#healthbeats

[au-not-alternate]

HELPFUL SIGNS FOR NONVERBAL EPISODES [ASL]

Hey! I know that this isn't at all like what I normally post, but due to something that happened to me recently, I thought it might be a good thing to do.

This is a guide intended to help people who experience nonverbal episodes. I'm not an expert on the subject, nor am I someone who is fluent in American Sign Language, so please take this with a massive grain of salt. I just thought it may be helpful for anyone who wants to be able to communicate with their nonverbal friends, family, partners, etc. Also, while using ASL can be helpful in these circumstances, I really, really recommend taking actual classes in order to communicate better. There are certain grammar rules that you need to know in order to actually be using ASL as opposed to... just using the signs. I guess, in short, look things up for clarification, or, even better, ask someone who's Deaf/actually fluent.

DISCLAIMER: I am not Deaf. Because of that, I'm not a completely accurate source of information. If anything in this guide is wrong or appropriation, PLEASE TELL ME! I don't intend to offend anybody, nor do I want to appropriate Deaf culture.

Firstly: What is being nonverbal? Being nonverbal or nonspeaking is simply what it sounds like: not speaking. It can be triggered by stress, anxiety, sensory overload, or a multitude of other reasons. Depending on the person, it can feel like one is physically unable to speak. Some people may be able to force themselves to speak, but speaking may cause more stress or overstimulation. It can last from under an hour to days at a time.

How can using ASL help? Using American Sign Language as a form of communication during a nonverbal episode can allow for a nonverbal person to be able to communicate without further overstimulating or stressing themself by talking. It can help to make sure that their needs are met and that they can express their feelings more easily.

Alright, so now that I've explained things, let's get on to the signs. I've organized them into categories for convenience; 'basic', 'feelings', 'wants/don't wants', and 'miscellaneous'.

Basic:

me/you, my/your, yes, no, not, stop, want, don't want, please, thank you (me, you, my, and your are directional. The sign is moved towards whoever one is talking about. Not is used to negate other signs, ie. angry + not = not angry, signed in that order.)

Feelings:

sad, angry, overwhelmed, tired, stressed

Wants/Don't Wants:

touch, hug, help, leave, quiet (help is also directional and should be moved towards whoever one is talking about.)

Miscellaneous:

nonverbal, loud, bright, fault, feeling (nonverbal is two signs - 'speak', and 'not'. It's signed as 'not speak'. I couldn't find a resource to show it.)

Resources to learn these signs (and others):

https://www.aslbloom.com/search-for-a-sign

https://www.handspeak.com/

https://www.signingsavvy.com/

SOURCES CITED:

https://medium.com/invisible-illness/what-its-like-to-go-nonverbal-dd4754d008e0

https://www.reddit.com/r/autism/comments/nz8l49/nonverbal_episodes_question/

https://www.nm.org/healthbeat/healthy-tips/nonverbal-autism-what-it-means

[researchbuzz]

Electric Circuits, Managing Electricity Demand, Healthbeat, More: Tuesday ResearchBuzz, August 27, 2024

NEW RESOURCES Wolfram Blog: Electric Circuits Made Simple with Wolfram. “I’m pleased to announce a new Wolfram U interactive course for beginners that will introduce a new audience to the fascinating field of electrical engineering, with a focus on the fundamental aspects of analyzing and designing electric circuits. … You’ll begin by exploring essential concepts such as voltage, current and…

[davestone13-blog]

The New Covid Vaccine Is Out. Why You Might Not Want To Rush To Get It.

Arthur Allen and Eliza Fawcett, Healthbeat and Rebecca Grapevine, HealthbeatAugust 26, 2024 The Roosevelt Island Daily News The FDA has approved an updated covid shot for everyone 6 months old and up, which renews a now-annual quandary for Americans: Get the shot now, with the latest covid outbreak sweeping the country, or hold it in reserve for the winter wave? The new vaccine should provide…

[laocommunity]

The Ultimate Guide to Revamping Your Diet: 9 Staple Foods That Will Supercharge Your Health and Blow Your Taste Buds Away | HealthBeat

