Friday, December 27, 2013

Bereavement and Your Teeth

Excess stress may give you a headache, a stomachache, or just a feeling of being "on edge." But too much stress could also be doing a number on your mouth, teeth, gums, and overall health.
The potential fallout from stress and anxiety that can affect your oral health includes:
  • Mouth sores, including canker sores and cold sores
  • Clenching of teeth and teeth grinding (bruxism)
  • Poor oral hygiene and unhealthy eating routines
  • Periodontal (gum) disease or worsening of existing periodontal disease
So how can you prevent these oral health problems?

Mouth Sores

Canker sores -- small ulcers with a white or grayish base and bordered in red -- appear inside the mouth, sometimes in pairs or even greater numbers. Although experts aren't sure what causes them -- it could be immune system problems, bacteria, or viruses -- they do think that stress, as well as fatigue and allergies, can increase the risk of getting them. Canker sores are not contagious.
Most canker sores disappear in a week to 10 days. For relief from the irritation, try over-the-counter topical anesthetics. To reduce irritation, don't eat spicy, hot foods or foods with a high acid content, such as tomatoes or citrus fruits.
Cold sores, also called fever blisters, are caused by the herpes simplex virus and are contagious. Cold sores are fluid-filled blisters that often appear on or around the lips, but can also crop up under the nose or around the chin area.
Emotional upset can trigger an outbreak. So can a fever, a sunburn, or skin abrasion.
Like canker sores, fever blisters often heal on their own in a week or so. Treatment is available, including over-the-counter remedies and prescription antiviral drugs. Ask your doctor or dentist if you could benefit from either. It's important to start treatment as soon as you notice the cold sore forming.

Teeth Grinding

Stress may make you clench and grind your teeth -- during the day or at night, and often subconsciously. Teeth grinding is also known as bruxism.
If you already clench and grind your teeth, stress could make the habit worse. And, grinding your teeth can lead to problems with the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), located in front of the ear where the skull and lower jaw meet.
See your doctor and ask what can be done for the clenching and grinding. Your dentist may recommend a night guard, worn as you sleep, or another appliance to help you stop or minimize the actions.

Friday, December 20, 2013

Love NEVER Dies !

Photo

Be a REAL FRIEND !!!!

For many, the holidays are a joyful time of year. They get to spend time with family and friends. Some people like to give gifts, others like to receive them. Some do a little of both. There are parties and family gatherings.
But for some, the holidays are very tough. There is a lot of stress – to find the perfect gift, to even afford gifts! Some parents get depressed because they cannot afford to offer the kind of Christmas to their children that they would like to. It can be an especially depressing time of the year for the elderly.  They may be plagued by loneliness and isolation. Many have lost spouses and remembering those that have passed away makes the holidays even harder to bear. And with shorter, darker days this time of year, some people experience more depression.
So how can you help someone who may be depressed during the holidays?
1. Give them some of your time
Sometimes the best present is your presence. Spend the night at your grandma’s house. Hand out candy canes at an assisted living center. Bring some funny movies and popcorn over to a friend’s house for the afternoon. You don’t necessarily have to make grand gestures, just spend a little of your time with them.

2. Get them out of the house
Maybe it is just a trip to the local coffee shop, but getting them outside of their home can give a depressed person something to look forward to. Take your friend who can’t afford to fly home for the holidays out to dinner. Bundle up and meet them for a walk. The exercise, crisp air and company will do wonders for their mood.

3. Send them a card
Personally, I am a huge fan of greeting cards. I tend to make a lot of them myself and send them throughout the year to friends and family because isn’t it nice to get something other than bills in the mailbox? A holiday card let’s them know that you are thinking of them and it is something they can hold onto, something that reminds them every time they look at it that they are important to someone.

4. Volunteer to help
When I am depressed I can barely get out of bed, let alone think of going shopping. Take on the task of helping a depressed person by picking up things they need – be it groceries or their prescriptions. I’m not asking you to pay for these things, merely do the leg work. It will be so appreciated.

