Page 625

Chickenpox: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment, and Prevention

March 5, 2020 by Sarah Barkley

For many, getting chickenpox was a normal part of childhood. For the most part, it was harmless, but it can cause life-threatening illnesses and other conditions.

Chickenpox is highly contagious, and it was once a common occurrence in children. Fortunately, chickenpox doesn’t occur as often today, making it less understood amongst the general population.

Although this viral infection isn’t as common as it once was, it still affects between 100,000 and 200,000 people each year in the United States. Of those cases, nearly 9,000 patients require treatment at a hospital.

Most people who do get this virus will generally develop a lifeline immunity to it. Rarely do people contract this viral infection twice in their lifetime. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, CDC, explains:

“Immunity following varicella infection is considered to be long-lasting and second cases of varicella are thought to be rare. However, second cases may occur more commonly among immunocompetent persons than previously considered.”

Knowing the chickenpox symptoms and causes can help you prevent yourself or your family from exposure. If you have already been exposed, try to avoid others until you know you haven’t caught the infection.

What is Chickenpox?

Chickenpox is a viral infection caused by Varicella zoster that appears as small blisters full of fluid that cause a rash. The rash with red blisters often covers the whole body, and blisters can form on the bottom of the feet and inside of the mouth. It is contagious for about two days before symptoms begin and until all blisters have crusted over.

This viral infection is more dangerous for children under two and over the age of ten. Adults that experience it tend to have worse symptoms than any age of children. Typically, if someone has had chickenpox once in their lives, they won’t likely contract it again.

The blisters change throughout the virus. First, pink or red papules appear for a few days. Then, small blisters develop for about 24 hours before breaking open and leaking.

Once the blisters have all leaked, the blisters appear as crusts and scabs. These scabs can take several days to heal. It is important to note that the rash stages can overlap so, you can have bumps, blisters, and scabs at once.

What Are the Symptoms of Chickenpox?

Aside from the well-known symptom of chickenpox blisters, or an itchy rash of vesicles, the other chickenpox symptoms include:

fever
loss of appetite
headache
tiredness or fatigue
a general feeling of being unwell
body aches

What Causes Chickenpox?

The chickenpox virus is caused by the varicella-zoster virus and spreads from person to person via airborne respiratory droplets. These droplets tend to spread through sneezes and coughs but can also spread from kissing or sharing a drink. If saliva droplets have gotten on someone’s hand, you can catch it from handshakes or touching a contaminated surface too.

Additionally, if any fluid or particles from the blisters come into contact with a surface, it could also cause contamination. This virus is highly contagious, and being in close contact typically always results in contracting it.

Who Is at Risk for Getting Chickenpox?

While anyone can get chickenpox, the following people have a higher risk:

Those Who Have Never Had It: If you haven’t had chickenpox before, you are at risk of contracting it. People who have had it experience immunity, but in rare cases, the virus can occur a second time.
Children Under the Age of Two: Since babies under two don’t have the strongest immune system. They have a higher chance of contracting the virus. The symptoms tend to be worse for children at this age range, and complications are more common.
People that Spend Lots of Time Around Children: The more time someone spends around kids, the higher their risk of getting chickenpox is. Those that work at schools or daycares have an increased chance, as do parents and caregivers.
Those With Weakened Immune Systems: Conditions like HIV or chemotherapy treatments weaken the immune system. With a weakened immune system, the risk of contracting chickenpox increases.
People that Take Certain Medications: Medications such as steroids can increase the risk of catching this virus.
Newborns With Mothers Who Have It: Newborn babies have a high risk of contracting chickenpox if their mothers were diagnosed with it during pregnancy. Even if the mom is diagnosed weeks after the birth, the baby is still at risk because it is contagious before symptoms begin.

What Are the Complications Associated with Chickenpox?

Many complications from chickenpox can occur, including the following:

Reye’s Syndrome: When a young child’s fever is treated with aspirin, it can cause Reye’s syndrome. This rare syndrome can then cause encephalitis, which is brain inflammation.
Toxic Shock Syndrome: The blisters that characterize this virus are itchy, but itching can cause toxic shock syndrome. When bacteria are under the person’s fingernails, they can get into the wound and contaminate it. Frequent hand washing can help prevent toxic shock syndrome, but avoiding itching is best.
Infections: When someone has this virus, they are also at risk of a skin infection or disease. When infection occurs, the person will likely experience a high fever and pain or redness in the affected area. The infected blisters or sores will also seep yellow fluid or pus.
Issues for a Newborn Baby: If a pregnant mother is diagnosed with chickenpox, the baby will likely have some problems at birth. They could have a low birth weight or limb abnormalities if the mom had the virus early in her pregnancy. The complications can be life-threatening for a newborn baby.
Shingles: The virus can remain dormant in your nerve cells for years afterward. They can then resurface and appear in the form of shingles, which are clusters of painful blisters. Shingles typically occur in people between 50 and 60, and it is painful to even after the blisters disappear.

How Is Chickenpox Treated?

The only way to treat chickenpox is to treat the symptoms. You can do that in the following ways:

Preventing Complications Caused by Scratching: Complications from scratching the blisters and scabs are painful and uncomfortable. You can prevent these complications by not scratching, which is sometimes hard to do. Trim fingernails and wash hands with soap often to avoid issues when you do find yourself scratching.
Oatmeal Baths: A warm bath with oatmeal can help soothe the itchy feeling from the sores. Don’t add scented soaps or oils to the water because that can worsen the symptoms.
Calamine Lotion: This lotion can help heal the blisters and reduce the itchy discomfort. It dries the blisters out and soothes the skin quickly. After a bath or shower, slater the calamine lotion onto dry skin, and reapply whenever you need to.
Wet Compresses: A wet compress will keep the skin cool and decrease itching. Apply the compress anytime symptoms flare up, and you find yourself wanting to scratch.
Eat Cold, Soft, and Bland Foods: If there are blisters in the mouth, eating and drinking can be difficult and painful. Eating acidic or salty foods will increase the discomfort, so opt for foods that won’t worsen the symptoms.
Wear Loose Clothing: Fabric can aggravate your symptoms, making the itching sensation worse and more uncomfortable. Plus, tight clothing can be painful on your blisters. Choose loose clothing and to avoid further irritation.
Drink Plenty of Water: Staying hydrated will help you fight off the virus quicker. Plus, it will help your wounds heal faster too. Keep water with you throughout the day and take sips of it even when you do not feel thirsty.

How Is Chickenpox Prevented?

You should that your family practices frequent and thorough handwashing. Since this virus can be contracted via surface exposure, handwashing is essential for prevention.

If one person in your home has the virus, try to keep them away from everyone else. Find them a space in the house with access to a bathroom, and tell the rest of the household to stay away.

You should also always try to stop the spread of chickenpox. If you or your child has the virus, avoiding public areas, schools, or daycare is essential. You don’t want to expose anyone else to this condition, so try your best to protect the public.

Final Thoughts on Chickenpox: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment, and Prevention

Knowing the symptoms and causes of chickenpox can help you identify the virus quickly. Once you know that it is chickenpox, finding a relieving treatment option is essential. If you don’t have it already, understanding how to prevent it can make all the difference.

Chickenpox clears up and heals on its own, but you can find ways to relieve the symptoms. While chickenpox isn’t typically deadly, it can lead to life-threatening conditions. Understanding the virus can help protect you and your family.

12 Quotes of Comfort for your Time of Bereavement

March 5, 2020 by Power of Positivity

A wise woman once said, “As surely as we are born into life, one day, we will leave it.” The older we grow, the more likely we are to experience the loss of a loved one. That bereavement period is a tough time.

For although no one wants to consider the notion, we are all likely to experience the loss of a parent, grandparents, spouse or life partner, and any siblings or cousins we might consider close family members.

While we must all experience loss, we can take comfort in the fact that others before us have experienced the same crushing feeling. We can be comforted, especially when studying some important quotes that remind us that although our loved one is no longer on earth, we can cherish the memories we do have. Our lives may be missing an important loved one, but our lives are better for their being here.

