Do you have a hard time noticing your own stress?
Scan your Body:
Do you have muscel tension?
Do you have sweaty palms?
Do you have rapid breathing or rapid pulse?
Scan your Behavior:
Are you pacing or fidgetting?
Is your voice to tense, to loud, or to quite?
Scan your Emotions:
Do you feel nervous, mood, or depressed?
Do you feel frustrated?
Do you feel lonely?
Scan your Thoughts:
Have your thoughts turned to worries?
Do you have trouble with concentration or memory?
Thursday, July 1, 2010
Friday, April 23, 2010
Infertility
I realize that this is probably for the minority viewing this blog but there might be some who benefit from it. Or maybe, there is someone with whom you can share this information.
My husband and I have been dealing with infertility from the start of our marriage. Sometimes it is very hurtful and other times I am very grateful I don't have children. (Yes I really said that.)
Two of the clinics we have be patients of, and two of my specific doctors are participating in this event held in Salt Lake City, Utah. It isn't that these doctors don't know what they are talking, the treatments for me are just cost inhibitive. (Did I make that word up? Spell check caught it but it sounds good.)
My husband and I have been dealing with infertility from the start of our marriage. Sometimes it is very hurtful and other times I am very grateful I don't have children. (Yes I really said that.)
Two of the clinics we have be patients of, and two of my specific doctors are participating in this event held in Salt Lake City, Utah. It isn't that these doctors don't know what they are talking, the treatments for me are just cost inhibitive. (Did I make that word up? Spell check caught it but it sounds good.)
This is a free event but seating is limited. Click here to register.
WHEN: April 24, 2010, 9:00 am to 12:00 pm.
WHERE: University of Utah, Health Science Education Center
These doctors are great. As I said, I know some personally and I am sure there will be lots of great information in the short amount of time. It is always reassuring to know that you aren't out in your own little boat with no help.
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Keep Your Circuits Clear
Tonight at Kaysville Jr. High School in Davis County Utah there is an event geared Keeping Your Circuits Clear. There will be representatives from many different groups to help not only parents but youth know what to do to stay away from Cyber Bullying, Pornography and other filth on the internet and mobile phones.
The will also be giving away prizes. I know 2 iPods are involved.
I have a short outline for reference:
6:00 pm Booths open and available for traffic
6:25 pm 3 prizes awarded
6:30 pm Hank Smith (popular youth speaker)
6:55 pm 3 prizes awarded
7:00 pm Dan Gray (MOST popular youth speaker)
7:55 pm 3 prizes awarded
8:00 pm Booths will remain open
Address: 100 East 350 South
Kaysville, UT
Of course members of my office will be on hand to help you out as well! Tell them Michele sent you.
The will also be giving away prizes. I know 2 iPods are involved.
I have a short outline for reference:
6:00 pm Booths open and available for traffic
6:25 pm 3 prizes awarded
6:30 pm Hank Smith (popular youth speaker)
6:55 pm 3 prizes awarded
7:00 pm Dan Gray (MOST popular youth speaker)
7:55 pm 3 prizes awarded
8:00 pm Booths will remain open
Address: 100 East 350 South
Kaysville, UT
Of course members of my office will be on hand to help you out as well! Tell them Michele sent you.
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Protecting Children and Families from Pornography
This is my first blog on this site. I wrote a really great one with links and all sorts of things a few months ago and we decided to take down the website where I had all the links because of a new website. The new website is much more user friendly but I have to admit, I haven't looked at it all and don't have all the great stuff and links.
I just wanted to get the news out about the UCAP = Utah Coalition Against Pornography and the conference they are having this Saturday in Salt Lake City, Utah.
I work for a company that has products for both home and commercial...schools...that help with time management and filtering of the internet. I personally think it is the greatest product on the market and so do many editors' and software mags. We will have a both at the conference. What is our home product you may ask. It is Net Nanny. 
It does so many things including the filtering. We even have a product for smart phones. But I won't get on my Net Nanny soapbox, unless of course someone in the comments asks for more information.
If you are able to attend, I highly recommend attending the conference on Saturday March 27th at the Little America Hotel. Stop by the ContentWatch booth and tell them Michele N sent you. (There are two Michele's at work.)
The UCAP website is a great resource. It has information in many different formats and from many different places. It can all be a bit overwhelming but I think it is broken down to help fight this new drug.
Prior to working where I do, I had no idea pornography was such a problem.
I just wanted to get the news out about the UCAP = Utah Coalition Against Pornography and the conference they are having this Saturday in Salt Lake City, Utah.
