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Complications of diverticular disease

Without the correct treatment, serious cases of diverticular disease can lead to:

Infection: Infection occurs when bodily fluids or faeces become trapped in the diverticula and begin to stagnate. This provides an optimal environment for the growth of bacteria and consequently, the development of infection.

Rectal Bleeding: Bleeding from the rectum can occur if diverticula present in the colon begin to bleed due to the bursting of a blood vessel.

Rectal bleeding will present itself in one of two ways:

Small amounts of blood will be present in the stool over a few days. This generally rectifies itself.

A large amount of blood is produced over a small amount of time, due to the bursting of a blood vessel. The onset of this type of bleeding is generally painless, immediate and accompanied by the urge to defecate. This symptom is usually only present in those with extreme cases of diverticulitis and requires hospitalisation and possible surgery. Alternatively, the implementation of a device up through the rectum to cauterise the bleeding wound shut. In some cases, the bleeding may stop spontaneously without the requirement of medical intervention.

Haemorrhage: The presence of rectal bleeding or bloody stools is generally indicative of internal bleeding or haemorrhage. Internal haemorrhaging will present itself as red or burgundy coloured stools.

Fistulas: A fistula is an abnormal tunnel or connection between two organs that develops as a result of infection. In the case of diverticulitis this infection is present with the inflamed diverticula.

There are many areas where fistulas can occur. The main areas affected by diverticular disease are the areas surrounding the bowel the genitals and the anus.

Fistulas may link the surrounding organs or cavities with the bowel. The most common occurrences in individuals with a gastrointestinal are as follows:

Enterocutaneous: Pathway leading form the gut, to the area of infection and finally to the skin.

Enteroenteric: Any fistula involving the intestines.

Enterovaginal: A fistula creating a pathway to the vagina. Symptoms of this fistula include vaginal discharge containing faecal matter. Feculent vaginal discharge can also be a result of a fistula developing between the sight of infection and the uterus.

Enterovesicular: A fistula creating a pathway form the site of infection to the bladder. Symptoms of the development of this type of fistula include frequent urinary tract infections, pneumaturia and the passing of gas from the urethra during urination.

In diverticular disease, the resultant fistulas are generally faecal or anal fistulas, meaning the fistula may cause faeces to pass through openings other than the anus. Fistulas are formed from abscesses which do not have a chance of healing due to being constantly filled with bodily fluids or stools. If these abscesses remain untreated they will consequently break through to the skin or another organ, creating a tunnel or connection between the two structures.

The types of fistulas that may develop include:

Blind fistulas- only one end of the fistula has an opening

Complete fistula- Both ends of the fistula are open

Horseshoe fistula- the anus is connected to the surface of the skin via a tunnel around the rectum.

Incomplete fistula- is only attached to one organ, generally the skin.

Symptoms of a fistula include pain, feeling ill, fever, tenderness or itching and severity will range depending on the location of the fistula itself.

Large Bowel Obstruction: This complication only occurs in a small number of individuals suffering from diverticulitis. As a result of the swelling due to inflammation scar tissue develops. Blockage due to inflammation will settle as the inflammation is treated, however blocking due to scar tissue remains. These blockages can occur as partial or total blockages. Partial blockages are not urgent, and therefore corrective surgery can be planned. Total blockages are urgent and must be addressed via surgery immediately.

Development of an Abscess: These are pus filled areas of infection and may form if initial infection remains untreated. Due to the destruction of tissue by an abscess, small holes known as perforations allow the leakage of pus out of the colon into the abdominal area. Perforations may cause the individual to develop pain in the back or lower extremities.

While small abscesses may rectify themselves without antibiotics, large abscesses may have to be drained. Abscesses are drained by inserting a catheter. If drainage is not successful, surgery may be required to clean the abscess.

If excessive amounts of infection leak out of the contaminated area into the abdominal cavity, peritonitis may occur. In this case, the individual will begin experiencing severe, generalised abdominal pain. Peritonitis refers to the infection of the walls of the abdomen and requires immediate surgery to clean the abdomen. Peritonitis can be fatal without treatment. Treatment involves an operation to clean the abdomen and infected parts of the colon are removed.

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Tip #65 Don't get frustrated. When you feel yourself loosing control, take a step back and take 10 deep breaths. Frustration can easily bring on a tension headache.

Tip #66 Color effects us on a psychological level. Reds and oranges invoke tense angry feelings, but light pastels in hues of green and blue have a calming effect. The more calm you feel, the less likely you are to get a headache.

Tip #67 Bad teeth can cause headaches. If you have a tooth infection or other oral problem, it can cause a headache.

Tip #68 Posture. If you don't sit properly, you can cramp the muscles in your neck and shoulders. The following tips will help you with proper posture:

Never slouch in your chair.

Try to sit as erect as possible.

Instead of bending over, try to hold your work up, so your neck is straight.

Get a writing board.

If you continue to have problems with your posture, you may consider buying a lumbar support pad, a doughnut or other devices designed to help you sit correctly. These are available in office stores and medical supply stores.

Tip #69 Rinse your hair before you go to bed. If you have gel, hairspray, or other hair products in your hair, it can seal the pores of your scalp and cause a headache. The perfume from the products can also irritate your nasal passages as you sleep, causing you to wake up with a headache.

