Positive thoughts for the New Year

I know it's a bit early but here is my New Years message for each of you. Nothing really changes with a new year, but with a new attitude there can always be a new beginning. If you carry the same baggage you had this year into the New Year, your ability to move forward will be hampered, and you will remain weighed down. Drop your bags at the doorstep of the old year, so you can truly make a change for the better in the new. Find your balance, your center, your equilibrium, and watch your personal world start to change around you. Start the way you mean to carry on. Remember that only YOU are in charge of your fate. Yes events and people will have an influence on the choices that will present themselves, but try to never give a permanent home to a temporary emotion, especially negative ones. We may not always be able to choose what choices are set in front of us, and no-one ever said that there has to be a 'good' choice amongst them. Everything in life is a reflection of the choices YOU make so make the choices that are right for you and you can go further then you ever dreamed. You must be the change you want to see in the world. Free yourself of the limitations that others have placed on you and your world will transform. If you want something, don't be afraid to reach for it. We can attain any goal, no matter how high or unattainable it may seem at first glance, as long as we have the determination and conviction to strive for it with all of our being. If you reach for the stars, you will at least be able to soar amongst the clouds if you don't make it all the way. Things will not always be good. Sometimes the only real option will be to just sit tight and wait for the storm to pass. But pass it will. Always remember and have faith in that fact, even if it seems that all light has gone from your inner world. At the end of the day, it is not necessarily the 'things' that are making you upset, but more the thoughts you are having about those things. We can't always decide what waves of emotion we feel, but we can decide to either sink into them, or learn to surf. Don't sweat the small stuff, because when you really get down to it, it's ALL small stuff in the grand scheme of things. Happy New Year everyone and remember, it is up to YOU to make it a good one.

Tuesday, December 31

Happy New Year's Eve and welcome to our new members from Northeast Arkansas

We had a long day yesterday but a great time in Paragould! We had 22 folks participate in our technology training. Issuing new technology is always fun but stressful! I don't want to overwhelm anyone but I certainly want you to leave with enough information to use the devices. Remember, if you don't drop your unit, you can't hurt it. Focus on using Safari to surf your favorite website, use you shortcut to visit this blog and check your email. When you have email it will appear as a number on the envelope. Practice sending email and responding to the blog. Typing on the flat surface takes some getting used to. As always, if you have questions or concerns, just give me a call or send me an email.
Dr. Janet

Priceless! A great smile to end the day

Billy Graham was returning to Charlotte after a speaking engagement and when his plane arrived there was a limousine to transport him to his home. As he prepared to get into the limo, he stopped and spoke to the driver. 'You know' he said, 'I am 87 years old and I have never driven a limousine. Would you mind if I drove it for a while?' The driver said, 'No problem. Have at it.' Billy gets into the driver's seat and they head off down the highway. A short distance away sat a rookie State Trooper operating his first speed trap. The long black limo went by him doing 70 in a 55 mph zone. The young trooper pulled out and easily caught the limo, then got out of his patrol car and walked up to the driver's door. As the glass was rolled down, he was surprised to see who was driving. He immediately excused himself and went back to his car and called his supervisor. 'I know we are supposed to enforce the law.... but I also know that important people are given certain courtesies. I need to know what I should do because I have stopped a very important person.' The supervisor asked, 'Is it the governor?' The young trooper said, 'No, he's more important than that.' The supervisor said, 'Oh, so it's the president.' The young trooper said, 'No, he's even more Important than that.' After a moment,the supervisor finally asked, 'Well then, who is it?' The young trooper said, 'I think it's Jesus, because he's got Billy Graham for a chauffeur!'

Happy Monday, December 30

Good morning all,
I hope everyone is working on their New Year's resolutions. I am sure most of us will be resolving to eat healthier, exercise more, live better lives, etc. Now we need to figure a way to keep those resolutions. I am guilty if making great promises to take care of myself and then taking on more than I can possibly do in a 24 hour period. My own health is what always suffers! My own resolutions are to take better care of myself so I have energy for all these older blind activities!

I spoke with Margaret last night and today promises to be a sell out crowd! She does a great job rallying her low vision group for all activities. Who else can call folks and invite them to a test? We will be  doing technology assessments, issuing iPads, and performing set up activities.

A great road trip with great friends begins....
Dr. Janet

Too cute to pass up! Third post today if you are counting!

CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL BORN IN 1930's, 1940's, 50's, 60's, 70's and Early 80's !!! First, you survived being born to mothers who smoked and/or drank while they carried us. They took aspirin, ate blue cheese dressing, tuna from a tin, and didn't get tested for diabetes. Then after that trauma, your baby cots were covered with bright colored lead-based paints. You had no childproof lids on medicine bottles, doors or cabinets and when you rode your bikes, you had no helmets, not to mention, the risks you took hitchhiking .. As children, you would ride in cars with no seat belts or air bags. Riding in the back of a van - loose - was always great fun. You drank water from the garden hosepipe and NOT from a bottle. You shared one soft drink with four friends, from one bottle and NO ONE actually died from this. You ate cakes, white bread and real butter and drank pop with sugar in it, but you weren't overweight because...... YOU WERE ALWAYS OUTSIDE PLAYING!! You would leave home in the morning and play all day, as long as we were back when the streetlights came on. No one was able to reach you all day. And you were OK. You would spend hours building your go-carts out of scraps and then ride down the hill, only to find out you forgot the brakes. After running into the bushes a few times, you learned to solve the problem . You did not have Playstations, Nintendo's, X-boxes, no video games at all, no 99 channels on cable, no video tape movies, no surround sound, no mobile phones, no text messaging, no personal computers, no Internet or Internet chat rooms..........YOU HAD FRIENDS and you went outside and found them! You fell out of trees, got cut, broke bones and teeth and there were no lawsuits from these accidents you played with worms(well most boys did) and mud pies made from dirt, and the worms did not live in us forever. You made up games with sticks and tennis balls and although you were told it would happen, you did not poke out any eyes. You rode bikes or walked to a friend's house and knocked on the door or rang the bell, or just yelled for them! Local teams had tryouts and not everyone made the team. Those who didn't had to learn to deal with disappointment. Imagine that!! The idea of a parent bailing you out if you broke the law was unheard of. They actually sided with the law! This generation has produced some of the best risk-takers, problem solvers and inventors ever! The past 50 years have been an explosion of innovation and new ideas. You had freedom, failure, success and responsibility, and you learned HOW TO DEAL WITH IT ALL! And YOU are one of them! CONGRATULATIONS! You might want to share this with others who have had the luck to grow up as kids, before the lawyers and the government regulated our lives for our own good. And while you are at it, forward it to your kids so they will know how brave their parents were.

Afternoon update

Good afternoon,
Plans are well underway for our trip tomorrow. We are leaving the Center by 8:30. It sounds like we will have a large turnout based on pre-registration. Mr. Earl and Ms. Helen will be assisting. We are fortunate to have both of them. Mr. Earl is a computer expert by training so I rely on him a great deal. Ms. Helen is such a big help. She handles all the behind the scenes stuff so I can do whatever I do to the best of my ability. Bob and Johnye are going to help with all the set up. They are pros! Even Dick is going along for moral support! We expect to turn it into the party bus!
I will report when we return..
Until then, stay safe and do a good deed for someone!
Dr. Janet

December 29

Good morning everyone,
It is the last Sunday of the year. Hard to believe another year is about to end! As we prepare to make resolutions to improve our lives, let's take a moment to reflect and appreciate the last year. During to last 12 months, I met many wonderful clients who have become true and wonderful friends. We had many wonderful and fun filled hours together learning, laughing and enjoying good food and fellowship. I lost friends and family members which is never easy; however, I gained the most wonderful twin grandchildren in the never ending circle of life.

