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Researchers Reveal Nightmares Can Actually Be Healthy

January 29, 2020 by Power of Positivity

Have you ever had a nightmare? Then you’re probably familiar with that sense of relief when you wake up and realize that the harrowing episode was all a figment of your imagination.

It sure felt real though.

Many of us are familiar with this feeling. According to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM), up to 85 percent of all adults have occasional nightmares. According to many of these experts, the occasional bad dream may be healthy.

It is important to note the word intermittent.

That’s because, unfortunately, there are conditions wherein a person is subject to “the repeated occurrence of frightening dreams that lead to awakenings from sleep.” This includes a relatively common one known as nightmare disorder.

Some Background Info About Nightmares

Here are a couple of important points to keep in mind going forward:

We will discuss how nightmares may be healthy for the psyche. However, most psychologists and sleep experts concur that nightmares stemming from an underlying psychological disorder probably don’t carry the same benefits. For example, nightmares due to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and major depressive disorder (MDD).
Some studies also show a correlation between nightmare frequency and suicidal ideation. Per the study cited, individuals who attempted (but did not commit) suicide were more likely to complain of recurrent nightmares than the rest of the population.

In short, those with nightmares and mental health problems should discuss them with a psychologist or someone of similar expertise.

Such disclosures aside, nightmares may indeed be healthy.

Let’s discuss the science of nightmares to gain a rudimentary understanding of what’s going on under the hood.

The Neuroscience of Nightmares

Dreams are a product of the brain’s default mode network (DFN). The DFN are areas of the brain that tend to remain active even during periods of relative quiet. One such time is during REM sleep, which is about one-fifth of our total sleep time.

REM periods typically involve the consolidation of memories, which often cause vivid imagery to be projected from the subconscious. As such, if such images are indeed unpleasant, the individual may experience a bad dream.

As REM intervals become longer, the chances of having a nightmare rise.

Certain medical conditions called parasomnias are sometimes mistaken for nightmare disorders. These include:

Night terrors: Episodes of disorientation following slow-wave sleep and produce severe symptoms such as kicking, screaming, or thrashing. Sometimes, the person experiencing the night terror may unconsciously bolt from the bed. The confusion that characterizes night terrors may leave the person unable to remember the event, which is often not the case for someone who experiences a nightmare. Night terror will usually occur within three hours of sleep commencement.

REM sleep disorder: Normally, the body is immobile while we sleep – a state called sleep paralysis – to prevent us from acting out our dreams. People who suffer from REM sleep disorder, however, may become mobile due to irregular wave production within the brain. That’s because the brain might deactivate the brain circuitry responsible for sleep paralysis. REM sleep disorder is most common among men of middle age.

A Note about the DFN

Although this may be off-topic, it is worth briefly discussing the potential problems of an overactive default mode network. Once again, the DFN is most active when the brain is at rest or otherwise uninvolved in a cognitive task.

Research implicates DFN activity in major depressive disorder (MDD) and feelings of anxiety. Moreover, Harvard Researchers have already found that DFN activity is directly linked to “automatic pilot” thinking and behaviors, which are, in turn, significant sources of unhappiness and life dissatisfaction.

The DFN also engages if someone thinks about themselves, remembers the past, or as they set future goals.

It seems fair to conclude that making lifestyle adjustments or training the brain to spend less time in rumination – an explicitly DFN activity – may be conducive to reducing or eliminating unhealthy nightmare episodes. We’ll talk more about how to do precisely that in the ‘Final Thoughts’ section.

Risk factors that might cause nightmares

Here are some risk factors that may be associated with more nightmares:

– A concurrent sleep disorder (e.g., insomnia, sleep apnea, etc.)

– An untreated medical condition

– Certain prescription medications (e.g., antidepressants, beta-blockers, dementia meds, and perhaps some others.)

– Mental health disorders, such as anxiety, depression, or PTSD.

– Substance abuse (e.g., alcoholism, drug addiction)

Statistics and Trends

Here are some statistics and trends about nightmares that you may find both interesting and relevant:

– For 3 to 7 percent of the U.S. population, nightmares may be considered a “problem.” (By “problem,” these experts are likely referring to disturbed sleep stemming from nightmares.)

– Nightmares are more common between the ages of 3 and 6. (Nightmares peak in number and subsequently decline around age 10.)

– 1 in 20 people experience at least one nightmare every week.

– About 75 percent of those PTSD and 50 percent with personality disorder experience regular nightmares.

How Nightmares May Be Healthy

“…if you have garden variety nightmares occasionally, that’s a really good opportunity to understand … more about unconscious fears and anxieties that may be cropping up.”

~ Deidre Barrett, Ph.D., assistant professor of psychology at Harvard University and author of Trauma and Dreams (Source)

In a two-study article published in the journal Human Brain Mapping, researchers sought out to determine the validity of an emerging psychological theory; specifically, that nightmares enable individuals to resolve emotional distress while stabilizing volatile emotions during wakefulness.

To put this theory to the test, the research team looked at and analyzed the data of two studies.

Don’t ignore these fifty dreams.

Study #1

In the first study, the research team used the “serial awakening” method to inquire whether they had experienced any fear in any dream state. That involved waking subjects repeatedly following brief periods of sleep.

The primary objective of the first study was to reaffirm that the brain regions associated with fear in dreams also correlate with the processing of undesirable emotions during periods of wakefulness.

Study #2

In the second study, 89 participants reported their level of emotional arousal during waking hours. Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) technology pinpointed the areas of the brain associated with fearfulness during the waking state.

The second study’s primary objective was to compare individuals’ emotional regulation levels during waking hours to fear levels experienced during sleep.

Study Results

In the first study, 12 of 18 participants were tested for “[brain imaging] analysis of fear versus no fear conditions” during non-REM (NRM) sleep, while the remaining eight subjects were tested for the same conditions during REM sleep.

The researchers affirmed that fear in dreams primarily involves two brain regions. They’re the insula and the midcingulate cortex.

The second study found that “those reporting [a] higher incidence of fear” while dreaming demonstrated both reduced emotional arousal during wakefulness and decreased brain activity in the insula and midcingulate cortex “in response to fear-eliciting stimuli” during waking hours.

In short, nightmares may strengthen our emotional resilience and allow us to untangle and resolve issues of the psyche that usually remain below the surface.

Final Thoughts: Are Nightmares Worth It? (Answer: It depends.)

Now for some straight talk followed by some reflection. Ready?

Straight talk first: nightmares suck, especially when they interfere with getting the restful sleep that we all desperately need.

Now for some rational reflection.

Are these researchers are onto something, and nightmares really do untangle deeply-hidden psychological skeletons? Or, is it worth it to suffer through the temporary experience?

It seems the best answer is a solid “Maybe.”

It’s probably worth it for individuals who are regularly dealing with high stress and irritability. The reason is that an occasional nightmare may both serve as a release for the underlying cause and strengthen their emotional resilience when faced with a similar situation in the future. So, the payoff is potentially great.

But individuals with deep-seated mental health issues or trauma do not reap these benefits. As such, we’re using the closing words of the article to reemphasize the following point:

Nightmares stemming from mental health disorders, including trauma, require assistance from a trained professional.

10 Amazing Home Remedies for Tension Headaches

January 29, 2020 by Sarah Barkley

Tension headaches can cause intense discomfort or dull pain in your forehead, neck, and back of the head. Typically triggered by overwhelming stressors in life, tension headaches are a common occurrence amongst adults. Though, many home remedies for a tension headache offer relief and can help prevent new episodes later.

Tension headaches, also called stress headaches, can last from thirty minutes to a couple of days before subsiding. Sometimes the pain will intensify throughout the day, and other times it might ease up as the day goes on. In both cases, though, the pain is typically persistent in the back of your mind.

