Therapist Unlimited Blog

MEDICAL researchers has recently discovered that having their own pets at home or work offers huge health rewards to humans.
According to the study, having a four-legged, furry pet can lower blood pressure, encourages exercise, and improves psychological health.
Researchers from the University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine Research Center for Human-Animal Interaction (ReCHAI) conducted the recent study to gather new evidence on the positive impact pets have in the lives of humans.
Rebecca Johnson, associate professor in the MU Sinclair School of Nursing, the College of Veterinary Medicine and director of ReCHAI explained pets are of great importance to people, especially during hard economic times.
Johnson said pets provide unconditional love and acceptance and may be part of answers to societal problems, such as inactivity and obesity.

Having pets is beneficial to humans.

ReCHAI sponsors several projects that attempt to further the understanding and value of the relationship between humans and animals. In 2008, ReCHAI sponsored the "Walk a Hound, Lose a Pound and Stay Fit for Seniors." In the preliminary program, a group of older adults were matched with shelter dogs, while another group of older adults were partnered with a human walk buddy.
For 12 weeks, participants were encouraged to walk on an outdoor trail for one hour, five times a week. At the end of the program, researchers measured how much the older adults’ activity levels improved.
She revealed the older people who walked their dogs improved their walking capabilities by 28 percent.
She added they also had more confidence walking on the trail, and they increased their speed.
Johnson said the older people who walked with humans only had a 4 percent increase in their walking capabilities since human walking buddies tended to discourage each other and used excuses such as the weather being too hot.
Moreover,  Charlotte McKenney, assistant director of ReCHAI revealed today, pets are in more than 60 percent of American homes.
McKenney said research involving human-animal interaction can be extremely beneficial.
She said more people are incorporating pets into their leisure time, such as making them part of their exercise routines, taking them to dog parks and bringing them to family events.

Based on recent medical studies those children facing vision problems should immediately undergo vision therapy before the medical condition could get worse.
According to medical experts undiagnosed and untreated vision related learning problems are significant contributors to early reading difficulties and ultimately to special education classification.
The researchers revealed vision problems can have a serious impact on a child’s education.
The team of medical experts said one of the most common vision disorders that interfere with reading was recently the focus of a national study funded by the National Institutes of Health and the National Eye Institute, on convergence insufficiency.
The group explained this is a vision problem where the two eyes don’t work together in unison the way they are supposed to when one is reading.
They said the result can make reading very difficult.

Those children showing signs of vision problem need to seek medical help fast before things could get worse.

The researchers added while at least one out of every 20 school-age children is impacted by convergence insufficiency, there are other visual abnormalities to be considered.
The researchers said it is estimated that over 60% of problem learners have undiagnosed vision problems contributing to their difficulties.
Moreover, the researchers said the good news is the majority of these vision problems can be treated with a program of optometric vision therapy.
The study by the group found that in-office vision therapy was the best treatment for convergence insufficiency.
To detect if your child has vision problems here are the five most common signs that a vision problem may be interfering with your child’s ability to read and learn are:

A. Skips lines, rereads lines.
B. Poor reading comprehension.
C. Takes much longer doing homework than it should take.
D. Reverses letters like b’s into d’s when reading.
E. Has a short attention span with reading and schoolwork.

According to medical experts, constant texting would not only result in sore thumbs, but would also affect the neck, arms and hands of the texters.
In a study conducted by the  Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Sweden they discovered that some persons who are text addicts ends up having problems with their neck, arms and hands.
To get the result of the study, Ergonomist Ewa Gustafsson studied mobile phone habits among 56 young adults who text message on a daily basis.
Gustafsson said half of the subjects reported problems with the neck, arms or hands, while the other half had no such symptoms.
He said considering how much we use the small mobile phone keypads, it is important that we learn how they affect our bodies.
He added there is a need to identify factors related to mobile phone usage that may affect our health and ability to work.

People should stop texting too much since such an activity could affect your neck, arms and hands.

Gustafsson also interviewed 25 young adults who use mobile phones and computers extensively to communicate.
The medical expert said these people use the technology as a tool to be and act in the present, to be social, effective and independent with almost unlimited possibilities.
He said that there are also risks.
He revealed those interviewed related health risks to long-term usage, bad work posture and reduced physical activity.
To avoid injuries and pains while texting, Gustafsson recommended these tips:

A. Avoid sitting in the same position while texting and trying different position instead. He said it would be best to use the chair’s backrest in order to relieve forearms by resting them against a desk on your thighs.
B. He also recommended the use of both hands in texting and to refrain from hunching for a long time.
C.  Gustafsson also advised to allow the thumbs a break when typing long messages and not to type too fast.
 

