Wednesday, July 11, 2012
Tuesday, July 10, 2012
Monday, July 9, 2012
Please help me, I'm so scared!!?
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Please help me, I'm so scared!!?
Best answer:
could be a hernia. don't say it's a cystocoele when you go to a doctor. at your age, hernia is more common. Don't be too scared. But a doctor's appointment would really help relieving your worries. I can't recommend any non- medical treatment, though.I think this is what you have, and you need to go to another nurse, or your own doctor, right away. If they won't examine you, you need to be sure you can explain all the symptoms, and you should also let them know that you think it is the cystoceles. If one nurse turns you down, go to another. You need this looked at!!!dont worry go to a doctor and try to see what is wrong. it is important to go so please do. look, dont worry so much and it might turn out regular or somethingSweetie its ok to be scared,AND the nurse was/is a nut.You are never to young to "have"anything.Just go to the ER of see an OBGYN asap.Like Monday.IF your uterous perforates(sp)you could start heavy life threatening bleedingAlso your bladder could be damaged by simple neglect-not your neglect!.Everything inside is held together by muscle and tendon,they dont need to be overstreched.take care of YOU I'd like to have a wee chat with that "nurse".I'm actually angry.Just have a friend take you to ER okay. Write us back and lets us know your ok,please.Love and Prayers ,J
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Orignal From: Please help me, I'm so scared!!?
Please help me, I'm so scared!!?
Best answer:
could be a hernia. don't say it's a cystocoele when you go to a doctor. at your age, hernia is more common. Don't be too scared. But a doctor's appointment would really help relieving your worries. I can't recommend any non- medical treatment, though.I think this is what you have, and you need to go to another nurse, or your own doctor, right away. If they won't examine you, you need to be sure you can explain all the symptoms, and you should also let them know that you think it is the cystoceles. If one nurse turns you down, go to another. You need this looked at!!!dont worry go to a doctor and try to see what is wrong. it is important to go so please do. look, dont worry so much and it might turn out regular or somethingSweetie its ok to be scared,AND the nurse was/is a nut.You are never to young to "have"anything.Just go to the ER of see an OBGYN asap.Like Monday.IF your uterous perforates(sp)you could start heavy life threatening bleedingAlso your bladder could be damaged by simple neglect-not your neglect!.Everything inside is held together by muscle and tendon,they dont need to be overstreched.take care of YOU I'd like to have a wee chat with that "nurse".I'm actually angry.Just have a friend take you to ER okay. Write us back and lets us know your ok,please.Love and Prayers ,J
The Trader Pro System - Trade Like A Wall Street Professional
Complete Trading System Shows How Anyone Can Make Consistent Monthly Income Trading. With Over 40 High Quality Dvd Packs, Evergreen Product, High Conversion Rate. Complete Affiliate Page With Promotional Tools Http://traderprosystem.com/affiliates.php
The Trader Pro System - Trade Like A Wall Street Professional
Orignal From: Please help me, I'm so scared!!?
Pathophysiology of Paget's disease (Osteitis deformans)
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BASIC PHYSIOLOGY OF NORMAL BONE RESORPTION AND FORMATION :
*Osteoclast maturation is regulated by various factors, such as Receptor Activator of Nuclear Factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) Ligand (RANKL). RANKL can exist as a soluble form and binds to the osteoclast receptor RANK.
*This binding activates osteoclast differentiation via the translocation of NF-kappaB into the nucleus by intermediates such as Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF) Receptor-Associated Factor 6 (TRAF6).
*RANKL signals can be blocked by a soluble RANKL-binding decoy receptor, osteoprotegerin (OPG), produced by osteoblasts.
*Vacuolar H+-ATPase pump (H+), matrix metalloproteinase (MMP), Cathepsin K and Tartrate-Resistant Acid Phosphatase (TRAcP) are involved in osteoclast activity.
*This picture above helps us in understanding the pathophysiology behind PAGET'S disease :
*PATHOPHYSIOLOGY OF PAGET'S DISEASE:
- The principal abnormality in Paget disease is the increased number and activity of osteoclasts. - Pagetic osteoclasts are large, increased 10- to 100-fold in number, and have a greater number of nuclei (as many as 100 compared to 3–5 nuclei in the normal osteoclast). - The overactive osteoclasts may create a sevenfold increase in resorptive surfaces and an erosion rate of 9 microg/d (normal is 1 microg/d).
- Several causes for the increased number and activity of pagetic osteoclasts have been identified: (1) Osteoclastic precursors are hypersensitive to 1,25(OH)2D3; (2) Osteoclasts are hyperresponsive to RANK ligand (RANKL), the osteoclast stimulatory factor that mediates the effects of most osteotropic factors on osteoclast formation; (3) Marrow stromal cells from pagetic lesions have increased RANKL expression; (4) Osteoclast precursor recruitment is increased by interleukin (IL) 6, which is increased in the blood of patients with active Paget disease and is overexpressed in pagetic osteoclasts; (5) Expression of the proto-oncogene c-fos, which increases osteoclastic activity, is increased; and (6) The antiapoptotic oncogene Bcl-2 in pagetic bone is overexpressed. Numerous osteoblasts are recruited to active resorption sites and produce large amounts of new bone matrix. As a result, bone turnover is high and bone mass is normal or increased, not reduced.
- The characteristic feature of Paget disease is increased bone resorption accompanied by accelerated bone formation. - An initial osteolytic phase involves prominent bone resorption and marked hypervascularization. - Radiographically, this manifests as an advancing lytic wedge, or "blade of grass" lesion. - The second phase is a period of very active bone formation and resorption that replaces normal lamellar bone with haphazard (woven) bone. - The mosaic pattern of woven bone is structurally inferior and can bow and fracture more readily. - At the same time, fibrous connective tissue may replace normal bone marrow. - In the final sclerotic phase, bone resorption declines progressively and leads to a hard, dense, less vascular pagetic or mosaic bone, which represents the so-called burned-out phase of Paget disease. - All three phases may be present at the same time at different skeletal sites.
*Acutely marginated bone demineralization during lytic phase in skull - OSTEOPOROSIS CIRCUMSCRIPTA.
*Acutely marginated demineralization of long bones - BLADE OF GRASS SIGN and FLAME SHAPED MARGIN.
*Mixed lytic and sclerotic phase in spine - PICTURE FRAME VERTEBRAE
*Mixed lytic and sclerotic phase in skull - COTTON WOOL SKULL.
*Osteoclast maturation is regulated by various factors, such as Receptor Activator of Nuclear Factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) Ligand (RANKL). RANKL can exist as a soluble form and binds to the osteoclast receptor RANK.
*This binding activates osteoclast differentiation via the translocation of NF-kappaB into the nucleus by intermediates such as Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF) Receptor-Associated Factor 6 (TRAF6).
*RANKL signals can be blocked by a soluble RANKL-binding decoy receptor, osteoprotegerin (OPG), produced by osteoblasts.
*Vacuolar H+-ATPase pump (H+), matrix metalloproteinase (MMP), Cathepsin K and Tartrate-Resistant Acid Phosphatase (TRAcP) are involved in osteoclast activity.
*This picture above helps us in understanding the pathophysiology behind PAGET'S disease :
*PATHOPHYSIOLOGY OF PAGET'S DISEASE:
- The principal abnormality in Paget disease is the increased number and activity of osteoclasts. - Pagetic osteoclasts are large, increased 10- to 100-fold in number, and have a greater number of nuclei (as many as 100 compared to 3–5 nuclei in the normal osteoclast). - The overactive osteoclasts may create a sevenfold increase in resorptive surfaces and an erosion rate of 9 microg/d (normal is 1 microg/d).