These headaches usually cause pain on both sides of the head. Unlike migraines, you will not experience nausea, vomiting, or light sensitivity during a tension headache. Since the biggest trigger of tension headaches is stress, those who live high-stress lives tend to experience them more often. Thus, some people call these stress headaches.

If you experience tension headaches, it could interfere with your ability to do daily tasks. You might struggle at work, avoid experiences, and neglect your relationships as you deal with the pain. Luckily, simple lifestyle changes and home remedies for tension headaches can relieve it.

Try These Ten Home Remedies for Tension Headaches

Try these tension headache home remedies to relieve the pain.

1. Eat Healthy Foods

If you aren’t consuming enough vitamins and minerals, your body can’t function properly. When that happens, you can quickly experience tension headaches and other health concerns. Eating a healthy breakfast is most important, as it gives your body nutrients right from the start.

Almonds are a healthy snack option if you have a tension headache because they promote muscle relaxation. They contain potassium, vitamin E, magnesium, and also pain-relieving chemicals.

Additionally, the vitamin B complex is essential to produce energy for your brain, prevent headaches, maintain normal functions, and produce myelin. If you experience a deficiency of vitamin B complex, it can cause intense tension headaches.

Some of the foods that can help alleviate and prevent tension headaches include:

fish
eggs
meat
honey
cherries

As you begin to implement healthier foods into your diet, consider removing some unhealthy ones. Any food that contains phenylalanine and tyramine can increase the frequency of headaches. These amino acids and compounds are often found in artificial sweeteners, processed meats, smoked or fermented foods, and aged cheeses.

Other foods that can trigger or worsen the symptoms of a tension headache include the following:

dairy
onions
bacon
peanut butter
chocolate
bananas
avocados

Eating well is to prevent them from happening, to begin with, is even better than seeking home remedies for tension headaches.

2. Exercise Regularly

When you exercise, chemicals are released in your body that block pain signals. Your brain won’t receive the pain signal, resulting in less pain and fewer tension headaches. Plus, exercise stimulates the production of endorphins, which are natural painkillers in your body.

Exercise is one of the best home remedies for tension headaches because you can choose any physical activity you want. Consider walking, running, swimming, cycling, or other forms of exercise that you enjoy.

A large study of over 92,000 people showed that low levels of physical activity were associated with an increased risk of headaches. If you know that you don’t get enough exercise, start taking small measures to get moving. For starters, park further away from the store so that you get more steps throughout the day.

3. Get Enough Sleep

Sleep deprivation is a frequent tension headache trigger. People who get less than six hours of sleep each night experience more frequent and intense episodes. Waking up often during the night can compromise your ability to get quality sleep, too, resulting in headaches.

If you have trouble falling asleep or resting for an entire night, try creating a restful environment in your bedroom. Use blackout curtains, white noise machines, and anything else that can improve your sleep quality.

Following the same sleep routine every day, even on weekends, can help prevent tension headaches in the future. Avoid caffeine in the hours before bed, too, if it makes you unable to fall asleep at bedtime. Getting adequate sleep is one of the most useful tension headache natural home treatments you could try.

4. Avoid Taking Too Much Caffeine

Some caffeine can reduce headaches, especially if you are used to heavy caffeine intake. If you consume too much caffeine, though, it can cause headaches and intense irritability. Any more than 400 milligrams of caffeine each day can increase the frequency and intensity of your tension headaches.

While 400 milligrams might sound like quite a bit of caffeine, it only equals around four cups of coffee. Those who drink caffeine all day likely exceed this limit before lunchtime. Be careful, though, because stopping caffeine or cutting back too quickly can also trigger tension headaches.

5. Stop Smoking

Nicotine in cigarette smoke can cause headaches in a few different ways. First, it stimulates a reaction in the pain-sensitive nerves at the back of your throat, triggering tension headaches. That’s not the only way that stopping smoking can work as a home remedy for tension headaches, though.

Nicotine in cigarette smoke limits blood flow to your brain as it forces your blood vessels to constrict. Decreased blood flow limits brain activity, which is a factor of headaches. Additionally, reduced blood flow to the meninges induces severe pain in the face or back of the head.

6. Manage Your Stress

Too much stress can quickly trigger tension headaches. Learning to manage your stress can make all the difference in alleviating the frequency and intensity. Start getting your stress under control by planning and productively organizing your day.

When you plan your day, make sure to include time to relax and destress. If you struggle with relaxing, practice relaxation techniques to help you manage your stress levels. Some methods you can try include these activities:

deep breathing
taking a walk
practicing meditation
taking a hot shower
soaking in a tub
stretching
taking a short nap
doing yoga
writing in a journal
focusing on artistic expression

7. Massage

A massage helps relieve muscle tension and reduce stress. It is most beneficial for the muscles in the back of your head, neck, and shoulders. As pressure is applied to your muscles and soft tissues by a massage therapist, you will experience benefits such as headache relief and prevention.

Massage helps with many conditions, including stress-related illness, sleep problems, pain, high blood pressure, and other ailments. Each of these problems can trigger tension headaches, furthering the ability to control them with a massage.

If you can’t get a professional massage, you can do a small session safely on yourself to help relieve headache pain. Using the tips of your fingers, gently massage around your neck, ears, and forehead. As you go along, gently move the skin back and forth for ultimate relief.

8. Stay Hydrated

The body requires significant amounts of water to maintain proper functioning. Most people don’t consume the recommended amount and end up in a perpetual state of dehydration. When you’re dehydrated, it causes frequent headaches.

If dehydration is the cause of your headache, drinking plenty of water and relieve your symptoms in as little as thirty minutes. By staying hydrated all of the time, you will experience fewer tension headaches overall. You can boost your water intake by consuming water-rich foods and choosing water over other beverage options.

Aim for at least eight 8-ounce glasses of water each day, but keep in mind that these might not be the most beneficial amount. If this seems like a lot to you, try sipping on water constantly during the day, even when you aren’t thirsty.

9. Avoid Drinking Alcohol

Research shows that alcohol commonly triggers tension headaches in people that experience frequent ones. Alcohol widens the blood vessels in the body, causing blood to flow too quickly and freely. When this happens, it causes intense headaches.

Alcohol also causes you to lose fluids and electrolytes through frequent urination, which can cause dehydration and more headaches. If you decide to drink, make sure you drink plenty of water to make up for it.

While a couple of drinks is fine for most people, those that experience frequent headaches might experience a headache after only one. Pay attention to the way you feel after consuming an alcoholic beverage. If it seems to trigger your headaches, avoid it entirely.

10. Use Cold Or Hot Compresses

Using a cold or hot compress can help reduce the pain of your tension headache. Use an ice pack, wrapped ice, or frozen vegetables for a cold compress, but use a cloth to protect your skin. Put the compress on your head, temples, or neck to decrease inflammation, reduce nerve conduction, and constrict blood vessels.

For a hot compress, use a heating pad, a hot-water bottle, or a hot towel. A hot bath or shower will have the same effect, so consider that, as well. Since tension headaches are often stress-induced, the heat will relax your muscles and offer relief.

Final Thoughts on Amazing Home Remedies for Tension Headaches

Now that you know how to treat tension headaches at home, you might be able to skip the chemical pain relievers.

Although there are many over-the-counter headache remedies, they don’t treat the source of the problem. These home remedies for tension headaches promote a lifestyle change that can alleviate the root of your headache. It encourages increased well-being and health, and it can prevent future headaches from creeping in.

Try these home remedies for tension headaches right away so that the pain and discomfort don’t take over your life. Since it’ll alleviate the root of the issue, too, it’ll reduce the number of headaches you get all together.