Personally, I have much to be thankful for and I hope next year increases my blessings. As you can imagine, we are going to continue focusing on improving our lives by eating better, exercising more, using all parts of our brain and making lemonade out of lemons!

Tomorrow I travel to Paragould! Can't wait to see my friends in the northeast part of the state!
Until tomorrow,
Dr. Janet

Great article - thanks Johnye

According to the National Restaurant Association, Americans are projected to spend more than $660 billion at restaurants this year. That's a lot of cash. And if you, like many Americans, are spending more of your paycheck on the increased costs of insurance, healthcare, and gas, you may be eager to learn how you can reduce the expense of dining out. We've rounded up ten ways to save money when dining at restaurants. It pays to remember that a restaurant, just like any other business, opens its doors each day with the goal of maximizing its bottom line. The savvy restaurant owner applies a variety of methods to get you to spend more, and there are likely times you are not even aware that it's happening. Generally speaking, it starts when you walk in the door and read a tantalizing description of one or more nightly specials. Next, you encounter a server who offers you every side dish, extra topping, and expensive alcoholic drink on the menu. Finally, he or she brings a tempting dessert tray display to your table (possibly a dessert drink menu as well), further enticing you to spend more money. It takes a keen eye and a bit of restraint in order to decline the offerings and keep your costs low. But it's this awareness that benefits your bottom line. Because of higher foodprices, less consumer spending, and a weakened economy, profits are down at many eateries, which means restaurant owners have ramped up their efforts to boost check averages. To spend less, you could eat out less. But dining out is a favorite American pastime, and often a well-deserved respite from daily stresses and duties. Instead, cultivate the right mindset and strategy so you won't have to take that drastic step. Consider these 10 ways you can more easily afford the luxury of eating out - without falling prey to restaurant tactics. 1 Skip the Appetizer iStock The pre-meal snacks offered by most restaurants, such as bread and butter or chips and salsa, should be enough for you. Buying a few appetizers can easily add $30 to your tab at the end of the night - not a small sum. 2 Order Water iStock Drinking water with your meal allows you to save money and enjoy the flavor of your entrée more. Just make sure you specify tap water so the server doesn't bring you expensive bottled water. 3 Skip the Featured Special iStock Featured dinner specials usually sound like a great idea, but they're often expensive. If the special comes with a lot of food, consider splitting it with someone else. Otherwise, just buy a cheaper regular menu item. 4 Watch the Add-Ons iStock Servers are often encouraged to up-sell and push "extras" on customers. Therefore, be careful whenever they ask if you want bleu cheese crumbles on your salad, sour cream on your baked potato, or cheese on your burger. If you bite, you may find your bill to be a lot higher than expected. 5 Get Dessert on the Way Home iStock It's tempting to choose a dessert from the restaurant's display case, but when you compare the cost of such a treat to a gallon of ice cream from the grocery store, you'll see that you can save a bundle by buying your dessert away from the restaurant. 

Friday, December 27

Good morning everyone,
Hard to believe week one of two is almost over! I met amazing folks yesterday and had a great time. Home visits are such fun!
Technology One will meet in Little Rock on January 18. Mark your calendar if you are in the beginners class. Paragould clients will have technology training on Monday.
Can you believe I am working on a 2014 calendar? Time flies by...
Do a good deed today,
Until tomorrow
Dr. janet

December26 - Back to work day!

Good morning everyone,
I hope your tummies and hearts are still full! This is a work day for me. I have many clients to see in the next few days. I will be very busy with home visits across the state! On Monday, we will have a technology day in Paragould. If you are in the area, please join us.

Johnye has sent several great articles which I will try to get posted this evening, Meanwhile, the road is calling and clients are anxious for their equipment.

Have a great day!
Until tomorrow,
Dr. Janet

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas everyone,
Here's wishing you more blessings than you can count! Have a great day and cherish your family and friends!
Until tomorrow,
Dr. Janet

Merry Christmas Eve

Hello everyone,
I have had a busy day with my family! You are too blessed when Christmas takes all day! We have eaten in excess, laughed, hugged and received way more than we each deserve. As the day winds down, time to count my blessings and head to church.

Remember the real reason for the season and enjoy your family!
Dr. Janet

Christmas Eve is near

Good evening everyone,
I had a busy day. Met with a new client, finished up the shopping, almost everything is wrapped and two boys home tomorrow! I can't wait. I posted a unique reading experience for you. It is a Christmas poem from the 1800's. I love this, as it shows no matter how much things change many perspectives remain the same.

An earlier post was from the Monitor and has circulated before, but it is cute. Thanks to Margaret and Johnye for sending it my way.

Take care and keep your eyes peeled for Santa!
Dr. Janet

A Christmas Poem from the 1800's

Jest 'Fore Christmas 

FATHER calls me William, sister calls me Will,

MOTHER calls me Willie, but the fellers call me Bill!

Mighty glad I ain't a girl --- ruther be a boy,

Without them sashes curls an' things that's worn by Fauntleroy!

LOVE to chawnk green apples an' go swimmin' in the lake --

HATE to take the castor-ile they give for belly-ache!

'Most all the time, the whole year round, there ain't no flies on me,

But jest 'fore Christmas I'm as good as I kin be!

Got a yeller dog named SPORT, sic him on the cat.

First thing she knows she doesn't know where she is at!

Got a CLIPPER SLED, an' when us kids goes out to slide,

'Long comes the grocery cart, an' we all hook a ride!

But sometimes when the grocery man is worrited an' cross,

He reaches at us with his whip, an' larrups up his hoss,

An' then I laff an' holler, "Oh, ye never teched me!"

But jest 'fore Christmas I'm as good as I kin be!

GRAN'MA says she hopes that when I git to be a man,

I'll be a missionarer like her oldest brother, DAN,

As was et up by the cannibals that live in Ceylon's Isle,

Where every prospeck pleases, an' only man is vile!

But gran'ma she has never been to see a Wild West show,

Nor read the life of Daniel Boone, or else I guess she'd know

That Buff'lo Bill an' cowboys is good enough for me!

Excep' jest 'fore Christmas, when I'm as good as I kin be!

And then old SPORT he hangs around, so solemn-like an' still,

His eyes they seem a-sayin': "What's the matter, little Bill?"

The old cat sneaks down off her perch an' wonders what's become

Of them two enemies of hern that used to make things hum!

But I am so perlite an' tend so earnestly to biz,

That mother says to father: "How improved our Willie is!"

But father, havin' been a boy hisself, suspicions me

When, jest 'fore Christmas, I'm as good as I kin be!

FOR CHRISTMAS, with its lots an' lots of candies, cakes an' toys,

Was made, they say, for proper kids an' not for naughty boys;

So wash yer face an' bresh yer hair, an' mind yer p's and q's,

And don't bust out yer pantaloons, and don't wear out yer shoes;

Say "Yessum" to the ladies, and "Yessur" to the men,

An' when they's company, don't pass yer plate for pie again;

But, thinkin' of the things yer'd like to see upon that tree,

Jest 'fore Christmas be as good as yer kin be!

