Genius Is Eternal Patience

Thomas Edison said, Genius is 99% perspiration and 1% inspiration. In other words, work must accompany inspiration.

"Genius is Eternal Patience." This is one of Michelangelo's famous quotes.

I have in mind a very talented six year old pianist, Hannah Lee, who is a student of a friend of mine, Marlita Weiss. When I heard her perform at World Piano Cup in Cincinnati, Ohio, I was amazed by her technique and her abilities at the piano. I later found out that she has been practicing the piano for an hour a day since the age of four!

Years ago, I heard famous pianist Ruth Slynzinska perform all the Chopin Preludes in Chicago, Illinois. Someone complimented her on her natural technique. She graciously smiled and talked about the six hours a day she practices to develop it.

Bill Gates and his friend spent five to six hours daily after school in a computer lab working with computer programming and developing a business plan.

Both Ms. Slynzinska and Mr. Gates no doubt patiently put their ten thousand hours of work into developing their natural talents.

Genius is indeed eternal patience. We can dream all we want. to make those dreams come true, we have to work.

In a study written up in the Jul/Aug issue of the Journal of College Student Development, success in college can be attained by involvement in extracurricular activities, positive connections with friends, and persistent application of study habits. Students who achieve are spurred on to further success with each academic success. In other, words, hard work breeds success which breeds more success.

Dear readers, please feel free to share your experiences with hard work and accomplishments. Dreams can never be achieved without work.

Moody, Bluesy, Depressed and Lethargic Are All Signs of Seasonal Affective Disorder

A little known fact about me...I get SAD

Yes, it's true. Every year around this time and extending to mid March I get SAD, seasonal affective disorder. For most of my life I was clueless that my winter blues were something more then just the blahs. Once aware that SAD was a real issue that many people faced, I was in utter denial that it affected me. After all I was running a program of, "That happens to other people not me. I am strong not weak.I don't have a disorder." I believed that having Seasonal Affective Disorder was a weakness in self and character. As soon as I accepted that SAD was a part of my life and had no bearing on who I was, I took conscious control of it. Now I experience winter in a whole new way.

According to statistics from the Canadian Mental Health Association, between two and three percent of Ontarians may have SAD. Another 15% have a less severe experience described as the "winter blues." Another CMHA study suggests that potentially 750,000 Canadians may be affected.

What is SAD?
Seasonal affective disorder ("affective" is a psychiatric term for mood), describes people who get moody, sad, bluesy and often depressed during the autumn and winter seasons. During the spring and summer, they feel upbeat and energetic. SAD can be triggered by reduced exposure to sunlight during the shorter days which begin in the fall and last until spring time.

What are the symptoms of SAD?
Common symptoms include oversleeping, fatigue, increased appetite with carbohydrate and sweet cravings, overeating, and weight gain, decreased energy, avoidance of social situations, feeling anxious or despair sometimes resulting in depression. People who experience more severe episodes, may have suicidal thoughts.

What can I do if I have SAD?
My first suggestion is to admit that you have it. It is not a sign of weakness and it can be managed effectively. Seek help from a health care professional. Consult with your doctor, naturopath, nutritionist, herbologist, hormone doctor, and a therapist or counselor. There are physical and emotional issues at hand which need attention. Spend time outdoors in the sunshine. Wear sunscreen protection and get outdoors.

Try light therapy. According to the Canadian Mental Health Association, research has shown that many patients with SAD improve with exposure to bright, artificial light, called light therapy, or phototherapy. As little as 30 minutes per day of sitting under a special fluorescent light box results in significant improvement in 60% to 70% of SAD patients. Google light therapy for more information.

Exercise. Moving your body is beneficial to anyone at anytime. Get moving and boost your endorphins, the feel good hormones. Eat nutritiously. I am particularly conscious of my nutrition in the winter making sure I consume healthy foods that help my body run optimally. Salmon, vegetables, fruit, nuts and hearty soups are my favorite. I also use Isagenix products which provide high quality nutrition.

Take Supplements. Please consult with your health care practitioner to help you choose the best ones for you. I consume vitamin D and C, extra omega 3's and essential fatty acids, adrenal support, full spectrum vitamin B's and my beloved Ionix Supreme to get all of my essential trace minerals and herbs.

Engage with people. I know it can be challenging to get out and socialize when all you feel like doing is wrapping a blanket around you and plopping on the sofa. Be strong consciously and give yourself a push to mingle and be with people. You will feel better. I promise. If you can swing it go on a warm sun filled holiday.

Now that I have accepted that I get SAD and have implemented measures to help me get through it, winters have turned into a pleasant time of the year. And my friends and family would agree that I have become a more pleasant person to be around when the cold dark days set in.

The Effects of Bipolar Disorder Symptoms and a Bipolar Support Group

Having bipolar depression is not a joke. It can spell the difference between life and death. In between are episodes of extreme anguish that can make one feel eternally useless and hopeless. On the other hand, a bipolar support group can do a lot to alleviate the pains associated with the disorder. That bipolar support group can be composed of family, friends and even you.

The Challenges of Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder is a brain illness that affects the mood of an individual with extremes of high and low. The person with bipolar disorder finds it hard to cope with the constant shifting of emotions that they become unable to carry on with the demands of daily activities or the maintenance of healthy relationships.

Bipolar Disorder Symptoms

Even if bipolar disorder is a biological illness, the individual experiences psychological effects that influence their thoughts and behavior. In the manic state, they can feel so ecstatic and so full of energy. Yet in the depressive state, they can feel tired and helpless. In both episodes, their thoughts are often irrational and behaviors dangerous. These are just a few of the bipolar disorder symptoms.

Looking for Signs of Bipolar Disorder

Manic-depressive illness may manifest early in childhood or late in adulthood. But most often, the bipolar disorder symptoms become apparent in late adolescence or early adulthood. They can go undetected even though it is important to be very observant and alert to the signals. This way, proper referrals to a mental health professional for diagnosis can be made.

In extremely high moods, the person can exhibit restlessness, talkativeness, racing thoughts, less sleep, being easily distracted, poor judgment, overconfidence over abilities and powers, drug abuse, aggressive behavior and increased sexual desires. Meanwhile, in times of severe depression the person can be very anxious, lonely, fatigued, and pessimistic; complain of pains without medical cause and have difficulty concentrating.

Help for Individuals with Bipolar

With early intervention, bipolar disorder can be treated. The mood swings of those afflicted with the condition can be stabilized and thus help them to live fully functioning lives. One of the treatment modalities involve medications known as mood stabilizers. The medications can be in the form of lithium, valproate, or carbamazepine.

Being Part of a Bipolar Support Group

On the other hand, medications are not the only way to treatment. Most of the time, individuals with bipolar disorder need support that will help them manage themselves during those disturbing mood changes. Getting actively involved in bipolar support groups provides a venue to know more about the disorder and how to cope with it from individuals who experience it themselves. As such, feelings of isolation can be lessened just by being with the group.

Bipolar support groups are available within the local community. In the United States, the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill or NAMI can be contacted. For the rest of the world, there is the Mood Disorders Society of Canada, Manic Depressive Fellowship in U.K., Balance: New Zealand Manic Depressive Network, German Society for Bipolar Disorder and the International Society for Bipolar Disorders among many others.

Finally, a bipolar support group is not only available for the individuals themselves but for their families, friends, and social networks as well. This is also important because these people can help prevent stressful situations from occurring that can become triggers for the manic or depressive episodes of those suffering from the condition. Certainly, a lot of help can be extended to individuals with bipolar disorder just by going the extra mile.

Inspirational and Motivational Quotes From Thomas Edison That Can Motivate a Person

For achieving our dream we need to face so many problems like discouragement from other people, etc., we need to take is as a challenge and should work hard to achieve our goal. A great scientist like Thomas Edison quotes can give you the energy to achieve your dream. Some of the best proverbs are being described here to achieve your dream.

"If you fail the first time you try, remember that there is always a second chance." Once you fear to attempt next chance to achieve your dream then you could not succeed in achieving your goal. So, consider your first failure as a first stepping stone to your success. Things are going to be hard and life is not going to be bed roses when someone tries aim high and tries to achieve the aim.

"Learn also sometimes to be discontented because this will lead your way to progress." Failures give us a best lesson to get the good progress to your dream.Because it teaches to take a right step to move forward to fulfill your dream. So don't get discouraged and dejected until u get the best results to your dream. Always give your 100% to achieve what you aim. Often reading inspirational and motivational quotes like this will help you to keep your spirits up to reach high.

"If you are not certain of what you want to do in life, you can stop a while and think about it." When you confused in life and never know that you are doing the right things in life, then it is time to take break. Calmly analyze the things you want to achieve in life and think the ways and means that will lead to achieve the goal, You should always keep your mind clear to achieve great heights.

The above are some of the best inspirational quotes from the great scientist Thomas Edison. Reading quotes like this help you to keep yourselves motivated from being getting depressed.

Stay Healthy Over 50 With These Medical Tests!

It's a new year, and many of my patients are coming in for their annual check-ups. Maybe you're scheduled to visit your doctor for your annual physical as well. I always like to remind my patients of the old Ben Franklin adage - "an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure." Nothing could be truer where your health is concerned. Prevention, however, comes in many forms, from making sure you get the optimal nutrition, rest, and exercise to being proactive and getting the right medical tests to screen for any possible issues.

If you're over the age of 50, the following medical tests are smart-thinking health screening:

Complete Physical Exam: This involves the following:

• weight taken
• urine sample
• heart and lungs checked by listening with a stethoscope
• blood pressure taken
• routine EKG and chest x-ray

Important Blood Tests: Routine blood work is almost always done with a physical exam. This is the CBC, or complete blood count, that measures hemoglobin/hematocrit, red blood cell indices which can screen for anemia, and white blood cells which can warn of an infection. The differential in the CBCmeasures different components in your blood to see where abnormalities may lie.

A BUN, or blood, urea, nitrogen, measures how well your kidneys are working. Electrolytes, monitors sodium, potassium, magnesium, chloride levels and show if you're dehydrated, deficient in these crucial minerals, or perhaps, retaining water as can happen in heart or kidney disease.

A hemoglobin A1c, test measures glucose levels in your blood. Too high (over 6.0) can mean a possible diabetes or prediabetic condition. Thyroid testing can screen for a too low thyroid which can cause depression, weight gain, fatigue, cold intolerance, and slow heart beat. Too high thyroid can cause palpitations, anxiety, intolerance to heat, arrhythmias and be a risk factor for heart disease. C-reactive protein and/or homocysteine levels are markers for inflammation and possible heart disease. Cholesterol screening can show if you are at high risk for heart disease depending on HDL and LDL levels.

Immunizations: A tetanus toxoid needs to be updated every 7 years. This is important especially if you work around your house or at your job where you might come in contact with rusty nails, metal, dirty conditions etc. Also, if you are at risk for getting the flu and/or pneumonia, you may want to get a Pneumovax vaccine for pneumonia and an influenza vaccine.

Colon Screening: This can include Hemoccult stool cards (especially if you see blood during toileting) and/or a colonoscopy to screen for polyps or possible other colon abnormalities. If you have a family history of colon cancer and/or have been experiencing changes in bowel habits, pain, etc, it is important to have a colonoscopy.

Skin Cancer Screen: Especially if you spend a good deal of time in the sun and/or see age spots or other darkened areas of skin, or changes in moles on your body.

Just For Women: In addition to the above, women over age 50 need these specific tests:

• WC (waist circumference): The cut off is 35". Higher than that and you could be at risk for metabolic syndrome and/or heart disease that may affect women during menopause. Usually, overweight/belly fat is the culprit and risk decreases if you can get below 35".