5. Be patient
Don’t expect miracles. Doing any of these things or more isn’t likely to “snap them out of their depression.” Depression just isn’t something you “snap out of.” But these things will help. And, in time, their mood will lift, as mine always does. Don’t get fed up with them for their lack of enthusiasm or holiday spirit. Recognize that depression is real and intensely dark. Let your goal be to simply shine a little light
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Thursday, December 19, 2013

Christmas Encouragement !

1. Turn Your Criticisms Into Clear Requests
Think of words as emotion-activating agents, and reframe criticisms into requests to produce high- rather than low-energy emotional states in your self and others. Brain fact: Low energy emotions (fear-based) block creative thinking to the extent they intensify, and even worse, activate our automatic defense strategies. When this happens, high levels of cortisol turn off our brain’s learning mode, which may explain why we stop listening when we feel attacked. Rather than saying,”You’re always angry and on the attack,” say the following: “Speak to me in a voice that lets me know you love me when you’re upset.”
2. Describe problems in solution focused language.
Use words to craft that reframe a stubborn problem in solution terms to give your self and others a fresh and energizing perspective. Brain fact: The images that positive action-oriented language energizes in our brain produce action-activating emotions emotion-command neural circuitry and associations that can move us to take action more easily and effortlessly. In contrast, problem-focused language can leave us feeling de-energized, in a rut or states of boredom, which can seem “real” after prolonged use, however, they are simply habits — neural associations — that we have subconsciously formed, stored and reinforced over a period of time. This means they can be unlearned. Rather than “You always leave me to do everything,” say “It’s a privilege to care for our house. I want to do my part to make sure you do not miss out on the great feelings of taking part as a team member in caring for our house.”
3. Replace judgements with curiosity.
Stir thoughts that spawn curiosity instead of criticisms or harsh judgments of yourself or others. Brain fact: Whereas criticisms tend to demotivate and keep us stuck in old thinking and behavior patterns (emotion-command neural circuits that activate fear), curiosity motivates us toward new thoughts or actions, and ones that inspire compassion for our self and others. Over time, finding fault thinking patterns can cause us to get cynical, and lectures and long monologues (for both the giver and recipient!) turn off our brain’s listening mode capacity. Rather than “She’s always so mean today,” say “I wonder if she needed something and didn’t ask.”
4. Use possibility thinking to break a habit.
Consider new ways of thinking to break an annoying habit or problem pattern.  Brain fact: Venting is bad for the brain and creates new neuron pathways to many  more  complaints. Instead of making statements such as, “I never stick with my fitness goals,” say “What new thoughts about exercise or nutrition would change my attitude, and thus allow my brain to associate positive emotion states with something I want it to help me make a regular habit?”
5. Encourage yourself and others often.
Think of encouraging words to say to others, and especially your self, and do so as often as possible. Brain fact: Encouragement activates positive changes in the chemistry of our brains, strengthens our capacity to make conscious shifts away from fear and, instead, toward building greater understanding of what triggers us and making wise, more informed choices. This process ultimately benefits us in many ways, among others, it: (1) takes less work (energy) to make conscious effort to change than hold onto reactivity, defensiveness, grudges, disappointments, etc.; (2) helps us heal past wounds and transform fears into assets; and (3) levels of serotonin and dopamine, which have healthful effects on your health whether you address yourself or others. Instead of “I wish I didn’t have to go to this gathering,” say “I (want to) enjoy learning to get comfortable with uncomfortable actions that stretch me in positive directions.”
6. Give the gift of forgiveness.
If you practice forgiveness for yourself or another, know let go of a grudge, etc., you’re doing your brain and body a big favor. Brain fact: Whereas anger itself is a healthy and even vital emotion (i.e., releases low levels of cortisol that propel us to take positive action to get out of a stuck place or deal with challenges in the way of our goals), holding on to anger can lead to more intense emotions of hatred or rage that release toxic levels of the stress hormone cortisol. Forgiveness is more than a cornerstone of every major faith and tradition. It appears to be a natural ability in every infant and child before language development (where they learn to judge self and others … ); it is also an essential practice that allows us to be in charge of promoting our own personal and relational health. In contrast, prolonged toxic levels of the stress hormone damage our health and can even kill cells prematurely.  Instead of “Why me?” or “I’ll never forgive myself,” learn to let go by saying, “I let go of thoughts of retaliation or wanting another to hurt as they hurt me.”
7. Offer the gift of acceptance.
When forgiveness Is Not An Option, such as when a hurtful behavior continues to occur, offer the gift of acceptance. Brain fact: Conscious acceptance is a learned skill that, when cultivated, brings emotional balance into life. Acceptance liberates your brain to work optimally. It focuses your emotional energy, so you may better access the amazing powers of your cerebral cortex to reflect on possibilities, opt for wise choices, make changes, etc., rather than succumb to the lures and snares of reactivity, limiting beliefs, toxic thinking and other rigid patterns of the mind, which can imprison the otherwise amazing capabilities of the human mind and imagination. Rather than “Why did this happen,” say “I don’t like (or hate) that this happened, I wish things were different, however, I cannot change the past. For my own peace of mind and health, I honor my wish to change this situation, and at the same time let go of having to change it before I can be happy.”