- Several causes for the increased number and activity of pagetic osteoclasts have been identified: (1) Osteoclastic precursors are hypersensitive to 1,25(OH)2D3; (2) Osteoclasts are hyperresponsive to RANK ligand (RANKL), the osteoclast stimulatory factor that mediates the effects of most osteotropic factors on osteoclast formation; (3) Marrow stromal cells from pagetic lesions have increased RANKL expression; (4) Osteoclast precursor recruitment is increased by interleukin (IL) 6, which is increased in the blood of patients with active Paget disease and is overexpressed in pagetic osteoclasts; (5) Expression of the proto-oncogene c-fos, which increases osteoclastic activity, is increased; and (6) The antiapoptotic oncogene Bcl-2 in pagetic bone is overexpressed. Numerous osteoblasts are recruited to active resorption sites and produce large amounts of new bone matrix. As a result, bone turnover is high and bone mass is normal or increased, not reduced.
- The characteristic feature of Paget disease is increased bone resorption accompanied by accelerated bone formation. - An initial osteolytic phase involves prominent bone resorption and marked hypervascularization. - Radiographically, this manifests as an advancing lytic wedge, or "blade of grass" lesion. - The second phase is a period of very active bone formation and resorption that replaces normal lamellar bone with haphazard (woven) bone. - The mosaic pattern of woven bone is structurally inferior and can bow and fracture more readily. - At the same time, fibrous connective tissue may replace normal bone marrow. - In the final sclerotic phase, bone resorption declines progressively and leads to a hard, dense, less vascular pagetic or mosaic bone, which represents the so-called burned-out phase of Paget disease. - All three phases may be present at the same time at different skeletal sites.
*Acutely marginated bone demineralization during lytic phase in skull - OSTEOPOROSIS CIRCUMSCRIPTA.
*Acutely marginated demineralization of long bones - BLADE OF GRASS SIGN and FLAME SHAPED MARGIN.
*Mixed lytic and sclerotic phase in spine - PICTURE FRAME VERTEBRAE
*Mixed lytic and sclerotic phase in skull - COTTON WOOL SKULL.
Bohler's angle ( Tuber joint angle )
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-Bohler's angle also called as the Tuber joint angle, measures the angular relationship between talus and calcaneum. This angle is formed by two lines . first line is drawn from the posteriosuperior margin of the calcaneal tuberosity through the tip of the posterior facet of the subtalar joint. second line is drawn from the tip of the posterior facet through the superior margin of the anterior process of the calcaneum.-Normally this angle ranges between 20 and 40 degrees.-Flattening of this angle is a classic x-ray sign of depressed fracture of calcaneum. P.S : The image is not my original work and has been taken from the wikimedia commons project and the author is Gilo1969.
-Bohler's angle also called as the Tuber joint angle, measures the angular relationship between talus and calcaneum. This angle is formed by two lines . first line is drawn from the posteriosuperior margin of the calcaneal tuberosity through the tip of the posterior facet of the subtalar joint. second line is drawn from the tip of the posterior facet through the superior margin of the anterior process of the calcaneum.-Normally this angle ranges between 20 and 40 degrees.-Flattening of this angle is a classic x-ray sign of depressed fracture of calcaneum. P.S : The image is not my original work and has been taken from the wikimedia commons project and the author is Gilo1969.
Phalen's test
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Place the backs of both of your hands together and hold the wrists in forced flexion for a full minute. (Stop at once if sharp pain occurs) . If this produces numbness or "pins and needles" along the thumb side half of the hand, you most likely have Median nerve entrapment (Carpal Tunnel Syndrome). Examination by a health care professional familiar with these conditions is the way to be sure of the diagnosis and get proper treatment.
Place the backs of both of your hands together and hold the wrists in forced flexion for a full minute. (Stop at once if sharp pain occurs) . If this produces numbness or "pins and needles" along the thumb side half of the hand, you most likely have Median nerve entrapment (Carpal Tunnel Syndrome). Examination by a health care professional familiar with these conditions is the way to be sure of the diagnosis and get proper treatment.
Chopart's fracture
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The foot is generally divided into the
Chopart's fracture dislocation. Black arrow points to talus which is dislocated from navicular (yellow
arrow) at talonavicular joint. Calcaneus (blue arrow) is dislocated from the cuboid (red arrow), which is also fractured. The dislocation is at the calcaneocuboid joint. This is an uncommon dislocation.
The forefoot is usually displaced medially rather than laterally as in this case.
Diagram of Chopart's fracture-dislocation from Radiographics.
- Hindfoot
- Calcaneus
- Talus
- Midfoot
- Cuboid
- Navicular
- Three cuneiforms
- Forefoot
- Metatarsals
- Phalanges
- The articulation between the hindfoot and the midfoot (midtarsal joint) is frequently referred to as Chopart’s joint
- Named after surgeon who performed amputations at the calcaneocuboid, talonavicular joint
- The articulation between the midfoot and the forefoot is referred to as the Lisfranc joint.
- Named after French surgeon Francois Chopart (1743–1795) who performed amputations of the foot at this level
- This type of amputation renders the ankle joint unstable as almost all of the points of insertion of the ankle tendons have been remove
- All dislocations of the foot are relatively uncommon with the Lisfranc fracture-dislocation being the most common
- Most are due to falls from a height or motor vehicle accidents
- Males are more likely to have foot dislocations than females
- Chopart Fracture
- Chopart fracture-dislocation involves the midtarsal joints (talonavicular and calcaneocuboid joints)
- Typically caused by falls from a height, motor vehicle accidents and severe twisting injuries such as can occur in basketball players who land on a plantar-flexed and inverted foot
- Usually result from severe trauma
- Most commonly, there is medial displacement of the distal fragments (80%)
- The foot is displaced inward and upward
- But displacement in other directions can occur
- Eversion injuries result in lateral dislocations
- There are frequently associated fractures of the calcaneus, cuboid and navicular
- A small percentage are open
- The talus remains in the ankle mortise
Chopart's fracture dislocation. Black arrow points to talus which is dislocated from navicular (yellow
arrow) at talonavicular joint. Calcaneus (blue arrow) is dislocated from the cuboid (red arrow), which is also fractured. The dislocation is at the calcaneocuboid joint. This is an uncommon dislocation.
The forefoot is usually displaced medially rather than laterally as in this case.
- Prognosis
- Prompt reduction and early range of motion generally result in favorable outcome
- High impact injuries with greater soft tissue compromise and associated fractures worsen prognosis
Diagram of Chopart's fracture-dislocation from Radiographics.
Sunday, July 8, 2012
Interesting Facts About Acupuncture
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It is difficult for consumers to make informed choices relative to available health care modalities and products partly because the media, lay people, professionals and vendors promote inaccurate information about healthcare services and products. We are also challenged by the fact that the authorities and researchers often disagree on the efficacies of many medical procedures, surgeries, pharmaceuticals, vitamins, herbs, and complementary medicine. It should be noted that just because science does not understand something doesn't render it inappropriate or ineffective. Aspirin, for example, still worked to diminish inflammation despite the fact that only recently has research discovered the mechanism. Following are some facts about Acupuncture, the purpose of which is to help people make informed choices about their health care needs.
Fact #1: Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine has received more free publicity than any other health care modality in the history of the United States. Acupuncture gained attention in the United States when President Nixon visited China in 1972. Traveling with Nixon was New York Times reporter James Reston, who received acupuncture in China after undergoing an emergency appendectomy. Reston was so impressed with the post-operative pain relief he experienced from the procedure that he wrote about acupuncture upon returning to the United States.
Fact #2: In an official report, Acupuncture: Review and Analysis of Reports on Controlled Clinical Trials, the WHO (World Health Organization) has listed the following symptoms, diseases and condition that have been shown through controlled trials to be treated effectively by acupuncture:
In all, The World Health Organization recognizes over 200 health conditions effectively treated with acupuncture and Chinese herbs. Detailed information is available on World Health Organization's website on Traditional medicine and Acupuncture.
