A report released in 2017 found that over half of all global emissions since 1988 have been produced by just 25 companies. When you take into account the 100 most environmentally damaging companies, known as the ‘Carbon Majors’, that figure rises to over 70%. Even so, we are constantly told that individual actions like using canvas bags and taking the bus will be enough to avoid the catastrophic effects of climate change. The truth is that the onus is on the major greenhouse gas emitters like Exxon Mobil and Shell Oil to simply stop extracting and distributing fossil fuels. Unfortunately, the pressures of the competitive market mean that they are not going to do this without a push.
As things stand, it makes more financial sense to use fossil fuels than renewables. However, there are many ways that governments can curtail the emissions of Carbon Majors through financial and legal incentives. A fundamental of the modern nation state is that the legislator should tax practices which they aim to discourage in society. This is why smoking is so expensive. Governments realised that by taxing cigarettes at an extremely high rate, they could better public health and make some serious dough while they were at it. By raising the price of smokes, governments can gradually decrease the number of smokers which in turn decreases the amount they spend on the treatment of diseases like lung cancer and emphysema. In theory, the increase in revenue can be used for things like medical services and anti-smoking campaigns, meaning they can shift the costs smoking imposes upon society onto those who smoke.
Similarly, governments can tax the use of dirty fuels which emit CO2 and use the extra cash to invest in renewable energy research. Some form of ‘carbon tax’ has already been introduced in 46 countries, including Ireland, Canada and Australia. Carbon tax means that fuels which result in higher carbon dioxide emissions are taxed at a higher rate, a policy which is all ‘stick’ and no ‘carrot’. By taxing carbon, governments can cut into the profits of companies who would otherwise be making a killing on fossil fuels. The hope is that Carbon Majors will then be incentivised to move toward renewable energies like solar and wind power. While a higher carbon tax would mean an increase in the prices of fuels like petrol, coal and gas for the consumer, it would also mean that clean energy sources could become more competitive.
The other side of the coin is renewable energy subsidies; the ‘carrot’ to the ‘stick’ of carbon tax. The government invests money in order to lessen the costs of energy from sustainable sources. The top 6 countries that subsidize renewables spend a combined total of 40 billion dollars a year. Subsidies can go a long way towards decreasing the financial loss Carbon Majors and consumers suffer when switching to cleaner sources of energy. By both taxing fossil fuels and subsiding renewables, governments can gradually make it so that renewables are the sounder investment. Since financial considerations are the only considerations corporations are likely to take on board, the use of both of these policies could go a long way towards reducing the footprint of Carbon Majors.
While straight-up carbon taxes are gaining popularity worldwide, there is a similar but more widely used group of policies called carbon ‘cap and trade’ schemes. These schemes involve setting a limit on how much CO2 can be produced in total then auctioning credits to companies which equal the cap. If they go over their allowance, they are liable to incur very serious fines or even legal action. One way that companies can exceed their allowance is by buying (or trading) credits from other companies who are using fewer fossil fuels than they are allowed. With a carbon tax, companies can just take the hit and produce as much CO2 as they can afford. The advantage of cap and trade schemes is that while Carbon Majors still take a huge financial hit by using fossil fuels, there is a fixed upper limit on how much they can produce. Another advantage is that companies which can reduce emissions cheaply can then sell their remaining credits to companies which are struggling to meet their allowances and make a profit. In this sense, cap and trade schemes combine the carrot and the stick into one efficient bundle.
The main criticism of cap and trade schemes is that it allows Carbon Majors to carry on polluting as they’ve always done since it is still cheaper to pay for extra credits than to switch to 100% renewable energy sources. However, smart legislation such as lowering the upper limit on carbon emissions and thus raising the price of credits at auction should be enough to make these schemes workable. The main obstacle to these amendments, as with all climate-protecting plans, is that the companies who are profiting from the destruction of the environment can use their astronomical profits to lobby for the weakening or outright removal of cap and trade schemes in the countries in which they operate.
It is imperative that we do everything we can to curb the power of Carbon Majors to continue their crusade against the environment. Carbon taxes and cap and trade schemes are just two ways in which we can do this. In an ideal world, we would simply make it illegal to extract and burn fossil fuels. Unfortunately, no government is willing to take such drastic measures against entities that in many cases have more money, and thus more power, than the governments themselves. The CEOs of Carbon Majors are not necessarily evil people. In their eyes, the livelihoods of their many employees rests on their shoulders. What we need to convince such people is that while workers can probably find new jobs, it is very nearly too late to reverse the catastrophic effects of global warming. The question they must ask themselves is whether they would rather be responsible for a few lay-offs on one hand, or the destruction of animal life on earth on the other. The fact is that those are the only options.
By Adam Boland – Science Writer


Saturday, November 26, 2005
HUNTING THE BLACKE TOADE
The study of alchemical symbolism is in many respects similar to that of Christian symbolism in works of art and literature. The major difference, however, is that the key to the latter is well known while the key to alchemy has been lost . Its re-discovery is not a matter of a single insight but rather of a meticulous and long-lasting comparative study of surviving texts and iconography. It is now fairly obvious that there were several "schools" of symbolism within European alchemy, sometimes overlapping, sometimes borrowing individual symbols from other systems, or even distorting the ideas of earlier writers. These schools should be clearly defined along with the kind of symbols used by them. Even though such "perfect" definitions may not reflect any actual alchemical workss, it would be very useful for reference in any future studies, as well as for the analysis of chronological and geographical spreading of alchemical ideas. Some of such widely defined groups of symbolism and differences between them can be easily seen but have not been properly described yet.
Many scholars stress the fact that most alchemical notions, such as the Philosophers' Stone or the Materia Prima, are denoted by a wide range of names and symbols, and give long lists of examples. But a really helpful kind of "alchemical dictionary" would be to analyze particular clearly defined symbols as used by different alchemical authors and find out their various meanings. A full study of this kind is obviously beyond the possibilities of any individual researcher so I decided to make a small beginning by an attempt to clarify the symbol of the Toad. I chose it because it is not as common as the Lion or the Eagle, and therefore requires less research, but at the same time it is quite distinct and well defined.
Any symbol appearing in an alchemical treatise should be studied from two points of view:
1. Its meaning in other symbolic systems of the period or earlier.
2. Its context in different alchemical treatises.
In the first case care must be taken not to refer to symbolism of the ancient Egyptians or Chinese, as over-enthusiastic occultists tend to do, but rather stick to medieval and renaissance Europe, with possible classical symbols that may have been known there. In the second case the special points to note would be the frequency (and therefore importance) of the symbol in question, whether it appears at the beginning or at the end of the process described, whether it is in a group of three, four, seven, or some other number of symbols, etc.
One of the earliest appearances of the Toad symbol in alchemical literature and iconography seems to be that in the works of George Ripley, in which it plays a very prominent, or even central, part. His short poem The Vision  describes an alchemical process veiled in symbols. The Toad first drinks "juice of Grapes" until it is so filled up that "casts it Venom" and "begins to swell" as a result of poisoning. Then the Toad dies in its "Cave" and the usual sequence of colour changes follows: black, various colours, white and red. Thus the Venom is changed into powerful Medicine.
The famous Ripley Scrowle has not been available to me in its entirety but from several published fragments  it seems that it presents a similar, though considerably extended, process of the Toad undergoing various chemical changes. It reappears in various points of this symbolic road, clearly suggesting continuity. In some versions the Toad is also the final symbol of the Philosophers' Stone .
Diposting oleh SEKOLAH UNTUK PEMBEBASAN di 12:54 AM


You are able to learn how wood pellets are made from this passage. You can find biomass supplies for pellet making like paper, cardboard, grain, straw, corn husks, yard wastes and much more are all usable. Actually the process of utilizing various supplies to make pellets is almost the same and you'll learn to create wood pellets here.
How does the material become pellets? It is compressed. There are natural binding agents or you have to add binding agents depends on the material used.
Before wood may be made into a pellet it is broken down into little pieces like sawdust. You are able to use a chipper or perhaps a hammer mill to crush bigger pieces into little poeces. Keep in mind this step for the bigger pieces will block the machine.