The Ultimate Guide to Revamping Your Diet: 9 Staple Foods That Will Supercharge Your Health and Blow Your Taste Buds Away | HealthBeat # The Ultimate Guide to Revamping Your Diet: 9 Staple Foods That Will Supercharge Your Health and Blow Your Taste Buds Away | HealthBeat # If you're feeling sluggish, bloated, or just generally unhealthy, it's time to take a closer look at your diet. What you eat has a huge impact on how you feel, both physically and mentally. A diet that's rich in nutrient-dense foods can help you maintain a healthy weight, improve your digestion, boost your energy levels, and even improve your mood. In this guide, we'll introduce you to nine staple foods that will supercharge your health and blow your taste buds away. You don't have to be a gourmet chef or spend hours in the kitchen to incorporate these foods into your diet. With a little planning and creativity, you can enjoy delicious, healthy meals that will leave you feeling your best. ## Why It's Important to Revamp Your Diet ## Before we dive into the nine staple foods, let's take a look at why it's so important to revamp your diet. The average person in the United States consumes far too many calories, sugar, and unhealthy fats, and not enough fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein. This imbalance can lead to a host of health problems, including obesity, Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and even certain types of cancer. Eating a diet that's rich in nutrient-dense foods, on the other hand, can help prevent these illnesses and improve your overall health. ## Quinoa ## First on our list of staple foods is quinoa. This ancient grain is a nutritional powerhouse, packed with protein, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals. Quinoa is also a good source of iron, which is important for healthy blood and energy levels. You can use quinoa in a variety of dishes, from breakfast bowls to salads to casseroles. It's also a great gluten-free alternative to pasta or rice. ## Kale ## Kale has long been hailed as a superfood, and for good reason. This leafy green is loaded with vitamins A, C, and K, as well as calcium and iron. Kale is also a good source of antioxidants, which help protect your body against damage from free radicals. You can use kale in a variety of dishes, from salads to smoothies to soups. You can also bake kale chips for a healthy snack. ## Blueberries ## Blueberries are a delicious and convenient way to boost your intake of antioxidants and other essential nutrients. These little berries are loaded with vitamin C, fiber, and phytochemicals, which help protect your body against inflammation and oxidative stress. You can enjoy blueberries as a snack, add them to smoothies or yogurt, or use them in baked goods like muffins and pancakes. ## Salmon ## Salmon is one of the best sources of omega-3 fatty acids, which are important for heart health, brain function, and reducing inflammation. It's also a good source of protein and vitamin D, which are both important for overall health. You can grill, bake, or broil salmon for a delicious dinner, or add it to salads or scrambled eggs for a healthy breakfast. ## Sweet Potatoes ## Sweet potatoes are a nutrient-dense alternative to regular potatoes. They're loaded with vitamins A and C, fiber, and potassium, which helps regulate blood pressure. You can bake, roast, or mash sweet potatoes for a healthy side dish. You can also use them to make sweet potato fries or hash browns. ## Greek Yogurt ## Greek yogurt is a creamy and delicious way to add protein and calcium to your diet. It's also a good source of probiotics, which help promote healthy digestion and boost your immune system. You can enjoy Greek yogurt as a snack or use it as a base for dips and dressings. You can also use it to make smoothies or frozen treats. ## Almonds ## Almonds are a tasty and convenient way to add healthy fats, fiber, and protein to your diet. They're also a good source of vitamin E, which helps protect your cells against damage from free radicals. You can snack on almonds, add them to salads or cereal, or use them to make nut butter or almond milk. ## Avocado ## Avocado is a delicious and versatile fruit that's packed with healthy fats, fiber, and potassium. It's also a good source of vitamin C, vitamin K, and folate. You can use avocado in a variety of dishes, from guacamole to smoothies to sandwiches. You can also mash avocado and use it as a healthy spread or dip. ## Lentils ## Lentils are an excellent source of plant-based protein, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals. They're also low in fat and calories, making them a perfect addition to a healthy diet. You can use lentils in a variety of dishes, from soups to salads to stews. They're also a great vegetarian alternative to meat in many recipes. ## FAQs ## 1. Q: Can I eat these foods if I have food allergies or sensitivities? A: It depends on the food and your specific allergies/sensitivities. For example, if you're allergic to nuts, you should avoid almonds. If you're sensitive to gluten, you should choose gluten-free grains like quinoa. Talk to your doctor or a registered dietitian to determine which foods are safe for you to eat. 2. Q: Do I have to eat all of these foods every day? A: No, you don't have to eat all of these foods every day. Try to incorporate them into your diet on a regular basis, but don't stress if you can't eat them every day. 3. Q: What if I don't like one of these foods? A: If you don't like one of these foods, don't force yourself to eat it. There are plenty of other healthy foods to choose from. Find foods that you enjoy and that fit your dietary needs. 4. Q: Can I eat these foods if I'm on a budget? A: Yes, many of these foods are affordable and readily available. For example, lentils, sweet potatoes, and kale are all budget-friendly options. 5. Q: Will I lose weight if I eat these foods? A: Eating these foods as part of a balanced diet can help you maintain a healthy weight. However, weight loss requires a calorie deficit, so you'll need to be mindful of your overall calorie intake. 6. Q: Are these foods safe for pregnant women? A: Most of these foods are safe for pregnant women, but some should be consumed in moderation. Talk to your doctor or a registered dietitian for personalized advice. ## Conclusion ## Incorporating these nine staple foods into your diet is a simple and delicious way to improve your overall health. Whether you're looking to lose weight, boost your energy levels, or simply feel better, these foods can help you achieve your goals. So start revamping your diet today and discover the amazing benefits of nutrient-dense eating. #HEALTH Read the full article

