tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-50077156115250945272024-03-13T20:08:11.534-07:00HANAKO Lounge^^Health, Family, and Artshanakohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02066656030986467640noreply@blogger.comBlogger13125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5007715611525094527.post-87989345113427319172009-02-24T03:35:00.000-08:002009-02-24T03:42:36.255-08:00Depression<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal;"><b><span style="font-size: 20pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(255, 71, 229);">Depression in Women</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal;"><br /><b><span style="font-size: 20pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(255, 71, 229);"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);">Here are the facts about </span><a href="http://www.webmd.com/depression/default.htm"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(38, 38, 38); text-decoration: none;">depression</span></a><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);"> in women. In the U.S. about 15 million people experience depression each year. The majority of them are women. Unfortunately, nearly two-thirds of those women do not get the help they need.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal;"><br /><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);">Depression in women is very common. In fact, women are twice as likely to develop clinical depression as men. And as many as one out of every four women is likely to experience an episode of </span><a href="http://www.webmd.com/depression/guide/major-depression"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(38, 38, 38); text-decoration: none;">major depression</span></a><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);"> at some point in life.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal;"><br /><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);">Depression is a serious disease that can be hard to understand and diagnose. Here’s what you need to know to recognize the symptoms of depression:</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal;"><br /><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <ul><li><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Wingdings; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);"><span style="">Ø<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);"> Craving</span><a href="http://www.webmd.com/depression/recognizing-depression-symptoms/carbohydrate-craving"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(38, 38, 38); text-decoration: none;"> Carbs: How To Know When It Is Depression</span></a><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);"> <o:p></o:p></span></li><li><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Wingdings; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);"><span style="">Ø<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><a href="http://www.webmd.com/depression/recognizing-depression-symptoms/physical-symptoms"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(38, 38, 38); text-decoration: none;">9 Painful Symptoms That May Signal Depression</span></a><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);"> <o:p></o:p></span></li><li><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Wingdings; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);"><span style="">Ø<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><a href="http://www.webmd.com/depression/recognizing-depression-symptoms/postpartum-winter"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(38, 38, 38); text-decoration: none;">Postpartum Depression: Winter Baby Blues</span></a><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);"> <o:p></o:p></span></li><li><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Wingdings; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);"><span style="">Ø<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><a href="http://www.webmd.com/depression/recognizing-depression-symptoms/chronic-pain-and-depression-managing-pain-when-youre-depressed"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(38, 38, 38); text-decoration: none;">4 Ways to Manage Pain & Depression</span></a></li><li><a href="http://www.webmd.com/depression/recognizing-depression-symptoms/chronic-pain-and-depression-managing-pain-when-youre-depressed"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(38, 38, 38); text-decoration: none;"></span></a><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);"> <o:p></o:p></span></li></ul> <p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white none repeat scroll 0% 50%; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(148, 54, 52);">What is depression?</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal;"><br /><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(148, 54, 52);"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);">Depression is a serious and pervasive mood disorder. It causes feelings of sadness, hopelessness, helplessness, and worthlessness. Depression can be mild to moderate with symptoms of apathy, little appetite, difficulty sleeping, low self-esteem, and low-grade </span><a href="http://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/weakness-and-fatigue-topic-overview"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(38, 38, 38); text-decoration: none;">fatigue</span></a><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);">. Or it can be major depression with symptoms of depressed mood most of the day, diminished interest in daily activities, weight loss or gain, </span><a href="http://www.webmd.com/sleep-disorders/sleep-disorders-insomnia"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(38, 38, 38); text-decoration: none;">insomnia</span></a><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);"> or hypersomnia (oversleeping), fatigue, feelings of guilt almost daily, and recurring thoughts of death or </span><a href="http://www.webmd.com/mental-health/tc/suicidal-thoughts-or-threats-topic-overview"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(38, 38, 38); text-decoration: none;">suicide</span></a><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);">.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal;"><br /><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(148, 54, 52);">What are the symptoms of depression in women?</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal;"><br /><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(148, 54, 52);"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);">Symptoms of depression in women include:</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal;"><br /><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: -18pt; line-height: normal;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Wingdings; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);"><span style="">Ø<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);">persistent sad, anxious, or "empty" mood <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: -18pt; line-height: normal;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Wingdings; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);"><span style="">Ø<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);">loss of interest or pleasure in activities, including sex <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: -18pt; line-height: normal;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Wingdings; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);"><span style="">Ø<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);">restlessness, irritability, or excessive crying <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: -18pt; line-height: normal;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Wingdings; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);"><span style="">Ø<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);">feelings of guilt, worthlessness, helplessness, hopelessness, pessimism <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: -18pt; line-height: normal;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Wingdings; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);"><span style="">Ø<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);">sleeping too much or too little, early-morning awakening <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: -18pt; line-height: normal;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Wingdings; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);"><span style="">Ø<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);">appetite and/or weight loss or overeating and weight gain <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: -18pt; line-height: normal;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Wingdings; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);"><span style="">Ø<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);">decreased energy, fatigue, feeling "slowed down" <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: -18pt; line-height: normal;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Wingdings; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);"><span style="">Ø<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);">thoughts of death or suicide, or suicide attempts <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: -18pt; line-height: normal;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Wingdings; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);"><span style="">Ø<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);">difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: -18pt; line-height: normal;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Wingdings; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);"><span style="">Ø<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);">persistent physical symptoms that do not respond to treatment, such as </span><a href="http://www.webmd.com/migraines-headaches/default.htm"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(38, 38, 38); text-decoration: none;">headaches</span></a><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);">, </span><a href="http://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/default.htm"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(38, 38, 38); text-decoration: none;">digestive disorders</span></a><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);">, and chronic pain</span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: -18pt; line-height: normal;"><br /><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);"> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(148, 54, 52);">What are the symptoms of mania in women?</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal;"><br /><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(148, 54, 52);"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal;"><a href="http://www.webmd.com/bipolar-disorder/guide/hypomania-mania-symptoms"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(38, 38, 38); text-decoration: none;">Mania</span></a><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);"> is a highly elevated mood that sometimes occurs with </span><a href="http://www.webmd.com/bipolar-disorder/default.htm"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(38, 38, 38); text-decoration: none;">bipolar</span></a><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);"> disorder. Moods in bipolar disorder swing from the lows of depression to the highs of mania. Even though mania is an elevated mood, it is serious and needs medical assessment and treatment.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal;"><br /><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);">The symptoms of mania include:</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal;"><br /><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: -18pt; line-height: normal;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Wingdings; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);"><span style="">Ø<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);">abnormally elevated mood <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: -18pt; line-height: normal;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Wingdings; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);"><span style="">Ø<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);">irritability <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: -18pt; line-height: normal;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Wingdings; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);"><span style="">Ø<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);">decreased need for sleep <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: -18pt; line-height: normal;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Wingdings; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);"><span style="">Ø<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);">grandiose ideas <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: -18pt; line-height: normal;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Wingdings; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);"><span style="">Ø<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);">greatly increased talking <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: -18pt; line-height: normal;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Wingdings; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);"><span style="">Ø<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);">racing thoughts <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: -18pt; line-height: normal;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Wingdings; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);"><span style="">Ø<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);">increased activity, including sexual activity <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: -18pt; line-height: normal;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Wingdings; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);"><span style="">Ø<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);">markedly increased energy <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: -18pt; line-height: normal;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Wingdings; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);"><span style="">Ø<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);">poor judgment that leads to risk-taking behavior <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: -18pt; line-height: normal;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Wingdings; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);"><span style="">Ø<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);">inappropriate social behavior</span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: -18pt; line-height: normal;"><br /><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);"> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(148, 54, 52);">Why is depression in women more common than depression in men?</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal;"><br /><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(148, 54, 52);"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);">Before adolescence, the rate of depression is about the same in girls and boys. However, with the onset of </span><a href="http://children.webmd.com/tc/growth-and-development-ages-11-to-14-years-what-to-expect"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(38, 38, 38); text-decoration: none;">puberty</span></a><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);">, a girl's risk of developing depression increases dramatically to twice that of boys.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal;"><br /><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);">Experts believe that the increased chance of depression in women may be related to changes in hormone levels that occur throughout a woman's life. These changes are evident during puberty, </span><a href="http://www.webmd.com/baby/default.htm"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(38, 38, 38); text-decoration: none;">pregnancy</span></a><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);">, and menopause as well as after </span><a href="http://www.webmd.com/baby/guide/delivery-methods"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(38, 38, 38); text-decoration: none;">giving birth</span></a><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);">, having a </span><a href="http://women.webmd.com/guide/hysterectomy"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(38, 38, 38); text-decoration: none;">hysterectomy</span></a><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);">, or experiencing a </span><a href="http://www.webmd.com/infertility-and-reproduction/guide/pregnancy-miscarriage"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(38, 38, 38); text-decoration: none;">miscarriage</span></a><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);">. In addition, the hormone fluctuations that occur with each month's </span><a href="http://women.webmd.com/tc/normal-menstrual-cycle-topic-overview"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(38, 38, 38); text-decoration: none;">menstrual cycle</span></a><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);"> probably contribute to </span><a href="http://women.webmd.com/guide/premenstrual-syndrome"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(38, 38, 38); text-decoration: none;">premenstrual syndrome</span></a><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);">, or PMS, and premenstrual dysphoric disorder, or PMDD -- a severe syndrome marked especially by depression, </span><a href="http://www.webmd.com/anxiety-panic/default.htm"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(38, 38, 38); text-decoration: none;">anxiety</span></a><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);">, cyclical mood shifts, and lethargy.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal;"><br /><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(148, 54, 52);"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(148, 54, 52);">What increases the chances of depression in women?