Archive for October, 2007
It is Saturday morning. Twelve-year-old Christine and her mother are engaged in their weekly battle. Mother yells, “This room looks like a pigsty.” Christine sticks to her guns and maintains, “My room is clean. I just cleaned it.” Oddly enough, it has never occurred to Christine’s mother that all this arguing is not resolving the problem. Fortunately it is called behavior contracting.
WHAT IS BEHAVIOR CONTRACTING?
Behavior contracting is an aspect of parenting that is based on the premise that rewards and praise are more likely than punishment to encourage desirable behavior. Some parents tend to use behavior contracting as a way of disciplining a child. But EAP Counselor Eva Sansom believes that its goal is not to discipline - it is to teach responsibility.
“In its simplest form, a behavior contract is an oral contract between a child and a parent,” says Sansom. For instance, a father might say to three-year-old Tommy, “Help Dad put the toys away and then you can have a cookie.” Or, he might reward Tommy with praise for doing the task well. It is important, however, to praise specific behavior rather than just saying, “You’re a good boy.” “A written contract can be used when a child is old enough to understand what a contract is all about,” says Sansom. However, it should not be used for every little difficulty that comes along. Reserve a written contract for a situation where an oral contract has not worked. It is especially helpful when a Disagreement with a teenager has resulted in a deadlock. Let us find out more about these written contracts.
BENEFITS OF A BEHAVIOR CONTRACT:
What is noteworthy about the following benefits is that they benefit both child and parent: Helps both parties to be more objective by focusing their thinking on the goal rather than on their feelings. Allows children to feel that they have some say in their lives and, therefore, reduces the power struggle between parent and child. Leaves less room for misunderstanding and procrastination because the facts are in black and
white. Provides parent and child with a sense of accomplishment, because it is a goal-centered approach. Encourages mutual respect by expecting both parties to honour the terms of the contract.
FEATURES OF A BEHAVIOR CONTRACT:
Now comes the difficult part - the actual writing of the behavior contract. Basically, a good contract – one that is likely to work - will have the following features:
It will be a mutual agreement. This means “both the parent and the child must agree without being coerced”, says Sansom. In other words, the parent must treat the child as an equal when negotiating the contract. Sansom also points out that the contract must be in the interests of both parent and child. The contract should be specific. It must say exactly what the child is to do. For instance, in our scenario, Christine and her mother had never agreed on what actually constituted a “clean” room. Is Christine to hang up her clothes? Make her bed? Dust the furniture? Vacuum the rug?
By being clear about these points, they will ensure mutual understanding and prevent problems. The contract should state not only who is to monitor the contract, but also when he or she is to do it. And it is just as important to stipulate how long the contract will last. As a general rule, it is a good idea to evaluate a written contract after one month and either terminate it, or renegotiate it after three months. The contract should contain either a reward, or a reinforcer. A reward could be a new toy, favorite food or the privilege such as extra TV time. What is important is that the reward is something that the child really wants. Effective contracts also spell out exactly when the reward is to be given to the child. Sansom points out that the reinforcer may simply be greater family harmony. For instance, Christine’s mother might promise neither to nag nor to threaten.
WHEN A BEHAVIOR CONTRACT DOES NOT WORK…
If the desired change in behavior is not achieved, a parent will often blame the child. Sansom believes, however, that the fault lays with the contract, not the child. There are a number of things that you can do to increase your chances of success with behavior contracting. Here are some of them. Keep the goal within easy reach. For instance,
Christine is more likely to be successful at keeping her room tidy for a week, than a month. Give small rewards and positive feedback along the way. A point system is one way of doing this.
A child can trade the points for a reward. Provide a child with the necessary training if the contract involves mastery of a task. Remind the child about his or her commitment. This is something that should be discussed when the contract is negotiated, because some children may consider a reminder as a form of nagging. Take the contract seriously. Parents are just as likely as children to forget about the contract after a few days of weeks. Do not delay in giving the reward. Remember that a deal is a deal.
If a contract must be redesigned, allow the child to help. Discuss why the previous contract is not working and ask for the child’s input.
Now you know - behavior contracting takes time and commitment. You may have a win/win situation - provided that, when all goes well, you could succeed in this endeavor. You’ve just read a number of really good reasons to use contracts between you and your child, and you may be able to come to an agreement to the terms on your own, for the terms to which you both contributed. However, we do understand life is not as simple, nor ever will be, between parents and children, as we would like. We do know that you may need the help of someone outside the relationship to introduce the concept and help to define terms, and then assist in the implementation of the contract.
October 31st, 2007
About the Shangri-La diet
The Shangri-La diet is the consequence of fifteen years of self-experimentation by the well known professor Seth Roberts. Losing weight by merely consuming little amounts of oil and drinking sugared water may perhaps sound too superior to be true, but this is precisely how Roberts lost a remarkable 35 pounds in just three months. The Shangri-La supposition was derived from a study of our ancestors that showed that eating lots of flavors signaled an abundance of food, sending a message to the body to store more calories in preparation for scarcity. This is what Roberts terms as ‘taste-association’, and he claims that there is a direct correlation between the abundance of flavors in modern foods and fat storage. His Shangri-La strategy of eating bland foods aims to reduce food compulsions such as snacking between meals and eating late at night. In the Shangri-La method, eating tasteless food will send a powerful signaling mechanism to the body to reduce calorie intake.
The Shangri-La Theory
The Shangri-La method of ‘taste-association’ works with the ’set point’ theory of weight control, which contends that your body is pre-disposed to a set weight (this is why it is often difficult to maintain weight loss). In the Shangri-La you are not only reducing calorie intake, you also influencing your ’set point’ and increasing your metabolic rate to aid your body’s ability to burn more calories. In the Shangri-La diet, you eat ‘bland’ food in order to lower your set point, and cut down on tastier foods as they increase your set point, making your body store fat. The Shangri-La diet works well with non-processed foods and foods which contain a low glycemic index (GI). These foods release carbohydrates slowly into the bloodstream giving you a more sustained feeling of fullness. Roberts also suggests drinking large amounts of a tasteless substance such as water to help contribute to manipulating your body’s set point.
The Shangri-La Method
Consuming calories that have an unfamiliar taste or eating foods that contain calories that are only detected by the body after a delay (in order to disassociate the initial taste from the later calorie hit) is the underlying assumption of the Shangri-La method. The Shangri-La strategy attempts to disassociate calories from taste. In his self-experimentation, Roberts found it worked to take small amounts of (tasteless) daily calories between meals, giving the body the illusion of being full. Eventually Roberts arrived at the most quirky feature of the Shangri-La study: drinking one or two tablespoons of tasteless oil (canola oil or light olive oil) an hour before meals and drinking six tablespoons diluted in one litre of water a day – helped him lose weight.
The Shangri-La diet
The Shangri-La sounds like the ideal alternative to those who are seeking an uncomplicated weight loss program and Roberts is living proof that the method has worked. However, it is far too early to tell whether it will work for the rest of us or whether it is even safe (at the time of this report, the Shangri-La diet book was scheduled for release in April). There is still no clear method and far too many variations exist. The Shangri-La’s unnatural calorie restriction means you eat only one full meal a day and like many other diets may ultimately affect your metabolism in a negative way. Furthermore, Shangri-La also fails to acknowledge those who eat food for other reasons such as boredom or comfort eating. For most of us, recognizing when our body is full is far too difficult and the Shangri-La will also be too challenging for those who simply enjoy the taste of food.
October 29th, 2007
WHEN GAMBLING BECOMES MORE THAN A GAME
With the growth of legalized gambling, more people are being introduced to this exciting form of entertainment. And for most people, it is entertainment - pure and simple. They set aside a small amount of cash they can afford to play - and rarely, if ever - play beyond that limit. Win or lose, they move on to other activities. However, for others, gambling goes beyond fun and games. Whether they are betting on a sport, spending time at a casino, playing bingo, cards or the lotteries, the urge to keep playing begins to overshadow other things. “As more of an individual’s time and resources are spent on gambling, problems can develop. At that point, it may be necessary to get help,” says Dr. Warren Shepell, whose firm provides employee assistance program counseling.
WHAT IS ‘PROBLEM’ GAMBLING
Basically, it refers to any type of on-going gambling behavior that contributes to personal, social, work or family disruption. When gambling and gambling-related activities begin to control the person, health professionals consider it an addiction or compulsion. Many problem gamblers are hard working people who play to relieve stress. “Ironically, some of the difficulties related to their gambling, actually brings on stress-related health conditions such as insomnia, stomach disorders, and false heart attacks,” says Betty George, Executive Director of the Minnesota Council on Compulsive Gambling.
WHO IS AFFECTING?
Problem gambling is very “democratic.” It affects men and women of all ages, backgrounds, and income levels. Financial and other troubles experienced by a gambler, can make life difficult for the people around them. Within the family, debts pile up and well-meaning promises are broken. Relationships may become neglectful, manipulative or abusive. According to the Addictions Foundation of Manitoba, “finally, there is an exhaustion phase where family members may feel confused, immobilized, and may doubt their own sanity. The partner or parent may feel anxiety, panic and intense anger which may show up in physical illness.” Problem gambling also affects the workplace. As the gambler’s thoughts become more pre-occupied with “winning” or “chasing” (the term gamblers use to describe recouping one’s losses), job performance suffers, absenteeism increases, and co-workers may be obliged to “pick up the slack.” Professor Gary Smith, a researcher at the University of Alberta, estimates that each addicted gambler affects the lives of 10 to 17 family members, friends, and co-workers. As one addicted gambler put it, “If anyone would have told me six months ago I would steal from my employer, I would have said, absolutely no way!”
‘THIS ISN’T HAPPENING TO ME!’
Problem gamblers and the people who care about them often go through a period of “denial.” Not unlike many other addictions, they honestly believe there is no problem and offer a variety of explanations for financial difficulties and the gambler’s behaviour. But, as Betty George cautions: “problem gambling rarely goes away on its own. More likely, it will get worse. The gambler can experience severe mood swings and suicide might be attempted as a way out.” How can you know if you have (or are developing) a gambling problem?
The following questions (based on information from Gambler’s Anonymous) will help you decide:
* Do you ever gamble to escape worry or trouble?
* Do you ever gamble to get money with which to pay debts or to otherwise solve financial difficulties?
* Do arguments, disappointments or frustrations create within you an urge to gamble?
* Do you have an urge to celebrate good fortune by a few hours of gambling?
* After a win, do you have a strong urge to return and win more?
* Do you often gamble until your last dollar is gone?
* Do you ever gamble longer than planned?
* Do you feel remorse after gambling?
* Do worries related to gambling cause you to have difficulty sleeping?
* After losing, do you feel you must return as soon as possible and win back your losses?
* Are you reluctant to use “gambling money” for normal expenditures?
* How can you help if someone you care about has a gambling problem, and if necessary, also help yourself?
“It’s difficult unless they admit they have a problem and the chance of that happening, at least in the beginning - is slim,” says Betty George. You may not even be sure the problem is gambling. Unlike alcoholism and other drug dependencies, problem gambling is often an invisible disorder. There is no smell on the breath, no stumbling of steps or speech. It’s easy to mistake the problem of gambling as simply a matter of someone needing “advice” about how to manage money or time more effectively. As a friend and colleague, the most you can do is express your concern. A message from the heart goes to the heart. Try saying, “You’re a good friend (or colleague) and because of that I’m worried. It’s the borrowing, the time lost from work, etc., and I’ve also noticed you’ve been gambling (or talking about it) quite a bit. I read something the other day about problem gambling, and where people get help. I can get you a copy if you like.” If they seem resentful or evasive, don’t push. Let it go. However, if the behavior affects your work or if it involves an illegal activity, it would be wise for you to discuss it with your supervisor or human resources department.
If you are an affected family member, you may have talked with the person, expressed your concerns, tried to be supportive or perhaps lectured, complained, wept - attempted all sorts of things to make the person stop gambling. Per chance these efforts worked for a short time, but the stress from this situation may have affected your relationships, and health. It is important to keep in touch with your own feelings and determination about what is best at this time and to realize that you are not responsible for the gambler’s behavior. By focusing on you and making positive and possibly tough choices, the other person will see you making changes and may then feel the need to make some of their own. Some of these positive changes may involve a decision to stop protecting the gambler, and taking action to find out how to safeguard your financial resources, family, and health. And stick with it!
Contrary to popular belief, not all change is hard, but sticking with it is the challenging part. Deciding on what to change or how to go about it can sometimes is confusing, especially when you’re positive and negative feelings seen like they are in conflict. You may find it useful to talk to a professional counselor to address your circumstances to determine the best way to deal with the situation. Remember that you can’t change someone else, but you can change yourself… and this may motivate other people to change too!
Keep this in mind: There is no such thing as a “sure thing” or a “system” for winning at games of chance. Belief in such things is part of a problem gambler’s preoccupation with luck and superstition. Video Lottery Terminals (VLTs) are among the most additive forms of gambling. The rapid action and “sensory thrill” (lights and sounds; win or lose) has been compared to the “high” of drug use.
October 26th, 2007
This program is intended for an objective weight loss of 5-10 kgs. per week. It will in addition perk up your attitudes and emotions for the reason that of it cleanses and flourishes the system. The efficiency of this seven day plan is that the food consumed ends up burning extra calories than its original caloric value.
This program can be programmed as frequently as you like devoid of any fear of complications. It is made up to wash out your system of dirtiness and give you a feeling of well being. After seven days you will start on to feel lighter because you will be lighter by at the minimum of 5 kilograms (10-15 lbs). You will have a large quantity of liveliness and an enhanced temperament.
During the first seven days you must give up all kind of alcohol and must consume at least 10-15 glasses of water every day.
Day One: All fruits except bananas. Your first day will consist of all the fruits you want. It is strongly suggested that you consume lots of melons the first day. In particular watermelons and a loupe. If you limit your fruit consumption to melons, your chances of losing three lbs. on first day are very good.
You are preparing your system for the upcoming program. Your only source of nutrition is fresh or canned fruits. Fruits are nature’s perfect food. They provide everything you could possibly want to sustain life except total balance and variety.
Day Two: All vegetables. You are encouraged to eat until you are stuffed with all the raw or cooked vegetables of your choice. There is no limit on the amount or type. For your complex carbohydrate, you will start day two with a large baked potato for breakfast. You may top the potato with one pat of butter.
Day Two starts with a fix of complex carbo-hydrates coupled with an oil dose. This is taken in the morning for energy and balance. The rest of day two consists of vegetables which are virtually calorie free and provide essential nutrients and fiber.
Day Three: A mixture of fruits and vegetables of your choice. Any amount, any quantity. No bananas yet. No potatoes today.
Day Three eliminates the potato because you get your carbohydrates from the fruits. You system is now prepared to start burning excess pounds. You will still have cravings which should start to diminish by day four.
Day Four: Bananas and milk. Today you will eat as many as eight bananas and drink three glasses of milk. This will be combined with the special soup which may be eaten in limited quantities.
Day Four, bananas, milk and soup sound the strangest and least desirable. You’re in for a surprise. You probably will not eat all the bananas allowed. But they are there for the potassium you have lost and the sodium you may have missed the past three days. You will notice a definite loss of desire for sweets. You will be surprised how easy this day will go.