Fact #3: China Beijing International Acupuncture Training Center (CBIATC) is affiliated with the Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, China Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine and is designated as one of the collaborating centers for Traditional Medicine in China by the World Health Organization (W.H.O.) CBIATC is affiliated with 17 major hospitals in Beijing.
Fact #4: The following was compiled by the Institute of Information on Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing.
Fact #5: The U.S. military was introduced to acupuncture during the Vietnam War, when local physicians were allowed to administer acupuncture to Vietnamese patients at a U.S. Army surgical hospital. Most recently, Col. Richard Niemtzow, an Air Force physician began a program in 2001 termed "battlefield acupuncture". Air Force, Navy and Army doctors are taking acupuncture to the war zones of Iraq and Afghanistan as part of emergency care in combat and in frontline hospitals. Acupuncture is offered at Walter Reed Hospital, McGuire Air Force Base in New Jersey, Malcolm Grow Medical Center at Andrews, and other Air Force bases in this country and in Germany.
Fact #6: The University of Michigan published results of a study in Journal of NeuroImage. Researchers at U-M Chronic Pain and Fatigue Research Center showed acupuncture increased the binding availability of mu-opioid receptors in regions of the brain that process and weaken pain signals -- specifically the cingulate, insula, caudate, thalamus and amygdala. By directly stimulating these chemicals, acupuncture can affect the brain's long-term ability to regulate pain. "The increased binding availability of these receptors was associated with reductions in pain," said Richard Harris, a researcher at the center.
Fact #7: As of 2004, nearly 50% of Americans who were enrolled in employer health insurance plans were covered for acupuncture treatments. (Report: Insurance Coverage for Acupuncture on the Rise. Michael Devitt, Acupuncture Today, January, 2005, Vol. 06, Issue 01; The Kaiser Family Foundation and Health Research and Educational Trust Employer Health Benefits 2004 Annual Survey, pp. 106-107 ISBN 0-87258-812-2). Not only do many commercial insurance companies (including Kaiser-Permanente) offer an acupuncture benefit, also, Worker's Compensation (depending on the State), and Personal Injury insurance companies often pay for acupuncture service.
Fact #8: There are approximately 50 accredited acupuncture schools in the U.S. offering Masters Degrees in Oriental Medicine. Many of these schools are gearing up to offer doctoral programs in Oriental Medicine. There are several programs offering medical acupuncture for physicians including UCLA School of Medicine, McMaster University School of Medicine, New York Medical College and Helms Medical Institute. Many schools of Veterinarian medicine offer acupuncture courses.
Fact #9: Many States consider acupuncturist Primary Health Care Professionals and license them as: Doctor of Oriental Medicine (DOM), or Oriental Medical Doctor (OMD).
Fact #10: Acupuncture is used in more than 20 states in over 800 drug dependency programs. Patients who go through these programs have lower re-arrest rates on drug related charges than those not treated with acupuncture. Miami-Dade County drug offenders have the choice of acupuncture or jail.
Fact #11: Space limits the inclusion of a detailed explanation of Oriental Medical Theory, but simplistically described: The ancient Chinese observed two fundamental energies in nature that manifest in the human body. They are the polar opposite, interdependent, inner consuming, and inner transforming energies called Yin and Yang. Yin energy relates to female, internal, solid organs of the body, cold, sinking, deep, blood and body fluids, structure, night time, earth, quiescent and much more. Yang energy relates to male, external, hollow organs of the body, hot, raising, superficial, vital air (oxygen), function, daytime, sky, activity and much more. Illness occurs when the Yin and Yang energies in the body are out of balance. An Oriental Medical diagnosis describes and treats these imbalances in the body. Yin and Yang energy are not assigned a "good" or "bad" designation anymore than night is bad and day is good, or cold is bad and hot is good, and so forth.
The following image is published on the U.S. National Institutes of Health website, www.nih.gov.
Fact #12: Your local Acupuncturist can provide accurate information about this invaluable and effective health care service.
It is difficult for consumers to make informed choices relative to available health care modalities and products partly because the media, lay people, professionals and vendors promote inaccurate information about healthcare services and products. We are also challenged by the fact that the authorities and researchers often disagree on the efficacies of many medical procedures, surgeries, pharmaceuticals, vitamins, herbs, and complementary medicine. It should be noted that just because science does not understand something doesn't render it inappropriate or ineffective. Aspirin, for example, still worked to diminish inflammation despite the fact that only recently has research discovered the mechanism. Following are some facts about Acupuncture, the purpose of which is to help people make informed choices about their health care needs.Fact #1: Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine has received more free publicity than any other health care modality in the history of the United States. Acupuncture gained attention in the United States when President Nixon visited China in 1972. Traveling with Nixon was New York Times reporter James Reston, who received acupuncture in China after undergoing an emergency appendectomy. Reston was so impressed with the post-operative pain relief he experienced from the procedure that he wrote about acupuncture upon returning to the United States.
Fact #2: In an official report, Acupuncture: Review and Analysis of Reports on Controlled Clinical Trials, the WHO (World Health Organization) has listed the following symptoms, diseases and condition that have been shown through controlled trials to be treated effectively by acupuncture:
- low back painThe foregoing list is absolute concerning acupuncture's effectiveness; however the report continues with three more categories:
- neck pain
- sciatica
- tennis elbow
- knee pain
- periarthritis of the shoulder
- sprains
- facial pain (including craniomandibular disorders)
- headache
- dental pain
- tempromandibular (TMJ) dysfunction
- rheumatoid arthritis
- induction of labor
- correction of malposition of fetus (breech presentation)
- morning sickness
- nausea and vomiting
- postoperative pain
- stroke
- essential hypertension
- primary hypotension
- renal colic
- leucopenia
- adverse reactions to radiation or chemotherapy
- allergic rhinitis, including hay fever
- biliary colic
- depression (including depressive neurosis and depression following stroke)
- acute bacillary dysentery
- primary dysmenorrhea
- acute epigastralgia
- peptic ulcer
- acute and chronic gastritis
- Diseases, symptoms and conditions for which the therapeutic effect of acupuncture has been shown, but further proof is needed (68 specific conditions). These conditions are effectively treated as in the first category; it's just that more trials are necessary to establish the proof scientifically.
- Diseases, symptoms and conditions reporting some therapeutic effects for which acupuncture is worth trying (nine conditions).
- Diseases, symptoms and conditions in which acupuncture may be tried, provided the practitioner has special modern medical knowledge and adequate monitoring equipment (eight conditions).
In all, The World Health Organization recognizes over 200 health conditions effectively treated with acupuncture and Chinese herbs. Detailed information is available on World Health Organization's website on Traditional medicine and Acupuncture.
Fact #3: China Beijing International Acupuncture Training Center (CBIATC) is affiliated with the Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, China Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine and is designated as one of the collaborating centers for Traditional Medicine in China by the World Health Organization (W.H.O.) CBIATC is affiliated with 17 major hospitals in Beijing.
Fact #4: The following was compiled by the Institute of Information on Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing.
Since the founding of the People's Republic of China, a series of principles and policies have been formulated by the government to protect and promote traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). The policy of "Developing modern medicine and traditional Chinese medicine" was officially put down in the Constitution. To meet the needs of developing TCM, the state Council established the State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine(SATCM) in 1987.Fact #4: The number of hospitals in the United States offering acupuncture has steadily increased over the past decade. Winchester Hospital in Winchester, Massachusetts; St. Clare Hospital in Baraboo, Wisconsin; St. Vincent Catholic Medical Centers, just to name a few.