[lostvoidedsignal]

https://www.health.harvard.edu/healthbeat/writing-about-emotions-may-ease-stress-and-trauma

https://clifonline.org/how-writing-and-reading-can-help-heal-trauma/

https://www.nami.org/Blogs/NAMI-Blog/December-2020/Literature-as-a-Lens-to-Understand-Trauma

hey anybody got any (certified & verified) sources for the “therapists approve of making certain content” stuff ???? At least tell me what to search yk

[contac]

[dawnleaf37]

unfortunate we are awake again. tried to sleep off ilness (did not work). noww e back

[narcbrain]

Holiday Depression | Eyewitness News

Holiday Depression | Eyewitness News

AVOCA, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU-Tv) — Moments are difficult during the pandemic. It is even tougher for persons who wrestle with holiday break melancholy for the duration of this extremely unusual time. You might not think a rheumatologist would play a part in screening for melancholy. But specified the holiday seasons and COVID, it is a sizeable part listed here in this office. Most of the…

[theexpressoutlet]

What Is the RICE Method for Injuries? | UPMC HealthBeat Rest, ice, compression, and elevation. Find out how the RICE method can help you address injuries. Read more: source

[kreislercaregiverauthor]

Health Beat: Patients Seeking Pain Relief Should Not Be Treated As Criminals

Health Beat: Patients Seeking Pain Relief Should Not Be Treated As Criminals

Stephanie Deegan is one of many patients who cannot get opioids as easily, but she still needs help for severe pain.

By Kathleen Kozak November 8, 2019 Reading time: 5 minutes.

Stephanie Deegan has been in pain for years. She’s been diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis, a rheumatologic condition that causes her back not to move, and there are days she can barely get out of bed.

A…

[vidpoker11]

6 Tricks to Eat Healthier - Harvard

6 Tricks to Eat Healthier – Harvard

I came across this item from Harvard Medical School’s Healthbeat. It happens to be six of the best ideas that I have written about or heard about for eating healthier and smarter.

1. Ditch whole milk Not only does this reduce saturated fat in your diet, it also shaves off calories. How: Switch to 1% or nonfat milk, and nonfat versions of other dairy products like yogurt and ice cream. Can’t bear…

[alkalinevegannews]