I work for a company that has products for both home and commercial...schools...that help with time management and filtering of the internet. I personally think it is the greatest product on the market and so do many editors' and software mags. We will have a both at the conference. What is our home product you may ask. It is Net Nanny. 
It does so many things including the filtering. We even have a product for smart phones. But I won't get on my Net Nanny soapbox, unless of course someone in the comments asks for more information.If you are able to attend, I highly recommend attending the conference on Saturday March 27th at the Little America Hotel. Stop by the ContentWatch booth and tell them Michele N sent you. (There are two Michele's at work.)
The UCAP website is a great resource. It has information in many different formats and from many different places. It can all be a bit overwhelming but I think it is broken down to help fight this new drug.
Prior to working where I do, I had no idea pornography was such a problem.
It is everywhere and we need to take a stance beforehand that it will not be a part of our home.
Sunday, December 27, 2009
Cymbalta
The last three months I have been on Cymbalta 60 mg. and I must say so far it has been a miracle for me. I have noticed I have less depressive episodes, less mood swings and alot more motivation. It decreases my daily physical pain which is also a nice bonus. The only side effects that I have noticed is if I forget to eat regularly it makes me nauseated, which for me is also an added plus. Hopefully it will help me gain weight. I have very vivid dreams and occasional headaches if I accidentally miss a dose.
But really, for me the pluses far outweigh the minuses. I am so grateful I have found something that is working for me right now. They have a great website which explains depression, anxiety, diabetic nerve pain and fibromyalgia here: http://www.cymbalta.com/learnaboutcymbalta.jsp
Her eis an excerpt...How Cymbalta Is Believed to WorkFree Cymbalta SampleReceive a free sample of Cymbalta with your doctor's prescription
Cymbalta offers relief from symptoms of depression, generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), diabetic nerve pain (DNP), and fibromyalgia. Cymbalta is not a narcotic.
Although the exact way that Cymbalta works in people is unknown, it is believed to be related to an increase in the activity of serotonin and norepinephrine, which are two naturally occurring substances in the brain and spinal cord. Cymbalta is in a class of medications called selective SNRIs (serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors
My favorite part of hte website was the information for friends and family. Super useful! http://cymbalta.com/depression/informationforcaregivers.jsp
But really, for me the pluses far outweigh the minuses. I am so grateful I have found something that is working for me right now. They have a great website which explains depression, anxiety, diabetic nerve pain and fibromyalgia here: http://www.cymbalta.com/learnaboutcymbalta.jsp
Her eis an excerpt...How Cymbalta Is Believed to WorkFree Cymbalta SampleReceive a free sample of Cymbalta with your doctor's prescription
Cymbalta offers relief from symptoms of depression, generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), diabetic nerve pain (DNP), and fibromyalgia. Cymbalta is not a narcotic.
Although the exact way that Cymbalta works in people is unknown, it is believed to be related to an increase in the activity of serotonin and norepinephrine, which are two naturally occurring substances in the brain and spinal cord. Cymbalta is in a class of medications called selective SNRIs (serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors
My favorite part of hte website was the information for friends and family. Super useful! http://cymbalta.com/depression/informationforcaregivers.jsp
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Dsthymia and PMDD
Tis the season for me. Holidays are always hard. What has helped is knowing that I am up against two constants...depression and severe pre-menstral mood swings. Since I was a teenager I have battled these two constants with therapy and anti-depressants yet they linger. I have tried every intervention known to man and now just accept them as part of my mortal life. Unfortunate for me and my family are years when the holidays and my cycle overlap. It's hard to keep a smile on my face when I am in a lot of physical pain.
Currently I take Cymbalta which helps most of the symptoms stay at bay so I can function in every day life. I also take prozac four days before my period and during my cycle as prescribed by a physician. I have thought about a hysterectomy or surgery to decrease the pain as I have endometriosis as well. There are side effects for me with taking any hormonal treatments like over the counter birth control pills which are worse than the symptoms. It is so good to know I am not alone in my conditions.
"Depression, in its various forms, affects nearly 19 million Americans each year according to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). With prolonged major depression, shortages or imbalances of mood-influencing chemicals in the brain usually play a role.
Studies show that depressive illness can and often does run in families. The genetic connection is beyond controversy. Another proven fact is that women, as a group, are twice as likely to experience depression" source: http://www.selfgrowth.com/articles/Dysthymia_Chronic_Low-grade_Depression_What_Does_it_Feel_Like.html
Dysthymia defined by one author " The best I ever hoped to feel occurred when I was totally distracted, immersed in something that diverted my attention or completely consumed me. So, I worked hard at staying busy, achieving and excelling in whatever I did, in spite of the way I felt.