Tip #70 Aerosols cause sinus infection in many people, so try to use products that do not create a fine mist.

Tip #71 If you wear glasses or contacts, have your eyes checked periodically. Slight alterations in your vision can cause headaches.

Tip #72 If you have a family history of poor eyesight, get yourself examined periodically. Most vision defects are hereditary, so if one of your parents started using glasses at an early age, there is a 25% chance that you might have the same problem as well.

Tip #73 Never shake your head violently.

Tip #74 A gentle shake of your head, however, can tell you if you do have a sinus infection.

Tip #75 Another method is to try bending over. The moment you lower your head, you'll feel like your head is a bowling ball.

Tip #76 Avoid irritating people. Anger and irritation are major causes of headaches.

Tip #77 Avoid stuffy rooms.

Tip #78 Make sure your bedroom is properly ventilated. Even if the A/C is turned on, turn on a fan to circulate the air.

Tip #79 Dip cotton in iced water and apply it on your forehead. This is soothing, but do not leave the cotton on for too long.

Tip #80 Crying is not good for a headache.

Tip #81 Do not skip meals. Eat at fixed times. Hunger causes migraine attacks. When you miss meals, you are actually depriving your body of energy. The body seeks out alternative energy sources and you often end up with a headache.

Tip #82 If you have a sinus problem, blow your nose often. Blowing your nose helps to get rid of the mucus that accumulates in the sinuses. It is great if you can blow your nose after a steam inhalation.

Tip #83 Rinse your sinus cavities with a neti-pot. If your sinuses are blocked, the pressure from the extra mucus can cause a headache.

Tip #84 If you have an allergic condition like a dust allergy, change your air filters regularly, and consider buying special filters for dust allergies.

Tip #85 If your dust allergy is severe, wear a dust mask.

Tip #86 Foods containing monosodium glutamate and caffeine can trigger a migraine.

Tip #87 Eating fermented and pickled food can lead to headaches.

Tip #88 Contraceptive pills can trigger headaches, because they interfere with hormonal changes. (Then again, last time we checked, screaming babies trigger headaches as well.)

Tip #89 Maintain a headache diary. Record the food and drink you consume, weather conditions, stress and menstrual cycles.

Try to identify the causes that lead to a headache. Record how often and how frequent they are and whether they are related to any external condition like the weather or travel.

Tip #90 Consult the doctor about your headaches. Many people feel silly about going to a doctor with something as insignificant as a headache, but there is nothing insignificant about a headache.

Tip #91 Dress appropriately. If you work outside, dress for the weather. If you work inside, dress so you are comfortable while you're working.

Tip #92 While you're traveling allow your body to adjust to any time changes.

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Give credit where it’s due, be generous with compliments and be sincere in your praise. Do you sometimes find yourself wishing that your partner would compliment you the way your boss does after a job well done?

Many couples discover that as they settle into their marriage, they compliment each other far less than when they were dating. Making it a practice to give credit where it’s due and being sincere about your praises goes a long way towards reinforcing wellness in a marriage.

If you see that your wife works conscientiously on the treadmill to keep off the weight, did you ever think that she’s probably doing this to please you? Saying something like, “You’re so disciplined in your efforts to achieve your goals, I’m proud of you” will add to her self-confidence and reinforce her attitude that she’s doing something that’s healthy and that you appreciate it.

If your husband is good at crunching numbers, praise him for his skills at rapid calculation. “You’re amazing with numbers” will give him a sense of pride, and he will feel important to you.

No doubt many experts and marriage counsellors will differ in opinion on how to save a marriage, but they all agree on the following fundamental elements of a solid marriage – only the words and the way they are conveyed are different:

trust and communication

respect for each other’s ideas and expectations

fidelity

physical and intellectual stimulation

maintaining their own personalities, but supporting each other’s dreams

The Concept of Friendship in Marriage

Friends are forever. Even if we move out of town or take up residence overseas, we maintain our friendships.

We certainly don’t divorce our friends just because of a misunderstanding, so if we treat our spouse as a dear friend, we probably won’t ever need a divorce lawyer and go through the painful exercise of property division – a course of action that can spell financial ruin for many.

Since love is less permanent (we fall in and out of love a few times in our lifetime) and friendship more durable, every attempt must be made to make our spouse not only a lover and a partner, but also a friend.

Friendship is an evident manifestation of maturity. Marriage is a responsibility larger than life, and can be a source of annoyance or profound joy. Only when we turn those annoyances and joys into building blocks for an enduring friendship can we say that we’ve taken the unwavering path to a marriage made in heaven.

Friendship is Everything

If there is true friendship between husband and wife, the marriage avoids landing on the rocks. In fact, it is the genuine friendship between two people that put more meaning in the words, “for richer or for poorer, for better or for worse, till death do us part” - what Mary Pipher calls “the shelter of each other.”

Friendship in a marriage means that the marriage will be full of memories of laughter and humour.

Friendship also means open and honest communication. A no holds barred type of union where our comfort level with our spouse goes beyond 100%. We are assured that what we say and how we say it will not be judged or taken in a negative light.

If you talk to married people, a wish they frequently express is that they remain the best of friends and the closest of companions. Surveys in fact reveal that if there is one component that will enable a couple to weather the tough times, it is friendship.

