16 Uncomfortable Feelings that Indicate You Are on the Right Path

Discomfort is what happens when we are on the precipice of change. Unfortunately, we often confuse it for unhappiness, and cope with the latter while running from the former. It usually takes a bit of discomfort to break through to a new understanding, to release a limiting belief, to motivate ourselves to create real change. Discomfort is a signal, one that is often very helpful. Here are a few (less than desirable) feelings that may indicate you’re on the right path after all:

1. Feeling as though you are reliving your childhood struggles. You find that you’re seeing issues you struggled with as a kid reappear in your adult life, and while on the surface this may seem like a matter of not having overcome them, it really means you are becoming conscious of why you think and feel, so you can change it.

2. Feeling “lost,” or directionless. Feeling lost is actually a sign you’re becoming more present in your life – you’re living less within the narratives and ideas that you premeditated, and more in the moment at hand. Until you’re used to this, it will feel as though you’re off track (you aren’t).

3. “Left brain” fogginess.

 

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Why Lack of Sleep Increases Late Night Snack Cravings

Decades of studies have shown that those who sleep poorly are more likely to be obese—our need for sleep and calories seem deeply linked. Why that may be, however, has been difficult to understand.

A new study published in the journal Sleep, suggest that the reason so many of us crave late-night snacks may have to do with how sleep changes brain chemistry. Though it’s a small study, it builds on previous research about how the body responds differently to food consumption at various times of the day.

Researchers from the University of Chicago recruited 14 men and women in their twenties to be monitored in a sleep lab and split them into two groups. In two, four-day sessions, both groups’ food consumption and sleep time were strictly controlled. They all received three meals at 9am, 2pm, and 7pm. During the first visit, one group slept 7.5 hours a night and the other slept a little more than four hours. Then, during the next visit, they kept their meal times the same but swapped their sleeping hours.

After the final night in each session, the volunteers were offered as much food as they would like to eat. In both sessions, the researchers found that those who had slept less ate, on average, 300 calories more than those who had slept more.

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The 5 Best Tax Breaks Uncle Sam Offers Moms and Dads

Parents are one of the best-treated groups when it comes to credits, deductions and other ways to reduce your tax bill. Here are five key tax breaks.

1. The Credit You Get Just for Being a Parent

The Child Tax Credit gives you as much as $1,000 per child to offset your tax liability, reducing what you owe dollar for dollar. To qualify for the credit, the child has to be a U.S. citizen age 16 or younger; a dependent on your tax return; and related to you by blood, marriage or adoption. You also have to provide more than half of the child's financial support, and the child has to live with you more than half the year. Finally, those whose adjusted gross income is above certain thresholds -- $75,000 for single filers and $110,000 for joint filers -- will see their credit phased out by $50 for every $1,000 in additional income above the threshold. The best part about the credit is that under certain circumstances, any unused portion of the credit can be refundable, allowing you to get a refund check even if you zero out your overall tax liability.

2. Get Help to Pay for an Adoption

If you're adopting a child, you know how costly the process can be. But the Internal Revenue Service has a substantial Adoption Credit you can take against your taxes to help you handle those costs.  

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Coping with Personalities that "Don't get along well with others."

Most people get along with others. There might be the odd bit of friction between a person or two, but for the most part, most people get along.

There is a subgroup of people however, that don’t seem to get along with almost anyone. These persons tend to project blame onto others for their conflict and may also cause others to feel guilty for not meeting expectations in the relationship. Further, some of these people while feigning interest in others, are really only interested in meeting their own needs.

These people can be manipulative, self-serving and very distressing to others. If they themselves are distressed, it is only due to the reaction of others, or for others not attending to their demands. They tend not to be distressed about their own behavior. In fact, when confronted on their own behavior, they are quite unable to see a problem with themselves and treat the confrontation as a serious attack.

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Cholesterol and Alzheimer's Disease

Although no one definitively knows clear measures to prevent Alzheimer’s disease, research now shows a promising link between cholesterol in the blood and the brain disease that diminishes memory, thinking and reasoning skills. Researchers at Vanderbilt University reported in the June 2012 issue of Psychcentral that the specific amyloid precursor protein (APP) found in Alzheimer’s disease binds to cholesterol. Because of the breakthrough discovery, researchers are now searching for a drug to block cholesterol from binding to the Alzheimer’s-related protein.

Even if such medication becomes available, it is still wise for people to keep their cholesterol levels in check to reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s as well as heart disease, stroke, diabetes and other health concerns. Too much waxy cholesterol in the blood causes buildup in artery walls and limits oxygen to the heart. Cholesterol levels should be monitored regularly for individuals over age 45 or in anyone with higher risk factors such as high blood pressure and smoking. Consider preventing and treating high cholesterol through the following lifestyle habits:

Stop smoking. Quitting improves good high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels and lowers blood pressure.

Lose excess weight. Even losing 5 to 10 pounds can lower cholesterol.

Increase physical activity. Doctors recommend 30 to 60 minutes of exercise such as brisk walking or swimming once a day to improve cholesterol levels.

Limit cholesterol-rich foods. Consume less saturated fats (organ meats, egg yolks, and whole milk products)

 

 

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Cabin Fever Anyone?

Holidays can always be such a fun time of year, especially if you have school-age kids.