I now know that all those years I was suffering from chronic, low-grade depression. This condition, called dysthymic disorder, is a long-term, less severe form of depression that is rarely detected, recognized or talked about.
I spent the majority of my waking hours battling a constant smothering, confining hopelessness, until my depression manifested itself in a more outwardly visible debilitating condition." Here is a really good article on post-holiday blues. http://www.healthline.com/blogs/teen_health/2007/12/post-holiday-blues.html
The other known factor in my life is PPMD.
"Premenstrual dysphoric disorder or PMDD is a condition associated with severe emotional and physical problems that are linked closely to the menstrual cycle. Symptoms occur regularly in the second half of the cycle and end when menstruation begins or shortly thereafter. PMDD is not just a new name for premenstrual syndrome (PMS), a condition that affects as many as 75% of menstruating women. It is, however, considered to be a very severe form of PMS that affects about 5% of menstruating women. Both PMDD and PMS share symptoms in common that include depression, anxiety, tension, irritability and moodiness. What sets PMDD apart is its severity. Women with PMDD find that it has a very disruptive effect on their lives." http://pmdd.factsforhealth.org/what/
"Over the years, many treatments have been used for premenstrual symptoms, for premenstrual syndrome (PMS), and most recently for premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). Until recently, few of these treatments were evaluated in carefully designed research studies and even fewer were shown to be effective. There are now four prescription drugs that have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treating the condition. These FDA-approved medications are fluoxetine (Sarafem), paroxetine controlled-release (Paxil CR), and sertraline (Zoloft), together with drospirenone/ethinyl estradiol oral contraceptive (YAZ). Nonetheless, many treatments of less well established value remain in widespread use and some women find them to be quite satisfactory. Unfortunately, promise of "cures," often costly, are sometimes made for treatments that have not been subjected to well-designed confirmatory research. When we discuss treatments for PMDD here, we'll base our comments on the best available research data, the opinions of experienced clinicians, and a generous sprinkling of common sense.
There are 3 broad approaches to treating PMDD. While most experts recommend a combination of all 3, there have been no scientific studies to determine if combination treatment is really the best approach. It is likely that the best approach or combination of approaches will vary from woman to woman based on things like symptom severity and which symptoms are most troublesome.
Here are the 3 approaches with some examples of each:
Medications - including antidepressants, antianxiety drugs, analgesics, hormones and diuretics.
Psychobehavioral - including exercise and psychotherapies (cognitive-behavioral, coping skills training, relaxation).
Nutritional - including diet modification, vitamins, minerals and herbal preparations.
source http://pmdd.factsforhealth.org/treatment/
Currently I take Cymbalta which helps most of the symptoms stay at bay so I can function in every day life. I also take prozac four days before my period and during my cycle as prescribed by a physician. I have thought about a hysterectomy or surgery to decrease the pain as I have endometriosis as well. There are side effects for me with taking any hormonal treatments like over the counter birth control pills which are worse than the symptoms. It is so good to know I am not alone in my conditions.
"Depression, in its various forms, affects nearly 19 million Americans each year according to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). With prolonged major depression, shortages or imbalances of mood-influencing chemicals in the brain usually play a role.
Studies show that depressive illness can and often does run in families. The genetic connection is beyond controversy. Another proven fact is that women, as a group, are twice as likely to experience depression" source: http://www.selfgrowth.com/articles/Dysthymia_Chronic_Low-grade_Depression_What_Does_it_Feel_Like.html
Dysthymia defined by one author " The best I ever hoped to feel occurred when I was totally distracted, immersed in something that diverted my attention or completely consumed me. So, I worked hard at staying busy, achieving and excelling in whatever I did, in spite of the way I felt.
I now know that all those years I was suffering from chronic, low-grade depression. This condition, called dysthymic disorder, is a long-term, less severe form of depression that is rarely detected, recognized or talked about.
I spent the majority of my waking hours battling a constant smothering, confining hopelessness, until my depression manifested itself in a more outwardly visible debilitating condition." Here is a really good article on post-holiday blues. http://www.healthline.com/blogs/teen_health/2007/12/post-holiday-blues.html
The other known factor in my life is PPMD.