Are you experiencing some problems in your relationship? Or your love for each other is at a crossroads? No need to worry let sex toys helps you.
Here are six tips to avoid rejection while introducing sex toys.

Sex toys if introduce properly can bring wonders to the relationships of couples worldwide.

1. Right Moment
 

Proper timing is very crucial when you want to introduce a certain sex toy to your partner.
Look for the right moment when you and your lover are relaxed and having good time with each other.
Our simple suggestion is during a glass of wine or during a warn moment with each other.
Avoid introduction of sex toys when one of you is tired or having a bad day.
 
 

2. It is friend or sex therapist idea

Once you introduce the sex toy and feel that your lover is not happy with it just tell her that you took the idea from a friend or from a sex therapist.
Get her reaction on what your friend and sexual therapist told you.
Making your partner be involved in discussing sex toys can bring good result in your relationship.

3. Seek your partner’s sexual fantasy

Ask your partner what are her fantasies in sex.
Remember your partner might be too shy to discuss her fantasies be the one to help her open up.
Once she makes her revelation tell her that sex toys can help her achieve those dreams of her.
After telling her about the sex toys share to her a story about your lady friend who had sex with three men in one night.
Tell her that aside from her husband she also find climax and arousal in the use of sex toys.
 
 

4. Discuss your own sexual fantasies

After knowing her fantasies discuss your own fantasy.
While discussing your fantasies it would be nice if you write it down and have some comparing notes with your lover.
Always remember also to respect the opinion of your partner regarding your fantasies by scrapping ideas she do not like.
 

5. Make your bedroom lustful

Normally bedrooms are meant for sleeping but you can transform it into a den of lust and desires.
To entice your partner to go to bed you anytime of the day decorate your bedroom with candles, scent or luxury covers over the bed.
With the enticing appearance of your bedroom your lover cannot anymore say no to your request to explore new sexual positions together.
After your lovemaking you can start discussing on the time and frequency of your future sexual activity together.
 

6. Instil Humor in relationship
 

Making your partner laugh is an integral part in every relationship.
When you know how to provide entertainment and fun not only during good times but also during bad days your lover will certainly appreciate it.
With the happy disposition you are showing your partner will accept with open arms all the surprises you will show her to spice up your lovemaking.
 
 

A. Sexual abuse

Women who suffer from sexual abused from their own husband or someone else could result in the loss of sexual appetite.

Sexual abuse also triggers the loss of sexual drive among women.

B. Traumatic sexual experience

A nightmarish sexual encounter would also drive women to loss their desires for sex.
 

C. Lack of communication in bed

Women who act like corpse in bed have the tendency to loss their sexual drives since they have not properly informed their partner what they need to get aroused.
 

D. Not aware of own sexual drives
 

Some women who engage in sex do not have knowledge on their own sexual desires which would eventually lead to their loss of sexual drives.

E. Image conscious

A number of women today are too conscious about their image to the public that drove them to deny their true sexual drives.
Women who love sex wanted to protect their image that they are not slut so they hide their true sexuality which would later result in the loss of their sexual drives.
The tendency of some women to be untruthful on their sexual desires could partly be blamed on the society who judge women who have high sexual drives as sluts or persons who have loose morality.
 

F. Conflict with partner

Women who have resentment and anger towards their men have tendency also to lose their sexual drives.
The unresolved hurt and anger inside their heart could drive them to lose interest in sex.

G. Lack of sexual knowledge

The lack of knowledge on how to satisfy women by their partner is also one of the reasons why women lose their desires in sex.
Many men today focus more on pleasuring themselves which lead to   women to lose interest in sex.

What is Marijuana and how is it used?