Therapists Reveal 12 Ways to Encourage Someone to Quit Smoking

January 29, 2020 by Power of Positivity

We’ve all heard about the dangers and lifelong damaging effects of smoking. Yet, most of us know at least one person who smokes or even may smoke ourselves. Despite recognizing that tobacco is unhealthy and harmful, to quit smoking is not an easy task. A person who is trying to kick the habit needs the support of friends and family to encourage them on the journey.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the prevalence of smoking dropped from 20.9% in 2005 to 13.7% in 2018. And while that trend shows excellent promise, smoking is still a harmful habit for many.

We know that smoking can lead to various diseases and long-term health conditions, including cancer, emphysema, heart disease, reduced circulation, and decreased fertility. Many of these health conditions are chronic and irreversible, so the earlier a smoker quits, the better their long-term health will be.

As loved ones of smokers, we may see just how dangerous and unhealthy the habit may be. No matter how much we want to help them, we need to recognize that they need to decide to quit on their own. As friends and family, we play an essential role in encouraging our loved one, but ultimately we can’t control their choice.

12 Ways to Encourage Someone Who Wants to Quit Smoking

1 – Acknowledge That Quitting Smoking Is A Big Deal

Nicotine is an incredibly addictive substance that affects not only our physical health but also our mental health. It changes our brains, which makes us feel dependent upon it. In fact, one study cites tobacco addiction as a “chronic brain disorder.”

Therefore, we must recognize and understand the power that nicotine has on its users.

Regardless of whether or not we have smoked ourselves, we need to understand how complicated this process can be for our loved ones. It’s going to be a big challenge and a significant accomplishment for the person.

2 – Understand That This Is An Ongoing Process

Because of the way nicotine does influence a person’s brain, we should also understand that quitting smoking is an ongoing process. It’s a significant life change that will take a considerable amount of time and effort. It will take time for the quitter to retrain their brain and replace smoking with new and healthier patterns.

3 – Each Person Has Their Unique Reasons

Regardless of your perspective, the one who is trying to stop smoking certainly has different reasons why they want to quit. As support for our friend or family member, we certainly know the dangers of tobacco and our reasons for wanting them to stop. However, it’s a good idea to talk with our loved ones to understand what THEIR motivations are.

In understanding why they want to quit, we can help remind our loved ones what they are working toward. This understanding can serve as a beacon for them to keep going despite challenges along the way. Most importantly, we must encourage them to keep going.

Every smoker has their own life and their own story. They may be influenced by money, health, family, career, or future goals. They may want to regain control over their own body. Whatever the reasons may be, it must be relevant to them and keep them motivated. In supporting this person, we can remind them during times of struggle or temptation.

4 – Put Yourself in Their Shoes

Statistics tell us that 70 percent of adult American smokers want to kick cigarettes to the curb. However, they grapple with giving up a habit that sends positive reward signals to their brain. For many, they have regularly been smoking for many years, so stopping is an enormous life change.

So muster up some empathy and put yourself into the quitter’s shoes.

Even if we have never smoked, we can think back to a time when we had to give up something. Your addiction might be junk food, caffeine, alcohol – whatever it may be. Only then can you understand the depth of the quit process.

5 – Don’t Be Pushy

Regardless of how much our loved ones’ bad habits may hurt us, we cannot change their decisions. At the end of the day, it is their life and their lifestyle choices. We need to respect that.

If we are supporting someone who is in the process of quitting, it’s vital for us to be there to provide positive reinforcement and encourage them. We can help guide them toward the right decisions and away from negative influences. However, being overly pressuring or forceful in our support is not going to benefit them at all.

If anything, this can cause more anger and frustration, which can ultimately backfire and lead them back to smoking. Therefore, we can be supportive and encouraging, but we must make sure not to cross the line.

6 – Be Understanding and Supportive Every Step of the Way

So many smokers say they want to quit. Yet, a significant number of those people never actually succeed. For most, it takes several failed attempts before they successfully stop. One study reveals that some smokers attempt a “quit” thirty times before they succeed.

As friends or family of the smoker, we need to acknowledge this.

No matter how much they may want to quit, it is very likely that they will slip up here and there. Just be understanding and encourage them to get back on the right track. Encourage your friend to be resilient and guide them away from negative influences whenever possible

It is also essential to recognize that any attempt they make is progressing from where they were. It shows that they have the motivation and are making an effort – two positive and crucial aspects of success. If they make mistakes or even go back to smoking regularly, we can remind them of their reasons. We should recognize their accomplishments and encourage them to try again.

7 – Don’t Criticize

If a quitter messes up or starts smoking full-time again after an attempt at stopping, we should not be critical. Likely, they already feel bad enough about it. Criticizing and making them feel guilty only worsens the problem.

We should still be supportive and understanding of their mistakes but let them know that we still believe in them. Feeling this positive support, the person will feel more encouraged to try again and continue making positive life choices.

8 – Just Be There

As someone goes through the process of quitting, there will undoubtedly be plenty of struggles and awkward moments along the way. The most important thing we can do is friends is simply be there to listen. So much of the time, just being present and available to talk and listen to our loved one is the most important thing we can do.

Simply letting the person know that they are not alone and that you are there can make all the difference. It’s so valuable for a quitter to have that positive support system.

9 – Help Develop Alternate Activities and Follow Through with Quitting Strategies

As a friend or family member, one of the most important things you can do is help them get their mind off smoking. It’s a good idea to work with them to come up with other healthier activities and habits that you can both enjoy.

These strategies and alternate activities can vary greatly depending on the particular person and their interests.

One useful alternate activity could be some form of exercise – walking, running, bike riding, or playing a sport. This can be a great way to deal with any anxious or restless energy that quitting smoking may bring on.

If the person is used to smoking at particular places or in specific social settings such as at bars or clubs, suggest alternative activities that you can enjoy. These could include going to a movie or smoke-free restaurant. These activities can also motivate you to incorporate healthier activities into your own life.

In developing these strategies and engaging in new activities, it’s always good to recognize any triggers. Help the person continue to avoid triggers or places that may give them the urge to start smoking again.

10 – Provide them with Outside Resources

We all know that no matter how close we are or how much we want to influence someone’s behavior, our desires aren’t always enough. When dealing with any kind of struggles or changes, it can often be helpful to get an outside perspective.

No matter how much we encourage our loved one, they may still need outside support. For many, it can be helpful to talk to doctors and therapists about strategies that can benefit both them both physically and mentally along the way.

For many people, support groups can be incredibly beneficial. There are plenty of support groups, both online and in-person, for those in the process of quitting smoking. These are so important in helping people connect with those who are struggling with the same or similar issues as they are.

Having this kind of outside support system can be so helpful for quitters as they recognize that they are not alone and that many others are dealing with the same issues as they are. There is power in numbers, and having this support network can be very powerful for someone quitting smoking.

11 – Celebrate Small Victories along the Way

As our loved ones continue on their journey to being smoke-free, we can continue to remind them of their accomplishments along the way, no matter how small. From merely going for a day without a cigarette to being smoke-free for six months, we can celebrate with them every step of the way.

12 – Emphasize the Positive

Remember to stay positive to encourage your loved one. We can often overlook this and point a laser-like focus on the negatives of smoking. For example, we tend to remind our loved ones of the ravages of nicotine on the brain or lungs.

Instead, emphasize the positive outcomes they will see when they beat their addiction. For instance, remind them that they will be able to keep up playing with their children or grandkids.

A focus on the positives (benefits) instead of the negatives (the dangers) will motivate your friend. Remember, they know the risks of cigarettes. What they might not see (yet) is how much better their life will be without nicotine.

