Lasik Surgery: What To Expect

Posted on July 22, 2009 by samantha

Lasik surgery permanently changes the shape of the cornea, the clear covering of the front of the eye, using an excimer laser. The surgery is intended to reduce a person’s dependence on glasses or contact lenses. As with any surgery there are a number of things to consider and to expect.

Before Surgery

If you decide to get LASIK surgery, you will need an initial or baseline evaluation by your eye doctor to determine if you are a good candidate. If you wear contact lenses, you should stop wearing them before your evaluation and switch to wearing your glasses full-time. The day before surgery, you should stop using creams, lotions, makeup and perfumes. Arrange transportation to and from your surgery prior to your procedure.

During Surgery

The surgery should take less than 30 minutes. You will lie in a reclining chair in an exam room with the laser system. A numbing drop will be placed in your eye. The area around your eye will then be cleaned, and an instrument called a lid speculum will be used to hold your eyelids open throughout the procedure. The laser will be positioned over your eye and you will be asked to stare at a light. When your eye is in the correct position, your doctor will start the laser.

After Surgery

After the procedure, you may experience itching and burning in your eye. You may also experience discomfort or mild pain. You vision will be a bit blurry and your eyes may tear or water more than usual. Do not rub your eye as it could dislodge the flap, requiring further treatment. You might also experience an increased sensitivity to light. After a few days, these symptoms should improve considerably.

You should visit your doctor within the first 24 to 48 hours after surgery. Additionally you should have regular check ups for at least the first six months. In order to avoid infection, wait up to two weeks before using lotions, creams, or make-up around your eye. For the first month or two you should also try to avoid swimming. During the first few months after surgery, expect your vision to fluctuate.

Managing Your Time

Posted on July 16, 2009 by samantha

Have you ever felt that there are not enough hours in the day? Unfortunately, unlike the popular Beatles’ song, there are not eight days in a week. Everyone is constrained to the same 7 days, 168 hours, 10, 080 minutes, and 604,800 seconds in 1 week. So, how do you do what needs to be done? Time management involves skills used to effectively and efficiently manage time for completing goals. Being effective means that you are able to produce an intended result and being efficient means that you can do it on time. When you successfully manage your time, you can be both these things.

Time management is more than getting organized but also prioritizing your tasks. That is why it is often referred to as, priority management. For example, you may have to choose between last minute practice on an important presentation or getting a haircut. You many need that extra time to go over the material but you may also really need a haircut. That is the difficult thing about time management, there is often no right or wrong way to do things. You will have to choose and learn through trial and error.

Another difficulty of being busy is that you want to do everything. The reality is that you won’t be able to. And in the end, your productivity will suffer if you attempt to get through all of it, especially the unnecessary things. Do you really have to read all those emails? Do you really need to take that phone call? Do you really need to do a favor for a co-worker? Next time, instead of just writing a to-do list, you may want to prioritize by due date, and difficulty of task. There are a variety of different techniques, books and even software to help you if you are in need.

Drug and Alcohol Addiction

Posted on July 15, 2009 by samantha

Drugs and alcohol are two different vices that many people cannot refuse. Over the years, more and more people have been addicted to these two. And not all of these people are in the legal age to drink alcohol or to take drugs; many of them are still minors. Although many of these people know the consequences of being addicted, they still continue to become one.

Reasons of Addiction

Studies believe that the reason why people get addicted to these include social disorganization, peer pressure, factors related to their family, and emotional or rational choice. However, emotional or rational choice is the most significant reason. Studies also show that majority of drug users have had an unhappy childhood which included harsh punishment and parental neglect, and people who were abused in their childhood are more likely to have alcohol and drug arrests as adults.

How to Counter Drug and Alcohol Addiction

Rehabilitation is the most effective way to counter drug and alcohol addiction. Substance abuse rehabilitation is a process of medical or psychotherapeutic treatment for abusers of alcohol and drugs. Its main aim is to help the patient avoid the substance abuse. Another effective way is alcohol or drug detoxification program. Detoxification is a process wherein the psychoactive substances are being substituted with drugs which have effects that are similar to those of the original substances.

Alcohol and Drug Rehab Programs

These kinds of treatments are being offered at many addiction rehab centers, which are willing to save abusers from their habits. They believe that alcohol and drug addictions can be prevented and substance abusers still have a chance to change.

Window Washing

Posted on July 15, 2009 by samantha

It’s bad enough that on sunny summer days many of us are forced to sit inside an office building and stare at a computer all day, but to top it off, we oftentimes let our windows, our only portals to the outside world, get so dirty that we can barely see the sun through them! No one likes dirty windows, however, a lot of people tend to forget the importance of cleaning them. Window maintenance can be tough, especially in buildings with numerous windows, and large windows. Additionally, who wants to add another task to the long list of chores we slave over in an attempt to maintain the cleanliness of our home?

Our homes are our sanctuaries, our place to get away from the chaos and stress of work and the outside world. Don’t add another “to-do” to your list, and instead, hire a window-washing specialist to aid you in the process! Windows are our gateway to the outdoors! A way for us to observe nature and its many wonder’s. Don’t let laziness take that away from you!

