by the passing of a law that went into effect February 10, 2009 with no prior notification. The law addressing Procedures and Requirements for Determinations Regarding Lead Content of Materials or Products under Section 101(a) of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act, was represented by the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) outlawing a specific level of lead in children’s toys, including ATV’s and Motorcycles for the youth. Even though the CPSC represents valid child safety concerns, many would assume this law would not apply to the internal engine components of a motor vehicle; especially when majority of the children are not working on the bikes, they are riding them. The contents of this paper will represent the benefits and disadvantages of the law, and the authors view point with credible resources.
A new federal law took a heavy toll upon a once thriving multimillion-dollar industry, despite the recession. Parents were outraged when forced to provide their children with an explanation that they could no longer ride their off-road vehicles because of an act passed by Congress. The laws have made a huge impact on families, especially in California, where several recreational areas and state parks are devoted to off-road vehicles.
The bill was passed by Congress after several toys, made in China, were reported to contain hazardous amounts of lead. The law bans children, ages 12 and under, acquiring any product made with “…more than 600 parts per million of lead” (Welch, 2009, ¶ 9). Lead is found in the bike frame and other multiple parts on the bike to assist in the durability and reflect corrosion. The wording of the law left ATV and Motorcycle sales, for children 12 and under, motionless, with no evidence proving that children are ingesting or absorbing these items.
Private owners, small business, and large corporations are encouraged to file a(n) exclusion(s) for the products they sell. In order to receive an exception from this law there must be an extremely detailed, reasonable objection, with peer-reviewed and scientific evidence, that lead in the products they are selling will not in any manner be absorbed by the child; including hand and mouth contact. Even though exclusion is filed, unless the document is granted, the products will be continued to be banned and considered hazardous substances. Many believe that this law was previously discussed throughout Congress, making the risk assessment unwavering; that “…any absorption, no matter how insignificant, would be deemed unacceptable” (Children’s Products Containing Lead, 2009).
Children are now being routinely tested for blood lead levels in clinics across the nation, but many parents are not fully aware of the hazards of lead in comparison to their child’s health. The most commonly addressed item with lead is paint in homes built before the 1970s. If lead is ingested, through direct contact or even through a transfer, this can lead to an extremely vital situation; damaging nearly every organism within the body. Lead causes higher blood pressures, gastrointestinal dysfunctions, decreased activity, anemia, and even death. Since parents are not fully aware of the potential dangers in their home, the CPSC regulates safety protocols, including providing “limits on lead in children’s products” (Children’s Products Containing Lead, 2009).
Motorcycles and ATV’s are not the only items affected by the passing of this bill. The CPSC is responsible for investigating over 15,000 products sold in the United States; contributing to the “…30 percent decline in the rate of deaths and injuries associated with consumer products over the past 30 years” (Langley, 2009, ¶ 6). Other items include sneakers and rhinestones found on other products. Although, the CPSC has a success rate, their impact on the nation has not significantly addressed the lives still being lost. Many Senators were proud to support the passing of this bill because this focuses on a major reform to the CPSC and captures audience’s attention about the dangers of lead poisoning and the levels contained in the toys their children were playing with.
These affects of lead poisoning is catastrophic but not nearly as devastating as having to tell a four year old that they can no longer go dirt bike riding with mommy and daddy. The CPSC has many valid concerns addressing the lead levels in many toys, but this law should not be targeting Motorcycles and ATV’s. Families are torn because they no longer can participate in a once enjoyable family activity. Many organizations attempt to keep children active, out of trouble, and away from drugs. By taking away the option of riding dirt bikes or quads, the CPSC is taking away another quality leisure activity.
The Off Highway Vehicle (OHV) community is infuriated with the federal restraints placed upon them and their children. They understand removal of products that have the potential of being directly placed into a child’s mouth but are having a difficult time grasping why motor vehicles and bicycles are not being banned. On a place for New England Dirtbike Riders to share information using forums a woman said, “Kids don’t normally chew on their atvs, but more than likely would try stuffing a fry into the car CD player, then eat it after it contacted lead on the internal circuit boards” (Check1, 2009)! Attorneys have also assisted the community in finding loop holes for an exemption on ATV’s and Dirt Bikes, but have found this nearly impossible.