As a famous poet once said, “No man is an island.” Kinder and Cowan agree that friendship is the antidote to loneliness. Getting married does not mean that people will never experience loneliness, “but it does diminish our sense of separateness.”

Friendship between couples generates wholesome feelings of goodwill and fidelity. Our spouse – our friend – has our interests at heart, will not betray us and will be our staunchest supporter. Friendship also makes spouses stronger; this strength is reinforced by the joy of shared history, of nostalgia and plans for the future.

Romance is a good thing, and we could use heaps of it when our relationships get rocky. But mature friends are aware that romance can be a barrier to friendship. Why? Because romance obliterates the darker side of our existence – our fears, anxieties, and insecurities. Yet, it is those fears, anxieties and insecurities that naturally draw us to our friend.

Friendship in a marriage brings about the recognition that flux, de-stabilization and disruption are what Dr. Rhodes calls the “first steps in the dynamic process of repair, rebuilding and renewal.”

Familiarity does NOT breed contempt. It breeds content. A sense of contentment equates with satisfaction, warmth, and unwavering assurance. Sharing a life together in love and friendship makes for a book that is deeper and thicker in shared histories, in content.

If you were to ask a happy bachelor and a happily married man to each write their stories, you’d get a positive narration from both. The single person’s perspective would however be I, me and myself – and possibly a string of blind dates and Saturday nights alone. The married man will talk about “us”, of mutual interests – a story definitely made richer because there are two stories, not one.

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Bedwetting Advice that Has Worked for Other Parents

Those who know a lot about bedwetting options, remedies and treatments are often those parents who have struggled with the problem with their own children. There are many alternative or less-used bedwetting remedies used by parents to help treat the problem. Some are backed by research, others are used simply because they work for some parents. At the very least, these tips are worth considering when you are trying to cope with bedwetting.

Tip #59: Hypnotherapy

Hypnotherapy is an alternative treatment that uses hypnosis to treat bedwetting (Hypnotherapy is also used to treat a host of other ailments). The premise behind hypnotherapy is much the same as the idea behind behavior modification or visualization - the mind is used to control what the body does.

During hypnotherapy, a child will be hypnotized and then suggestions will be made (by the hypnotherapist) that the child is able to control their bladder at night and can wake up in time to go to the bathroom. Hypnotherapy is safe and is generally used for older children, although there are hypnotherapists who work with younger children, as well. Some results can be seen in a few weeks.

If you decide to use hypnotherapy as a route, you need to investigate practitioners carefully, as in most states alternative healers such as hypnotherapists are not required to be licensed or otherwise controlled.

Get recommendations for a good hypnotherapist who has had success treating other patients of Enuresis specifically. Most health insurance does not cover this form of treatment, so get the best hypnotherapist you can so your money is well spent on an effective remedy.

Tip #60: Check Your Child’s school bathroom and school drinking habits

It sounds strange, but it’s true - your child’s habits at school may be contributing to problems at home. Some doctors have suggested that children do not drink very much during schooldays.

Children are given only short breaks and beverages are not allowed in class, so drinking the proper amount of fluid can be difficult. Children who do not drink enough in school may be dehydrated by the time they come home, so they drink most of their daily fluids in the hours leading up to evening.

Plus, many children are shy about using bathrooms in public places, such as their school. This means that they may be waiting to drink and use the bathroom until they come home. This forces the body to take most of its water but also perform most of its voiding within a few hours, encouraging accidents in the night.

If your child has wet nights more often during the school week, school-related stress or poor drinking and bathroom habits may be the culprit. Ensuring that your child can drink and visit bathrooms regularly throughout the day can help ensure drier nights. Encourage your child to visit the bathroom at school and drink during school time. Discuss any concerns your child has about using the bathroom at school or drinking water at school. Try to remedy these problems.

Tip #61: Develop a bedtime routine.

Some parents have found that a steady bedtime routine helps some children relax and settle into sleep. A good night’s sleep can help with bedwetting since the child is not going to sleep so tired that they will not wake up (even when their bladder is full) or so keyed-up that an accident is more likely to happen.

Plus, some parents have found that a steady routine helps to quiet the child and have the child prepare for bed in a good frame of mind. Some parents believe that just as the routine is established for bedtime, so the child’s mind can accept a routine for getting up and going to the bathroom. This method is free and is perfectly safe to use alone or with other remedies.

Tip #62: A teaspoon of honey

Some parents find that a teaspoon of honey taken orally morning and night helps prevent bedwetting. There is some controversy about this treatment, as some doctors insist that it does not work while some happy parents claim that it does. Research indicates that the substances in honey may help with water retention and help calm fears. More research needs to be done about these properties and their possible impact on bedwetting.

However, a teaspoon of honey at night and in the morning is not harmful and can easily be used with other treatments.

Tip #63: Subliminal Suggestion

Ask your child if he or she dreams that she is urinating on the nights when he or she wets the bed. If your child does, have your child practice imagining waking up in the dream. Practice with your child, and have your child say “I have to wake up and go to the bathroom now” in the dream sequence. If your child can do this in their dream, they will wake up and have time to go to the bathroom. This is called “subliminal suggestion” and many parents find that this works like magic.