But let's be honest somewhere around the middle of the vacation it seems like the symptoms of cabin fever start to set in. Usually a little exercise, fresh air, and creativity are all the doctor would order.  Here's some ways to follow "doctor's orders":

1. Google: "Things to do in (fill in your city)" and see what you find.
You may be surprised at what there is to do right in your own back yard.

2. Go to the zoo.
Most areas have a zoo or aquarium or some kind of wildlife rescue area. (Ever wonder where they take celebrity tigers when they've gotten too old?)

3. Use where you live to your advantage.
If there is snow on the ground, get out in it! Bundle up and have an old-fashion snow ball fight with the forts and all! Or if your weather is mild, find a local park and organize a flag football game or a neighborhood Capture the Flag competition.

Whatever you choose to do, getting the energy out goes a long way to cure cabin fever.

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How To Show Support to a Sick Loved One

Tragedy can strike a family at any time. Whether expected or unexpected, families have a difficult time when a loved one gets admitted to the hospital. The uncertainty creates a lot of stress and can become very toiling on a family. However, even in the midst of all this, they must remain focused on the person that is suffering with the sickness.

Finding ways to show support aren’t always easy. But the more a family supports the loved one–and one another–during this difficult time, the easier it may seem. One of the best things you can do for your loved one is be there for them as much as possible. If you aren’t able to stay at the hospital around the clock, come as often as you can. They need you to help comfort and encourage them during this difficult time. While your loved one will understand that you have responsibilities and things to do, she will greatly appreciate all the effort that you give to making sure you’re there as much as possible

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All About Resident Councils in Nursing Homes Part 2

The following is an excerpt from We Care Online's  Social Service Designee course.*

Do residents have a right to meet as a council?

Yes.

Federal and state laws give residents the right to meet as a council. At the time of admission, nursing homes are required to inform new residents of their right to establish a council if one does not exist or to participate in the activities of a council which is already operating.

Councils have the right to meet privately or to invite members of the nursing home's staff, relatives, friends, or members of community organizations to participate in the meetings. The residents of a home may invite a staff person to serve as liaison to the Council, to attend council meetings if requested and to provide needed support services and assistance such as typing minutes and correspondence.

How are Resident Councils organized?

The structure of a Resident Council can be the key to its success. The size of the home and the abilities and needs of the residents are important factors to consider in selecting a structure.

In small homes, Resident Councils are frequently operated as open meetings for all interested residents. There may be a steering committee to help plan meeting agendas and to follow up on decisions made by the Council. Larger homes often have Councils made up of representatives either elected or recruited from different sections of the facility. Council representatives are responsible for seeking the concerns and suggestions of residents in their area and for bringing this information to the meetings.

According to OBRA, every long-term care facility is required to have a Resident Council. Regular monthly meetings are scheduled. Additional meetings can be scheduled per special request or need. All residents are encouraged and invited to come to the meetings. Attendance records and minutes are written. Two resident rights are reviewed and discussed each month in the meeting.

Resident council members review the activity program and give input to programs, special events, and requests at each meeting. The original minutes are keep on file and a copy is given to the administrator. All issues discussed by the council should have a plan of action written, signed, and dated by the responsible discipline. Past month's issues will be reviewed.

The agenda for each meeting should include the following:

• Welcome
• Attendance
• Review of past month's minutes
• Review of past month's resolutions to issues
• Review of specific departments such as nursing, dietary, social services, activities, maintenance, therapy, and administration
• New business and issues
• Request for visitors for the next month's meeting

The following is an example of meeting minutes

Resident Council Minutes

10/30/09

The following resident attended the resident council: Mary Jo Smith, Calvin Poge, Elizabeth Curry, John Peterson, Robert Bell, and Susan Wayne. The following staff were invited as guest. Jamie Tiller, SSD, and Holly Gorton, AD.

The past month’s minutes were read and approved by the resident council.

The council review John Peterson concern about broken curtains and he shared that maintenance had fixed the curtain right after the last resident council.

Residents were asked if there were any concerns about the nursing department. Robert Shared that the staff could smile more and say good morning.

Residents were asked if there were any concerns about the dietary department. All residents shared that the food was wonderful and they especially enjoyed the fried chicken last Monday.

Residents were asked if there were any concerns about the social services department. The residents did not share any concerns.

Residents were asked if there were any concerns about the activities department. The residents shared that they would like to add penny cards and go on an outing to the next circus coming to town.

Residents were asked if there were any concerns about the maintenance department. The residents did not have any concerns at this time.

Residents were asked if there were any concerns about the therapy department. The residents did not have any concerns at this time.

Residents were asked if there were any concerns about the administration department. The residents shared they would like the administration to have breakfast with them in the month of December.

New business and Issues were the residents’ choice menu for the month. The residents voted on fried chicken, peas, cinnamon bread, and ice cream with cherry pie. No other new business was discussed at this time.

The residents requested the Director of Nursing to give a report on new staff at the next meeting.

Meeting adjourned. The next meeting will be November 30, 2009.


___________________________________________
Signature of Resident Council President or Vice President

Family Council

Family Councils are also important to have in the facility as well. The family councils are able to help advocate for their loved ones and support one another in care for family member. Family councils are run by the residents’ families. The Long Term Care Ombudsman in your area can help your facility set up a family council.

Link: Family Council

*Note: The Social Service Designee course is available in a limited amount of states.  Click here to find out if the course is available in your state.