Written by: Eugene Field (1850-1895)

Merry eve of Christmas Eve

When Santa Lost His Eyesight

by Alex Castillo

(based on a play written by Jerry Whittle)

From the November 2013 Braille Monitor

Most people know about Santa Claus. He's the jolly old fellowwho,along with a team of flying reindeer and tireless elves, works year round so that on one night out of every year they can bring presents to children and adults all over the world.

What many people are not aware of is that one year Santa began noticing that his vision was not what it used to be.  Of course he did not want to admit it to himself, but driving that sleigh at night and being up there in the sky with all of those airplanes zooming by made him feel quite unsafe. It was no surprise when gossip at the North Pole had it that Santa had gone blind and that he was quitting the holidays. He became depressed, and without his work he lost his sense of purpose in life. The man was a sad mess.

One holiday night everything started going downhill and just got worse and worse. The naughty and nice lists were becoming a blur, and he handed out the wrong toys to more than one billion children.

I know what you may be thinking at this moment: if Santa had gone blind, you would surely have heard about it. I'm not saying this is all true, but was there one year in which you received absolutely the most unlikely gift ever?  Well, if the answer is yes, then this story might make a little sense.  

After getting home that night, Santa could do little more than lock himself up in his office at the toy factory. No matter how hard everyone tried to cheer him up, he could do absolutely nothing for a very long time.

This is the story I heard last year when I was visiting friends inRuston, Louisiana. They say that, a year after he had lost his vision,  Santa came down there to receive training at their blindness center. "He could barely even see Rudolph's nose," they said, "He had lost about seventy-five pounds when he first arrived and wouldn't even touch a cookie."  "He'd get real close to ya when he was talking," they would all whisper, "Couldn't tell north from south even if he was holding a compass, bless his heart."

Apparently, the entire town knew about this phenomenon. So well known was the story down there that a writer by the name of Jerry Whittle wrote a play about the whole ordeal, and everyone in town came to see the production.

When I asked how come Santa didn't choose Nebraska to come and train-after all, we have an awesome center right here, and it would seem the rational choice with all the snow, howling winds, and freezing weather we get?  The answer I received was: "Well, Nebraska? With all that snow up there, he'd be recognized in a heartbeat if he stepped outside dressed all in red in his Husker gear. Down here he's just another blind guy with abeard."

The more I thought about the story, about this blind and depressed Santa Claus, the more sense it made. Often, when people start to lose their eyesight, they feel ashamed and even worthless. People find themselves helplessly transformed from productive and contributing members of their families and communities to people who just sit passively, watching life and everyone else pass them by. We often confuse the inability to do with the inability to see, when all that it takes for us to get back into our routine, or even find a more exciting and challenging one, is simply to understand that with some blindness training many doors open up with the promise of opportunity. No training center can create Santa Claus, but a good one can help Santa figure out how he can do his job as a respectable blind person-nonvisually.

As I recall, the play ended with Santa making the decision to keep the toy factories open and to stay in his job-something for which the world continues to be grateful. He arrived at the North Pole to continue his yearly duties, with some new blindness skills and alternatives. It was truly a happy ending.

But the people in Ruston tell a different story. They say that hedidn't go back to the North Pole right away. "Oh, he had some trouble with the training," they said. "At first he was always lifting those sleep shades. They said he would use the excuse of being overheated to lift them and peek during every class. He didn't like travel very much," they said. "Oh, Santa, Santa! You would see him just hiding when it was time for travel class."But what surprised me the most was when they told me, "Thefirst time Santa stepped into the wood shop and heard those live blades running, he almost fainted." One would think that someone who has been working with factory machinery his whole life would be able to handle an arm saw.

As time went by, Santa settled into the Center and became anexcellent student. But after training he didn't go back to the North Pole right away. First he wanted to try out a new career, so he went to work at this Cajun restaurant in the next town as a cook. During training Santa had discovered that he had let Mrs. Claus do all the cooking their entire marriage, but he was surprised to learn that he actually enjoyed working in the kitchen. "Could you imagine that," they said, "Santa a cook in a Cajun restaurant?" I suppose he just felt like he wanted some independence.

Like many people after they finish blindness training, he must have felt a bit rebellious and must have wanted to prove to anyone that he could go far beyond the common expectations for a blind person. It wasn't until the missus threatened to come and get him that he decided to go back up north.

Sometimes the path to independence isn't obvious and clear. Sometimes, like Santa, we need to figure ourselves out, and this takes a little while. Sometimes blindness gives us an opportunity to learn and make decisions that vary greatly from our past and that we would never have thought possible if we hadn't lost our eyesight. Sometimes we just get a stronger sense of who we are. But the first step toward independence andstarting your life or getting it back is recognizing when it's time to receive training and then going through that training in a program that will allow you to fully realize that you are a person worthy and deserving of respect. After all, this is your life, and you live through your choices.

As for Santa, you can decide to believe this story or not, but thechildren and grownups are still receiving presents on time and without any strange mix-ups. Polls show that he's been doing a better job year after year. And just the other day I read a review about some new restaurant opening up at the North Pole which specializes in Southern cuisine.

Sunday, December 22

Good evening folks,
I am back home after a full day of travel and family festivities. There was snow in the mountains! Beautiful but cold! Had a great day with number 2 son, extended family and our new granddog, Miss Molly Markwith. Number 2 adopted a rescued boxer puppy and she is adorable! He has a knack with the animals and will probably have her barking jingle bells in a few days.

Now number 3 son had announced he will be home for Christmas! All our boys in one week!! This is a rare treat. We will travel to Nashville next week for Christmas with the twins...lots of celebration in our world!

Bear with me for the next few days. Travel, clients, trainings and family......I will have to go back to work to rest up after this break!

Take care and be on the look out for Santa,
Dr. Janet

Saturday update

Good afternoon,
I just have to brag! I had a wonderful day shopping with my son. The stores were not crowded much to the dismay of retailers! Sam's and McCain Mall were very empty probably due to the drizzle.

I will be traveling tomorrow and starting the first in a string of family Christmas events. Stay tuned...
Until tomorrow,
Dr. Janet

Saturday, December 21 - 4 days until Christmas

Good morning everyone,
A very wet day here in Central Arkansas. Forecast calls for up to 4 inches will will make shopping today a soggy chore. I will be shopping with number one son today. Even the rain can't dampen the Mom joy at getting to spend time and money with my favorite baby boy!

The news has identified the blind man injured in the hit and run as a Mr. Thompson. I don't know him but pray for a speedy and full recovery. It sounds like his service dog Lenny was a hero! Lenny sat in the middle of one of Little Rocks busiest streets until help arrived. For those of you who don't use a guide dog, the phenomenal training and dedication of those animals is amazing! I love to play and travel with Johnye and Galax! He gives the best sloppy kisses! I have always had house dogs so I love guide dogs. Visiting Guide dog schools is always fun and I enjoy seeing the different training styles.

If you are getting out to shop, stay safe and dry!
Until tomorrow,
Dr. Janet

Friday, December 20

Good morning everyone,
It is going to be a great day! The World Services Christmas Party is today and that is always a fun time! I believe clients and the lions founders Club celebrated earlier in the week so today is time for staff to let their hair down. As you all know, WSB has a wonderful and caring staff who work very hard to provide the best training possible for clients. They all deserve a day of fun, especially Krystal! She really has a plate full keeping track of Dr. Dickerson, Mr. Woodall and me!