In conclusion, even though the CPSC has valid concerns and are addressing the lives lost due to lead poisoning, many are still confused as to why this is affecting OHV’s. The dirt bikes and ATV’s were once a child’s favorite way of spending their weekend and now their “toys” are considered hazardous material. There should still be protections for lead concerns, but if the law does not include bicycles or automobiles, the law should not cover OHV’s.
References
Check1 (2009, February 27). Re: New law to effect pee wee and minis [Msg. Post #: 49]. Message posted to http://www.nedirtbikes.com/content/m_157320/mpage_3/tm.htm, archived at
Children’s Products Containing Lead; Final Rule; Procedures and Requirements for a Commission Determination or Exclusion, 16 CFR Part 1500 Consumer Product Safety Commission § 9335-01 (2009).
Langley, B. (2009, January 24). Lead paint controversy continues. Examiner. Retrieved from http://www.examiner.net/business/x1589173740/Lead-paint-controversy-continues
Welch, W. M. (2009, February 16). Lead law throttles youth powersports. USA Today. Retrieved from http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2009-02-16-motorcycleban_N.htm
This is a picture of Roger with his previous bike, a Yamaha YZ250 - 2 stroke:
Many are outraged by the passing of a law that went into effect February 10, 2009 with no prior notification. The law addressing Procedures and Requirements for Determinations Regarding Lead Content of Materials or Products under Section 101(a) of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act, was represented by the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) outlawing a specific level of lead in children’s toys, including ATV’s and Motorcycles for the youth. Even though the CPSC represents valid child safety concerns, many would assume this law would not apply to the internal engine components of a motor vehicle; especially when majority of the children are not working on the bikes, they are riding them. The contents of this paper will represent the benefits and disadvantages of the law, and the authors view point with credible resources.
A new federal law took a heavy toll upon a once thriving multimillion-dollar industry, despite the recession. Parents were outraged when forced to provide their children with an explanation that they could no longer ride their off-road vehicles because of an act passed by Congress. The laws have made a huge impact on families, especially in California, where several recreational areas and state parks are devoted to off-road vehicles.
The bill was passed by Congress after several toys, made in China, were reported to contain hazardous amounts of lead. The law bans children, ages 12 and under, acquiring any product made with “…more than 600 parts per million of lead” (Welch, 2009, ¶ 9). Lead is found in the bike frame and other multiple parts on the bike to assist in the durability and reflect corrosion. The wording of the law left ATV and Motorcycle sales, for children 12 and under, motionless, with no evidence proving that children are ingesting or absorbing these items.
Private owners, small business, and large corporations are encouraged to file a(n) exclusion(s) for the products they sell. In order to receive an exception from this law there must be an extremely detailed, reasonable objection, with peer-reviewed and scientific evidence, that lead in the products they are selling will not in any manner be absorbed by the child; including hand and mouth contact. Even though exclusion is filed, unless the document is granted, the products will be continued to be banned and considered hazardous substances. Many believe that this law was previously discussed throughout Congress, making the risk assessment unwavering; that “…any absorption, no matter how insignificant, would be deemed unacceptable” (Children’s Products Containing Lead, 2009).
Children are now being routinely tested for blood lead levels in clinics across the nation, but many parents are not fully aware of the hazards of lead in comparison to their child’s health. The most commonly addressed item with lead is paint in homes built before the 1970s. If lead is ingested, through direct contact or even through a transfer, this can lead to an extremely vital situation; damaging nearly every organism within the body. Lead causes higher blood pressures, gastrointestinal dysfunctions, decreased activity, anemia, and even death. Since parents are not fully aware of the potential dangers in their home, the CPSC regulates safety protocols, including providing “limits on lead in children’s products” (Children’s Products Containing Lead, 2009).
Motorcycles and ATV’s are not the only items affected by the passing of this bill. The CPSC is responsible for investigating over 15,000 products sold in the United States; contributing to the “…30 percent decline in the rate of deaths and injuries associated with consumer products over the past 30 years” (Langley, 2009, ¶ 6). Other items include sneakers and rhinestones found on other products. Although, the CPSC has a success rate, their impact on the nation has not significantly addressed the lives still being lost. Many Senators were proud to support the passing of this bill because this focuses on a major reform to the CPSC and captures audience’s attention about the dangers of lead poisoning and the levels contained in the toys their children were playing with.