The pellets are produced by pressing this material into a pellet die. Die is a piece of metal drilled with holes. In order to compress the supplies, the top from the holes are tapered like a funnel.
The binding agents will probably be melted by the compression and friction heat. As soon as the pellets are extruded out from the other side from the die they cool and also the binding compounds harden and act like a glue that holds the pellet together.
Some materials like softwood have sufficient all-natural lignins in them that work as a binder. Within the situation of supplies include no lignin, you need to add binder for much better pelletizing. The efficient binders like vegetable oil, flour and corn starch are easily accessible.
In order for a pellet to form properly the material must be dry but nonetheless have some moisture. The best moisture content should be controlled in between 10 and 20% based on the material utilized. In most instances if the material isn't currently air dried to the correct moisture level it'll have to be dried inside a dryer. Nevertheless, dryer is an energy intensive and costly equipment therefore owners generally use their pellets to drive it.
Now the simple introducing of how wood pellets are produced is nearly the finish. Making pellets is a little like cooking in that occasionally you have to experiment a little to obtain them to come out just right. You can make your own pellets for your own heating or to sell with the right pellet mill and raw material and enough knowledge.


Throughout my high school, I always had a profound Interest In physical education. Philippine education is patterned after the American system, with English as the medium of instruction. The ritual consists of solemn and patriotic ceremonies that include the singing of the National Anthem and Patriotic Pledges. Activities through language, music, art, and dance can enhance a child's exposure to different ethnicities other than their own. The goal of basic education is to provide the school age population and young adults with skills, knowledge, and values to become caring, self-reliant, productive and patriotic citizens.
Other options can get you there with much less cost. College was equivalent to a university during the Spanish regime. There are a number of positions. At half-past seven we breakfast with tea, pasties, cheese, sweatmeats, etc. From the kindergarten-age child playing tag, to the second grade child jumping rope, to the older child playing a game of kickball, the skilled child is more likely to participate in physical activity.
Volunteers as Military Doctor in Cuba. Vocational education and some household activities like sewing, cooking, and farming were also given importance. In this paper we will discuss how both methods are used, their advantages and disadvantages, and to make it a point, these methods are not only used in schools but they can also be used in tertiary institutions. High school graduates who have basic office skills may qualify for entry-level secretarial positions. Aside from farming, Rizal engaged in business. Together with a high level of educational attainment, a successful applicant will demonstrate strong communication skills in teaching ideas, texts, and concepts with precision and confidence.
Physical instruction Teachs people the value of physical activity in their lives so that they can avoid sedentary life styles. Teaching Aids used Strengths Weaknesses Comments on Appropriateness of the Teaching Aids used Chalk board Handouts Books White board Used as a medium for verbal communication It is economical and reusable Aid learning and increase attention and motivation and help students to follow the development of idea. Adduction — side ways movement of a limb towards or across the centerline of the body. Hours worked shall include a all time during which an employee is required to be on duty or to be at a prescribed workplace; and b all time. Circumduction — in circumduction the end of a bone moves in a circle an example of this is bowler in cricket.
Changes in Education During the Japanese Occupation. It Is the education through physical activity for the total development of the body and mind off person. Mutual protection in every want and necessity. The Burgos Institute in Malolos, the Military Academy of Malolos, and the Literary University of the Philippines were established. High school curriculum should focus on lifetime sports skills like tennis or aerobic dance, with a secondary emphasis on team sports.
They keep on telling me that I should put a great deal on finishing my studies. He wrote a Tagalog gramar, made a comparative study of the Bisayan andMalayan languuages, and studied the Bisayan Cebuan and Subanun languages. E between the ages of 11-14, and one hour a week from 14-16. The objective of culture -- It aims at developing an understanding and appreciation of one's own local environment as well as the environment which is world-wide in scope. By virtue of Executive Order No. On the other hand, the Spaniard were woried, fearful of his grat popularity. The Spartan system was similar to dictatorship, a form of government.
However, after the liberation of the Philippines in 1946, Filipinos then had moved in various directions of its own. What are the constructs of physical instruction? Flexion also occurs at other joints like the shoulder or hip where there may not be any obvious bend in the joint. The following is written by and according to the U. What is the legal footing of physical instruction? However, this Board which was later renamed National Board of Education P. What We're Looking For In this teaching position, you use your passion for your subject to inspire and teach higher-level content than what is typical of secondary students. There were three levels of education during the American period. Based on the current education system of the Philippines, students should enter elementary schools at the age of 6 or 7, and for a duration of 6 years.
In the early days of English history, the kings tried to centralize the English government and establish a court system. They can acquire these skills in various ways. Provide Maximum Physical Activity Time Within the Class Period Physical education class is just one avenue during a school day that provides the opportunity for physical activity. This comes from the Integrated Learning programs trying to reach certain benchmarks with kids and. What are the concepts of physical education? The effect of education to the Filipinos was only compelled to the friars' influences from their lessons based on the Christian Doctrines or teachings.
Children were provided more vocational training and less academics 3 Rs by their parents and in the houses of tribal tutors. Secretaries and administrative assistants should be proficient in typing and good at spelling, punctuation, grammar, and oral communication. The Nitty Gritty Benefits and Salary: Salary for this position is competitive and dependent on education and experience. Physical education teaches people the value of physical activity in their lives so that they can avoid sedentary lifestyles. Antonio Obanch, Jesuit missionary of Dapitan. In five years, we have established five leading private schools in some of the world's most dynamic regions, including New York City, Silicon Valley, and Northern Virginia, with more campuses opening in the coming years. For yet another thing, Homer'sworks were immensely popular, such that in both oral and writtenform they were familiar to most of the ancient Greeks in variousversions, to be sure.
In 1947, by virtue of Executive Order No. With the continued inclusion of all students in the classroom, we are more apt to experience different learning levels and abilities among a group of children the same age. Physical education is the training In physical fitness and In skills that engages psychosomatic learning promoting such fitness. This is a question that has been asked in this country tort many years. The most recent law was passed in August 2001. Some of the necessary classes include: motor development, exercise physiology, health and wellness, and activity courses, such as golf, basketball or tennis. Schools Built By the Spaniards.


Probation is a form of a suspended sentence, in that the jail or prison sentence of the convicted offender is resuspended, for the privilege of serving conditions of supervision in the community. Conditions of probation often include: report to a probation officer, submit random drug screens, do not consort with known felons, pay court costs, restitution, and damages, attend AA or NA courses, as well as other conditions. Probation lengths vary greatly, as do the conditions of probation place on an individual. Almost all people on probation will have at least one condition of probation. Some have many conditions, depending on the seriousness of the conviction, while others are just a blanket condition that is imposed on all in that jurisdiction, or for that conviction type. Juvenile Probation Departments were within all States in the 1920s, and by the middle of the 1950s, all States had adult probation.
Individuals on Probation
Use of Probation in the U.S.
 listed the successful completion rate at about 56%. In years past, this number has been reported higher, upwards of 65%, depending on the years 2008-2013.  There are a host of reasons listed for unsuccessful completion, which include: incarcerated on a new sentence/charge, or placement for the current sentence/charge, absconding (fleeing jurisdiction), discharged to warrant or detainer, other unsatisfactory reason, death, or some other unknown or not reported reason. Unsuccessful completion can produce some different responses but can include a concept called tourniquet sentencing. Tourniquet sentencing is where the restrictions of a level of sanction are increased, due to non-compliance, in order to force compliance. If an individual on probation is not adhering to the conditions of probation, a PO can recommend a probation revocation hearing. This bench hearing can lead to an informal admonishment by a judge, an increase in the sanctions or sanction lengths, an increased level of control (moving from regular probation to intensive supervised probation), even up to placement in a secure facility (jail or prison), all depending on the infraction of the condition of probation that has been violated. Many go from regular probation to ISP, in an effort to force compliance through increased monitoring.