12 Quotes to Help Heal Pain During Bereavement

1 – “We bereaved are not alone. We belong to the largest company in all the world – the company of those who have known suffering.” – C.S. Lewis

Often, when we experience a loss, we may feel overwhelming loneliness. However, renowned author C.S. Lewis reminds us that we are not alone in our bereavement. There are others who experience loss, and one way to deal with that loss is to seek out the comfort of others. This is especially true when we seek out the solace of those who are also members of the company who have lost a loved one.

2 – “Though lovers be lost, love shall not. And death shall have no dominion.” -Dylan Thomas

Although our loves ones may no longer be physically present with us, the love we have for them is eternal. Death cannot kill the love we have for one another. We can take great comfort in knowing that love lives forever, even when our physical bodies no longer exist.

3 – “To weep is to make less the depth of grief.” -William Shakespeare

Shakespeare’s work is relevant even today, and it is evident in this quote. Shakespeare reminds those of us grieving that it is healthy to mourn the loss of a loved one. Bereavement is a sign of the great love we have for others.

Grief is a normal reaction to the loss of a loved one. While many feel that crying is a sign of weakness, it is not – and the Bard recognized this fact! In fact, it is healthy to cry because of our losses.

4 – “When those you love die, the best you can do is honor their spirit for as long as you live.” -Patrick Swayze

We may remember the late Patrick Swayze from his role in “Dirty Dancing” or “Ghost,” but the actor was also quite wise.

When our loved ones die, one of the greatest honors we can give them is to keep their memories alive. You may find creating a social media post on the loved one’s birthday or on the anniversary of his or her death rather therapeutic. You’ll be honoring your loved one and ensuring that others do not forget how special your loved one is.

5 – “Only people who are capable of loving strongly can also suffer great sorrow, but this same necessity of loving serves to counteract their grief and heals them.” – Leo Tolstoy

Are you hurting due to bereavement? Tolstoy says that is the mark of a strong person’s love for another.

Yes, when our loved ones pass, we are deeply hurt. However, we should take great comfort in knowing that, first, our great sorrow is due to a deep love for that person. Next, we should take comfort in knowing that this strength will help us learn to cope with our loss.

We don’t forget our loved one, nor do we forget the love we had for that person. However, time helps us to learn how to cope with the loss. It is healthy to grieve over the loss of a parent, friend, or spouse. However, we must be strong enough not to allow ourselves to stay in a state of grief forever. We must learn how to deal with that grief in a healthy way and learn how to live a “new” normal life after loss.

6 – “The risk of love is loss, and the price of any loss is grief. But the pain of grief is only a shadow when compared with the pain of never risking love.” -Hilary Stanton Zunin

An adage says that it is better to have lost love than to have never loved at all. The same can be said for the loss of a loved one. Our loved ones make our lives richer. Yes, the price we pay for allowing this richness in our lives is the loss of our loved ones at some point. However, we can honor the memory of those who go on before us, and we can hold on to our memories as a way of healing from our own grief.

7 – “Grief is not a disorder, a disease, or a sign of weakness. It is an emotional, physical, and spiritual necessity, the price you pay for love. The only cure for grief is to grieve.” -Earl A Grollman

Grief is actually a healthy reaction to the loss of a loved one. Grief is actually something that honors the lost loved one. It is a sign of deep love. It is a sign of deep love. Grieving is healthy, as long as we do not continuously dwell on the loss.

8 – “Grief is in two parts. The first is loss. The second is the remaking of life.” -Anne Roiphe

When we speak of not continuously dwelling on the loss, at some point, we must begin to pick up the pieces after the loss of a loved one and make a new life. Let’s reiterate. This does not mean we are to forget our deceased loved ones! However, we must move toward a life without that person. We learn a “new” normal. We can tell stories of that lost loved one. We can hang pictures. We share the lost loved one’s history with younger generations. However, we must learn how to cope with the loss of that person.

It is often said that our loved ones would never want us to grieve ourselves to the point of becoming ill ourselves. This is true. We must learn how to honor the memory of our loved one without allowing ourselves to fall into an overwhelming depression after the loss. It is healthy to miss a lost loved one, but not to allow our own physical illness because of a loss.

9 – “If you love, you will grieve, and that’s just given.” -Kay Redfield Jamison

Certainly, part of loving someone eventually has to give that person up. We humans are never guaranteed life from one day to the next. We may outlive our spouses, our parents, our siblings, and, in some instances, our children. Because this is a given, we must learn how to grieve in a healthy way.

Scientists reveal what happens to the soul after death.

10 – “Grief can be the garden of compassion. If you keep your heart open through everything, your pain can become your greatest ally in your life’s search for love and wisdom.” –Rumi

Grief can often teach us a variety of lessons. One of these lessons is often compassion. As one previous quote stated, we are in a large company when we consider all those who experience loss. We can use the compassion we learn from going through a loss to comfort someone else. Often, this is why we experience hard times – so that we can minister to others in their time of need. We can use bereavement to make ourselves useful to those around us.

11 – “Grief is the price we pay for love.” –Queen Elizabeth II

The Queen speaks wisely. And what a true statement it is, but so well worth it. Bereavement comes for a season in our lives, but its purpose is to help us grow.

12 – “What we have once enjoyed deeply we can never lose. All that we love deeply becomes a part of us.” -Helen Keller

We never truly lose the ones we love as long as we keep their memories alive. We grow from every relationship we have, and when we lose loved ones, we learn how to deal with loss. Bereavement is a natural part of life.

We should allow ourselves to love even at the risk of losing that loved one, as it is an inevitable part of life. We grow from our experiences, both negative and positive.

Final Thoughts on Working Through Your Bereavement Period

Grief is a daily process. Work through the tears, but keep the memories alive. This is a part of the healthy process of healing after a bereavement. In time, you will remember the best times of your life fondly. Cherish every single precious memory of your love one. The loss will never pass, but the sting may ease over time.

20 Funny Quotes for Parents Raising Tweens and Teens

March 4, 2020 by Power of Positivity

Parenting is hard right from the beginning, but parenting tweens and teens is unique in its way. Some days are harder than others. But you have to learn to laugh and find humor in all of the moments. These funny quotes for parents raising tweens and teens can help make this stage of life more enjoyable.

These funny quotes about parenting tweens and teens will not only make you laugh, but they will also remind you that you aren’t alone. Every parent struggles while raising teens, not just you.

Through all of the ups and downs, teens are a joy for parents. Just like with any stage of parenting, however, it comes with unique instances that only other parents of teens will understand.

20 Funny Quotes for Parents Who Are Bravely Raising Tweens and Teens

1. “When you’re a teenager, ‘No’ is a complete sentence.”

– Author unknown

Think about the number of times your teen has responded with that single word. It’s probably been enough for you to dread that sound, but your teen likely sees nothing wrong with it.

2. “Whatever emotional state you’re in while you’re parenting conveys more to your child than the content of what you’re doing with them, no matter how perfect your intervention looks “on paper.” In other words, to paraphrase Marshall McLuhan, “your emotional state is the message.”

Michael Y. Simon in the book The Approximate Parent: Discovering the Strategies that Work for Your Teenager

This is only funny because it’s something that parents forget while in the moment. You may find yourself feeling angry while asking your teen or tween why they are mad. It may be hard to admit that your teenager’s emotions reflect your own.

3. “Nobody ever feels they’re doing well with teenagers, he said. I think that’s kind of the point of them.”

-Written in the book After You by Jojo Moyes

Teens sure are unpredictable, but that is half the fun of raising them. As long as you are teaching them to be respectful and responsible, you’re on the right track. There’s no parenting handbook and all parents are figuring it out as they go.

4. “Sometimes I’m left with the distinct feeling that I am outnumbered by my only child.”

? Colleen Ferrary Bader

At this age, kids are full of life and energy. Add in the drama, emotions and everything else that comes with adolescence, and you’ll definitely feel outnumbered.

5. “Let me give you some advice here: People who want to have the sex talk with you will act the same way as people who want to murder you. First, they get you in their car, so they’re in control and you can’t escape. Then they drive you someplace in the middle of nowhere.”