Marijuana is part of a group of drugs known as hallucinogenic drugs. That is, they can cause the drug abuser to hallucinate when they are using it. It has a dried herb like appearance, and is usually smoked, often mixed with other herbs or tobacco. Marijuana is produced from the leaves of the cannabis plant. Other names for Marijuana include ‘weed’, ‘dope’, ‘blow’, and ’smoke’. The effects of the drug Marijuana. People who abuse the drug Marijuana will often say that they feel ‘chilled out’ and that it relaxes them. They may become more talkative, although they will often not make any sense. Time will often slow down for the Marijuana drug abuser, and it is not unusual for them to experience intense hunger; this is known as the munchies. The drug Marijuana is often thought by people who are less informed to be relatively harmful, or something that the user will grow out of using. However, Marijuana does carry harmful side effects, so it is wise to test anyone that you think may be using and abusing this drug. Drug testing can be easily carried out by using a drug test kit. Using a drug test kit to test for Marijuana is important because of the harmful effects this drug can have on the user. These include the user developing a psychological dependency on the drug. They may also show signs of paranoia and anxiety when they are not taking the drug. There has been links of Marijuana with schizophrenia. Drug testing for this substance using a drug testing kit is also important because the most common way to smoke Marijuana is to mix it with tobacco which also carried health risks that can lead to cancer. Increased use of the drug Marijuana can lead to a slowing down of the brain functions and make it difficult for the user to learn. If you know of a teenager showing these signs, then it is important that you use a drug testing kit to determine the facts.

The Bipolar Disorder Reality
By Jacob Malewitz

Bipolar disorder may become a reality for you. The new tag word for this condition no longer is simple depression or manic depression -it is now Bipolar disorder, a major mental illness in the world today. This article explains the reality behind the condition, and then offers solutions to the problems. These points are offered via information published online-most notably The National Mental Health Services Center (NMHSC)-with reworked descriptions and solutions.

The Description:
The best description of Bipolar disorder is constant mood swings. This means extreme cases of both happiness and sadness. According to the NMHSC bipolar disorder usually strikes within your twenties. Often it will be hard to catch this mental illness before it hits home, causing a major problem for you. The best thing to do is be aware of changing mental states, going to the professionals who can help you more than family or friends. Some solutions include family and friends, but rarely should these groups be your only form of support.

Solutions:
The medication parts are obvious. There are other methods, but according to the NMHSC 80 percent or more of people with bipolar disorder can be effectively treated-a surprisingly huge number, but we have been fighting this illness, in some form, for decades. There are other solutions to this problem, notably the kind of mental support your doctors cannot give you.

You are Not Alone:
Millions deal with mental disorders-most notably depression and bipolar disorder-on a daily basis. There is no shame in being diagnosed with this. By going to your friends and family for help you put strength in your corner. Almost everyone, at some point in their life, goes through trials. Sure, not all of us end up in an institution, but the majority of people in the world have bouts of depression. The difference is bipolar disorder is different: a disease which shouldnít be underestimated, a disease you cannot outrun.

When Youíre Alone:
You will, in some sense, fight this illness on your own. On one hand, you will need professionals to help you. Itís imperative to realize the reality: at some stage you could be a danger to friends and family. It doesnít mean you will be locked up; it means youíre being honest. When you are alone, there are some positive solutions that, though somewhat obvious, can be forgotten. You take up an art; put a positive movie in; go for walks; exercise, or anything to put your mind at work. This is much like dealing with a drug addiction, in that maybe you can outrun it, but in some way you are fighting by yourself. The doctors, family, and friends will be there, but rarely can they force you to take medication or make appointments. It will be up to you.

So it is a Reality:
So we can say, with millions afflicted, that bipolar disorder is a reality, just as much as depression. Itís not a new, coy term used by doctors to medicate people. There are still many questions about this illness-like how it affects the brain-but most studies agree that, in almost every case, you can live with it.

End on a Safe Note:
Finally, you cannot always trust yourself, your actions, or what you are feeling. Itís important to arrange appointments with doctors (professionals) and to always keep them aware if you are having thoughts of hurting yourself or others. Even then, you are not alone, and have nothing to be ashamed about.

Source:
http://mentalhealth.samhsa.gov/publications/allpubs/SMA-3504/what.asp

What is PCP and how is it used?