Tip #64: Homeopathy and natural remedies

If you can find a qualified homoeopath or alternative doctor in your area, he or she may be worth a try, especially if he or she has had success in treating bedwetting problems in the past. There are a number of natural medicines out there for treating bedwetting. You can easily and inexpensively buy them at the health food store.

However, a good natural healer or holistic practitioner can be a better choice as he or she will be qualified to tell which medications and natural treatments are effective. Many parents and their children have found success by pursuing this method.

If you decide to purchase herbal or homeopathic remedies of any kind, it is important that you read the ingredients very carefully to make sure that your child is not allergic to any of the substances. It is also a good idea to talk to your pharmacist to see whether any ingredients in the medication or treatment could interact with any substances your child is taking.

Remember, even remedies that are all-natural may contain ingredients that can be harmful or can cause allergic reactions in your child. Many parents have found help through natural or alternative tablets, pills, and other treatments, but you need to be cautious about what you give your child to ingest.

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Once the woman’s cervix is fully dilated to 10cm, it will be time for her to push. For many guys, this may seem like an easy task. After all, it’s just pushing. Well, remember that a baby is a lot bigger than the hole it’s coming out of. I once heard a comedian say it’s like a man pushing a bowling ball out of his nose.

At any rate, this doesn’t go as quickly as you might think. The delivery part of childbirth is the hardest part – even harder than putting up with the pain of contractions!

This is where your resiliency really comes into play. The big thing men need to remember about delivering a baby is that – well – it’s gross, but beautiful all at the same time. Many guys report that they didn’t mind the contractions and heavy labor, but when it came to the actual delivery, they were completely taken aback.

The most often heard advice in locker rooms when talking about being present during childbirth might be to stay at the head of the bed and don’t look down. It’s a matter of choice, but this is a one time thing, so if you really, really don’t want to watch, don’t. But be aware that you might miss out on something wonderful!

It’s at this time when her legs will be splayed apart and everything God gave her will be exposed. Believe me, she doesn’t care. Her modesty went out the door when the baby bore down in her pelvis trying to get out.

When she is having a contraction is when she should be pushing. The birth attendant will be extremely helpful during this time and listening to them is very important. You will get into a rhythm, though.

The general position for pushing is with the legs apart – big surprise there, huh? She should take a big breath in through her mouth, hold it, put her chin to her chest and bear down. Pardon the description, but it’s like taking a big, huge – um – bowel movement (to be as general about it as we can be!)

Every time she pushes, the baby travels a little further down the birth canal. Breathing during the push causes the baby to “suck back” just a little and impedes the progress, so encourage her to keep pushing as long as she can.

When labor really gets underway, she will be asked to do this three times in a row for 10 seconds at a time. This means the process will be something like this: deep breath, push while you count to ten (one-Mississippi, two-Mississippi, etc.), a short rest and then again two more times. The more she does this, the more progress the baby makes. If she holds her breath, this will provide more strength behind the pushing.

However, there really is no one “right” way to push or breathe. It depends on what her body is telling her. Just be by her side and support whatever adjustments she needs to make in order to make the process progress.

What do you do at this point? Hold her legs behind the knees bringing them up to her chest, count, and encourage! You can’t say “You can do it” enough times. You can also try phrases like “Keep it up”, “You’re doing great”, “That’s the way to do it”, etc.

Some phrases to avoid include “Wow, that’s gross”, “Can’t you do any better than that”, “It can’t be that bad”, and “Get it out for heaven’s sake, Sports Center is coming on”. (Sorry, I just had to inject a little humor there!)

While she’s pushing and you’re counting, the birth attendant will be monitoring the baby’s progress again with the lubed, gloved fingers. They will probably also be making a circular motion around the cervix to make room for the baby.

The doctor may choose to do an episiotomy to help provide a little more room for the baby come out. This isn’t nearly as bad as it seems, but you should know about it.

CUT ME MICKEY!

An episiotomy is done by snipping the bottom of the vaginal opening to enlarge it for birth. With a midline or median episiotomy, the usual type in the U.S. and Canada, the practitioner cuts straight down toward the anus. With mediolateral episiotomy, the preferred type in other parts of the world, the cut slants off to one side. Some U.S. and Canadian caregivers routinely do mediolateral episiotomies, and some do them under certain circumstances such as for forceps deliveries.

Compared with mediolateral episiotomies, midline episiotomies are easier to repair, hurt less afterwards, cause less blood loss, cause fewer complications during healing, give better anatomical results, and are less likely to cause pain during intercourse. However, midline episiotomies are much more likely to extend into or through the anal sphincter.

If the baby is in trouble close to the birth, the doctor or midwife will not want to wait the additional time it may take for the birth without an episiotomy. In some cases a woman is exhausted or not stretching well and the caregiver will recommend an episiotomy. However, unless the birth attendant rarely does episiotomies, that judgment is questionable. If exhaustion is the issue, remember that an episiotomy shortens labor by an average of nine minutes – and that’s a good thing!

Many birth attendants hesitate to do episiotomies. Some believe that they lead to pelvic floor weakness. The pelvic floor is a complex group of muscles that form a hammock suspended between the pubic bone in front and the base of the spinal column in back. The urethra, vagina, and anus all pass through it. Pelvic floor weakness or injury can lead to sexual dysfunction, urinary stress incontinence, and anal incontinence.