Follow @alkalineherbshop for alkaline herbs 🌿 ⠀ Thoughts travel along nerve pathways in your brain. The type of thoughts you think the most "groove" stronger nerve pathways and connections over time, making you more likely to have those thoughts again. This is just like how traveling down the same path in the woods over and over leaves the clearest path. ⠀ It also explains how your thoughts, whether negative or positive, literally rewire your brain (scientists call this neuroplasticity). And because thoughts affect brain structure and chemistry, researchers believe consciously focusing on things like gratitude and appreciation can positively impact your life. ⠀ According to Psychology Today, people who are optimistic tend have better health habits, relationships, and immune systems, lead more fulfilling lives, and live longer than people who are pessimistic. And a 2018 study published in Psychotherapy Research found that writing weekly gratitude letters was associated with significant improvements in mental health, even three months after the study ended. ⠀ In contrast, studies show that thinking negatively can slow cognitive processes and is associated with decreased activity in parts of the brain involved in problem-solving, mood, memory, and impulse control. ⠀ Sources: https://www.health.harvard.edu/healthbeat/giving-thanks-can-make-you-happier https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/10503307.2016.1169332?scroll=top&needAccess=true&journalCode=tpsr20 https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/how_gratitude_changes_you_and_your_brain https://positivepsychology.com/neuroplasticity/ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/prime-your-gray-cells/201108/happy-brain-happy-life https://www.instagram.com/p/CFUnuCmBQeG/?igshid=1r8eoamszjx59

[scizzybearwinkle]

Horror and Me: My Relationship with Fear

Imagine, if you would, a six-year-old girl visiting her older cousins. She’s having a great time, playing with the dog, watching enviously as the boys play video games. Then suddenly, they suggest watching a movie. No harm in that, right? Well, that’s what she thought, and boy was she wrong.

That girl was me, and my cousins lovingly suggested that we watch the first Harry Potter movie. One would think that a movie based on a children’s book wouldn’t be that scary, but let’s be honest: most people were freaked out by the scene where Voldemort was drinking Unicorn blood. Six-year-old me saw that scene, and promptly started crying. And guess what? I was afraid of the dark until I was 14 because of it.

But what is fear?

As Clinical Psychologist Zachary Sikora, PsyD. says: ‘Fear is our survival response,’ (1). We may experience it in our minds, but it triggers a physical response; adrenaline kicks in, our heartrate rises, and cortisol is released. Your body prepares for a fight-or-flight situation, sending blood to your limbs so you can run away or fight (2). This makes sense if you’re being mugged, or you’re faced with, say, a lion.

However, this response does not make sense when you’re faced with a CGI monster on a screen, or if you’re afraid of clowns. This is the difference between rational and irrational fears. As Andrew Walden says in Rational vs. Irrational Fear: Determining the Effects of Both Fears: ‘A rational fear is one where your fear is something that can harm you or someone you care about.’ (3) A mugger can harm you. A CGI monster cannot.

I think we can all agree that fear is not a pleasant feeling. So why then do we seek it out? Personally, I have a rather simple reason for this: when I was 12, I watched my grandmother die. She died peacefully, surrounded by family, and we knew that it was coming; she had been sick for years. But we were close, and when I watched her die, I felt like a part of me died with her. One of my biggest fears had been watching someone close to me die, and that had happened.

After that, I didn’t really get scared by horror films or horror fiction. Yes, I get startled by jump-scares if I don’t see them coming, but I don’t get a lingering fear. So, I started chasing that release. I would turn out the lights in my room and find the scariest horror movies on Netflix, trying to find that cathartic feeling after an adrenaline rush. I watched the first IT movie when it released, and while my friends were horrified by Pennywise, I admired his makeup. To me, horror was no longer real. It was words on a page, or characters on a screen. They couldn’t hurt me, and so they stopped scaring me.

Yet I still try to seek out that feeling of terror, even though I know it’s uncomfortable, because today’s society leaves me with no real outlet for my feelings. There are no lions in the street, and I’m not afraid of clowns. So instead, I end up in the world of horror fiction.

