Breastfeeding Expert Jennifer Ritchie’s The Smart Parents Guide to Breastfeeding Is Your Personal Lactation Consultant in a Cute Little Package
Celebrity breastfeeding specialist and two-time author Jennifer Ritchie, IBCLC does it again, offering truthful nuggets, heartfelt wisdom, and the cheat codes to breastfeeding zen Dana Point, CA – (July 13th, 2020): Breastfeeding carries its own mixed bag of challenges that can frustrate the calmest of parents. Smart parents turn to Jennifer Ritchie, Internationally Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) for the expert help they need to navigate every difficulty, from sore nipples to low milk supply. For 12 years, Ritchie’s personalized consulting services and “how-to” YouTube videos have helped thousands of new moms successfully breastfeed. Now, she introduces her latest book - The Smart Parents Guide to Breastfeeding - as a go-to resource filled with truthful nuggets, heartfelt wisdom, and all the cheat codes necessary to achieve breastfeeding zen. “Parents often assume breastfeeding should just come naturally,” explains Ritchie. “The truth is, it can be harder than you think - and the odds of finding the accurate answers you need among the ocean of information available on the Internet? Forget about it! Make your life easier with this reference guide. Consider it your own personal lactation consultant in a cute little package.”Ritchie’s book shares the actual truth about breastfeeding, comparing it to an Olympic trial in which the competition is hormonal imbalances, breast anatomy, insufficient milk removal, yeast, bacteria, and good old fashioned pain. So, why does anyone even go through with it? Because, she explains, the benefits are enormous! Breast milk helps support a baby's ability to fight germs, infections, and disease, all while supplying the right mix of nourishment. Plus, it reduces mom’s risk of breast cancer by up to 25%, saves money, and creates a lot less waste.Still, as with anything newborn-related, there can be a steep learning curve to getting it right. That’s why Ritchie sets readers up for success from Day One, offering ways to prepare before birth, how to establish a solid foundation within the first two weeks of bringing baby home, and so much more. In 35 easy-to-read chapters, she covers everything from burping and mastitis to handling unwanted advice. She delivers a steady supply of expert instruction with a double dose of compassion and encouragement. As a mom herself, Ritchie knows all too well the temptation to give up or give in to self-judgment and self-doubt. All she asks is that readers do the best they can, trust their instincts, and resist those feelings of guilt along the way. Grab a copy of The Smart Parents Guide to Breastfeeding, the latest go-to resource from Jennifer Ritchie, IBCLC, at JenniferRitchie.tv. While there, find more insights and answers from the breastfeeding expert who has helped thousands of new moms and celebrity clients achieve success. Also, discover Ritchie’s previous written works, including I Make Milk, What’s Your Superpower? and Bringing Baby Home - A New Parent’s Guide to Breastfeeding. Plus, browse articles and how-to videos, and get to know a bit about Ritchie’s own journey as a mom to a 15-year old daughter and 12-year old son.
50+ And Healthy Examines The Importance Of Mental Health As We Age
Chicago, IL, July 14, 2020 — The worldwide stay-at-home orders have turned weekend warriors into daily dog walkers, joggers and cyclists — all hoping to stay fit and avoid the “quarantine 15.” But there’s more to being healthy than having a fit physique. Mental health is equally important, but often gets buried beneath the stigma surrounding it.
“Many of you recognize that mental illness is often a taboo subject … due to seeming complexity, mystery and stigma,” explains Murali Rao, MD. “Unfortunately, the high discrimination of the subject leads to a statistic of nearly two-thirds of the world population refusing to seek help for mental health related issues.” Adding: “Though this primer is directed towards learning to help elders, the material can readily apply to any age group.”
Rao, an expert on clinical geriatrics and geriatric psychiatry, addresses the concepts of mental health and mental illnesses in the overarching context of healthy aging in 50+ and Healthy: What You Need to Know About Mental Health and Healthy Aging — for You and Your Loved Ones. This exceptionally strong, evidence-based guide emphasizes the importance of nurturing our mental health as we grow older.
Using easy-to-understand language, he explores common health-related conditions, how to recognize symptoms, practical approaches to treatments and his GAME PLANTMmethod for helping yourself and your loved ones, of any age, during times of distress or mental health crises.