</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal;"><br /><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(148, 54, 52);"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);">According to the National Institutes of Health, factors that increase the risk of depression in women include reproductive, genetic, or other biological factors; interpersonal factors; and certain psychological and personality characteristics. In addition, women juggling work with raising kids and women who are single parents suffer more </span><a href="http://www.webmd.com/balance/stress-management/"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(38, 38, 38); text-decoration: none;">stress</span></a><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);"> that may trigger symptoms of depression. Other factors that could increase risk include:</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal;"><br /><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: -18pt; line-height: normal;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Wingdings; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);"><span style="">Ø<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);">family history of mood disorders <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: -18pt; line-height: normal;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Wingdings; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);"><span style="">Ø<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);">history of mood disorders in early reproductive years <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: -18pt; line-height: normal;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Wingdings; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);"><span style="">Ø<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);">loss of a parent before age 10 <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: -18pt; line-height: normal;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Wingdings; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);"><span style="">Ø<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);">loss of social support system or the threat of such a loss <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: -18pt; line-height: normal;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Wingdings; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);"><span style="">Ø<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);">ongoing psychological and social stress, such as loss of a job, relationship stress, separation or divorce <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: -18pt; line-height: normal;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Wingdings; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);"><span style="">Ø<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);">physical or sexual abuse as a child <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: -18pt; line-height: normal;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Wingdings; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);"><span style="">Ø<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);">use of certain </span><a href="http://www.webmd.com/infertility-and-reproduction/default.htm"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(38, 38, 38); text-decoration: none;">infertility</span></a><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);"> treatments <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: -18pt; line-height: normal;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Wingdings; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);"><span style="">Ø<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);">use of certain oral contraceptives</span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: -18pt; line-height: normal;"><br /><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);"> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);">Women can also get </span><a href="http://www.webmd.com/depression/postpartum-depression/default.htm"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(38, 38, 38); text-decoration: none;">postpartum depression</span></a><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);"> after the birth of a </span><a href="http://www.webmd.com/baby/default.htm"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(38, 38, 38); text-decoration: none;">baby</span></a><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);">. Some people get </span><a href="http://www.webmd.com/depression/guide/seasonal-affective-disorder"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(38, 38, 38); text-decoration: none;">seasonal affective disorder</span></a><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);"> in the winter. Depression is one part of bipolar disorder.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal;"><br /><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(148, 54, 52);">Can depression in women run in families?</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal;"><br /><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(148, 54, 52);"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);">Yes. Depression can run in families. When it does, it generally starts <span style=""> </span>between the ages of 15 and 30. A family link to depression is much more common in women.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal;"><br /><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(148, 54, 52);">How does depression in women differ from depression in men?</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal;"><br /><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(148, 54, 52);"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(148, 54, 52);"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);">Depression in women differs from </span><a href="http://www.webmd.com/depression/guide/depression-men"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(38, 38, 38); text-decoration: none;">depression in men</span></a><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);"> in several ways:</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal;"><br /><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: -18pt; line-height: normal;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Wingdings; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);"><span style="">Ø<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);">Depression in women may occur earlier, last longer, be more likely to reoccur, be more likely to be associated with stressful life events, and be more sensitive to seasonal changes.</span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: -18pt; line-height: normal;"><br /><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);"> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: -18pt; line-height: normal;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Wingdings; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);"><span style="">Ø<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);">Women are more likely to experience guilty feelings and attempt suicide, although they actually commit suicide less often than men.</span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: -18pt; line-height: normal;"><br /><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);"> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: -18pt; line-height: normal;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Wingdings; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);"><span style="">Ø<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);">Depression in women is more likely to be associated with anxiety disorders, especially panic and phobic symptoms, and eating disorders.</span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: -18pt; line-height: normal;"><br /><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);"> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: -18pt; line-height: normal;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Wingdings; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);"><span style="">Ø<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);">Depressed women are less likely to abuse alcohol and other </span><a href="http://www.webmd.com/drugs/index-drugs.aspx"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(38, 38, 38); text-decoration: none;">drugs</span></a><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);">.</span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: -18pt; line-height: normal;"><br /><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);"> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);"> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(148, 54, 52);">How are PMS and PMDD related to depression in women?</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal;"><br /><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(148, 54, 52);"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);">As many as three out of every four menstruating women experience premenstrual syndrome or PMS. PMS is a disorder characterized by emotional and physical symptoms that fluctuate in intensity from one menstrual cycle to the next. Women in their 20s or 30s are usually affected.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal;"><br /><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);">About 3% to 5% of menstruating women experience premenstrual dysphoric disorder, or PMDD. PMDD is a severe form of PMS, marked by highly emotional and physical symptoms that usually become more severe seven to 10 days before the onset of menstruation.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal;"><br /><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);">In the last decade, these conditions have become recognized as important causes of discomfort and behavioral change in women. While the precise link between PMS, PMDD, and depression is still unclear, chemical changes in the brain and fluctuating hormone levels are both thought to be contributing factors.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal;"><br /><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(148, 54, 52);">How are PMS and PMDD treated?</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal;"><br /><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(148, 54, 52);"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);">Many women who suffer with depression along with PMS or PMDD find improvement through </span><a href="http://www.webmd.com/fitness-exercise/guide/default.htm"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(38, 38, 38); text-decoration: none;">exercise</span></a><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);"> or </span><a href="http://www.webmd.com/balance/meditation-natural-remedy-for-insomnia"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(38, 38, 38); text-decoration: none;">meditation</span></a><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);">. For individuals with severe symptoms, medicine, individual or group psychotherapy, or </span><a href="http://www.webmd.com/balance/stress-management/stress-management-relieving-stress"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(38, 38, 38); text-decoration: none;">stress management</span></a><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);"> may be helpful.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal;"><br /><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(148, 54, 52);">Does depression in women occur during pregnancy?</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal;"><br /><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(148, 54, 52);"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);">Pregnancy has long been viewed as a period of well-being that protected women against psychiatric disorders. But depression in women occurs almost as commonly in pregnant women as it does in those who are not pregnant. The factors which increase the risk of depression in women during pregnancy are:</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal;"><br /><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: -18pt; line-height: normal;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Wingdings; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);"><span style="">Ø<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);">having a history of depression or PMDD <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: -18pt; line-height: normal;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Wingdings; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);"><span style="">Ø<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);">age at time of pregnancy -- the younger you are, the higher the risk <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: -18pt; line-height: normal;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Wingdings; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);"><span style="">Ø<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);">living alone <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: -18pt; line-height: normal;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Wingdings; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);"><span style="">Ø<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);">limited social support <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: -18pt; line-height: normal;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Wingdings; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);"><span style="">Ø<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);">marital conflict <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: -18pt; line-height: normal;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Wingdings; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);"><span style="">Ø<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);">uncertainty about the pregnancy</span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: -18pt; line-height: normal;"><br /><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);"> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt 133.5pt; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(148, 54, 52);">What is the impact of depression on pregnancy?</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal;"><br /><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(148, 54, 52);"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);">The potential impact of depression on a pregnancy includes the following:</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal;"><br /><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: -18pt; line-height: normal;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Wingdings; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);"><span style="">Ø<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);">Depression can interfere with a woman's ability to care for herself during pregnancy. She may be less able to follow medical recommendations and to </span><a href="http://www.webmd.com/sleep-disorders/default.htm"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(38, 38, 38); text-decoration: none;">sleep</span></a><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);"> and eat properly. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: -18pt; line-height: normal;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Wingdings; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);"><span style="">Ø<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);">Depression can cause a woman to use substances such as tobacco, alcohol, and/or illegal drugs, which could harm the baby. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: -18pt; line-height: normal;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Wingdings; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);"><span style="">Ø<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);">Depression can make bonding with the baby difficult.</span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: -18pt; line-height: normal;"><br /><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);"> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt 133.5pt; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal;"><b style=""><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(148, 54, 52);">Pregnancy may have the following impact on depression in women:</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal;"><br /><b style=""><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(148, 54, 52);"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal;"><b style=""><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(148, 54, 52);"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: -18pt; line-height: normal;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Wingdings; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);"><span style="">Ø<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);">The stresses of pregnancy can </span><a href="http://www.webmd.com/depression/guide/depression-overview-facts"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(38, 38, 38); text-decoration: none;">cause depression</span></a><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);"> or a recurrence or worsening of depression symptoms. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: -18pt; line-height: normal;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Wingdings; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);"><span style="">Ø<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);">Depression during pregnancy can increase the risk for having depression after delivery (called postpartum depression). <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);"> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(148, 54, 52);">What are my options if I'm depressed during pregnancy?</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal;"><br /><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(148, 54, 52);"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);">Preparing for a new baby is lots of hard work. But your health should come first. Resist the urge to get everything done, cut down on your chores, and do things that will help you relax. In addition, talking about things that concern you is very important. Talk to your friends, your partner, and your family. If you ask for support, you will find you often get it.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal;"><br /><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);">If all else fails and you're still feeling down and anxious, consider seeking therapy. Ask your doctor or </span><a href="http://www.webmd.com/baby/midwives"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(38, 38, 38); text-decoration: none;">midwife</span></a><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);"> for a referral to a </span><a href="http://www.webmd.com/mental-health/default.htm"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(38, 38, 38); text-decoration: none;">mental health</span></a><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);"> care professional.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal;"><br /><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(148, 54, 52);">How is depression in women treated during pregnancy?</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal;"><br /><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(148, 54, 52);"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);">Growing evidence suggests that many of the currently available </span><a href="http://www.webmd.com/depression/depression-medications-antidepressants"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(38, 38, 38); text-decoration: none;">antidepressant</span></a><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);"> medicines are safe for </span><a href="http://www.webmd.com/depression/guide/depression-treatment-care"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(38, 38, 38); text-decoration: none;">treating depression</span></a><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);"> during pregnancy, at least in terms of the potential short-term effects on the baby. Long-term effects have not been properly studied. You should discuss the possible risks and benefits with your doctor.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal;"><br /><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(148, 54, 52);">How is postpartum depression in women treated?