Clear View Window Washing is just a phone call away. The combination of exceptional window washing and window cleaner makes for spotless and sparkling windows! Call now if you are located in any of the following areas: Alta Loma, Arcadia, Azusa, Chino, Chino Hills, Claremont, Diamond Bar, Fontana, Glendora, La Verne, Montclair, Monrovia, Mount Baldy, Ontario, Pasadena, Pomona, Rancho Cucamonga, San Dimas, Sierra Madre, South Pasadena, and Upland.

Eating Disorders in College

Posted on July 13, 2009 by samantha

It is not unusual to occasionally feel low self-esteem about your appearance. So, what is the difference between having a bad day and suffering from an eating disorder? An eating disorder is more than just a diet – it is marked by extreme behaviors and feelings. Symptoms can range from an extreme fear of gaining weight to an extreme obsession with exercise.

Eating disorders afflict many and college students are not an exception. Much like high school, the new life is stressful because it takes time to adjust to a new environment. Unlike high school, individuals have more alone time and freedom in controlling their lives. If an individual develops an eating disorder, the college environment is a perfect place where they can continue their routine. New stress and social pressure can also create anxiety as individuals turn to controlling their weight in order to cope with what’s going on in their life. The stereotype of the “freshman 15”, gaining 15 pounds or more during freshman year, also intensifies the pressure to scrutinize one’s weight. A lifestyle of junk food, staying up late and excess drinking can have a toll on one’s body. According to the National Eating Disorders Association, roughly 20% of college students have some type of eating disorder.

Whether it is eating once a day or binge eating, college students can especially be prone to anorexia, bulimia or any other combination types of eating disorder. If your son, daughter, friend or loved one is suffering from an eating disorder while away at college, it may be harder to give them the support and treatment that they need. Remember, no matter how hard it may be to accept, it is the individual is the one that has to accept and follow through with the treatment. Eating disorders are becoming more common on college campuses and it is helpful to look for resource and other information online:

Psychological Impact of College Can Influence Eating Disorders
Handling Eating Disorders When Your Teen Goes to College
College Eating Disorders Affect Campus Life

The Science of Sleep

Posted on July 9, 2009 by samantha

Did you know that the average person spends roughly one-third of their lifetime asleep? Sleep is an important part of our lives and most doctors recommend that you get seven to nine hours each night. Have you ever had a bad night of sleep and suffered the rest of your day? Then, it’s not surprising to find out just how a good night’s rest is crucial to maintaining good health. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recognizes that sufficient sleep plays an essential role in prevention of chronic disease and the promotion of one’s health. A lack of sleep can be associated with chronic diseases, cardiovascular diseases, and depression. A good night of rest will help you feel more energized and relaxed, but it also has many other benefits that you don’t want to miss out on:

Heart healthy: If you have abnormal blood pressure or high cholesterol, a lack of sleep may worsen these factors associated with heart disease.
Better memory: Many think that when your body is at rest, your brain is making connections of your day’s events. Deep sleep links your brains to these memories and quality sleep will help you better process and remember things.
The power nap: Studies show that as little as 20 minutes of napping in the afternoon can help decrease drowsiness, reduce stress and lift your mood.
Body repair: While you sleep, the body creates more protein molecules and repairs itself from damages caused by stress, the sun and other harm.

Unfortunately, research shows that nearly half of adults have trouble sleeping. Like many others, I have personally experienced more difficulty falling and staying asleep as I’ve gotten older. Don’t let your good night’s rest slip away from you. If you are suffering from sleep disorders or a lack of sleep, it is important to get back on track.

4 Steps To A Stress-Free Estate Auction

Posted on July 7, 2009 by samantha

Planning an estate sale is usually the last thing you want to do when you lose a loved one. Here’s a few tips to help ease the process:

1. Make an inventory of the items on the property. This includes the home, yard, garage, and any other properties. Keep important documents in a separate file. Separate out the most valuable items, such as cash, jewelry, or art. Go through the personal effect and decide whether to keep or dispose of them.

2. During the process of 1., you will probably figure out whether you are capable of handing the estate liquidation or if you need to hire a professional for estate appraisal and sales. Often the emotional toll is just too much at this time, and it is best to hire a reputable company so that you can concentrate or your own well being and that of your family.

3. If you choose to hire someone to help you with an estate auction, interview at least two companies. Ask to see a business license and insurance policy. Give them a copy of your inventory and have them look over the contents of the house and give you an estimate of what you might earn from sales, and what their fees would be.

4. Once you have decided on a company, they should handle everything, from estate appraisal to antique sale and even cleaning of the house if you wish. Get a written contract and make sure it covers all aspects of the sale–when it will take place, what the costs will be, how much advertising will be done, appraisal of special items, and so on. Make sure to get a complete written report of what was sold and the prices, and if they donate items to charity, get a tax-deductible receipt.