Intensive Supervised Probation
Intensive Supervision Probation (ISP) began in the late 1950s, and early 1960s, in California. Their basic premise was to allow caseworkers (POs) to have smaller caseloads and increase the level of treatment across offenders. As stated, many promised multiple success measures. However, if an individual who was revoked because of a technical violation due to an increase in control, they were not seen as a failure. Rather, they were seen as a success because of the way the public was served by the recidivism. However, this went directly against the notion that ISPs could save money. Because of these problems, the earlier forms of ISPs may have become less popular. In the 1980s, a newer model of the ISP was created in Georgia. More emphasis was placed on the control aspect rather than on treatment. Further, less emphasis was placed on the reduction of money saved.
 They examined the effectiveness of ISPs in reducing recidivism and saving costs. In a random sample of 14 cities across 9 States, they evaluated the reductions of recidivism against a sample of regular probationers. Their findings suggested that there were higher amounts of technical violations, which were probably substance violations, but there were no significant differences between control-centered ISPs and regular probation, as far as new arrests. Moreover, when looking at outcomes over 3 years, they found that recidivism rates were slightly higher for these ISPs (39%), vs. regular probation (33%). Also, there were no substantive cost savings. Other studies have produced similar findings as to the effects of non-treatment oriented ISPs. While these findings might be better than prison recidivism rates, there were no reductions in prison overcrowding, which was also one of the intents of ISP.
- Kaeble, D. (2018). Probation and Parole in the United States, 2013. U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, Bureau of Justice Statistics, April 2018, NCJ 251148 https://www.bjs.gov/content/pub/pdf/ppus13.pdf↵
- Huberman, E. J., & Bonczar, T. P. (2014). Probation and parole in the United States, 2013. U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, Bureau of Justice Statistics, October 2014, NCJ 248029 https://www.bjs.gov/content/pub/pdf/ppus13.pdf↵
- Petersilia, J. R., & Deschenes, E. (2004). Evaluating intensive supervision probation/parole (ISP) for drug offenders. Santa Monica, CA: RAND Corporation. https://www.rand.org/pubs/reprints/RP168.html↵


The Federal Government could halt the spread of Australia's childhood diabetes and obesity epidemic within just one year, experts have revealed in the latest edition of the Medical Journal of Australia.
But Professor Paul Zimmet, Director of the International Diabetes Institute in Melbourne, and Professor Philip James, Chairman of the International Obesity Taskforce in London, say the reversal of the 'diabesity' epidemic requires substantial policy-driven changes to our living conditions and environment, as well as the need for individuals to pursue healthy nutrition and exercise behaviours.
"We could arrest the development of obesity in children and adolescents within a year of introducing a coherent program," Prof Zimmet said.
"The modern commercial drive to market unhealthy foods everywhere and seduce us into ever more sedentary leisure means we are facing a seemingly unstoppable juggernaut of obesity and diabetes.
"Our state and federal politicians need to accept that major legislative and other regulatory measures are needed."
Obesity is a driving force behind Type 2 diabetes, which carries serious health consequences including cardiovascular complications, kidney failure, and blindness.
Profs Zimmet and James first recommend banning food marketing targeted at children, and establishing strict food and physical activity requirements for schools.
In addition, they say junk foods and drinks should be removed from all publicly-funded premises, all products should have clear nutritional labelling, and products high in fat or sugar should be more expensive than healthy fresh food.
Finally they suggest requiring urban environments to favour pedestrians and cyclists.
"The prevention of obesity and type 2 diabetes requires coordinated policy and legislative changes," says Prof Zimmet.
He called on health professionals to take the lead in influencing politicians to respond to the growing epidemic which is set to have a significant impact on the economy not only on health costs but also through workforce productivity.
"The recent recognition of this by COAG and its commitment to action was encouraging and a sign that the message was being heard at last," Prof Zimmet says.
"Our medical leaders must recognise their crucial role in supporting this, and Federal and State politicians must look beyond the next election."


Seizure Response Dogs
Seizure Response vs. Seizure Alert
Some dogs will alert to seizures (or other medical conditions) naturally. If you have a dog that is offering this behavior, it can be reinforced.
However, there is no known way to train a dog to alert to seizures before they happen.
The problem is that no one knows what the dog is sensing or responding to. It could be smell or body language. Without knowing what the dog is sensing, there is no way to train to warn of an on-coming seizure.
Dogs can be trained to respond to seizures after they happen, if the seizure is recognizable. They can also help in other ways (by calming the person, by carrying medical information, etc.).
For more information:
Can Dogs Detect Seizures? Epilepsy Foundation
Seizure Dogs Epilepsy Foundation
Seizure-Alert Dogs -- Just the Facts, Hold the Media Hype Jenna Martin for Epilepsy.com
Handi-Dogs can help you train a seizure response dog, or if your dog is alerting to seizures, we can help train the obedience and public access behaviors that are necessary for service work.
For more information about our program and the services we offer, please return to our Service Dog page.


|« Sep||Nov »|
All these things can cause stress: driving in the city, the economy, US foreign policy, job-layoffs, divorce, public speaking, and being chased by a hungry lion, among many others. When you are under severe stress, you can’t sleep or eat, your palm sweats, and your heart races. All in all, these are experiences one would rather avoid. However, our response to stress is our body’s normal response to help preserve our lives and was developed over time by our ancient descendants to boost our chances of survival.
These days, there is a very low probability that we will be devoured by a predator. However, the stress most of us now have to cope are due to the consequences of modern day living. Most of us suffer from severe and long term stress. But should stress be really avoided? How much stress is too much? Is stress really a bad thing?
Our Response to Acute Stress
No one should fear stress. Our response to it is only natural as it helps us cope with change. If we are faced with a threat or a challenge, our body sets off a number of chemical reactions causing in us a “flight-or-flight” response. This reaction is triggered by our autonomic nervous system. The “flight-or-flight” response is meant to be a limited response involving the adrenal glands, pituitary gland, and the hypothalamus. These three belong to a group known as the HPA-axis. It is responsible for the excess secretion of two hormones: cortisol (glucocorticoids) and adrenaline (epinephrine).
Cortisol gives us extra energy by helping increase the amount of sugar (glucose) in our bloodstream. The muscles and the brain use glucose as their main source of energy. Cortisol triggers a breakdown of fat and muscle instead of acquiring this sugar from carbohydrates. This hormone redirects temporarily certain processes and immune cells from the blood and into surface tissue to help a person prepare for an impending threat or attack. This type of bodily response leads to a lowering of inflammation and immune functions in the joints and blood.
When adrenaline enters ours bloodstream, the following physiological reactions occur:
– Heart is increased
– We become less sensitive to pain
– Blood flow is boosted to our musculoskeletal system
– Blood flow to our digestive system and skin is reduced
– Clarity of thinking and alertness is heightened
– Breathing volume is increased
– Our pupils dilate
Like cortisol, adrenaline is meant to increase our chance of survival during an immediate threat.
When the threat goes away, our bodies normally go back to their “untensed” state. The levels of cortisol and adrenaline decrease and revert back to normal levels. Hyper-alertness dissipates allowing us to easily sleep, our inflammation and immune response go back to normal, we can feel hunger once more, and our blood pressure deflates.
With modern day living, most of us, sadly, have lifestyles and jobs that everyday expose us to severe levels of stress. And because, we are unwilling or unable to change these situations, our body has to cope with the stress every day. How can we cope with daily or chronic stress? Humans were not designed to cope with prolonged high amounts of stress. We can suffer from serious and various health problems when we’re plagued with unrelenting and high levels of stress.
The following can arise from prolonged release of adrenaline:
– High blood pressure
– Heart palpitations
– Excess perspiration resulting in neuro-endocrine disorders and dehydration
– Digestive problems
These health risks, though, usually aren’t long-term since adrenaline rapidly breaks down after about four minutes.
It is the prolonged release of excessive amounts of cortisol from one suffering from chronic stress that one should worry about. Increased amounts of cortisol leads to health consequences such as these:
– Negative effect on the digestive function
– Vasodilation is prevented
– Inflammation is inhibited
– Bone and cartilage formation is suppressed
High levels of cortisol in the body is associated with an increased likelihood of miscarriage, secondary infections due to a compromised immune system, hippocampus damage (this part of the brain controls short-term memory), weight gain, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease.