</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal;"><br /><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(148, 54, 52);"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);">Postpartum depression, or depression following childbirth, can be treated like other forms of depression. That means using medicines and/or psychotherapy. If a woman is </span><a href="http://www.webmd.com/parenting/tc/breast-feeding-topic-overview"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(38, 38, 38); text-decoration: none;">breastfeeding</span></a><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);">, the decision to take an antidepressant must be made with her doctor.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal;"><br /><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(148, 54, 52);">Does the prevalence of depression in women increase at midlife?</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal;"><br /><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(148, 54, 52);"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal;"><a href="http://www.webmd.com/menopause/tc/menopause-and-perimenopause-overview"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(38, 38, 38); text-decoration: none;">Perimenopause</span></a><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);"> is the stage of a woman's reproductive life that begins eight to 10 years before menopause. During this time the ovaries gradually begin to produce less estrogen. Perimenopause lasts up until menopause, the point when the ovaries stop releasing eggs. In the last one to two years of perimenopause, the decrease in estrogen accelerates. At this stage, many women experience menopausal symptoms.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal;"><br /><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);">Menopause is the period of time when a woman stops having her monthly period and experiences symptoms related to the lack of estrogen production. By definition, a woman is in menopause after her periods have stopped for one year. It is a normal part of aging and marks the end of a woman's reproductive years. Menopause typically occurs in a woman's late 40s to early 50s. However, women who have their ovaries surgically removed undergo "sudden" menopause.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal;"><br /><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);">The drop in estrogen levels during perimenopause and menopause triggers physical and emotional changes -- such as depression or anxiety and changes in memory. Like at any other point in a woman's life, there is a relationship between hormone levels and physical and emotional symptoms. Some physical changes include irregular or skipped periods, heavier or lighter periods, and </span><a href="http://www.webmd.com/menopause/guide/hot-flashes"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(38, 38, 38); text-decoration: none;">hot flashes</span></a><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);">.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal;"><br /><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(148, 54, 52);">How can I cope with symptoms of menopause?</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal;"><br /><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(148, 54, 52);"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);">There are many ways you can ease </span><a href="http://www.webmd.com/menopause/guide/menopause-symptoms-types"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(38, 38, 38); text-decoration: none;">menopause symptoms</span></a><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);"> and maintain your health. These tips include ways to cope with mood swings, fears, and depression:</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal;"><br /><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: -18pt; line-height: normal;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Wingdings; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);"><span style="">Ø<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);">Avoid tranquilizers. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: -18pt; line-height: normal;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Wingdings; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);"><span style="">Ø<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);">Eat healthfully and exercise regularly. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: -18pt; line-height: normal;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Wingdings; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);"><span style="">Ø<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);">Engage in a creative outlet or hobby that fosters a sense of achievement. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: -18pt; line-height: normal;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Wingdings; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);"><span style="">Ø<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);">Find a self-calming skill to practice -- such as </span><a href="http://www.webmd.com/fitness-exercise/tc/yoga-topic-overview"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(38, 38, 38); text-decoration: none;">yoga</span></a><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);">, meditation, or slow, deep breathing. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: -18pt; line-height: normal;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Wingdings; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);"><span style="">Ø<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);">Keep your bedroom cool to prevent night sweats and disturbed sleep. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: -18pt; line-height: normal;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Wingdings; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);"><span style="">Ø<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);">Seek emotional support from friends, family members, or a professional counselor when needed. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: -18pt; line-height: normal;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Wingdings; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);"><span style="">Ø<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);">Stay connected with your family and community and nurture your friendships. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: -18pt; line-height: normal;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Wingdings; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);"><span style="">Ø<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);">Take medicines, vitamins, and minerals as prescribed by your doctor. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: -18pt; line-height: normal;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Wingdings; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);"><span style="">Ø<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);">Take steps such as wearing loose clothing to stay cool during hot flashes.</span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: -18pt; line-height: normal;"><br /><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);"> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(148, 54, 52);">How is depression in women treated?</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal;"><br /><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(148, 54, 52);"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);">There are a variety of methods used to treat depression, including medications such as antidepressants and psychotherapy. Family therapy may be helpful if family stress adds to your depression. Your mental health care provider will determine the best course of treatment for you. If you are uncertain who to call for help with depression, check out the following list from the </span><b style=""><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(49, 132, 155);">National Institute of Mental Health</span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);">:</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal;"><br /><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: -18pt; line-height: normal;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Wingdings; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);"><span style="">Ø<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);">community mental health centers <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: -18pt; line-height: normal;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Wingdings; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);"><span style="">Ø<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);">employee assistance programs <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: -18pt; line-height: normal;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Wingdings; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);"><span style="">Ø<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);">family doctors <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: -18pt; line-height: normal;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Wingdings; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);"><span style="">Ø<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);">family service/social agencies <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: -18pt; line-height: normal;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Wingdings; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);"><span style="">Ø<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);">health maintenance organizations <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: -18pt; line-height: normal;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Wingdings; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);"><span style="">Ø<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);">hospital psychiatry departments and outpatient clinics <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: -18pt; line-height: normal;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Wingdings; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);"><span style="">Ø<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);">local medical and/or psychiatric societies <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: -18pt; line-height: normal;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Wingdings; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);"><span style="">Ø<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);">mental health specialists such as psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, or mental health counselors <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: -18pt; line-height: normal;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Wingdings; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);"><span style="">Ø<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);">private clinics and facilities <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: -18pt; line-height: normal;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Wingdings; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);"><span style="">Ø<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);">state hospital outpatient clinics <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: -18pt; line-height: normal;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Wingdings; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);"><span style="">Ø<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);">university or medical school affiliated programs <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(38, 38, 38);"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>hanakohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02066656030986467640noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5007715611525094527.post-48452798537494755992009-02-22T19:11:00.000-08:002009-02-22T19:18:37.376-08:00Anorexia and Bulimia Nervosa<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 6.75pt 0cm 0.0001pt;"><b style=""><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(23, 54, 93); letter-spacing: -0.75pt;">Eating Disorders Treatment, Symptoms of Eating Disorders</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 6.75pt 0cm 0.0001pt;"><br /><b style=""><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(23, 54, 93); letter-spacing: -0.75pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: 14.25pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">Eating disorders are some of the most destructive illnesses today. Although a commonly used term, the meaning is often a source of confusion for many people. Basically, eating disorders happen to people whose diet patterns have gone awry somewhere along the way and ultimately lead to eating habits that are damaging and dangerous.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: 14.25pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"><br />Eating disorders are a very serious problem, and those suffering from them need to get the proper treatment in order to be able to resume leading normal, healthy lives. Depending on where you live and the severity of the eating disorder, there are various options available for treatment. Those suffering from severe anorexia or bulimia will most likely find an inpatient treatment most beneficial.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: 14.25pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"><br />Eating disorders are characterized by critical disturbances in eating behaviors. A person afflicted with this problem may voluntarily resort to an unhealthy reduction in food intake or may abnormally take in more food than necessary. Feelings of guilt and extreme concern over weight or body shape likewise accompany this malady.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: 14.25pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"><br />Driven by the compulsive need to avoid weight gain, many eating disorder sufferers consume large quantities of laxatives in order to rid the body of the food they eat. Laxatives are a readily available form of medication normally taken to treat constipation. Indeed, sufferers of bulimia and anorexia often complain about constipation and feeling bloated.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: 14.25pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"><br />Eating disorders are not a problem with food; however it is a problem with mental health. When a person looks into the mirror, he or she does not like the way they look and think they are fat even though they are stick boney.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: 14.25pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"><br />There are eating disorder treatment options which can be used to offset the physical and emotional damage caused by eating disorders. Although common among troubled teens, eating disorders affect women and men of all ages including small children.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: 14.25pt;"><br /><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: 14.25pt;"><b style=""><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">Anorexics</span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"> often have the feeling that calorie intake and weight is the only thing they can control in their lives. Many have very low self esteem and some even feel they don't deserve to eat. People with anorexia usually won't seek help for themselves because they fear being forced to eat and get fat. It is possible, however, for anorexia to be treated and cured.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: 14.25pt;"><br /><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: 14.25pt;"><b style=""><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">Bulimia</span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"> <b style="">nervosa</b> is an eating disorder that consists of repeated bouts of binge eating. A person who is a binge eater has an uncontrollable urge to eat excessive amounts of food. This person will believe that he or she is overweight even when they are not. Some of these people induce vomiting, also known as purging, or use laxatives or diuretics to get rid of all of the food that was eaten during binging. Other people might fast and/or exercise excessively instead.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><b style=""><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"><br /></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><b style=""><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">Factors Which Cause Eating Disorders<o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><b style=""><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"><o:p> </o:p></span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"><br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">Eating disorders is not caused by a single factor, there are many factors that can play a role in the appearance of these disorders like cultural and family pressures, emotional and personality disorders and also genetic and biological factors. <br /> <!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br /> <!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p><br />Similar personality traits like low self-esteem, dependency, and problems with self-direction are present to people with eating disorders. Specific personality disorders or behavioral characteristics that might put people at higher risk for one or both of the eating disorders have been determined by researchers.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"><br />The following personality disorders like avoidant personalities and dependent personalities mostly in anorexia and borderline and histrionic personalities mostly in bulimia and narcissism which can be present in anorexia and bulimia too have been reported by studies. Patients with bulimia or anorexia can present one of these personality traits. The more important factor in determining treatment choices may be the patient's specific personality disorders even if they are anorexic and bulimic.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"><br />Avoidant personalities are present to people with anorexia. The symptoms which characterize this personality disorder are: being a perfectionist, being emotionally and sexually inhibited, having less of a fantasy life than people with bulimia or without an eating disorder, not being rebellious, or usually perceived as always being "good", being terrified of being ridiculed or criticized or of feeling humiliated.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"><br />Behavioral and eating pattern can be developed by the person with both anorexia and avoidant personality disorder. So for some individuals the only way to obtain love is achieving perfection, with all that involves. Trouble-free and attaining some ideal image of thinness make part of the drive for perfection. In this case the individual is driven to demand nothing, including food. A sense of being even more imperfect and a renewed sense of striving for perfection precede the failure to achieve love. Anorexic patients have a total lack of self but generally people with eating disorders are not typically suicidal. Through process of not-eating they try to revenge on those whose love is always out of reach.