? Flynn Meaney, The Boy Recession

This funny quote for parents is sure to make you laugh. There have been many times when this scene has played out on movies and in books.

Plus, in real life, this is the way many parents go about handling frank talks with their kids. For some reason, it’s always easier to talk while riding in the car together.

6. “I didn’t bring you up to speak as if your mouth were filled with sewage.”

? Diane Samuels, Kindertransport: A Drama

Some of the things that teens say are bad enough to make you cringe. You know that they know better, yet they may just do it anyway.

7. “If all else fails, try to get some sleep…whether you realize it or not, getting enough sleep can make it easier to solve problems, control your emotions, and cope with change.”

? Beverly K. Bachel in the book What Do You Really Want?: How to Set a Goal and Go for It!

This quote may be intended for the teenager, but it applies to the parents, too. As mentioned before, parenting teenagers can be challenging. All of your work to hold it together and show your teen how to be responsible in hard situations can take a toll on you, as well.

If you feel yourself becoming overwhelmed, you have to admit that you can effectively parent that way. Or, maybe you’ve just had enough and need to take a break before you freak out, too. Either way, sleeping it off will give you a little reset before heading back into the parenting game.

8. “Pearl glanced over her shoulder, in the universal reaction of all teenagers confronted by their parents in a public place.”

? Celeste Ng, Little Fires Everywhere

Too often, teens are embarrassed to be seen with their parents in public. This is even worse when they weren’t expecting it. If you ever have to confront your teen in public, you’ll likely notice them glance over their shoulder.

9. “The young always have the same problem – how to rebel and conform at the same time. They have now solved this by defying their parents and copying one another.”

– Quentin Crisp

Unfortunately for parents, this is all too true. Life would be easier for everyone if it was reversed and the adolescents chose to copy their parents instead.

10. “Welcome to being the parent of a teenager. Prepare for large amounts of eye-rolling, emotional outbursts, and thoughts of running away. And that’s just the parents!”

– Author unknown

Think back to the quote about going to sleep when necessary. This is the time for that. As the parent of a tween or teen, you’ll experience these feelings often, so just imagine how often your child is experiencing them.

11. “Teenagers. Everything is so apocalyptic.”

-Kami Garcia in Beautiful Creatures

The drama that comes along with adolescence is a bit excessive. It’s no wonder their emotions are all over the place when the seemingly endless drama is so intense. At times, it may seem like the scene is over things that will likely never happen.

12. “Adolescence is perhaps nature’s way of preparing parents to welcome the empty nest.”

– Author unknown

Once children reach this age, they’ll want to be out of the house more and more all the time. As the quote explains, maybe this stage of their life is merely preparing you for what’s to come.

13. “The best way to keep children at home is to make the home atmosphere pleasant, and let the air out of the tires.”

– Dorothy Parker

Let’s face it. A pleasant atmosphere is not enough to keep children at home all the time. They’re going to want to go out with friends and get away from home. Now, if you want to keep them at home, you may have to take more drastic measures.

14. “Adolescence is a period of rapid changes. Between the ages of 12 and 17, for example, a parent ages as much as 20 years.”

– Unknown author

Between the drama and the one-word answers, parents are spent at the end of each day. This will cause impossibly fast aging during that short number of years.

15. “Imagination is something that sits up with dad and mom the first time their teenager stays out late.”

– Anonymous

Think about how often you behave as if you are mad, but you are feeling some other type of emotion deep down inside. This is what it is like for parents the first time their teen missing curfew or asks permission to stay out a little later.

The parents’ imaginations run wild, causing anxiety, stress, and maybe even fear. Then, if the child indeed did miss curfew, this turns into anger and frustration. It’s a reminder that imagination isn’t left in childhood.

16. “Adolescence is the age at which children stop asking questions because they know all the answers.”

– Author unknown

If this were true, they wouldn’t make nearly as many mistakes as they do. Unfortunately, their so-called knowledge leads them to learn lessons the hard way.

17. “Bribes are the glue that kept the teenagers and parents connected for generations.”

– Gayle Forman

This quote may be one of the funniest because it is so true. Bribes seem to work on every age group, honestly.

18. “Mother Nature is providential. She gives us twelve years to develop a love for our children before turning them into teenagers.”

– William Galvin

That long-developed love is what gives parents the little bit of patience they do have during those difficult years.

19. “When your children are teenagers, it’s important to have a dog so that someone in the house is happy to see you.”

– Nora Ephron

Teens can seem so grumpy all the time, and it may leave their parents wondering what they did to offend the child. Get a dog so that you don’t spend too much time wondering if everyone in the house hates you.

20. “The best substitute for experience is being 16.”

– Raymond Duncan

Teenagers think they know everything, and the young age of 16 seems to be the peak of that knowledge.

Final Thoughts On Funny Quotes for Parents Dare to Raise Tweens and Teens

Parenting tweens and teens is a difficult task, but it is so worth all of the stress. Parents know deep down that having teenagers is a blessing, but it is so easy to get caught up in the negative aspects. Between the drama, emotions, and bad attitude, parents need a little laughter in their lives. These funny quotes for parents raising tweens and teens should help brighten the day.

Scientists Explain How Gratitude Changes Your Brain to Be Happier

March 4, 2020 by Power of Positivity

Our society seems centered around this idea that we never have enough. We must always strive for more, accumulate more, buy more, and BE more. However, this type of thinking leads to disappointment after a while. That’s because after chasing happiness, we eventually realize it evades us. The solution to this problem lies in gratitude. After all, being grateful for what we have means we don’t need to keep chasing material items or people to satisfy us.

“Gratitude turns what we have into enough.” – Anonymous

The happiest people on Earth express gratitude daily for what they have. They are thankful for the Source of life, friends, family, or coworkers. We’re constantly bombarded with ads on TV and social media telling us our lives will improve if we buy this skincare product or this course to make us more money. Sure, those things might make you happier in the short-term. But, ultimately, long-term happiness comes from within.

Now, science proves that gratitude physically changes your brain. We’ll go over various ways that gratitude improves your health below.

Here’s how gratitude changes your brain to be happier:

In the past, most research studies about gratitude focused on well-functioning people. However, two professors from Indiana University wanted to see how gratitude could influence the brains of those who struggle from various mental disorders.

They did a study involving nearly 300 adults consisting of mostly college students who were in counseling for mental health. The participants reported having poor mental health at the time of the study. Furthermore, the researchers recruited them just before their first counseling session. Most people seeking counseling at this university struggled with issues such as depression and anxiety.

The professors divided the students into three groups. All of them went to counseling services, but only the first group was told to write a letter of gratitude to another person every week for three weeks. The second group was instructed to write about their deepest thoughts and feelings surrounding negative experiences. The third group didn’t journal at all.

Here are suggestions on how to show appreciation when you need to the most.

The results?

Compared with the second and third groups, the first group who wrote gratitude letters reported much better mental health after their writing exercises ended. This study proves that gratitude letters can help everyone, even those who struggle with severe mental illnesses. In fact, it seems from this study that practicing gratitude, along with counseling services, supports more than psychological help alone.

So, how does gratitude impact the mind and body?

The professors had a few insights on the psychological benefits of gratitude.

1 – Gratitude helps us move past toxic emotions

First, the researchers studied the words used by participants in both of the writing groups so they could understand how gratitude letter writing impacted mental health. They compared the percentage of positive emotions words, negative emotion words, and “we” words (first-person plural words) that participants used in their letters. The professors weren’t surprised to find that the participants in the gratitude letter group used more positive words and more “we” words than the other group.

However, the people who used more positive and “we” words didn’t necessarily have better mental health later on. Only when they used fewer negative words did participants report having improved mental health after the writing exercises ended. In fact, the lack of negative emotion words made the most significant difference in the mental health of those in the gratitude letter writing group. This explained the mental health gap between the negative emotion group and the gratitude letter group.

This suggests that the gratitude letter exercise helps people focus on positive experiences and gratitude toward others, which can help keep the mind from ruminating on past negative experiences with people. When you’re not focused on negative emotions and experiences, it makes it easier to focus on the abundance of positive emotions, you can feel just by shifting your perspective.