"Premenstrual dysphoric disorder or PMDD is a condition associated with severe emotional and physical problems that are linked closely to the menstrual cycle. Symptoms occur regularly in the second half of the cycle and end when menstruation begins or shortly thereafter. PMDD is not just a new name for premenstrual syndrome (PMS), a condition that affects as many as 75% of menstruating women. It is, however, considered to be a very severe form of PMS that affects about 5% of menstruating women. Both PMDD and PMS share symptoms in common that include depression, anxiety, tension, irritability and moodiness. What sets PMDD apart is its severity. Women with PMDD find that it has a very disruptive effect on their lives." http://pmdd.factsforhealth.org/what/
"Over the years, many treatments have been used for premenstrual symptoms, for premenstrual syndrome (PMS), and most recently for premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). Until recently, few of these treatments were evaluated in carefully designed research studies and even fewer were shown to be effective. There are now four prescription drugs that have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treating the condition. These FDA-approved medications are fluoxetine (Sarafem), paroxetine controlled-release (Paxil CR), and sertraline (Zoloft), together with drospirenone/ethinyl estradiol oral contraceptive (YAZ). Nonetheless, many treatments of less well established value remain in widespread use and some women find them to be quite satisfactory. Unfortunately, promise of "cures," often costly, are sometimes made for treatments that have not been subjected to well-designed confirmatory research. When we discuss treatments for PMDD here, we'll base our comments on the best available research data, the opinions of experienced clinicians, and a generous sprinkling of common sense.
There are 3 broad approaches to treating PMDD. While most experts recommend a combination of all 3, there have been no scientific studies to determine if combination treatment is really the best approach. It is likely that the best approach or combination of approaches will vary from woman to woman based on things like symptom severity and which symptoms are most troublesome.
Here are the 3 approaches with some examples of each:
Medications - including antidepressants, antianxiety drugs, analgesics, hormones and diuretics.
Psychobehavioral - including exercise and psychotherapies (cognitive-behavioral, coping skills training, relaxation).
Nutritional - including diet modification, vitamins, minerals and herbal preparations.
source http://pmdd.factsforhealth.org/treatment/
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Safeguarding Your Home
One of the biggest issues I see attacking people and families today is that of pornography. With internet access as open and liberal as it is, many children and parents can be exposed to pornographic material with the click of a button. I have been looking for resources on safeguarding our homes against it, the harms of pornography as well as the best places to look for treatment of the addiction.
I found this on lds.org in the provident living section on Protecting:
Pornography
Parents can do many things to safeguard their homes from the harmful influences found on the Internet. While there is no foolproof system, some simple steps can help reduce the risk of family members seeing pornographic materials on the Internet.
Place computers in high-traffic areas of the home. Kitchens, family rooms, and studies usually have the most traffic. Because these rooms usually don’t have doors, they are typically less secluded than bedrooms.
Position computer monitors so the screen faces out for public view.
Install a filtering program, and learn its features and how to use it. Good filtering programs allow you to view a history of which sites (including chat rooms) have been visited and when, as well as a record of incoming and outgoing e-mails. Information on filtering programs can be found on Internet sites such as http://www.internetfilterreview.com/.
Teach family members about the dangers of Internet pornography, including how to escape if an inappropriate site is accidentally accessed. This usually involves shutting down the entire system.
Teach family members to tell parents if they encounter any form of pornography while on the computer. This will help reduce the fear or shame of accidental exposure. It also serves to open discussion about the dangers of pornography.
Teach family members to use the Internet for a specific purpose only. Aimless surfing makes it easier to wander onto inappropriate sites.
Instant messaging is a cost-effective, easy way to communicate with family and close friends. However, teach family members to avoid public chat rooms, bulletin boards, or unfamiliar areas on the Internet. Such places present an unnecessary risk for children and adults.
Teach children not to share any personal information online without parental knowledge and permission. Many predators pose as children to gain access and information that may put children at risk.
Educate yourself about your computer and how the Internet works.
Be aware of what your children’s school and public library policies are regarding Internet use and accessibility.
Teach family members to never open e-mail from someone they don’t know.
The Internet is a wonderful tool and resource for families, but caution must be exercised in order to protect families and individuals from the potential dangers that are present online.
From Protect Kids comes a definition: Pornography can be thought of as all sexually explicit material intended primarily to arouse the reader, viewer, or listener. Each category of illegal pornography has a specific legal definition established by the courts. The Supreme Court has said that there are four categories of pornography that can be determined illegal. Illegal pornography includes indecency, material harmful to minors, obscenity, and child pornography. Click here for the legal definitions of types of pornography.