Christmas Is time for Self-Esteem Re-enforcement

The terms self-esteem and self-confidence are often used interchangeably when referring to how one feels about themselves. Although they are very similar, they are two different concepts. It is important to understand their roles when looking to improve your overall sense of self.

What is Self-Esteem?

Self-esteem refers to how you feel about yourself overall; how much esteem, positive regard or self-love you have. Self-esteem develops from experiences and situations that have shaped how you view yourself today.
Self-confidence is how you feel about your abilities and can vary from situation to situation. I may have healthy self-esteem, but low confidence about situations involving math (this is true).
When you love yourself, your self-esteem improves, which makes you more confident. When you are confident in areas of your life, you begin to increase your overall sense of esteem. You can work on both at the same time.

What Does Low Self-Esteem Look Like?

A friend told me she has low self-esteem; she constantly feels “I’m not good enough.” This concept has developed over her entire life. She has been in a series of unhealthy relationships, is frequently belittled by her boss, and constantly tells herself “I suck, I’m not worth it.” Recognizing she has this negative script, she is now better able to change it.
On the positive side, she is confident about being an amazing chef, a caring friend, and having the ability to be super-organized. She knows and believes this about herself and feels confident in these areas. By focusing on the things she is confident in and working on changing her negative self-talk, she is improving both her self-esteem and self-confidence.

Ideas for Improving Self-Esteem and Self-Confidence

If you are having trouble finding areas you are confident in, try these tips.
  • Think of qualities others say you excel in. Even if you believe them slightly, this is a step in the right direction.
  • Stop the negative chatter. Shut it up! Start to think of contradictions to these statements.
  • Would you say it to a friend? If not, stop saying these statements to yourself.
  • Make a list of strengths. Think of what you would say about yourself if you were on a job interview.
The more we recognize our challenges with self-confidence and self-esteem, the more aware we become of improvements that can be made. This is when positive changes occur.

Tuesday, December 17, 2013

God's Healing Hand Is Upon Us !

Are you grieving?
God cares that you hurt.

It’s OK to grieve, but we don’t have to grieve alone; God understands our pain and wants to comfort us. In fact, He says He will never leave us if we put our trust in Him.
Do you want to experience God’s comfort – today and every day? Read below for more.
1. God loves you and has a plan for you!
The Bible says, “God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, [Jesus Christ], that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life” (John 3:16).
Jesus said, “I came that they may have life and have it abundantly” — a complete life full of purpose (John 10:10).
But here’s the problem:
2. Man is sinful and separated from God.
We have all done, thought or said bad things, which the Bible calls “sin.” The Bible says, “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23).
The result of sin is death, spiritual separation from God (Romans 6:23).
The good news?
3. God sent His Son to die for your sins!
Jesus died in our place so we could live with Him in eternity.
“God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8).
But it didn’t end with His death on the cross. He rose again and still lives!
“Christ died for our sins. … He was buried. … He was raised on the third day, according to the Scriptures.” (1 Corinthians 15:3-4).
Jesus is the only way to God.
Jesus said, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father, but through Me” (John 14:6).
4. Would you like to receive God’s forgiveness?
We can’t earn salvation; we are saved by God’s grace when we have faith in His Son, Jesus Christ. All you have to do is believe you are a sinner, that Christ died for your sins, and ask His forgiveness. He knows you and loves you. What matters to Him is the attitude of your heart, your honesty. We suggest praying the following prayer to accept Christ as your Savior:

“Lord Jesus Christ,
I am sorry for the things I have done wrong in my life. I ask your forgiveness and now turn from everything which I know is wrong. Thank you for dying on the cross for me to set me free from my sins. Please come into my life and fill me with your Holy Spirit and be with me forever.
Thank you, Lord Jesus.

Amen.”

Did you pray this prayer?

Wednesday, December 11, 2013

Pre - Bereavement Care and Thoughts

It’s tragically common for patients to ignore warnings of other types of cancer, adds Dale Shepard, MD, PhD, a cancer specialist in the department of solid tumor oncology at the Cleveland Clinic. “Cancer can almost always be cured if it’s caught early, but all too often, people wait so long to see a doctor that the disease has spread to the point that it’s no longer curable.”
If you notice any of the following unexplained warning signs, don’t delay—make the time to consult a doctor promptly.
  • Unexplained weight loss. While most people would be happy to drop pounds without dieting, unexplained weight loss (of 10 or more pounds) or sudden loss of appetite are among the most common warning signs of cancer, says Dr. Shepard. This symptom is most likely to occur with cancers of the pancreas, stomach, esophagus or lung, reports the American Cancer Society (ACS). It may turn out not to be cancer—there are a number of other serious health conditions that may cause this symptom, including an overactive thyroid, diabetes, liver disease, and depression.
  • Persistent low-grade fever. This can be the first symptom of certain cancers, particularly leukemia, Hodgkin’s disease or non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Low-grade fever—meaning a temperature between 99.8 and 100.8—can also be caused by a wide range of infections. 
  • Worsening fatigue. “If you suddenly can’t get through the day without taking a 3-or 4-four nap, when you never need one before, that can be suggestive of cancer,” says Dr. Shepard. According to the ACS report, this symptom is particularly likely to occur with leukemia, as well as cancers that cause blood loss, such as colon cancer or stomach cancer. Other medical conditions that cause profound exhaustion include anemia, sleep disorders, heart problems, diabetes, fibromyalgia, and arthritis.
  • A sore that doesn’t heal or skin changes. You probably know that moles that are asymmetrical (one half doesn’t match the other), have irregular borders, contain a variety of colors, or are larger than a pencil eraser can bewarning signs of melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer. What’s not well known, however, is that skin sores or changes (including a persistent rash) can also herald other forms of cancer. Dr. Shepard had a patient whose first symptom of colon cancer was a sore on his scalp that didn’t heal. He has also had patients with lung cancer and lymphoma whose symptoms included persistent rashes.
  • Trouble swallowing or chronic hoarseness. These symptoms, along with lip sores that don’t heal, unusual bleeding, pain or numbness in the mouth, and chronic sore throat, can herald oral cancer. Other reasons for chronic hoarseness can include gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), allergies, cancer of the throat or laryngx, smoking, and underactive thyroid, reports the National Institute of Health. A wide range of esophageal disorders can impair swallowing.
  • White patches in your mouth. Also known as leukoplakia, these thickened whitish or gray patches on the gums, inside of the cheeks, or the tongue are often mistaken for thrush (an infection that causes white patches). Unlike thrush, which can be scraped away, leukoplakia cannot be removed in this manner. While the condition isn’t always harmful, oral cancer often occurs near leukoplakia patches, the Mayo Clinic reports, and the patches themselves can develop cancerous changes.
  • Blood in the toilet. This symptom is frequently dismissed by patients, says Dr. Shepard. “People are quick to think that the problem is a urinary tract infection even if they’ve never had one before. However, blood in the urine can also be a sign of bladder cancer and needs to be investigated by a urologist. Oftentimes, bladder cancer isn’t diagnosed until it reaches an incurable stage because people wait so long to see a doctor.” Similarly, it can be a dangerous mistake to dismiss blood in the stool as being triggered by a hemorrhoid, since it could also be a warning sign of colon cancer, as is any change in your normal bowel habits.
  • Unexplained pain. This can be an early symptom of testicular or bone cancer. A headache that doesn’t get better with treatment, such as taking an over-the-counter pain reliever, may signal a brain tumor, while back pain can mark colon or ovarian cancer, the ACS reports. “Unexplained pain is one of the more common symptoms of cancer and always warrants a consultation with your doctor,” says Dr. Shepard.
  • A lump or thickening. Several types of cancer, including those of the breast, testicles, and lymph nodes can be felt through the skin. A lump or thickening can either be an early or late sign of cancer, ACS reports. Also be aware that in some cases, breast cancer can cause red or thickened skin, rather than the expected lump, so any change in how your breast looks or feels needs to be checked out. 
  • Any persistent, unexplained or troubling symptom. “If something doesn’t seem right, don’t assume it’s nothing,” says Dr. Shepard. ”Listening to your body and getting this symptom checked out sooner rather than later could save your life if the problem turns out to be cancer.”

