Computer Screen and Eye Strain

Often I have heard that the light of the computer screen can damage your eyes.  The research I did say  that is not true.  The reports have referred to the repercussions from long, continual use looking at a computer screen as 'eye strain' or 'eye fatigue'.  Although your eyes may get red, tired and feel heavy, your eyes and vision are not being damaged.  It is suggested that when one needs to use the computer for a long period of time that he or she take a break every hour or so to rest the eyes from the strain to alleviate the symptoms.  Good information to know in this computer world where most of us are on the computer quite a bit for work, school or pleasure. 
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/eyestrain/DS01084

http://www.pasadenaeye.com/faq/faq08/faq08_text.html

Health Care Dilemma

Thank you Yahoo for keeping up with current issues.  One of the latest internet blurbs was about how to decide on the correct health care for you.  (On the same night that this topic was part of our class discussion.) They made 12 points to consider. “1. Check for grandfather exemptions.  2. Decide which plan type best meets your needs. 3. Identify changes before re-enrolling. 4. Make adjustments to your current plan or consider switching. 5. Factor in your favorite doctors. 6. Size up the cost. 7. Don't get lured by those new freebies. 8. Consider opening an account for your healthcare expenses. 9. Check out the prescription coverage. 10. Take advantage of wellness incentives. 11. Don't forget to reconcile your spouse's coverage with your own. 12. Plan for the worst.”   “There are generally three types of plans: health maintenance organizations (HMO), preferred provider organizations (PPO) and point-of-service plans (POS). An HMO requires that you use physicians within a specific network, giving you less flexibility but a more affordable cost. A PPO allows you to stay in-network or go out of network for a heftier fee; out-of-pocket costs are usually higher for PPO's than for HMO's. POS plans combine elements of HMO's and PPO's. They give you the option to pay more for venturing out of network, but usually require you to choose a primary care physician within the network and get a referral from that physician before seeing any specialist.” 

http://health.yahoo.net/articles/healthcare/how-choose-health-insurance-plan-12-helpful-tips  Health insurance can be so complicated to understand which one to choose and which is the right one for you.  I think, from listening to what so many others have done throughout the years that sometimes you have to change and try different ones after you weigh out the benefits and down-sides to really know which is actually best for your individual situation.  Doctor choice, deductibles, co-pays, in-service, out of service, referral, perscriptions, dental, eye coverage, specialists, hospitalization, what is covered, what is not covered, where you can or cannot go, …..”lions and tigers and bears, oh my!” (Wizard of Oz)  It can get quite confusing.  The best thing I have found is ask others how they like the plan/provider, what they found beneficial and what they do not like about a plan.  If you have a primary doctor you like you could ask him with your situation what plan he thinks would suit your needs.  Put the information together and attempt to make the best decision and if it does not work as you hoped you can always switch the following year during open enrollment.  We must also try to foresee any possible problems or hereditary issues that may occur and need attention.  I would say the best bet is to try to lead a healthy life and stay healthy to avoid as many disparities as possible.  (Easier said than done sometimes.)   

"The Airing of the Children"

"Children

should be aired out." is something I have heard all my life while growing up.  I know they meant that childen should get fresh air but what was the reason.  Was there really a purpose for this besides to get us out of the house so that they could get things done without all the questions children ask that sometimes slow the rate of accomplishment?  Well according to Prevention the fresh air feels great, health, and boosts brain function.  I also reports the fresh air boosts vitamin G and the exposure to the sun can produce vitamin D.   These help to prevent stress, cancer, reduce ADHD symptoms, and show students have had  more success in school.

http://www.prevention.com/cda/health/healthy-lifestyle/fresh-air-can-help-your-____

brain/article/3bf9b3eb1f463110VgnVCM20000012281eac

The following website from the National Wildlife Federation lists "10 Reasons Kids Need Fresh Air"

http://www.nwf.org/News-and-Magazines/National-Wildlife/Outdoors/Archives/2010/Parents-10-Reasons-Kids-Need-Fresh-Air.aspx

Great information.