For readers of any educational and professional background, 50+ and Healthy offers easily presented information and relatable case studies.
With this book, you can learn from a world authority about:
1. Healthy aging and mental health
2. Common mental illnesses, why people get them, how to identify them and how to manage them
3. Practical approaches for first aid and later interventions
4. Self-care for mental health and successful aging
If you are interested in healthy aging and how to help yourself, your family members and your friends with mental health, this book is for you. All proceeds from book sales go to a nonprofit organization engaged in mental health awareness education in the United States and India (www.nndcifoundation.org), founded by Dr. Murali Rao.
Author Murali Rao, MD, is a professor and chairman of the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences at Loyola University Medical Center in Chicago. He specializes in liaison and emergency psychiatry. Additionally, he serves as a member of multiple professional bodies including the American College of Psychiatrists, the Academy of Psychosomatic Medicine, CINP, the Indian Psychiatric Society and serves on the Scientific Advisory Board of the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA).
Dr. Rao has received multiple awards and fellowships, including Distinguished Life Fellow by the APA, Outstanding Academician Award by the Indo-American Psychiatric Association and the Master Teacher Award by the Stritch School of Medicine. Dr. Rao has also had more than 80 journal publications, books and book-chapters. He has recently published trainee and trainer manuals on Adult Mental Health, Substance Abuse and Workplace Mental Health.
For more information, please visit www.nndcifoundation.org, or follow the author on Twitter at @MuraliRaoMD.
50 + and Healthy: What You Need to Know About Mental Health and Healthy Aging — for You and Your Loved Ones
Artist Releases Coming-of-age Memoir Detailing Her Journey With Mental Illness And Disability
Long Island, NY, July 14, 2020 –It started as a college prank; a friend offered Ruth Poniarski a brownie that, unbeknownst to her, was laced with angel dust. What resulted was a debilitating accident, and the first of many mental breakdowns that spiraled into diagnoses of psychosis, schizophrenia, severe anxiety, and bipolar disorder.
Long Island native Ruth Poniarski has released her first book, Journey of the Self: Memoir of an Artist, published by Charlotte, North Carolina-based Warren Publishing. Poniarski’s unflinchingly honest memoir shares her coming-of-age story through the lenses of mental illness, disability, and steadfast determination.
For years, Poniarski struggled to cope with her new reality as she undertook a rigorous architectural program, sought out new friends (and the perfect mate), and battled through the depths of mental illness. Her journey led her in all directions as she sought comfort, solace, stability and love.
Now an accomplished artist, Poniarski considers her memoir to be a portrait of sorts. “This book, like many of my paintings, is about introspection,” she says. “So many of us, particularly when we’re young, seek definition through labels or through what others think of us. It’s so easy to say, ‘I have bipolar disorder, therefore, X’ or ‘So and so doesn’t love me the way I love him, therefore, Y.’ But none of that is who we truly are.”
The release of Poniarski’s memoir is particularly timely in light of the Coronavirus pandemic and social distancing orders. “A lot of people are stuck at home right now. This kind of isolation forces a person to examine themselves; what makes them unique beyond who they are to society,” says Poniarski. “That kind of self-reflection allows us to become more available to others. You have to know yourself first.”
“So, who am I?” Poniarski laughs. “Well … you’ll just have to read the book!”
For more information about Ruth Poniarski or her book, please visit: ruthponiarski.com.
COVID-19 Shines A Bright Light On Disparities In Health Care Among People Of Color
New York, NY, July 14, 2020 ̶“During the coronavirus pandemic, people should guard their eyes with glasses or face shields to protect their eyes from virus infection," said Dr. Daniel Laroche, Director of Glaucoma Services and President of Advanced Eyecare of New York. People also need to know, even though there are many concerns about COVID-19, common-sense precautions can significantly reduce the risk of infection, he says, adding: “Wash hands frequently, follow good contact lens hygiene and avoid rubbing or touching our mouth, nose, and especially our eyes.'' Dr. Laroche is also affiliated with the New York Eye and Ear Infirmary of Mount Sinai, Island Eye Surgical Center, and New York University.