However, if the baby just isn’t going to come out with an episiotomy, it become absolutely necessary, and most women heal easily from the procedure with Kegel exercise to strengthen the cut muscle.

There will be some discomfort in the first few days after childbirth even without an episiotomy. It is common for there to be some general soreness or even a small injury to the perineum. However, having an episiotomy will greatly increase the chances of having enough pain to interfere with walking or sitting comfortably. There can also experience intense stinging with urination and moving your bowels can be very uncomfortable for the first few days.

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Whichever area you choose to specialize in, it’s a good idea to have samples of what you can do close at hand. This means making your own scrapbooking creations and making them available to potential clients as examples of what you can do. Always keep a couple in your car. Networking and word of mouth is the best way to market this business.

Practically any event in a person’s life is material for a scrapbook—which is great news for those who have a scrapbooking home based business. One woman specializes in making scrapbooks for the kindergartners at the elementary school near her home. And there’s a man who has an extremely successful scrapbooking home business where he only does military scrapbooks for veterans.

If you’re already into making scrapbooks, then you know about all the exciting new products available for scrapbooking home businesses. Beautiful and fun papers are just the beginning. And the scrapbook covers are often works of art - which is the point. When you’re preserving someone’s memories through your scrapbooking home business, you’re an artist and should think of yourself as one.

There are many ways to market yourself and your new business. Most of all, know who your target audience is and talk directly to them and their needs. If there is more than one target group, have a different set of materials to send to them. Basically, you’ll need to tailor your marketing materials according to what you’re trying to accomplish.

You want the person who sees your materials to say to themselves “That’s what I need!” Get to know each group you want to reach and speak to them. If you want to teach teens how to scrapbook, make your marketing materials teen-friendly. Use their language and terminology. Tell them what a fun time they’ll have making scrapbooks. Make it seem like they NEED to attend your sessions.

The same philosophy goes for your other target audiences. Speak to mothers, fathers, seniors, kids – the possibilities are endless. When you find the needs of a certain demographic, you need to make them WANT to buy your services.

Never assume you know your audience completely. Not all scrapbookers are alike - in fact, you might be surprised at the wide variety of people who enjoy our hobby. By letting your target markets know you took the time to get to know them, you're already halfway there.

Probably one of the best ways to get your name out in the business is to attend trade shows. Almost all local Chambers of Commerce hold some type of business expo. Spend the money to rent a booth and have samples of your work readily available.

Be sure you have plenty of business cards to hand out. Have a drawing to give away your services. Use the drawing slips to make a direct marketing list for future promotions. Be sure and have a place on the entry slip where entrants can indicate whether or not they want to receive future information from you.

A great way to promote your business is to compile a newsletter that you send out periodically to potential customers. To save on mailing costs, have people provide you with their e-mail address and take the time to send out your newsletter electronically.

Call your local newspaper and see if the reporter who covers local community news would be open to doing a story on your new business. Many times, they will be happy to do a story, but it has to be newsworthy. There's a fine line between advertising your business and offering the media valuable news and information. How do you generate excitement?

Let them know why you started your business in the first place. If you are one of the only scrapbook businesses in town (this is divided by areas of business - for example, there may be a store in town but you're the only custom scrapbook artist), let the media know why you decided to open. Were there no stores within a two hour radius? Did many people approach you to create scrapbooks for them?

Show that you are unique. Many people think that scrapbook enthusiasts are all basically the same - female, married with kids, of a certain faith, etc. This couldn't be further from the truth. There is a growing diversity among scrapbook enthusiasts, embracing many cultures, religions, genders, and ages. Write a press release spotlighting this fact.

Sponsor a day just for kids to teach them how to scrapbook. Make it feasible for them and limit the ages to 7 and older. Invite the local paper to cover the event.

The media love human interest stories – especially from local residents. Tell your story to them. Are you a stay-at-home mom who wanted to supplement the family income and have realized success? Perhaps you got laid off from your job and were looking for a way to occupy your time that would allow you to make money.

Try putting together a project for the community. Provide free classes for underprivileged youth or a church organization. Solicit sponsors and donations then give all the money to a charitable association. This will not only promote your business, but it will give you a great reputation within your local community.

Throw a customer appreciation party for your loyal clients and invite the media. Center the party around a theme – the 70’s, a luau, a Mexican fiesta, etc. Your customers will love this type of personal attention and the media will love the human interest aspect.

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Chapter 3 – Your Winter Warming Diet

The best part of winter is you don’t have to diet at all.

Now, there are people that may argue just the opposite, but when you look at diet logically, you CAN discover tools that will help create internal heat, the kind that warms you from the inside out.

When it comes to saving money on heating costs, most people think of things they can do around the house. There is however, another approach you can take to help “warm” your home during the winter, and it has more to do with what you put in your mouth than what you do with your home.

Most people don’t give much thought to the foods they eat - whether it is winter, spring or summer. Eating the right types of foods, however, can help you “warm up” internally during the colder months of winter. When you “feel” warmer, you naturally are less inclined to turn your furnace up higher to keep you and your home warmer.

If you manage to eat just the right combination of foods, you may even find you avoid gaining excess wait during the winter. Now that’s a benefit EVERYONE can enjoy. This is true especially during the holidays, when most people are prone to putting on a few pounds.

