I Survived Depression

Have you ever suffered from joint pain? It affects about a third of the world’s population and if you are an athlete or at least participate in a sport such as golf or tennis you may have felt the pain in your elbow, wrist or ankle. Joint pain is something that can be acquired through injury or perhaps you even have it in your genes (hereditary). Joint pain can come in many forms. Diseases such as: Osteoarthritis, Septic Arthritis, Tendonitis and Bursitis can cause joint pain or have it as an effect.

Have you ever wondered if it was caused by Arthritis? Well it may be, because one of the most common causes of joint pain is Arthritis. Arthritis is classified as a joint disorder caused by inflammation in one or more joints but, it could also be Bursitis which is an inflammation of the bursa caused by the sacs filling with fluid. These are not to be confused and/or classified as the same, because they are both very different although no doubt both are very, very painful. However, it could be a number of other things. (more…)

Depression, a serious illness that causes a person to feel extremely downtrodden and hopeless about life has seen the number of people getting treated triple in the last ten years. That number is even more alarming when you consider the availability and development of new drugs and a more general acceptance of depression as a “real” illness and something that shouldn’t be taken lightly.

Depression in its early stages has symptoms that include the loss of energy, apathy and sadness. Other signs of depression are a loss of appetite, a disinterest in friends, family and hobbies and the use of alcohol and drugs to “dull the pain” or self medicate. Depression can lead to suicide in its worst cases. If you don’t personally suffer from depression, you probably know somebody who has or who will. Up to 10% of Americans have a depression related episode in the course of any year.

Although depression can always return to a person, and likely has genetic components that pass it down in families, it can almost always be alleviated with proper treatment and care. Traditional care includes therapy and medication (primarily anti depressants), preferably with a combination of the two. This process may take some trial and error as not all medications and types of therapy are right for every person.

However, there is more that can be done than paying exorbitant bills for therapy and medication. In fact, simple changes in your lifestyle such as getting involved in athletics and exercising can greatly improve your mood, both in the short and long term. Much of this is linked to the fact that exercising causes your body to release endorphins (and other feel-good chemicals such as serotonin and dopamine). Endorphins are your body’s natural pain killer and also contribute to feelings of elation and joy.

(more…)

OK, so it’s the new year and the holidays are over. Your clothing is feeling a little tight and you are wondering why. Do you remember that just a couple of short weeks ago it seemed everywhere that you went there where cookies, candies, high calorie alcoholic drinks and egg nog?

Did you find yourself telling yourself that it was OK to indulge, after all you would be starting your new diet in January? Or, have you just said what the heck, “I’ve been bad all year, why stop now?”. Let’s face it, it was the holiday season and as far as healthy eating went, obstacles were all over the place.

By now many people are beginning to realize that they may have over done it.

Maybe you have noticed your waistline feeling a little tight or maybe you are feeling sluggish going up and down stairs that last month were no problem or maybe you just don’t like the way that you look in the mirror! It doesn’t really matter - what does matter is the average person gains between 5 and 10 pounds during the holiday season.

It’s time to pay for those moments that you just couldn’t help yourself. So here is a list of ideas that I have put together to help you take that weight off and then keep it off. (more…)

Got a child with ADHD? It can be very difficult as well as frustrating. I know because my friend’s son is nine and has had ADHD all his life. Gregory is all over the place. One minute he is playing a video game, the next minute he is playing with something else and the next moment he wants a snack.

It’s difficult for the adults in Gregory’s life because it’s so hard to keep up with him and it’s frustrating because we all know it’s not his fault.

One of the most noticeable symptoms of ADHD is a difficulty in concentrating. Everything attracts him and it’s very easy for him to loose focus on what he is doing. Although Gregory can be very trying at times, he is a very kind, intelligent, likable kid that just needs special attention and a little understanding. There are several courses of action that can be taken to make Gregory’s life easier and they include: (more…)