Mythbusters: The biggest cholesterol myths you never knew

mythbuster blogs.jpeg

Whenever your thoughts wander from that salad bowl in front of you to a mouth-watering, super tasty triple cheeseburger, resist the temptation. Remind yourself that you need to keep your cholesterol in check, or you’ll die of a heart attack or something similar. Although this thinking will keep you on the healthy side of the tracks, the thing is, cholesterol isn’t necessarily a bad thing to have. Everyone has cholesterol in their bodies, but the reason we’re all so fearful about cholesterol killing us is that of the scenario where “bad cholesterol” takes over the “good” one.

With so much false information concerning cholesterol and its effect on your health, we’ve decided to put together a list of three common myths you want to break. Here we go:

Myth: Cholesterol is bad

It is entirely misleading to call cholesterol an enemy since it performs a lot of essential functions. Cholesterol helps to produce cell membranes, hormones, and vitamin D. It plays a role in cognitive function, assisting the memories to develop. Cholesterol is also a great aid in digestion. Still, the fact cholesterol has some positive sides doesn’t mean stuffing your face with greasy food, steaks, and snacks. A healthy, balanced diet followed by regular exercise is always a better option.

Myth: A low-fat diet is best

Low-fat diets are the currently popularized trend in Hollywood that’s pretty much good for nothing. While a low-fat diet may potentially give you fast results concerning losing weight, it can negatively impact your health. To keep your body and cholesterol in check, bring back the butter and remember that not all saturated fats are created equal. Some may be harmful while others beneficial or completely neutral. It all depends on the type of food.

To reduce triglycerides and raise "good" cholesterol, go with a low-carb diet and the right cholesterol supplements like Cholesterade; lessen the intake of foods like white bread, potatoes, white rice, crackers, and sugar. Also, do remember that even though high cholesterol may be due to your diet, the most significant factor in cholesterol levels is heredity.

Myth: Eggs are the enemy

You can feel free to start eating eggs again! The federal Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee explained that eggs only have a slight effect on blood cholesterol. It appears that even people with coronary heart disease can consume two eggs per day for six weeks without experiencing any adverse effects on their cholesterol levels. Plus, eggs are a good source of choline which plays a vital role in memory, and antioxidants such as zeaxanthin and lutein which help prevent macular degeneration.

No matter what you hear, it’s possible to keep your cholesterol levels under control.

Essilor Canada Urges Canadians To Take Their Eye Health Seriously

MONTREAL, Oct. 9, 2018 /CNW/ - Canadians are now more engaged than ever when it comes to their personal health and wellness, except when it's time to take care of their most used and abused feature—their eyes. With World Sight Day this week, Essilor Canada is launching a nationwide public awareness campaign designed to promote the vital role of an eyecare professional and encourage the 1.8 million of Canadians living with uncorrected vision¹ to visit their eye doctor over the next year.

Essilor Launches Major Eye Health Campaign (CNW Group/Essilor Canada)

Eyecare can have an impact on your quality of life.

To better understand Canadian consumers' current eye health behaviours, Essilor recently conducted market research including focus groups and an online survey focusing on eye exams, eyecare practitioners, eyeglass purchases, wellness, as well as lifestyle. Research showed that 72% of Canadian adults spend seven or more hours in front of three different electronic devices per day, and 90% of them reported at least one eye-related problem linked to digital devices last year². While they recognize there are negative consequences for excessive screen time, 42% of them also admit that even significant vision issues, such as: double vision, regular eye pain, blurred vision, watery, dry eyes or headaches when looking at a screen, are not motivation enough to take action³. They state their vision is "not that bad."

"Our eyes are being used, and strained, now more than ever. Proper eye health and vision correction have a major impact on quality of life, but neither can be achieved without an annual routine visit to assess your eye health. This campaign aims to remind the estimated 1.8 million Canadians who are living with uncorrected vision that healthy eyes start with in-person eye examination. We also aim to re-engage the millions more who have gone longer than two years without a visit and encourage them to take their eye health seriously," explains Barbara Heffez-Piper, President of Essilor Canada.

Eye exams are not just about seeing clearly.

Your eyes are a window to your health and taking care of them could be life-saving. Regular comprehensive eye exams can lead to early detection of a number of conditions, health issues and illnesses, including diabetes, cancer, thyroid disease and even high blood pressure⁴. An eyecare professional is an important member of your healthcare team. They are one of the only doctors who can properly examine your eyes and help you identify these diseases before they become problematic. Eyecare professionals can monitor for changes in partnership with other members of your healthcare team.