Reasons for Choosing Rehab

Posted on July 2, 2009 by samantha

Just as there are a variety of reasons to start using drugs, there are a range of reasons for choosing to enter a rehabilitation program. It takes courage to admit addiction and to recognize the toll that substance abuse has on the integrity of life. Looking for treatment facilities is one of the first steps in the long road to recovery.

The need for drug or alcohol rehab may come as a cataclysmic event but most often comes from an accumulation of small signs that show help is needed. Some individuals may even need an intervention before they realize that drugs have destroyed their lives. Listed below are some reasons that help people realize that they need drug rehab:

Drug overdose: occurs when large quantities of drugs or alcohol. Accidental overdoses may result from irresponsible behavior and continued abuse of illicit drugs. A drug overdose can often lead to death.
Crime: Whether it is driving under the influence, violent or sexual crimes, committing crimes is commonly linked to drug abuse. Research by the ONDCP shows that illicit drug users are 9 times more likely than non-users to be arrested on an assault charge.
Health: Many drug addicts disregard their health and it can be especially devastating if they are pregnant. Marijuana, alcohol and even tobacco can cause your baby irreversible harm while in the womb. Some effects of drug usage during pregnancy include fetal alcohol syndrome and even giving birth to a drug dependent baby.

Afflicted by Eating Disorders

Posted on July 2, 2009 by samantha

With unrealistic images of celebrities and cultural obsessions with the ideal body, it is not surprising that 70 million individuals are affected by eating disorders worldwide. Studies show that as many as 1 in 5 women suffer from an eating disorder. This is not only a female affliction as 10 – 15% of males are amongst the diagnosed.

There are many different types of eating disorders and it is possible for an individual to suffer from more than one disorder:

Anorexia nervosa is characterized by a low body weight and a distortion of body image. It is a crippling fear of gaining weight.
Binge eating is distinguished by periods impulsive or continuous eating beyond the point of feeling comfortably full.Bulimia nervosa is characterized by self-induced vomiting, the use of laxatives to lose weight, over exercising and even binge eating.
Over exercising is when an individual takes exercising to an extreme. Characterizations include scheduling daily activities around exercise and exercising for long periods of time to the point of fatigue.

Like any other addictions, eating disorders can be difficult to overcome. Those suffering from eating disorders also need continued support and help to conquer their affliction. It is estimated that only 1 in 10 people with eating disorders receive treatment. In addition to offering support, professional help is one of the best things to offer someone battling an eating disorder. Treatment may include evaluation by a doctor, psychotherapy, nutritional counseling and support groups. Nowadays, there are even eating disorder outpatient services to help the patient transition back to a healthy life.

So, if you or anyone you know is suffering from an eating disorder, it is crucial to get help as soon as possible.

Like any other addictions, eating disorders can be difficult to overcome. Those suffering from eating disorders also need continued support and help to conquer their affliction. It is estimated that only 1 in 10 people with eating disorders receive treatment. In addition to offering support, professional help is one of the best things to offer someone battling an eating disorder. Treatments may include evaluation by a doctor, psychotherapy, nutritional counseling and support groups. Nowadays, there are even eating disorder outpatient services to help the patient

Clean Water

Posted on July 1, 2009 by samantha

Over 1.1 billion people worldwide do not have access to a safe water supply. In many developing countries, water can be scarce and sanitation resources are not available for adequate access to clean water. Millions of children and women spend hours a day just collecting a small supply of water for their family’s use. On the other hand, the average American uses about 80 – 100 gallons of water per day. With so much water seemingly available, it is easy to forget the scarcity of this natural resource.

Even so, Southern California is facing a water supply shortage for the third year in a row, according to the LADWP. Conservation is in full effect as customers are expected to cut back 15% of their water usage. Customers will be charged a higher rate per gallon if they go over the allotted amount. This shortage is nothing compared to what occupants of third world countries face on a daily basis.

According to the World Health Organization, 3.6 million people die a year from water-related disease. 98% of these deaths occur in developing countries. There are many organizations that provide aid and relief to individuals who do not have access to safe drinking water. One hundred percent of donations given to the Water Project is used in funding water projects in Kenya, Zambia, India and Cameroon. In addition, UNICEF Water and Sanitation provides aid in 90 countries worldwide.

While looking at water statistics, I came across an interesting invention – the LifeStraw. The LifeStraw is a portable water purifier that removes 99.9999% of waterborne bacteria, 99.99% of viruses and 99.9% of parasites from a water source. It is a large plastic tube that is used like a straw. Water sucked through the LifeStraw passes mesh and a carbon chamber that cleans it. Used like a conventional straw, the LifeStraw costs around $5 and can filter up to 700 liters of water, approximately one year of water consumption for one person. This ingenious invention can possibly help the millions that are suffering from a lack of safe water. LifeStraw’s goal is to reduce that number by half by the year 2015.

It is important to be aware of the needs for water conservation. Whether it is cutting back on the number of days you water your lawn or taking shorter showers, conversation doesn’t hurt. Even though we may not directly feel the effects, wasting water is unnecessary and it will have negative consequences for generations to come.

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Monthly Archives: July 2009