Easing the Stress of Cancer

It is the diagnosis that no one wants to hear.  Despite years of research, the word “cancer” continues to strike fear into the hearts of men, women, and children.  While the detection of cancer is no longer a death sentence, there is always the possibility that cancer will accelerate the end of one’s life.  With a diagnosis of cancer, one comes face-to-face with one’s own mortality.

There are a number of stressful aspects to a cancer diagnosis.  Primary among these is the possibility that the cancer will be fatal.  As a result, cancer can cause tremendous stress to one’s interpersonal relationships.  Your family and friends may be on edge, worrying that you might die.  You may also be short-tempered because you’re not certain how many more days you might have to live.  You may be frustrated and anxious and may find it difficult to sleep.

Cancer can also lead to a great deal of financial stress.  There are bills for doctors, for treatments, for medication, for surgery.  At times, the costs can seem staggering.  While your health insurance might cover part of the expense, you yourself might have to shoulder the rest of the cost.  If you were barely getting by before your diagnosis, you might find it especially difficult dealing with the financial aspect of cancer.

The process of chemotherapy itself can be highly stressful.  To begin with, you will not feel as energetic as you usually are, leaving you with the stress of wondering how you will get everything done.  Also, you may feel nauseated, making it difficult for you to complete your work at the office or your work at home.  Finally, losing your hair to chemotherapy can be quite a stressful experience.  You have to decide how to handle your baldness—whether you will invest in a wig, a scarf, or just “go natural.”  The baldness is particularly stressful for women, who tend to base a great deal of their self-image on how they look. 

Realizing that cancer will put you under a great deal of stress is half the battle.  Then, you must learn to deal effectively with your stress.  For some cancer patients, this means engaging in relaxation exercises.  For instance, you might envision that your white blood cells are eating up cancer cells.  You might picture the cancer leaving your body, and your body being left healthy as a result.  Or you might picture your cancer washing away to the sea.  Such mind relaxation techniques can leave you with a more upbeat, enthusiastic attitude and can be highly beneficial in your recovery.

 Another stress-reliever is spending some time reading inspirational works.  Whether you draw your inspiration from Ronald Reagan or Mother Teresa, reading about how famous people overcame difficulties can help you as you battle your own demons.  Such works can be greatly uplifting, giving you the courage and strength necessary to battle cancer heroically.

You might also be able to reduce cancer-related stress by changing your diet.  A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can improve both your physical health and your mental outlook.  In this way, you will be better able to handle the stresses of cancer treatment.

Yet another effective stress-reducing technique is to join a support group of cancer survivors.  This can be tremendously beneficial to your overall well-being.  You’ll gain strength from listening to the experiences of other men and women who are facing the same challenges you are.  And the fellowship that results from group meetings can aid you in your recovery.

There is no easy way to deal with the stress of cancer.  It is a debilitating disease which can sap your physical strength and deplete your emotional reserves.  It can leave you feeling battle-scarred and may, at times, lead to a feeling of hopelessness.  The good news is that recovery rates are better than ever before—especially when the cancer is caught early.  There is a good chance that you will be able to survive cancer, and your recovery could add years to your life.  If at any time you find the stress of cancer to be overwhelming, make sure that you mention it to your doctor.  He or she might be able to assist you with additional coping strategies that can help you deal with this devastating illness.

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Facts About Dreams

Even today, dream interpretation remains a highly sought after art, and science is continuing to focus on dream interpretation as a way to deal with all kinds of anxieties and other underlying psychological issues.