Tuesday, December 10, 2013

Balance with Hugs

1. The nurturing touch of a hug builds trust and a sense of safety. This helps with open and honest communication.

2. Hugs can instantly boost oxytocin levels, which heal feelings of loneliness, isolation, and anger.


3. Holding a hug for an extended time lifts one's serotonin levels, elevating mood and creating happiness.


4. Hugs strengthen the immune system. The gentle pressure on the sternum and the emotional charge this creates activates the Solar Plexus Chakra. This stimulates the thymus gland, which regulates and balances the body's production of white blood cells, which keep you healthy and disease free.


5. Hugging boosts self-esteem. From the time we're born our family's touch shows us that we're loved and special. The associations of self-worth and tactile sensations from our early years are still imbedded in our nervous system as adults. The cuddles we received from our Mom and Dad while growing up remain imprinted at a cellular level, and hugs remind us at a somatic level of that. Hugs, therefore, connect us to our ability to self love.


6. Hugging relaxes muscles. Hugs release tension in the body. Hugs can take away pain; they soothe aches by increasing circulation into the soft tissues.


7. Hugs balance out the nervous system. The galvanic skin response of someone receiving and giving a hug shows a change in skin conductance. The effect in moisture and electricity in the skin suggests a more balanced state in the nervous system - parasympathetic.


8. Hugs teach us how to give and receive. There is equal value in receiving and being receptive to warmth, as to giving and sharing. Hugs educate us how love flows both ways.


9. Hugs are so much like meditation and laughter. They teach us to let go and be present in the moment. They encourage us to flow with the energy of life. Hugs get you out of your circular thinking patterns and connect you with your heart and your feelings and your breath.


10. The energy exchange between the people hugging is an investment in the relationship. It encourages empathy and understanding. And, it's synergistic, which means the whole is more than the sum of its parts: 1 1 = 3 or more! This synergy is more likely to result in win-win outcomes.

Working the Positive Path

Being with the Most Positive Thoughts have been being in front of Christ our God in the Most Holy Blessed Sacrament of the Altar. 

Being with Christ our God Is the Most Beneficial means to remain positive during the days of Celebration of His Holy Birth and beyond into the New Year.  

He is our Enteral Physician ! 

Consequently, you can add these items as well into your path of Happiness.