The COVID-19 pandemic has also changed the way people visit their doctors. For patients over 60, Dr. Laroche advises it's better to stay home and do telehealth over the phone or video consultation until the pandemic flattens. He also encourages people to wear face masks on visits and maintain social distancing, even if they are in a health clinic. “Eyesight or human vision is one of the most important senses. As much as 80% of what we feel comes through our sense of sight. By protecting the eyes, people will reduce the chance of blindness and vision loss while also staying on top of any developing eye diseases, such as glaucoma and cataracts. A healthy brain function requires a healthy vision. The brain is our most essential organ, and It allows us to control other organs. Normal and healthy vision contributes to improved learning and comprehension for a better quality of life,” says Dr. Laroche.
Dr. Laroche says there is another critical issue that COVID-19 has brought to the forefront and that is the issue of health care disparities among Black and Brown people. “Nationally, African American deaths from COVID-19 are nearly two times greater than would be expected based on their share of the population. In four states, the rate is three or more times greater. In forty-two states, plus Washington, D.C., Hispanics make up a greater share of confirmed cases than their share of the population. In eight states it’s more than four times greater,” he says, adding: “In stark contrast, White deaths from COVID-19 are lower than their share of the population in thirty-seven states.”
Dr. Laroche says there are several things that can be done to not only address but to help combat this issue:
1. Increase the number of Black and Afro-Latino physicians worldwide.
2. Implement universal healthcare.
3. Increase wealth and education which produces better health.
4. Provide a living income stipend for poor people to access food and reduce malnutrition.
5. Eliminate racism to reduce stress.
6. Identify white supremist organizations as terrorist groups.
7. Recommend all corporations have people of color in the top management and leadership positions.
8. Eliminate sole reliance on standardized testing as the criteria to be used at entry to magnet schools.
9. Provide more funding to reduce homelessness and for mental health.
10.The government should also require medical school, research and hospital funding to diversify and benefit people of color.
About Dr. Daniel Laroche:
Dr. Laroche is an exceptional glaucoma specialist in New York. He studied and received his bachelor's degree from New York University and a medical doctorate with honors in research from Weil Cornell University Medical College. He underwent a medical internship at Montefiore Hospital and finished his Ophthalmology residency at Howard University Hospital in Washington D.C., where he was the chief resident in his third year. He later completed his glaucoma fellowship at New York Eye and Ear.
For more information about Dr. Laroche, please call 212-663-0473 or visit: www.advancedeyecareny.com.
###
6 Holistic Practices to Help You Stay Well
“Your immune system is designed to defend your body against all kinds of disease and illness,” says Dr. Brad, author of the best-selling book “The Emotion Code.” “If you want your immune system to be in top form, try taking a look at your holistic health practices.” For instance….
Eat Healthy— Include plentyof fruits and vegetables. The antioxidants they contain can help combat free radicals (chemical byproducts that may damage your DNA and suppress your immune system); they also contain omega-3 fatty acids that may increase your body’s ability to produce immune-regulating compounds. And don’t forget to drink lots of water. Water helps your cells eliminate waste and work more efficiently.
Be Active — Regular, moderate exercise has been shown to mobilize the cells of your immune system and even protect it from the effects of getting older.
Reduce Stress — Reducing prolonged stress may be very important to keeping your immune system up. Use relaxation techniques, meditation, and energy healing tools like The Emotion Code™ and The Body Code™ to reduce your stress levels.
Get Plenty of Sleep — Getting 8 hours of sleep each night can help regulate your immune function. In fact, in a study of over 22,000 people, those who slept less than 6 hours per night or had sleep disorders were more likely to get colds and other respiratory illnesses.
Herbs & Supplements — Many believe that herbs such as echinacea, elderberry and andrographis may help reduce the severity and duration of illnesses like flu or the common cold. Read about these herbs, and if you think they’re for you, try taking them at the first sign of symptoms.
Release Emotional Baggage — According to Dr. Brad, past emotional events often leave us with “trapped emotions, which are literally leftover emotional energy. Research is beginning to show that this kind of emotional baggage may lead to physical, mental, and emotional symptoms, and can interfere with the normal function of your immune system. A simple method of energy healing like The Emotion Code is designed to help you to find and release your baggage quickly and easily.