BASIC FORMATION OF MEDICAL SYSTEM
According to statistical data of 1993, it is estimated that there are now 2,457 specialized traditional Chinese hospitals including 39 TCM-Western medicine (WM) integrated hospitals and 129 nationality medicine hospitals. Traditional Chinese medicine hospitals have been established in 75% of the counties across the country. TCM departments, with 35,000 ward beds, have been set up in over 95% of the general hospitals. The difficulty to seek TCM treatment in rural areas has been preliminarily solved. Throughout the country, the traditional Chinese hospitals have 222,000 ward beds and 249,000 TCM doctors; and they have trained a large number of senior TCM- WM doctors and nationality medicine doctors. The hospitals have annually treated 200, 000,000 outpatients and 2,700,000 inpatients. Some hospitals and specialists have got great breakthroughs in the treatment of cardio -cerebro-vascular diseases, hematopathy, immunologic disease, cataract, fractures, acute abdomen, calculus of urinary system, tumor , dermatopathy, anorectal diseases, gynecological diseases and pediatric disease.
TCM has not only systematic theory but also plentiful therapeutically methods including medical Qigong and dietotherapy. It is warmly welcomed by the Chinese people, and has attracted much attention from the people all over the world.
Fact #5: The U.S. military was introduced to acupuncture during the Vietnam War, when local physicians were allowed to administer acupuncture to Vietnamese patients at a U.S. Army surgical hospital. Most recently, Col. Richard Niemtzow, an Air Force physician began a program in 2001 termed "battlefield acupuncture". Air Force, Navy and Army doctors are taking acupuncture to the war zones of Iraq and Afghanistan as part of emergency care in combat and in frontline hospitals. Acupuncture is offered at Walter Reed Hospital, McGuire Air Force Base in New Jersey, Malcolm Grow Medical Center at Andrews, and other Air Force bases in this country and in Germany.
Fact #6: The University of Michigan published results of a study in Journal of NeuroImage. Researchers at U-M Chronic Pain and Fatigue Research Center showed acupuncture increased the binding availability of mu-opioid receptors in regions of the brain that process and weaken pain signals -- specifically the cingulate, insula, caudate, thalamus and amygdala. By directly stimulating these chemicals, acupuncture can affect the brain's long-term ability to regulate pain. "The increased binding availability of these receptors was associated with reductions in pain," said Richard Harris, a researcher at the center.
Fact #7: As of 2004, nearly 50% of Americans who were enrolled in employer health insurance plans were covered for acupuncture treatments. (Report: Insurance Coverage for Acupuncture on the Rise. Michael Devitt, Acupuncture Today, January, 2005, Vol. 06, Issue 01; The Kaiser Family Foundation and Health Research and Educational Trust Employer Health Benefits 2004 Annual Survey, pp. 106-107 ISBN 0-87258-812-2). Not only do many commercial insurance companies (including Kaiser-Permanente) offer an acupuncture benefit, also, Worker's Compensation (depending on the State), and Personal Injury insurance companies often pay for acupuncture service.
Fact #8: There are approximately 50 accredited acupuncture schools in the U.S. offering Masters Degrees in Oriental Medicine. Many of these schools are gearing up to offer doctoral programs in Oriental Medicine. There are several programs offering medical acupuncture for physicians including UCLA School of Medicine, McMaster University School of Medicine, New York Medical College and Helms Medical Institute. Many schools of Veterinarian medicine offer acupuncture courses.
Fact #9: Many States consider acupuncturist Primary Health Care Professionals and license them as: Doctor of Oriental Medicine (DOM), or Oriental Medical Doctor (OMD).
Fact #10: Acupuncture is used in more than 20 states in over 800 drug dependency programs. Patients who go through these programs have lower re-arrest rates on drug related charges than those not treated with acupuncture. Miami-Dade County drug offenders have the choice of acupuncture or jail.
Fact #11: Space limits the inclusion of a detailed explanation of Oriental Medical Theory, but simplistically described: The ancient Chinese observed two fundamental energies in nature that manifest in the human body. They are the polar opposite, interdependent, inner consuming, and inner transforming energies called Yin and Yang. Yin energy relates to female, internal, solid organs of the body, cold, sinking, deep, blood and body fluids, structure, night time, earth, quiescent and much more. Yang energy relates to male, external, hollow organs of the body, hot, raising, superficial, vital air (oxygen), function, daytime, sky, activity and much more. Illness occurs when the Yin and Yang energies in the body are out of balance. An Oriental Medical diagnosis describes and treats these imbalances in the body. Yin and Yang energy are not assigned a "good" or "bad" designation anymore than night is bad and day is good, or cold is bad and hot is good, and so forth.
The following image is published on the U.S. National Institutes of Health website, www.nih.gov.
Fact #12: Your local Acupuncturist can provide accurate information about this invaluable and effective health care service.
Mommy’s Quiet Time 101
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I know what you might be thinking: “Daytime quiet time for ME? Naps for ME? I don’t think that’s possible!”As a mother of four children who has taken a nap just about every afternoon for the past fifteen years, I understand I am an anomaly. But because I’m a lot nicer person when I get the rest and down time I need, I’ve made quiet time a priority and figured out how to make it happen each day in our home.And by the time you finish reading this, you will be equipped to have an extra hour of quiet time to yourself every day. You can sleep, read, work on a project, or just relax and watch something on TV. What you do with your time is up to you, but this post is going to show you how to get it.As a disclaimer, I recognize that the ideas I’m going to share here won’t work perfectly for every situation. And that’s okay. Take what you like, ignore what doesn’t fit your lifestyle. The goal here is to help us invest a little more time in our physical and mental selves.Are you ready? Let the quiet time training begin!
Then after we’ve been dishing out all that love, we can smile and say, “All right, it’s time for everyone’s quiet time!”When I say “be there,” I do not mean to suggest that we are required to entertain our children whenever we are with them. There is this idea floating around that “good” moms spend all day making crafts with their children, rolling ski-balls at Chuck E. Cheese, kicking a soccer ball at the park, and playing Candyland. Then when the children are asleep, it’s time for Mommy to do the housework. Sorry, but I just can’t keep up with that. I love to play with my children, and we do play often, but there is also a lot of work to be done. We do it together.(3) Get the work done together. During our non-quiet time, we clean together as a family (even a one-year-old can help dust!), run errands, prepare food together, organize cupboards, wash the car, etc.Children like to be involved and just want to be with us while we do what needs to be done. Playing with our children is great (individual dates and outings are wonderful), but we can also play while we work.
While we fold laundry, clean floors, etc., I tell my children stories about when they were little, turn on some fun music, laugh, listen, and enjoy their sweetness. That way, the housework gets done, the children are happy, and then when it’s time to rest, we all rest.(4) Creatively work with our responsibilities. Mothers are jugglers. Even if we simplify like nobody’s business, life is going to sneak up on us and try to destroy all napping possibilities. We won’t let it get us down—we’ll just work with it. I have arranged carpools with neighbors so I can do the morning drop-off and avoid waking up a sleeping baby for an after-school pick-up. When my children were younger, I got help from a girl in our neighborhood who played with my little ones while I took a late rest. Often I can do something the night before that will free up my quiet time for the following day.During a long road trip with the kids, we found a local library that had nice little reading nooks–the perfect size for me to lay down and have my nap!
Planning ahead is essential to me because I love the feeling of rest, and I detest the tired, frustrated version of me that emerges when I am short on sleep. She really isn’t welcome in our home.If you work outside your home, you could try the following:
Each child has a book basket next to his or her bed, where current reading books are stored. We frequently refresh what’s in the basket with trips to the library.
We also have a little clip-light or lamp by each bed, so the children can read at night without disturbing his/her roommate.
Mr. Potato Head sets are always a hit. There’s a little game that has mini-potatoes that my children love to dress up.
Older children who won’t put marbles in their mouths will love Marble Works.
My nine-year-old loves Legos, and he can build for hours without getting bored. It’s also nice for him to have time to play when his little brother isn’t around.
Sometimes my older children can have quiet time together, and they choose games from our “game cupboard.”
Magna Doodles are also wonderful.
Piles of books can keep a child happy for quite a long period of time. Many moms also like books on tape/CD/mp3s. And while all these books might look like a big mess, it just takes about five minutes to put books back on the shelf.