I want to share my path to positive thinking. Maybe the steps I took can help you reach your goal of bringing more positivity into your life.
  • I surrounded myself with like-minded positive people and had to actively shift some of my relationships. I brought those with positive energy closer and devoted less time to those who were bringing me down.
  • Instead of looking at tasks as a burden, I started to make things fun. The have-to’s can be exciting. Instead of dreading the gym, I rented a bike and explored New York City. Rather than avoiding chores, I make them a game and wound up smiling the whole time.
  • I became grateful. Instead of looking at the past with regret, I have tried to reprogram my thoughts. I am now grateful for many of the experiences because they have taught me so much. I remind myself about what I learned from the friendship/relationship that ended. I look for the things that I am thankful for and appreciative of and remind myself of these things when I am feeling a wave of negativity. It shifts my mindset.
  • I found purpose. I began finding and attracting others who shared my mindset, not in a therapeutic sense, but who desired to make the world a more positive place. I have friends who are not in the helping profession, yet make it their intention everyday to do something that can change the world in some way, and maintain positive thinking. A friend of mine is an illustrator. She helps authors make their stories come to life. Another is a consultant. He helps small businesses become profitable. Their intentions are to find positivity in their work. This energy is exuded to those around them.
Some tools may work for you, others may not, but be gentle with yourself. Try shifting your negative mindset subtly. Remember, the goal is to find your path to positive thinking that lasts a lifetime.

Identifying Negative Thought Patterns

As we are in the second week advent. Let us all work on becoming better with our thoughts for the Birth of Christ fast approaching the us in 15 days.  When in doubt please contact your local mental health provider and or call Dr. Nicholas at 877 867 8556 during the Emergency Room moment.  

Most of all let us rely on Christ our God for the most informable healing and guidance during the of His Birth. 

Notice if you have any of the following negative thoughts about yourself or others. Then identify when these negative thoughts come up most often; particular places, people, or events may be associated with them.

Do you…
  1. Reject yourself or others’ ideas or experiences? Say “no” more than “yes”?
  2. Criticize yourself or others about thoughts and choices made?
  3. Blame yourself or others for your current situation? Do you take responsibility for your current mindset and where you are in your life?
  4. Cling to your point of view? Find it hard to see the other side of the story?
  5. Cause Conflicts and find that in a disagreement you continue to raise the conflict or bring up more issues that leave things messier than when you started? Are you unable to “let it go”?
  6. Resent by being unwilling to forgive yourself or another; get stuck in how it “should be” rather than what it is?
  7. Jump the gun and future trip about what negative events will occur or predict that you or someone else will fail?
  8. Judge by casting judgement or blame on others, discounting your role in things and/or making unrealistic expectations for yourself or another?

Monday, December 2, 2013

A Poem: I Miss YOU.

Photo: Share the Love and Memories ♥ In Loving Memory ♥ 

Click www.Daveswordsofwisdom.com for more beautiful and meaningful quotes and images ♥

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In this moment in time as the Holy Days draws closer. I find that many are yearning for loved ones and dear friends to continue to be around in a physical way. Unfortunately, they can not be near in a physical way, but can be with them in a very soothing  way in the spiritual realms. 

The Important Factor is our loved ones are with each one of us in a way we all can remember, while they were still among the living and with us. 

Continue to keep each one of your loved one close near your heart, mind, and souls during the Holy Days that will bring us the gift of life and draw happiness with us that our loved ones are interceding for each one of during the days, which do not provide happiness and care. 

Here are a few of my dear loved ones that I continue to remember during the times life does not collaborate for me.

Pop, Little Pop & Nonna Fannie, Zia Rosa, Zio Felix, Zio Michelangelo, Mother Josephina, Cardinal John, Father Andrew,  Father Romalo, and Ed and Marge.

These were the Ancient Ones, who provided care, love, and direction in my life to become the man I am today.

I continue to ask for their Intercessions during the Holy Days of Christmas. I am sure you have loved ones that you continue to ask assistance through daily intercessions to provide each one of you a sense of comfort and joy in all of your daily ways of life. 

Of Course; all of you are encouraged to contact Dr. Nicholas, when there is a fine tuning required.