“Holistic health looks at your body as a complex system with physical, emotional, and spiritual components,” Dr. Brad says. “Your immune system is a system in and of itself — like a huge orchestra where every instrument needs to perform well in order for the whole group to work properly together. Boosting your immune system from a whole-body, holistic point of view might be the best way to enable top performance.”
About Dr. Bradley Nelson: Veteran holistic physician Dr. Bradley Nelson (D.C., ret) is one of the world’s foremost experts on natural methods of achieving wellness. He has trained thousands of certified practitioners worldwide to help people overcome physical and emotional discomfort by releasing their emotional baggage. His best-selling book "The Emotion Code" provides step-by-step instructions for working with the body's energy healing power. A newly revised and expanded edition of "The Emotion Code" is now available from St. Martin's Press. For more information and a free Emotion Code Starter Kit, visit www.emotioncodegift.com.
NONIKO launches first of its kind plastic-free, all natural deodorant solution
Brand evolution pushes boundaries to define the future of sustainability pairing its cult favorite natural deodorant in a truly sustainable, reusable, stainless steel case.
SAN DIEGO, CALIF- July, 2020- Noniko, is raising the standard in how body care is defined. It is their belief that you shouldn’t have to sacrifice efficacy or luxury in order to have a product that’s natural, clean, and responsible. That’s why they paired their revolutionary natural deodorant with the first and only zero plastic, reusable case and refill. “We recognize that everything we do has an impact on our planet and we wanted to be mindful of our footprint. After tirelessly searching and continuing to find inferior sustainable packaging options for our Noniko deodorant, we were ecstatic to team up with Verity to bring you our effective natural deodorant in plastic-free reusable packaging.” Says CPO, Piper Lacy. Noniko is pushing the boundaries, defining the future, and positioning themselves as leaders in sustainability. Their straightforward formulations have only 6 ingredients that pack a punch. Their natural deodorant is effective, and now with the first of its kind plastic-free stainless steel packaging, they’re set to blaze a new standard industry-wide. With this change, they’re offering a subscription program to bring deodorant straight to your door. This conscious subscription model limits the number of product shipments throughout the year, to minimize shipping material waste. Noniko’s deodorant collaboration with Verity Packaging is only the first step the company is taking in revolutionizing the industry. Noniko plans to be a completely plastic-free company by May 2021 and is furthering their partnership with Verity to assist in this endeavor. Verity Packaging offers sustainable packaging solutions made of stainless steel and aluminum, to brands and businesses committed to combating the single-use plastic crisis. It was only fitting for this relationship between these companies to flourish since they’re both on a mission to raise the standard in packaging options and services to their clients and customers. Verity offers a variety of unique plastic-free packaging options ranging between reusable, hybrid, and fully recyclable metal solutions. “Your reusable water bottle elevates your experience of drinking water while eliminating single-use plastic. At Verity, we have taken that same approach to the personal care industry by creating reusable cases for everything in your bathroom. We’re proud to offer metal alternatives to make it easy for our brands to move into sustainable packaging without sacrificing quality or elegance. We work with brands, big and small, that share the commitment to eliminate single-use plastics.” says CEO Kerri Leslie.
The choice to go plastic-free came from the knowledge that only 9% of plastic that makes it to the recycling bin actually gets recycled. It was Noniko’s mission to find a better solution. In pursuit of their commitment to customers and the planet, they have made the decision to follow-up this deodorant launch by transitioning all their products into truly sustainable packaging with the commitment to be a completely plastic-free company by May 2021. “We acknowledge that there is a connection between the body and the earth. We’re creating harmony in this relationship by harnessing the power of nature while respecting and caring for our planet. We applied the same mentality to our packaging” says CPO Piper Lacy. “We’re proud to be the first to offer an effective natural deodorant in a stainless steel, plastic-free case and refills for our three signature scents and phase out all plastic within our product offerings over the next year.” To explore our brand, exciting new products, and join us on our mission, please visit www.nonikoskin.com. Email madison@nonikoskin.com. About NONIKO Noniko is raising the standard in how body care is defined. Handcrafted in small batches in our San Diego studio, it is our mission to deliver you truly natural, effective ingredients in sustainable packaging. We take pride in our products and in our planet, and you’ll see this reflected in everything we do. It is our belief that you shouldn’t have to sacrifice efficacy or luxury in order to have a product that’s natural, clean, and responsible.We are proud to offer our deodorants in 100% plastic-free packaging. Our first-of-its-kind cases and inserts are made of stainless steel, and the case is meant to be yours for life. This packaging solution is our first step in creating a future free of single-use plastic. About VERITY Verity offers truly sustainable packaging solutions to brands committed to combating the plastic crisis. They are on a mission to raise the standards in both packaging options and services to their clients. Working with businesses both big and small, Verity is committed to revolutionizing the packaging industry.After searching tirelessly for truly sustainable packaging options, we still found ourselves empty-handed. We came to realize how confusing the process can be and the lack of transparency for consumers and businesses alike. So, with a team of engineers and industry experts, we crafted a timeless range of packaging solutions to be reused and recycled - and we’re pretty damn proud.