Train sets are fabulous.
And cars are a main staple.
These Playful Patterns from Discovery Toys has been a hit.
Alia made a CD for each child in the family with their favorite songs. Spencer listens to it at least twice a week, and it makes his quiet time more enjoyable.
We also filled a cupboard in the garage with boxes of additional toy sets: magnets, felt dollhouses, Lincoln Logs, puzzles, art supplies, etc. The rule is that everything has to be put away at the end of quiet time. We rotate what’s available.Other favorites have been My Little Ponies, Magnetix, Legos, Magnetix, blocks, Polly Pockets, flannel storybooks, little dolls/dollhouses, car tracks, tinker toys, K’nex and craft materials (paper, crayons, markers, construction paper, glue, scissors, etc.). As my children get older, they like to read, color, write poems, work on homework, etc. It’s amazing to see their creations. (Yesterday my 12-year-old made rock people with googly eyes.) To check out more great ideas for toys and games that work well for quiet time, check out our Power of Moms Amazon Store.And today my 10-year-old helped me make a video demonstrating our favorite baby toys:(7) Anticipate snack and potty needs. My youngest child is now four, so this isn’t an issue anymore, but when they were younger, I always wanted to be sure that no one was going to have a messy diaper or need something to eat during our quiet time. We usually ate a good lunch together, and then I would get a fun snack ready that my children could look forward to once they had successfully completed their quiet time. It’s a great incentive: “I know this looks tasty. I bet you can have some if you let Mommy get a good rest!” Sometimes I also let them take a non-messy snack into their quiet time space—like a little bag of Cheerios or a stick of celery (we minimized the snacks, though, and certainly considered choking hazards). As far as the “potty” needs go, I quickly learned to check on my non-sleeping, diapered children about 20 minutes into the quiet time. They usually had a little surprise for me. Potty-trained children (under five) were simply encouraged to use the bathroom first so they didn’t need to open (or slam) doors when someone in the house was asleep.(8) Use sound machines or white noise on your phone. Sound machines are my absolute favorites! We have one in every room–they are electronic white noise makers (costing about $15.00 each) that include a variety of sounds and an optional timer (which helps children understand how long quiet time is). There are lots of phone app with many choices of white noise that can also be a good solution.
My children can’t hear each other when they have sound machines going, so the sleeping ones can sleep, and the playing ones can play. I set the timer for an hour, and when the sound machine turns off, that means the child can clean up the toys and head out to the family room for a snack and part two of quiet time. My older children, who can tell time, don’t need them as much, but three- to five-year-olds love them!(9) Use the TV and computer sparingly. We do have a television and computer, and I let my children watch certain shows or DVD’s and enjoy time on certain websites, but I don’t generally use the TV or computer during quiet time. I’ve found that screen time can make my children cranky, but imaginative play leaves them feeling refreshed. Sometimes I’ll say, “You get one hour of quiet time, and then you can watch a show.” That way, I can sleep for an hour and have time to do some reading, but my children are only watching 30 minutes of TV. Clearly, every family is different—do what works for you!(10) Coordinate nap time schedules. Sometimes children will get on opposite schedules: a baby wants to nap at 12, a preschooler wants to nap at 2. That leaves Mommy awake all day. With a little work, I could usually get everyone to sleep at the same time. You might need to hold off a baby’s nap and endure a little while of “the crankies,” but that, to me, is better than giving up my own rest. I want my babies to have memories of a nice mom, and I can usually distract them to keep them up awhile longer. This is the main reason why we started the morning and afternoon quiet times. An hour of crib/play time seemed to take the edge off for my little ones who were only sleeping once a day. Then we were all ready to sleep in the afternoon.(11) Train with love. It might take several weeks of quiet time training before your children will stay in their rooms and/or sleep when they need it. You may want to start with a 1/2 hour of quiet time and then work up to an hour or more after a week or so. One of my favorite parenting books, Parenting With Love and Logic, helped me to teach my children our family rules without having to get upset with them. What works for us is when I describe the consequences: “If you come out of your room before it’s time, I start the timer all over again.” Or, “If you choose not to nap, but then behave badly later this afternoon, you have a 6:30 bedtime.” I also try to offer choices. I ask my older children, “Do you want to take a nap with me today, or would you like a quiet time?” I never have to yell or spank or get mad, I just give them choices, explain the consequences, and then follow through. I have noticed that when I am able to calmly explain my expectations, I can rest more peacefully.(12) Take your rest in a strategic spot. My biggest concern when I sleep is the safety of my children. I’m a light sleeper, so I notice every cough or door-knob turn, but if you have a large home, or if you are a sound sleeper, sleep where you will be able to respond to your children’s needs. For a couple of months, my three-year-old kept coming out of his room and going downstairs, so I slept in the living room to make sure he didn’t find a way to “escape.” When I had a little baby, I kept the monitor right next to me and left my bedroom door open. One day, my son Spencer kept coming out of his room and throwing tantrums in the hall. So I slept right in front of his door. (Only had to do that once!)
(13) Learn to relax. One of the hardest for mothers to do is shut down our minds. There are lots of great relaxation techniques available on the Internet (like starting from your toes, breathing deeply, relaxing each muscle, and working your way up). It’s a skill to fall asleep quickly. What helps me most, though, is having a plan for when I will get things done so I don’t have to stress about them while I rest. For example, if I have a business document that needs to be put together by the end of the week, I will schedule one quiet time hour and two evening hours that week to work on it, and then I will forget about it until it’s time. Having a detailed calendar is a lifesaver for me because otherwise I live in constant fear that I am forgetting something. Once you have made sure you have nothing pressing, tell yourself you deserve a break, and you are not going to ruin your nap time with worry. (Mind Organization for Moms wasmade for this.)
Mommy’s Quiet Time 101
by on Oct 22, 2008 • 2:43 pm17 Comments 11 49ShareMake a commentI know what you might be thinking: “Daytime quiet time for ME? Naps for ME? I don’t think that’s possible!”As a mother of four children who has taken a nap just about every afternoon for the past fifteen years, I understand I am an anomaly. But because I’m a lot nicer person when I get the rest and down time I need, I’ve made quiet time a priority and figured out how to make it happen each day in our home.And by the time you finish reading this, you will be equipped to have an extra hour of quiet time to yourself every day. You can sleep, read, work on a project, or just relax and watch something on TV. What you do with your time is up to you, but this post is going to show you how to get it.As a disclaimer, I recognize that the ideas I’m going to share here won’t work perfectly for every situation. And that’s okay. Take what you like, ignore what doesn’t fit your lifestyle. The goal here is to help us invest a little more time in our physical and mental selves.Are you ready? Let the quiet time training begin!First, Some Encouragement to Sleep
I personally use my daily quiet time to take a solid 60-minute nap. It super-charges me for the rest of the day. My reasoning is spelled out below:- Mothers need rest and “down time.” According to the experts, seven and a half to eight and a half hours is the ideal amount of sleep we should get in each 24-hour period. If we can clock those hours all at once, great! If not, naps are the solution. We are “on” 24/7, and although it would be nice if we didn’t need to refuel, that is not the case. Cars need gas, batteries need to be charged, and all human beings need sufficient rest. Yes, that includes us.
- Biologically, we were made to take an afternoon nap. If you don’t believe me, seethis article. Some people really do not like to sleep during the day (my website Partner, Saren, never takes naps – she likes all her sleep in one chunk at night and her kids don’t need her in the night so that works great for her). But for those of us who like to nap and aren’t getting the sleep we need at night, naps are not only perfectly acceptable, they are very important! Many cultures encourage afternoon rests, but in the United States, it is sometimes seen as a weakness if a mother takes a nap. Let them call us weak. We can run ourselves into the ground and turn into the grumpiest of women, or we can rest when we are tired and reap the benefits of happiness and good health. I choose rest. Are you with me?