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"><br />Borderline personalities can be present to people with bulimic anorexia. The following characteristics can be present to these people like: frantically fearful of being abandoned, unable to be alone, difficulty to control their anger and impulses, prone to idealize other people and unstable moods, thought patterns, behavior and self-images. Emotional weapons like temper tantrums, suicide threats, and hypochondriasis can be used by the people with borderline personalities for causing chaos around them. The difficulty in treating bulimia can be the severity of this personality disorder and it can be more important than the presence of psychological problems, such as depression.<br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"><br />The following personality traits like inability to soothe oneself, inability to empathize with others, need for admiration, hypersensitive to criticism or defeat can be present to people with bulimia or anorexia which are often highly narcissistic. Depression and anxiety disorders can be present to patients which have eating disorder but also can be present in families of these patients. It is unknown if emotional disorders, especially obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), are causes of the eating disorders.<br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"><br />About 69% of patients with anorexia and 33% of patients with bulimia have obsessive-compulsive disorder which is an anxiety disorder. It is believed that eating disorders are variants of OCD. In compulsive behavior, repetitive, rigid, and self-prescribed routines that are intended to prevent the manifestation of the obsession, may be present obsessions which are recurrent or persistent mental images, thoughts or ideas. Generally women with anorexia and OCD may become obsessed with exercise, dieting, and food. Compulsive rituals like weighing every bit of food, cutting it into tiny pieces, or putting it into tiny containers are often developed at these patients. Other anxiety disorders like phobias, panic disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) have been associated with bulimia and anorexia.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"><br />At people with eating disorders, especially anorexia, depression is present which is more severe in darker winter months. Also the patients with bulimia suffer from a specific form of bulimia which is worse in winter. May seems to be the peak month for suicide because the onset of anorexia appears to peak in this month. An eating disorder is rarely cured by treating and relieving depression. Social, psychologic or possibly biologic factors can cause a distorted view of one's body called body dysmorphic disorder which can be associated with anorexia or bulimia but can also appear without any eating disorder. In this case emotional disorders, including obsessive-compulsive disorder and depression are commonly to people with this disorder. A disorder in which people have distorted body images involving their muscles has been reported by experts and it is present to men which believe that are "puny" and results in excessive body building, preoccupation with diet and social problems.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"><br />Another factor which is present in triggering and perpetuating eating disorders is negative family influence. Children with insecure attachments are present in family with parents who fail to provide a safe and secure foundation in infancy. Mothers play an important role in their child's life. So mothers of people with bulimia are critical and detached and mothers of anorexics tend to be over-involved in their child's life. People with either eating disorder have parents with alcoholism or substance abuse. It seems that psychiatric disorders are present to parents of people with bulimia than parents of patients with anorexia. A higher incidence of sexual abuse is often present to women with bulimia. People with bulimia have an obese parent or have been overweight themselves during childhood. Parents can influence their children's eating habits and prevent weight problems and eating disorders through a healthy eating habits themselves.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"><br />Genetic factors play an important role in anorexia. From this point of view twins had a tendency to share specific eating disorders (anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa and obesity). A genetic propensity toward thinness caused by a faster metabolism and reinforced by cultural approval, an inherited propensity for obesity and inherited personality traits are some inherited traits that might make someone susceptible to eating disorders. Culture pressures is other factor which can lead to anorexic people.For example clothes for thin bodies, TV programs which present anorexic young models. Excessive exercise plays a major role in many cases of anorexia at athletes. Young female athletes and dancers may present the following problems:eating disorders, amenorrhea (absence or irregular menstruation) and osteoporosis.<br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"><br />The most common factor present in eating disorders which include chemical abnormalities in the thyroid, the reproductive regions, and areas related to stress, well-being and appetite are hormonal problems. A result of malnutrition or other aspects of eating disorders is the change of these chemicals. The limbic system is a small area of the brain where many of these abnormalities begins. Also hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA) is a specific system with an important role in eating disorders. In brain is found a small structure that controls our behavior, like eating, sexual behavior and sleeping, and regulates body temperature, emotions, secretion of hormones, and movement called hypothalamus. An extension of the hypothalamus downwards called the pituitary gland controls thyroid functions, the adrenal glands, growth and sexual maturation. Major emotional activities like anxiety, depression, aggression and affection are controlled and regulated by amygdala,a small structure which lies deep in the brain.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"><br />Stress hormones called glucocorticoids are produced by the HPA system, including the primary stress hormone cortisol which is very important in marshaling systems throughout the body (including the heart, lungs, circulation, metabolism, immune systems, and skin) to deal quickly with any threat. The inhibition of neuropeptide Y (NPY), a powerful appetite stimulant that also has anti-anxiety properties is one of the specific effects. Certain neurotransmitters (chemical messengers) that regulate stress, mood and appetite and are being heavily investigated for a possible role in eating disorders are released by the HPA system. Serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine are the three hormones that are important. So norepinephrine is a stress hormone, serotonin is involved with both well-being and appetite and dopamine is involved in reward-seeking behavior. Low levels of leptin, a hormone that appears to trigger the hypothalamus to stimulate appetite have been observed in people with anorexia and bulimia.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"><br />The reproductive hormones that are severely depleted in anorexics are produced by the hypothalamic-pituitary system. Some experts believe that these reproductive abnormalities are a result of anorexia and others have shown that menstrual disturbances occurred before severe malnutrition set in and remained a problem long after weight gain in 30% to 50% of people with anorexia.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"> <!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br /> <!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p>There are many factors who contribute at development of anorexia. Unfortunately teenage females are the most affecte</span><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">d.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><br /><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"><o:p></o:p></span><b style=""><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(23, 54, 93);">Does Your Teenager Have An Eating Disorder?</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><br /><b style=""><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(23, 54, 93);"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><b style=""><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(23, 54, 93);"><o:p></o:p></span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">One of the most difficult jobs that a parent can experience is the important task of raising a healthy, confident, and goal oriented teenager into early adulthood. However, all too often our young children run into serious problems along the way through being a teenager. One such problem that may stay below the parent's “radar” are eating disorders.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><br /><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">Are you worried that your teenage son or teenage daughter may have some type of eating disorder that they are trying to keep from you and the rest of the family? This type of disorder can be quite common during the teen years, especially with teenage girls. Although we do see teenage boys go through some eating problems as well.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><br /><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"><o:p></o:p></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">Like adults, eating disorders in children are usually a combination of factors - physical and emotional. On one hand, dieting in young children is instrumental in eating disorder development; on the other hand, it can be a method of weight control for obese children. The family eating environment and influence of parents are important factors in childhood eating disorders.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"> <!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br /> <!--[endif]--></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"><o:p></o:p>With so much emphasis on looks and popularity today and mixed with the already insecure feeling that teenagers have as their bodies are changing, developing an eating disorder may be an underlying problem in your teen’s life. It is important to understand and educate yourself on the two major types of eating disorders that many of our youths may be going through.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"> If you suspect that your teenage son or daughter has any type of problem at all, first talk to your doctor. <span style=""> </span>Not to be hesitant about trying to correct the problem by yourself at first.<br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"><br />Eating disorders always stem from another underlying problem and so by focusing on food as the issue, you will more than likely make things worse for your teen instead of helping him or her. In fact, studies have shown that early discovery and treatment of eating disorders will provide the best chance of recovery.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"><br />What eating disorders should you be concerned about?</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><br /><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"><o:p> </o:p></span><b style=""><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(36, 64, 97);">Anorexia Nervosa</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><br /><b style=""><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(36, 64, 97);"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><b style=""><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(36, 64, 97);"></span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">With this first eating disorder, your teen may experience excessive weight loss due to self-starvation. As ironic as it seems, most teenagers prone to this type of eating disorder are typically involved in sports such as dance or gymnastics, where their body size and weight play an important role in success.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"><br /></span><b style=""><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(36, 64, 97);">Bulimia Nervosa</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><br /><b style=""><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(36, 64, 97);"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><b style=""><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(36, 64, 97);"><o:p></o:p></span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">The second eating disorder described here involves very frequent episodes of binge eating which is almost always followed by purging the food through self induced vomiting. It doesn't sound pretty but if your teenager has this eating disorder then they are probably practicing this with most, if not all of their meals due to intense feelings of guilt and shame about food.<br /><br /> <!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br /> <!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>hanakohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02066656030986467640noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5007715611525094527.post-460767664516649352009-02-22T18:51:00.000-08:002009-02-22T18:54:20.766-08:00Panic Attack<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><b style=""><span style="font-size: 20pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(0, 51, 204);">How To Stop a Panic Attack</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><br /><b style=""><span style="font-size: 20pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(0, 51, 204);"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: 14.25pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">For those who have never had a panic attack, it is hard to understand just how much of a hellish experience having one can be. Panic attacks are scary because they seem to have no particular, single trigger. They can start at any time, without warning. This unpredictability makes them all the more dreaded for those who have had them, because it can leave one with a sense of continual dread that an attack could strike at any time.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: 14.25pt;"><br /><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: 14.25pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">The symptoms of a panic attack are unmistakable. They start with an odd feeling in your head or chest - a bit like you are being smothered or like someone is constricting your chest and making it hard for you to breathe. As it comes on more strongly, your heart and breathing rates speed up - even if you are sitting down or standing still. During an attack, you may suddenly find yourself wanting to "find your happy place" - which is usually somewhere off by yourself and away from others.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: 14.25pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"><br />The attack can affect not only your body, but your mind as well, and you may start thinking thoughts that you feel you cannot control. You might feel like you are going to lose control of your body, for example, or that the world is closing in around you. You may even feel like you are going crazy.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: 14.25pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"><br />Here are 4 tips for how to stop a panic attack:<br /><br />1. <b style=""><span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 153);">Know that it is going to end eventually</span>.<br /></b><br />When in the midst of a panic attack, the worst part is that you may feel like it has control of you, rather you of it. Having control over one's body and mind is so natural that it feels like a human right. Thus, when having an attack, it is especially appalling to feel that we have lost control momentarily. In order to reduce the psychological power the attack has over you, focus your thoughts on the fact that this will definitely end and you will make it through this.<br /><br />2. <b style=""><span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 153);">Understand that it is something you will eventually be able to control.</span></b><span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 153);"><br /></span><br />If you have had one or more attacks before, upon the initial onset of an attack you may have the feeling of "Uh-oh, here we go again." This can be like adding insult to injury, because you may have been harboring the secret hope that the days of your attacks were over. In order to reduce this additional, unneeded anxiety to shorten your attack, focus on the notion that you will be able to eventually end these attacks once and for all.<br /><br />3. <b style=""><span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 153);">Do not resist, but do not "give in" to the attack, either.</span></b><span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 153);"><br /></span><br />Now on to dealing with the physical symptoms of this experience. During the attack, you will want desperately to end the attack right away, which will cause you to try to resist it. This resistance could actually make the attack more intense. On the other hand, at the same time it is important to retain a sense of self-control by not giving in to the attack. What you need to do is to ride it out until its natural conclusion.<br /><br />4. <b style=""><span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 153);">Educate yourself about how to stop future attacks.</span></b><span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 153);"><br /></span><br />Once your attack has ended, it is time to arm yourself with the knowledge needed to avoid future attacks. The good news is that you can find ways to end this condition for good, so that you never have another attack again. Don't give up - knowledge is power and you can educate yourself to find a solution to your problem.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: 14.25pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">Going through a panic attack is frightening and ultimately very exhausting. It can not only make you feel terrible, it can actually interfere with your ability to fulfill your life's responsibilities. You owe it to yourself to do whatever you can to end this problem.