Over time, our bodies can reach a point where their supply of stress hormones is exhausted or they can become insensitive to these elevated levels. Their response to stress, by this time, is now entirely confused and unregulated. Some researchers believe that this condition is a major contributor to fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome and other modern auto-immune diseases.
A lot of people are unable to cope with stress that some of them have resorted to drugs, both the prescription and the recreational kinds, as well as anti-anxiety medication medications and antidepressants. Of course, these are dangerous drugs that cost high and have nasty side-effects prompting many to look for safe solutions elsewhere.
If you are one of those who are seeking an effective and safer way to resolve your stress problem, good news, there is indeed a better alternative to drugs.
In lowering the effects of stress, there are several inexpensive and safe ways to achieve this. The simplest ones are through exercise and diet. Exercise is a very effective way to help lower both blood sugar and cortisol levels. Listening to music, yoga, interacting with your pet, or meditation can all help lower stress. Regulating your intake of sugar and other simple carbohydrates, consuming more vegetables and fruits, eating several small meals rather than two or three big meals, avoiding or limiting your intake of alcohol and caffeine can all help lower your high blood sugar levels which is the main consequence of high cortisol levels.
When simple solutions are not enough, however, acupuncture can be an incredibly powerful tool to regulate the stress response.
Traditional Chinese Medicine for Anxiety and Stress
In Traditional Chinese Medicine or TCM, for short, there exists a strong relationship between the internal organs and the emotions. Worry, anger, joy, fear and other emotions all each have an association with certain organs in the body. Bitterness, resentment, irritation, or anger for example, can cause issues in the liver. While this emotion-organ relationship may seem bizarre to some, TCM practitioners have always known that physical health is very much connected to emotional health.
Acute stress, according to TCM, is seen as fear and as such directly impacts the kidneys. One should be aware that directly on top of the kidneys the adrenal glands are located. Fear, according to TCM, leads to symptoms such as dry mouth, insomnia, and palpitations. If you remember, these are also the symptoms resulting in the release of excessive amounts of adrenaline in the blood.
In TCM, the secretion of excess cortisol and chronic stress is linked with both pensiveness and worry. This would likewise include too much nostalgic thoughts, obsession, brooding, and over-thinking. Practitioners see these emotions as affecting directly the spleen and possibly the heart and lungs, as well causing symptoms such as weight gain, possible heart palpitations, poor appetite, and fatigue.
Besides these main symptoms, sufferers may also be unable to sleep, have panic attacks, or feel burned out or stressed.
For the Relief of Stress, Acupuncture Treatment Is One Of The Best
Most acupuncturists tell their new patients they can never remove stress entirely out of their lives. However, they can modify the way their bodies respond to it. Simply put, these practitioners work on convincing the patient that their life stressors aren’t really the threat they deem it to be. They need to convince the body to stop its worrying and be happy instead.
For the reduction of stress, acupuncture is one of the most ideal treatments you can turn to. During a treatment, most patients will fall asleep on the table and come out of the clinic feeling profoundly relaxed and utterly relieved. How is acupuncture able to do this? This treatment has been well documented to activate the release of hormones that are responsible for the relief of pain. These hormones are known as endorphins and help lower high levels of cortisol associated with stress. Acupuncturists believe that these endorphins alter the autonomic nervous system that lessens the release of cortisol hormone in chronic stress. The higher levels of mood modifying neuropeptides including dopamine, serotonin, and melatonin increase a person’s overall well-being. From the viewpoint of Chinese Medicine, acupuncture can accomplish two things: treat the underlying affected organ system(s) and calm the mind. This leads to a couple of things: an increase in the patient’s resilience to future episodes and an immediate feeling of calm and/or relaxation.
Studies interestingly demonstrate that acupuncture is able to elevate the levels of cortisol as well. How can it do two opposite things? Recent studies indicate that the outcome largely depends on the underlying condition of the patient and what acupuncture points are used during treatment. All in all, it seems that acupuncture produces a “self-regulatory” effect that can increase the levels of nor-epinephrine and cortisol during times of exhaustion and reduce excess cortisol levels during moments of high stress.
Emotional Disorders and Acupuncture
In this article, we have seen in Traditional Chinese Medicine that there exists a link between emotional and physical health. This implies that acupuncture can be a very effective treatment for more serious emotional problems such as addiction, panic disorders, anxiety, and depression and not simply a means to alleviate stress. A lot of these conditions are the result of imbalances of serotonin, melatonin, dopamine, and other neurotransmitters. Emotions and neuropeptides have an interrelationship that is quite complex. For example, excessive amounts of dopamine can cause psychosis while a lack of dopamine can lead to Parkinson’s disease. No positive change will occur by simply modifying these amounts to “normal” levels. Western conventional medicine has only a basic knowledge of these processes. This is why a large list of side-effects is carried by selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and other current drugs for the treatment of depression. The Harvard Mental Health Letter in its 2005 issue listed SSRI side-effects that may occur from its use: clotting problems, excessive hemorrhage, low sex drive, digestive problems, joint pain, rashes, insomnia, and a higher risk of suicidal behavior among teens.
Acupuncture has a “regulatory” effect on these substances as demonstrated with its effect on cortisol. This is shown in the successful use of the treatment for both psychosis and Parkinson’s disease. The treatment regulates the levels of dopamine in the blood.
Acupuncture’s real beauty in treating a lot of mental disorders is its normalizing effect. It is devoid of the toxic side-effects and the risks commonly associated Western conventional medications since the aim of the treatment anyway is to restore balance in the body.
The link between these neurotransmitters and acupuncture is an efficient way to understand how acupuncture works. Nevertheless, no one should fall into the assumption that the success of acupuncture is only because of this reason. Internally, vital energy known as chi or qi is circulating throughout the body, according to TCM. Acupuncturists use filamentous acupuncture needles to normalize this circulation and help the body heal itself. We do understand the effect qi has on our health even if we don’t necessarily have to quantify or see it. Because of this, we are able to correct its flow or manipulate it in a desired manner to maximize the health of our patients.
If You Want A Powerful Weapon to Overcome Stress, Then You Need To Try Acupuncture
These are very interesting times we are living in. Our government has managed to destroy our economy leaving tens of millions of Americans unemployed and it is waging wars on peaceful countries left and right for the sake of one insignificant and belligerent entity in the Mideast. We hope to get our jobs back and send our troops back home where they can be used for constructive purposes instead of killing innocent brown-skinned people. We struggle with so many potential health risks related with chronic stress. To survive, we need to be proactive in finding ways to rise above the chaos. We can begin this process with acupuncture as it’s a great way to do so.
Gigi Terinoni is a licensed acupuncturist and herbalist in Louisville, CO. She is also a certified massage therapist, yoga instructor and the founder of Dova Center for Health and Healing.
Being unable to control your feet or arms because of pain in the extremities is difficult to imagine but for those suffering from neuropathy, this inability is an experience they have to deal with on a daily basis. Thanks to the advances in medical treatments, we fortunately, have a way to manage this condition.
Hardly anyone could have ever imagined that there is a more superior but very ancient treatment to neuropathy than the best ointments and drugs that are available today. This ancient therapy is known as acupuncture
A disease in which the nerves are damaged, neuropathy causes distortions in the nerve signals which result in numbness, tingling, or pain in the extremities or the entire body. When numbness and pain is at an advanced stage, disruption of motor skills or loss of balance can occur. The first effected parts of the body are the feet; the legs come next although in some instances it can begin with the hands and then the arms.
Acupuncture is used to improve mood, relax muscles, and relieve pain it is a multi-millennial therapy that involves the insertion of hair thin needles into specific points in the body known as acupuncture points or acupoints, for short. A lot of acupoints lie just above the meridians, these are channels in which energy or qi flows. The meridians are associated with various organs in the body which both possess physical and energetic qualities. If qi is stagnant or of its levels are in excess or deficient, they result in illness. Acupuncture fixes the qi imbalance in the body which leads to the healing of the illness. After the needles have been inserted, they are left in the body for around 20 to 45 minutes. During those times, the acupuncturist may adjust qi flow by manipulating the needles in certain ways.