Given our aging population, Canada is facing a potential crisis in age-related eye disease and it is expected to cost us more than $30 billion annually by 2032⁵. Six in 10 Canadians reported having had a vision problem⁶ and still their high tolerance for poor vision will make them put off getting an exam until it significantly impacts their ability to perform day-to-day activities.

On the other end of the spectrum, current research shows that it is also impacting our children. Myopia, also known as nearsightedness, has been on the rise globally over the past several decades. A 2016 study by the University of Waterloo found that while the rate of myopia was 6% in children aged 6–8, it increases to 28.9% in children aged 11–13⁷.

The good news is that 75% of vision loss can be treated or prevented through proper eyecare, such as routine examinations⁸.

You wouldn't put off seeing the dentist for a toothache, why put up with poor eyesight?

Our research demonstrated a low consumer awareness regarding eyecare which resulted in misconceptions and a compromised eyecare experience. Vision is not top of mind when consumers think of wellness, as they put having a regular eye exam behind going to the dentist in terms of importance. When asked, "Where do you do your research to learn about your eye health?" participants surveyed answered "Google" followed closely by their family doctor (42%), and family and friends (37%)⁹.

"World Sight Day is the perfect opportunity for Essilor Canada to reaffirm our mission of improving lives by improving sight and to show our commitment to a healthy, thriving independent eyecare community in Canada. We want to help our local eyecare professionals remind their patients that regular eye health examinations are critical for long-term eye health and the best quality of life through great vision," said Heffez-Piper.

This innovative new media campaign will include traditional and digital out of home advertising in the cities of Montreal, Toronto and Vancouver. Additionally, digital ads across the country, including search engine marketing, online advertisements and online videos will encourage patients to visit an eyecare professional for eye examinations. For additional campaign information, please visit: MyEyeExam.ca

The campaign speaks to eyecare professionals as it encourages consumers to get complete eye exams, which will drive traffic to their clinics. Independent eyecare professionals and optometrists looking to take advantage of opportunities such as this to grow their business with Essilor should contact their Essilor Representative.

_____________________________
¹ Essilor Canada Commissioned Research Report, July 13–23, 2018.
² Essilor Canada Commissioned Research Report, July 13–23, 2018.
³ Essilor Canada Commissioned Research Report, July 13–23, 2018.
⁴ https://visionfirsteyecare.com/10-health-risks-detected-by-eye-exams/
⁵ https://opto.ca/the-federal-role-in-eye-health-and-vision-care
⁶https://opto.ca/sites/default/files/resources/documents/cao_pre_budget_submission_final_with_references_august_3_2017_1.pdf
⁷ https://core.uwaterloo.ca/news/first-of-its-kind-study-illustrates-prevalence-of-myopia-in-canadian-children/
⁸ https://opto.ca/sites/default/files/resources/documents/online_better_vision_for_seniors_en_2016.pdf
⁹ Essilor Canada Commissioned Research Report, July 13–23, 2018

SOURCE Essilor Canada

Cannvas launches Cannvas.Me, Cannabis Education Platform

Global Data-Driven Cannabis Education Platform Is Open for Business

TORONTO, Oct. 9, 2018 /CNW/ - Cannvas MedTech Inc. ("Cannvas" or the "Company") (CSE: MTEC) (Frankfurt: 3CM), a leading business technology company in the cannabis space, is pleased to announce that Cannvas.Me, its first cannabis-centric service offering to the public, is now available online at http://Cannvas.Me.

Cannvas MedTech Inc. (CNW Group/Cannvas MedTech Inc.)

Cannvas.Me is an unbiased educational resource for medicinal and adult-use cannabis users. It is a comprehensive solution for the global cannabis community offering innovative tools and physician-backed content to all audiences wishing to learn about health care through cannabis.

"As the legalization of cannabis in Canada quickly approaches, Cannvas.Me fills the knowledge gap with credible information on the potential benefits of cannabis brought forth by physicians and certified educators," said Shawn Moniz, Chief Executive Officer, Cannvas MedTech Inc. "The Cannvas.Me educational portal has something for just about everybody with information available to users where and when they need it. Whether on a tablet in a medical clinic, at home on a desktop or anywhere on a mobile device, Cannvas.Me provides valuable educational content with no interference from LPs and no pressure to purchase or consume."

The public is invited to explore Cannvas.Me today and learn about the potential health benefits from using cannabis in its various forms. The educational platform features a number of innovative modules and tools making cannabis education approachable and accessible to a global audience. Site features include:

Cannvas Academy - educational learning modules created by medical practitioners and certified educators;
Cannvas Strain Matcher - an interactive experience where users learn which strain is best for alleviating specific ailments;
Cannvas Culinary - a culinary training module with recipes, ideas and more.