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: 14.25pt;"><br /><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: 14.25pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"><o:p> </o:p></span><br /><b><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(141, 179, 226);" lang="EN">Panic Attacks and Panic Disorder – Medications</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: 14.25pt;"><br /><b><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(141, 179, 226);" lang="EN"></span></b><b><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(141, 179, 226);"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 2.25pt 0cm 0.0001pt; line-height: 12pt;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"><o:p> </o:p></span></b><br /><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";" lang="EN">Medicines for <a href="http://www.webmd.com/hw-popup/panic-disorder"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none;">panic disorder</span></a> are often used to control the symptoms of <a href="http://www.webmd.com/hw-popup/panic-attack"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none;">panic attacks</span></a>, reduce their number and severity, and reduce the <a href="http://www.webmd.com/hw-popup/anxiety"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none;">anxiety</span></a> and fear associated with having another attack. Medicines work best if they are used along with <a href="http://www.webmd.com/hw-popup/counseling"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none;">counseling</span></a> and home treatment, such as relaxation exercises</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 2.25pt 0cm 0.0001pt; line-height: 12pt;"><br /><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: 12pt;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";" lang="EN">What </span></b><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">t</span></b><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";" lang="EN">o Think About</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: 12pt;"><br /><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";" lang="EN"></span></b><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 2.25pt 0cm 0.0001pt; line-height: 12pt;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"><o:p></o:p></span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";" lang="EN">Panic disorder is best treated with both medicines and counseling such as <b style=""><a href="http://www.webmd.com/hw-popup/cognitive-behavioral-therapy"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none;">cognitive-behavioral therapy</span></a></b>, which focuses on modifying certain thinking and behavior patterns. When these two therapies are combined, relapses of <a href="http://www.webmd.com/hw-popup/panic-attack"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none;">panic attacks</span></a> occur far less frequently than when only one treatment is used. Your symptoms of <a href="http://www.webmd.com/hw-popup/panic-disorder"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none;">panic disorder</span></a> should start to improve within a few weeks after beginning medicines. If improvement is not seen within 6 to 8 weeks, a higher dose or another medicine may be needed.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 2.25pt 0cm 0.0001pt; line-height: 12pt;"><br /><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";" lang="EN"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 2.25pt 0cm 0.0001pt; line-height: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 2.25pt 0cm 0.0001pt; line-height: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";" lang="EN">Most medicines used to treat panic attacks need to be continued for a year or longer and then may be <b>decreased gradually</b> over several weeks. If you experience panic attacks again while medicines are being stopped, the medicines may be continued for at least a few months more. Some people may need to stay on medicines for a long time to keep symptoms under control.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 2.25pt 0cm 0.0001pt; line-height: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 2.25pt 0cm 0.0001pt; line-height: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";" lang="EN">You may also need to be reevaluated for <a href="http://www.webmd.com/hw-popup/other-conditions-associated-with-panic-disorder"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none;">other conditions associated with panic disorder</span></a>, such as <b style=""><a href="http://www.webmd.com/hw-popup/depression"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none;">depression</span></a> </b>or <b style=""><a href="http://www.webmd.com/hw-popup/substance-abuse"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none;">substance abuse</span></a></b>, because having one of these conditions makes treatment more difficult.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 2.25pt 0cm 0.0001pt; line-height: 12pt;"><br /><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";" lang="EN"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 2.25pt 0cm 0.0001pt; line-height: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: 14.25pt;"><b><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(141, 179, 226);" lang="EN">Panic Attacks and Panic Disorder – Prevention</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: 14.25pt;"><br /><b><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(141, 179, 226);" lang="EN"></span></b><b><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(141, 179, 226);"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 2.25pt 0cm 0.0001pt; line-height: 12pt;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"><o:p> </o:p></span></b><br /><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";" lang="EN">Although <a href="http://www.webmd.com/hw-popup/panic-disorder"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none;">panic disorder</span></a> cannot be prevented, you may be able to prevent or reduce the number of additional <a href="http://www.webmd.com/hw-popup/panic-attack"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none;">panic attacks</span></a> with proper treatment. Simply avoiding certain situations or places does not guarantee that a panic attack will not occur under new circumstances. In fact, avoiding situations and places where panic attacks have occurred often increases your level of <a href="http://www.webmd.com/hw-popup/anxiety"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none;">anxiety</span></a>.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 2.25pt 0cm 0.0001pt; line-height: 12pt;"><br /><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";" lang="EN"></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";" lang="EN"><o:p></o:p>You may be able to reduce the severity of future attacks if you follow home treatment practices such as:</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: 12pt;"><br /><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";" lang="EN"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin: 2.25pt 0cm 0.0001pt 36pt; text-indent: -18pt; line-height: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"><o:p></o:p></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="">Ø<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";" lang="EN">Reducing anxiety and limiting triggers like caffeine and alcohol.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 2.25pt 0cm 0.0001pt 36pt; text-indent: -18pt; line-height: 12pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="">Ø<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";" lang="EN">Continuing medical treatment and counseling, such as <a href="http://www.webmd.com/hw-popup/exposure-therapy"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none;">exposure therapy</span></a>. </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin: 2.25pt 0cm 0.0001pt 36pt; text-indent: -18pt; line-height: 12pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Wingdings;" lang="EN"><span style="">Ø<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";" lang="EN">Calling your doctor if symptoms recur or get worse. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 2.25pt 0cm 0.0001pt; line-height: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 2.25pt 0cm 0.0001pt; line-height: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 2.25pt 0cm 0.0001pt; line-height: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 2.25pt 0cm 0.0001pt; line-height: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>hanakohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02066656030986467640noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5007715611525094527.post-38965010946833089822009-02-21T01:36:00.000-08:002009-02-21T01:38:37.396-08:00Meditation For Relax<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><b style=""><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(36, 64, 97);">How To Relax Instantly and Meditate Effortlessly With A Proven Creative Meditation System</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><br /><b style=""><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(36, 64, 97);"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><b style=""><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(36, 64, 97);"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"><span style=""> </span>If you have been put off meditation by all the mumbo jumbo and strange rituals, let me show you how to get all the benefits with none of the complication.<br /> <!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br /> <!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">I developed this system because I was totally stressed out and knew meditation was the answer, but didn’t want to do all the weird stuff that seemed to be involved.<br /><br />Of course if you want to shave your head, wear robes, tie your legs in a knot and say ‘ommmm’… that’s cool! I’m just saying it’s not necessary to do all that for my system to work for you too.<br /><br />By combining modern technology with ancient wisdom, it no longer takes weeks, or even years, to master. You can experience deep meditation literally at the touch of a button.<br /><br />You will feel relaxed and calm as you release the stress of everyday life and reach a higher level of inner peace.<br /><br /><b style="">De-stress with mental tranquilizers<br /></b><br />Use meditation instead of medication to help reduce your suffering from stress related problems like:<br /><br />* anxiety<br />* depression<br />* sleeplessness<br />* irrational fears or panic attacks<br />* feelings of worthlessness, insecurity and<br />pointlessness<br />* substance abuse<br />* irrational anger, impatience and irritation<br />* worry<br /><br />Don’t make the mistake of saying “But I don’t have time to relax and meditate”. It only takes 30 minutes to relax your body, calm your mind and meditate. You will start to see results from the very first time you use my system.<br /><br />Your sense of well-being will improve and you will get better quality, more restful sleep.<br /><br />You will notice a decrease in your irritability and mood swings.<br /><br />Take a break from the rat-race to recharge your energy and boost your creativity and ability to think clearly.<br /><br />You can dramatically enhance your focus, concentration and memory as well.<br /><br />Give your self-confidence a boost by stopping negativity affecting you as much as you become aware of how much control you really have in your life.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>hanakohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02066656030986467640noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5007715611525094527.post-41786618798095776672009-02-21T01:31:00.000-08:002009-02-21T01:34:37.336-08:00Cellulite<p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><span style="font-size: 22pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(0, 102, 204);">How To Get Rid Of Cellulite<span style=""><br /></span></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><span style="font-size: 22pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(0, 102, 204);"><span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <h1><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-weight: normal;">What is the one thing every woman is dying to know? Simple-how to get rid of cellulite. Cellulite is not a medical concern. That is, it won't literally kill you. However, many women feel like their cellulite is the end of the world. Fortunately, modern medical procedures are becoming available to help end cellulite's terrible reign. Women are finding it easier to get the appearance they've always wanted by learning more about the removal of cellulite and the options they have for doing so. Learning about your options is always the best thing to do whenever any medical procedure or condition is concerned. Knowledge is power and becoming more knowledgeable can not only help you find answers, but it can help you know what questions to ask.<br /><br />The first question you need to ask in this case is "What is cellulite?" of course. Cellulite is that bumping skin effect that looks like an orange peel and is commonly found on the backs of your thighs. Most women have cellulite-even famous models and actresses, although theirs has been magically removed with photo editing programs. However, it is important to note that no one has yet pointed out a single cause of cellulite. It has been proposed that cellulite is associated with obesity, but we can see that this is not always true. Others suggest that gender, genetics, and race play a role in the cause of cellulite.<br /><br />It is difficult to treat something when you don't know the cause, but scientific researchers are making headway. Diet and exercise play a role in the reduction of cellulite and although this won't make your cellulite disappear completely, it can help the condition from worsening. Topical treatments can help as well.<br /><br />Be wary, however, of any treatment that promises to get rid of your cellulite. There is no known way to do so yet. Such treatments, often creams that you can order from television and magazine advertisements, often charge lots of money for products that aren't very effective. Instead, ask your doctor for suggestions. Treatments he or she recommends usually include ingredients derived from vitamin A, like retinol. Liposuction and other cosmetic surgeries are also available to help you deal with cellulite.<br /><br />Whatever method of treatment you choose, it is simply best to remember that you are not alone. No treatment will help you if you don't feel good about yourself with or without cellulite. If you have concerns about your appearance, talk to</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-weight: normal;">a professional as soon as possible for help.<o:p></o:p></span></h1>hanakohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02066656030986467640noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5007715611525094527.post-79281300673261481592009-02-21T01:03:00.000-08:002009-02-21T01:10:16.766-08:00Stress Affects The Immune System<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b style=""><span style="font-size: 20pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(54, 95, 145);">How Stress Affects Your Immune System</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /><b style=""><span style="font-size: 20pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(54, 95, 145);"> <o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">Have you ever noticed that you tend to get sick more often when you're stressed out? Scientists have noticed this connection for a long time, but until recently they couldn't explain it. While a big project at work or the loss of a loved one isn't going to give you the flu, it can decrease the functioning of your immune system and make you more susceptible to the flu and other infections.<br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"><br />It may surprise you, but short term stress actually boosts the immune system. Increased immune functioning is associated with the "fight or flight" response related to short term stress you know will end. This is because our body is still trying to adapt to beat the stressor instead of just letting the stress bear down. The problem with this is that a majority of our stress is continual over a long period of time.<br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"><br />Long term stress is what actually decreases our immune functioning. The worst kind of stress is not only long term, but stress we think we can't control or see an end to. For example, while meeting a deadline at work may cause a decrease in our immune functioning; it's probably not as bad as stress caused by a debilitating accident. When we think the stressor is beyond our control and may never stop, our body feels it can't cope with the stress and it begins to take its toll. This kind of stress causes a drop in almost all immune functioning.<br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"><br />For regular, long term stressors, the decrease in immune functioning becomes greater with time. This means even if you feel you are in a position of control, long term stress such as a high power job, can build up and gradually decrease your disease fighting abilities.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"><br />Another important factor to consider when looking at the immune system and stress is that the decrease in immune system functioning is greater for people who are elderly or already sick. This is likely why older people who are severely injured or have recently lost a loved one are much more likely to die within a year than those who haven't had these circumstances.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"><br /><br />You may think, "Well, I'll drop my stress level and I'll be fine". However, studies have show that traumatic events can stick with us and affect our immune system long after the stressor is gone. If a person was in an accident, was attacked, or experienced a traumatic loss, they can show decreased immunities years later. The best way to increase immunities in this case is to undergo treatment for the trauma.<br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"><br />In addition to causing a decrease in immune system functioning, stress can also make you more susceptible to other long term diseases, such as cardiovascular disease. If you want to maintain a healthy lifestyle you should include activities and a proper diet that promote a less stressful lifestyle.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>hanakohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02066656030986467640noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5007715611525094527.post-26432372276995599622009-02-20T06:20:00.000-08:002009-02-20T06:35:37.681-08:00Insomnia<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b style=""><span style="font-size: 20pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(84, 141, 212);"><span style=""></span>How Can Natural Insomnia Cures</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /><b style=""><span style="font-size: 20pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(84, 141, 212);"> <o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">Everyone's lifestyle, habits, medications and stress are different so to decide what may be causing your insomnia you will need to look at these areas of your life carefully. If stress is the reason for your insomnia natural insomnia cures can help you to sleep better by relieving the stress. Some of the commonest causes of insomnia are listed here.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b style=""><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">Stress and Depression</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /><b style=""><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">Everyone has times in their lives that are more stressful and this can seriously interfere with your normal sleeping pattern. Stress can occur from unemployment, family troubles, financial worries and many other things that happen to us throughout life. The problem with many things that contribute to stress is that we have no control over them. Natural insomnia cures, including relaxation techniques can really help control the stress and help you to sleep better.