Final Thoughts on Continuing to Encourage Someone Who Is Quitting Smoking–Even on Their Bad Days

There are going to be tough days, and our loved ones may even lash out at us during their withdrawal from smoking. We must continue to encourage and understand their struggles.

In the process of quitting smoking, we should always remain present and be there to enjoy the victories along the way. From small gifts to celebratory dinners, any little thing we do reminds our loved ones just how much we care.

14 Early Flu Symptoms to Never Ignore

January 29, 2020 by Power of Positivity

This guide to flu symptoms may save your life! Keep reading to learn all about identifying influenza before it is too late. Many people think the flu is a harmless inconvenience. They might get a cough, runny nose, and mild fever without severe symptoms.

However, the reality is that it can be deadly if left untreated. According to CDC estimates, influenza caused about 810,000 hospitalizations and 61,000 deaths since 2010.

Being able to identify the flu will help you get the treatment you need as soon as possible. This allow you to begin treatments that can stop the flu in its tracks before it gets too dangerous. However, many people wait until it’s too late because they think they have a minor cold.

So how do you tell if you have the flu? Flu identification is all about noticing potential symptoms and determining if they are caused by influenza or another illness. Here are some early warning signs you need to keep an eye out for.

Early Symptoms You’re Getting The Flu

1 – Fevers

Even a slightly elevated body temperature is a sign that something is going wrong. You get fevers when your body is trying to raise temperatures to kill foreign invaders. Therefore, the flu tends to cause a fever.

Try to learn your base body temperature, which may be a little higher or lower than 98.6 degrees. Then you can identify when you have a low-grade fever.

All fevers are a sign of concern, but you should definitely seek help if it is above 103 degrees Fahrenheit. This is a high-grade fever that can be life-threatening if not treated.

2 – Whole Body Aches and Pains

Often, this is one of the very first flu symptoms ever to show up. Unlike body aches associated with other illnesses, flu aches and pains tend to be severe. You may feel like you worked out too hard or feel like you tripped and fell down the stairs!

This symptom shouldn’t be ignored because it is a signal your whole body is fighting against the flu. Fortunately, it is possible to treat. Taking an over-the-counter painkiller can reduce pain without affecting the progression of your flu.

3 – A Sore Throat

Sore throats are often ignored because most people associate them with the common cold. However, flu symptoms expert Andrew Hayward explains that a sore throat is more common than you might think. Many people with low-grade influenza actually have no symptoms besides a sore throat.

This might seem harmless, but it is still important to note. Those with a weak immune system might feel alright for several days but, eventually, get a more severe version. You should also get tested if you have a sore throat so you can avoid giving it to others.

4 – A Runny Nose

This is another one of those flu symptoms that may not be caught because people assume it is a common cold. The runny nose associated with the flu tends to start out clear and drippy. Over time, it may thicken up and become green or yellow.

At the first sign of a runny nose, you should go ahead and prepare for the flu. Get a lot of rest and drink plenty of fluids. Noticing this early sign can keep you from overdoing and making your flu worse.

5 – Chills

Not all people with a fever will feel hot and sweaty. As your body raises the temperature to fight the flu, you experience temperatures differently. Therefore, many people who are feverish get intense chills, where they shiver and shake.

Do not assume that this is happening just because your AC is set too high. Instead, it might mean you have the flu. Check your temperature, and take medications to stop a fever if you have one.

6 – Extreme Fatigue

Have you ever had a day where you felt like you just couldn’t wake up? This is a common early flu symptom. It happens because your body cannot produce enough energy when it is trying to fight off the flu.

If you have this symptom, take it easy instead of trying to power through it. Your body needs rest while it overcomes the flu. Therefore, you should listen to this fatigue and try to rest and relax as much as possible.

7 – Vomiting

Most people associate vomiting with the “stomach flu,” which is an entirely different illness. However, it can also happen with standard influenza. Since the flu is a viral infection, some people’s bodies react by trying to vomit to get rid of it.

Vomiting is a dangerous symptom that should be addressed because it keeps you from getting the nourishment you need. Try to sip clear liquids and eat dry crackers slowly. If you cannot keep anything down, you may need to get medical help before you get dehydrated or malnourished.

8 – Worsening Medical Problems

A little known sign of flu is that your other medical problems tend to get worse. People with asthma might have more frequent attacks, while those with heart conditions can have unsteady heart rates. This occurs because your body is too taxed by the flu also to handle other health problems.

This makes the flu particularly dangerous if you have chronic conditions like COPD, asthma, or pulmonary disease. Having to manage two health dangers at once may be too much for ill people. As soon as you notice your condition worsening, you should see a doctor.

9 – Headaches

Some people with the flu may not show any flu symptoms at first besides a blinding headache. There are multiple underlying causes of this flu sign. It can be a sort of flu ache, and it is also linked to dehydration.

If you have a headache, do not just take a painkiller and hope it goes away. You also need to make an effort to drink plenty of water and get hydrated. If it continues, you should see a doctor as soon as possible.

10 – Dry Cough

A dry cough is a cough where you feel a tickle but doesn’t produce any mucus. It is easy just to dismiss this symptom as allergies or dry air. However, the reality is that coughing is typically an early flu sign.

This type of cough needs to be monitored because it can turn into pneumonia or bronchitis. Pay attention to it closely. If you are coughing so hard you cannot breathe, you need to see a doctor.

Read how Ginger Tea can relieve your cough.

11 – Pressure in the Chest

Some people with the flu may feel pressure or pain in their chest and stomach. Pressure in the chest is a sign that you have inflammation around your lungs. You should always pay attention to this symptom because difficulty breathing can rapidly worsen.

It typically occurs alongside other respiratory symptoms like coughs and runny noses.

12 – Bluish Tint to Skin

This flu symptom is mostly something that caregivers need to look out for in infants or seniors. People who are very young or old may not experience influenza like healthy adults. If they cannot tell you something is wrong, you need to be able to notice the symptoms.

A bluish tint to the skin happens when someone is having trouble breathing. It means they are not getting enough oxygen, so you need to take it seriously. Check for a bluish tint on lips or nails, and seek help immediately if you see it.

13 – Diarrhea

Diarrhea is not always just a harmless upset tummy from eating something a bit strange. It can actually be a flu symptom. For some people, the virus represents itself as gastrointestinal upset.

This is not as common as other flu symptoms in adults, but it is quite common in children. Diarrhea is a surprisingly dangerous flu symptom because it dehydrates you. Look out for these signs of dehydration in anyone with diarrhea:

Dry mouth
Low urine output
Dizziness
Yellow or brown urine
Dry skin
Sunken eyes

14 – A Feeling That Something Isn’t Right

The early warning signs of flu are very subtle, so sometimes people just feel like something is wrong. No one knows your body better than you.

Even if you are not getting any other symptoms, you should not ignore this sensation. It is better to be safe and go ahead and visit a doctor. If they catch the flu early enough, you might be one of the lucky people who avoids any other symptoms.

Final Thoughts of Identifying Your Flu Symptoms

As you can see, identifying influenza is easy when you know what to look for. If you notice you have any of these symptoms, you should call your doctor as soon as possible. They can give you medications to fight the flu and provide treatment for dangerous symptoms.

The prompt treatment makes a huge difference in overcoming the flu. By being attentive to flu symptoms and listening to your body, you can make sure you get well in no time at all!

10 Behaviors Reveal That Your Child Might Be A Cyberbully

January 29, 2020 by Power of Positivity

Law enforcement leaders estimate that more than 13 million children, ages 6 to 17, found themselves the victim of a cyberbully in 2006. Unfortunately, the prevalence of cyberbullying has only continued to increase since then. The percentage of individuals who have been cyberbullied nearly doubled from 2007 to 2016, reports PACER’s National Bullying Prevention Center.