The team at Cannvas is working on additional modules and tools to be added to the platform as they become available. Canada is leading the transformation of the cannabis world through legalization and through the emergence of a significant economic force. By ensuring a best-in-class experience for all users, by utilizing machine-learning algorithms and artificial intelligence (AI) to contextualize and adapt as users navigate the website, and by presenting physician-backed information which has been vetted through a series of systems and reviews to ensure the most accurate and up-to-date information, Cannvas.Me is positioned to become the go-to source for cannabis information and educational content.

"We have made considerable progress in the past 12 months coming from a brand new company with two team members to launching our first online cannabis-centric educational platform with over 20 team members," said Steve Loutskou, Chief Executive Officer of Cannvas Cannabis Acquisitions and Chief Operating Officer, Global Markets at Cannvas MedTech. "We will continue to work diligently toward adding new and exciting modules to Cannvas.Me to become the premiere source for cannabis information."

About Cannvas MedTech Inc.
Cannvas MedTech is a leading business technology company in the cannabis space. We design and build customer-centric solutions that enable our partners to harness the power of data to truly understand their customers, industry, and key business drivers.

No stock exchange or securities regulatory authority has reviewed or accepted responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Some of the statements contained in this release are forward-looking statements, such as estimates and statements that describe the Issuer's future plans, objectives or goals, including words to the effect that the Issuer or management expects a stated condition or result to occur. Since forward-looking statements address future events and conditions, by their very nature, they involve inherent risks and uncertainties. For a description of the risks and uncertainties facing the Company and its business and affairs, readers should refer to the Company's Management's Discussion and Analysis and other disclosure filings with Canadian securities regulators, which are posted on www.sedar.com.

SOURCE Cannvas MedTech Inc.

Think Research Partners with Milestone Retirement Communities for Streamlined Admissions Processes

TORONTO, Oct. 9, 2018 /CNW/ - Think Research (the "Company"), a leading digital healthcare platform provider, today announced that the Company has partnered with Milestone Retirement Communities, LLC ("Milestone"), an industry leader in the seniors housing industry, to rollout a digital admission solution in Symphony at Cherry Hill using Think Research's eForms product.

The traditional admissions process is time consuming, inefficient, costly and prone to human error. Think Research's eForms are a fully customizable paperless admissions solution that reduces costs for administrators and frees up time for communities to spend caring for patients. While eForms retain the look of traditional paper admissions agreements, they are filled out with just a few clicks in order to ensure that the right information is captured from the right people at the right time.

"We're pleased to be unveiling Think Research's eForms solution as a part of the launch of our new state-of-the-art seniors' care facilities in Cherry Hill, New Jersey and Freehold, New Jersey," said Joe Jedlowski, President of Milestone. "We know that providing high-quality care for our seniors starts at the admissions process, so we wanted to modernize and streamline our operations with a tool that fit our existing workflow. Think Research delivered the solution that best fit our needs and the needs of our residents."

"Think Research is very happy to be partnering with Milestone to help them rollout paperless admission at their New Jersey locations. They're a clear leader in a seniors housing industry that is undergoing rapid growth, and with that growth it becomes essential to streamline operations and focus time and resources on where they matter most: patient care," said Sachin Aggarwal, CEO of Think Research. "We applaud the management at Milestone for taking this step and pushing for better healthcare solutions and outcomes."

About Milestone Retirement
Milestone Retirement specializes in senior living management with emphasis in Independent Living, Assisted Living, and Memory Support. Since its formation in 2008, Milestone Retirement has grown to manage over 90 communities across 18 states. For more information, visit www.milestoneretirement.com

About Think Research
Think Research's mission is to organize the world's health knowledge, so everyone gets the best care. The company takes the ever-growing body of clinical evidence and health care algorithms to create software applications that drive high-quality clinical decision making. Think Research's solutions are used by clinicians and patients at the point of care in over 1,100 facilities around the world including nearly 200 US sites across 26 states, impacting millions of patients annually.

SOURCE Think Research

ARE YOU REALLY A SOCIAL DRINKER OR COULD YOU BE AN ALCOHOLIC?

www.beachway.com

Increasingly, women are going head to head with men when it comes to binge drinking. It’s not surprising: society normalizes, encourages, and promotes drinking so heavily that it can be nearly impossible, at times, to know what’s “normal” or not. A 2015 report by the National Institutes of Health, says an exploding number of Americans are in the drinking danger zone. According to the report, published in the journal JAMA Psychiatry, nearly one-third of American adults at some point in their life have an Alcohol Abuse Disorder, and only 20% seek treatment. Drinking may seem harmless but overindulging in alcohol is responsible for more than 80,000 deaths in this country per year and is the third leading cause of preventable deaths. We turned to Carrie Carlton, Clinical Director (LCSW) of Beachway Therapy Center in Boynton Beach, Florida to outline the differences between social, problem and alcoholic drinking.