There are some interesting facts about dreaming that you may not be aware of.  These facts include:

  • One third of most people’s lives is spent asleep, and a good portion of that time is spent in dream sleep.
  • In the average lifetime, a person will have spent approximately six years in dream sleep, equivalent to more than 2,100 days of dreaming.
  • Dreams have existed as long as human beings.  There are records of dreams going back over 4,000 years.
  • Dream interpretation has existed almost as long as dreaming, and Roman senators in the ancient world often engaged the services of dream interpreters before making important political and social decisions.
  • Every human being dreams.  Even if you do not remember your dreams, you dream between four and seven times a night, every night.
  • Many animals dream as well.  All mammals are thought to dream, and it is suspected that some lower animals dream as well.  What they dream about, however, remains a mystery.
  • If people are prevented from dreaming, they suffer a variety of personality disorders and psychological problems.  The exact function of dream sleep is still not known, but it is known that dreaming is an indispensable part of life.
  • The average person spends two hours per night sleeping, and has from four to seven dreams during that time.
  • Even blind people dream.  The dreams of blind people who were previously sighted sometimes contain visual images, while the dreams of those who have been blind from birth do not.  Vision is not the only component of a dream, however.  Dreams also contain sounds, sights, smells and touch sensations.
  • Dreams are forgotten very quickly upon waking.  It is estimated that 50% of the content of a dream is lost within five minutes of waking, and after 10 minutes as much as 90% of the dream can be forgotten.
  • The word dream is derived from a word in Middle English.  This word, dreme, translates to “music” and “joy”.  It is therefore apparent that dreams have long been looked at as a source of wonder and inspiration.
  • Men most often dream about other men, while women tend to dream about men and women equally.
  • Studies of brain wave activity have revealed greater activity during dreaming than during waking periods.
  • People who are awakened during dream sleep are able to recall their dreams vividly, while those who wait until morning to wake often are not.
  • Everyone, men and women, seem to experience sexual arousal during their dreams, regardless of whether or not the content of the dream is overtly sexual.
  • Smokers who are trying to quit often report greater intensity in their dreams.
  • Studies have shown that toddlers do not dream about themselves.  In general, toddlers do not appear in their own dreams until they reach the age of three or four.
  • It is impossible to snore and dream at the same time.
  • Children commonly experience nightmares, and these nightmares usually begin by the age of three and last until the child is seven or eight years old.
  • More than 60% of people surveyed have reported experiencing Déjà vu in their dreams.  Déjà vu dreams occur more frequently in women than in men.
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Dream Interpretation – Dreams of Being Naked

One of the most common dreams around the world is the one in which the dreamer is naked.  Dreams of being naked can have several interpretations, and the nakedness in the dream can manifest itself in a number of different ways.
In some naked dreams, the dreamer is simply going about his or her own business, commuting to work driving in the car, walking around the neighborhood, etc.  In many cases, the dreamer is completely unaware of his or her nakedness and not at all bothered by it.
In other cases, the dreamer is aware of his or her nakedness but no one else seems to notice at all.  While the dreamer may be conscious of the nakedness, everyone else just goes on about their business and make no comments.  These types of dreams are often manifestations of the dreamer’s fears.  Often the dreamer has fears that he or she worries may be uncovered.  Dreams in which no one but the dreamer notices the nakedness are often indications that the fears bothering the dreamer are unfounded, and that no one else is concerned about them.
On the other hand, dreams in which the dreamer suddenly becomes mortified at realizing he or she is naked often indicate vulnerability, fear or shame.  In many cases, the dreamer is hiding a secret or hiding something that he or she is afraid will be found out.  The nakedness in the dream indicates a fear that other people see through you and will discover your secrets.
In dreams, clothes can represent concealment and hiding, so being stripped of clothes can mean being left defenseless and exposed.  The dream may be trying to tell you that you think you are hiding something, but that everyone else already knows about it.  This is one of the most common forms of the naked dream.
Being naked in a dream can also indicate fear of being caught off guard.  For instance, many people dream that they are suddenly naked at work or at school.  As a matter of fact, the dream of being suddenly naked in a classroom before taking a test is one of the most frequently studied dreams.  This kind of nakedness usually symbolizes fear of being unprepared for a situation at school or work, such as an important project at work or an exam at school.
Often times these dreams of nakedness at work or school coincide with events in real life.  For instance, you may dream of being naked at the office right before that big project is due, or before you are due to make that big presentation.  These types of dreams can be especially common among those who feel they are unprepared for the challenge.  Likewise, students who feel they have not studied sufficiently for any exam often dream of being in the exam room naked and exposed.
Sometimes these types of dreams to not coincide with real events.  Rather they may simply be manifestations of a more generalized fear of being caught unaware, or of being unprepared for the challenges of life.
Other naked dreams with similar meanings involve being naked and standing in front of a crowd.  Since nakedness and public speaking are two of the most common fears in the world, this combination can be mortifying, even in a dream.  Being naked in front of a crowd can symbolize a fear of being exposed, a fear of being unprepared, or a fear that those around you know things about you they are not telling you about.
One of the rarer types of dream nakedness is where the dreamer realizes he or she is naked but shows no fear, shame or embarrassment.  This type of naked dream can be a symbol of freedom and unrestrained exuberance.  This kind of dream can indicate that the dreamer has nothing to hide and is proud of his or her life.   In this case, the nakedness in the dream can be a positive thing – symbolizing openness, honesty and a trusting and carefree sense of life.