2 – Even if you keep it to yourself, gratitude still helps

The professors told the participants in the study that they didn’t have to send their letters to the intended recipients. Only 23% of the participants ended up sending them, but everyone in the group reported having better mental health. This shows that just the act of writing out the letter boosted the mental health of the participants, even if they didn’t intend to send the message.

This shows that you can still feel gratitude even if you don’t communicate it to another person.

You might not send the letter. Just writing out your blessings can help shift your focus away from negative thinking and refresh your mind. However, hearing the other person’s reaction when they read the letter can help both you and the recipient’s mental health, so if you want to try this out yourself, we encourage you to send the letter.

3 – You won’t feel the benefits right away

In the study, researchers found that the participants didn’t report the benefits of the gratitude letters right away. Instead, the gains accumulated over time. Although the three groups had about the same mental health one week after the conclusion of the study, individuals in the gratitude group reported better mental health than the others four weeks after the writing activities, and an even more significant difference 12 weeks after the end of the writing exercises.

These results show how something positive that we experience or engage in, no matter how small, can affect us even weeks afterward. This happens with exercise, healthy eating, meditation, and other healthy habits. Indeed, we typically don’t see the benefits at first but notice them gradually over time.

The researchers don’t know why this positive effect occurred weeks after the experiment. They think that perhaps the participants discussed the gratitude writing exercise with counselors or other people in their lives, which reinforced the positive feelings that the activity promoted.

4 – Gratitude physically changes the brain

This is perhaps the most important finding from the study. Three months after the counseling sessions began, the professors took some of the people from the gratitude writing group and some from the group that didn’t do any writing. They wanted to know if their brains looked any different due to the gratitude exercise (or lack thereof).

They measured their brain activity using an fMRI scanner while participants from each group did a “pay it forward” task. In the exercise, a benefactor regularly gave the participants a small amount of money. This benefactor asked that the participants only pay it forward if they felt grateful. Our participants then decided what percentage of the money, if any, they would donate to a worthy cause. A fun fact: the professors in the study actually did donate the proceeds to a charity.

From the authors of the study:

“We wanted to distinguish donations motivated by gratitude from donations driven by other motivations, like feelings of guilt or obligation. So we asked the participants to rate how grateful they felt toward the benefactor, and how much they wanted to help each charitable cause, as well as how guilty they would feel if they didn’t help. We also gave them questionnaires to measure how grateful they are in their lives in general.

We found that across the participants when people felt more grateful, their brain activity was distinct from brain activity related to guilt and the desire to help a cause. More specifically, we found that when people who are generally more grateful gave more money to a cause, they showed greater neural sensitivity in the medial prefrontal cortex, a brain area associated with learning and decision making. This suggests that people who are more grateful are also more attentive to how they express gratitude.

Most interestingly, when we compared those who wrote the gratitude letters with those who didn’t, the gratitude letter writers showed greater activation in the medial prefrontal cortex when they experienced gratitude in the fMRI scanner. This is striking as this effect was found three months after the letter writing began. This indicates that simply expressing gratitude may have lasting effects on the brain. While not conclusive, this finding suggests that practicing gratitude may help train the brain to be more sensitive to the experience of gratitude down the line, and this could contribute to improved mental health over time.”

You’ll feel more grateful than ever if you volunteer for a local homeless or animal shelter.

Final thoughts about how gratitude changes the brain

As you can see, gratitude offers many benefits to the mind and body. Not only does it help one focus on more positive feelings. It also helps us avoid the pitfalls of rumination over the past. Additionally, it also physically changes the brain. People who show more gratitude have higher neural sensitivity in the area of the brain associated with learning and decision making. Over time, practicing gratitude becomes more habitual than forced, and it can help you feel more warmth and love toward others.

So, if you’re feeling down about life or your circumstances, simply make a gratitude list. Or, write a letter to someone impacts your life significantly. We guarantee you’ll start to feel better in no time!

Research Reveals the Causes and Early Signs of Macular Degeneration

March 4, 2020 by Power of Positivity

More than 10 million Americans suffer from macular degeneration.

This eye disorder is common in people over 50. It causes blurred or reduced central vision due to the deterioration of the macula.

The macula is the central portion of the retina. It is responsible for recording the images you see and sending them to the brain through the optic nerve. The macula focuses your vision and controls your ability to drive, recognize fine details, read, and identify colors or faces.

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is categorized into two basic types: dry (atrophic) and wet (exudative). Stargardt disease is a type of AMD in young adults that is caused by a recessive gene. Both forms may develop in one eye before affecting both, but a diagnosis does not mean permanent vision loss.

Have you been diagnosed with or suspect you might have macular degeneration? Early detection and following an efficient care plan are central to delaying vision. This article explores the causes of AMD and the early signs and symptoms of the disease.

Causes of Macular Degeneration

The root causes of macular degeneration are not fully known or understood, as there is insufficient research into the disease. Researchers do know that its causes are complex and involve both environmental and genetic factors, including diet and smoking. They also know that there are different causes for AMD and Stargardt disease.

Dry vs. Wet Macular Degeneration

Macular degeneration is classified into two categories:

Dry (Atrophic).

This form of AMD causes yellow deposits (drusen) to develop in your macula. Researchers do not know where drusen come from, but the theory is that they are waste fragments from the retina.

Hard drusen in the eyes is common in people over the age of 50 and is completely normal and harmless. Centrally located large, soft drusen are those connected to vision loss.

A few drusen may have a negligible impact on your vision, but vision loss occurs when they grow. As the condition progresses, the drusen multiply and prevent oxygen flow to your eye. Light-sensitive cells in your macula thin out before dying, causing blind spots in your vision. In the most severe state, you can lose your central vision completely.

Approximately 85% to 95% of people have this form of AMD.

Wet (Exudative).

This form occurs when blood vessels develop underneath your macula. Blood and fluid leak from these vessels into your retina. This may cause distorted vision that makes straight lines appear wavy, blind spots and diminishing central vision. The leaking blood vessels eventually develop a scar, which may lead to permanently losing your central vision.

The dry form is more common and can lead to the wet form. This is why it is important for you to regularly see your eye doctor and vigilantly track your eyesight.

Symptoms and Stages of Macular Degeneration

Symptoms of dry AMD slowly develop and are not typically painful. The most common signs and symptoms include:

Distorted vision
Diminished central vision in the eye(s)
Blurriness when reading
Trouble recognizing people
Difficulty adjusting to low light levels
Needing brighter lights to read or do detailed work
Decreased color brightness or intensity

Stages of AMD

AMD typically occurs in three stages:

Early AMD. In this stage, vision loss is not typical. Regular eye exams are crucial in detecting the disease. You will receive an early AMD diagnosis if your doctor sees medium-sized drusen developing.
Intermediate AMD. In this stage, some vision loss may be apparent, but symptoms may not noticeably manifest. A thorough eye exam and specific tests check for growth in drusen and changes in retinal pigment.
Late AMD. In this stage, vision loss is apparent.

Risk Factors

Age is the biggest risk factor for AMD. Risk increases with age and the disease is more likely in individuals who are 55 and older. Other factors that may elevate your risk of AMD include:

Genetics and Familial History.

AMD is partially hereditary, as researchers found several genes that are linked to developing the disease.

Gender.

Roughly 2/3 of individuals with AMD are women and 1/3 are men. Researchers believe this is due to women having longer lifespans.

Race and Ethnicity.

Caucasians have the highest risk of developing AMD, followed by Hispanic/Latino and Chinese people. African Americans have the least risk of AMD. Caucasians are also at a higher risk of going blind from AMD than African-Americans.

Approximately a third of Caucasian people carry a gene that is associated with AMD. Additionally, people with light-colored eyes are at an increased risk of developing dry AMD.

Heart Disease.

If you’ve suffered from a heart attack, stroke, or angina, you may be one and a half times as likely to develop AMD as someone who has not had any heart problems. Having high cholesterol also increases your risk.

High Blood Pressure.