(1)    N.d. Understanding the Science of Fear. Accessed 4/2/2021. https://www.nm.org/healthbeat/healthy-tips/emotional-health/5-things-you-never-knew-about-fear

(2)    N.d. Understanding the Science of Fear. Accessed 4/2/2021. https://www.nm.org/healthbeat/healthy-tips/emotional-health/5-things-you-never-knew-about-fear

(3)    Walden, Andrew. 2019. Irrational vs. Irrational Fear: Determining the Effects of Both Fears. 08/04. Accessed 04/02/2021. https://www.healthresearchpolicy.org/rational-vs-irrational-fear/

[anarexhyena]

Anorexia: Let’s Chat

For the two of you who follow me, and whoever else finds this post due to these tags. I am anorexic myself, and I recognize the dangers. I am also studying science, while I am no professional, I also understand a thing or two and want to share my knowledge. I know that there are ways of being safer while taking part in anorexic behaviors, yet it seems that this information is gatekept because most people are not pro-ana as it can be a dangerous behavior. Why not help people be safer while they will inevitably be taking part in these behaviors? I want to talk about some problems caused by anorexia in this post and how to modify behaviors or your diet to be safer. Problem: The risk for diabetes is present among those who have anorexia because the fluctuation in blood glucose levels. This can over time even cause the pancreas to not function correctly (1). Solution: You should follow a regular diet and schedule if possible and avoid long periods of and anorexic diet.  Problem: Heart problems can occur with anorexia. The heart rate slows down and muscles deteriorate (2). Solution: Make sure you are still actively engaging with your heart muscles. Exercise even if lightly to increase heart muscle usage. Be careful with exercising with caffeine (I know many people who use caffeine as appetite suppressants).  Problem: Your body will continue to filter out salts like sodium and potassium through your kidneys (from your bloodstream), regardless of how much you drink. This is your body’s way of detoxifying the blood stream. You need these salts for basic functioning. I’m taking brain and muscle functioning.  Solution: Of course stay hydrated, but also, powerade zeros have zero calories and contain electrolytes (which in basic terms means sodium, calcium, and potassium that you’ve been lacking). Try to drink this instead of your diet coke.  Problem: Your bones start to degrade themselves which can be triggered by low levels of estrogen, and high levels of cortisol. Solution: Anatomy lesson for those who need it: both men and women have estrogen. Phytoestrogens (which are found in plants), have been shown to naturally raise estrogen levels. Plants containing phytoestrogens include: soy beans, tofu, tempeh, soy beverages, linseed (flax), sesame seeds, wheat, berries, oats, barley, dried beans, lentils, rice, alfalfa, mung beans, apples, carrots, wheat germ, ricebran, and soy linseed bread (3). Calcium is also good for bone health, and you do NOT just have to drink milk to get it, Kale is actually a good source of calcium. In order to lower cortisol levels (Stress hormone), try to cut stress out of other areas of your life. Obviously from eating poorly, your body is stressed and will be producing cortisol, but by getting regular amounts of sleep and avoiding drama in other parts of your life, this can help.  Problem: Some people with anorexia experience constipation. Solution: You can help with this by introducing more fiber into your diet. Apples and celery may be a low calorie way to introduce more fiber. A stool softener may also help (like Miralax or the off brand if you’re a broke bitch like me). Do no use for longer than a week at a time if you remain constipated. If you haven’t pooped in over a week (with stool softener) you need to seek medical intervention or alternative methods.  Problem: There are many other problems caused by nutrient deficiencies all over the body.  Solution: While a multivitamin might not do much for someone eating a “regular” diet who already gets all of the nutrients they need, a multivitamin might help someone who isn’t getting everything they need from their diet. Do your research on a good multivitamin. Remember that many vitamins and minerals, the body naturally filters out excess of through the kidneys but some can be dangerous. Here’s a short list of those to watch out for: Iron, vitamins A, D, E, & B (4).  Advice: If you are experiencing problems you should at least try to identify what is wrong. Try to google your symptom in relation to malnutrition or anorexia and see how to fix it, in other words, what is missing (sleep, a particular nutrient, water, etc.). Do not just shrug it off. Listen to what your body is trying to tell you. If you can monitor your weight so carefully, you can monitor yourself as well. Remember what you’re working towards. Losing weight will do you no good if you don’t take care of yourself. So please be safe lovies. This is not a complete list and I hope to come back another time and add to it. (:

Sources:  1) https://www.therecoveryvillage.com/mental-health/anorexia/faq/can-anorexia-cause-diabetes/ 2) https://www.nm.org/healthbeat/healthy-tips/anorexia-and-your-heart 3) https://www.uspharmacist.com/article/focus-on-phytoestrogens#:~:text=The%20list%20of%20foods%20that,ricebran%2C%20and%20soy%20linseed%20bread. 4) https://www.flushinghospital.org/newsletter/can-you-overdose-on-vitamins/

[kiwi--kitten]

I went on vacay and got drunk a lot last week and have been feeling mentally slow for days. What happened inside of my head?