- Napping is a proven health benefit. A recent study found that women who napped at least three times per week for an average of 30 minutes had a 37 percent lower coronary mortality risk than those who took no naps. In English? We’re much less likely to die of heart problems if we become regular nappers. Another study by NASA showed that a nap of 26 minutes can boost performance by as much as 34 percent. It may seem as though we will fall behind if we take time to rest, but the statistics show (and I’ll confirm from experience) that we actually become more productive. Write these facts down and whip them out if a nap-critic gives you a sidelong glance!
- A mother loses about 350 hours of sleep at night over her baby’s first year. Does that number shock anyone else? Okay, so I have had four children. That makes 1400 hours of lost sleep—and that is just for one year of each of their lives! Add on the sleepless nights of pregnancy, months with teething babies, bouts of the stomach flu, bed-wetting, nightmares, and sleep-walkers, and it is quite amazing that mothers sleep at all. Taking naps is not stealing time away from our families. It is making up for all the hours we have sacrificed–and don’t you think it’s fair if we charge a little interest? Extra naps for everybody . . . on the house!
Here’s a Little More on My Quiet Time Philosophy
- Quiet time makes me happy. All right, it might sound silly, but that is why I nap or take time to read or do my own thing for an hour every afternoon. I feel happy when I am rested and when I’ve had a little break from the kids each day. I am also healthier, I am in a good mood most of the time, I don’t feel the need to yell, I feel romantic, I have energy for my husband, the world doesn’t seem like such a bad place, I enjoy my family, and I don’t feel overwhelmed. Take my naps away, and I am the exact opposite of the above. It’s not a pretty sight. Now, because quiet time does make me so happy . . .
- Quiet time is an appointment every day. This is just as important as a doctor appointment or a business meeting. It is often flexible, depending on my children’s needs and other activities for the day, but the only reason I cancel quiet time is if there is an emergency . . . or a fun day trip, but you get the picture. It is tempting to accept other commitments, but every time I do, I turn into a monster by dinnertime. When the choice presents itself, I think, “I need to rest this afternoon so I will be kind to my family tonight.” Generally, that’s enough motivation for me.
- Quiet time and guilt are not friends. I need to emphasize this point: WE MUST NOT FEEL GUILTY FOR TAKING TIME FOR OURSELVES. We need time that is just for us. Workers at factories and offices across the world have mandatory breaks in their work hours. Moms deserve no less. I was talking to my friend Erin the other day, and she reminded me that we, as mothers, devote our whole lives to our children. We cannot let ourselves feel guilty for one minute if we are taking an hour a day to become rejuvenated. Let’s release the guilt. Our time with our families will be more fulfilling when we are rested, and we will get more done overall (remember that study?). There is no reward at the end of the day for the mother who got by on the least amount of sleep or took the fewest breaks. Let’s tell ourselves right now, “We deserve rest. We can have some time each day that is just for us.” If you need to do so, write that down and tape it to your mirror so you can remember it each day.
Now Let’s Talk About Specifics
The rest of this post is going to spell out my best suggestions to make quiet time happen. (Please add your own in the Comments area below!)(1) Simplify schedules. To make room for regular quiet times,, we may need to do less. We can cut down on some of our family’s extra-curricular activities, organize our shopping so we only go into a store a few times a month, and learn to say no to things that don’t really matter (or to things that can be accomplished during non-quiet time hours). These are suggestions we’ve been hearing for years. Now is the time to do—or stop doing—them. It takes confidence to slow down.Some mothers genuinely have to work their fingers to the bone just to keep a roof over their family and food on the table, but many of us move like the Road Runner trying to do things that are really non-essential. At the heart of simplification are the questions, “Do I know how valuable I really am? Do I think I need to run around crazy because I am afraid that people will think poorly of me (or I will think poorly of myself) if I don’t achieve as much?” We must ask ourselves the hard questions–and start slashing our schedules. It might take a while to get used to all our extra time, but our bodies and brains (and our families) will thank us.(2) Be there when we’re “on duty.” One of the reasons I don’t feel guilty about taking time for myself is because when I am on duty, I make the most of it. Because I get a regular quiet time, I like the companionship of my children during the rest of the day. When I am not rested and haven’t had time to myself, I want to be alone, and I feel annoyed by the constant chatter. Again, quiet time is the key here. It’s okay if we’re not perfect at this, but our goal is to make our time with our families a happy time.Then after we’ve been dishing out all that love, we can smile and say, “All right, it’s time for everyone’s quiet time!”When I say “be there,” I do not mean to suggest that we are required to entertain our children whenever we are with them. There is this idea floating around that “good” moms spend all day making crafts with their children, rolling ski-balls at Chuck E. Cheese, kicking a soccer ball at the park, and playing Candyland. Then when the children are asleep, it’s time for Mommy to do the housework. Sorry, but I just can’t keep up with that. I love to play with my children, and we do play often, but there is also a lot of work to be done. We do it together.(3) Get the work done together. During our non-quiet time, we clean together as a family (even a one-year-old can help dust!), run errands, prepare food together, organize cupboards, wash the car, etc.Children like to be involved and just want to be with us while we do what needs to be done. Playing with our children is great (individual dates and outings are wonderful), but we can also play while we work.While we fold laundry, clean floors, etc., I tell my children stories about when they were little, turn on some fun music, laugh, listen, and enjoy their sweetness. That way, the housework gets done, the children are happy, and then when it’s time to rest, we all rest.(4) Creatively work with our responsibilities. Mothers are jugglers. Even if we simplify like nobody’s business, life is going to sneak up on us and try to destroy all napping possibilities. We won’t let it get us down—we’ll just work with it. I have arranged carpools with neighbors so I can do the morning drop-off and avoid waking up a sleeping baby for an after-school pick-up. When my children were younger, I got help from a girl in our neighborhood who played with my little ones while I took a late rest. Often I can do something the night before that will free up my quiet time for the following day.During a long road trip with the kids, we found a local library that had nice little reading nooks–the perfect size for me to lay down and have my nap!Planning ahead is essential to me because I love the feeling of rest, and I detest the tired, frustrated version of me that emerges when I am short on sleep. She really isn’t welcome in our home.If you work outside your home, you could try the following:- Use your breaks for your naps or other activities that truly rejuvenate you. My dad is the king here. He learned in the army to take a 9 ½-minute nap on a 10-minute break. As an architect, he would sneak out to his car, recline the seat, and take little cat naps during the day. When I worked at a call center in college, I arranged to sit in a corner cubicle, where I could nap with my head on my desk (or under my desk if no one was around). In some jobs, it’s the norm for people to work right through lunch, eating a little lunch at their desks. DON’T fall into that trap. If you’re not a napper, that’s fine, but be sure to really take breaks. Go on a short walk. Read a chapter of a book. Do something that truly rejuvenates you during your break time every day.
- Find a sleeping spot to use for extended naps: Some corporations actually have “nap rooms,” but that is definitely not the norm. In high school, I convinced my drama teacher to let me keep a sleeping bag and pillow in the dressing area, and I would take a little nap in the theater every sixth period when no one was there. In college, I napped in quiet study areas for ten or twenty minutes at a time with my backpack as my pillow. Just remember to set the alarm on your watch or cell phone so you’ll wake up in time. Or, if you don’t have an alarm, sleep in a high-traffic area with a sign taped to your shirt that reads, “Please wake me up at 2:15.”
- I am “on” from 7 am to 7 pm, with breaks from 9-10 and 1-3. This works about 75% of the time, and my family is nice enough to go along with it. If a child is sick, or if I am nursing a newborn, this becomes a very vague guide, but generally abiding by this schedule lets my sanity be my constant companion.
- My children wake up between 5:30 and 6:30, but they know I don’t start talking until 7:00. They color, watch cartoons, or play quietly until they know I’m ready to be mommy. Then I can happily say, “Good morning!” and we’re ready to go.