Addicted alcoholics hide their habit

Carrie Carlton says, “When people veer from social drinking to alcoholism, they usually try to conceal their drinking from those who are close to them. This is a warning sign because they deliberately wish to hide their drinking habit from their loved ones so as not to alarm or disappoint them. The fact is, the more they try to hide their drinking habit, the more serious their drinking problem becomes.”

Missing work

Alcoholics tend to miss work, damage other people’s lives, and not fulfill obligations because they stay busy drinking. Social drinkers will drink at specific times when they are usually free so that no important work is hampered. Social drinkers make sure that they do not over-drink, which ensures that they can tend to important obligations. “If they start ignoring these obligations because of drinking, they have likely become alcoholic,” says Carlton.

You’re a weekend warrior.

“If you don’t drink daily, but are drinking regularly, such as binges every Friday night, that’s a red flag,” says Carlton. While research shows that having about seven alcoholic beverages per week lowers your risk of diabetes and cardiovascular disease, abstaining all week only to guzzle five or six glasses in a single sitting negates any of alcohol’s potential health benefits. Moreover, binge drinking can raise blood pressure and interfere with certain medications.

Drinking just “creeps up on you.”

Have you ever told yourself you were going to have only a drink or two at happy hour, and before you knew it you’d downed five? One of the clues that you may be a binge drinker is not knowing your limits—or feeling surprised when you've "suddenly" passed them. “Like diabetes, heart disease, and other health problems, drinking problems develop gradually and alcoholism is progressive,” says Carlton.

Drinking and driving

Alcoholics end up in alcohol-related accidents, while social drinkers do not. However, for a social drinker, they know that drinking and driving is not permitted and can be fatal. So, even if they over-drink on a particular social occasion, they don’t get behind the wheel.

You wonder if there will be enough alcohol available

“This most likely means that you are probably chasing the buzzed feeling and are unable to enjoy yourself without the fear of losing that high” says Carrie Carlton. “It is most definitely a warning sign of addiction and it can be a sign of obsessive thinking around alcohol, which should absolutely raise red flags.”

You “Pre-Game It”

Perhaps you are going on a blind date and don’t want your date to think you drink too much so you have 2 drinks at home and 2 drinks while on the date. You know you’ve had 4 drinks, but your date perceives you as a “normal” drinker. You are aware of your true quantity and have the buzz to go along with it.

You hide alcohol

If you don’t want your spouse, roommate or family member to see you drinking, perhaps you hide alcohol in a closet or bathroom cabinet and put your drinks in a colored paper cup so only you know you’re drinking. Carrie Carlton says, “alcoholics will do this to be able to indulge in their addiction while attempting to “act sober” and deceive others around them.”

You switch drinks or try to make rules for yourself that you don’t follow

Many people will negotiate with themselves. For example, “I will switch from 4 glasses of wine to two Vodkas” or “I will only drink on weekends,” “I will only go to happy hour when I have a new client win.” “Normal” drinkers don’t make these kinds of bargains with themselves because their lives don’t revolve around alcohol or attempts to control consumption of it,” says Carlton.

A ”problem drinker” versus an alcoholic

Carrie Carlton explains that, “A problem drinker is able to self-correct when they are given sufficient reason to do so – negative consequences, painful hangovers, birth of a child, new responsibilities, etc. An alcoholic, on the other hand, is unable to permanently cut back or stop drinking even when they have numerous reasons to do so. When faced with serious consequences and reality, an alcoholic may temporarily stop or limit themselves, but they will invariably return to their regular excessive drinking patterns.”

What to do if you’re not sure you have a problem

Carrie Carlton suggests, “If you are not certain you are an alcoholic, seek the advice of a therapist, or attend an AA meeting and speak with those who have long term sobriety to see if they share similar thoughts and experiences. If you feel that you need more than therapy to stop drinking, in patient treatment (rehab) may be the course of action you need to get both the therapy and tools to live a sober life.

Carrie Carlton, Clinical Director (LCSW), Clinical Supervisor at Beachway Therapy Center

Carrie holds a BSW and MSW in social work from Florida Atlantic University, an MA from Barry University (Miami), and is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. She also has a background in medical social work. Her understanding of cognitive behavioral therapy, solution focused therapy, and family systems guide her treatment of addicts and families. Her clients thrive under her guidance because of her honesty, empathy, and compassion. Recognizing the severe impact of addictions on both the addict and the families, Carrie is dedicated to consistently serve her clients.