Summer Foods

There are winter warming foods and then there are summer foods. While this book is dedicated to keeping you warm during the winter, you should have an idea of what foods are better saved for the spring or summer.

If you tend to eat too many “summer” foods in the winter, you’ll likely feel cold no matter how high you turn the heat up in your home.

What does that mean? You should avoid eating large quantities of summer foods during the cold months. It isn’t a coincidence that some fruits, vegetables and other food products thrive during certain times of the year.

Typically cold foods including salads are helpful during the summer as they tend to keep your body cool. During the winter you are far better off eating stir fried or steamed vegetables than salad. Cold soups like gazpacho are another luxury item you should avoid during the winter to keep warm.

At the same time you may find gazpacho just the treat you need during the summer to cool off after a hard day’s work. Remember, think of your body as its own heat-creating machine. The more you work to stay warm from the inside out, the less energy you will expend heating from the outside in.

Warming Foods for Winter

So, what types of foods should you concentrate on eating during the winter? Here are some excellent ideas.

Curry – foods containing curry, an ingredient that helps spice foods, tend to be warming. Examples may include vegetable curry or Thai curry. You don’t have to be a chef to learn how to add curry to your diet. Simply go to your local grocer and look for the international foods section. Curry in scrambled eggs is excellent. Curry also tastes good when mixed with potato soup and other delights. Consider investing in a cookbook that teaches you fun and simple recipes you can adopt to help warm your body during the coldest months of the year.

Chili – chili is one of the simplest foods to make. Whether you are a vegetarian or a meat lover, you are bound to find a chili recipe you love. For the most part, chili is nothing more than some beans, vegetables and if you like, some form of meat mixed together and then spiced with various ingredients including cayenne pepper. If you don’t want to make your own chili sauce you can buy small packets for pennies on the dollar at the grocery store. You can make big batches of chili and freeze some to use later, for those extra cold days you need a lift.

Tea – Tea and other warm drinks are helpful for warming the soul during the winter. You can also enjoy other hot drinks like coffee, just be sure to eat something with your coffee so the acid doesn’t upset your stomach. Hot chocolate is another popular and tasty choice. You can even sip warm water with a splash of lemon to help cleanse your body and keep you warm during the winter.

Cayenne – Cayenne and other peppers are sometimes used in diet products. Why? They heat the body. They may also help boost your metabolism and may help keep the blood in your body circulating. There are many types of foods you can add cayenne spice to. If you prefer less spicy foods, you can actually get cayenne in a capsule at most health or herbal food stores. Check it out and try it.

Peppers – You don’t have to down a bowl full of jalapenos to stay warm (unless you want to). However, you can add a blend of various peppers to help add to the flavor of your main dishes and help warm your body during the winter. Peppers taste great with chicken, Thai or stir-fry dishes, in vegetable soups, with stews, in chili and more. Experiment with peppers and see what you like. You can even dice them and add them to hamburger mix to make a mighty hot meatloaf!

Here is another fun and helpful tip. You may already do this, but in case you don’t here is some good advice.

When you cook foods in your oven, leave your oven open to let heat escape into a room and provide instant relief from a chilly breeze or cold hands and feet. Certainly you’ve opened your freezer or refrigerator more than once during hot summer months to “cool down” haven’t you? The same concept applies to your oven. Stand next to any heat source, and you are likely to enjoy and reap the benefits of more heat.

Track Your Warm Winter Food Using Our Diary

The healthier and warmer foods you eat, the more likely you are to combat colds and other illnesses, which can contribute to feelings of cold or loss of heat. What are some foods you like to eat that provide you warmth and comfort? Create a list of your top five choices here, and make sure you have them readily available for times when the weather turns cold.

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Chapter 3 - How to Become an AAT Specialist

Now that you understand how beneficial AAT is, you may have an interest in starting your own program or becoming an AA therapist. Fortunately, since the practice is now more commonplace than ever before, there are established guidelines that dictate who can offer AAT and how therapy should be conducted.

Standards Of Care

The American Kennel Club and Canine Good Citizen tests are often used to assess whether an animal meets the appropriate behavioral guidelines and socialization guidelines needed to provide supportive care.

Anyone participating in AAT must recognize that all care is very objective or goal-oriented, thus a licensed professional should supervise all therapy sessions. Typically, an animal therapist engages with a team of experts to ensure successful outcomes.

Before commencing a session, the therapist will discuss the goals and objectives of therapy with patients before practicing any treatment. Here are some strategic steps you can implement to get started with AAT:

First, find out if there is a local organization near you that offers training. Try to find a group that is nationally certified. Often you can find a group simply by conducting research on the Web, a local healthcare center, or veterinarian may be able to point you in the right direction.

Next, find out if your dog or other animal will qualify for participation. Most programs require dogs be at least one year before evaluation. Evaluations will include health evaluations, obedience and behavioral evaluations and temperament. Of these the temperament test is often the most telling, as it places the dog or animal purposely in a stressful or emotional environment then encourages a response. What most trainers look for is a dog that will remain neutral in a setting where chaos, crowding or other stressors may be present.