These affects of lead poisoning is catastrophic but not nearly as devastating as having to tell a four year old that they can no longer go dirt bike riding with mommy and daddy. The CPSC has many valid concerns addressing the lead levels in many toys, but this law should not be targeting Motorcycles and ATV’s. Families are torn because they no longer can participate in a once enjoyable family activity. Many organizations attempt to keep children active, out of trouble, and away from drugs. By taking away the option of riding dirt bikes or quads, the CPSC is taking away another quality leisure activity.
The Off Highway Vehicle (OHV) community is infuriated with the federal restraints placed upon them and their children. They understand removal of products that have the potential of being directly placed into a child’s mouth but are having a difficult time grasping why motor vehicles and bicycles are not being banned. On a place for New England Dirtbike Riders to share information using forums a woman said, “Kids don’t normally chew on their atvs, but more than likely would try stuffing a fry into the car CD player, then eat it after it contacted lead on the internal circuit boards” (Check1, 2009)! Attorneys have also assisted the community in finding loop holes for an exemption on ATV’s and Dirt Bikes, but have found this nearly impossible.
In conclusion, even though the CPSC has valid concerns and are addressing the lives lost due to lead poisoning, many are still confused as to why this is affecting OHV’s. The dirt bikes and ATV’s were once a child’s favorite way of spending their weekend and now their “toys” are considered hazardous material. There should still be protections for lead concerns, but if the law does not include bicycles or automobiles, the law should not cover OHV’s.
References
Check1 (2009, February 27). Re: New law to effect pee wee and minis [Msg. Post #: 49]. Message posted to http://www.nedirtbikes.com/content/m_157320/mpage_3/tm.htm, archived at
Children’s Products Containing Lead; Final Rule; Procedures and Requirements for a Commission Determination or Exclusion, 16 CFR Part 1500 Consumer Product Safety Commission § 9335-01 (2009).
Langley, B. (2009, January 24). Lead paint controversy continues. Examiner. Retrieved from http://www.examiner.net/business/x1589173740/Lead-paint-controversy-continues
Welch, W. M. (2009, February 16). Lead law throttles youth powersports. USA Today. Retrieved from http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2009-02-16-motorcycleban_N.htm
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Winter Storm
Just wanted to inform everyone that we are doing okay after the terrible winter storm (our power did go out and a tree fell in our back yard) and share some pictures of the kids and some breath taking scenery around here.
Before we took the kids out, we let Kesi make sure it was safe:
Here is a picture of little miss sour puss, wondering why in the heck we took her out in the cold white stuff!
Kesi and Nikholi had a blast together. Playing outside in the snow truly made me appreciate her because she was the one getting snowballs thrown at her, instead of it being me; but she loved it!
Us at our kitchen table, trying to keep warm with some Cinnamon, Carmel apple cider for me; hot chocolate with marshmallows for Nikholi; and a hot chocolate vanilla cappuccino for Roger.
Unable to go any where for a whole 24 hours because the roads that lead out of our neighborhood consist of three large hills and the roads weren't plowed.
In our neighborhood we have access to a private beach. Yesterday we decided to drive down to see the snow on the beach and were able to catch some breathtaking photos.
And lastly, my absolute favorite picture:
Before we took the kids out, we let Kesi make sure it was safe:
Here is a picture of little miss sour puss, wondering why in the heck we took her out in the cold white stuff!
Kesi and Nikholi had a blast together. Playing outside in the snow truly made me appreciate her because she was the one getting snowballs thrown at her, instead of it being me; but she loved it!
Us at our kitchen table, trying to keep warm with some Cinnamon, Carmel apple cider for me; hot chocolate with marshmallows for Nikholi; and a hot chocolate vanilla cappuccino for Roger.
Unable to go any where for a whole 24 hours because the roads that lead out of our neighborhood consist of three large hills and the roads weren't plowed.
In our neighborhood we have access to a private beach. Yesterday we decided to drive down to see the snow on the beach and were able to catch some breathtaking photos.
And lastly, my absolute favorite picture:
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