PCP is the abbreviation for the drug known as phencyclidine. Another more common street name for this drug is ‘angel dust.’ PCP was developed during the 1950’s as an anesthetic that could be used in the treatment of mild to moderate pain and also to treat aching limbs. Production of PCP stopped during the 1960’s when patients were beginning to show significant unwelcome side effects from taking the drug. PCP began hitting the streets as a drug that was open to abuse around 1967. It is usually taken by smoking it, often mixing it with herbs such as mint or parsley. It is also sometimes smoked by mixing it with tobacco and marijuana. The effects of the drug PCP. The drug PCP has been known to reduce the feeling of pain. It can also cause feelings of being ‘out of it’ and confusion. Drug testing for PCP is easy and reliable. Urine drug testing kits are available that are easy to use. Drug testing for PCP is important because of the side effects of this drug. These include the person abusing PCP becoming confused and agitated, and often depressed as the drug depresses their brain. PCP increases the abusers heart rate and raises blood pressure. Chronic abuse of the drug PC has led to kidney damage, muscle damage and even brain damage. Another harmful effect of the drug PCP is that the person will feel no or reduced pain. This can often lead to abusers seriously injuring themselves. Some drug abusers have been reported as becoming agitated and violent and getting into fights. Because they do not feel pain, they will fight for longer which may result in serious injuries for themselves and others. Drug testing kits for PCP and other drugs are easily available and give reliable results.

What is Nicotine and how is it used?

Nicotine is the stimulant found in tobacco products, and can be smoked in cigarettes and pipes, or chewed. It is highly addictive and can cause long term damage to the user, sometimes resulting in death. Why people begin to abuse Nicotine. Many people will begin to abuse nicotine in their early teens, and most will not stop until they are much older, if they are able to stop at all. Unfortunately this drug is often seen as a social drug, and the effects of the drug abuse are not thought about. Young teens will often begin to smoke and abuse nicotine due to peer pressure. The effects of the drug Nicotine Nicotine in tobacco produces a stimulation effect when a person first begins smoking it. This continues until the drug user it addicted. When addicted, the drug user will have to take in more nicotine to fend off the feelings of irritability and anxiety that can occur when the drug is stopped. Rather than taking the drug nicotine for its stimulating effect, the user now has to take it to feel ‘normal’. Nicotine now goes from being a drug that stimulates, to one that relaxes the user. How the drug Nicotine harms the user. Nicotine harms the drug user in a variety of ways. It can increase blood pressure, and in some cases, the heart rate can be raised up to 40 per cent. There is also the risks that taking nicotine in tobacco brings with it. The tar that tobacco produces releases chemicals known to cause cancer into the bloodstream. These increase the risk of the user contracting lung cancer, which in many cases can lead to death. Smokers who obtain nicotine in this way also run the increased risk of suffering from emphysema and other bronchial conditions. Nicotine can also harm people who do not abuse the drug. Smoking in a public place can cause second hand smoke to enter the bloodstream of others. This has been found to have a detrimental effect, with some developing the same health conditions as smokers. Fortunately there is an easy to administer drug test that can detect if someone is abusing nicotine. The Nicotine Screen-Cassette is easy to use and if used as part of a program designed to help a user give up nicotine, this can be helpful and beneficial to the user, by ensuring that regular checks can monitor their progress. A simple drug kit to test for nicotine can also be helpful for people who may be worried that they are suffering the consequences of second hand smoke from nicotine abusers close to them.

What is Methamphetamine, and how is it used?

The drug Methamphetamine is a stimulant drug that acts on the nervous brain and the nervous system. They are part of a group of drugs that are known as amphetamines. However, the drug Methamphetamine is much more potent and the effects of the drug last much longer. It is usually smoked when in its crystalline form. This drug is also known as ‘Ice’ and ‘Glass’ on the street. The effects of the drug Methamphetamine Quite a small dosage will bring on feelings of exhilaration, and increase arousal in a person. Their activity levels will be much higher than usual and may say that they feel ‘alive’. The effects are usually long lasting. If someone close to you is displaying this type of behavior, then there is a simple drug test you can do. Drug tests usually come in a drug test kit that you can purchase online. Once you have the result you can move forward with the advice of medical staff. It is important that you confront someone using this drug as the results of using the drug Methamphetamine can be harmful. This person abusing this drug can suffer from feelings of paranoia, agitation and confusion. They may also become violent. Their heart rate will increase when they take the drug and so will their blood pressure. An overdose can lead to a stroke, coma or in some cases death. The drug Methamphetamine is extremely addictive when smoked or injected. Drug abusers often suffer from psychosis, a mental state that makes them lose touch with the reality of what is going on around them. Because it is so addictive it is wise to administer a drug test kit on a person showing any of these symptoms as soon as possible.