Acupuncture is applied to both the back and front of the body when used to treat neuropathy. The needles are inserted in the legs, arms and other parts of the body when the patient is lying face up. Needles are inserted in the lumbar area where the spinal nerves go out the spinal column when the patient is face down. The treatment can immediately produce effects such as a quick amelioration of the pain. With more sessions however, the results can produce more benefits that are long lasting, and sometimes even permanent.
In the treatment of conditions such as neuropathy, the acupuncturist needs to take into account several various factors such as the patient’s age, overall health, the magnitude of the disease, and even his (the acupuncturist) skill in order to properly diagnose and treat the condition. Make sure you’re well informed, prepared, and have chosen the right practitioner in Portland you If want to try acupuncture treatment for neuropathy.
Throughout time, the Eastern medicine healing tradition known as acupuncture has been determined to be a very good way of treating a vast number of health problems and surprisingly, it is also used to help speed up labor in women. How is that possible?
To a lot of mothers, going into labor can be an undesirable and difficult experience. Anyone who has ever experienced being in labor can only relate how painful it is and there are no words to describe the excruciating pain pregnant women have to endure prior to giving birth.
Being in labor is such a terrible agony and worse, it may last for hours or even days. Fortunately, there are a number of ways to expedite labor. If you are one of these who fear going through the stage of labor of pregnancy, acupuncture can help you go through it quickly and without pain.
How Is Acupuncture Done?
Acupuncture has been around for thousands of years. It revolves around a belief that the body consists of channels or meridians which serve as the vessels in which life energy called chi or qi flows throughout the body. Diseases begin to develop when these meridians are blocked.
More and more pregnant women through the years have gotten to know acupuncture’s power in helping them get through labor and delivery simply and successfully. A growing number of physicians are now recommending acupuncture before delivery since this Oriental art of treatment does not have negative side effects. It was found in one study that acupuncture can help turn a breech fetus shortly before delivery.
Acupuncture, from the viewpoint of Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), has the power to provide physical and emotional support to women when they are in labor. It does not have any side effects to mother and baby compared to Western pharmaceutical medications.
These days, several women have relied on drugs that induce labor when delivering a baby. Pitocin, which is an induction medication, has side effects that can be very dangerous to both the mother and the baby. Some of the side effects can be serious and can include postpartum hemorrhage, cardiac arrhythmia, anaphylactic reaction, fatal afibrinogenemia, premature ventricular contractions, and pelvic hematoma.
Acupuncture Treatment for Labor – Its Benefits
Acupuncture assists in accelerating the process of labor. It can also limit the possibility of C-section surgery and reduces complications. With acupuncture, you don’t need the use of oxytocin that can help speed up labor. The treatment also lessens the need for painkillers before giving birth.
For pregnancy that has reached beyond 40 weeks, acupuncture can also play a vital role in inducing labor and in strengthening and increasing the frequency of contraction. In truth, the treatment aids in labor induction within 48 hours in women who were deemed by their doctors to be overdue. It also can be helpful for issues related to labor and giving birth like anxiety, fatigue, fear, and the management of pain.
Acupuncture’s effects may not be that immediate in spite of its effectiveness in inducing labor. A lot of hospitals often encourage the patient to get in and out of labor the natural way. But since hospital stays can cost a lot, it is practical to get well faster to bring your expenses to a minimum. To help you get well quickly, it is recommended that you start getting acupuncture treatments prior to the arrival of your due date. Qualified acupuncturists are able to give you complete information on how long you ought to wait before your labor begins.
Acupuncture Points That Can Help Bring About Labor
Pain associated with labor usually comes when the cervix is starting to stretch. Acupuncture during the start of labor will increase the amounts of endorphin that assists the mother to cope with the labor related pain.
Helping influence the muscles of the uterus that can aid in strengthening contraction is the stimulation of acupoints known as the “Forbidden Points.” These points are called forbidden points since they should not be activated in any other times except during pregnancy.
Some acupoints on the ear can also be stimulated and can be a good way to increase uterine contractions and reduce pain. Stimulating the ear acupoints can also help provide adequate amounts of energy that, in turn, can help prevent prolonged labor besides its ability to relieve pain.
A lot of acupoints for labor reside in the ears. When you stimulate the ear acupuncture points with mild electrical pulses, acupuncture can help accelerate contractions particularly when labor has started to slow down. The stimulation of acupuncture points can also provide a relaxing sensation besides its ability to provide relief of pain.
Amy-SuiQun Lui, L.Ac.
Asian Health Center
27059 Grand Army of the Republic Hwy
Cleveland, OH 44143
Tel: (440) 833-0983
In the United States about 18.5 million to 37 million women of childbearing age suffer from a condition known as polycystic ovary syndrome, or PCOS, for short. In some cases, girls around the age of 11 can also develop this condition.
Doctors diagnose PCOS in about 75% of women who have menstruation issues as a result of late puberty. Variations of PCOS signs include heavy menstrual bleeding accompanied by unbearable pain, absence of menstruation, and scanty or irregular menses. Occasionally, the condition can develop later in late in a time when a woman of childbearing age ceases taking contraceptive pills and begins to experience no cycles at all or very long cycles, and has difficulty conceiving.
PCOS is a condition that can be complex. It causes problems with the menstrual cycle of a woman (affecting its intensity and duration), in her appearance (baldness, weight gain, acne, hair growth on the cheeks and chin), her hormone levels, and her ability to have children.
PCOS sufferers usually possess ovaries that are riddled with small cysts, usually more than half a centimeter in size.
Each woman may have different symptoms of PCOS; some may have more symptoms than others. These symptoms may include:
– Physical changes (usually developing at a later stage but not all the time): thinning hair, dandruff, acne, difficulty in losing weight even when doing physical exercises, weight gain around the waist, more hair growth on the toes, thumbs, back, stomach, chest, or face
– Stabbing pain, heaviness, distention in the pelvic region
– Bleeding in the middle of a cycle, pain during ovulation, painful menses
– Multiple ovarian cysts that can be detected by ultrasound.
– Absent or irregular menses
– Depression, anxiety, Infertility due to lack of ovulation
– Heavy menstrual bleeding more so for late periods
What Causes PCOS?
No one knows what exactly causes PCOS although scientists suspect that genetics and certain other factors may contribute to its development. Hormonal imbalance is a big underlying problem. PCOS sufferers have ovaries that produce more than enough amounts of androgens. During ovulation a huge amount of these hormones can impact the production and release of eggs. Scientists also suspect that insulin can be a factor for PCOS. Insulin is responsible for the transformation of foods such as starches and sugar into energy for the body to store or use.
A physician diagnoses PCOS after an intensive examination of the patient’s medical history, a pelvic examination and physical examination. An ultrasound of the thickness of the patient’s endometrial lining as well as her pelvic region and blood tests are done to determine her hormonal levels. The cysts in the ovaries are differentiated from functional cysts, which require no treatment as they tend to resolve on their own.
PCOS sufferers don’t have enough hormones needed to make the eggs mature fully. Ovulation does not occur even if the follicles mature and build up fluid. This causes the follicles to remain as cysts. Hormone is not produced because ovulation does not occur and if a woman has no progesterone, she will have no menses, or at the most, may have an irregular menstrual cycle.
Western Modes of Treatment for PCOS
1. Fertility drugs – (Gonadotropins injections, seophene, clomid, clomifene). They are taken by women who want to get pregnant. Infertility among PCOS sufferers stems from a lack of ovulation.
2. Medications for diabetes – although it isn’t approved for this purpose, a type 2 diabetes drug called Glucophage (metformin) has found to be effective in treating some of the symptoms of PCOS.
3. Birth control pills – these are sometimes used by women who aren’t interested in getting pregnant. Birth control pills cannot treat PCOS, they just mask the symptoms.
PCOS Treatment with Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)
For thousands of years, Chinese medicine has been studying polycystic ovaries. TCM theory believes that the Liver, Kidney, and Spleen are the organs involved with PCOS along with a pattern of disharmony in the Ren and Chong meridians.
Chinese medicine considers PCOS as consisting of different patterns with complex combinations. The cysts in the ovaries are identified and treated as damp phlegm accumulating in the uterus, which swells the ovaries. Blood stagnation usually accompanies the damp phlegm pattern and is the cause of thick scanty dark blood and stabbing painful menstruation.