High blood pressure limits the amount of oxygen that is delivered to your eyes, which elevates your risk for developing AMD.

Obesity.

Research suggests that obesity increases the risk of early or intermediate AMD progressing to more severe stages of the disease.

Smoking.

Smoking tobacco or regular exposure to secondhand smoke substantially elevates the risk of developing AMD.

Overexposure to the sun.

Although this is not certain, research suggests that long-term exposure to the ultraviolet rays of the sun, and the subsequent damage to your eyes, increases your chances of AMD.

Complications of AMD

Individuals with dry macular degeneration that has led to central vision loss are at an increased risk of developing depression and becoming socially isolated. When vision loss is severe, some people may experience visual hallucinations known as the Charles Bonnet syndrome. Lastly, dry AMD may develop into wet AMD, which may cause vision to deteriorate rapidly if it is untreated.

Treatment and Prevention

There is no cure for macular degeneration, but treatment and preventative methods may reduce its progression. One such treatment is laser therapy, which can sometimes eliminate leaking, growing blood vessels.

A large study indicates that people with AMD may benefit from supplement formulas with vitamins E and C, zinc, beta-carotene, and copper. The research suggests that there is a reduced risk of vision loss for some with intermediate to advanced dry AMD.

Routine eye exams are the first step in identifying and treating AMD. Some simple lifestyle changes may help minimize your risk of developing dry AMD:

Quit smoking.

Smokers are at an increased risk of developing the condition.

Manage your medical conditions.

This is especially important if you have heart problems such as high blood pressure or cardiovascular disease. Make sure you follow your care plan and take your medication to effectively control your condition.

Exercise consistently and sustain a healthy weight.

Obesity is a risk factor for AMD. If you need to shed some excess weight, limit your caloric intake and pump up the amount of exercise you do every day.

Eat a healthy diet.

Your diet is directly linked to your overall health. Pick a diet that consists of various fruits and vegetables. These food products are rich in antioxidant vitamins that help minimize your risk of AMD. Be sure to also include fish in your diet. Fish are rich in omega-3 fatty acids that may help reduce your risk of AMD.

Track your eyesight.

You can do this by looking at an Amsler grid every day. It is a pattern of straight lines resembling a checkerboard and can help you notice changes in your vision.

The sooner you receive a diagnosis, the greater the likelihood that treatment will be beneficial. If you are experiencing any symptoms of AMD, schedule an appointment with your eye doctor. A diagnosis happens after a review of your medical history, an examination of your eye, and angiography and tomography tests.

Final Thoughts on Macular Degeneration

There are two forms of AMD, dry and wet. Dry AMD is the most common and occurs when large, soft drusen develop on the macula. There is no cure for the disease, but early detection, prevention, and treatment methods can help slow its progression.

Age is the biggest risk factor for developing AMD. Symptoms include distorted or diminishing vision, blurriness, and trouble recognizing faces. AMD rarely results in complete vision loss, but people with the dry form may develop into the wet form.

Making simple changes to your diet and lifestyle can help reduce your risk of developing AMD. Remember, never self-diagnose yourself based on what you read on the Internet. If you think you may have macular degeneration, call your eye doctor and schedule an appointment today.

10 Benefits of Retinol Most Women Miss

March 4, 2020 by Power of Positivity

Retinol proves to be a very effective treatment to prevent aging. It is also handy for improving skin tone and texture. There are also many myths surrounding it’s effectiveness and how it works.

What is the real secret to using this healthy skin vitamin, and should it be used at all times? There are ten benefits of retinol most women miss.

The Origin of Retinol

Learning more about the origin of this viable source of vitamin A is essential because it’s vitamin A1. The difference between these two types of vitamin A is critical because the chemical composition for A1 and A2 are different.

Vitamin A is generally found in animal meat sources. Supplementation is essential when a deficiency has been noted.

Dermatologists tout the importance of this unique vitamin because it helps produce beautiful skin, especially for those who are deficient

The poorest countries are at risk for low levels of vitamin A. Those who are at the most significant risk for deficiency should get large doses of this for their health’s sake.

Another important aspect of health to consider is the eye’s tear production. Many commercial preparations claim to clear up the issue of “dry eye.” So when someone is unable to produce tears, it could be linked to a lack of vitamin A. Although there is also a vitamin A2, there are three active forms of this.

Retinol
Retinal
Retinoic Acid

The body will take this form of vitamin A, and convert it into the other two forms, retinal and retinoic acid.

Good sources of this vitamin that supports healthier skin, nails, and body include fish, certain types of meat, and some dairy products.

This connection is why many doctors insist that patients who want to improve the look of their skin eat foods that can be converted into retinal and retinoic acid to work from the inside out.

Read about how you can make vitamin A part of your diet.

10 Benefits of Retinol Most Women Miss

Many women know that retinol is good for the skin. However, they might not understand wholly specifically how it can benefit them. Here are ten top benefits.

1 – Decreases fine lines and wrinkles

It converts to retinoid once inside the body and is utilized to reduce fine lines and wrinkles. Once the vitamin A1 converts into retinoids, it will produce collagen, which in turn will reduce fine lines and wrinkles.

It is no wonder that women are always hanging on every word during a commercial about products that contain retinal. These are clearly marketed to women who are concerned about aging skin and how it may impact their appearance.

This outcome means that most ladies are looking for the best creams and lotions containing this skin-loving ingredient.

2 – Creates healthy new blood vessels in the skin.

These topical creams and lotions are also known for aiding in the development of healthy new blood vessels.

This derivative of vitamin A helps in this development. When the blood vessels are plentiful, and they are working, they can bring healthy color to the skin.

Think of it as the standard for circulation for your face. Once you begin to think of it this way, you’ll realize that because it encourages circulation, it’s the key to healthier skin and face all around.

“Glowing skin is a result of proper skincare. It means you can wear less makeup and let skin shine through.” Michael Columbus

3 – It improves pigmentation.

Although vitamin A1 converts into retinal and retinoic acid, it’s the topical product you can use on your skin that helps your skin with color. This fabulous vitamin A1 is known for improving the skin’s pigmentation.

This means that the skin will ultimately look evener. The difference could be in someone having skin that appears blotchy, to someone who’s skin is one solid color.

4 – Reduces the appearance of sunspots.

What are those spots on your face and arms that aren’t age spots? They are called “sunspots.” These spots can cause your face to appear darker than they should.

The cells are then refreshed, which in turn is known as “cell turnover.” This is important because it has everything to do with why your skin will begin to change. Cells that are renewed will ultimately create a smoother, more refined look.

5 – It firms your skin

. Did you know that retinol causes the skin to become firmer as well? It’s no surprise that this is the number one skincare agent added to some of the finest skin care products in the world.

The production of collagen makes the natural fibers in your skin and the tissues more supple and firm. This is another benefit for those concerned about the aging process.

6 – Retinol Offers protection from pollution.

Skin is always exposed to the elements. It is impossible to completely protect your skin from the weather, pollutants in the air, and other elements we are faced with on a daily basis.

As long as there is an industrial environment for this industrial world, there will be a need for this form of vitamin A.

7 – Fights acne.

Although it seems most of the advertisement for this miracle skincare ingredient is for fighting the signs of aging, it also works to fight acne.

It is important to keep the skin healthy, and that means keeping the skin clear of acne. Those who use it for this purpose have reported a noticeable difference in as little as three weeks.

Learn at-home acne care secrets.

8 – Acts as a protective barrier when applied after moisturizer.

Moisturizer is not necessarily the only barrier you can put on your face or body. When added to the face after moisturizer has been applied, this may create a barrier to prevent irritation.

Everyday elements can impact whether or not your face becomes irritated. This is especially true during winter. The cold weather and blowing wind can cause the face to become red and chapped.

9 – Prevents crows feet.

Crows’ feet begin to form over time as the body ages. Typically the earliest women tend to notice this change around their eyes in their late thirties to their early forties.

The benefit is obtained when this miracle ingredient softens the skin and helps release the look of crow’s feet. There are various types of serums and lotions available for this use.

10 – Promotes cellular renewal.