Hey guys! Welcome back to another episode of The Train It Right Life! On this weeks episode I talk about doing things to please other people and paying your dues! Enjoy! Feel Free to leave a review, give some stars and share with your friends!
3 Types of Workouts to Try if You're New to the Gym
To overstate the obvious, being a new gym member is daunting. Trainers reveal a large number of newcomers never stepped in a gym before, or it's been some time since they've said hello to a kettlebell.One in five Americans (21.2%) belonged to a health club or studio in 2019, and every well-sculpted gym exemplar across the nation has endured their first workout.
Warm-up: Stimulating The Cardiovascular System
Before we get into three workout options, warming up is crucial. Warming up stimulates the cardiovascular system, increasing body temperature and vital blood flow to the muscles, lessening soreness.
Here is a beginner's warm-up workout that's sure to get you moving in the right direction:
From shoulder to shoulder slowly roll your head five circles in each direction.
Roll shoulders in a circular motion forward then backward ten times each way.
Twist torso ten times each side while keeping legs in a stationary position.
Stretch quads by holding each stretch for a minimum of five seconds. Complete three stretches on each side.
The biggest mistake new gym members tend to make is overdoing it. While it's good to be enthusiastic about this new undertaking, too much too soon can result in injury and ultimately keep a new member from returning to the gym. If you’re nervous, you can always seek assistance from a personal trainer or gym worker.
These three workouts are easy for beginning members:
Goblet Squat
This is a multi-purpose workout that trains all major lower body muscle groups and makes using weight room equipment easy enough for anyone. With hands up and elbows pointed down, hold a kettlebell against the chest area. Drop into a squatting position until thighs are parallel with the ground, then in one swift movement, return to a standing position completing ten repetitions.
Dead Bug
While lying on a flat, extend arms toward the ceiling, raise legs, and bend knees at a 90-degree angle. Bring the right arm and left leg into a lowered position behind the head, allowing both limbs to straighten and hover just above the floor. Repeat with the opposite limbs for ten reps each.
Glute Bridge
A bodyweight workout that helps activate those muscles that create a great butt. Lie with the back to the floor, knees in the bent position, and feet flat on the floor. While squeezing the gluteal area, raise the hips, so a straight line forms shoulder to knee.
Always remember before starting a fitness routine always get a doctor's permission primarily if underlying conditions exist. Be confident, be proud, and know everyone equally belongs.
U.S. COVID-19 Deaths: A Grim Few Weeks Coming Up
“The dumbest time to lie is when you know you’re going to get caught.” (great advice from an old mentor)
And yet, that’s the trap that some of our elected officials are falling into, and continuing to dig themselves deeper. They are saying that (a) the pandemic is under control, (b) the spike in new cases is due to aggressive testing, (c) death rates are dropping, and (d) since the people getting infected by COVID-19 in the U.S. are getting younger and younger, there’s less reason to worry. These assertions range from misleading and cruel to downright false. And we have not yet seen the consequences of the latest surge.
To get a sense of what the summer may bring, consider the following graph, showing daily new cases on the left-hand vertical axis, and deaths on the right-hand axis. (Note that the axis scales are set such that at equal horizontal levels, Deaths are equal to 8% of New Cases – e.g., 2,400 vs. 30,000.) Also, the Deaths curve is lagged by 7 days, so that for any New Cases datapoint, its corresponding Deaths datapoint reflects the level of deaths 7 days later.