I just heard a horrid news story that a blind man has been hit by a car in westLittle Rock. If anyone hears who it is please let me know. I panic every time I hear this type of report and call everyone in the area. Sorry, I just can't get out of smother mother mode!

Winter actually begins at 11:11 tomorrow morning. That is funny, I wonder what all the white stuff was a couple of weeks ago.....must have been fall dust!

Keep smiling, remember Santa is still watching,
Until tomorrow
Dr. Janet

Thanks Johnye for this great informative article

Subject: Article from Fox News Health 2013 12 19

It has been nearly 20 years since I officially practiced medicine, but my friends and family consider me their frontline medical adviser. In an age when it is hard to get a doctor on the phone and can be pricey to see one, I remain really good at screening symptoms. The vast majority of the time, I can assure people that their anxiety is unfounded. Of course, every once in a while, my advice is "Yikes, worry more! Here are some common medical worries you can set aside-along with a little guidance on when you should indulge them. Health.com: 27 Mistakes Healthy People Make Don't worry about: A single elevated blood-pressure reading The human body is constantly changing in response to an array of factors: stress, medications, what you eat, how you sleep. This is definitely true of blood pressure, particularly the top number in the blood-pressure measurement, the systolic blood pressure. In fact, there is a phenomenon called "white coat hypertension," in which blood pressure goes up when the measurement is taken at the doctor's office because you're nervous about having it checked! A friend of mine was recently in the hospital, hooked up to a display that checked his blood pressure every 15 minutes, with tremendous variation. It nearly drove him crazy. When to worry: If you get a high reading several times in a month, talk to your doctor; untreated high blood pressure can lead to heart disease and stroke. Extremely elevated blood pressure (systolic pressure over 180 or diastolic pressure over 110) is a medical emergency. Don't worry about: A blood-test result that's a little high or low Even if the lab report says the number is out of normal range, that value is most likely normal for you. For his entire life, my husband has had a slightly low platelet count, but he has never had bleeding problems (platelets help with clot formation). No problem, no disease. Part of the reason a new doctor does routine blood work when you're feeling good is so that she can learn what is typical for you. Don't worry about: Low blood pressure You know the saying "You can never be too rich or too thin"? Low blood pressure is kind of like that. It puts less stress on your organs, so it's generally considered a good thing. When to worry: If low blood pressure leaves you feeling lightheaded or faint, or if you feel your heart fluttering, then you need to see a doctor.Health.com: Which Type of Salt is Healthiest? Don't worry about: A couple days of nausea, vomiting or diarrhea People want to know if it's food poisoning or a virus, but in terms of healing, it doesn't really matter. If there is no intense abdominal pain, high fever or blood in your stool, your body will take care of it. The important thing is not to get dehydrated. I prefer that old favorite, flat ginger ale, but any clear liquid, like water or Gatorade, will do. When to worry: If you feel faint or are vomiting up blood, get to the doctor. Don't worry about: Painless lumps As bodies age, they develop a wide variety of lumps. The overwhelming majority of them are not cancerous. The causes of lumps are so numerous that it is impossible to give a complete list here, but they range from benign cysts to fatty deposits under the skin (called lipomas). Make sure you show them to your doctor on your next visit, but try not to be too alarmed. When to worry: Some lumps should be evaluated as soon as possible. Breast lumps should never be ignored. Lumps that are tender, warm and red could be from underlying infections that need treatment. Hard or fast-growing lumps should also be seen promptly.Health.com: 8 Common Causes of Rashes Don't worry about: Bleeding In terms of species survival, it's probably good that the sight of blood provokes panic. But most of us panic more than we should. Cuts on certain parts of the body, like the scalp, can bleed profusely, but that shouldn't necessarily cause alarm. Put pressure on a cut for 5 to 10 minutes to see if you can get it to stop bleeding. If you can't, or if the two sides of the slice seem widely separated, you may need stitches to help healing. When to worry: If you're not sure whether a cut needs stitches, it's not wise to wait and see. Wounds need to be stitched within 24 hours or the risk of infection rises markedly. Don't worry about: A little rectal bleeding The most embarrassed call I receive concerns blood on toilet paper or in the bowl. It is almost always related to hemorrhoids or small cuts in the rectal area rather than a sign of an ulcer or cancer. Try taking a stool softener, or eat more fruits and vegetables to do the same trick. When to worry: If the bleeding persists for more than two or three days or is painful, head to the doctor. Health.com: 18 Reasons Why Your Stomach Hurts Don't worry about: Sharp, localized chest pain We tend to associate the chest with the heart, but there are lungs, bones, muscles and digestive organs in there, too. Sometimes chest pain that's worse with a cough, a deep breath or movements of the torso, like lifting or twisting, can be caused by strains or irritation in the small muscles and ligaments that surround the ribs. These can be due to injury or a viral infection and generally resolve themselves; a nonsteroidal medicine like ibuprofen may help in the meantime. When to worry: If you are also short of breath or have a fever, see a doctor. In that case, sharp, localized pain could be a sign of a lung problem. And if you have any doubt about whether you should get medical help for chest pain, it's always better to err on the side of caution. Don't worry about: Rashes During my medical training, I had an itchy rash on my arms and legs. It lasted two weeks and went away. I still have no idea what it was. Minor rashes are part of life, and no cause will be found for many of them. Use common sense to treat symptoms-taking an antihistamine or applying hydrocortisone cream can help with itching, for example-and think about new products or foods you've come in contact with so you can try to avoid a recurrence. Have you used any new shampoos? Is the rash only on the legs (in that case, think plant allergy)? Only on areas exposed to the sun? Only on areas under clothing? When to worry: If an itchy rash comes on suddenly while taking a medicine (particularly an antibiotic) or eating a new food, seek immediate medical attention, especially if you also have shortness of breath or difficulty swallowing. It could be the start of a life-threatening allergic reaction. Also, if the itching is unbearable despite over-the-counter treatment, you might need something stronger, like a short course of steroids. Health.com: Winter Skin Annoyances, Solved Should you worry more? As I said, usually my advice involves calming unneeded anxiety. Most of my friends are worriers. But there is another type of patient-the denier-and those people should worry more. That group would include my own husband. So if you're one of them, here are a few things that should always prompt an urgent medical visit: chest pain or pressure that you can't localize with one finger and comes back every time you exercise; the worst headache of your life; intense abdominal pain, particularly if accompanied by fever; and shortness of breath severe enough that you have trouble finishing a sentence. This list is by no means complete, but these symptoms should set off immediate alarms. Put down this magazine and see a real doctor! Elisabeth Rosenthal is a correspondent for The New York Times and a graduate of Harvard Medical School. This article originally appeared on Health.com.