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Dieting Your Way to Stress Management

        You may notice that you reach for the potato chips when a television program becomes particularly frightening.  Or you grab the crackers at work when you learn that you’ll have to handle a new project.  You may also nibble on candy bars when you’re having difficulty controlling your children.  These eating patterns are all a reaction to stress.
        Stress plays an important part in our daily diet.  In fact, a great deal of overeating has been attributed to stress. However, it is also true that your diet can have an impact on stress.  There are certain foods that tend to worsen our stress levels.  A number of these foods fall into the category of stimulants.
        Of course, the best-known stimulant is caffeine.  You’ll find it not only in coffee, but in soft drinks, tea, and chocolate.  Your heart beat races, as does your mind, when you are served a significant amount of caffeine. Caffeine consumption may even be connected to high blood pressure.   However, you might not want to cut out caffeine entirely all at once.  A gradual reduction will help lessen your withdrawal symptoms.
         Consuming alcohol can also increase your stress level.   It leads to the production of adrenaline, which can cause you to have difficulty sleeping.  You might also experience a feeling of tension as a result of your alcohol intake.  In addition, alcohol makes it more difficult for the body to get rid of toxins.  Smoking is also quite dangerous, increasing hypertension and leading to heart disease.
        Chances are you will experience a great deal of stress after eating sugar.  This is because this sweet substance can exhaust the adrenal glands, leading to depression and irritability.  While some people tend to reach for sugar cookies when they are feeling stressed, the irony is that sugar-filled snacks can actually make you feel even more stressed out.
         Salt and fat are two substances that can increase your stress level.  Salt, for instance, raises the blood pressure, causing an individual to feel as if his or her emotions are out of control.  As a result, you should not eat high-salt foods such as ham or sausage.  Meanwhile, consuming fat can put strain on the cardiovascular system, leading to more stress.   In general, you should avoid highly processed food, which tends to be sparse in nutritional value.
         If you want to get your stress level under control, consider a diet that is rich in whole foods, fruits, and vegetables.  These are natural stress-busters, filled with nutrients that will help you to feel good over the long run. Also, these foods are far less likely to result in weight gain—another significant cause of stress.   Some dieticians recommend eating a diet that is 65 to 70 percent raw in order to ensure that you receive the maximum amount of nutrients—nutrients which could be otherwise lost during the cooking process.
        How do you know if your diet is stressing you out?  Pay close attention to the warning signs.  For instance, do you get headaches right after eating?  Are you experiencing neck or back pain?  Do you feel irritable after dinner? Do you feel anxious for no reason?  If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, you could be dealing with food-induced stress.  As you attempt to combat that stress, you should also make sure that you get at least seven hours of sleep each night in order to ensure that you are well-rested.  Being tired can contribute significantly to your stress level.
        There is no question that eating right can reduce your stress.  Indulging in caffeine-filled drinks or fatty foods can simply make you hyper, unable to relax or to concentrate.  However, if you eat meals that are rich in vitamins and minerals, you could find your stress level significantly reduced.  Plan your meals ahead of time to ensure that you receive the maximum nutrition.  Be sure to eat slowly and deliberately—feeling rushed at mealtime can contribute to your stress level.  The good news is diet is a stressor you can easily control.  By following a few common sense techniques, you can ensure that you are eating a diet which will greatly reduce your stress.