Sadly, the number of individuals being cyberbullied is likely to be higher than statistics reveal as much cyberbullying goes unreported. Data analysis shows that in 2015, only 43% of all students who were bullied reported it to an adult. This stat was revealed in the Indicators of School Crime and Safety report published by the National Center for Education Statistics. Tragically, suicide rates and suicidal ideation have also increased dramatically among young people over recent decades. The CDC reports that teenage suicides increased by 76 percent in the last decade. Suicide was the second largest cause of death for 10 to 24-year-olds living in the U.S. in 2017.

CYBERBULLYING AND NEGATIVE IMPACTS ON KIDS

Many psychologists, psychiatrists, and pediatricians aim to better understand the dramatic increase in suicide rates among children and adolescents. Their copious amounts of research have revealed a connection between the rise in suicide rates with the spike in cyberbullying. The harmful effects of bullying are both immediate and long-term. Child psychologists explain how being bullied has a myriad of adverse effects on children’s and adolescent’s lives. Among the adverse effects of being bullied are depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, physical health problems, personality disorders, and even suicide.

The authors of this peer-reviewed research article examined the relationship between bullying and suicide among young people. Their data revealed that bullying strongly correlates with suicidal ideation as well as suicide attempts. Furthermore, researchers found that cyberbullying is more strongly related to suicidal ideation than traditional bullying. Thankfully, parents can aid in helping to prevent terrible outcomes such as these. Parents can help by closely monitoring their children for signs that they may be a victim or perpetrator of cyberbullying. If your child is cyberbullying, there are some telling signs that she or he might show. Knowing these signs and how to respond to them could save a child’s life. Keep reading to learn more about ten behaviors that reveal your child might be a cyberbully.

10 BEHAVIORS THAT REVEAL YOUR CHILD MIGHT BE A CYBERBULLY

Your child might be a cyberbully if she or he:

1) Is secretive about their online activity.

A child who is cyberbullying might quickly switch or close the computer screen when anyone walks by or enters the room. Someone who is bullying others will also commonly avoid having conversations about their computer and cell phone activities with adults.

2) Uses the laptop and/or their mobile device late at night.

In their desire to be secretive and unsupervised, a cyberbully often uses their electronic devices late at night. Consequently, young people who are cyberbullying commonly have trouble sleeping. This peer-reviewed research revealed that adolescents who bully had more irregular sleep schedules and shorter sleep duration than non-bullying schoolmates.

3) Uses multiple different online accounts and/or fake names.

This behavior is related to the anonymity that someone who is cyberbullying seeks. To remain anonymous, a person who is cyberbullying uses fake names to create multiple email and social media accounts. By doing so, the bully can indeed hide behind the screen and remain unknown to their victims. This anonymity often causes a bully to feel even more powerful and uninhibited in their bullying behaviors. Much research has shown how anonymity can have an impact on antisocial behavior online. The authors of this scientific study aimed to determine if online anonymity increased the frequency of cyberbullying among young people. Their research revealed that the more people feel they are anonymous online, the more likely they are to cyberbully.

4) Becomes excessively upset when you take away their computer and/or cell phone privileges.

This outburst occurs because someone who cyberbullies uses the computer and/or cell phone as their “weapon” of choice to bully others. Take away the device, and you effectively disarm them of their weapon of choice. Consequently, a cyberbully becomes extremely upset when you remove these devices. If your child is involved in cyberbullying, he or she may also display excessive computer and/or cell phone use.

5) Blames others for their actions.

Individuals who bully are usually acting out of fear and anger. Because of this, they do not see what they do to others as being their fault. And they don’t accept responsibility for the things that they do. Bullies frequently justify their violent behavior by shifting the blame to their victims. They commonly believe that they are merely reacting to what someone else has done to them. Individuals who bully often perceive themselves to be the victim instead of the other way around. If a bully cannot find a way to blame others for their behavior, they are likely to deny any involvement in bullying.

6) Lacks empathy for others.

Having a lack of empathy makes it much easier for a bully to be emotionally and physically abusive to their victims. Instead of seeing their victims for the humans that they are, bullies often dehumanize their victims. Someone who bullies people will commonly feel superior to others and be discriminatory and intolerant of differences. These perceived differences could be social, economic, physical, or racial. A bully will use anything that they believe makes another person “less than” to try to justify their bullying behaviors. “Researchers Explain 10 Ways to Teach Empathy to Your Kids” is a fantastic resource for parents. Check it out if you’d like to learn more about how you can help cultivate empathy in your children.

7) Acts aggressively.

Individuals who bully others often live in fear and feel out of control of their own lives and emotions. Because they feel out of control, they fear what will happen to them if they do not control others. Bullies commonly fear that they will be hurt if they do not have total control of a person and/or situation. Consequently, they act aggressively and aim to control and dominate others in an attempt to prevent themselves from being hurt. In many cases, a person who bullies also enjoys watching violent television shows and movies and plays violent video games. All the while, demonstrating a positive attitude about the violence that they observe or commit.

8) Becomes frustrated easily.

Because those who bully are not in complete control of their own emotions, they often become frustrated, and quite easily. They often escalate to anger quickly, also. This rage comes from the individual’s lack of emotional control as well as a lack of impulse control. The littlest things can set a bully off. This problem is intensified by the fact that bullies frequently feel fearful and are under a lot of emotional strain.

9) Breaks rules often and doesn’t learn from previous mistakes.

Almost all children and adolescents break the rules and push boundaries. It’s an inevitable part of growing up and learning. However, an individual who bullies may lack the ability to see or understand that what they are doing is wrong. As a result, they do not learn from their mistakes and continue to break the rules. This behavior often causes a bully to get into trouble at school. And when an adult calls out or disciplines a young cyberbully, they commonly talk back to and argue with adults. They might also hang out with other youth who are known bullies.

10) Has a history of bullying others and/or is currently a victim or has been a victim of bullying in the past.

The authors of this study, published in School Psychology International, aimed to understand the relationship between traditional bullying and cyberbullying. The data that researchers collected made it clear that more frequent traditional bullying linked to higher chances of cyberbullying. Additionally, an individual who is cyberbullying may also currently be the victim of bullying, or has been in the past.

Are you worried that your child is bullied in person or online? Know all the signs to watch for. Here is an article that discusses symptoms that children might exhibit if they are bullied.

FINAL THOUGHTS ON BEHAVIORS THAT REVEAL YOUR CHILD MIGHT BE A CYBERBULLY

In the not so distant past, many people regarded bullying as a natural occurrence among children and adolescents. In previous decades, it was quite common for adults to believe that bullying was a healthy thing for young people to experience. Some adults even incorrectly assumed that being bullying increased a young person’s mental fortitude.

Over time, an abundance of scientific research has revealed the opposite to be true. We now know the facts surrounding the multitude of terrible outcomes that bullying has on those who are victimized. Consequently, we have come to understand that bullying is not healthy or okay in any way, for anything. Unfortunately, cyberbullying can be more challenging to detect and control than traditional bullying due to the anonymity of cyberbullies. Because cyberbullying often takes place when young people are at home, the help of parents in prevention efforts is vital. If you’d like information about how you can help prevent cyberbullying, “Preventing Cyberbullying: Suggestions for Parents” is a wonderful resource.

There is no denying that technological advancements have had an impact on young people and cyberbullying. The rise of social media and smartphone technology plays a crucial role in the cyberbullying epidemic. However, technology is not the problem, nor is it to blame. Some of the impacts of technology and social media on kids are incredibly positive, and some are not. Technological advances, including the Internet, have helped youth to accomplish many great things and to grow in truly incredible ways. But with more and more technology comes the need for more and more parental supervision, guidance, and responsibility.