Thanks Johnye for this great informative article

Subject: Article from Fox News Health 2013 12 19

It has been nearly 20 years since I officially practiced medicine, but my friends and family consider me their frontline medical adviser. In an age when it is hard to get a doctor on the phone and can be pricey to see one, I remain really good at screening symptoms. The vast majority of the time, I can assure people that their anxiety is unfounded. Of course, every once in a while, my advice is "Yikes, worry more! Here are some common medical worries you can set aside-along with a little guidance on when you should indulge them. Health.com: 27 Mistakes Healthy People Make Don't worry about: A single elevated blood-pressure reading The human body is constantly changing in response to an array of factors: stress, medications, what you eat, how you sleep. This is definitely true of blood pressure, particularly the top number in the blood-pressure measurement, the systolic blood pressure. In fact, there is a phenomenon called "white coat hypertension," in which blood pressure goes up when the measurement is taken at the doctor's office because you're nervous about having it checked! A friend of mine was recently in the hospital, hooked up to a display that checked his blood pressure every 15 minutes, with tremendous variation. It nearly drove him crazy. When to worry: If you get a high reading several times in a month, talk to your doctor; untreated high blood pressure can lead to heart disease and stroke. Extremely elevated blood pressure (systolic pressure over 180 or diastolic pressure over 110) is a medical emergency. Don't worry about: A blood-test result that's a little high or low Even if the lab report says the number is out of normal range, that value is most likely normal for you. For his entire life, my husband has had a slightly low platelet count, but he has never had bleeding problems (platelets help with clot formation). No problem, no disease. Part of the reason a new doctor does routine blood work when you're feeling good is so that she can learn what is typical for you. Don't worry about: Low blood pressure You know the saying "You can never be too rich or too thin"? Low blood pressure is kind of like that. It puts less stress on your organs, so it's generally considered a good thing. When to worry: If low blood pressure leaves you feeling lightheaded or faint, or if you feel your heart fluttering, then you need to see a doctor.Health.com: Which Type of Salt is Healthiest? Don't worry about: A couple days of nausea, vomiting or diarrhea People want to know if it's food poisoning or a virus, but in terms of healing, it doesn't really matter. If there is no intense abdominal pain, high fever or blood in your stool, your body will take care of it. The important thing is not to get dehydrated. I prefer that old favorite, flat ginger ale, but any clear liquid, like water or Gatorade, will do. When to worry: If you feel faint or are vomiting up blood, get to the doctor. Don't worry about: Painless lumps As bodies age, they develop a wide variety of lumps. The overwhelming majority of them are not cancerous. The causes of lumps are so numerous that it is impossible to give a complete list here, but they range from benign cysts to fatty deposits under the skin (called lipomas). Make sure you show them to your doctor on your next visit, but try not to be too alarmed. When to worry: Some lumps should be evaluated as soon as possible. Breast lumps should never be ignored. Lumps that are tender, warm and red could be from underlying infections that need treatment. Hard or fast-growing lumps should also be seen promptly.Health.com: 8 Common Causes of Rashes Don't worry about: Bleeding In terms of species survival, it's probably good that the sight of blood provokes panic. But most of us panic more than we should. Cuts on certain parts of the body, like the scalp, can bleed profusely, but that shouldn't necessarily cause alarm. Put pressure on a cut for 5 to 10 minutes to see if you can get it to stop bleeding. If you can't, or if the two sides of the slice seem widely separated, you may need stitches to help healing. When to worry: If you're not sure whether a cut needs stitches, it's not wise to wait and see. Wounds need to be stitched within 24 hours or the risk of infection rises markedly. Don't worry about: A little rectal bleeding The most embarrassed call I receive concerns blood on toilet paper or in the bowl. It is almost always related to hemorrhoids or small cuts in the rectal area rather than a sign of an ulcer or cancer. Try taking a stool softener, or eat more fruits and vegetables to do the same trick. When to worry: If the bleeding persists for more than two or three days or is painful, head to the doctor. Health.com: 18 Reasons Why Your Stomach Hurts Don't worry about: Sharp, localized chest pain We tend to associate the chest with the heart, but there are lungs, bones, muscles and digestive organs in there, too. Sometimes chest pain that's worse with a cough, a deep breath or movements of the torso, like lifting or twisting, can be caused by strains or irritation in the small muscles and ligaments that surround the ribs. These can be due to injury or a viral infection and generally resolve themselves; a nonsteroidal medicine like ibuprofen may help in the meantime. When to worry: If you are also short of breath or have a fever, see a doctor. In that case, sharp, localized pain could be a sign of a lung problem. And if you have any doubt about whether you should get medical help for chest pain, it's always better to err on the side of caution. Don't worry about: Rashes During my medical training, I had an itchy rash on my arms and legs. It lasted two weeks and went away. I still have no idea what it was. Minor rashes are part of life, and no cause will be found for many of them. Use common sense to treat symptoms-taking an antihistamine or applying hydrocortisone cream can help with itching, for example-and think about new products or foods you've come in contact with so you can try to avoid a recurrence. Have you used any new shampoos? Is the rash only on the legs (in that case, think plant allergy)? Only on areas exposed to the sun? Only on areas under clothing? When to worry: If an itchy rash comes on suddenly while taking a medicine (particularly an antibiotic) or eating a new food, seek immediate medical attention, especially if you also have shortness of breath or difficulty swallowing. It could be the start of a life-threatening allergic reaction. Also, if the itching is unbearable despite over-the-counter treatment, you might need something stronger, like a short course of steroids. Health.com: Winter Skin Annoyances, Solved Should you worry more? As I said, usually my advice involves calming unneeded anxiety. Most of my friends are worriers. But there is another type of patient-the denier-and those people should worry more. That group would include my own husband. So if you're one of them, here are a few things that should always prompt an urgent medical visit: chest pain or pressure that you can't localize with one finger and comes back every time you exercise; the worst headache of your life; intense abdominal pain, particularly if accompanied by fever; and shortness of breath severe enough that you have trouble finishing a sentence. This list is by no means complete, but these symptoms should set off immediate alarms. Put down this magazine and see a real doctor! Elisabeth Rosenthal is a correspondent for The New York Times and a graduate of Harvard Medical School. This article originally appeared on Health.com.

Happy Thursday, December 19

Good morning all,
Can you believe Christmas is 6 days away! I ran into Kohl's last night and was amazed at the lack of people. I am guessing most people shopped on line during the ice storm. Santa has obviously leased his sleigh to Amazon! Now if FedX and UPS can do their part!!

Yesterday I met a new OIB client. Y'all are going to love Mr. Phil. He recently moved to Little Rock from Magnolia and he is a hoot! He will be joining us in iPad trainings.

Krystal informs me that Mr. Roy has been hospitalized and is now home. Hope he is doing better. We missed them at our Thanksgiving celebration.

Take care everyone and be thankful!
Dr. Janet

Wednesday, December 18. Chirstmas countdown

Good morning everyone!
Well, like the other 200 million folks, I was disappointed to awake and find I have to work today! That 700 million jackpot would have been nice! Can you imagine waking up a winner? I am sure the shock would do me in and I still wouldn't get to enjoy the windfall! However, dreaming is good for you so I spent a few hours imagining what all I could do for society!

Yesterday, I visited Woodland Heights to see clients. I am always so excited to see senior using their technology to stay connected to family. Ms. Bobbi had been skyping with her grandson in KOREA!
That makes everything worthwhile because happy grandparents are the best!

The Christmas countdown continues and I realized I am not as far along as I had hoped to be. FedX and UPS are both working very late. I had deliveries after 8 last night so those folks are having long days!