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DEPRESSION Kills

We hear reports around the globe of the many souls that suffer depression, because of overwhelming stress. With wars, poverty, and violence going on around us is it any wonder that depression is an issue? Statistics has proven that depression links to increased heart attacks and heart disease. Researchers have not proved that depression is the cause of heart disease, but they do feel it is a contribution. Depression is also the root for suicidal increase. Yet the fatal mistake that doctors make is over medicating the patient. Medications not only suppress the problem, but it contributes to medical issues. The result, the problem is still there. Everyday studies are finding new information and yet the information is often tossed to the backseat while traditional treatments continue.

New studies reveal that in contrast, intellectual and in depth, research coupled with insight helps scientist understand depression. After study the mental illness, closely they concluded in once study that depression is possibly linked to existing heart diseases that are a result of

With premature death-related to heart disease caused by premature changes in women. In other words, postmenopausal issues were said to be linked. After careful research, it was shown that antidepressant drugs might cause more harm to patients. Observers that watched these women claimed that women were at higher risk of heart attacks while inducing antidepressants. The Archives of Internal Medicines after conducting surveys claimed that more than 90,000 women over the age of fifty and out of 16 percent suffered major depression. This was half the women and this half was taking antidepressants. The researchers continued their studies and found that postmenopausal women suffered depression, and because of taking antidepressants, over half the women were at risk of death related to heart diseases.

In 2003, new researchers concluded that the percentage of women at risk would also be subject to fractured bones, and that more than 8,000 women over 65 were prescribed medications and the medicines had affected the central nervous system. Researchers deduced that after taking prescribed drugs for five years the women were noticeably showing risks of fracturing bones, and those that did not take the drugs lived healthier lives. After careful studies researchers concluded that, the prescribed drugs were the linking cause of psychical symptoms. In order to reduce depression, one must exercise, eat healthy, write in journals, and use self-induced analytic profiling and evaluation of self. It is extremely important that a person come to understand their handicap and deal with it. More studies have shown that when the spine is out of alignment, or injured that it links to depression, which is often caused by stress. Often when we visit our Chiropractor, he/she can help us to get our spine back in alignment, which has proven to relieve stress and depression.

In spite of the studies that concluded that antidepressants could put a patient at risk doctors around the globe, still take out their prescription pads and start writing. Often the problem is ignored and blame is placed on the patients, while the doctors continue prescribing.

Now you must ask the question, are you at risk? If so, you need to take care that you consult with the proper physician. Ask him to monitor your issues carefully and sway him away from prescribing antidepressants.

Stay alert to your mental health and avoid floundering, as this contributes to depression. There are solutions to any problems that will work for you. Get out of the house and socialize. Take up a sport that you may enjoy. Read a damn good book or write one yourself. Writing is a gift, an art, and a contribution to Freedom of Speech; let the words flow.

As I analyzed this distraction, I concluded, that depression is a mask of broken memories backed with links to medical issues formed and ignored. The spinal and nervous system are remarkably relative if not constituting the main cause of this distraction. What happens is people that suffer fail to exercise, sit straight, bend appropriately, and so forth. The result, the spine is dislocated. When the spine is out of line, problems will arise.

                                Depression can kill only if you let it!

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