As an example, a dog may be exposed to a sudden loud noise. The evaluator will assess how much this stresses the animal and how the animal responds. Since the environments an animal will enter as a therapy dog are so diverse, it is important to asses how an animal will react. The goal here is to ensure the animal does not act in a violent or aggressive manner. Animal therapy sessions are truly enjoyable when you have an animal with a mild-mannered temperament.

Some dogs are more amicable than others. For example, some of the more popular breed of dog used in AAT include: Labradors, German Shepherds, Sheepdogs and Golden Retrievers.

Next, you will probably be assigned an evaluator to accompany you on observation visits, which is a time when you and your animal are objectively observed to see how comfortable you are and how you react in stressful situations. This step is a very important part of the process. We are often subjective about our own reactions to others, and about our pet’s abilities around others. An evaluator provides an objective review of your pet’s readiness to help others.

If you feel comfortable and your dog or other animal does as well, often you can proceed with certification. Keep in mind AAT typically refers to very formal treatment programs, where a handler works one-on-one with clients.

Good therapy pets are usually those that are calm and enjoy socializing with others. If you own an attack dog, a herder, or other boisterous animal chances are they are not a good choice or option as an animal assisted therapy pet.

What We Learned

Not every animal is ideally suited for pet therapy, nor is every pet owner a proper candidate to act as a volunteer or paid animal assisted pet therapist. Fortunately, with the increasing popularity of AAT, new standards have been established that outline the exact procedures one should follow if they want to become an animal therapist or if they want to train a pet as “pet” therapist.

If you have more questions about becoming an animal assisted therapist, there are many organizations that now offer training programs for people and pets alike.

Conclusions

Since the dawn of time human beings have used pets in various ways. Pet therapy is not something new, though it is something attracting more and more attention.

By nature, most pets are nurturing, caring and supportive. Many therapists are now using pets as part of routine practice. They are very capable of helping patients overcome disabilities, emotional barriers to communication and positive therapy and beneficial for patients suffering from isolation, depression or loneliness.

Not all pets are suitable for pet therapy. But, if you have an interest in training your dog or other pet as a “pet therapist” there are AAT training and certification programs throughout the nation that can assist you. Many of them are listed in our resources section. Pets truly are mans best friend.

Keep in mind you don’t have to own a pet to benefit from Animal Assisted Therapy. Many therapists have their own animals they bring to therapy sessions. Volunteers often bring their own pets to assisted living facilities or hospice, to act as companions or playful friends to those in need of comfort. This form of therapy can dramatically improve the quality of life of anyone, in a simple, easy and unique manner.

If you think you may benefit from AAT, talk with your healthcare provider and find out what types of therapy may be available near you. And don’t be surprised if the next time you visit your doctor, you find a dog sitting by his or her side. Tell your kids the same, because more and more animals are being introduced into ordinary classrooms to foster greater socialization and active learning.

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Chapter 4 – Frequently Asked Questions

Chances are high you still have some questions about your health and immune system. We will do our best to cover each of these in this section. If you still have questions that remain a puzzle, be sure to contact your healthcare provider so he or she can help you overcome whatever illness you struggle with.

This list contains some of the more commonly asked questions about immunity, sleep, stress and well-being.

Q. Can I exercise while sick?

A. Most people can engage in light exercise if they have a minor cold or feel only slightly ill. Be sure, however, if you do this to exercise very minimally. That means you can do with a walk around the park. You don’t want to overdo it because this can cause you to feel sicker. You can sometimes help your body recover faster if you get a little exercise with a cold. If you are really sick however, and have a temperature above 99 degrees, you should call your doctor before trying to exercise. He or she will probably recommend you first rest and then try to exercise once you start feeling better.

Q. I have a compromised immune system. What can I do to stay healthy?

A. Many people suffer from compromised immune systems. Often the culprit is an autoimmune disease. This is a class of diseases where the body’s immune system attacks healthy tissue instead of disease. This naturally causes fatigue. Certain medicines used to treat autoimmune disorders like lupus or rheumatoid arthritis may contribute to your susceptibility to illness. The best steps you can take are washing your hands frequently, encouraging others to do the same, using or carrying around a small bottle of sanitizer for your hands, and getting plenty of sleep so you can fight an infection if you happen to develop one.

If you have an autoimmune disorder, your doctor or rheumatologist may recommend you participate in continuous physical therapy which often can help your body recover and resist chronic illness. Be sure you cover your nose and mouth if needed when traveling to areas with large crowds or pollution. Having an autoimmune disorder is much like having an immature immune system (like a child has) or an immune system that is tired and overworked (as is sometimes the case with elderly patients).

Don’t give up however. You can fight disease and feel better with time and good hygiene!

Q. There are so many different recommendations for taking vitamin C. Some say you should take up to 4 grams each day. Won’t this make you sick?

A. Unfortunately there is much in the way of conflicting advice when it comes to caring for your body. The same is true of taking vitamin C. There are healthcare providers that swear you can take high doses of vitamin C to cure just about anything, from cold sores to cancer. Others suggest only a modest intake of vitamin C is worthwhile to the body.

Who do you listen to? You should always head the advice of your primary healthcare provider, someone you should trust, and your body. If you are taking too much vitamin C there is a good chance you will develop diarrhea. Your body usually takes as much vitamin C as it needs and expels the rest. Most people get plenty of vitamin C by eating fresh fruits and drinking fortified orange juice. When in doubt, less is probably best. Remember every body is different, so your body may react to vitamin C much quicker or slower than another person’s body. Make sure you take time out to listen to your body.