Keep the Christmas spirit!
Until tomorrow,
Dr. Janet

Kitchen safety

subject: Article from Fox News Health 2013 12 16

Did you know your kitchen could actually be making you sick? That's right - if it's not cleaned properly, the kitchen could be host to many kinds of germs. Here are some easy tips for keeping your kitchen clean and your food safe. If you are looking at your sponge and thinking it looks dirty - throw it in the dishwasher to disinfect it. Or, put it under hot water and clean with bleach. Use different sponges for different tasks, so you don't cross-contaminate. If your sponge starts to look worn-out, replace it. Since a variety of foods touch your cutting board, make sure to use a different board for each type of meat or produce. Rinse and wash the board after putting raw meat on it, which can leave behind traces of salmonella . Refrigerate leftovers within two hours of serving food. If you are reheating last night's dinner, use a thermometer to make sure the food is at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit (this ensures the bacteria is killed). Toss uneaten leftovers after three days. Don't thaw frozen food under hot water or on the counter - that's where bacteria multiplies.Plan ahead and put frozen food in the refrigerator the night before you plan to eat it. Dr. Manny Alvarez serves as FOX News Channel's (FNC) Senior Managing Editor for Health News. Prior to this position, Alvarez was a FNC medical contributor

Happy Monday, December 16

Good morning everyone,
With only 9 days left until Christmas, I joined the rest of the world in the retail stores of Central Arkansas yesterday. What a madhouse! If the chaos was any indication, retailers may be making up for the weekend lost to bad weather. Fortunately, I did most of my shopping on line, I was actually on a mission for Christmas Party supplies. It reinforced my philosophy that if you can't find it at Wal-Mart, you don't need it!

I like to think there are some things I do very well. However, I completely missed the crafty decorating, or as we call it the Martha Stewart gene. I always have difficulty in coming up with hand made gifts. So this year, thanks to Pinterest, I chose home made ornaments and bath salts. I spent six hours yesterday in stores looking for the necessary items. When I consider the time and gas, I could have easily purchased gifts...but rules are rules.....I will let you know how they turn out!

The weather looks promising for the week so if you have errands, get out and finish that shopping!

Until tomorrow,
Dr. Janet

If you are an Android fan, this is exciting!

Subject: Article from PC World Apps 2013 12 01

The twin titans of the Android input app world both announced big upgrades today. SwiftKey 4.3 has exited beta, consolidating what were previously two separate apps into a single application. Simultaneously, Swype 1.6, a new version of the app studded with new features, has been released. The enhancements to both are considerable, renewing the battle over which app is the best system for entering text into your Android device. If you're unfamiliar with SwiftKey or Swype, both are based on "swiping" to enter text instead of tapping on individual characters. This means you don't have to physically lift your finger up to go from one letter to the next. You just drag your digit from character to character as fast as you can. This tends to make most users faster and more accurate when writing messages, and both systems include predictive logic that makes educated guesses about the words and phrases you're spelling out to improve speed further. One of SwiftKey 4.3's biggest selling points is that it can take a deep dive into your message history to better predict what you're typing. The app can be set to analyze your sent Google email, Facebook posts, and even sent tweets to determine commonly used words and phrases, so if you tend to write about Zbigniew Brzezinski a lot, SwiftKey will pick up on this immediately, saving you a lot of spelling angst. SwiftKey 4.3 also includes copious language options such as Canadian English , which includes additional logic that recognizes commonly used Canadian places and figureheads. Finally, one new SwiftKey feature is already being heralded as a godsend. Now you can undock the keyboard, move it elsewhere on the screen, and resize it to dimensions that are more comfortable for your fingers. This can be extremely helpful on larger devices like the Qualcomm Snapdragon -powered LG G Pad 8.3 and Sony Xperia Tablet Z. On these very large phone and tablet screens, having a keyboard that requires swiping back and forth across its entire width can slow you down. The new release of SwiftKey means you can shrink the keyboard down to a more comfortable size no matter how big the screen is. Meanwhile, Swype's updates are also worthwhile . Swype 1.6 also lets you resize your keyboard window, and even use a different keyboard depending on whether you're holding your phone in portrait or landscape mode. It also adds support for writing in two languages simultaneously, so if you switch between English and Spanish in the same message, Swype will suggest words in both tongues. Over 1,000 language combinations are supported . Swype, which is owned by dictation-software company Nuance, has also upgraded its voice recognition features, letting you speak in one language but type in another, for example. SwiftKey 4.3 is available for $3.99 from Google Play and supports Android 2.2 and up. Swype 1.6 is also $3.99 , with the same compatibility requirements. Add Your Comment. Build yourself an adjustable standing desk in 20 minutes for $20. Today's Special Offers. IDG Network Sites. The twin titans of the Android input app world both announced big upgrades today. SwiftKey 4.3 has exited beta, consolidating what were previously two separate apps into a single application. Simultaneously, Swype 1.6, a new version of the app studded with new features, has been released. The enhancements to both are considerable, renewing the battle over which app is the best system for entering text into your Android device. If you're unfamiliar with SwiftKey or Swype, both are based on "swiping" to enter text instead of tapping on individual characters. This means you don't have to physically lift your finger up to go from one letter to the next. You just drag your digit from character to character as fast as you can. This tends to make most users faster and more accurate when writing messages, and both systems include predictive logic that makes educated guesses about the words and phrases you're spelling out to improve speed further. One of SwiftKey 4.3's biggest selling points is that it can take a deep dive into your message history to better predict what you're typing. The app can be set to analyze your sent Google email, Facebook posts, and even sent tweets to determine commonly used words and phrases, so if you tend to write about Zbigniew Brzezinski a lot, SwiftKey will pick up on this immediately, saving you a lot of spelling angst. 

Christmas Social Update

Y'all missed a great party! Twelve of us met for a fun time at Dugans Pub in the River Market. Our reigning Queen Miss Imogene kept the party rolling along. Teresa did a great job handling details and even brought Christmas decorations! We ate, laughed, ate and laughed till we were about to pop! Dolly gave everyone a beautiful calendar. Thanks Dolly, those are so helpful.

The next meeting will be January 4 at Fletcher Library. I hope to see all of you there. We have exciting OIB news coming up in January! Stay tuned...
Until tomorrow,
Dr. Janet

Google app news

Subject: Article from PC World Apps 2013 12 01

Google has added new features to its search app on iOS, like updated reminders and hands-free search, designed to proactively deliver information to people at certain moments. The features include updated push notifications for things like appointments, flights, and restaurant reservations; a way to set reminders by voice; a new set of cards to help users keep track of their tickets and boarding passes; and hands-free search activated by saying Ok Google. The new tools, which were announced Tuesday, bring more of the features that are already on Google's Android-based search app to iOS devices. Providing information to people without them having to ask for it is a common theme in the new tools. With the updated push notifications, for instance, users will see an alert on their lock screen telling them they should leave soon for an appointment if there is traffic on the road. Previously, these types of notifications could only be accessed within the search app on iOS, but now they will appear more front and center on the device. Boarding passes and tickets to events like movies and concerts will also appear automatically when users arrive at the venue or airport, as long as those passes are stored in users' Google accounts. Easy reminders It's now also easier for people to set reminders on their iOS devices. With the update, the user can say, OK Google, remind me to take a nap when I get home, and a notification will appear as soon as the person is near the house, according to the company. There are also some new functionalities for reminders tied to entertainment like movies, albums, actors, or artists. Users can click remind me, and the app will let them know when a new movie is about to debut or an album is about to be released. Finally, there is a new voice-enabled search mode. The search app already had a voice search button on iOS, but now users can search in the Google Now section of the app simply by saying, OK Google. They can ask the question out loud, and get instant answers spoken back, Google said. The update is available for the iPhone and iPad, though the OK Google voice search command is only available for the iPhone 4s and later models, and the iPad 2 and up. Zach Miners, IDG News Service , IDG News Service . 

Happy Friday!

Good morning all,
For a short work week, it was a long one! Did I mention the almost 2 hour commute to Little rock on Tuesday? What fun! Normally I zip into town in 15 minutes. The treacherous roads just got my week off to a long, miserable start!