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"><o:p></o:p>Depression is well known cause of disrupted sleep patterns. If you think you may be suffering from depression see your doctor who can help.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b style=""><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">Prescribed medicines</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /><b style=""><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">Medicines prescribed by your doctor may be causing your insomnia. Did it start after you started taking the medication? Talk to your doctor who may know that this is a side effect for some people and may be able to offer you an alternative.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b style=""><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">Food, Drink and Smoking</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /><b style=""><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">There are a number of foods that can stimulate you so much that you cannot fall asleep. Caffeine is the most well known one. The additive monosodium glutamate (MSG) is also known to disturb sleep patters and is found in a number of products and is often added to take away foods. White sugar may cause a peak in the blood sugar levels and put stress on the pancreas. The sugar level then drops causing a release of adrenalin, glucagon and cortisone which causes wakefulness.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">Alcohol is another culprit. Although it may help you to get to sleep it interferes with the normal sleep pattern so you may then wake up in the early hours of the morning unable to get back to sleep. Nicotine is a neurostimulant so can cause insomnia. Avoid eating any stimulating foods after the early afternoon and do not drink or smoke to excess.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b style=""><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">Your Sleeping Environment</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /><b style=""><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">Too bright a room can prevent you from falling asleep as can a partner who snores or moves around a lot while sleeping. Loud noise, of course, is very distracting and hard to deal with if it comes from neighbors.Try earplugs but only find them partially effective. Make your bedroom the place to sleep, not to watch TV, use the computer or other stimulating activities.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b style=""><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">Activity in the Evening</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /><b style=""><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">Try to avoid any stimulating activities late in the evening. Vigorous physical activity, while you think it may tire you out enough to sleep actually stimulates and can lead to insomnia. Avoid watching stimulating or violent news events on the TV. Listen to relaxing music or read a book instead.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b style=""><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">Your Physical Condition</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /><b style=""><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">If you suffer from chronic pain you will have difficulty sleeping. There are non drug ways to deal with chronic pain including the use of Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) which can be performed at home. Regular exercise performed earlier in the day can help you to sleep and improve your general health and well being.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b style=""><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">Natural Cures for Insomnia</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /><b style=""><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">Natural cures for insomnia include cutting down on stimulating foods and drinks, arranging your bedroom so that it is conducive to sleep, learning relaxation or meditation techniques and developing a sleep routine. Some<span style=""> </span>herbs that have been found effective include Lavender, Chamomile, Valerian and St John's Wort.<o:p></o:p></span></p>hanakohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02066656030986467640noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5007715611525094527.post-78778915732422487692009-02-20T05:25:00.000-08:002009-02-20T05:39:50.054-08:00Compassion Meditation<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b style=""><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(54, 95, 145);">Compassion Can Change Your Brain and Make You Happier</span></b></p><br /><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /><b style=""><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(54, 95, 145);"> <o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">Many of us fall into the trap of seeking happiness through material possessions or external circumstances, many of which are beyond our control. It is as if there is a voice in our brains saying the words "if only."</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">If only I had a better job, a bigger house, friends, lovers, fame, cars, boats, and so on, I would be happy. Happiness can appear to be an elusive thing, just out of reach, just beyond the boredom of our common lives.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">Many have pondered the secret to happiness and have found that happiness by and large does not center on material possessions. Researchers have found that once the basic human needs are met, affluent people are really not happier than the rest of us.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">So what is the secret to happiness? Perhaps no one knows that for sure but a group of researchers at the University of Wisconsin, Madison may have taken a step toward finding out. It seems that the phenomenon known as neuroplasticity may play a role in learning to be happy.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">The researchers investigated a group of subjects' brains by using a new kind of scanning device called fMRI or functional MRI. This device is capable of showing the blood flow to specific areas of the brain. It allows scientists to peer into one's brain to see which parts are active at any point in time.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">The researchers used monks who performed at least 10,000 hours of compassion meditation to train a group of subjects. One group of subjects was trained in compassion meditation while another control group was told to think positively about loved ones.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">Both groups were then subjected to stimuli while being scanned.<span style=""> </span>The subjects were exposed to the same stimulus consisting of negative and positive human voices. Some voices were designed to evoke empathy and others were neutral.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">The results showed increased function in the insula, an area of the brain associated with emotions in the group trained in meditation. There was also increased function in another part of the brain, the temporal parietal juncture which has been associated with empathy.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">So what are the implications of this study? Well, for one if you deeply practice an emotional state your brain will respond by becoming more functional in activating that state. This is very similar to learning new skills like a tennis serve or golf swing, only instead of developing the motor areas you develop the emotional areas.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">This means that happiness and all of the healing properties associated with it can actually be learned through meditation. Meditation and guided imagery have been shown to facilitate healing primarily through the connection between the mind and body. The mind acts like a source of information and this information is carried to the tissues to the body via the nervous and endocrine systems.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">Negative emotional states like depression and stress have been associated with illness while positive states tend to facilitate health. Techniques to improve emotional states may have a powerful influence on overall health and healing. So far many of these techniques center on guided imagery or psychotherapy.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">It may be that compassion meditation may be another tool in the mind-body healing arsenal. Compassion is central to the teachings of Buddism and the Dali Lama.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">Compassion meditation helps an individual perceive relationships with others in a more positive way. For example let's say that you are waiting in a long line and someone cuts in front of you. Instead of thinking about what a jerk this person is you could think about the action in terms of what could have happened to this person that he would treat others this way. Or you could work to be non-judgmental about the event.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">What is interesting is that this technique can be learned and actually causes physical changes in the brain. So to be happier, be compassionate. You will be rewarded with a happier and healthier life.<o:p></o:p></span></p>hanakohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02066656030986467640noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5007715611525094527.post-28793906207812455702009-02-20T05:22:00.000-08:002009-02-20T05:24:14.911-08:00Self Hypnosis<p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><span style="font-size: 18pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"><span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 255);">Usefulness Of Self Hypnosis In One's Life</span></span></b></p><br /><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">There are a few things that some people do not realize about hypnosis-- that it can change their life,<span style=""> </span>that it is a way to have a better health, etc.<span style=""> </span>There are many individuals that believe in hypnosis relief for many of the problems that they may be encountering in life.<span style=""> </span>In some cases, it is difficult to think about the things that you can do with the right powers. When you are equipped with the information to help you, you will be able to help yourself and others. Hypnotherapy home study course is something that you will surely look forward to when you know that it can really help to achieve a better quality of life.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">Self hypnosis relief is going to take a lot of hard work. You will want to see to it that you are utilizing the right methods to get relief.<span style=""> </span>You may want to try the tapes and cds to see if they are any help to you.<span style=""> </span>However, some individuals like to use their ability to perform the hypnosis that they learn for good reasons.<span style=""> </span>They may want to help others with their problems and concerns.<span style=""><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"><span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">Some people are trying to lose weight. Self<span style=""> </span>hypnosis relief for weight loss is something that can be done easily.<span style=""> </span>You do not have to be worried about going on those strict diets anymore. You may be able to make better changes in your life when you decide to make use the success that is found in self hypnosis course.<span style=""> </span>There are some individuals that truly believe this is an ideal method to get help for their weight problem.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">Other people are trying to stop smoking.<span style=""> </span>This is another problem that can cause a big headache for many individuals.<span style=""> </span>It is not easy to stop this bad habit.<span style=""> </span>Sometimes the only method to get help is through self hypnosis relief.<span style=""> </span>This is a form of help that you can utilize to your advantage and you will appreciate the results that you get when you are doing your best to direct your life to something better through hypnosis.<span style=""><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"><span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">Sometimes, you have other issues in your life that you cannot explain.<span style=""> </span>When this is the case, you may need to go through hypnosis to get the results that you are looking for.<span style=""> </span>It is not always simple finding out what your problems in life really are.<span style=""> </span>There are lost of individuals that do not want to believe they have problems.<span style=""> </span>However, once you go under the power of self hypnosis, you may find that you have hidden problems that are waiting to appear in the open.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">Using self hypnosis relief is a good way of fun too.<span style=""> </span>There are lots of individuals that go to a hypnotist to see if it really effective.<span style=""> </span>Many do not believe in this powerful experience and they are thinking it is just a hoax.<span style=""> </span>However, there are lots of non-believers that hypnosis relief really does work for them.<span style=""> </span>They will see that there is something to this way of mind control and they will truly believe in the powers that it has.<o:p></o:p></span></p>hanakohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02066656030986467640noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5007715611525094527.post-41065555522339846312009-02-20T05:08:00.000-08:002009-02-20T05:10:11.603-08:00Real Yoga<p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><span style="font-size: 20pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(84, 141, 212);">Voyage Into The Self</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /><b style=""><span style="font-size: 20pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(84, 141, 212);"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">Yoga has become an interesting fitness trend in America.<span style=""> </span>Incidentally, Yoga can be an excellent way to get in shape, lose weight, etc.<span style=""> </span>If this is all you do with Yoga, though, you are missing quite a bit.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">Yoga is another method of contacting and expressing the self through the body.<span style=""> </span>If you pay attention, going through these exercises will give you a chance to become more familiar with your body.<span style=""> </span>When you learn to maintain a state of deep focus (through Yoga or any other exercise), you will begin to gain deeper and deeper insights.<span style=""> </span>Properly focused Yoga practice will not only make your body more limber, it will also create greater flexibility of perception.<span style=""> </span>Increasing flexibility of perception is how we start to open the doors to true freedom!</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">So how do we use our focus to deepen our Yoga practice?<span style=""> </span>There are a variety of methods, but I will give you three to start with.<span style=""> </span>To have a deeper experience while practicing Yoga, you can focus on the muscles being stretched, the breath, or the feet.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">Focusing on the muscles being stretched is very powerful.<span style=""> </span>As you relax into the posture, you can smile into these muscles, and deepen the stretch.<span style=""> </span>Sometimes (particularly for beginners) focusing on the active muscles seems to amplify discomfort.<span style=""> </span>If this is the case, then you can loosen your focus to the general area of the stretch, or choose one of the other objects of focus.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">Focusing on the breath is a classic meditation as well as an excellent method of deepening your practice of Yoga.<span style=""> </span>Breath-work in Yoga is typically referred to as Pranayama.<span style=""> </span>If you are doing a Yoga workout, switching asanas (positions) to work up a sweat, the best thing to do is mindful diaphragmatic breathing.<span style=""> </span>Breathe deep into the belly and pay attention to the sensations that arise in conjunction with the breath.<span style=""> </span>If you are holding a single asana for an extended period of time, you can use the same breathing method, or you can play with the breath of fire.<span style=""> </span>The breath of fire is rapid diaphragmatic breathing; see if you can use your abdominal muscles to draw in a deep (not long) breath and exhale the breath quickly.<span style=""> </span>Start slowly with the breath of fire, and add speed as you grow more comfortable.<span style=""><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"><span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">The final point of focus that we will cover for Yoga practice is the feet.<span style=""> </span>Focusing on the feet has a very grounding effect; it reminds you of your connection to the Earth.<span style=""> </span>If any of the other methods are too uncomfortable, or if you find yourself getting distracted, you can always bring your focus back to your feet.<span style=""> </span>Pay attention to your feet, and how you connect with the Earth as you transition through asanas.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">Regardless of which point of focus you choose, you will gradually develop more and more mindfulness.<span style=""> </span>This can transform your experience of Yoga.<span style=""> </span>One of the many benefits of having an active meditation (Yoga, a martial art, walking meditation, etc.), is how easy it is to bring it into the rest of your life.<span style=""> </span>Still meditation (sitting or standing) is also very useful, but the state of insight gained there is a bit more difficult to carry into your day-to-day routine.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">Yoga is a powerful method for health and growth.<span style=""> </span>As you develop your focus and insight in your Yoga practice, you will be able to enjoy more insight and awareness in every moment of every day!<o:p></o:p></span></p>hanakohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02066656030986467640noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5007715611525094527.post-35452455120998144682009-02-20T02:11:00.000-08:002009-02-20T02:12:41.207-08:00Sauna and Steam<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: normal;"><b><span style="font-size: 20pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(51, 102, 255);">Sauna, Steam, and The Benefits</span></b><span style="font-size: 20pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"><br /><span style="color: black;">Even though they’re both basically hot baths, a <b>sauna uses dry heat</b> and a <b>steam room uses moist heat.