Last but not least, this skincare compound causes a cellular turnover. This means that the cells that are on the surface will die, and new ones will be generated.

Every day you lose skin cells. This is because the skin is constantly shedding old skin cells, and new healthier ones develop. This process slows down as you age.

Creams and lotions derive from this component help the skin stay clear by getting your skin cells to turn over.

Here is the research to support retinol as a useful skin treatment

Is there research to support that this ingredient works for your skin?

There is plenty of research conducted on this derivative of vitamin A works, but bear in mind that most of it pertain to caring for your skin and the aging process.

There are two types of aging in the area of dermatology.

Premature aging
Aging that is chronological

It’s important to read the research pertaining to the reason you desire to use it. Skin is the largest organ of the body, not just a covering.

Skin is important for many things, not just how you look. Maintaining the proper temperature is one little known function of the skin.

The importance of the other components like retinoids was discovered as early as World War I. It was during the late 60’s that a project was launched to determine how manipulation of the chemical components would benefit the body as a whole.

It wasn’t until 2001 that retinoids were introduced as a viable solution in dermatology. Retinoids combine the derivative of vitamin A, as well as retinoic acid, and other related chemical components.

The positive outcomes on research conducted on the anti-aging show that after 12 weeks of treatment, fine lines and wrinkles improve.

Controlled clinical trials are often the best way for researchers, dermatologists, and others to learn more about how to use this to improve their skin and how these components of vitamin A affect them.

There are also many derivatives of retinal and retinoids that are being studied to determine how they can be better utilized to benefit one’s skin health.

Final Thoughts: Give Retinol A Try for Healthy and Glowing Skin

The three components of vitamin A, including retinol, retinal, and retinoids, may all be used for improving the look and feel of your skin.

While these three things all serve a different purpose, you must understand what is best for using on your skin.

You don’t always need the aid of a dermatologist to enjoy glowing, healthy skin. However, if you need an extra boost, even after trying retinol, you might choose to set an appointment to seek even more advice.

7 Productivity Hacks to Make The Most Of Your Day

March 3, 2020 by Power of Positivity

If you feel like you spin your wheels every day and barely accomplish something, adopt some productivity hacks.

It is tough to get anything done without a fundamental focus on our priorities. Despite this, we’ve grown accustomed to counterproductive habits such as hectic multitasking and working amidst distractions. Some places of work even encourage this kind of thing.

Such a poorly devised approach to productivity takes a toll on pretty much all of us. We’re more stressed, less effective, and, yes, less productive.

However, most of us don’t have the option of being unproductive. Whether we’re at home or work, things need to be done. Not only do we get in our way in this regard, but, as we’ll soon discuss, the pace and mindset of modern society don’t make things any easier.

Such is particularly true in the workplace, where the expectation that we do more with less has become the rule rather than the exception. In addition, most of us are working longer hours in increasingly less-satisfying jobs, and we have a potential crisis on our hands.

However, regardless of how you may feel, you can improve your productivity with just a bit of effort. In other words, you can hack your productivity.

For those unfamiliar with the word hack, in this sense, its meaning is similar to a shortcut. It’s putting in just a bit of effort and getting back a lot more. In other words, you’re getting a lot for relatively little.

This article is all about productivity hacks. First, let us discuss why productivity hacks are even needed in the first place. Reason #1? Stress.

Read the skills many employees hope for in a boss.

American Overwork: A Catalyst for Stress

While we can’t quantify our mindset’s influence on work-related stress, we can infer that it plays a significant role. But this hasn’t stopped us from working hard. Here are a few statistics:

– The average U.S. workweek of 38.6 hours is two hours higher than the OECD average.

– Nearly 86 percent of males and 67 percent of females work longer than 40 hours per week.

– Per one International Labor Organization (ILO) report, “Americans work 137 more hours per year than Japanese workers, 260 more hours per year than British workers, and 499 more hours per year than French workers.”

Meanwhile, the productivity of the average worker (calculated by “units produced relative to employee labor hours” or “a company’s net sales relative to employee labor hours”) continues to rise.

So, we find ourselves between a rock and a hard place. On the one hand, society demands that we maximally produce in the workplace; on the other, we suffer the consequences.

According to the 2019 American Psychological Association (APA) report, Stress In America, 64% of adults identify work as a “significant” source of stress. This is a higher percentage than money (60%), climate change (56%), and immigration issues (48%).

While the average wage has reached an all-time high, individual workers are nonetheless dissatisfied with and stressed out with the state of the workplace.

And what often gets lost are the genuine health repercussions of stress. Per Harvard University:

‘Abundant evidence shows that chronic stress chips away at physical health…[Stress] plays a role in diabetes, asthma, and gastrointestinal disorders.”

A new strategy is needed. Enter our productivity hacks.

7 Productivity Hacks

You must first acknowledge that you are in complete control of our efficiency and output.

Not our place of work, not other people, not the traffic, not your spouse, and not your kids. As the wise Buddha once said, all of the answers you seek are inside yourself.

So without further ado, let’s get to seven awesome productivity hacks that will help you make the most of your day!

#1 – Single-Task

Per a study published by Harvard University, American knowledge workers (i.e., white-collar employees) spend 47 percent of their day in a state of distraction.

Single-tasking is, by far, the best productivity hack out there – and it’s so super simple. All you need to do is focus the entirety of your attention on the task at hand. When potential distractions occur, reengage the job and stick with it.

That’s it.

Of course, it’s easier said than done. It’s not easy because we’ve spent nearly half of our life in a state of distraction. But, with practice, the ability to focus 100 percent of your attention on a single task will become second nature.

#2 – Eliminate ALL Distractions

“Starve your distractions, feed your focus.” ~ Daniel Goleman

Research shows that it takes, on average, 25 minutes to refocus on a task following an interruption completely. This phenomenon is called ‘attention residue,’ which causes the brain to have fewer cognitive resources available for the task at hand.

Needless to say, such a haphazard approach to work kills productivity. The only feasible solution is to cut away at distractions ruthlessly.

We do this by evaluating the environment and (honestly) asking ourselves: “What’s needed for the job at hand?” and getting rid of everything that isn’t.

Don’t need your smartphone? Put it away. Too much noise? Move somewhere quieter. A co-worker dropping by to chat? Save it for breaktime.

#3 – Schedule “Deep Work” Sessions

“To produce at your peak level, you need to work for extended periods with full concentration … [this] type of work…is deep work.” ~Cal Newport

A deep work session is one in which you allow for no distractions, are entirely focused, and lasts for at least a couple of hours. According to Cal Newport, the author of the book ‘Deep Work,’ a single deep work session may allow one to achieve more in two hours than most people do in two days.

The idea here is to make time for complete focus on the most critical tasks. This is a crucial point. Working a long time on stuff that doesn’t generate a “return” is a massive waste of energy. So, it’s necessary to figure out the work that brings in the most value.

#4 – Use Technology

“I’ve always felt that technology can be used to our benefit, and if it should be used to our benefit.” ~Deepak Chopra

There are plenty of useful free and paid tools one can use to help improve productivity.

For example, if you want to hold yourself accountable for how you spend your time, try a time tracker like Rescuetime. If you’re having difficulty keeping things organized, try using Google Calendar or a similar scheduling tool. If you have a hard time resisting certain websites, download a site blocker.

Just bear in mind that the less technology you have, the better. One or two programs should do the trick.

Moreover, it isn’t necessary to spend hundreds of dollars on new software just for the sake of improving your productivity. There are plenty of free versions of software out there that, when combined with a bit of self-discipline, can take your efficiency to another level.

Learn why a pet in the workplace can alleviate stress and improve productivity.

#5 – Try the Pomodoro Technique

“One day we will be more creative, more productive and yet more relaxed.” ~Francesco Cirillo

If you’re starting to get your focus game going, you can do far worse than trying the Pomodoro Technique. Per a 2015 study on the Pomodoro, “Feeling failure and the avoidance of tasks are the main reasons for procrastination. The Pomodoro is a good method of beating that destructive habit.”