But remember…

Those who bully others likely found themselves the target of a bully, themselves. Children and adolescents might not report the incidents for fear that the bullying will only get worse if they do. The best thing that you can do is have an open and honest conversation with your child about bullying. If you’d like information about how to approach this conversation with your child, this resource is incredibly helpful and informative.

Children who bully are not bad or hopeless. Quite the opposite. They often feel hurt. And you can uncover (and address) logical explanations for their behavior. Here at the Power of Positivity, we aim to help every child and parent to succeed and remain healthy. We hope that this article, and the resources included in it, have given you an excellent place to start talking about cyberbullying with your child.

Kid In Trouble For Doodling Hired By Local Restaurant to Create Wall Art

January 28, 2020 by Power of Positivity

When you were in elementary school, I’m sure you can recall doodling on papers while daydreaming about being elsewhere. Almost every kid does it, but some teachers aren’t as tolerant of it as others. However, even if schools don’t always condone creative expression, it’s important that parents support that side of their children. When 9-year-old Joe Whale got in trouble for doodling in class, his parents urged him to keep drawing even if his teacher didn’t agree with it.

His parents picked up on Joe’s natural talent and sent him to an after-school art class where everyone around him was in awe of his abilities. Joe’s artistic abilities were so remarkable that he was asked to decorate the dining room of ‘Number 4’ restaurant in Shrewsbury, England. Known by most people as The Doodle Boy, Joe now has his own website and social media pages to showcase his work!

This is the perfect example of how something negative can easily be turned into a positive if you simply reframe the situation. Read on to see some of Joe’s work and read more about his story!

Kid Gets In Trouble For Doodling In Class, But Local Restaurant Asks Him To Draw on Their Wall

Joe’s sketchbooks are filled with creative drawings like these!

https://www.facebook.com/thedoodleboy.co.uk/photos/a.116375316469110/143070827132892/?type=3&theater

Now you can see why the restaurant asked him to doodle on their walls! Here are some photos from the Number Four.

Joe was just beginning his masterpiece.

https://www.facebook.com/thedoodleboy.co.uk/photos/a.102670987839543/102671761172799/?type=3&theater

This is from the second day of doodling. He’s made quite a bit of progress in just one day!

https://www.facebook.com/thedoodleboy.co.uk/photos/a.102670987839543/102672767839365/?type=3&theater

Day 3

https://www.facebook.com/thedoodleboy.co.uk/photos/a.102670987839543/102674164505892/?type=3&theater

It’s just amazing what can come from the mind of a child. Perhaps we adults could learn a thing or two from him!

https://www.facebook.com/thedoodleboy.co.uk/photos/a.102670987839543/105942324179076/?type=3&theater

According to Joe’s dad Greg, his son always loved drawing. Furthermore, he entered into gifted classes at just age 4. His dad said it took Joe about 12 hours to illustrate the walls of the restaurant.

Greg had the following advice to give for parents who have a child with a knack for creativity: “I would advise parents to encourage their children to always follow their passion and dreams — research local workshops or groups within your local community.”

Joe standing in front of his finished masterpiece!

https://www.facebook.com/thedoodleboy.co.uk/photos/a.102670987839543/107237470716228/?type=3&theater

Learn how you can turn your child’s doodling into jewelry to treasure forever.

Joe in the middle of filming for a TV show. Just shows you what can happen when you follow your passion in life!

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Joe whale (@thedoodleboy.co.uk) on Jan 18, 2020 at 1:08pm PST

You can see what a big imagination Joe has from his drawings!

https://www.facebook.com/thedoodleboy.co.uk/photos/a.102670987839543/102675814505727/?type=3&theater

Aren’t Joe’s doodles just adorable? They really bring you back to a more childlike existence where everything seemed fun and carefree.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Joe whale (@thedoodleboy.co.uk) on Dec 29, 2019 at 12:55pm PST

What did you think of Joe’s doodles? Amazing, right?! If you’d like to see more of his work, you can follow him on Instagram, Facebook, or check out his website.

Do your own children love to draw? Then, we hop you feel inspired to enroll your kids in some sort of community art class. Or, take them to a museum to feed their soul some inspiration. Remember, this world would just be “eh” without art!

Cardiologists Explain Why The DASH Foods Diet Is Best For Anyone With Heart Issues

January 28, 2020 by Power of Positivity

You’ve likely heard friends mention they are eating DASH foods, but you may not know what those letters stand for or mean. DASH stands for Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension.

Moreover, cardiologists say that these DASH foods are essential for heart health. This diet effectively lessens the need to give medication for this blood pressure issue.

With a healthy heart being so crucial to our lives, this diet could be life-saving. It isn’t difficult to incorporate into your diet, and you can easily find favorite snacks and recipes that follow the dietary guidelines. It is a simple diet, as long as you follow the rules of this program.

Cardiologists swear by this diet and have worked hard to explain the importance of it. Before discussing the significance, however, it is essential to know what the guidelines of the menu are.

Rules of the DASH Diet

The guidelines of this diet are pretty simple and include the following:

Eat more fruits and vegetables
Switch to low-fat dairy foods and add a decent amount to your diet
Consume fewer foods that are high in saturated fat, cholesterol, and trans fats
Consume more whole-grains
Eat fish, poultry and nuts more often
Limit preservatives, sodium, sweets, sugary beverages, and red meats
Measure out portion sizes

The Importance of the DASH Foods Diet

Studies show that in the last 50 years, the number of people with hypertension (high blood pressure) has risen drastically. Because of that, the DASH diet was created with the primary goal of lowering blood pressure.

While it can also help you to lose weight, reduce cholesterol, and manage diabetes, the full intention is to lower blood pressure. This goal is because high BP can lead to heart disease, stroke, and kidney disease. Cardiologists swear by it because studies, like this one published by AHA Journals, prove that following this diet can regulate blood pressure without requiring weight loss.

Many of the DASH foods contain large amounts of antioxidants. Antioxidants prevent chronic health problems like heart disease and hypertension. Positive results can be seen in less than two weeks once you have implemented this healthy eating regime.

What Eating Habits are Typically Like in Comparison

Cardiologists have a good reason for pushing so hard for people to follow this diet. The typical person in the United States currently consumes food that is rich in saturated fats, omega-6 fatty acids, carbohydrates that contain a high glycemic load, and too many artificial additives to count. Each of those components listed is detrimental to the health of your heart.

When cardiologists realized this was such a huge issue, they began working to create the DASH diet that was introduced in the 1990s. Once it was released and studies underway, scientists and doctors quickly found that eating habits alone can lead to an improvement in blood pressure regulation. They found this outcome even when the participants made no other life changes, including improving their exercise or sleep habits.

What You Should Eat

Grains

You should eat six to eight servings of whole grains each day. This food could be in the form of bread, cereal, rice, or pasta. Options include one slice of whole-wheat bread, one ounce of dry cereal, or 1/2 cup of cooked cereal, rice or pasta. It is important to choose whole grains over white bread or rice or regular pasta because whole grains have more fiber and nutrients.

Vegetables

Everyone should be eating four to five, serving of vegetables each day. There are many to choose from for this diet, including tomatoes, carrots, broccoli, sweet potatoes, greens, and a wide array of others. Vegetables provide essential nutrients and minerals, making them an excellent option to ensure a healthy heart.

An example of one serving of vegetables would be one cup of raw greens and 1/2 cup of chopped vegetables or cooked vegetables. You can enjoy veggies as a snack, side dish, or even a topping for noodles or other main dishes. Of course, there are always delicious salads to try, as well. Frozen, canned, or fresh vegetables are all options when it comes to DASH foods.