Q. Is Echinacea really helpful for boosting immunity? I heard it is just a waste of time and money.

A. Great question! The use of Echinacea is quite controversial. There are many people that swear by its healing powers. There are studies that show it may help shorten the duration of a cold or other virus. As with any study however, there are an equal number that suggest Echinacea is no more beneficial than a placebo. This is likely because different people respond differently to any medication. Ask your doctor if you can try it. You usually need to take it at the first hint of a cold. It does not help to take it daily, because it loses its effectiveness after using it continuously for more than a month or so. Keep this in mind.

Q. Can I continue taking my supplements while ill?

A. If your doctor prescribes medication for you regularly, or while you are ill, you may need to stop your supplements until you finish your course of therapy. While there are many herbs that safely combine with prescription and over-the-counter medications, many do not. Ask a trained herbalist or medical doctor to help you decide whether it is safe to take the medications you normally take with the supplements or herbs you have. Remember, herbs are medicines too; they are just natural medicines, the type that come from the ground. They should be treated with the same care as you would any prescription medicine. If you notice any side effects from an herb or supplement you take, be sure you report these to your doctor immediately; you may have to switch medications or stop taking a supplement.

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Now that you have a basic understanding of what design is all about, it is time to review some ways to bring your home together. You should always work to create a home that seems balanced. You do not want to decorate your home so that you feel you live in a chaotic environment. You can easily decorate and create positive balance by following the techniques outlined in this section.

You know you can buy inexpensive pieces to furnish your home. You can also mix and match. One key to creating a homey environment is to buy one or two key pieces you like, even if they are expensive, and complement the rest of the area you plan to decorate with simple items that cost much less.

Mixing and matching works well as long as you have some design element in mind. For example, if you want to mix antique furniture with some contemporary pieces, you can do so, just make sure the pieces complement each other in some way, or match the overall style you want to create within your home.

Two Basic Ways to Decorate for Success

If you look at interior design as a philosophy, there are two major ways to decorate. You can keep things clean, simple and streamlined (as one might if they wanted to use the principles of Feng Shui), or you can create a natural, upbeat and abstract environment that matches your personality.

Some people prefer to use exotic or fun pieces throughout their home to create an entertaining and lively environment. Others want to create a peaceful and tranquil environment. Still others buy pieces reflecting their cultural heritage. No one way is the right way, because everyone is different. How you decorate should reflect how you feel and who you are.

You may find you want an exotic theme or style in your bedroom or the family area, but tranquil and balanced in the living or home office area. You can mix and match, though most people tend to stick with one theme or another. Key to your success is your ability to have an open mind, and have fun.

Make sure you do not use too many pieces when designing. If you have the idea to place family photographs along a hallway for example, as a way to decorate your walls, do so, but do it simply. Try using the same frame style for all the pictures you use. If you mix and match too many different styles, you will create a chaotic looking environment.

Candles Decor

Some people decorate with candles and color alone. Candles come in many shapes, sizes, colors and scents. You can buy small tea candles for less than a dollar, or larger candles for $10.00. You can use candles to accessorize or candle lamps to substitute artificial lighting in your home. If you want an environmentally friendly home, you may want to buy organic candles.

The key to making candles work is finding proper holders for them. These you can find anywhere. You can buy sets of candleholders and use them to decorate an entire home, and save money by investing in more rather than less.

Just make sure if you plan to light candles, you replace them regularly. Tea candles are best used as lighting sources because they are inexpensive. You do not want to buy a $200 decorative candle and light it, having to replace it monthly. That gets expensive.

On the other hand, you can use the larger piece as décor in your home, and light tea candles to allow a pleasing glow and aroma. Most people find a combination of techniques creates just the right feel and appearance for their home. One word of caution - If you do buy candles, make sure you invest in candles that have safeguards. You do not want to burn down your beautifully decorated home. Always make sure you put candles out when you are done using them.

If you are sensitive to scent, try using unscented candles. Many candles come in powerful scents, so be sure you check the candle’s ingredients BEFORE you buy so you do not bring on an allergic reaction when decorating your home.

As you continue to use your imagination and adopt new techniques, you will find new ideas inspire you to change the look and feel of your home. When this happens, go back to your goal-setting list and create new goals for your home. Ultimately, this will allow you to create an expertly designed home any time you want, without spending a fortune.

Final Words

And now our journey must end. Now you have the basic tools you need to decorate the interior of any room in your home, or your entire home, working with any budget. Most of the tips and methods outlined in this guide will save you money. They will also provide you the opportunity to have a hands-on approach when decorating your home.

Make sure you follow the steps outlined in this guide.

Analyze your home.

Set a budget.

Use your imagination.

Ask friends and family to pitch in when decorating your home. Consider trying something new. Look at magazines and pictures and cut out those you like. Then try to reproduce what you see inexpensively. Use your personality when decorating your home, and remember, you can always refurbish that which you cannot buy new.

When you have an open mind and an able body, interior decorating on a budget is possible for anyone. Now it is time for you to get to work. Start analyzing your home and decide what room or rooms you plan to decorate, and then get to work!