I had the sweetest call yesterday. One of our group members has a sweet significant other who called for a little help playing Santa! It is always fun to visit but certainly added a little holiday cheer to think I could help with the perfect gift!

Tomorrow is the Arkansas Council of the blind holiday social. It will be a fun time and great gift exchange. Join us at Dugan's Pub noon kickoff! Always a great time! Good, food, fun and follow ship!

Until tomorrow,
Dr. Janet

Thanks Johnye for a great health article!

Subject: Article from Fox News Health 2013 12 10

Dry skin is dry skin, right? Nope. Everyone's complexion is a little bit different, so when cold air hits, your best defense (and repair) depends on your skin type, lifestyle, habits, and even your skin tone. From freckles to flakes, we looked at some of the most common characteristics of winter skin, and asked the experts about how to deal with them safely and effectively. Here's how to keep the skin on your face-and body-soft, supple, and strong, all season long. If your skin is fair People with fair skin have less pigment and less natural protection against the sun's UV rays. And while they may wear sunscreen in the summer, some people don't know it's important in cold weather too. "Your face is still exposed in the wintertime, and the sun will still cause damage," says Dr. Chris Adigun, clinical assistant professor in the department of dermatology at NYU Langone Medical Center, in New York City. Everyone can benefit from year-round use of a moisturizer with built-in sunscreen, she adds, but it's extra important for the fair skinned. (And it's not just about skin cancer risk: A 2013 Australian study found that people who wore sunscreen every day for nearly five years had fewer wrinkles and signs of aging than those who wore it less often.) Health.com: 21 Reasons Why You're Losing Your Hair If your skin is freckled The story is similar for people with freckles, which are basically the body's attempt to protect itself from previous UV damage, says Adigun. "Freckles don't really offer any benefits, and chances are you're only going to get more if you continue to expose your face or body to sunlight without sunscreen," she adds. You may notice that your freckles seem to fade in the wintertime and look darker in the summer when you're spending more time in the sun, but that's no reason to skimp on your SPF routine year-round. If your skin is olive-toned or dark More pigment in the skin may mean more protection from the sun, but it can also put you at risk for long-term scarring from skin irritations such as acne and dry patches. This is called post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, says Dr. Gary Goldenberg, assistant professor of dermatology at The Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York City, and it can last for months or even longer in people with dark skin. "It's a main reason for people coming in during the winter-not because they worry about the texture or dryness of their skin, but because they're more concerned with the actual appearance. Over-the-counter bleaching creams can help large, prominent dark spots fade more quickly, he says, but the best cure is always prevention: Moisturizing every day with a thick, creamy lotion can cut down on irritation and help keep skin looking smooth and even. If your skin is dry Ramp up your moisturizing, says Adigun: If you use a lightweight lotion in the summer, switch to a heavier cream or ointment. Get one that you scoop out of a jar or squeeze from a tube; pump formulas are often diluted with water or alcohol, reducing the ability to seal in moisture. Apply every time you shower or wash your face, says Goldenberg, while skin is still damp, and use lukewarm water (not hot, which can irritate skin), keep your shower as short as possible, and choose gentle, fragrance-free soaps or cleansers. (Some experts suggest moisturizing before you get in the shower, too!) And skip the washcloth, says Adigun. "You really just need to use soap on your underarms and your groin; you don't need to lather up and scrub all over your body-all that does is remove your skin's natural oils. Health.com: 15 Myths and Facts About Cellulite If your face is flaky Sunburn, wind burn, or severe dryness can cause your skin to crack and flake off, even if you're using moisturizer regularly. To help remove that damaged top layer of skin, try an exfoliating face wash with citric acid. (Chemical exfoliants are less irritating than physical ones, like rough, scratchy beads or grains.) If your skin stays dry throughout the winter, stick to exfoliating just once or twice a week. If you have combination skin "This is my most challenging group during the winter," says Adigun; "They'll notice that their usually normal areas become dry and their usually oily areas become normal, and they may need to treat them both separately. She suggests applying a light moisturizer to the T-zone-forehead, nose, and chin-and a heavier one to dryer areas, like the cheeks and around the eyes and lips. Dry patches may even need an ointment like petroleum jelly, which can help seal moisture in and form a protective barrier against the elements. (If it feels too greasy to use during the day, she adds, try it at night.) If you have chapped lips Dry skin doesn't only happen on your cheeks; it also commonly manifests itself as chapped, cracked lips, as well. A lip balm with cocoa butter, vitamins A and E, beeswax, petrolatum, or dimethicone will help soothe and repair broken skin-but to make it even more effective, moisten lips with cool water before applying. This can make the top layer of your skin more permeable and help seal in moisture, says Dr. Marina Peredo, founder of Spatique Medical Spa in Smithtown, New York. A moisturizing facial mask (look for one that contains dead sea salt) can also help slough away flaky skin and make your lips soft and smooth. If your skin is greasy If you have oily skin you may actually catch a bit of a break in the wintertime, says Goldenberg, but that doesn't mean you can slack on your skin-care routine. If you normally use toner or astringent on your face to keep oil away, you may find that you don't need these extra treatments over the winter. But, even if you've never used moisturizer in the summertime, it's a good idea to start when the temps (and humidity) drops. "I recommend something nice and light, like Cetaphil or CeraVe, to moisturize their face and body after bathing," says Goldenberg. Health.com: How to Make a Blowout Last Longer If your skin is very sensitive Sensitive skin gets inflamed very easily during harsh winter months, causing raw, red cheeks in paler complexions and long-lasting hyper-pigmentation spots in darker ones. To keep skin looking and feeling supple and smooth, choose products that are free of colors and fragrances-not just face and body washes, but detergents and fabric softeners, as well. You'll want to find a soap-free, non-foaming face wash that won't strip away your skin's natural oils. For extremely dry and sensitive skin, try wiping off cleanser with a soft cloth or tissue, rather than rinsing with water. If you are prone to breakouts "With these patients, we want to strike a delicate balance," says Goldenberg: "We want to treat the acne, but that may dry out the skin-so we also need to add moisture back at the same time. He recommends a gentle, non-foaming facial cleanser and a lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturizer that won't clog pores. If you're using a retinoid product for its acne-fighting benefits, you may find that everyday use is too irritating in the winter. Instead of applying it straight to your face, try mixing a pea-size amount with your facial moisturizer. If that's still too harsh, scale back to using it just two to three times a week until spring-you'll still get the skin-smoothing benefits without the extreme drying effects. If you have eczema or psoriasis Conditions like ezcema and psoriasis are prone to winter flare-ups, when it's hard to keep skin moist. Keep showers short and luke-warm, and pat yourself dry (rather than rubbing) with a towel and apply moisturizer immediately, says Goldenberg. You may be able to treat flare-ups with an over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream, or you may need to see your dermatologist for a stronger formula. Experts recommend keeping stress levels low and getting a flu shot, since these conditions may be linked to immune function. (In fact, a 2001 study found the skin's ability to retain water is reduced during stress.) The lack of sunlight in the winter can make psoriasis worse. In severe cases, phototherapy with UV light, two to three times a week, may help. If you spend a lot of time outdoors Runners, skiers, and anyone who spends hours outside can take a beating from the effects of wind and harsh, cold air on their skin. "For those people, it's actually smart to put something like Aquaphor or Vaseline on their skin before they go out," says Goldenberg. Cheeks and lips may be the obvious spots, he says, but don't forget the inside and outside of the nostrils, too; this will help keep nasal passages moist. A broad-spectrum sunscreen is very important, too, says Dr. Adigun, especially when you're spending time at high altitudes where the air is thinner (and UV rays, therefore, are stronger) or you're surrounded by snow, which can reflect sunlight onto your face.Health.com: 10 Winter Health Myths, Busted If you spend a lot of time indoors Indoor heating systems sap a lot of the natural moisture from the air, so even if you're not outdoors you can still experience the drying effects of winter. Running a humidifier in your home or office can help, says Dr. Michelle Tarbox, assistant professor of dermatology at Saint Louis University, but it's important to change filters as often as is recommended, and to use distilled water instead of tap. Drink lots of water throughout the day to counteract the effects of caffeine you may be guzzling at your desk or the alcoholic beverages you're enjoying at happy hour-both of which can be dehydrating and may ultimately lead to dry skin. If you are 50 or older Even if you never had dry skin, chances are you'll notice a change as you get older. "The sebaceous glands all over our body that produce oil actually slow down and shrink after middle age, but we usually don't alter our bathing habits to compensate for that," says Adigun. "We continue to scrub ourselves head to toe, and that's when I see a lot of patients in their 60s and 70s experiencing eczema or severe dry skin for the first time in their lives. If you have dry, itchy patches that were never there before, she says, switch to a gentler facial cleanser and body wash, and slather on a creamier moisturizer, head to toe, after showering or washing your face. Scale back on anti-aging products that contain skin-tightening retinoids or alpha hydroxy acids-using them just two or three times a week will still be effective, says Adigun-and make sure you're not overlapping products (like a cleanser and a cream) with these ingredients.Health.com: Surprising Causes of Winter Depression If your kids' skin gets dry Babies and young children may not have the same issues as older adults, but their skin is also prone to winter dryness and even eczema that may go away as they grow up. They'll be tempted to scratch at their itchy skin, as well, which will only make the irritation worse. Prevent winter itch and flakiness by patting your kids dry with a towel and slathering on moisturizer immediately after their bath. Don't let them play in the water for a prolonged period of time, and use as little soap as necessary, says Adigun. "Kids, believe it or not, don't have a lot of bacteria living on their skin. The glands that produce body odor, where bacteria live, aren't active until puberty-so kids really don't require a lot of soap or scrubbing to get them clean. This article originally appeared on Health.com. 