Fruits

Cardiologists recommend four to five servings of fruits each day, which is easily accomplished. Since fruits are the perfect snack or lunch side, it’s an easy way to follow the DASH diet. A serving of fruit would be 1/2 cup of fruit (can be fresh, frozen, or canned) or four ounces of fruit juice.

Leave edible peels on the fruit, as well, because they provide many nutrients. It’s also important to note that when consuming fruit juice, you should avoid the ones that have added sugar.

Dairy

You should have two to three servings of dairy each day in the form of milk, yogurt, cheese, or other dairy product. It is vital to choose the low-fat or fat-free option to avoid saturated fat. One serving of dairy is one cup of low-fat milk or yogurt or 1-1/2 ounces of cheese.

It’s important to note that you should avoid consuming too much cheese as it contains high amounts of sodium.

Fish, poultry, and lean meat

You should consume no more than six one-ounce servings each day, as it is full of essential nutrients but doesn’t allow you to consume as many vegetables. Options include one egg or one-ounce of fish, poultry, or lean meat such as salmon, herring, or tuna. The reason these are included in the DASH diet is that they contain high amounts of omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for heart health.

Nuts, seeds or legumes

Surprisingly, you should consume nuts, seeds, or legumes four to five times each week. Examples include almonds, kidney beans, peas, and sunflower seeds, with many other options, as well. A serving contains 1/3 cup of nuts, two tablespoons of seeds or nut butter, or a half-cup of beans or peas.

You should only consume these foods a few times a week because they are high in calories. They are still important, however, due to their ability to protect against cardiovascular disease.

Learn six reasons why you should add hemp seeds to your grocery list asap.

Sweets

Let’s be real. You’re not going to skip an occasional treat. Fortunately, DASH foods allow limited treats. Therefore, while you will avoid too many sweets, you don’t have to cut them out entirely. You can consume up to five servings of sweets each week, including a cup of lemonade, a small bowl of sorbet, or one tablespoon of sugar, jelly, or jam. When consuming sweets, still remember to avoid artificial sweeteners and sucralose.

Fats and oils

Too much fat and oil can include your risk of heart disease, but they do assist your body in absorbing nutrients. As long as you keep your intake to no more than 30% of your total daily calories from fat.

Servings include one teaspoon margarine, one tablespoon mayo, or two tablespoons of salad dressing. Remember to avoid trans fat and saturated fat.

Easy Ways to Incorporate the DASH Diet Into Your Life

You may be able to substitute the ingredients in your favorite dishes with ingredients that are DASH diet-friendly. If you can’t find a proper substitute, however, there are hundreds of DASH diet recipes on the internet. Some quick and easy ideas include:

fruit with low-fat yogurt on top
low-fat frozen yogurt with fruit mixed in
instead of making mashed potatoes, make mashed cauliflower
eat a taco salad with black beans, substitute ground turkey for ground beef. And, use low-sodium or homemade taco seasoning
have oatmeal for breakfast and top with fresh fruit
prepare a smoothie for breakfast using juice or low-fat milk, greens, and your favorite fruits
add cooked fish to a salad full of your favorite vegetables and top with nectarines
make vegetable soup using low-sodium broth and your favorite veggies (add black beans or lean ground chicken for an added touch)
have a grilled fish sandwich on a whole-grain bun and top it with vegetables
prepare a fruit salad and keep it in your refrigerator as a quick snack option
make hamburgers but use ground turkey instead
cut sweet potatoes into French fry shapes, lightly season them and bake them in the oven
have a bean burrito on a whole-grain tortilla, top with low-fat sour cream, and have whole-grain rice as a side
dip vegetables in hummus for a quick snack
sprinkle a little granola and honey over the top of Greek yogurt
add shrimp to whole-grain pasta and mix in a little extra virgin olive oil before sprinkling with cheese
make your snack mix using pretzels, popcorn, dried fruit, and sunflower seeds

Final Thoughts on the Importance of the DASH Foods Diet for Lower Blood Pressure and Preventing the Onset of Hypertension

Cardiologists developed the DASH foods diet when they noticed the association between high blood pressure, heart health, and the intake of an average American. Once they linked diet to hypertension, they began vigorously testing this program. Those research results showed how much your diet affects your blood pressure and, in turn, your heart.

Since your heart is one of your essential organs, the desire to protect it should be high on your list of priorities. By making simple lifestyle changes and taking on a healthier diet can be the only change that stands in the way for you.

Boy Helps A Blind Deer Find Food Before School Everyday

January 28, 2020 by Power of Positivity

In this world where we’re inundated with bad news almost constantly, it’s nice to read something positive for a change. One sweet ten-year-old boy in Chicago, Illinois spotted a blind deer before school one day and decided to help it find food. We could learn a lot by adopting habits and behaviors of children, don’t you think?

A Reddit user with the name Bluecollarclassicist shared this heart-warming story with the world. Of course, if the deer attempted to return to living in nature, it wouldn’t survive very long. That’s where this kind-hearted boy comes in to offer relief to the helpless deer. He took the deer to grassy spots along the sidewalk so it would have food to eat. A neighbor snapped a photo of the pair together and posted it on Imgur. It quickly went viral as people’s hearts melted over the generosity of the young boy.

Boy Helps A Blind Deer Find Food Before School Everyday

When the Illinois Department of Natural Resources got word of the story, it decided to adopt the deer. They gave her a safe shelter, food, and water. They learned the boy hadn’t named or pet the deer, wanting to be respectful of the fact it was a wild animal despite its limitations. The boy didn’t feel sad, therefore, when the deer was taken away. Rather, he felt a sense of relief knowing that the deer would be in safe hands from then on.

Luckily, the deer didn’t get picked up by government officials, who often put down animals without a second thought. The group that came to pick up the deer is a local organization that made sure the deer was well taken care of.

View post on imgur.com

Source: Reddit/bluecollarclassicist

The boy’s natural affection and care for the deer is something all of us can learn from. Humans don’t live in harmony with our local environment, instead choosing to exploit and become possessive of resources, and even each other. However, the boy and this deer have a beautiful relationship, where the deer can fully trust the boy to care for it.

The deer was extremely lucky to have wandered into a neighborhood where such a caring person lived, because otherwise the deer would’ve likely been hit by a car or starved to death. When the IDNR came to pick up the deer, half the neighborhood came outside to show their support and witness the act of kindness for themselves.

The reddit user and his wife hope to reward the child’s act of kindness and take him to visit the deer in the local nature preserve.

Final Thoughts on Helping the Environment Around Us (even a blind deer)

We can all do better in regard to living in harmony with the animals around us. If you see a stray dog, for example, you could post pictures of it on social media to see if anyone would like to adopt it. Or, if you have a local no-kill animal shelter, you could take it there so it can be formally adopted. This is just one example, but the point is that we can all do our part to live more cohesively with the environment around us.

Do you know of anyone who has helped an animal in need like this? If so, please share your story with us in the comments!

Dietitians Reveal Pros And Cons Of The 3 Day Military Diet

January 28, 2020 by Power of Positivity

Are you looking for a way to lose weight and get into better shape? Losing weight is not a process of instant gratification, however, and many of us quickly lose steam because we don’t see the results that we wish. Is there a weight loss plan that allows us to jump-start our progress, gain momentum, and still enjoy real, sustainable food? There might be–it’s the 3 day military diet.

Here’s a little bit about the 3 Day Military Diet

The 3 Day Military Diet is a fast weight loss program that boasts rapid weight loss over a three-day cycle, followed by four days of a low-calorie, less restrictive eating plan. The plan allows you to repeat the weekly cycle until you achieve your desired goal weight. Followers of the program claim to have lost as much as 10 pounds per week, or almost 40 pounds in a month, eating foods like hot dogs, vanilla ice cream, and peanut butter. The science behind the plan is the food combinations that supposedly jump-start the metabolism, encourage fat burning, and satiate hunger.