Day Five: Today is feast day. You will eat beef and tomatoes. Eat two 10 oz. portions of lean beef. Hamburger is OK. Combine this with six whole tomatoes. On day five you must increase your water intake by one quart. This is to cleanse your system of the uric acid you will be producing.
Day Five, Beef and tomatoes. The beef is for iron and proteins, the tomatoes are for digestion and fibre. Lots and lots of water purify your system. You should notice colorless urine today. Your allowance calls for the equivalent of five “quarter ponders”. Do not feel you have to eat all this beef. You must eat the six tomatoes.
Day Six: Beef and vegetables. Today you may eat an unlimited amount of beef and vegetables. Eat to your hearts content.
Day Six is similar to day five, Iron and proteins from beef, Vitamins and fibre from vegetables. By now your system is in a total weight loss inclination. There should be a noticeable difference in the way you look today, compared to day one.
Day Seven: Today your food intake will consist of brown rice, fruit juices and all the vegetables you care to consume.
Day Seven finished off the program like a good cigar used to finish off Victorian meals, except much healthier. You have your system under control and it should thank you for the flushing and cleaning you just gave it.
The Soup for Optimum Weightloss in the General Motors Diet:
The following soup is intended as a supplement to your diet. It can be eaten any time of the day in virtually unlimited quantities. You are encouraged to consume large quantities of this soup.
28 oz, Water, 6 Large Onions, 2 Green Peppers, Whole Tomatoes (fresh or canned), 1 Head Cabbage, 1 Bunch Celery, 4 Envelopes Lipton Onion Soup Mix, Herbs and Flavouring as desired.
Above mentioned diet and health line up was developed for human resources and dependents of General Motors, Inc. and is wished-for their restricted use. This curriculum was developed in combination with an endowment from U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Food and Drug Administration. It was field tested at the Johns Hopkins Research Centre and was approved for distribution by the Board of Directors, General Motors Corp. at a general meeting on August 15, 1985. General Motors Corp. in every respect endorses this program and is making it accessible to all employees and families. This program will be available at all General Motors Food Service Facilities. It is management’s intention to facilitate a wellness and fitness program for everyone.
October 24th, 2007
Heartburn is a distress or ache caused by the stomach contents traveling up from the stomach up into the esophagus (also called the gullet). The gullet is not made to bear up acid and is aggravated and inflamed when acid from the stomach travels up into it. Every now and then the pain caused by heart burn can also be felt in the mid-line of the back.
Heartburn has relatively nothing to do with the heart. Heart burn is a digestive problem. Heart burn is usually related to meals and posture and can often be relieved by remedies for indigestion. Most people suffer from heart burn at one time or another during their lifetime. If you have heartburn, you might have a bitter taste in your mouth from stomach acid. Heart burn is also called reflux oesophagitis.
The main symptoms are: burning sensation in the center of the chest and belching. Heart burn is caused by a faulty muscle in the stomach. There is a “flap” at the top of the stomach that stops food from traveling back up into the esophagus. Sometimes the flap doesn’t work properly and stomach acid escapes from the stomach. When the acid escapes, heart burn occurs.
Factors that contribute to heart burn: pregnancy, smoking, eating large meals, being overweight, and wearing tight clothing around the waist.
Hiatal hernia is a very common condition. It occurs when the stomach partially sits in the chest cavity through a weakness in the diaphragm. Sometimes, a persistent hiatal hernia can cause heart burn. However, many people who experience heartburn do not have a hiatal hernia. Also, many people with a hiatal hernia do not experience heart burn. Your doctor can determine if heart burn is caused by a hiatal hernia.
In United States, a propos 50% of the population has heart burn no less than once a month. About 7% of the population has heart burn on a daily basis.
October 23rd, 2007