</b> Saunas have very low humidity, which means they can be much hotter than steam rooms. They're usually between 80°C and 100°C, which is perfectly safe because they use dry heat. A steam room is usually about 40°C. If the steam room was any hotter than that it could scald your skin! That would <span style="">probably</span> ruin what should be a relaxing and pleasurable experience, you think?<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt; text-align: justify; line-height: normal;"><b><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(51, 204, 255);">Sauna and Steam Room Heat and Construction</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">Saunas and steam rooms are constructed with different materials because of their heating methods.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"><br /><b><span style="color: black;">Traditional saunas are heated with stones placed on a heater</span></b><span style="color: black;"> - usually an </span></span><a href="http://www.steam-sauna-benefits.com/electric_sauna_heaters.html" target="new"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: windowtext; text-decoration: none;">electric</span></a><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"> <span style="color: black;">or </span></span><a href="http://www.steam-sauna-benefits.com/wood_sauna_heater.html" target="new"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: windowtext; text-decoration: none;">wood-burning heater</span></a><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: black;">. Steam is produced if you pour water over the </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">stones. This raises the temperature in the sauna by several degrees, but the<span style="color: black;"> steam quickly dissipates.</span> </span><a href="http://www.steam-sauna-benefits.com/infrared_sauna.html" target="new"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: windowtext; text-decoration: none;">Far infrared saunas</span></a><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"> use infrared heaters.<br /><br /><b><span style="color: black;">Steam rooms are heated with a</span> </b></span><a href="http://www.steam-sauna-benefits.com/steam-room-generator.html" target="new"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: windowtext; text-decoration: none;">steam generator</span></b></a><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: black;">.</span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: black;"> Steam is fed into an almost airtight room where it builds up to create a humidity level around 100%.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"><br /><span style="color: black;">Saunas are usually made of wood and include wooden benches to sit on (small portable "saunas" are an exception).</span><br /><br />Steam rooms need to be designed to contain the moisture created by the steam. A material like ceramic tile is often used. Also, steam rooms are built with a slanted ceiling most of the time to prevent the steam buildup from dripping onto the bathers.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: black;"><br /></span><b><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(51, 204, 255);">Sauna Benefits</span></b><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: black;">According to many health professionals, sauna benefits include...a strengthened immune system </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt 36pt; text-align: justify; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: black;">• improved blood circulation </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt 36pt; text-align: justify; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: black;">• enhanced detoxification processes </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt 36pt; text-align: justify; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: black;">• deep skin cleansing and rejuvenation </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt 36pt; text-align: justify; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: black;">• tension and stress relief</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"><br /> <!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br /> <!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt 36pt; text-align: justify; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: normal;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: black;">How Does a Sauna Help You Detoxify?</span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: black;">Raising your body's temperature helps it kill bacteria, fungi, parasites and viruses.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: normal;"><a href="http://www.steam-sauna-benefits.com/sauna-expert-Dr-Larry-Wilson.html" target="new"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: windowtext; text-decoration: none;">Dr. Lawrence Wilson</span></a><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: black;"> has done a lot of research and testing with saunas. In his book </span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FSauna-Therapy-Lawrence-Wilson%2Fdp%2F0962865761%2Fsr%3D8-1%2Fqid%3D1167679102%3Fie%3DUTF8%26s%3Dbooks&tag=wwwsteamsauna-20&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325" target="new"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: windowtext; text-decoration: none;">Sauna Therapy</span></a><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"> <!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shapetype id="_x0000_t75" coordsize="21600,21600" spt="75" preferrelative="t" path="m@4@5l@4@11@9@11@9@5xe" filled="f" stroked="f"> <v:stroke joinstyle="miter"> <v:formulas> <v:f eqn="if lineDrawn pixelLineWidth 0"> <v:f eqn="sum @0 1 0"> <v:f eqn="sum 0 0 @1"> <v:f eqn="prod @2 1 2"> <v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelWidth"> <v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelHeight"> <v:f eqn="sum @0 0 1"> <v:f eqn="prod @6 1 2"> <v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelWidth"> <v:f eqn="sum @8 21600 0"> <v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelHeight"> <v:f eqn="sum @10 21600 0"> </v:formulas> <v:path extrusionok="f" gradientshapeok="t" connecttype="rect"> <o:lock ext="edit" aspectratio="t"> </v:shapetype><v:shape id="_x0000_i1025" type="#_x0000_t75" alt="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=wwwsteamsauna-20&l=ur2&o=1" style="'width:.75pt;height:.75pt'/"><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><img src="file:///C:/Users/ANGGAG%7E1/AppData/Local/Temp/msohtmlclip1/01/clip_image001.gif" alt="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=wwwsteamsauna-20&l=ur2&o=1" shapes="_x0000_i1025" border="0" height="1" width="1" /><!--[endif]-->, he wrote:<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt 36pt; text-align: justify; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">“Heating the body several degrees causes greatly increased <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt 36pt; text-align: justify; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">circulation as the body attempts to maintain its basal <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt 36pt; text-align: justify; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">temperature. This helps to dislodge toxins, especially from <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt 36pt; text-align: justify; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">hard-to-reach areas such as teeth, bones and sinuses.”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt 36pt; text-align: justify; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"><br /> <!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br /> <!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">Liver and kidney function may also improve by taking saunas. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"><br /><b>A Sauna Benefits Your Immune System...</b><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">By causing a ‘fever’. No, this doesn't mean that a sauna makes you sick. It sounds strange, but one way a </span><a href="http://www.steam-sauna-benefits.com/sauna-benefits-immune-system.html" target="new"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: windowtext; text-decoration: none;">sauna helps your immune system</span></a><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"> is by <span style="">creating an artificial fever</span>. This sends a sort of wake-up call to your immune system. The result is an increase in the production of white blood cells and other disease fighting allies.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt; text-align: justify; line-height: normal;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">How a Sauna Benefits Blood Circulation</span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt; text-align: justify; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">As your body increases sweat production to keep cool, your heart works harder pumping more blood at a greater rate. This actually provides many of the <span style="">conditioning benefits of aerobic exercise.</span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; line-height: normal;"><b style=""><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">Please note that I didn't say saunas can replace exercise, but the heat does provide an environment that causes a profound cardiovascular response.</span></b><b style=""><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"> <o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: normal;"><a href="http://www.drweilselfhealing.com/" target="new"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: windowtext; text-decoration: none;">Dr. Andrew Weil</span></a><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"> is a highly respected holistic practitioner and true expert in health and wellness. Here's an excerpt from a comment he made about the sauna effect: <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt 36pt; text-align: justify; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">"When you take a sauna, the heat pumps up blood circulation <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt 36pt; text-align: justify; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">near the skin and stimulates sweating. The Finns say a <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt 36pt; text-align: justify; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">proper sauna elicits about a quart of sweat per hour. I <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt 36pt; text-align: justify; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">generally encourage sweating. It helps the body rid itself <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt 36pt; text-align: justify; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">of unwanted materials and improves general circulation." <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt 36pt; text-align: justify; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">Good blood circulation helps...<o:p></o:p></span></p> <ul type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">transport nutrients throughout your body<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">eliminate toxins<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">improve heart, liver, and kidney function<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">improve virtually every function in your body.<o:p></o:p></span></li></ul> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">Good circulation is obviously crucial for us to stay healthy, right?<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"><br /><br /><br /><b>A Sauna May Improved Skin Appearance<br /><br /></b>Shortly after my very first 15 minute long "bake" session, I knew that I did something good for my skin. I felt very fresh, alive and tingly all over. That feeling was different from taking a shower or bath. While a shower rinses dirt off your body’s surface, the sweating created in a sauna <b>rinses out your pores.</b> A heavy sauna induced sweat <span style="">really</span> helps cleanse and rejuvenate your skin - much more than just a bath or shower alone. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"><br /><b>Tip</b>: For really healthy skin, try combining sweat bathing and brushing with a loofa or rough brush. This removes flakes of dried skin cells that accumulate on the epidermis. If allowed to remain, they can clog sweat pores and oil passages and result in dry, flaky skin.<br /><br />It appears that the extreme heat and heavy sweating created in a sauna can help create a healthier inner "you". It may effectively do this along with regular exercise, drinking lots of water and eating healthy foods <i>most</i> of the time.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <table class="MsoNormalTable" style="width: 112.5pt;" border="0" cellpadding="0" width="150"> <tbody><tr style=""> <td style="padding: 0cm;"><br /></td> </tr> </tbody></table> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; line-height: normal;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"><br />WARNING</span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">: For certain health issues, your doctor should be consulted with first before making sauna bathing a regular part of life.<br /><br />Taking a sauna does increase your metabolism and help burn calories, but a sauna is absolutely, positively not a replacement for good nutrition and exercise!<br />Nevertheless, there appears to be strong proof that most people really can benefit from regular sauna use. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; line-height: normal;"><b><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(51, 204, 255);">Steam Room Benefits</span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"> </span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">Most people associate steam baths with relaxation or skin look-and-feel improvements, but steam room benefits may also include:<o:p></o:p></span></p> <ul type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">relief from muscle tension and stiff joints<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">boosting the immune system<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">lymph detoxification<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">blood circulation improvement<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">sinus congestion relief<o:p></o:p></span></li></ul> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt; text-align: justify; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">Regular use of a steam room can possibly improve your health <i>and</i> appearance. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt; text-align: justify; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; line-height: normal;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">Unique Steam Room Benefits</span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">Both sauna and steam baths are therapeutic, but the high moisture content in a steam room is especially good for respiratory problems. For generations, doctors have recommended breathing steam for all kinds of respiratory issues. Of course if you have high blood pressure or other conditions, make sure you consult your doctor first.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">Steam baths have been proven to be effective for conditions such as... <o:p></o:p></span></p> <ul type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">asthma, <o:p></o:p></span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">bronchitis, <o:p></o:p></span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">sinusitis, <o:p></o:p></span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">allergies.<o:p></o:p></span></li></ul> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">Steam can help allergens and mucus from your lungs. Vaporizers <span style=""> </span>don't compare. <span style="">Why</span>?<br /><br />Because a steam room exposes you to a <b>higher concentration</b> of steam, making it more effective for providing relief from breathing problems.<br />Breathing passages are soothed because of increased moisture content in your lungs, throat and nose. Dr. Darrell L. Wolfe, Ac, Ph.D, wrote a good article about the </span><a href="http://www.thewolfeclinic.com/newsletter/newsletter0010.html" target="new"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: windowtext; text-decoration: none;">therapeutic health benefits of steam rooms</span></a><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; line-height: normal;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">Skin Benefits</span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; line-height: normal;"><i><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"><br /></span></i><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">Nothing</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"> is better for your skin than a heavy sweat. Dermatologists recognize the value of steam in creating a beautiful, healthy glow. Heavy sweating cleanses your skin more thoroughly than soap and water. <span style="">How?</span><br /><br />Because it opens your pores and allows deep-seated grime (yuck) and dead cells to be flushed out. This is one reason steam baths can be helpful for </span><a href="http://www.steam-sauna-benefits.com/steam-rooms-for-acne.html" target="new"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: windowtext; text-decoration: none;">acne treatment</span></a><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"> and some other skin conditions.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">Also, the heat causes an increase in blood circulation, bringing more oxygen and nutrients to your skin surface. Over time, this can help contribute to a healthy, glowing appearance<b>. <o:p></o:p></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"><br /><br />Pain Relief </span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"><br /><br />Heat has been known to be effective against joint and muscular pain.<span style="color: black;"> It causes your blood vessels to expand, which increases blood circulation. </span>As a result, more oxygen and nutrients can reach damaged parts of your body.This has the double effect of temporarily reducing or stopping pain and increasing your body's healing rate. Spend 10 or 15 minutes in a steam room after you exercise for example, and you'll help speed up healing of damaged muscle tissue. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; line-height: normal;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; line-height: normal;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">Goodbye Stress!</span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"><br />Many peoples lives are <span style="">filled</span> with stress, and we all know what stress can lead to...