- When my children were younger, we got all the bedtime stories and evening activities by 7, and then I had time each night to think, spend time with my husband, take a bath, or get some work done on my projects. I know 7:00 is an early bedtime, but it works since my children were very young. An early bedtime helps them to be well-rested, and then I get the opportunity to feel like a human being. Now that my children are a little older, we get everything done and everyone’s in their rooms by 8. Sometimes we all stay up late together, and on occasion we have an evening activity that we will all attend, but for the most part, the Perrys shut down early . . . and I really like it that way. If my children are not tired by bedtime, they are more than welcome to read, listen to music, or play nicely in their rooms until “lights out.” (Lights out time varies by kids’ ages – 7:30 for little ones, 8:00 when they’re about 8, and a little later as they get older and have some homework to finish.)
Each child has a book basket next to his or her bed, where current reading books are stored. We frequently refresh what’s in the basket with trips to the library.We also have a little clip-light or lamp by each bed, so the children can read at night without disturbing his/her roommate.- The daytime breaks, 9-10 and 1-3, are generally when my baby and/or toddelr would nap. All children who are home, however, take quiet times during these hours (or sleep, if they’d like). A quiet time means the child is in a room/area by his or herself. It’s not a punishment, it’s just time for the child to get to play or sleep. It’s so good for children to learn to entertain themselves and to have their own down-time or nap time! During the first quiet time, I do work such as phone calls, emails, bill-paying, etc. During the second quiet time, I sleep and work on projects if I have extra time after my nap. It’s lovely.
- Pick a “quiet time space” for each child. My newborns always joined me for nap time, but once my babies could play with toys and/or sleep on their own, we separated (otherwise I couldn’t sleep). If I had two children in one room, I moved one of them to a separate location (the office, family room, etc.). This space is theirs for the whole quiet time. They can obviously leave it to use the bathroom or come get me if they have a real problem, but if they start wandering around the house or wake me up for a non-emergency, then the rule is that they have to join me in sleep. (Once children reach the age of eight, they don’t need a “defined” space anymore . . ..) This is a fun memory of one of Spencer’s quiet times. (Can you tell I didn’t want to cut his golden curls?)
- Make sure the space is pleasant. During my first trimester with my last pregnancy (I had really hard pregnancies), our house kind of turned into a pit. No one wanted to have quiet time in their rooms because there was clutter everywhere, so as soon as I could stand up without gagging, we made some improvements. My children like to be in their rooms when they are clean, safe, well-lit, warm enough/cool enough, and stocked with interesting activities. This takes effort, but it’s worth it. This is where they get to use their imaginations—I want them to love their rooms!
- Prepare fun, age-appropriate activities. This is probably the most important part of quiet time. Obviously, if I want time to rest and think, my children need to have something to do. Over the years, we have collected several boxes of toys, organized and stored in sets, which provide hours of creative play. These boxes are kept up high, and before each quiet time, I ask my (younger) children which ones they want for that day. They’ll pick two or three activities that will keep them busy, and then they clean them up when quiet time is over. My oldest daughter would pick ten things when she was younger, and she would lay them out in the order that she wanted to play with them. Some of our favorites are pictured below:
Mr. Potato Head sets are always a hit. There’s a little game that has mini-potatoes that my children love to dress up.Older children who won’t put marbles in their mouths will love Marble Works.My nine-year-old loves Legos, and he can build for hours without getting bored. It’s also nice for him to have time to play when his little brother isn’t around.Sometimes my older children can have quiet time together, and they choose games from our “game cupboard.”Magna Doodles are also wonderful.Piles of books can keep a child happy for quite a long period of time. Many moms also like books on tape/CD/mp3s. And while all these books might look like a big mess, it just takes about five minutes to put books back on the shelf.Train sets are fabulous.And cars are a main staple.These Playful Patterns from Discovery Toys has been a hit.Alia made a CD for each child in the family with their favorite songs. Spencer listens to it at least twice a week, and it makes his quiet time more enjoyable.We also filled a cupboard in the garage with boxes of additional toy sets: magnets, felt dollhouses, Lincoln Logs, puzzles, art supplies, etc. The rule is that everything has to be put away at the end of quiet time. We rotate what’s available.Other favorites have been My Little Ponies, Magnetix, Legos, Magnetix, blocks, Polly Pockets, flannel storybooks, little dolls/dollhouses, car tracks, tinker toys, K’nex and craft materials (paper, crayons, markers, construction paper, glue, scissors, etc.). As my children get older, they like to read, color, write poems, work on homework, etc. It’s amazing to see their creations. (Yesterday my 12-year-old made rock people with googly eyes.) To check out more great ideas for toys and games that work well for quiet time, check out our Power of Moms Amazon Store.And today my 10-year-old helped me make a video demonstrating our favorite baby toys:(7) Anticipate snack and potty needs. My youngest child is now four, so this isn’t an issue anymore, but when they were younger, I always wanted to be sure that no one was going to have a messy diaper or need something to eat during our quiet time. We usually ate a good lunch together, and then I would get a fun snack ready that my children could look forward to once they had successfully completed their quiet time. It’s a great incentive: “I know this looks tasty. I bet you can have some if you let Mommy get a good rest!” Sometimes I also let them take a non-messy snack into their quiet time space—like a little bag of Cheerios or a stick of celery (we minimized the snacks, though, and certainly considered choking hazards). As far as the “potty” needs go, I quickly learned to check on my non-sleeping, diapered children about 20 minutes into the quiet time. They usually had a little surprise for me. Potty-trained children (under five) were simply encouraged to use the bathroom first so they didn’t need to open (or slam) doors when someone in the house was asleep.(8) Use sound machines or white noise on your phone. Sound machines are my absolute favorites! We have one in every room–they are electronic white noise makers (costing about $15.00 each) that include a variety of sounds and an optional timer (which helps children understand how long quiet time is). There are lots of phone app with many choices of white noise that can also be a good solution.My children can’t hear each other when they have sound machines going, so the sleeping ones can sleep, and the playing ones can play. I set the timer for an hour, and when the sound machine turns off, that means the child can clean up the toys and head out to the family room for a snack and part two of quiet time. My older children, who can tell time, don’t need them as much, but three- to five-year-olds love them!(9) Use the TV and computer sparingly. We do have a television and computer, and I let my children watch certain shows or DVD’s and enjoy time on certain websites, but I don’t generally use the TV or computer during quiet time. I’ve found that screen time can make my children cranky, but imaginative play leaves them feeling refreshed. Sometimes I’ll say, “You get one hour of quiet time, and then you can watch a show.” That way, I can sleep for an hour and have time to do some reading, but my children are only watching 30 minutes of TV. Clearly, every family is different—do what works for you!(10) Coordinate nap time schedules. Sometimes children will get on opposite schedules: a baby wants to nap at 12, a preschooler wants to nap at 2. That leaves Mommy awake all day. With a little work, I could usually get everyone to sleep at the same time. You might need to hold off a baby’s nap and endure a little while of “the crankies,” but that, to me, is better than giving up my own rest. I want my babies to have memories of a nice mom, and I can usually distract them to keep them up awhile longer. This is the main reason why we started the morning and afternoon quiet times. An hour of crib/play time seemed to take the edge off for my little ones who were only sleeping once a day. Then we were all ready to sleep in the afternoon.(11) Train with love. It might take several weeks of quiet time training before your children will stay in their rooms and/or sleep when they need it. You may want to start with a 1/2 hour of quiet time and then work up to an hour or more after a week or so. One of my favorite parenting books, Parenting With Love and Logic, helped me to teach my children our family rules without having to get upset with them. What works for us is when I describe the consequences: “If you come out of your room before it’s time, I start the timer all over again.” Or, “If you choose not to nap, but then behave badly later this afternoon, you have a 6:30 bedtime.” I also try to offer choices. I ask my older children, “Do you want to take a nap with me today, or would you like a quiet time?” I never have to yell or spank or get mad, I just give them choices, explain the consequences, and then follow through. I have noticed that when I am able to calmly explain my expectations, I can rest more peacefully.(12) Take your rest in a strategic spot. My biggest concern when I sleep is the safety of my children. I’m a light sleeper, so I notice every cough or door-knob turn, but if you have a large home, or if you are a sound sleeper, sleep where you will be able to respond to your children’s needs. For a couple of months, my three-year-old kept coming out of his room and going downstairs, so I slept in the living room to make sure he didn’t find a way to “escape.” When I had a little baby, I kept the monitor right next to me and left my bedroom door open. One day, my son Spencer kept coming out of his room and throwing tantrums in the hall. So I slept right in front of his door. (Only had to do that once!)(13) Learn to relax. One of the hardest for mothers to do is shut down our minds. There are lots of great relaxation techniques available on the Internet (like starting from your toes, breathing deeply, relaxing each muscle, and working your way up). It’s a skill to fall asleep quickly. What helps me most, though, is having a plan for when I will get things done so I don’t have to stress about them while I rest. For example, if I have a business document that needs to be put together by the end of the week, I will schedule one quiet time hour and two evening hours that week to work on it, and then I will forget about it until it’s time. Having a detailed calendar is a lifesaver for me because otherwise I live in constant fear that I am forgetting something. Once you have made sure you have nothing pressing, tell yourself you deserve a break, and you are not going to ruin your nap time with worry. (Mind Organization for Moms wasmade for this.)So when do you get everything else done?