Wednesday, December 11 post 2 recipe

This sounds great and low calorie!

Butterfinger Dessert Weight Watchers:
Ingredients:
 1 prepared angel food cake
1 (1 ounce) package fat-free sugar-free vanilla pudding mix (larger size)
 2 (8 ounce) containers fat-free cool whip
4 (2 1/8 ounce) size butterfinger candy bars
1 1/2 cups skim milk

Directions: Spray a 9 x 13" pan with cooking spray. Tear angel food cake into bite size pieces. Prepare pudding with 1-1/2 cups of skim milk and mix with 2 containers of Cool Whip Free. Crush candy bars. Layer 1/2 cake, 1/2 of pudding mixture and 1/2 of crushed Butterfingers. Repeat layer.

Nutritional Facts for Butterfinger Dessert Weight Watchers 4 Ww Pts Serving Size: 1 (82 g) Servings Per Recipe: 15 Amount Per Serving Daily Value Calories 185.0 Calories from Fat 28 15% Total Fat 3.1 g 4% Saturated Fat 1.5 g 7% Cholesterol 0.4 mg 0% Sodium 254.0 mg 10% Total Carbohydrate 36.2 g 12% Dietary Fiber 0.4 g 1%S ugars 19.4 g 77% Protein 4.2 g 8%

Antacid acid use tied to B-12 deficiency

Antacid drugs linked to vitamin B-12 deficiency
Victoria Colliver
Updated 5:45 pm, Tuesday, December 10, 2013

For acid indigestion, millions of Americans find relief in the antacids they keep in their medicine cabinets. But a Kaiser Permanente study released Tuesday provides a new reason to feel heartburn.

Kaiser researchers have linked long-term use of a popular type of antacid medication to vitamin B-12 deficiency, a condition that when left untreated can increase the risk of dementia, nerve damage, anemia and other potentially serious medical problems.

The study, the first large-scale look at indigestion relief medication, was published online Tuesday in the Journal of the American Medical Association.

It found study participants who took a class of drugs known as proton pump inhibitors - sold under brand names such as Prilosec, Prevacid and Nexium - for more than two years had a 65 percent increased risk of B-12 deficiency.


"It's not that people should stop the medication," said Dr. Douglas Corley, a Kaiser gastroenterologist and the senior researcher on the study. "It raises the question of whether they should check with their physician to be screened for this vitamin deficiency."

Proton pump inhibitors are among the most commonly prescribed medications in the United States, accounting for more than 100 million prescriptions a year and about $14 billion in sales. While many are available by prescription only, some of these drugs, including Prilosec and Prevacid, are sold over the counter at lower doses.

The drugs, which became popular in the 1990s, are commonly used to treat heartburn, stomach acid reflux disease and gastric ulcers. They are typically recommended for short-term use - up to eight weeks - but some people take the drugs for years.

Alfred Dobrow, 64, a retired ophthalmologist, has taken these antacid medications, mainly Prilosec, for 15 years to treat his acid reflux, a problem that affects as many as 4 in 10 Americans. He said the new class of drug changed his life because antacids like Rolaids and Tums didn't work.

Widespread use
The San Francisco resident said he's not seriously worried about developing B-12 deficiency because he takes a multivitamin with more than the recommended dose of B-12. But he's concerned about the widespread use of the drugs, especially among people who are not being monitored by a physician.

"Now you can go to Costco and get a barrelful of them for almost nothing," he said. The widespread access may falsely reassure people that the drugs are completely benign, he added.

In fact, the acid suppressants have been linked in past research to increased risk in food-borne infections and bone fractures because these drugs make it difficult to absorb certain nutrients, Corley said.

Unlike chewable antacids like Tums, which work to neutralize stomach acid after it has already formed, these drugs go after the source. They shut down the cells in the stomach responsible for producing acid so they can no longer do their job.

"But the same cell that makes stomach acid also makes a little protein that helps vitamin B-12 be absorbed," said Corley, explaining how vitamin B-12 would be considered an unintentional casualty in the process.

Kaiser study
While a few smaller studies on older patients demonstrated the B-12 connection, the Kaiser researchers reviewed the records of nearly 26,000 adult patients diagnosed with vitamin B-12 deficiency at Kaiser hospitals in Northern California between January 1997 and June 2011.

They compared those records with those of about 184,200 patients without the deficiency and found B-12 deficiency significantly more common in patients who took the acid-suppressing medications for at least two years. Twelve percent of the patients who took the drugs were vitamin deficient, compared with 7.2 percent of the patients who didn't.

Several manufacturers of the drugs did not respond to requests to comment or declined to comment on the study.

Dr. Keith Obstein, a gastroenterologist at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville and a committee member of the American College of Gastroenterology, said the study gives physicians another potential side effect to discuss with their patients.

Obstein said he routinely checks his patients' B-12 levels, and he said doctors generally try to limit the length and dose of the drugs. But some patients need to be on them long term.

"Without it, they have horrible symptoms that really affect their daily lives," he said. "If this medication can help them have a more manageable and a better quality of life, then it's worthwhile."

Victoria Colliver is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer.