ICIS | Information for Life

Depression And Suicide – Symptoms Of A Person Under Depression And Possessing Suicidal Thoughts

September 27, 2020 by Chad Kimball

Depression is the phase when a person is unable to think logically most of the time. Under influence of this psychological disorder, one loses his ability to differentiate between right and wrong. It has various symptoms that can be identified easily and which are curable with proper treatment. As depression is a complete mental and psychological phenomenon, it demands a delicate and careful approach from the physician towards the person. Counseling and attending group seminars help the patient to get out of this phase. Nowadays many such workshops are held to help a person come out of depression as it is something that kills the person from within and makes the person lose his or her urge to live more than anything.

HOW DEPRESSION LEADS TO SUICIDE

Continued depression may lead the person to think about his or her uselessness and make him or her to opt for a choice like suicide. Though these are extreme outcomes of depression, one can never be certain when thoughts like these might strike as the issue itself is mental. Considering the vulnerability of the human mind to destructive thoughts and imagination, scientists have agreed that these types of thought can occur anytime. It is up to the person and his or her conviction as to how hard this depression can affect the mind. If the determination is high then it might even be short-lasting and ebb automatically with happy thoughts and things to look forward to. Even though help is available these days the count for suicide due to depression is increasing, almost every day reports of suicides are heard and the reason is found to be depression in most of the cases. Be it among students or persons fed up with his family life or even businessmen incurring a huge loss, suicides are common and one of the major reasons is depression.

GENERAL CAUSES OF SUICIDAL DEPRESSION

Depressed people can experience suicidal thoughts because of reasons like

The sudden change in situations of life and the feeling of how better things were earlier gives a person an urge to end things once and for all
Loss of sleep because of the continuous pondering over the problem has a significant effect on the suicidal thoughts and to relieve himself or herself from this deprived state of mind suicide is an option which comes fast
Usage of alcohol and drugs during the time of depression is very common, hence with increased and continuous usage of these harmful intoxicants death is eventual and in most cases, it is known and desired by the person
Loss of patience that things will get better and loss of belief in one’s self lets in the idea of suicide, the feeling of having lost all in life is very common during the depression and can have adverse effects on people

SYMPTOMS OF A PERSON UNDER DEPRESSION AND POSSESSING SUICIDAL THOUGHTS

Increased irritation in the person and continuous thought and pondering over something which is not shared by any other person
Modification in sleeping timings and irregular sleep
Change in diet patterns and weight loss, without the urge for the betterment of the condition
Loss of attention at work or school etc.
Seclusion from the rest of the world and inhibition to interact with others

These symptoms are generally the common symptoms for depression and through these, it can be identified whether a person is in a state of depression or not. Since the human mind is extremely dangerous while disturbed for one’s own self, the thought of suicide comes in easily and makes the person do things that have extremely adverse effects.

Studies have revealed that major suicides take place with people who are depressed and belong to the middle age group. Students’ suicide is another common factor nowadays. These suicides have their reasons in the form of social or economical depression. The Feeling of depression can subside only if the person agrees to share his or her thoughts with the counselor and let him in to help the person.

TESTS AND REMEDIES FOR DEPRESSION INDUCED SUICIDAL THOUGHTS

The science behind depression is very less as it is something too intricately involved with a person’s mindset and having a general rule might not satisfy all conditions as the human mind is different in almost all cases.

If depression is identified in a person then without much delay proper counseling must be taken through a professional and self-effort must be made to get out of that phase and provide self-help
The basic test for depression involves an interview with an array of questions that help the physician develop an insight into the person’s psyche
Neurological test is conducted to ensure that the condition is not that of other mental disorders like schizophrenia
Tests are carried out to know that levels of intoxication in a person if at all he or she is into alcohol and drugs.

Tests and assessments like these help depression detection and help in its cure. Preventing the development of depression in one’s mind decreases the chances of suicide. Mental illness can cause many harsh effects on one’s own self through improper thinking.

If you or someone you know is showing symptoms of depression. Help may be necessary. Visit Estadt Psychological to learn more.

Remedies for coming out of depression and prevention of suicide can be carried out from home or from a medical center.

If treatment is being done at home itself it requires complete and rigorous dedication from the person as without that it is impossible to change anyone’s approach towards life. For the removal of depression, this is what is important, change in views and perspective.
Direct counseling and increased involvement with the outside world with happy things included in daily routine can help the person take his or her mind off things that might be bothering.
Medical treatment through a psychologist involves the usage of medications that eases mental thoughts and helps concentrate on matters that are really important.
Continuous tests for mental diseases are important to know the person’s mental condition and whether depression has changed into something more serious or not.

Bottom-line for all remedies is that if the person is ready to be helped and determined to better his or her condition depression will be gone and the possibility for suicide will be ruled out.

Effectiveness of Acupuncture for Headache Relief

August 1, 2020 by Chad Kimball

One thinks of the pain a headache causes and for its relief, medication, such as aspirin or metaxalone, ends up being prescribed by a doctor or a nurse. Yet you may be surprised with the results stemming from alternative therapies to deal with headaches and to find out they are not only easy to undergo but sometimes less expensive than ongoing medication. Our article is going to present acupuncture – a centuries-old Chinese therapy used extensively in the East – and more recently in the western world, where many people suffering from headache have been converted to using it based on its effectiveness and how well it deals with their headache pains.

If you, or someone close to you, suffers from chronic headaches you know just how difficult it is to deal with everyday pain. Handling the problem is not at all easy when the pain impairs your everyday lifestyle. Short-term effectiveness may be achieved by using common analgesics in dealing with the problem. But more often than not, your body will build up resistance to such medications coming back with a vengeance through a more painful headache unresponsive to medication. Due to this decrease in effectiveness, many people suffering from chronic headache problems have trusted acupuncture as a natural alternative therapy.

Fear of needles may strike a sensitive chord in many of us bringing up less than pleasant images. To ease many different medical problems, headaches included, fine needles are inserted into the skin at specific points in the body (called acupoints). For several years, in-depth research into the use of acupuncture treatment revealed that it might give medication a run for its money when it comes to treating headaches. A Swiss study on treating two most common types of headaches involved using acupuncture therapies. The published study results showed that acupuncture was an effective therapy for such headaches rivaling well-known and established pain relief medications.

Acupuncture advocates say that the treatment exceeds the results you get of using medication when it comes to treating headaches. In their argument acupuncture treatment causes no side effects for the body, while usually there is an extent of side effects associated with headache pain relief drugs. Yet without a thorough study to support benefits claims, one should always be careful. The study we mentioned in the previous paragraph shows that there are benefits in the use of acupuncture treatment yet that is only one study. More studies need to be published on the use of acupuncture for relief of headache before definitive and accurate results can be considered regarding how effective the treatment is. As most acupuncture treatment detractors argue, it is possible for a placebo effect to be the cause of positive results.

The gateway theory should also be contemplated when one considers acupuncture. The theory says the body may only experience just a number of sensations at any given time. Once the body reaches sensory overload, it will begin ignoring some of the sensations. You can easily put the theory to test with the well-known effect of injury rubbing and feeling the natural reaction. Imagine for a moment you have just been stung by a bee. By rubbing the insect bite, the pain seems to go away; although you have not applied any medicines to it. This is the gateway theory working its magic and acupuncture therapy may work just like this. In the acupuncture treatment your body could be rejecting the signals of pain from the constant headache and focus instead on the pain caused by the needles.

One should definitely look for serious research results before engaging in any treatment. This article is a mere introduction to the possibilities brought forward by acupuncture therapy, and a stepping stone on your continued efforts for researching the best approach for your individual treatment.

Discover the freedom and joy that comes from a healthy, pain-free body bursting with vitality! Start your healing journey today by booking an appointment with AB Acupuncture.

Hamburger Pizza Recipe

February 24, 2020 by Chad Kimball

Just like one prepares a hamburger by adding a medium amount of veggies and a meat patty, similarly a hamburger pizza comprises more meat and sauces, and lesser vegetables. It’s a Pizza, which includes meat, cheese and sauces in large quantities. There are hardly any vegetables or toppings used. Moreover, this is one of those pizzas, which one can prepare quickly and carry to work or relish after a tiring day.

PREPARATION TIME: 30 minutes

COOKING TIME: 30 minutes

INGREDIENTS:

For the dough:

Active Dry Yeast – 1 packet of 1/4th ounce
Warm Water – 3/4th cup heated up to 110 degrees F.
Oil – 1 tablespoon
Salt – ½ tablespoon
Flour – 2 cups

For the topping:

Ground Beef – 1 or 2 pounds
Spaghetti Sauce – 1 cup
Mozzarella – 2 cups of shredded cheese
Parmesan – 1/4th cup of grated cheese
Bread Crumbs – 1/4th cup
Tomato Puree – 1/4th cup
Minced onion – 1/4th cup
An egg
Clove garlic – 1, minced

PREPARATION:

Take a large bowl and combine warm water and sugar into it. Sprinkle yeast from top. Continue to stir until the yeast is dissolved. Let it stand for 5 minutes.
Take another bowl, and add oil, salt and flour to it. Stir and mix this mixture too, and then add the yeast mixture to it. Continue doing so until it forms a soft dough
Empty the bowl on a floured surface and knead the mixture using your hands, until it becomes smooth and elastic. Shape it into a ball and flatten slightly. Place it on a large baking sheet sprayed with a cooking spray. Cover it with a plastic wrap for about 20 minutes allowing it to rise.
Prepare your pizza ovens – if you don’t have one, visit Californo for good options.
Take a large container and add 1/4th cup of tomato puree with beef, breadcrumbs, egg, salt and onion. Take the meat and pat it into 10 inch circles on a square foil of 18 inches. This is used to create the crust for the pizza. Turn up the edge to about ½ an inch to hold up the filling.
Add the remaining tomato puree mixed with garlic on top of the Pizza. Sprinkle oregano and add shredded mozzarella to it.
Place the pizza into the preheated oven. Let it cook for 20 to 25 minutes.
Remove, slice and serve hot. Best enjoyed along with garlic bread.

Decorative Cutout Candles

February 21, 2020 by Chad Kimball

There are candles for every occasion and now there are decorative cutout candles in the shape of just about anything you can imagine. They are carved into shapes or made from molds in the shape of anything you want them to be: people, animals, ships, books, dolls, dogs, rabbits, computers, beer bottles, baby bottles, sports figures, Hollywood figures or a bag of popcorn. If you can imagine it, someone can make it into a candle.

There are wedding candles in the shape of a bride and groom you can place next to the cake on the cake table or near the presents to make a cute little conversation piece. There are candles in the shape of doves which would go nicely in the centerpieces of a wedding table or anniversary party. Plus there are beautifully carved angel candles which would make a nice addition to the center of any wedding or anniversary table.

Some companies special order the carved candles at a premium price because they have to first make a mold and then make what you need; however, many companies already make a wide variety of carved candles to satisfy your every need.

For a child’s birthday or to celebrate an adult’s victory game, there are carved baseball, football, hockey and basketball players that look great atop any cake and can be saved to set on a shelf as a memento of the occasion.

Carved candles are not just for the top of the cake, they can be large and intricate with designs of everything from a forest full of animals to an office full of people, all around a candle. The pillar candles can have scenes carved into them and the smaller pieces of wax candles can be shaped into actual things like a tea kettle or calculator with the wick sticking out of the number five.

Most of the decorative carved candles never get burned because people want to save them and show them off because they are somewhat of a novelty item. However, they are perfectly capable of lighting the way, they are real candles just carved in the shape of a pumpkin or Santa Clause or a chocolate Easter bunny or Darth Vader.

Carved, shaped candles were really popular back in the 1970s and 1980s and are making a comeback today and not only for the top of cakes. They are decorative and can bring laughter and joy into an otherwise dull area of your home.

Several cut out angels placed on a shelf, up right so that people can see them, would look nice in a bedroom or bathroom setting. Ships carved out of candle wax would look good in a nautical bathroom theme and butterflies carved out of candles and made so that they can be used would look nice in a young girl’s bedroom. There are hundreds of carved candle ideas and you can find them on the Internet, or in specialty catalogs, or in The Damn Good Company. You could even make a carved or shaped candle yourself with the right mold.

Pizza Recipe : Thin Crust Dough

November 30, 2019 by Chad Kimball

Thin Crust Dough is probably the most widely known type of pizza dough and is usually used for traditional pizzas throughout Europe and in the United States. Thin crust pizza bases are perfect for pizza lovers who prefer to taste more of the sauce, cheese and other toppings and don’t want to be filled up too quickly. It’s usual to make thin pizzas larger than thick based pizzas.

Ingredients Required

1 envelope of dry yeast

1/4 teaspoon of sugar

3/4 cup of lukewarm water

1 3/4 cups of unbleached plain flour

1/2 teaspoon of salt

Step by Step Procedure

Combine 1 envelope of dry yeast, 1/4 teaspoon of sugar and 3/4 cups of lukewarm water. Mix a little and let sit for 6-8 minutes.

Combine 1 3/4 cups of unbleached plain flour with 1/2 teaspoon of salt in a bowl or food processor.

Pour the water combination into the bowl (or food processor) and mix until ready to knead (around 30 second in a food processor). If using a bowl, mix with a spoon until you have a neat ball.

Prepare a lightly spinkled surface with flour. Turn out dough and knead for around 2-3 minutes. Lightly cover your finger tips with flour if the mixture is a little sticky.

Roll out by hand for a 12” base.

Place in 12” lighly oiled oven pan. Press out dough to form a slight lip.

Prepare and apply your sauce and topping or choice.

Cook in a good quality pizza oven – if you want to check some reliable options click here.

Remove from oven, slice and share with your favourite friends and/or family members 🙂

Additional Information

As stated above, fan assisted ovens tend to cook pizza’s quicker than traditional ovens.

You can usually reheat your pizza in around 5 minutes. But beware that it’s not advisable to reheat pizzas with a meat topping.

Overcoming Obstacles to Permanent Weight Loss

May 27, 2019 by Chad Kimball

overcoming obstacles to permanent weight loss Many people are not sufficiently prepared to overcome the obstacles that arise during attempts at weight loss. Setting specific weight-loss goals can help energize and motivate those who are trying to lose weight, but they must also plan to deal with obstacles to permanent weight loss that can frustrate their efforts. Efforts spent developing weight-loss goals and action plans need to explicitly include ways to overcome potential obstacles to success. This is particularly true for those process goals or strategies that enable weight loss, such as diet and exercise programs.

Requirements for Permanent Weight Loss

According to the Mayo Clinic the key to weight-loss success is committing to permanent changes in one’s diet and exercise habits. It’s no use for a person to eat properly and exercise regularly just until weight is lost, because the weight will probably be regained once the new behaviors are stopped.

Another critical feature of successful, permanent weight loss is not starting a weight loss program until one is ready and fully prepared for the effort and struggles that lie ahead. A great way to get ready to lose weight permanently is to prepare written goals and action plans in advance, including strategies capable of overcoming common obstacles.

Setting Goals for Weight Loss

Setting goals for weight loss is an important first step because specific, challenging goals help direct and motivate effort and persistence necessary to accomplish the tasks involved. Both long term and short term goals are important and both outcome goals and process goals need to be addressed:

Long-term goals specify ultimate outcomes and permanent changes in habits and lifestyle.
Short-term or milestone goals address the significant steps on the way to the ultimate outcome goals.
Outcome goals refer to the amount of weight or fat desired to be lost per period of time.
Process goals or strategies specify what will be accomplished to lose weight permanently (create daily or weekly calorie deficits of a specific number of calories; start an exercise program that can be done for the rest of one’s life; change eating habits for a healthier diet).

Identifying Obstacles to Weight Loss

James B. Avey, Ph.D., an expert on applying goal-setting in both organizations and for personal development recommends focusing on what could prevent a person from accomplishing his or her goal(s). These are called obstacles and he advocates writing down three to five obstacles per goal. Then he recommends writing down what will be done to overcome each obstacle. Such advance thought and preparation increases the likelihood of achieving one’s goals.

The Mayo Clinic Diet book contains a section called “Action Guide to Weight Loss-Barriers” which classifies weight-loss obstacles into three categories:

nutrition
physical activity
behaviors

All three categories of obstacles need to be anticipated and strategies developed to cope with them. Here are some specific obstacles that can sabotage a person’s weight-loss goals and plans:

lack of knowledge about proper nutrition, harmful foods and diets
lack of knowledge about physical activity and exercise options
perceived lack of time for physical activity/exercise
giving in to old bad eating habits
lapses in following an eating plan
snacking late at night
eating in front of the TV
eating when bored or stressed

sedentary lifestyle Once the most likely obstacles to successful weight loss have been identified, strategies can be developed to help overcome each one. The Mayo Clinic Diet book section “Action Guide to Weight Loss-Barriers” contains a comprehensive list of barriers (obstacles) and strategies to deal with them. Here are just a few examples from the Mayo Clinic and other sources:

Lack of time for physical activity/exercise: Make physical activity/exercise the top priority in life because it is the most important (controllable) key to good health and longevity.
Snacking late at night: Make sure meals are not skipped, drink water instead, or snack only on vegetables or fruits and keep from buying any snacks that are fattening.
Falling off a proper eating plan: Recognize that lapses are normal and just get back on track as soon as possible, building on or repeating earlier successes.
Eating when stressed, bored, or depressed: Keep high-calorie “comfort foods” out the house; engage in other activities until cravings pass; replace negative thoughts with positive ones; drink water when tempted to eat.

Planning is Required to Overcome Weight-Loss Obstacles

The setting of goals for weight loss helps direct and energize the desire to lose weight. But many powerful obstacles to permanent weight loss can arise to undermine the eating and exercise programs required for success. Having advance plans to deal with such obstacles can give a person more confidence and additional motivation to undertake and succeed with a weight-loss program. Identifying personal obstacles and developing specific strategies to overcome them are important steps in developing a plan to achieve permanent weight loss.

Tips for Preventing Blindness Related to Diabetes in Seniors

May 16, 2019 by Chad Kimball

Tips for Preventing Blindness Related to Diabetes in Seniors Blindness may be one of the most dreaded possible complications related to diabetes. Vision loss in seniors may result in decreased quality of life, increased dependence, added healthcare costs, higher stress levels, and may be accompanied by other serious complications such as amputation or stroke.

Although there are no guarantees for completely preventing any vision problems related to diabetes, a senior with diabetes can take control of his or her health by significantly decreasing risk factors. It is also important to follow a healthy eye care regimen such as wearing premium contacts for vision correction needs.

Look at an overview of common eye complications of diabetes and practical steps for helping to prevent vision loss in seniors with type 1 or type 2 diabetes.

Common Eye Complications Related to Diabetes

Some of the more common vision problems experienced by diabetics include:

diabetic retinopathy
macular edema
cataract
glaucoma
corneal disease

Many of these eye conditions may appear and become advanced without any symptoms. They often affect both eyes. The risk for significant vision problems increases with age, and seniors with diabetes tend to have an even higher risk of developing these conditions.

According to the Florida Department of Health’s 2009 online article entitled “Diabetes and eye conditions,” every year, approximately 12,000 to 24,000 people become blind due to complications of diabetes. Currently, about one-fifth of people who have diabetes will have some form of diabetic retinopathy before they are diagnosed, and virtually all those with at least a 20-year history of type 1 diabetes will have some eye complications.

Steps to Prevent Vision Loss From Diabetes

Seniors diagnosed with diabetes can take several proactive steps to help decrease their chances of having major eye complications, including significant sight impairment and blindness. Three of the best ways to help prevent loss of eyesight in seniors with diabetes are to:

Keep blood sugar levels as close to normal as possible.
Maintain regular preventive eye care with an eye care specialist.
Prevent or control high blood pressure.

Keeping blood sugars under tight control seems to be one of the best ways to decrease the incidence and/or severity of vision problems due to diabetes. A June 1993 Diabetes Control and Complications Trial demonstrated a 76% reduction in eye damage in those who maintained blood glucose (sugar) levels as close to normal as possible.

Many sources recommend that someone with diabetes receive a comprehensive dilated eye examination at least once a year and timely and appropriate eye care. Treatment for these conditions may be ineffective, less effective, or limited once symptoms appear.

According to the National Eye Institute’s online article entitled “Facts About Diabetic Retinopathy,” quick treatment and regular follow-up care of proliferative retinopathy may lower the chance of going blind by 95%.

Blood pressure tends to increase with age. Seniors are more likely to have isolated systolic hypertension (ISH), which is a high top number but normal bottom number. According to Physicians’ Desktop Reference’s 2009 online article entitled “High Blood Pressure (Hypertension),” ISH has many potential complications, such as congestive heart failure, kidney damage, dementia, and severe vision problems, including blindness. Preventing or controlling hypertension can in turn reduce the risk for loss of eyesight as well.

How to Prevent Vision Loss Related to Diabetes

Although many seniors with type 1 and type 2 diabetes experience eye-related side effects, being proactive may greatly reduce the chance of developing severe vision loss or blindness. Maintaining tight control on blood sugar levels, regular eye exams with early interventions, and preventing hypertension may decrease the development or progression of eye damage, which in turn may help seniors to maintain a more independent lifestyle.

In addition, seniors with age-related vision problems that are secondary to diabetes such as diabetic retinopathy and cataracts may still have to undergo laser treatment or surgery to address the problem. Prescription eyewear such as eyeglasses and contact lenses may be worn after the laser or surgical procedure. Can seniors wear contact lenses? Yes, seniors are never too old to wear contact lenses. They can even wear color-enhancing contacts with corrective function.

Natural Ways To Get Good Sleep Again

May 13, 2019 by Chad Kimball

Even if You’re Over 50 and Your Hormones Are Unbalanced…

Natural Ways to Get Good Sleep Again Sleep deprivation is so common in over-worked, overstressed individuals today, and it is believed that three of every five people have sleep problems. Women during the approximate ten years of menopause (from about age 51 to 62), and men in the same age group in andropause, may suffer both from hormone depletion and lack of sleep; each condition can aggravate the other.

Older people may lose their ability to sleep deeply, exacerbated by the worry that they can’t get to sleep and have to get up early. Many wake during the night, unable to return to deep sleep. Much is certainly hormonal, combined with various aging side effects, but there are a few things that might bring back natural sleep without having to resort to medication.

Some Supplements Can Induce Sleep

A very effective natural supplement for inducing sleep and relaxation is l-tryptophan, an amino acid present in red meat and turkey. Tryptophan was in common use during the 1970s and 80s until it was banned in 1989 by the FDA. It was so effective at inducing relaxation and sleepiness, it came under fire by Big Pharma so it wouldn’t compete with their profits when the new tranquilizing drug Prozac was released – in 1989. (The FDA Ban of L-Tryptophan: Politics, Profits and Prozac © Life Extension Foundation, April 6 1998)

sleep supplements Melatonin, a sleep-inducing hormone, has also been used successfully to induce calm and sleep. One of its uses that makes it a favorite among travelers is its effectiveness in treating jet lag. Melatonin is made in the pineal gland in response to the onset of darkness. Taking supplements before bedtime tells the body that natural sleepiness should occur. It is generally safe for frequent use, and in some cases may re-program the body to sleep better, so that after a period of time it is no longer needed or only smaller amounts are needed.

The darker a room is, the easier a person with sleep disorders will fall asleep, the deeper they sleep, and the longer they remain asleep. Any light, even the face of a bedside alarm clock, can affect deep sleep. Aging makes the body susceptible to fluctuating melatonin levels at the slightest hint of higher light levels in a room.

Sleep Can Be Affected by Magnetic Fields

Scott Davis, PhD., member of the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, found evidence suggesting that even seemingly minute changes in electromagnetic fields have an effect on a human’s melatonin levels, lowering it. Findings of previous studies also indicate that exposure to EMFs have increased the risk of developing breast tumors in animals.

What Steps May Help Induce Sleep

Some or all of the following options may be used to help induce sleep:

Wrist acupressure – place the fingers of one hand on the wrist of the other as if taking the pulse. Press the inside of the wrist while counting 180 seconds (three minutes). Experiment with this several nights, as sometimes this works better on one wrist than another. Often sleep will come suddenly afterward.
Use of tryptophan (now back on the market), or even 5-HTP, another supplement which is the next step in tryptophan metabolism, or the hormone melatonin, an hour before bedtime.
Take a hot shower or bath before going to bed. When getting into a tub of hot water, the body attempts to lower the body temperature inducing natural sleepiness.
Remove any EMF sources from the bedroom, including electric cords near or under the bed, waterbed heaters, or electric blankets.
Begin consistent aerobic exercise, like walking, Pilates, or using a rebounder or treadmill.
On awakening, open the shades wide to imprint daylight on the brain and reset the body clock.

Finally, if not already taking thyroxin in some form, taking a daily iodine supplement will support the thyroid. For those that need it and are not be getting it in their diet, iodine can perform miracles in restoring natural youthful sleep.

Without proper sleep, life becomes more difficult. Naturally increasing melatonin levels allows it to work its magic, helping bring back natural sleep, and contributing to a longer, healthier life.

Baby Boomers, Seniors Eating Soy to Age Well

March 24, 2019 by Chad Kimball

Baby Boomers, Seniors Eating Soy to Age Well - edamame

Recently, a trade report from Global Industry Analysts, Inc. (GIA), cited the aging populations as the driving factor in the global growth market for soy foods. As baby boomers and seniors turn to soy foods for the healthy benefits, hopefully the rest of the world will catch up to Okinawa and Japan in healthy longevity. We are woefully behind in life expectancy when compared to other industrialized nations.

At 95 You are a Senior

In Okinawa, they have a party when someone reaches 95. They are considered a senior at 95, unlike in the UK, where 65 is the norm. Seventy is still a youngster, eighty is an adult and at ninety, well, let’s just say you are a younger baby boomer. The Okinawa folks eat soy as their major source of protein; usually about two servings a day. Okinawa ranks number at the top of the average life expectancy charts.

Heart Rate Disease Low in Okinawa

The rates of heart disease in Okinawa is less than 20% of that in Western nations, as well as much lower rates of cancer. To put it clearly, if the same disease rates were in the Western world, we could close 80% of the coronary care units and 1/3 of the cancer wards as well as shutter many of our nursing homes because these folks just plain age well. Centenarians in Okinawa are normally slim with clear complexions, bright eyes and lithe movements.