<o:p></o:p></span></p> <ul type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">high blood pressure,<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">cardiovascular disease, <o:p></o:p></span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">migraine headaches,<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">muscle tension, etc. <o:p></o:p></span></li></ul> <table class="MsoNormalTable" style="width: 75pt;" border="0" cellpadding="0" width="100"> <tbody><tr style=""> <td style="padding: 0cm;"><br /></td> </tr> </tbody></table> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; line-height: normal;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"><br /></span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">As Relaxing in a steam room is a great way to unwind and relieve stress.The heat tells your muscles to relax, and the cloud of steam provides the perfect soothing atmosphere for calming your mind. I can't sit more than two minutes in a steam room and not feel completely relaxed. High stress levels is probably <span style="">one</span> of the reasons more and more people are installing </span><a href="http://www.steam-sauna-benefits.com/home_steam_room.html"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: windowtext; text-decoration: none;">home steam rooms</span></a><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">.<br /><br />Have you ever taken a steam bath before bed? If so, you already know that it promotes deep, restful sleep which is so important for recharging your batteries and healing your body. Spending time in a steam room regularly can quite possibly have a noticeable impact on your health, appearance, <span style="">and</span> your state of mind. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-left: 36pt; text-align: justify; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <table class="MsoNormalTable" style="width: 105pt; margin-left: 36pt;" align="right" border="0" cellpadding="0" width="140"> <tbody><tr style=""> <td style="padding: 5.25pt;"><br /></td> </tr> </tbody></table> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"><br /> <!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br /> <!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"><br /> <!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br /> <!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>hanakohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02066656030986467640noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5007715611525094527.post-22488823377850553182009-02-20T00:10:00.000-08:002009-02-20T01:10:24.449-08:00Meditation For Stress<p class="MsoNormal"> </p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><span style="font-size: 18pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(0, 176, 240);">How to Meditate For Powerful Stress Relief<o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><span style="font-size: 18pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(0, 176, 240);"><o:p> </o:p></span></b><br /><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">How many times have you felt overwhelmed, panicky, or chased through your day by obligations, deadlines, work demands, children, relationships, bills, illness, you name it. How many times have you read or been told to relax, and stop worrying about anything<span style=""> </span>that is bothering you? How many times has that worked?</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">It is impossible to simply stop worrying when you experience involuntary hormonal and biochemical changes. This automatic stress response, also called the fight-or-flight reaction, puts your body in alarm mode: heart rate speeds up, breath becomes shallow, and our muscles tense. When the source of the stress is not life threatening, your body stays in an extended state of tension and eventually begins to take on illness from the stress response.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">The only way out of this stress response cycle is to change your focus.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">Meditation used correctly changes your focus and soothes the physiological response, easing the fight or flight reaction.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">Many students of meditation seeking higher awareness meditate by emptying the mind. This may work for you, but if you are experiencing stress, and simply empty your mind when you meditate, the pile of problems may be waiting for you at the end of the meditation.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">The focused meditation, as an alternative to the "empty mind" meditation, can be an effective tool to de-stress. If you change your focus to a powerful and positive image, thought or desire during the meditation, and envelop yourself in the feelings associated with that powerful positive image, you come out of the meditation with a change in vision.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">Think of a childhood memory connected with great joy. For some this could be birthday, for others a wonderful grandparent, loved pet, favorite toy, sunny morning playing in the sand, or a thousand other things.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">Now remember your feelings associated with that memory. Focus on the joy you felt, on the subtle vibration of anticipation in your body over opening a gift, going to the park, or whatever is specific to your memory. Now carry that feeling into your present and associate it with a positive image you want in your life today.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">You can use relaxation music or empowering music, too. With relaxation music, you can reduce your heart rate and deepen your breathing. An excellent effect.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">Most importantly, experiment. Your body will tell you what you need if you trust it.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">If this seems silly to you, keep in mind the natural world works around this law of attraction. Take a look at a grove of trees or a field of grass or a flock of birds. There is a natural grouping of like species. The same applies to thoughts - like begets like.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">Your focus on positive images and feelings will attract more positive images and feelings. Eventually these translate into positive actions and things. Using focused meditation elevates the electrical vibrations in your body and mind. It can literally change your life.<o:p></o:p></span></p>hanakohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02066656030986467640noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5007715611525094527.post-83137938215551797412009-02-19T07:32:00.000-08:002009-02-21T09:04:12.006-08:00Maksim Mrvica The Pianist<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><strong><span style="font-size: 22pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(51, 102, 255);">Biography</span></strong></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><strong><span style="font-size: 22pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(51, 102, 255);"></span></strong><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"><br /></span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">Maksim Mrvica knew he wanted to play the piano when aged just eight, he caught a glimpse of the instrument at his best friend Alexander's house. That was in 1984 and although 22 years later he is one of the most famous pianists in the world, the journey hasn't always been easy.<br /><br />Born in <strong><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">Sibenik</span></strong>, a small, but beautiful medieval town on Croatia's Adriatic Coast, the odds seemed stacked against Maksim achieveing his dream.<br /><br />His mother <strong><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">Slavica</span></strong> and father <strong><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">Karmel</span></strong> knew nothing about classical music (even now they still prefer to listen to pop music on the radio). But although they were confused by their son's new passion, they were supportive and lessons were duly arranged.<br /><br />It wasn't long before it became obvious to Maksim's teachers that he had a rare talent and the boy was enrolled in Sibenik's state music school. It was there that Maksim began to harbour dreams of being a concert pianist and working hard to make those dreams a reality (although he admits now that he didn't always do quite as much practise as he was supposed to).<br /><br />He was 15 when war broke out in Croatia and life became almost unbearable for the Mrvica family. Bombs fell almost constantly on Sibenik. Maksim remembers, "There were more than 1000 grenades a day. At one point there were seven whole days when we stayed in the basement and didn't see the sun. But you got used to it. You had to go on living."<br /><br />For Maksim, living meant playing the piano. He would meet his teacher <strong><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">Marija Sekso</span></strong> in the basement of Sibenik's music school and forget the war, losing himself in the music for hours at a time. As well as grenades, there was the constant threat of being attacked by Serbian snipers - any time spent outside was a danger.<br /><br />For three years the whole family slept each night on the concrete floor of the shelter in their basement. They occasionally were able to escape to a house on one of the islands off Sibenik's coast, but although he was away from the bombs, being away from his piano was tortuous for Maksim and despite the dangers, he always welcomed the family's return to the city.<br /><br />Eventually a light appeared at the end of the tunnel. Maksim entered his first competition in 1993, practising feverishly to reach the high standards he knew were expected of him. War still raged in Sibenik, but there was peace in Zagreb where the competition was held. The 18 year old Maksim had already charmed the judge and audience just by turning up, but one he played the applause was purely for the music. The judge stopped the competition after Maksim's performance, immediately announcing him as the winner.<br /><br />"They said I ought to win just for coming from Sibenik." He laughs. They said, "We know it is hell. Where did you practise?". But after I played and won there were hundreds of people shouting for me and not because they felt sorry for me. The pianist says it was one of the best experiences of his life and it seems that however successful he has gone on to be, the joy of that first win remains vivid in his mind.<br /><br />Maksim went on to study in <strong><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">Zagreb </span></strong>with <strong><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">Vladimir Krpan</span></strong>, one of country's most revered music professors, then to the <strong><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">Ferenc Liszt</span></strong> conservatoire in Budapest and finally to Paris before returning to Croatia to record his first album <strong><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">Gestures in 2000</span></strong>. He had modest hopes for the record, but it surpassed all expectations, becoming one of the fastest selling albums ever released in Croatia and winning four <strong><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">Porin</span></strong> awards (the country's equivalent of a Classical Brit).<br /><br />In 2001 Maksim met<strong><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"> Tonci Huljic</span></strong>, a musician and composer who not only wrote some original pieces for the young pianist (and continues to do so), but introduced him to music impresario <strong><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">Mel Bush</span></strong>.<br /><br />Bush had been looking for a classical pianist for some time, having masterminded the success of all-girl string quartet Bond he was convinced that there was huge potential for a pianist to break into the classical/pop crossover market, but hadn't been able to find the right person. On meeting Maksim he was immediately impressed by his charisma and signed him on the spot after hearing him play just one piece.<br /><br />Maksim's first crossover album for EMI Classical, <strong><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">The Piano Player</span></strong>, was a huge success in 2003. It went <strong><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">Gold </span></strong>in Malaysia, China and Indonesia and<strong><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"> Platinum</span></strong> in Taiwan, Singapore and his home country Croatai and<strong><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"> Double Platinum</span></strong> in Hong Kong. It contained what has become, to many, his signature piece: a particularly energetic version of Rimsky-Korsakov's <strong><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">Flight Of</span></strong> <strong><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">The Bumblebee</span></strong>. He is particularly proud that there is now an annual competition named after him in which amateur pianists play the piece.<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">Variations I&II</span></strong> in 2004 won him yet more fans and a <strong><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">platinum </span></strong>disc for sales in Taiwan. On a tour of South East Asia fans received him like a rock star as he played his unique crossover music accompanied by strobe lights and video screens and dates in Japan where he played in a more purely classical style accompanied by the <strong><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">Moscow Symphony Orchestra</span></strong> were greeted just as rapturously.<br /><br />Earlier in 2006 Maksim pushed the boundaries of crossover with his third album, <strong><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">A New World</span></strong>, toured again in Japan and Asia and was delighted to play a outdoor 'homecoming' show in Zagreb.<br /><br />The trajectory of his fame is set to rise even steeper with the release of <strong><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">Elektric</span></strong> and a forthcoming tour of Asia, where he will perform in both crossover concerts with his band and again with the Moscow Symphony Orchestra.<br />Maksim is married to childhood sweetheart <strong><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">Ana</span></strong> and the couple have a daughter named <strong><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">LeeLoo</span></strong> (after Milla Jojovovich's character in The Fifth Element). They divide their time between Sibenik and London.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"><o:p> </o:p></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><strong style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"><span style="font-size: 18pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">Fast Facts</span></strong></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"><br /><br />1. Maksim only wears black...his wife <strong><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">Ana</span></strong>, does too. But there are occasions where he wears other colours. He has a red shirt and a green shirt.<br /><br />2. Maksim proposed to Ana on Millenium's Eve with a ring on a bunch of roses. They have been dating for 19 years.<br /><br />3. His favourite piano brand is <strong><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">Fazioli</span></strong>, followed by <strong><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">Steinway</span></strong> pianos. He prefers to perform on grand pianos and practise on upright ones.<br /><br />4. If Maksim did not play the piano, he would've chosen the violin.<br /><br />5. His other hobbies include yoga (to reduce stress), cooking and clubbing.<br /><br />6. He loves <strong><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">Christian Dior</span></strong> (who is his sponsor) as a fashion label. The armour outfit wchih he was wearing in the <strong><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">Exodus</span></strong> video, is designed by Christian Dior.<br /><br />7. Maksim owns for pianos - 3 in Croatia and 1 in the U.K which is a an acoustic and digital piano.<br /><br />8. Sex on the Beach is his favourite cocktail drink.<br /><br />9. Maksim used to skateboard when he was younger - he said that he was a really WILD CHILD!<br /><br />10. "Ball and me...no." Sports is just not for him.<br /><br />11. He is not a morning person and only functions in the afternoon.<br /><br />12. Maksim loves the outdoors and he loves jungle trekking. An occasiconal stroll in the beach enlightens him.<br /><br />13. Maksim loves his music job. He has two jobs (one is performing <strong><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">crossover classical music</span></strong> for theyounger fans, the other is performing <strong><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">pure classical</span></strong> for the elder generation). He says that he loves travelling around the world and performing at the same time.<br /><br />14. When young, Maksim loved to listen to<strong><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"> techno music</span></strong> but was afraid of his music professors discovering this.<br /><br />15. When Maksim informed of his three professors about his new crossover classical project, 2 of them thought it was a great idea in promoting classical to the younger generation but the other thought that this was going to "ruin" classical music.<br /><br />16. In the <strong><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">Variations I&II</span></strong> album, Maksim said that the<strong><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"> 'Piano Concerto in Bb Minor' by Tchaikovsky</span></strong> was the most difficult to learn.<br /><br />17. Maksim's mum is called <strong><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">'Mira' </span></strong>and his dad is <strong><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">'Karmel'.</span></strong> Ana's sirname is <strong><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">Novak</span></strong> and her mum is called <strong><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">'Zorka'</span></strong> and her dad is<strong><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"> 'Dragan'.</span></strong><br /><br />18. Maksim knows <strong><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">Goran Visnjic</span></strong> the actor on the popular show, ER. They are from the same hometown.<br /><br />19. Maksim has collaborated with <strong><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">DJ KoFlow</span></strong>. One of his best friends is a VJ.<br /><br />20. Maksim was lazy as a kid and only wanted to play with his friends. He started practising seriously at 18.<br /><br />21. It took Maksim 1 1/2 years to learn and prepare the tone, the notes and the technique for the<strong><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"> Flight of the Bumblebee.</span></strong><br /><br />22. <strong><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">Nostradamus</span></strong> was the symbol for his <strong><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">New World</span></strong> album. It was the most difficult to record. This album was recorded in Bucharest, Romania and it is one of the best productions as it was dynamic and exciting. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>hanakohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02066656030986467640noreply@blogger.com0