Mind over Matter

What is 'mind over matter' all about?  Why is it when you have confidence and a positive outlook you seem to make out better?  How does one keep a positive mindset when faced with intimidating or stressful situations.  Years ago people would think that those that talked to themselves were crazy.  I have found that periodically reminding myself to stay positive and believe that things will turn out for the best.  It is an emotional, psychological, approach to mental health.  When the mind, body and spirit portray and aura of confidence, there seems to be a response that aligns more with goals than when one goes in with an insecure attitude.  The website listed talks about the 'mind over matter' theory.  The way one stands, acts, and looks  seems to portray an unspoken language that help others to make decisions about you and the opportunity they may offer or deny you.  I found relaxing and talking oneself into believing you can do something also develops and advantageous angle for success.   Professor Ashok Sharma was a professor of physics whos studied cognitive ability said, "Science cannot integrate a non-physical entity, like consciousness, into its conceptual framework, and views human personality as a non-conscious physical system."  I think that as I research this a bit more I will find that it is a matter of the brain's chemistry that helps determine the outcome of the attitude in the 'mind over matter' approach..  Dr, Suess pnce said,  "Be who you are and say what you feel because thiose who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind.

http://www.google.com/search?sourceid=navclient&ie=UTF-8&rlz=1T4ACAW_enUS368US368&q=mind+over+matter+science+behind

Seasonally Blue

SAD is known as Seasonal affective disorder effects young and old alike.  This is common around this time of year when the season changes, the clocks and light change.  The disruption in your circadian rhythm could be partially to blame along with less hours of daylight, a change in the natural hormone melatonin levels, decrease in the serotonin levels.  All these can contribute to this form of depression.  This is not unusual and there are tests to determine if your body's chemical balance are all at a healthy level.  Doctors do not know exactly all the whats and whys of SAD but do have some information and treatment for this disorder  which had been for years commonly called the 'Winter Blues'. 

                    

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/seasonal%20affective20disorder/DS00195/DSECTION=causes

Color My World

Scientific studies have shown colors have a silent power.  Colors have the ability to control feelings, mood, attitude, outlook, behavior and power.  Blue has been found to suppress the appetite.  It has been suggested to use blue in dinnerware, the kitchen, fridge, and even foods when trying to loose weight.  Pink is credited for a calming effect.  It has been used in prison cells to deescalate volitale inmates. Some football teams have painted the opponent's locker room pink in an attempt to drain their strength and power.   Green signifies growth, comfort, safety and healing.  Orange  is intense, warm, and happy color.  It increases the oxygen supply to the brain, is invigorating stimulates and enhances cognitive activity.  Red is intensity,  it signifies power, passion, intensity, or danger.  It increases repiration rate ans can cause some to make quick decisions.  Black is known to portray power, weight or authority.  It can be evil, elegant, mysterious, strength or death.  White is known  to extrude feelings of good, pure, light trust, airy, cool and happy.  What color are you?  Does your room define you?  According to research the color and shade of the room we are in will have an effect on our mood and mental function. 

http://www.color-wheel-pro.com/color-meaning.html    http://www.colormatters.com/body.html
http://www.colorvoodoo.com/cvoodoo1.html  http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.medindia.
net/patients/lifestyleandwellness/images/colors-moods.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.medindia.net/patients/
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http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www thinkbrilliant.com/http://www.thinkbrilliant.com.phpthinkbrilliant.com/http://www.thinkbrilliant.com.php

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http://www.thinkbrilliant.com/2010/04/the-science-=__of-colors-in-marketing-and-web-design/&usg

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The Art of Appreciation

1. 

Learning keeps the brain sharp, promoting and protecting of the brain's ability to funtion from disparities.  I am thrilled to find I might just almost understand how to set this Blogg up, post, and import, copy, paste, and post pictures.  Alright, I am not certain the difference in the proper terminology of all this stuff yet by adopting a healthier lifestyle with more of a focus on my needs and requirements for a regular exercise routine and acquiring the knowledge of how to adapt a better nutrition plan in the crazy hecticness of my life will help to advance my ability

to function at a higher level.  Then look out, because I know I will

\be able to accomplish the world.  The brain cells will be sharpened

and the self image will begin to get the attention of some polishing

to bring out the full potential of my character, shining with the pride

of accomplishment, a feeling of calm and a sense of peace, smiling

until it hurts but the inability to stop.  I am on my way.  I thank all

those who are patient with my endeavors, promote my growth and

success with their patience, guide and assist me in time of need or

uncertainty, and those who do not get in my way during this process

of self improvement.  Thank you to those who believe, build and

prompt me when it is needed.  Saying thank you and showing

appreciation are such a vital element in life.  The value is.

precious.http://www.sharpbrains.com/blog/2007/11/29/robert-emmons-on-the-positive-psychology-of-gratitude/
http://www.spring.org.uk/2010/10/why-thank-you-is-more-than-just-good-manners.php
http://positivepsychologynews.com/news/angus-skinner/200903191649

http://www.sparkpeople.com/resource/wellness_articles.asp?id=1541