Let’s Copy Them

The most sincere form of flattery is said to be copying so let’s see what soy can offer us in the form of tasty alternatives to the artery clogging animal proteins we are used to eating. Actually, many of the same meat-style meals can be made using the meat analogs in place of ground beef, so who’s to know? Just slip it into the spaghetti sauce and enjoy. Do not eat soy pills in the hopes of increasing longevity. Studies do not support any soy pill pushing advantages, so save your money.

Include Soy in Your Diet to Live Longer

Baby Boomers, Seniors Eating Soy to Age Well - soy and soy products We are talking real food here and there a plenty of money saving whole soy foods to choose from on the web, like roasted soy nuts, cereals like soy cereal, and meat analogs. The cereal is inexpensive and has 25 grams of protein and 9 grams of healthy fiber per 1/2cup serving. After all, it could be the health insurance on your plate. Mix it with your favorite brand, if you have one.

Our Soy is Their Soy

Baby Boomers, Seniors Eating Soy to Age Well - soybeans harvest

The United States raises almost 80% of the world’s soy and then ships most of it to Asian countries to consume and to live longer and healthier lives than we actually do. Ironically, the only group in the Western countries that can match the Asian’s longevity are the Seventh Day Adventists, who usually eat whole soy foods regularly. The proof of the healthy qualities of these simple little soybeans are not in the thousands of human clinical studies bearing them out, but are evidenced in the healthy longevity of the groups of people who eat soy every day as their main source of protein.

Become Proactive

It seems ridiculous that we would work so hard and then, when we are able to finally relax a little, take advantage of our social security and more lifestyle choices that we turn around and dig our graves with our spoons. Of course, anyone has the perfect right to die the way they want, but it seems pointless when the same basic meat-style meals can be eaten and enjoyed. After all, we can still eat that occasional steak if desired. Let’s hope we keep eating the soy now, maybe it will make us smarter, too.

Making a Wise Choice About Where to Die

March 24, 2019 by Chad Kimball

Making a Wise Choice About Where to Die

In his book, The Good Death Guide, Michael Dunn states that a hundred years ago, most people died at home. As recently as the 1950s, twice as many people died at home compared to modern-day society. There are a number of reasons for these changes but as far as possible, people who are frail or have terminal sicknesses should be allowed a choice of where to die when their time comes.

The Decision to Die at Home

Making a Wise Choice About Where to Die - die at home

In past years, most people died at home. Family units were closer-knit and relatives were expected to look after each other. As signs of impending death showed, family and friends would gather to say goodbye and hold and touch the sick person. There was no fear in this and it was regarded as part of the process of life. The benefit to the dying one was the closeness and support of family and the comfort of being in familiar surroundings.

In recent years, there was a strong shift to transferring terminal patients to hospital if death was imminent. Nowadays there seems to be a reversal of this trend and many cancer patients request that they be allowed to die at home.

Dying in a Hospital

People often end up in hospital because their condition is life-threatening and family members may not have the time to care for their needs. While medical care is instantly available, there are disadvantages to dying in a hospital. These include the following:

Families and communities are shielded from the death process and may fear it.
Death changes from a natural event to a medical failure.
Many people die alone as loved ones are called too late.
Hospitals are generally cold and impersonal and offer little privacy.

Dying in a Hospice or a Residential Care Home

Making a Wise Choice About Where to Die - hospice

These are often home substitutes and although they may offer a higher level of compassion and emotional care than a hospital, they can still be impersonal. However, they can be a good substitute when it is impossible for a person to die at home. The staff are normally focused on helping the person and their loved ones through the lead-up to death and the grieving that follows. The rooms may be homey and the person is often allowed to bring familiar items with them.

If a person is dying from cancer or another terminal disease, it is a good idea to ask them where they would prefer to spend their last days. In some cases, it may be possible to hire a nurse to help at home and administer medications. If a hospice is an option, ask for recommendations and visit several before making a decision. It is important that the wishes of the dying person be considered and adhered to as closely as possible.