Hormonal deficiency manifesting as kidney deficiency is the underlying cause of the disease. Digestive problems manifesting as spleen qi deficiency is the result of dampness accumulation. Stagnation of liver qi also occurs and is almost always aggravated by long term frustration or stress.
Chinese medicine uses acupuncture and herbs to boost the chances of conception, better the quality of the ovum, promote ovulation, eliminate the cysts, enhance digestion, and normalize the menstrual cycle to bring about complete recovery from PCOS.
Differentiating Patterns and Treatment
1. Blood Stasis and Liver Qi Stagnation– Liver qi stagnation can be caused by long term anxiety, depression or stress. Over time, these factors can disrupt blood and qi circulation which causes blood to flow in the liver and in the chong and ren meridians that pass through and link with the uterus. Cold invasion can also be a common cause of blood stagnation in the uterus. Cold makes the blood vessels contract which makes blood flow slowly throughout the body. The meridian of the liver starts at the big toe and goes up the leg, and then circles around the genitals. The body can easily be infiltrated by Cold through the feet and via the liver meridians entering the uterus. For this reason, TCM practitioners advice that during menses when their uterus is especially vulnerable and open, women should not swim. They also should keep their lower back, stomach, legs, and feet warm. Heat can develop from chronic stagnation of liver qi resulting in severe symptoms of PMS: irregular periods, distended stomach or breast, headaches, irritability, restlessness, heat sensations and clotty menses (this happens when heat has been transformed into blood stasis).
Treatment: herbs that improve blood and qi circulation in the uterus are used. They help remove heat, soothe emotions, relieve distention and pain, and eliminate clotting.
Herbal Remedies – Dan shi hsiao yao san or chai hu zhu gan san properly modified can be used along with Ge hsia shu yu tang, and additional herbs, if blood stasis is especially severe.
A blood stasis and liver qi stagnation pattern can manifest in a reddish tongue that has more reddish sides and an oftentimes wiry pulse (that may feel like a wire striking the finger). There are times where the tongue develops some purplish spots on the sides. This indicates blood stasis.
2. Damp and Phlegm Accumulation and Deficiency of Kidney Yang and Spleen Qi – This pattern causes sufferers to have scanty bleeding that may alternate with excessive bleeding periods that may come with stringy watery blood, mucus or tissue or unusually long menstrual cycles (35 days or more between periods that arise just four or five times a year). Sometimes sufferers may have no menses at all, and if ever, may be due to fertility treatments instead. They get tired easily, are averse to cold weather, feel bloated, and are likely to easily gain weight. They may have an after meal craving for carbs and sweets even though their appetite is not particularly strong. They may suffer from other symptoms such as chronic vaginal discharge and/or chronic yeast infections. There is an enlargement or swelling of their tongue that may be enveloped with a white thick coat along with teeth marks on the sides.
Despite cold winters, young people in the United States eat a lot of ice cream that are high in fat and high in sugar as well as, cream cheese milk shakes and various dairy products that can negatively affect their young digestive system. These products have toxins that accumulate in the stomach which transform into damp phlegm that can obstruct the circulation of qi and blood in the stomach. This is one cause of belly fat.
Treatment is aimed at clearing phlegm (removing the cysts), eliminating dampness, and boosting the strength of the digestive system with herbal remedies such as Cang shu, fu ling, du shong, tu hsi si, and cinnamon (gui shi), among others.
Cang shu and fu ling aid the digestive system by promoting urination and removing excess dampness. Du shong and tu hsi si tonify the kidneys. Cinnamon or gui shi excels in warming the uterus and invigorating the circulation of blood in the uterus. This is especially helpful for women with severe painful menses that are alleviated with the use of hot pads or hot compresses. In a lot of instances, we can include hse lan and lu lu tong herbs Lu that can help improve qi and blood flow to the stomach. Lu lu Tong is known to help dissolve phlegm and unblock obstructed tubes.
Possible yin and blood deficiency, blood stasis (with cold and heat symptoms), liver qi stagnation, deficiency of spleen qi, kidney yang deficiency and phlegm, can all combine as symptoms.
PCOS acupuncture therapies are usually administered once each week, sometimes more, particularly when pain is felt before mid-cycle or menstruation. Acupuncture is almost always combined with Chinese herbal medicine. The length of the treatment is based on the Chinese medicine diagnosis, the severity of the symptoms, and the length of the condition. The practitioner usually recommends a minimum of three months of continuous treatment.
Modifications in Lifestyle
• If you begin to experience menstrual pain or delayed periods, you need to rectify this as early as possible by having yourself examined by a doctor or gynecologist in order to prevent the development of PCOS. You need to record day one of your menstrual cycle including the color, amount, and quality of the menses, and its duration.
• Avoid refined carbohydrates and refined sugar including low-fiber foods, starchy foods, most breakfast cereals, rice cakes, white rice, pasta, and white bread.
• Stay away from fruit juice, soda, sweeteners, and any drinks that tend to elevate your blood sugar level, as type 2 diabetes is associated with PCOS.
• Avoid beverages and foods such as milkshakes, ice creams, cheese, and other dairy products as well as cold environments. If you are menstruating during a cold day, apply a hot compress or a hot water bottle on your stomach. If you are in menses, do not swim.
• Avoid strong emotions. Relax more so during menstruation.
• Exercise should be lessened during your period. Young women need to do regular moderate exercises under the sun.
A licensed TCM practitioner, preferably a licensed acupuncturist or herbalist can make a proper evaluation and diagnosing of your condition and properly address your symptoms and its underlying cause. More often than not, young women are not aware of their menstrual cycle and so they need to start keeping tabs of it.
Being a chronic type of disease, Crohn’s disease cannot be cured ad instead can only be relieved. Unfortunately, even with the latest medical technologies, there is still no promising and effective treatment let alone cure for Crohn’s. A Crohn’s disease patient can manifest diverse symptoms to indicate its presence in the body.
This condition displays symptoms that disrupt the personal life, quality of life, and work of the patient. It can lead to arthritis cause pains at large joints, lesions in the eyes, thrush in the mouth, and biological disturbance in the liver.
Drugs designed to treat Crohn’s disease symptoms can end up causing side effects and additional problems in the body. A number of therapies have been invented that should help heal the condition although as of now, there is no full-fledge treatment to cure it.
One of the best alternative types of treatments that have been known to work for Crohn’s disease is acupuncture. But although this treatment can heal Crohn’s it cannot cure it fully. Acupuncture originated from China which has quite a number of ancient therapies that can be used to cure or treat illnesses such as Crohn’s disease.
Acupuncture is a treatment that stimulates the energy channels and the nervous system of the body. It is a treatment that involves the painless use of needles injected into specific areas of the body known as acupoints to activate brain cells. The needles are used to stimulate the brain into producing and releasing enkephalins and endorphins which are the body’s own pain killers that help strengthen the immune system of the body. Acupuncture also helps the person to relax and calm his/her mind and nervous system. Acupuncture is viewed by many as the best treatment for psycho-physiological health issues.
One of the most attractive benefits of acupuncture is that it does not have any side effects. One of the drawbacks of the treatment however is that there have been just a few clinical studies done to prove acupuncture’s ability to treat Crohn’s disease.
Acupuncture treatment for Crohn’s in Maitland is generally focused on improving central nervous system processing, gastrointestinal motor, or gastrointestinal sensory of the patient. Although, the performance and efficiency of these treatments differ on the diversity of symptoms, it is extremely hard to assess the outcomes of these treatments on the basis of short- term experiments. So, people are inclined to use other ways for curing Crohn’s disease due to the limited options these therapies provide.
In the United States, acupuncture is becoming a very popular treatment for digestive issues such as bowel infections and certain gastrointestinal disorders. Oftentimes, acupuncture treatment for Crohn’s is combined with Western medications or Chinese herbal medicine to produce long lasting results.
Many people develop wrong preconceived notions about acupuncture due to the wrong beliefs about how the treatment works. Acupuncture treatment may seem a mystery to a lot of those doubtful of the treatment’s legitimacy as a bone fide healing practice. This article will discuss three mistaken notions about this very ancient Chinese treatment.