How did it originate?

The origin of the 3 Day Military Diet is unknown. Still, some theorize that nutritionists working for the U.S. Military designed the plan as a way for soldiers to quickly slim down and get into shape.

How does it work?

Combinations of specific foods pair together to fire up your metabolism and promote rapid weight loss. For three days, you stick to a list of allowed foods at particular times, and the following four days, you develop a low-carb, relatively low-calorie eating pattern.

What do I eat on the 3 Day Military Diet?

The “on” days of your diet plan are as follows:

Day one:

Breakfast:

One slice toast
2 Tbsp peanut butter
1/2 grapefruit
Black coffee or tea

Lunch:

One slice toast
Half cup of tuna fish
Black coffee or tea

Dinner:

3 ounces meat
1 cup green beans
Half a banana
One small apple
1 cup vanilla ice cream

Day two:

Breakfast:

One slice toast
Half a banana
One cooked egg

Lunch:

1 cup cottage cheese
One hard-boiled egg
5 saltine crackers

Dinner:

2 hot dogs without buns
1 cup broccoli
Half a banana
1 cup vanilla ice cream

Day three:

Breakfast:

One slice cheddar cheese
One small apple
5 saltine crackers

Lunch:

One slice toast
One cooked egg

Dinner:

1 cup tuna
Half a banana
1 cup vanilla ice cream

Limited substitutions on the plan are allowed, as long as you stay within calorie guidelines.

What are the possible food substitutions for the 3-day military diet plan?

As much as some people want to try the diet plan, they are put off by foods on it that are unappealing or even off-limits to them. Rest assured, there are some food substitutions for each meal that you can use to customize according to your tastes and dietary needs that will work equally as well. We’ll break down food substitutions for each meal that will produce the same kind of chemical reaction and keep you on track for losing weight:

Day one breakfast

Swap out 1/2 tsp of baking soda in a glass of water for grapefruit. The diuretic effect of this pH balanced water will remove excess water from tissues.

An acceptable substitute for toast would be 1/8 cup of sunflower seeds, 1/2 cup multigrain cereal, one tortilla, or two rice cakes.

Peanut butter can be swapped out for most nut butter, including cashew, almond, and sunflower seed butter. You can even use hummus or bean dip for additional protein.

Day one lunch

Some people cannot stomach the taste of plain tuna from a can. Acceptable substitutes would be any lean meat, cottage cheese, tofu, or almonds. Slices of avocado with sunflower seeds would also be a delicious alternative.

Day one dinner

Vegetarians, no worries–you may use lentils, beans, or tofu as meat alternatives.

Swap out your green beans for lettuce, spinach, or tomato, making sure that your calorie count is the same.

Fruit substitutions for the apple and banana could include dried apricots, kiwi, papaya, plums, peaches, pears, zucchini, or grapes. Again, make sure your calorie count is the same for these two items.

Are you craving a healthier option than vanilla ice cream? Consider 1 cup of fruit-flavored yogurt, unsweetened apple juice, or almond milk. No chocolate almond milk, please, as it contains added sugars that can derail your metabolic process.

Day two breakfast substitutions

Egg—1 cup of milk, one chicken wing, two slices bacon, 1/2 cup beans or lentils
Toast–1/8 cup sunflower seeds of 1/2 cup multigrain cereal
Banana–2 kiwis, 1 cup papaya, two apricots, grapes, applesauce

Day two lunch substitutions

Cottage cheese–1 cup plain unsweetened yogurt, ricotta, cheddar cheese, eggs, or ham
Hard-boiled egg—1/2 avocado
Saltine crackers–rice cakes, almond crackers

Day two dinner substitutions

Hot dogs–turkey or soy dogs, deli meat, lunch meat, beans, lentils, portabello mushrooms
Broccoli–cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, asparagus
Banana-2 kiwi, 1 cup papaya, two apricots, grapes, plums, applesauce
Vanilla ice cream—1 cup fruit-flavored yogurt, applesauce, almond milk

Day three breakfast substitutions

Saltine crackers–rice cakes, almond crackers
Cheddar cheese–eggs, cottage cheese, ham, tofu
Apple–plums, peaches, pears, zucchini, dried apricots

Day three lunch substitutions

Hard-boiled egg–1 cup milk, one chicken wing, 1/4 cup nuts, two slices of bacon, 1/2 avocado
Toast–1/8 cup sunflower seeds, 1/2 cup whole-grain cereal, one tortilla, two rice cakes

Day three dinner substitutions

Tuna—1/2 cup canned chickpeas
Banana–2 kiwis, 1 cup papaya, apricots, plums, grapes, applesauce
Vanilla ice cream–1 cup fruit-flavored yogurt, apple sauce, almond milk, or vegan Coconut Bliss

Pros and Cons of the 3 DAY Military Diet

Some nutritionists and dietitians argue that the 3 Day Military Diet is not a sustainable way to lose weight, as the calorie restriction in the first part of the diet is too low to provide adequate energy for most. With any diet plan, it is wise to consult your doctor before beginning any program, and you should always follow medical advice when starting and implementing a new program.

There are, of course, pros and cons to this diet that promises rapid weight loss using combinations of real foods:

Diet plan pros:

This diet plan does quickly start your weight loss, and if followed correctly, can yield lasting results. A method this structured can take the guesswork out of dieting that is so hard for some to sustain.

Food combinations are comprised of items that you can find in most people’s homes, and they are relatively easy to obtain and prepare. Food substitutions are acceptable to most, and there are some options for vegetarians and other dieters who have different food sensitivities or restrictions. Check here for more information on food substitutions that are acceptable on the plan.

You can repeat this 3-day-on, 4-day-off plan, which keeps your metabolism fired up and working efficiently to lose weight on an ongoing basis. With other types of diets, following a low-calorie plan for an extended time can cause your metabolism to slow, making weight loss difficult.

Diet plan cons:

While many know this as an effective weight loss plan, the reality is that there are processed foods on this list of meals. For some, this type of eating while on a “healthy” eating plan is unacceptable. Hot dogs, for instance, have shown links to the development of heart disease and even cancer. Finding a healthier substitute might be more beneficial for lasting weight loss.

While you may lose a few pounds initially, following this diet for an extended period might cause you to gain the weight back, because some of the foods on this diet are processed, high-fat foods. While the thought of eating vanilla ice cream every night after dinner is appealing, it might not be a sustainable way to follow a sensible eating plan that helps you maintain your weight.

Is this diet calorie counting in disguise?

The military diet is all about portion control. For the first three days, calories are counted for you unless you choose to add in foods or make substitutions, which must still be measured, and calorie counted. It is recommended on the following four days that you keep a food log and continue to count calories, keeping your daily total under 1500 calories to see measurable results.

You will lose weight…but is it all water?

Experts note that water weight is relatively easy to lose; some people can lose up to five pounds of water weight in a single day. While your initial pound count might be primarily water, following the diet over time will allow you to drop needed pounds.

Final Thoughts on Trying the 3 Day Military Diet

As you embark on your journey to be healthier, you must decide if the 3 Day Military Diet is right for you. Talk to your doctor, make smart choices, and see what you how you can benefit from trying out this simple yet effective plan for both quick and lasting weight loss. Here’s to your healthiest days ahead and a slimmer, trimmer you!

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

Grains

Vegetables

Fruits

Dairy

Fish, poultry, and lean meat

Nuts, seeds or legumes

Sweets

Fats and oils

Every day is a day to shine. Shine on!