There is a lot to do each day. Besides the basic housework, important relationships, employment needs, and desk work, we want to have time to exercise, read, and work on projects. Most women use quiet time to get these projects done, which is completely understandable. If your nighttime sleep is sufficient, then quiet time is the best time to do everything else. I have had to develop my own routine, as will every mother, but basically, here is what I do.(1) As mentioned before, I use my morning quiet time for work that requires the most brain power. Then I work for the first 20 minutes of the afternoon quiet time, sleep for the next 60 minutes, and then wake up to work/check email for the final few minutes.(2) After lunch, and before quiet time, there is usually about an hour where my children will play nicely nearby while I get stuff done. This is when I make phone calls and do more active tasks.(3) If I have the energy, I wake up early—around 5:30 or 6, so I have an hour to exercise and/or prepare spiritually for my day.(4) I get to work immediately at bedtime—as soon as everyone is happily in their rooms. Then I balance the rest of my evening with my husband’s schedule so we can be together as much as possible.(5) I apply “de-junking” principles to my home and try to keep things streamlined and easily clean-able. There are tons of great books out there for that. Having routines for housework has been a life-saver. The whole family helps keep things looking nice so I don’t have a messy house hanging over my head while I sleep.(6) I multi-task and involve my children as much as possible—we are busy during the days, and I try not to put too many things on my task lists, but when we’re all awake, we do group tasks, and when I am off duty, I do my own personal tasks. The point of all this is to enjoy the process, enjoy your family, and accomplish what needs to get done. It isn’t easy, but it’s possible.I hope this article has been somewhat helpful to you. Everyone’s family and life is different, and we have to figure out what will work for us, but at least one principle is true—no matter who you are. You need rest. I know life gets tough sometimes. I have my rough moments just like everybody else, but when I make rest and rejuvenation a priority, I am a little more fearless, and a lot more pleasant to be around. I wish you the best in your quiet time!QUESTION: How do you fit quiet time into your busy days?CHALLENGE: Choose just one simple way to incorporate a little more quiet time into your schedule. You can either use it to nap, read, or just get something done you’ve been dying to accomplish.8 Landlord-Friendly States
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1.) Texas
Texas has a reputation for being very pro-landlord and not as kind to its tenants. Texas landlords can evict a tenant for not paying rent, and they wield other powerful advantages over the tenant that they can take advantage of with little or no notice.2.) Indiana
Indiana’s rental laws definitely favor landlords rather than tenants. For example, before 2002 it was completely legal for landlords to withhold tenants’ security deposits past the standard 45 days. Now, landlords can only be sued for the deposit amount and certain legal fees if they exceed the 45-day due date.3.) Colorado
The rental laws here are strict and have little tolerance for delinquent tenants. In addition, a landlord can enter the property at any time without providing notice to the tenant.4.) Arizona
Arizona has strict laws regarding noncompliance with rental agreement and nonpayment of rent. For example, if a tenant provides false information on the rental application, Arizona landlords have the right to deliver a written notice to the tenant and terminate the rental agreement within 10 days.5.) Florida
One primary reason Florida seems to favor landlords is the lack of rent control laws in Florida. Florida also does not require a written lease, which can sometimes create problems when disputes arise. While recent legislation has been proposed to help better protect tenants, tenants should still be careful before renting in Florida.6.) Kentucky
Kentucky handles security deposits a little differently than other states. According to Kentucky rental laws, landlords are allowed to withhold security deposits anywhere from 30 to 60 days, depending on tenant disputes regarding deductions. Other than the states that have no statutory deadline, Kentucky has the longest waiting period for tenants to get their security deposits back.7.) Georgia
Georgia courts are the primary reason why the landlord is favored. Regardless of the reason, tenants who do not pay rent typically lose their eviction cases in Georgia courts. That means, if you feel that your rights have been violated in Georgia, chances are you will lose if you take the matter to court.8.) Mississippi
Mississippi’s favoritism for landlords dates back to the days of segregation, when landlords had much more power. While today legislation has reigned in the landlord’s power of their tenants, Mississippi landlords still enjoy a number of benefits, including a requirement that tenants keep the rental premises clean and remove all garbage.
”-Donald
8 Landlord-Friendly States
Our friends over at Renter’s Insurance have a new blog post on the 8 most landlord-friendly states. As an investor, eviction rights are usually most important, but additional considerations are security deposits and leases.Here’s the post:”1.) Texas
Texas has a reputation for being very pro-landlord and not as kind to its tenants. Texas landlords can evict a tenant for not paying rent, and they wield other powerful advantages over the tenant that they can take advantage of with little or no notice.2.) Indiana
Indiana’s rental laws definitely favor landlords rather than tenants. For example, before 2002 it was completely legal for landlords to withhold tenants’ security deposits past the standard 45 days. Now, landlords can only be sued for the deposit amount and certain legal fees if they exceed the 45-day due date.3.) Colorado
The rental laws here are strict and have little tolerance for delinquent tenants. In addition, a landlord can enter the property at any time without providing notice to the tenant.4.) Arizona
Arizona has strict laws regarding noncompliance with rental agreement and nonpayment of rent. For example, if a tenant provides false information on the rental application, Arizona landlords have the right to deliver a written notice to the tenant and terminate the rental agreement within 10 days.5.) Florida
One primary reason Florida seems to favor landlords is the lack of rent control laws in Florida. Florida also does not require a written lease, which can sometimes create problems when disputes arise. While recent legislation has been proposed to help better protect tenants, tenants should still be careful before renting in Florida.6.) Kentucky
Kentucky handles security deposits a little differently than other states. According to Kentucky rental laws, landlords are allowed to withhold security deposits anywhere from 30 to 60 days, depending on tenant disputes regarding deductions. Other than the states that have no statutory deadline, Kentucky has the longest waiting period for tenants to get their security deposits back.7.) Georgia
Georgia courts are the primary reason why the landlord is favored. Regardless of the reason, tenants who do not pay rent typically lose their eviction cases in Georgia courts. That means, if you feel that your rights have been violated in Georgia, chances are you will lose if you take the matter to court.8.) Mississippi
Mississippi’s favoritism for landlords dates back to the days of segregation, when landlords had much more power. While today legislation has reigned in the landlord’s power of their tenants, Mississippi landlords still enjoy a number of benefits, including a requirement that tenants keep the rental premises clean and remove all garbage.
”-Donald
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