Developed by Italian Francesco Cirillo in the late 80s, the Pomodoro method is straightforward. Set a timer for 25 minutes and work single-mindedly on one task for the entire duration. After the 25 minutes are up, mark your accomplishment (hey, small wins matter!) on a piece of paper and take a five-minute break.

After completing four pomodoros, you’ve earned a 20- or 30-minute siesta.

#6 – Listen to Focus-Boosting Tunes

Music lovers probably don’t need an academic study to tell them that music helps sustain concentration. But more and more research is demonstrating the potent effects of music – especially of the classical variety – on attention capabilities.

It does appear that music isn’t created equal to its effects on task performance. For example, music that includes lyrics seems to compete with the attentional resources within the brain—as such, jamming out to your favorite album is probably not the best choice.

But if you can find some instrumental music to your liking, you may find that getting in the flow of work is much easier.

#7 – Practice Mindfulness

“Mindfulness is paying attention, on purpose, in the present moment, and non-judgmentally.” ~ Jon Kabat-Zinn (Source)

The above quote by Jon Kabat-Zinn says it all. Cultivating mindful awareness is honing attentional skills to a razor’s edge. In short, becoming more mindful throughout your day can make a huge difference in what gets done and what doesn’t.

The reason for this is simple: mindfulness takes us off autopilot. When the bottom-up brain circuitry is not ruling us, we can fully direct our significant cognitive resources to whatever we choose. Try mindfulness and these other productivity hacks–you have everything to gain.

Scientists Reveal Lax Parenting Links to Childhood Emotional Disorders

March 3, 2020 by Power of Positivity

Mental health issues have increased dramatically across all age groups in the past couple of decades. Sadly, children are no exception. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, here are some statistics about childhood emotional disorders in the U.S. today:

ADHD, behavior problems, anxiety, and depression are the most commonly diagnosed emotional disorders in children

4% of children aged 2-17 years (approximately 6.1 million) have received an ADHD diagnosis.
4% of children aged 3-17 years (about 4.5 million) have a diagnosed behavior problem.
1% of children aged 3-17 years (nearly 4.4 million) have diagnosed anxiety.
2% of children aged 3-17 years (approximately 1.9 million) have diagnosed depression.

Some of these conditions are co-occurring. For example:

Having another disorder is most common in children with depression. About 3 in 4 children aged 3-17 years with depression also have anxiety (73.8%). Additionally, almost 1 in 2 have behavior problems (47.2%).
For children aged 3-17 years with anxiety, more than 1 in 3 also have behavior problems (37.9%). Furthermore, about 1 in 3 also have depression (32.3%).
For children aged 3-17 years with behavior problems, more than 1 in 3 also have anxiety (36.6%). Plus, roughly 1 in 5 also has depression (20.3%).
Depression and anxiety have increased over time
- Anxiety and depression diagnoses among children aged 6–17 years increased from 5.4% in 2003 to 8% in 2007 and 8.4% in 2011–2012.
- “Ever having been diagnosed with anxiety” increased from 5.5% in 2007 to 6.4% in 2011–2012.
- “Ever having been diagnosed with depression” did not change between 2007 (4.7%) and 2011-2012 (4.9%).

These statistics point to something very wrong with our current system. But perhaps we can look closer to home to figure out what’s happening to our children.

Scientists reveal how lax parenting links to childhood emotional disorders:

In the old days, before technology and the “always-on” society took over, moms typically stayed home with their children while the dads went to work. Of course, this doesn’t mean women shouldn’t have the right to work if they choose to, but with both parents gone, that leaves the children under the care of babysitters and nannies. Nowhere else in nature does this type of parenting occur; all other mammals remain with their mothers until it’s time to leave the nest. However, since we’re out of alignment with nature, we go against the natural rhythms and processes of the universe.

Studies show time and time again how important it is for mothers and children to bond during the first few years of life, especially. A strong bond during the critical years of a child’s development allows the child to have protection from stress and helps him or her develop emotional resilience. Without the mother there to offer love and nurturing, it doesn’t give the child a solid foundation for regulating emotions in the future.

While caretakers can provide nurturing and support, the baby becomes confused if more than one person takes on the role of primary caretaker. Only the biological mom can give the emotional stability and safety necessary for long-term growth and development. Of course, making ends meet in today’s world often requires both parents working; however, in the first few years of life, the mom should stay at home if possible.

How being away from mom affects a child’s emotions

According to a study by the Society for Research in Child Development, raised cortisol levels were noted in the majority of children in full-time, home-based daycare (63%) compared to those who remained at home with their mothers. Intrusive, overly controlling care correlates to a rise in cortisol. In the girls, the increase of cortisol connected with anxious, vigilant behavior, while in boys, it associated with angry, aggressive behavior.

In another study by the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, researchers followed more than 1,000 children in 10 cities who had various types of child care arrangements, including daycare centers, preschools, babysitters, and care from relatives other than their mothers. Their mothers, caregivers, and kindergarten teachers monitored their behavior.

Startling findings about child behaviors

The study found that children who spent the most time in daycare had the most severe and frequent incidences of behavior problems. Most children in the study spent ten or more hours a week in childcare, and around 10 percent spent more than 45 hours per week under the care of someone other than their mothers. Even if children had a stable home life and the mother remained sensitive to a child’s needs, behavior problems still existed the more hours children spent in child care. Furthermore, the quality of child care didn’t matter in the study. Indeed, children even showed behavior problems despite having adequate caretakers.

Overall, around 17 percent of the children had above-average levels of problem behavior like disobedience and over assertiveness. Even though the children displayed behavior within normal limits, they still risk developing behavioral abnormalities, said the study’s scientific coordinator, Dr. Sarah L. Friedman.

Even though none of the variables in the study offset the effects of daycare on the children, researchers found that the mother’s sensitivity and the family’s socioeconomic status had more weight on a child’s behavior than the amount of time they spent in daycare. The study found that greater maternal sensitivity and higher income and education levels produced better behavior in children.

Other factors contributing to childhood emotional disorders

Even if the mother raises a child mostly at home, the quality of care dramatically influences a child’s behavior. For instance, psychiatrist Dr. Luis Rojas Marcos found the following factors produced poor emotional health in children:

Digitally distracted parents
Indulgent and permissive parents who let children “rule the world” and whoever sets the rules
A sense of right, of deserving everything without earning it or being responsible for obtaining it
Inadequate sleep and unbalanced nutrition
A sedentary lifestyle
Endless stimulation, technological nannies, instant gratification and absence of dull moments

A healthy childhood includes emotionally available parents, clear rules and guidelines with punishments if the child doesn’t obey, as well as healthy food and adequate sleep.

Additionally, children need plenty of time to play outside and explore the world; however, most parents today choose to use technology as a babysitter. Many studies have shown how harmful phones and tablets are to developing children. Not only do they promote isolation and lack of engagement, but one study found that the more time children spent on digital devices, the longer their speech was delayed.

The studies back this up

The study examined nearly 900 children between the ages of 6 months and two years between 2011 and 2015. After gathering data about the children’s daily screen time and language abilities, researchers found that for every 30 minutes of additional screen use, speech delays increased by 49%. However, researchers didn’t find any delays in other forms of communicative expressions, such as hand gestures and body language.

Also, other studies have found that children’s memory, attention span, and comprehension decreases the more online content they consume. In traditional learning environments, children read books and head outside to play. Plus, they don’t have as many distractions as online. In a developing brain, overstimulation can produce behavior problems such as ADD or ADHD. So, in a child’s first few years of life, some experts advise that parents don’t allow their children access to digital devices at all.

Children learn by example from their parents, so if the parents engage with them and allow them time to express themselves creatively and with other children, they will have much fewer behavior problems later on. Even though our world is rapidly changing, our biology still requires the same things: love, attention, education, food, shelter, water, and interaction. Technology has its place, but it shouldn’t come between a parent and a child’s need for bonding and love.