Acupuncture does not require the use of medications
There are actually many instances in which medicines are used in an acupuncture treatment. These medicines though are purely herbal and used to help control and balance qi flow in your body. Herbal medicine usage supports acupuncture’s stand on non-invasive healing. These drugs may help you gain better outcomes in your acupuncture treatment sessions.
No connection exists between the physical and the emotions
Emotion is separated from the physical ills of the body in Western medical practice. In Chinese medicine, acupuncturists consider the several external factors that can influence the circulation of qi. This theory has no comparison in Western medicine which makes the way Chinese medicine treats diseases totally different from that of Western medicine. Acupuncturists can identify various factors that disrupt qi flow in the body including the patient’s emotions lifestyle and the needles used for treatment.
Needles are the most important tools in acupuncture treatment
The needles used in acupuncture treatment are seen by most people to be the most important aspect of acupuncture. This viewpoint is untrue. Acupuncture treatment takes into consideration a lot of factors with the needles as just one aspect of the treatment. Factors such as the meridians, acupoints and the flow of qi are just as important as the needles used for treatment. Several factors perform important functions in the healing process of the treatment.
This information can hopefully give you a better understanding of how acupuncture works. If someone you know has questions regarding acupuncture, you could utilize the information to answer whatever questions they have about the treatment.
Eastern Healing Solutions, LLC
10875 Grandview St #2200
Overland Park, KS 66210


Explore mathematics on the Light Cube using simple items you can find at your local department store or dollar store! The Light Cube will focus students’ attention as they manipulate the materials to build skills in early numeracy!
In this edition of Light Cube lessons, we’ve decided to focus on counting and sorting. To do this, you will need a package of clear colorful straws, some transparent numbered stickers and 10 clear plastic drinking cups.
First, we tacked down our stickers to the Light Cube. The stickers we found are numbered 1-10 so you can explore counting in different quantities, or for advanced learning, develop skills in skip-counting. We’ve decided to skip-count by the number 2. This is a great starting point for discussing the differences between odd and even numbers.
You can additionally create your own stickers by using clear scotch tape and writing numbers on the tape with permanent marker. Paste down the tape onto the Light Cube. Tip: If you own a Light Cube tray, you can use write the numbers directly onto the tray with dry-erase markers.
Ask your students to pick out the same number of straws as the numbers indicated on the Light Cube. Place the straws you’ve picked out directly onto the Light Cube underneath each number.
Once we had explored the basics of skip-counting, we moved onto bigger numbers. You can mix the digits to make these larger numbers. To contain the larger number of straws, use the clear cups.
To take students’ learning one step further, ask them to imagine that each straw has a certain value, such as 2. Therefore, each straw represents the number 2. If you have labeled a cup as the number 6, students will have to place 3 straws inside the cup to reach the right amount.
The glow of the Light Cube is a great base for exploring abstract mathematical concepts as students are focused on the materials they work with.
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|In 1947, Francis Newton Souza was a founding member of the Progressive Artists Group, a collective of six artists dedicated to forging a visual aesthetic for the newly emancipated India. From the outset of his career, Souza focused on depicting the human figure in a raw, expressionistic style. He explained: “The advantage a figurative painter has over the abstract artist is sheer impact: the brute force of an expressionist painting of a large, distorted suggestive naked lady can overwhelm the bravest abstract painting….” 1
In the 1950s and1960s, Souza created portraits of distorted and mutated human heads in an effort to expose the greed and cruelty of human nature. His representations of the human figure spoke to the challenges facing a nation struggling to assert its identity.
1 Francis Newton Souza, quoted in Yashodhara Dalmia, The Making of Modern Indian Art: The Progressives, (New York: Oxford University Press, 2001), p. 79.


Dementia is a common condition and many health care professionals will be involved in caring for those who have it.
Dementia is a syndrome not a specific disease; that is, it is a set of symptoms. It is often considered to be an enevitable part of growing old, hence the use of the term "going senile" or "senile dememtia".
Although the features of dementia vary according to its particular type, it is, by definition, progressive which means the ability of the individual to lead a"normal" life will eventually be seriously impaired. Memory impairment must be present to make a diagnosis, but this is not sufficient-there must be evidence of decline in other cognitive (thinking) skills. And there must be interference with the ability to carry out daily living.
Alzheimers disease accounts for about 50-60% of cases of dementia. The average age of onset is around 75, with the incidence increasing with advancing age,although some patients develop the condition in their 40's.
It is because Alzheimers can affect so many different parts of the brain that so many aspects of cognitive function are impaired. Typically there is a loss of short-term memory; disorientaton in time and space; loss of ability to carry out complex daily living skills, or failure to recognize a spouse.
To provide quality care for people with dementia, nurses need a range of skills and an ability to think creatively. Professionals who support and care for people with dementia are responsible for ensuring that their dignity is perserved and that their individual skills and abilities are maximized and retained for as long as possible.
In assisting feelings of security it is vital that the prime aim in caring for people with dementia should be to make them feel secure. This can be achieved in a variety of ways:
-staffing should be organized so that there is continuity;
-changes in staffing should be kept to a minimum,so that faces and voices are familiar;
-the enviroment should be structured in such a way that residents do not become lost: for example, long, plain corriders can lead to confusion and distress;
-smaller, more homely, enviroment will give residents the chance to become familiar with their surroundings.
In conclusion we, as healthcare providers must do what we can with the knowledge we have to give people with dementia a greater quality of life. And we know this is not an easy thing to do but it is the task put before us.It will help each one of us to continue learning new things,and utilize the experiences from the past to make it easier for everyone.


An Individualized Education Program (IEP) as defined by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act of 1997 (IDEA'97), is your child's roadmap through the public education system. The IEP is created specifically for YOUR child, and will guide his or her curriculum, education strategies, and supplemental services (occupational, physical, speech, music therapy etc.). If your child qualifies for special education, this document is critical to his or her success.
The IEP is re-defined annually during meetings with your child's edcuational "team" - teachers, therapists, school administration representatives and, most importantly, YOU. You know your child better than anyone else on the team, and will be his or her best advocate for securing the programs and services that will help your child achieve success at every grade level. The IEP process is not always easy, and in fact, can be a very frustrating experience for parents. The articles and links below will provide an overview of the IEP process and resources to help you make decisions with regard to you child's IEP in general, and in regard to important transition periods in your child's school career as well as when requesting special services such as assistive technology to help your child access the curriculum.
- Wrightslaw: Individualized Education Programs (IEPs)
- IDEA 97
- What is an IEP?
- Common terms
- How is an IEP created?
- Common IEP mistakes
- What if we can't agree?
- Should I have an Advocate or attorney?
- Transition to Kindergarten
- Assistive Technology for students with WS
The Federal law defining your child's educational rights is the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act of 1997 (IDEA'97). This law defines the responsibilities of the public school system as well as the processes to be undertaken to ensure that a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) be provided to your child. One of the most critical processes defined in IDEA '97 is the IEP, which is to be developed annually for your child.
Each state also has its own implementation/process guide defining the processes put in place to comply with IDEA'97.
If you are not yet familiar with IDEA'97, you may want to review the following important websites before continuing with learning about IEPs.
- The official IDEA'97 site
This is the official federal government site.
- IDEA Practices
The IDEA Practices Web site provides useful and timely information to help professionals and families understand and implement IDEA'97. IDEA Practices is a service of the ASPIIRE and ILIAD IDEA Partnership Projects.
- IDEA Partnerships
This Web site is brought to you by the IDEA Partnerships, who are four national projects funded by the U.S. Department of Education's Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (Office of Special Education Programs) to deliver a common message about the 1997 landmark reauthorization of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
Per the Department of Education:
"Each public school child who receives special education and related services must have an Individualized Education Program (IEP). Each IEP must be designed for one student and must be a truly individualized document. The IEP creates an opportunity for teachers, parents, school administrators, related services personnel, and students (when appropriate) to work together to improve educational results for children with disabilities. The IEP is the cornerstone of a quality education for each child with a disability."
An IEP is an official written document that must be signed by all members of the IEP team for your child. While the data contained within an IEP is regulated by guidelines, the form of the IEP may vary from location to location.
To view the Department of Education's explanation of the IEP, visit:
Many states, and even some school districts, have their own guidelines for preparing IEPs. Contact your school to find out what guidelines they use.
Individualized Education Program (IEP) - A unique plan, developed specifically for the educational goals of your child for the current school year.
Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) - Generally, a child with a disability should be served in the regular classroom with as much interaction with his or her non-handicapped classmates as possible. A child with a disability may only be removed from the regular classroom when the nature or severity of the disability is such that the education in regular classes cannot be achieved satisfactorily, even with the use of supplementary aids and services.
Multi-Factored Evaluation (MFE) - A requirement of IDEA'97, a child with a disability should be evaluated using a Multi-Factored Evaluation to determine qualification for services. Generally, an MFE is performed by a psychologist.
The IEP is written by the IEP team, which can consist of many people. Most IEP processes state that an IEP meeting is scheduled with the IEP team and the IEP is created during this meeting. In reality, it is neither efficient nor desireable to wait until your IEP meeting to first address the IEP.
In most instances, it is perfectly acceptable that you be provided with a preliminary copy of the IEP ten days prior to the IEP meeting. This will allow you time to review the school's proposed goals and either have an efficient meeting because you agree with the IEP as written, or provide you time to prepare adequately with additional information on points where you disagree.
You can also submit recommendations prior to the IEP meeting asking that they be included in your child's IEP.
The bottom line is that YOU are a member of the IEP team and should have adequate opportunity to participate in the planning of the IEP!
Once you and the rest of the team agree on the IEP, you will sign it. It is then up to the service providers to implement the IEP effectively.
There are several common mistakes parents make when creating an IEP (usually their first), or going through the IEP process. They are:
No preliminary IEP
Without a preliminary look at what is being proposed for your child, your first opportunity to see the IEP is in the IEP meeting - where you are expected to agree to and sign the IEP. This puts you in a disadvantageous position, and you can feel pressured to agree to items without having time to really think through their implications. Always ask for a preliminary copy prior to the IEP meeting, and never feel like you have to sign at the meeting.
IEP does not contain specific/measurable achievement goals
This is the most common mistake made when creating IEPs. It is easy to make, and accept, overly generalized goals and acievement markers and believe they are acceptable. Many IEPs contain goals and achievements such as "...will improve letter recognition." This is an unmeasureable goal which can be claimed as "achieved" with very little progress actually having been made. A better goal would be "...will recognize 9 out of 10 random letters shown, 4 out of 5 times." This is specific and measureable.
Short term goals will not meet long term goals
If a specific long term goal is agreed upon, make sure that the short term goals adequately support progress towards the long term goal.
Sign when you don't agree
Never sign an IEP at the meeting, especially if you don't agree with it. A verbal committment that "we'll work that out later" is not binding - but your signature is. Remember that you have 3 days to review the IEP before signing and its always a good idea to take the IEP home and review it one more time - even if you think that everything is fine. Never feel pressured into signing an IEP.
IDEA'97 and the IEP process have anticipated that there may be times when you will not agree with an IEP. All schools have a Due Process procedure you can follow that will progressively escalate your complaint through the appeals process. If you cannot agree on your IEP, the school will provide you the information and steps you need to begin the Due Process procedure.
Many parents find the assistance of an advocate or attorney, familiar with IDEA'97, to be an invaluable tool in their dealings with IEPs and education issues. The decision to utilize an advocate or attorney is a personal decision, but one that has many merits.
You can find a wealth of further information regarding advocacy and legal issues pertaining to special education at Wrights Law at the following link:


With cold and flu season quickly approaching, we need to do everything in our power to stay healthy. Here are 10 foods that will help boost your immune system and help you survive when your roommate and friends inevitably start coughing up a storm.
Vitamin C is essential for your health and can be found in citrus fruits. It helps produce more white blood cells, which fight off infections as well as helping you fight an illness once you have gotten sick. So try to eat about one citrus fruit a day or taking vitamin C to help prevent the likelihood of getting sick.
- Red bell Peppers
As well as citrus fruits, red bell peppers also have a lot of vitamin C. Red bell peppers actually have twice the amount of vitamin C that can be found in citrus fruits in addition to another nutrient called beta-carotene. Beta-carotene helps keep your eyes and skin healthy and is a provitamin to vitamin A.
Broccoli is a super food packed with Vitamin A, C, E, and many antioxidants. It is one of the healthiest foods you could eat; however, the less it is cooked the more vitamins and nutrients you will get. Whenever available try to eat raw broccoli and it will prevent you from getting sick.
Garlic is a commonly used vegetable added for flavor in many foods and it also boosts your immune system. Garlic helps fight infections and has a large amount of sulfur containing compounds which boost your immunity. When cooking your next meal try to add garlic not only as a flavor, but also to boost your health.
Ginger is another popular flavor added to drinks, desserts, and other foods. Ginger helps your immunity because it has antioxidants and activates t-cells. T-cells are white blood cells that destroy other cells that are contaminated with a virus. Overall, ginger is a great flavor to add to your food because it builds up your body’s defense mechanism.
Spinach is another superfood packed with vitamin C, antioxidants, and beta-carotene. All these vitamins and minerals help fight infections and viruses. Similar to broccoli, you get the most of spinach’s nutrients when it is cooked less.
Some yogurts have live and active cultures which prompt your immune system to fight off viruses and diseases. Yogurt also has vitamin D which helps fight off infection. When picking your yogurt, be careful and make sure that you pick one up with live and active cultures, because not all yogurts have them.
Almonds are also good for your immune system because they have vitamin E. Vitamin E is soluble in the presence of fat and since nuts have healthy fat, the vitamin E can be absorbed properly. Almonds give you the perfect immunity boost and vitamin E, which is harder to get otherwise.
- Green Tea
Green tea is full of antioxidants called flavonoids and epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). By drinking green tea you will receive amino acid L-theanine which supports the production of germ fighting compounds in t-cells.
In addition to all these foods remember to have a balanced diet with, fruits, vegetables, water, and sleep. This way you get all the necessary vitamins to boost your immunity and the rest needed to fight off sickness.
By Lina Sullivan


What does the poet mean by “In sap and leaf and wood” in the poem “The Heart of the Tree” by Henry Cuyler Bunner?
Here “sap and leaf and wood” refers to every cell of a tree. The poet wants to say that the tree planter’s loyalty and love for this big worldly home, his far-reached thought of civic good and his blessings on his neighbourhood are felt or reflected in the sap and leaf and wood of the tree — in every cell of the tree which he plants.
He plants in sap and leaf and wood,
In love of home and loyalty
And far-cast thought of civic good—
His blessings on the neighbourhood,
By the line he plants in sap and leaf and wood the poet says that the one who plants a tree loves the universe and very much concerned about it so he plants a tree so that human beings can get food from the sap and leaves and therefore he is referred to as god-like.


If you know us at all, you know that we love us some satellite images of Earth (see here, here, or here for proof). There's nothing quite as humbling or mesmerizing as views of Earth as they appear from space.
The ESA archive contains thousands of snapshots from the European Space Agency's satellites, with various sensors and cameras capturing myriad facets of the planet through different lenses.
View a small sampling above. Extra points for anyone who can guess what part of the planet is being depicted in any of the photos (answers below).
Images, left to right:
1. Running across the image, the Okavango River forms the border between Namibia to the south and Angola to the north (KARI/ESA)
2. The northern end of the Persian Gulf, along with the border of Iran and Iraq and the mouth of the Shatt al-Arab river (USGS/ESA)
3. The Tibesti Mountains, located mostly in Chad with the northern slopes extending into Libya (ESA)
4. Rolling hills of farmland in part of the Palouse Region in the northwest United States (KARI/ESA)
5. The sand seas of the Namib Desert (KARI/ESA)
6. In this false-color image of the Mississippi River delta, land vegetation appears pink, while the sediment in the surrounding waters are bright blue and green (USGS/ESA)
(via But Does It Float)