About Beachway Therapy Center

Beachway provides a continuum of care, from PHP (Partial Hospitalization Program) to Outpatient services. The facility offers a fully individualized treatment plan that meets the clinical and medical needs of each client usually lasting between 30 and 90 days. Beachway provides an extremely low client to therapist ratio and under high level professional supervision, clients can begin to recover in a safe, residential-like environment. CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy) motivational interviewing, addiction counseling, 12-Step orientation, DBT (dialectical behavioral therapy,) trauma-informed practices and a wide variety of supportive group therapies are offered.

Hamad Bin Khalifa University's Qatar Biomedical Research Institute Forms New Partnership With Harvard Stem Cell Institute

New partnership to boost region's first cell-therapy program to tackle diabetes

DOHA, Qatar, Oct. 8, 2018 /CNW/ - Qatar Biomedical Research Institute (QBRI), a premier research institute under Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), has signed a collaborative research and training agreement with the Harvard Stem Cell Institute (HSCI) in Boston, USA. The five-year initiative includes technical training and research in stem cell biology, which are essential for discovering viable treatments for diabetes.

(Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/765535/QBRI_HBKU_Agreement.jpg)

The prevalence of diabetes type 1 and 2 is a rising global healthcare challenge. Recent advances in stem cell research, led by HSCI scientists, are set to help both type 1 and type 2 diabetes patients cope with their condition by producing new insulin-producing cells. Such advances can be extended to address many diseases that have a major impact on society.

In this new collaboration, QBRI scientists will work closely with HSCI researchers to exchange knowledge and best practice, and to accelerate the translation of discoveries into clinical applications. In addition to building scientific capacity in the region, the partnership will support ground-breaking research in stem cell biology. Clinical trials that arise from these endeavors will be conducted in collaboration with QBRI's major stakeholders, including Qatar-based Hamad Medical Corporation and Sidra Medicine.

"This partnership with HSCI is another step towards our primary goal of conducting research that has tangible, meaningful impact on the wider community. Innovation and entrepreneurial vision are at the core of QBRI's activities. This partnership with leading stem cell researchers at Harvard is a crucial step in spurring progress towards our strategic vision, to solve some of the critical challenges facing Qatar and the region. Thanks to this agreement, newly recruited investigators at QBRI will be engaging in ground-breaking research within the largest collaborative network of stem-cell researchers in the world," said Dr. Omar El Agnaf, acting executive director at QBRI.

HSCI - a network of 1,000 scientists at Harvard University and its eight affiliated hospitals - is a champion of research in stem cell biology and regenerative medicine. It is a powerful partner for realizing QBRI's strategic plan to develop the first cell-therapy program in the region.

Brock Reeve, executive director of HSCI, said: "Qatar has been proactive in building scientific capacity in the Middle East, and its current focus on stem cell biology shows its commitment to supporting progress in personalized medicine. Partnering with QBRI allows us to share knowledge and expertise efficiently through advanced training, and to conduct meaningful research with a focus on translation. We are really looking forward to working together, and to seeing what new opportunities for discovery arise as a result."

QBRI aims to address major health challenges over the long term by supporting scientific research into the molecular basis of various diseases, and biomedical research that seeks to translate those insights into solutions for diabetes, neurological disorders, and cancer. The partnership with HSCI will facilitate progress in these areas.

Research is integral to HBKU's mission to help build high-level skills capacity in Qatar. This new partnership allows the university to actively leverage synergies with local and international organizations to foster a world-class education ecosystem that promotes scientific discovery and benefits humankind.

About Hamad Bin Khalifa University
Innovating Today, Shaping Tomorrow

For more information about HBKU, visit http://www.hbku.edu.qa

About the Harvard Stem Cell Institute

For more information about HSCI, visit: hsci.harvard.edu

SOURCE HBK

Loss Is A Four-Letter Word: A Bereavement Boot Camp for the Widowed

By Carole Brody Fleet

"Carole Brody Fleet is forthright in dealing with many of the difficult issues surrounding widowhood, demonstrating that you do not have to live in your past. It's not an either-or situation. She teaches the important lesson that you can incorporate your previous life into a new life.”
—Jane Brody, personal health columnist, The New York Times

Deerfield Beach, FL, October 5, 2018 — No widow or widower look exactly the same. No widowhood looks exactly the same. Therefore, no healing journey or timeline is an identical experience. The word "loss” contains only four letters, but its size belies the amount of fear it produces at even its mere mention. Even more terrifying and enormous is the reality of loss–specifically, the loss of a spouse.

Widowhood has the capacity to keep those affected from moving forward into a new and fulfilling life. The loss of a spouse is frightening. The call for relatable and actionable direction and advice remains a very real need for the widowed community, and that is just what Loss is a Four-Letter Word offers. Award-winning author Carole Brody Fleet personally experienced the pain and grief as a young widow and mother; leaving her and her 9-year-old daughter alone. Loss is a Four-Letter Word shows readers a way out, a way to move forward– not "get over”–their most profound loss in positive ways. Fleet combines no-nonsense, direct advice with specific, boot-camp style "assignments” that are framed with compassion and humor to help them through a most challenging life-journey.

A short sample of the Bereavement Boot Camp Lessons:

•   Lesson One: I'm Still Here
•   Lesson Two: "My Healing Journey Is Mine”
•   Lesson Three: Stop Putting Off Proactivity
•   Lesson Four: "I Turn to… Who?”
•   Lesson Five: Put Your Tits on Your Back
•   Lesson Six: Get Up, Get Moving… Get Out!
•   Lesson Seven: It's Your Turn
•   Lesson Eight: Past, Present, and Future: You Can Have All Three

Loss is a Four-Letter Word gives readers help without reproach, education without lecture, and support without judgment, condition, or negative opinion. All of which provides a necessary light during such devastating times. Fleet tells them, "Because while our spouses may have departed this earth, we are still here. And we matter too.”

About the Author:

Carole Brody Fleet is the award-winning author of When Bad Things Happen to Good Women, Happily EVEN After, and Widows Wear Stilettos. Widely recognized as America's go-to expert on life adversity and grief recovery, Ms. Fleet is also a three-time contributor to the iconic Chicken Soup for the Soul book series, as well as a regular contributor to The Huffington Post and to ThirdAge.com. Ms. Fleet is also a popular motivational speaker and with her inimitable message of "What Now and What Next?” Ms. Fleet offers practical, emotional, and even humorous guidance to the millions who have experienced any kind of loss or challenge in their lives.

Loss Is A Four-Letter Word: A Bereavement Boot Camp for the Widowed
By Carole Brody Fleet
ISBN: 9780757321214
September 2018
$15.95
Available wherever books are sold or to order directly from the publisher, contact:
(800) 441-5569 or www.hcibooks.com

###

Suggested Interview Questions:

1. Where did the title of the book come from?

2. How does Loss is a Four-Letter Word differ from all of the other "grief” books?

3. What inspired you to write Loss is a Four-Letter Word?

4. What inspired you to begin writing in the loss / grief recovery genre in the first place – after all, these are not the happiest subjects in the world.

5. This is the first time that any of your writings have included a discussion on spirituality in connection with grief recovery. Why did you decide to include a chapter on spirituality when you have shied away from it in the past?

6. What are some of the lessons and experiences that you felt were especially necessary to communicate in the book?

7. What are some of the most common problems and challenges that face the widowed and what are the best ways to move past those challenges?

8. You have received hundreds of thousands of letters over the years. If you had to pick just one thing, what would be the one most common problem that people write to you about?

9. One of your favorite subjects concerns some of the things that people say when trying to help or otherwise comfort someone coping with loss. Even though most likely mean no harm, what are some of the dumbest things that you know people have said?

10. What are some of the first steps to take at the beginning of a healing journey?

Reviews:

Karen Noé, author, We Consciousness: 33 Profound Truths for Inner and Outer Peace and Your Life After Their Death: A Medium's Guide to Healing After a Loss: "Carole Brody Fleet has done it again! In Loss is a Four Letter Word, she offers practical, straightforward advice on how to move forward on a positive path after losing a loved one. I've had Carole as a guest on the "Angel Quest” radio show a number of times because of how much she has benefited my listeners with her knowledge. If it sounds like I am impressed with her, it's because I am. I love this book, and I love Carole!”

Lisa Lockwood, crime analyst, author, police and military veteran: "What I love and appreciate is Carole Brody Fleet's firsthand knowledge and approach on the most taboo topic in society. Having gone through personal loss, I always learn something about how to approach the topic with empathy and how to permit others to comfort me in the worst of times.”

Stacey Gualandi, Emmy award-winning journalist: "Carole Brody Fleet has faced painful challenges and loss with courage and resilience. Through her own personal healing, we can all learn from and be inspired by her. I have a four-letter word for Carole: HERO.”

Kristin Higson-Hughes, Senior Features Editor, Women's World Magazine: "Just as there is no timetable to grief, there certainly is no checklist on how to recover strength and joy after suffering a loss. Here you will find authentic, candid, trustworthy, and--perhaps most pertinent of all--pragmatic advice promising that although the landscape of life may forever be changed, the future can still hold purpose, beauty, and magic. With a signature style all her own, Carole Brody Fleet "trains" you to find yourself again (hint: there's no wrong path, but some are healthier for your soul!). Together, you will navigate everything from social media to financial matters to the possibility of finding love again. Sure, it can feel impossible to do, and even more so to find answers, but sign up, dear recruit, and discover this book's wit and wisdom, and its author's enormous-as-the-universe heart!"

Kim Iversen, nationally syndicated radio show host: "Carole is an angel, not just an expert. Many of us have no clue what to say to a loved one going through tremendous loss. We sit by and watch helplessly as they struggle with their 'new normal'. Carole's book is a must read; not just for widows, but for those of us who love a widow as well. As a relationship radio talk show host, I have always had words to comfort and guide someone through every type of heartache-----every heartache except the death of a spouse. This type of loss leaves many of us speechless. Finally, someone who knows what to say when the rest of us do not."

Healthy Lifestyle Habits Can Prevent Dementia

Chattanooga, TN, October 4, 2018 ― Dr. Timothy R. Jennings speaks expertly on a subject that concerns over 5.5 million people across the nation: how to prevent dementia and keep our mind sharp as we age. A psychiatrist and international speaker, Jennings introduces his new book, recently rated #1 by Amazon in books on dementia, The Aging Brain: Proven Steps to Prevent Dementia and Sharpen Your Mind.

Dr. Jennings prescribes simple, everyday actions we can take to stave off disease, promote vitality, and prevent dementia and late-onset Alzheimer's. "The choices we make now can help us to keep our minds sharp and maintain our independence as we age,” says Jennings.

An easy-to-use guide to maintaining brain and body health throughout life, The Aging Brain is based on solid, up-to-date scientific research, and the interventions discussed can prevent progression toward dementia, even in those already showing signs of mild cognitive impairment. The recommendations also may help reduce disability and depression.

"This book isn't just for people hoping to slow the aging process,” says Jennings. "It's also for anyone who is a caregiver to someone at risk of or already beginning to suffer from dementia. It offers a hopeful, healthy way forward.”

Jennings, who maintains a private practice in Chattanooga, TN, has authored several books, including The God-Shaped Brain and The God-Shaped Heart. He is a Distinguished Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association and Fellow of the Southern Psychiatric Association, and is president and founder of Come and Reason Ministries.

For more information about Dr. Jennings, please visit the website: https://www.agingbrainbook.com.

To connect with Dr. Jennings, please visit: https://www.facebook.com/DrTimJennings/ and https://twitter.com/timjenningsmd.

The Aging Brain: Proven Steps to Prevent Dementia and Sharpen Your Mind
Baker Books
Released: June 2018
ISBN-10: 080107522X
ISBN-13: 978-0801075223

Reviews for The Aging Brain: Proven Steps to Prevent Dementia and Sharpen Your Mind:

Dr. Caroline Leaf, Cognitive Neuroscientist, Communication Pathologist and Author: "Great advice and excellent science on aging! It's well worth following and applying these principles so as to age the way we are supposed to.”

Rodney A. Poling, MD, DFAPA, medical director, Behavioral Healthcare Center, Columbia TN., and board-certified geriatric psychiatrist: "A well-researched and commonsense book aimed at helping one understand the complexities of dementia, while offering recommendations for maintaining healthy brain function into our later years.”

Michael Lyles, psychiatrist, author, and speaker: "Dr. Jennings clearly describes how to practically manage the medical and lifestyle variables that can positively impact brain health and the process of aging. Age is a number, but getting old is a lifestyle.”

Struggling with Weight Loss? 5 Ideas to Help You Hit Your Diet Goals

There are many obstacles that can stand in the way of losing weight. You may have tried many diets and workout plans with limited success. As you continue to pursue your goal of dropping the extra pounds, these five ideas could help you with your diet.

Avoid Prolonged Hunger

It’s natural to feel some hunger pangs while dieting, but feeling hungry for too long could end up sabotaging your weight loss goals. Being hungry for extended periods of time may eventually provoke you to turn to unhealthy snacks to satisfy your appetite. The best way to prevent this from happening is to carry some healthy snacks on you that can help keep you satiated in between meals. Prevention.comsuggests snacking on some whole grain crackers or pistachios when overwhelmed by hunger.

Find Healthier Alternatives for Sweets

If you have a sweet tooth, you can find other ways to sweeten your diet without munching on candy bars, cookies and other sugar-filled snacks. Strawberries, blueberries and apples are some of the fruits that taste sweet and contain fewer calories and fats. Cinnamon can also be sprinkled on fruit, oatmeal and toast for a healthier alternative to sugar.