Final thoughts for parenting in a time of rampant childhood emotional disorders

With all of life’s demands today, parenting comes with more challenges than ever before. However, sticking to specific guidelines and habits will benefit your children greatly in the years to come. The psychiatrist mentioned above suggests that parents:

Provide nutritious food and limit junk food.
Spend at least one hour a day outdoors doing activities such as cycling, walking, fishing, bird/insect watching
Implement a consistent sleep routine to ensure your child gets enough sleep. The schedules will be even more critical for school-age children.
Teach responsibility and independence. Do not overprotect them against all frustration or mistakes. Misunderstanding will help them build resilience and learn to overcome life’s challenges,
Turn off the phones at night when children have to go to bed to avoid digital distractions.
Become a regulator or emotional trainer for your children. Teach them to recognize and manage their frustrations and anger.
Connect emotionally – smile, hug, kiss, tickle, read, dance, jump, play, or crawl with them.

50 Quotes Only Parents of Toddlers Will Understand

March 3, 2020 by Power of Positivity

As a parent, it can feel like you are continually making mistakes and not being “good enough.” All parents have been there, and it’s not uncommon to feel that way! However, as frustrating raising a toddler can be, nothing brings more joy to a parent’s heart than watching their little ones learn and grow.

Toddlers especially bring significant challenges to our lives, and it can often feel like you make one step of progress and two steps back. If you are feeling this way, here are fifty quotes about parenting toddlers to bring a smile to your face!

Fifty Quotes That Only the Parents of Toddlers Will Get

1. “Having children is like living in a frat house – nobody sleeps, everything’s broken, and there’s a lot of throwing up.” – Ray Romano

2. “If evolution really works, how come mothers only have two hands?” – Milton Berle

3. “A two-year old is kind of like having a blender, but you don’t have a top for it.” -Jerry Seinfeld

4. “When my kids become wild and unruly, I use a nice, safe playpen. When they’re finished, I climb out.” – Erma Bombeck

5. “My kid is turning out just like me. Well played, karma. Well-played.” – Anonymous

6. “Mom Pro Tip: If you’re old enough to critique what I put in your lunch, you’re old enough to make it yourself.” – Anonymous

7. “I love when my kids tell me they’re bored. As if the lady standing in front of a full sink of dirty dishes is where you go to get ideas about how to have a good time.” – Anonymous

“I’d love to be a Pinterest mom. But it turns out I’m more of an Amazon Prime mom.” – Unknown

9. “Cleaning your house while your kids are still growing up is like shoveling the sidewalk before it stops snowing.” – Phyllis Diller

10. “And then I thought to myself, What’s the point of cleaning if my family is going to keep living here?” – Anonymous

11. “You can be a mess and still be a good mom. We are allowed to be both.” – Katie Bingham Smith

12. “The quickest way for a parent to get a child’s attention is to sit down and look comfortable.” – Lane Olinghouse

13. “The easiest way to shop with kids is not to.” – Unknown

14. “Parenting is yelling ‘you just had a snack!’ over and over until you give in and throw them another snack.” – Unknown

15. “My mom voice is so scary, even the neighbors brush their teeth and put their shoes on!” – Unknown

“Being a mom means having an address book filled with names like ‘Jenny Jacob’s Mom.'” – Unknown

17. “Toddlers: Take 10 minutes to put on shoes but can download 3 apps, take 42 selfies, and change the language of your phone to Spanish in 20 seconds.” – Unknown

18. “‘Hi, I’d like to return this.’ ‘Is it damaged or broken?’ ‘No, its just annoying.’ *hands toddler over*” – Unknown

19. “Me: *Falls down a flight of stairs*, Toddlers: ‘Mommy can I have a snack?'” – Anonymous

20. “You is tired, you is in leggings, you is drinking cold coffee. You is a Mama.” – Unknown

21. “No matter how big and bad you are, when toddlers hand you a toy phone, you answer it.” – Unknown

22. “I just had to apologize to a toy shark and kiss a toy fire engine goodnight…parenthood is weirder than I thought it would be.” – Unknown

23. “One minute you’re a horse and the next minute you’re a ballerina. Being a parent can make you do strange things… especially when it’s bedtime. But somehow the little ones just have a way with you.” – Bijou Playpen

24. “Cuddling seems like it should be a super-sweet family activity, but with a toddler it’s more like guarding your ribs from a professional kick boxer. How can someone so small take up an entire king size bed?” – @sarahjessica710 on Instagram

“Toddlers are surprisingly fast for their size. Between lifting and chasing a mischievous toddler, it’s basically a free gym membership– or one that you have to feed and change.” – Unknown

26. “Every toddler suddenly becomes busier than a CEO when it’s time for bed. First we need a bathroom break, then a snack, then a story, and so much more. How can they be so awake when you’re so tired?” – @sleepymumsvillage on Instagram

27. “Toddlers are truly just designers at heart, so don’t let the paint splatters, wall art, and cookie crumbs get you down. A little chaos is actually just creativity if you have the right attitude.” – @mylittlefarmerusa on Instagram

28. “Forget the stunt double. Toddlers can manage get into every dangerous corner of the house in the blink of an eye.” – @cluelessmamad on Instagram

29. “A little peace and quiet seemed nice until you found a ketchup and mustard mural on the wall. Any seasoned parent knows silence is actually an omen for mischief.” – Unknown

30. “It’s important to let kids do things on their own, but watching a two-year-old struggle with a zipper is the stuff of nightmares. Double that if you’re running late.” – @inspiredbyjaiamber on Instagram

“When you have brought up toddlers, there are memories you store directly in your tear ducts.” – Robert Brault

32. “You can learn many things from children. How much patience you have, for instance.” – Franklin P. Jones

33. “Children are a great comfort to us in our old age, and they help us reach it faster too.” – John Ruskin

34. “The reason I love toddlers so much is because they’re so honest, so you know right away if they like you or they don’t.” – Colin Egglesfield

35. “I love toddlers, but they are a tough audience.” – Robin Williams

36. “I think that the best thing we can do for our children is to allow them to do things for themselves, allow them to be strong, allow them to experience life on their own terms, allow them to take the subway… let them be better people, let them believe more in themselves.” – Joybell C.

37. “Toddlers are always more trouble than you thought and more wonderful.” – Charles Osgood

38. “No one has yet fully realized the wealth of sympathy, kindness and generosity hidden in the soul of a child. The effort of every true education should be to unlock that treasure.” – Emma Goldman

39. “There’s nothing more contagious than the laughter of toddlers; it doesn’t even have to matter what they’re laughing about.” – Criss Jami

40. “A child enters your home and for the next 20 or so years makes so much noise you can hardly stand it. Then the child departs, leaving the house so silent you think you are going mad.” – John Andrew Holmes

“You don’t know what unconditional love is. You may say you do, but if you don’t have a child, you don’t know what that is. But when you experience it, it is the most fulfilling ever.” – Regina King

42. “The more people have studied different methods of bringing up children, the more they have come to the conclusion that what good mothers and fathers instinctively feel like doing for their babies is the best after all.” – Benjamin Spock

43. “What it’s like to be a parent: It’s one of the hardest things you’ll ever do but in exchange it teaches you the meaning of unconditional love.” – Nicholas Sparks

44. “Accept the children the way we accept trees—with gratitude, because they are a blessing—but do not have expectations or desires. You don’t expect trees to change, you love them as they are.” – Isabel Allende

45. “Before I had my child, I thought I knew all the boundaries of myself, that I understood the limits of my heart. It’s extraordinary to have all those limits thrown out, to realize your love is inexhaustible.” – Uma Thurman

Therapist explains how to make pareting more joyful.

46. “Toddlers will make love stronger, days shorter, nights longer, bankroll smaller, home happier, clothes shabbier, the past forgotten and the future worth living for.” – Unknown

47. “Having children is a life-changer. It gives you a whole other perspective on why you wake up every day.” – Taylor Hanson

48. “I love these little people; and it is not a slight thing when they, who are so fresh from God, love us.” – Charles Dickens

49. “A happy family is but an earlier heaven.” – John Bowring

50. “Stop trying to perfect your children, but keep trying to perfect your relationship with them.” – Dr. Henker

Weekly tips, affirmations, and small actions to feel your best.

Every day is a day to shine. Shine on!