We can learn the following from this graph:
(1) There is a clear relationship between new cases and deaths. The 7-day lag creates a near-perfect fit between the New Cases and the Deaths curves, up through early April. The decline in lagged deaths then tracks the decline in new cases, although the bottoming-out in lagged deaths in late June suggests that the cases-to-deaths lag time has stretched from one week to more like 3-4 weeks.
(2) The death rate is declining. At the first peak in early- to mid-April, lagged deaths equaled about 7% of total cases. After that first peak, the Deaths curve declined more rapidly than the New Cases curve. There’s plenty of evidence that the average age of Americans diagnosed with the virus is coming down, and that age is a mortality factor. It’s also clear that in the last several months care providers all over the world have learned a lot about caring for the most serious cases and about preventing death, and this has certainly lowered the death rate.
(3) The lag is getting longer. As noted above, the Deaths curve seems to have leveled off and perhaps has seen a small upswing over the last week or so. The New Cases curve showed that same characteristic in early June, before the dramatic upsurge we’ve seen over the last 3-4 weeks. The most likely explanations for the lengthening of the lag time are that we are diagnosing and reporting cases earlier, and that we are doing a much better job of keeping people alive.
So yes, there is a clear relationship between new cases and subsequent deaths. But with a 3-4 week lag between diagnosis and death, we have not yet seen the mortality consequences of the huge upsurge we’ve seen in the last few weeks. The broken lines at the right of the graph are possible extrapolations of the Deaths curve – curve A seems like a best-case scenario, but the results could be as heartbreaking as curve B.
Even assuming a future case fatality rate as low as 2% – the U.S.’s total rate since the beginning of the pandemic is still over 4% – we face the prospect of several weeks with daily death counts of 1,000 or more. At this point, it’s hard to imagine the summer ending with fewer than 200,000 total COVID-19 deaths in the U.S. The U.S. is in for a sad and difficult summer, and I wonder how these elected officials will happy-talk their way out of that.
Empowering Handbook Offers Simple Steps To Help Us Respond Positively When Facing Life’s Challenges
Philadelphia, PA, July 13, 2020 — With all the negativity we’ve had to deal with in our nation this year, it’s no wonder we’re feeling anxious and afraid. We need to find a simple way to overcome these disturbing emotions, so we can better face the challenges in life and find a path to peace and happiness.
Author and clinical therapist Faust Ruggiero calls it the Process Way of Life and he explains how it works in his award-winning book, The Fix Yourself Handbook ̶ which aims to help readers achieve physical, intellectual, emotional and spiritual balance. Ruggiero has used the Process Way of Life successfully for more than 20 years and has helped thousands of clients.
“Human beings are a product of nature. As such, we are governed by natural rules. These are called processes: deliberate and natural actions or steps that must be performed so that we can live in tune with our own natural flow,” Ruggiero writes.
Between the covers of The Fix Yourself Handbook, Ruggiero presents 52 of these internal processes and explains in easy-to-follow language how these processes can be applied to any life situation. He offers straightforward action steps to address issues methodically — prioritizing practical intellect over emotion — to empower readers to tackle problems, resolve conflicts, embrace change, and rise above anger.
By understanding and learning to live according to the Process Way of Life, readers can become active players in their lives and transform anger to love and sadness to joy. The result is a much happier, healthier, more productive life.
Author Faust A. Ruggiero’s professional career spans almost 40 years. He has consistently established cutting-edge counseling programs in pursuit of professional excellence and personal life enhancement. He is a published research author, clinical trainer, and a therapist who has worked in settings that have included clinics for deaf children, prisons, nursing homes, substance abuse centers, and inpatient facilities. He continues to provide counseling services for veterans, first responders, law enforcement, and abused women, as well as for those suffering from depression, PTSD, anxiety, and marriage and couples counseling.
During his tenure as the President of the Community Psychological Center in Bangor, Pennsylvania, he developed the Process Way of Life counseling program, and has adapted it into the formal text presented in The Fix Yourself Handbook. In February 2020, The Fix Yourself Handbook received the Silver Award from The Nonfiction Authors Association, and in May 2020, it received the Gold Award from Literary Titan.