Hire a Nutrition Coach

Nutrition coaching can help you adopt a healthier diet. Your nutrition coach will review your current eating plan and let you know what needs to be changed to achieve greater success. You can find a coach in your area who specializes in creating customized nutrition plansthat include the right amounts of foods that are both healthy and tasty.

Use Plates for Portioning

How you portion food on your plate can make a big difference when it comes to losing weight. At least half of your plate should be reserved for vegetables or fruits. Meat, pasta or fish can fill the remaining section of your plate. There are even plates on the market that have designated food sections to make portioning easier. Using smaller plates can also help you control your portion sizes better.

Keep a Food Journal

Writing down what you eat each day in a food journal will help you be more accountable for your snack and meal choices. You can also choose to write down the caloric and nutritional content of each food item that you consume. It’s important to be honest and write down everything you’ve eaten that day. You should also record what you were doing and the moods that you were in while eating to identify any patterns that cause you to make unhealthy food choices.

Losing weight can be an easier task when you follow the right tips and maintain consistency in your efforts. Making smart food choices is one of the key factors to weight loss and should be prioritized as you work tow

The Kindness Advantage: Cultivating Compassionate And Connected Children

By Dale Atkins, PhD and Amanda Salzhauer, MSW

Greenwich, CT, October 4, 2018 — Kindness leads to compassion and happiness, future success, better relationships, improved self-esteem, and good mental and physical health. And don't we all want that for our children, our families and our community? The Kindness Advantage: Cultivating Compassionate and Connected Children provides parents with a practical and concrete guide to equip their child with the skills they need to have a positive influence on the world. This book goes well beyond teaching "please” and "thank-you.” It will show parents how to help their child form compassionate habits that will last a lifetime.

The Kindness Advantage is written by mental health professionals Dale Atkins and Amanda Salzhauer. Both experts are available to speak on topics that affect children and families to emphasize how to tap into kindness when dealing with such issues as bullying, school shootings, child welfare, community service, and the intergenerational divide. The Kindness Advantage is for parents who see the need for more civil, respectful, and considerate behavior among children. Research shows that children who are raised in a culture where giving and compassion are valued become happier and more positively engaged with those around them. Some of the characteristics in deeply connected people are empathy, acceptance, and questioning. These and other characteristics are essential to being kind and charitable, and vital to living a purposeful life.

First, The Kindness Advantage helps parents recognize these qualities; next, it shares ways to nurture them in everyday life. Finally, it shows parents how to teach them to their children. In Part Three there are additional chapters to support these efforts, with conversation starters, strategies to help children relax, tips for troubleshooting challenging situations, along with recommendations for adults and children interested in learning more. There are also several blank pages at the end of the book for taking notes, writing questions, and keeping track of resources with the hope that this book with turn into the family's personal activity workbook. Each fundamental characteristic includes an introduction along with:

1)   Text to be read and discussed with the child.
2)   Questions to help children connect the concept with their own life experience.
3)   Ideas and activities to weave that concept into everyday life.
4)   Inspiring real-life stories about children who make a difference.
5)   Quotes from children, clergy, and community leaders and others about the values of caring and compassion.

The Kindness Advantage is based on a simple yet powerful premise: that living a compassionate life, one in which kindness is highly valued, is the key to our children's current and future wellbeing. There are so many ways to create meaningful connections with others. The Kindness Advantage is designed to be used in whatever way works best for families, giving their children the advantage of kindness to last a lifetime.

About the Authors:

Dale V. Atkins, PhD, is a licensed psychologist with more than forty years of experience as a relationship expert focusing on families, wellness, managing stress, and living a balanced, meaningful life. Author of six books and many chapters, articles, and journals for popular and professional audiences, Dale is a featured speaker who leads seminars worldwide on raising financially responsible, and charitable children. Dale is a frequent guest expert in the media and appears regularly on NBC's TODAY and CNN. Dale has a private psychology practice in New York City. She has two children and six grandchildren, and lives in Connecticut. She can be found on Twitter (@DrDaleAtkins), Facebook, and at www.drdaleatkins.com.

Amanda R. Salzhauer, MSW, has worked as a social worker in clinics and private practice. She has been a member of several nonprofit boards, including Riverdale Neighborhood House and the Board of Overseers for the Dartmouth Center for Social Impact. She has three children and lives in New York City.

The Kindness Advantage: Cultivating Compassionate and Connected Children
By Dale Atkins, PhD and Amanda Salzhauer
Available wherever books are sold or to order from the publisher, contact: (800) 441-5560 or www.hcibooks.com
ISBN: 9780757320997
$15.95
Release date: September 2018

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