PET scans prove that endorphins bind to opiate receptors which cause those good feels from getting drunk. Since endorphins act on the opiate receptors in our brains, they reduce pain and boost pleasure, resulting in a feeling of well-being – in evolutionary terms, we developed endorphins to help fuel us bit by bit when hunting game or collecting food. An interesting connection to make here is that this is also why we feel good when we exercise – yes, we all know the answer is endorphins; But, the fascinating aspect is why we developed them: if it weren’t for the release of endorphins during our primitive human stages, we would not have been able to push ourselves to search for food when hunger and exhaustion set in.

But I digress,

What’s going on in the brain?

Alcohol stops the chemical signals between neurons which causes an immediate result of intoxication. Intoxication includes feelings, which we’re all familiar with, such as:

-impulsivity

-slurred speech

-poor memory

-sluggish reflexes

This happens because the functions of the occipital lobe (responsible for visual processing) temporal lobe (responsible for processing auditory perception,) and frontal lobe (does a bunch of different stuff, but primarily considered the emotional control center and home of our personality) all experience temporarily decreased capability and strength. The parietal lobe (which processes sensory information) also becomes impaired which leads to a disruption of fine motor skills and reaction time. We’ve all had a night or two that we can’t quite remember – this happens because the hippocampus, the brain region that helps make new memories, is unable to function correctly on alcohol and thus results in temporary loss of (new) memory. Essentially, alcohol obstructs the capabilities of many different parts of your brain while also damaging neural brain pathways– ultimately causing you to feel disoriented, confused and even sick.

However, in the long term our brains adapt to the blocked signals by overcompensating once alcohol leaves the system. It does this by continuing to over-activate neurotransmitters which can cause painful withdrawal symptoms (hello hangovers) which can damage brain cells. This type of brain damage is exasperated by drinking binges or sudden withdrawals.

In the long run, brain matter will also become damaged from heavy alcohol consumption in the form of “brain shrinkage” which is a reduction of cell bodies and cell pathways (gray matter and white matter.) Clusters of gray matter in a brain have been thought to show the intelligence of a particular individual, with a higher concentration of gray matter showing greater intelligence. For example, when Albert Einstein passed away his brain was studied and proved to show very high concentrations of gray matter – this stuff is important, take care of it!

The prefrontal cortex, responsible for the “higher functions” of cognitive processing (such as problem solving, impulse control) are most vulnerable to damage – so alcohol-related issues tend to be more serious once they affect this part of the brain. This is also why we hear that teenagers should not drink: their frontal lobes are still developing and are sensitive to any damage. Interestingly so, cognitive deficits are heightened by malnutrition- especially when a deficiency of vitamin B is present. (Side note, apparently this is a very common deficiency in alcoholics. If you’re a heavy drinker, talk to your doctor about taking a high vitamin B supplement.)

Alcohol remains in your urine for about 80 hours and will be found in your hair follicles for as long as three months.

Did my glass of wine make me dumb?! Our brains are incredibly plastic. In simple terms this means that our brains are constantly adapting to our surroundings and are a very living thing. The good news is that if started in time, abstaining from alcohol can actually reverse most of the physical damage caused by hard core drinking.

For most people, your brain can heal – just make sure you actually give your brain a break from booze. BUT! Keep in mind, studies have shown that relapsing into heavy alcohol consumption (think binge drinking) will reverse the regeneration and healing that occurred after a period of abstinence. In very heavy users, most valuable cognitive improvements begin after a full year of alcohol abstinence.

Long story short: never binge drink – and if you must, say for a birthday or celebration, then give yourself a long time to heal and detox.

https://www.nm.org/healthbeat/healthy-tips/alcohol-and-the-brain https://www.hazeldenbettyford.org/education/bcr/addiction-research/alcohol-effects-brain-ru-515

https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/this-is-your-brain-on-alcohol-2017071412000