Here are some resources on The Dangers of Pornography
http://www.protectkids.com/effects/index.htm
http://www.aclj.org/Issues/Resources/Document.aspx?ID=330
www.leaderu.com/orgs/probe/docs/porno.html
Treatment
One of the best tools I have heard in treating pornography addiction is the twelve stop program here are some other links to check
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pornography_addiction
http://www.endpornaddiction.com/?hop=denkster3
LDS Resources
"Satan has become a master at using the addictive power of pornography to limit individual capacity to be led by the Spirit. The onslaught of pornography in all of its vicious, corroding, destructive forms has caused great grief, suffering, heartache, and destroyed marriages. It is one of the most damning influences on earth. Whether it be through the printed page, movies, television, obscene lyrics, vulgarities on the telephone, or flickering personal computer screen, pornography is overpoweringly addictive and severely damaging." -Richard G. Scott
I found this on lds.org in the provident living section on Protecting:
Pornography
Parents can do many things to safeguard their homes from the harmful influences found on the Internet. While there is no foolproof system, some simple steps can help reduce the risk of family members seeing pornographic materials on the Internet.
Place computers in high-traffic areas of the home. Kitchens, family rooms, and studies usually have the most traffic. Because these rooms usually don’t have doors, they are typically less secluded than bedrooms.
Position computer monitors so the screen faces out for public view.
Install a filtering program, and learn its features and how to use it. Good filtering programs allow you to view a history of which sites (including chat rooms) have been visited and when, as well as a record of incoming and outgoing e-mails. Information on filtering programs can be found on Internet sites such as http://www.internetfilterreview.com/.
Teach family members about the dangers of Internet pornography, including how to escape if an inappropriate site is accidentally accessed. This usually involves shutting down the entire system.
Teach family members to tell parents if they encounter any form of pornography while on the computer. This will help reduce the fear or shame of accidental exposure. It also serves to open discussion about the dangers of pornography.
Teach family members to use the Internet for a specific purpose only. Aimless surfing makes it easier to wander onto inappropriate sites.
Instant messaging is a cost-effective, easy way to communicate with family and close friends. However, teach family members to avoid public chat rooms, bulletin boards, or unfamiliar areas on the Internet. Such places present an unnecessary risk for children and adults.
Teach children not to share any personal information online without parental knowledge and permission. Many predators pose as children to gain access and information that may put children at risk.
Educate yourself about your computer and how the Internet works.
Be aware of what your children’s school and public library policies are regarding Internet use and accessibility.
Teach family members to never open e-mail from someone they don’t know.
The Internet is a wonderful tool and resource for families, but caution must be exercised in order to protect families and individuals from the potential dangers that are present online.
From Protect Kids comes a definition: Pornography can be thought of as all sexually explicit material intended primarily to arouse the reader, viewer, or listener. Each category of illegal pornography has a specific legal definition established by the courts. The Supreme Court has said that there are four categories of pornography that can be determined illegal. Illegal pornography includes indecency, material harmful to minors, obscenity, and child pornography. Click here for the legal definitions of types of pornography.
Here are some resources on The Dangers of Pornography
http://www.protectkids.com/effects/index.htm
http://www.aclj.org/Issues/Resources/Document.aspx?ID=330
www.leaderu.com/orgs/probe/docs/porno.html
Treatment
One of the best tools I have heard in treating pornography addiction is the twelve stop program here are some other links to check
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pornography_addiction
http://www.endpornaddiction.com/?hop=denkster3
LDS Resources
http://www.lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=84010fd41d93b010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD&locale=0&hideNav=1&bucket=AllChurchContent&query=pornography&submit=Search
"Satan has become a master at using the addictive power of pornography to limit individual capacity to be led by the Spirit. The onslaught of pornography in all of its vicious, corroding, destructive forms has caused great grief, suffering, heartache, and destroyed marriages. It is one of the most damning influences on earth. Whether it be through the printed page, movies, television, obscene lyrics, vulgarities on the telephone, or flickering personal computer screen, pornography is overpoweringly addictive and severely damaging." -Richard G. Scott
Monday, October 26, 2009
Lesson Learned
Jelly bellies+
Caffeine
= Panic Attack and increased anxiety
Usually I stay away from sugar and caffeine because I got into the habit after running cross country for so many years. However, this weekend I took a few sips and ate some jelly bellies (well okay, half the bag) and WHAM! First panic attack in a long time.
I was curious if there was any scientific research to back this up so I googled it, sure enough there is!
Brewing trouble http://caffeineweb.com/?cat=2
http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=50820
Caffeine induced mental anxiety
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