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June/July 2006 Vol. 8 No. 6
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 Editorial

Hello everyone! Happy SUMMER to you all!

I am the guest editor this month for the Health, Fitness & Nutrition section. This month I have tried to focus on a few areas relating to both adults and children. I have provided a few important resources on the use of antidepressants in children, and some of the concerns that should be addressed if a child you know is on antidepressants.

I have also provided some information that was sent in by Stanley Popovich, that focuses on managing persistent fears, depression and anxiety, as well as techniques for managing depression. Additionally I have added in an article that discusses how Americans are living longer then ever, but that it may not be attributed to their overall health.

Lastly for those parents who are wondering what to do with your kids this summer, there is a very fun and knowledgeable website for kids that allows them to learn about health and many other areas of life in terminology they will understand. The website is available in both Spanish and English, and comes with games as well. I hope you all have a great summer and enjoy the section this month!

Angela Roth
Health & Fitness Section Editor

"For Teacher, By Teacher" Activity Plan Contest

Speed Stacks
 Antidepressants and Youth

 Recently there has been a lot of controversy around the use of psychoanalytic drugs for treating children with depression, ADHD, and other disorders. Many companies have gone as far as posting warnings on their labels about the chance of users committing suicide. CNN recently posted an article regarding the use of Paxil for younger users. Paxil is a commonly prescribed antidepressant for adults. It is important for all of us who are involved in working with children to be aware of possible side effects of drugs that children may be on for various reasons.

Suicide warning issued for young Paxil users - The antidepressant Paxil may raise the risk of suicidal behavior in young adults, GlaxoSmithKline and the Food and Drug Administration warned Friday in a letter to doctors. The warning letter was accompanied by changes to the labeling of both Paxil and Paxil CR, a controlled-release version of the drug, also called paroxetine. Read the whole article.

OMH Letter to Parents What does this mean for you and your child? This link goes to a letter that was put out by the state of New York's Office of Mental Health (OMH) to parents/guardians concerning the FDA's decisions in regard to prescribing antidepressant medications for children and adolescents. This letter addresses the FDA findings, decisions based on those findings, as well as how the decisions affect your child. The letter also addresses what parents should do, and look for, while monitoring a child on medication (which can also be applicable to educators in the school setting).

Nutripoints
 On Life Spans...

Why are we living longer?
Americans have longer life expectancies now then ever before in history. However, does this mean that Americans are healthier, and is their overall health really the main contributor to the newer longevity that is being seen in our culture. Read the article below.

Living longer, and generational health concerns - It's a plain fact that Americans are living longer than ever before. Life expectancy is now at a record 77.6 years. That's an incredible number when you consider that a baby born in 1900 could expect to live only 47.3 years. But by 1950, life expectancy had risen to 68.2 years. Read the rest...

Longer life could have a downside - To live forever while preserving health and retaining the semblance and vigor of youth is one of humanity's oldest and most elusive goals. Now, after countless false starts and disappointments, some scientists say we could finally be close to achieving lifetimes that are, if not endless, at least several decades longer. Read the rest...

Obesity To Weigh Down Life Spans? - U.S. life expectancy will fall dramatically in coming years because of obesity, a startling shift in a long-running trend toward longer lives, researchers contend in a report published Thursday. By their calculations - disputed by skeptics as shaky and overly dire - within 50 years obesity likely will shorten the average life span of 77.6 years by at least two to five years. Find out more...

Sporttime
 Health Website for Kids!

I highly recommend this next resource for kids. The website www.kidshealth.org has a plethora of information about health related issues, and describes them all in terminology that kids can understand. If you have access in your classrooms to the Internet, this website can be used in lessons as well. Here is an excerpt from the Kid's Health section:

"There's a lot of discussion these days about fit kids. People who care (parents, doctors, teachers, and others) want to know how to help kids be more fit. Being fit is a way of saying a person eats well, gets a lot of physical activity (exercise), and has a healthy weight. If you're fit, your body works well, feels good, and can do all the things you want to do, like run around with your friends.

Some steps only parents can take - such as serving healthy meals or deciding to take the family on a nature hike. But kids can take charge, too, when it comes to health. Here are five rules to live by, if you're a kid who wants to be fit. The trick is to follow these rules most of the time, knowing that some days (like your birthday) might call for cake and ice cream."

Find out what these rules are...

Some of the areas kidshealth.com covers are: Dealing with Feelings, My Body, Staying Healthy, Growing Up, Kids Talk, and Kid's Health Problems. When you go to the main page of the website, there is also a button to click on to read it in Spanish!

 Contribute Your Ideas
If you have ideas, comments, letters to share, or questions about particular topics, please email one of the following Health & Fitness Section Editors:
Forum Question
Does anyone have any ideas on types of integrated warm-ups and cool downs that can get students interested in doing exercises, and help students realize the importance of warming up and cooling down the muscles before and after physical activity? Please share in the forum.
 Guest Articles, by Stanley Popovich

BIOGRAPHY:

Stan Popovich is the author of "A Layman's Guide to Managing Fear Using Psychology, Christianity and Non Resistant Methods" - an easy to read book that presents a general overview of techniques that are effective in managing persistent fears and anxieties. For additional information go to: http://www.managingfear.com/

MANAGING YOUR PERSISTENT FEARS, DEPRESSION, AND EVERY DAY ANXIETIES

Everybody deals with anxiety and depression, however some people have a hard time in managing it. As a result, here is a brief list of techniques that a person can use to help manage their most persistent fears and every day anxieties.

When facing a current or upcoming task that overwhelms you with a lot of anxiety, the first thing you can do is to divide the task into a series of smaller steps. Completing these smaller tasks one at a time will make the stress more manageable and increases your chances of success.

Sometimes we get stressed out when everything happens all at once. When this happens, a person should take a deep breath and try to find something to do for a few minutes to get their mind off of the problem. A person could get some fresh air, listen to some music, or do an activity that will give them a fresh perspective on things.

A person should visualize a red stop sign in their mind when they encounter a fear provoking thought. When the negative thought comes, a person should think of a red stop sign that serves as a reminder to stop focusing on that thought and to think of something else. A person can then try to think of something positive to replace the negative thought.

Another technique that is very helpful is to have a small notebook of positive statements that make you feel good. Whenever you come across an affirmation that makes you feel good, write it down in a small notebook that you can carry around with you in your pocket. Whenever you feel depressed or frustrated, open up your small notebook and read those statements. This will help to manage your negative thinking.

Learn to take it one day at a time. Instead of worrying about how you will get through the rest of the week, try to focus on today. Each day can provide us with different opportunities to learn new things, and that includes learning how to deal with your problems. You never know when the answers you are looking for will come to your doorstep. We may be ninety-nine percent correct in predicting the future, but all it takes is for that one percent to make a world of difference.

Take advantage of the help that is available around you. If possible, talk to a professional who can help you manage your depression and anxieties. They will be able to provide you with additional advice and insights on how to deal with your current problem. By talking to a professional, a person will be helping themselves in the long run because they will become better able to deal with their problems in the future. Remember that it never hurts to ask for help.

Dealing with our persistent fears is not easy. Remember that all you can do is to do your best each day, hope for the best, and take things in stride. Patience, persistence, education, and being committed in trying to solve your problem will go along way in fixing your problems.

Toledo  PE Supply

A REVIEW OF TECHNIQUES IN MANAGING YOUR DEPRESSION - by Stanley Popovich

Some people have a difficult time in managing their depression. Sometimes, their depression and fears can get the best of them. As a result, here is a short list of techniques that a person can use to help manage their depression.

One of the ways to manage your depression is to challenge your negative thinking with positive statements and realistic thinking. When encountering thoughts that make you fearful or depressed, challenge those thoughts by asking yourself questions that will maintain objectivity and common sense.

For example, you're afraid that if you don't get that job promotion then you will be stuck at your job forever. This depresses you, however your thinking in this situation is unrealistic. The fact of the matter is that there all are kinds of jobs available, and just because you don't get this job promotion doesn't mean that you will never get one. In addition, people change jobs all the time, and you always have that option of going elsewhere if you are unhappy at your present location.

Some people get depressed and have a difficult time getting out of bed in the mornings. When this happens, a person should take a deep breath and try to find something to do to get their mind off of the problem. A person could take a walk, listen to some music, read the newspaper, or do an activity that will give them a fresh perspective on things. Doing something will get your mind off of the problem and give you confidence to do other things.

Sometimes, we can get depressed over a task that we will have to perform in the near future. When this happens, visualize yourself doing the task in your mind. For instance, you and your team have to play in the championship volleyball game in front of a large group of people in the next few days. Before the big day comes, imagine yourself playing the game in your mind. Imagine that your playing in front of a large audience. By playing the game in your mind, you will be better prepared to perform for real when the time comes. Self-Visualization is a great way to reduce the fear and stress of a coming situation.

Another technique that is very helpful is to have a small notebook of positive statements that make us feel good. Whenever you come across an affirmation that makes you feel good, write it down in a small notebook that you can carry around with you in your pocket. Whenever you feel depressed, open up your small notebook and read those statements.

Take advantage of the help that is available around you. If possible, talk to a professional who can help you manage your fears and anxieties. They will be able to provide you with additional advice and insights on how to deal with your current problem. By talking to a professional, a person will be helping themselves in the long run because they will become better able to deal with their problems in the future. Managing your fears and anxieties takes practice. The more you practice, the better you will become.

The techniques that I have just covered are some basic ways to manage your depression, however your best bet is to get some help from a professional.


Report Links Lack of Sleep and Obesity - Two studies report that sleep loss can contribute to obesity. Researchers found that when men slept 10 hours, they awoke with normal appetites. But when they slept only four hours they were hungry. And what they wanted to eat wasn't lean meats, fruits or vegetables. NPR's Patricia Neighmond reports. 

 Featured Website

INSOMNIA CONNECTION - INSOMNIA CONNECTION provides a wealth of information about sleep and the lack thereof. Because of longer days and sun coming up early and going down late, the topic of sleep disorders seemed appropriate for this section. Check out all the great information, and below are links to a few of their articles. You will receive free books relating to sleep if you sign up for their monthly newsletter.

Why Bother to Keep a Sleep Diary?
Keeping a sleep diary will allow you to find patterns in your sleep habits. For instance you may find, for instance, that you sleep better after a meal that is high in carbohydrates as opposed to one that is high in protein.

Is Your Insomnia Just a Bad Habit?
Many of us that suffer with insomnia can actually pinpoint the time it started. It could be the death of a loved one, exams or a stressful relationship. But ever since then we've not been able to sleep well. Even if the triggering event has passed and no longer concerns us, our sleep continues to suffer.

Weight Loss and Sleep Deprivation - Is There a Connection? - How can sleep deprivation affect weight loss? Surely the reverse is true! If we're tossing and turning all night, aren't we burning a few more kilojoules? Perhaps, but it's more complicated than that. When we don't have enough sleep, our energy is very low. This can trick the brain into thinking it requires more food to replenish our energy stores.

Nightmares? Night Terrors? What's the Difference?
There is a huge difference between nightmares and night terrors. There is also a difference in the way they are best handled by the parent or caregiver.

Want Better Sleep? Here's 10 Useful Tips
Its too easy to rely on sleep medication when we can't go to sleep. That's ok in the short term but it can be habit forming. Sleep medications also have side effects. Find out what's causing the problem first, but in the meantime, try these sleep tips.

Smoking, Can it Harm My Skin?
Is there a connection between smoking and skin health? Yes there are a few ways smoking can harm skin. Some are obvious, others less so.

Digiwalker
 Diets

How Dieting Works - Dieting is a multibillion dollar industry in the United States, but it doesn't work for most people. The standard story is: Lose 20, gain 30. But there are healthy, effective ways to lose weight. Find out why most diets fail and what you can do to make yours work.

Low Carb Diets - How do diets that limit your carbohydrate consumption, like the atkins diet, cause weight loss?

How to Stick to a Diabetic Diet - As you'll find out in this article, you can eat anything. You'll see that a traditional diabetic diet really isn't much different than a traditional weight-loss diet. You'll find out how foods affect blood glucose. You'll discover the effects of alcohol and sweeteners on a diabetic diet. You'll see that managing carbohydrates is essential to maintaining healthy glucose levels. And you'll learn how to read the messages your body is sending you.

How Fat Vaccines Will Work
Cytos Biotechnology recently announced that it may have a new solution to the growing obesity problem. The fat vaccine could help you lose weight by suppressing your appetite in a unique way. Find out what makes this vaccine different, and learn about other new drugs designed to combat obesity.

How Fats Work
Do you know the difference between the so called "good fats" and the "bad fats"? Are you tired of hearing about things like monounsaturated fats, partially hydrogenated oils, and trans fatty acids, and not knowing a thing about any of them? Find out what you need to know here.

How Your Heart Works
Almost 2,000 Americans die of heart disease each day. That is 1 death every 44 seconds. The good news is that the death rate from heart disease has been steadily decreasing. With a little knowledge about your heart and what is good or bad for it, you can significantly reduce your risk for heart disease. Find out what you need to know now.

Body Mass Index
If you want to find out how much you weigh, you can simply step on a scale. But that number alone can't tell you whether you're at a healthy weight. Because height is also a factor, scientists came up with a mathematical formula called Body Mass Index (BMI). Learn how to calculate your BMI and find out what the numbers mean.

How Artificial Sweeteners Work
Many dieters use artificial sweeteners as a way to cut sugar without eliminating all things sweet. But did you know that some artificial sweeteners have almost as many calories as sugar? Find out how artificial sweeteners came about and learn about the controversies surrounding them.

Health Benefits Of Grains
Grains in your daily diet can make your body stronger and offer another alternative treatment against such illnesses as heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and gastrointestinal troubles. Learn the health benefits of grains.

 Common Drugs

How Caffeine Works
You probably drink something with caffeine in it every day -- 90% of Americans do. Learn why caffeine is America's most popular drug and what it does to your body.

How Alcohol Works
Alcohol is one of the most commonly used drugs around - it's so common that many people don’t even think of it as a "drug." About two-thirds of all adults partake in this mind-altering substance. Find out what alcohol actually is and how it affects those who drink it.

How Hangovers Work
If you think the “hair of the dog that bit you” is your road to salvation, you should probably read up: There’s some complicated chemistry going on in the body when you over-consume alcohol, and the supposed cures are varied, specific and mostly false. The good news? The scientifically proven ones actually work. Learn all about recovering from the dreaded morning after.

How Nicotine Works
Find out how nicotine affects the human body and what makes it so addictive.

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