• HPV with Pap: Also called DNA with Pap. This test screens for HPV, or human papillomavirus, the virus responsible for cervical cancer. This test is routinely negative for over 95% of women who are tested but can find cervical cancer early. If negative, testing every 3 years is acceptable.

• Pelvic Exam: Checks the state of your uterus, ovaries, rectum, and how well your pelvic organs are supported. Generally, a stool blood test is also done. Or, if you prefer, you can be given the Hemoccult cards and take them home and do the sample testing yourself and return the card to your doctor's office to be read for results.

• Breast Exam: Likely you are doing self-exams at home all the time, but a breast exam done by your doctor should be done at least once or twice a year.

• Bone Density Exam. This is a very quick, noninvasive, painless test where you lie on a table and a scan runs slowly over your body and measures the density of your bones. If you are a small boned/framed low weight woman you need closer monitoring for bone health.

• Hormone testing: Should be done to determine if you are menopausal or premenopausal, and/or if hormone replacement therapy may be needed depending on your symptoms. Bioidentical hormone replacement uses natural sources of estrogen to alleviate symptoms.

• Mammogram/Thermography: Women should get a screening mammogram by age 50. If you are not in a high risk group (carry the BRCA gene and/or have a family history of breast cancer) you may be able to wait 2-3 years without getting another one. Thermography is a new breast cancer screening device that uses heat sensing to detect abnormalities. Many health practitioners feel it is safer than traditional mammograms.

• Just For Men: Men over age 50 also need the following specific tests:

• PSA, or Prostate Specific Antigen: This screens for possible prostate cancer. However, not all elevated PSA tests mean prostate cancer. Sometimes a condition called Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy can cause the PSA to be elevated yet the tissue is noncancerous.

• Testosterone levels: Should be done especially if you are experiencing fatigue, depression, low libido. If you have low testosterone, or "low T", you can replace with testosterone shots or using natural therapies.

Some of my patients joke that getting older means getting more and more medical tests. I'm not going to sugar coat it; the list is a bit lengthy. The good news is that, if testing is done regularly, you can be sure you are on the right track in your quest to stay healthy long into your old age. The biggest plus, however, is that they allow you to find problems early enough to have a successful outcome in treating them. In fact, some of my patients, after their yearly exam and tests, go out and celebrate or give themselves a special treat! Works for me!

Nervous Child Symptoms Or Child Anxiety

Nervous child symptoms or - Child anxiety - can be common place, any child can experience them at some time during childhood regardless of circumstances, it could be either a "blip" or a serious disorder. the blip is only temporary and usually passes fairly quickly. Kids that experience an anxiety disorder will demonstrate symptoms and signs such as shyness,fear, and nervousness and they may find excuses not to visit places or people.

An infant or child that experiences fear from a sudden shock or scary (harmless) situation or a "monster" are easily comforted. In the case of children with phobias or anxiety disorders, this is not so simple.

As many as one in ten children can be affected ny anxiety disorders, stress, nervousness, phobias, and OCD. These disorders can be related to others such as eating problems, depression and Serious behavioral problems. Extensive study has proved that children or adolescents left to cope without proper help are far more likely to perform poorly at school or struggle to keep friends and often end up turning to substance abuse.

Thankfully, with the proper treatment your child can learn to cope and treat the symptoms of this cruel affliction and lead a normal life again.

Generalized anxiety disorder When a child has a GAD, they will worry excessively about a variety of things such as criticism, loved ones and home life, relationships and school. They may always seek reassurance.

Panic disorder

Panic disorder is diagnosed after two weeks of feeling uneasy, unreality, general nervousness sweating, fidgeting and feelings of going mad for no apparent reason and then at least 30 days of worrying about panicking again.

Social anxiety disorder Social anxiety disorder, or social phobia, brings fear and anxiety over situations and activities such as going somewhere new or even old, meeting strangers and having to be interviewed by a teacher or parent.

Post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

Children suffering post traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD will have the symptoms after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic horrific event.

Separation anxiety disorder

Children between 18 months and three years old can experience SA, when it is normal to feel some anxiety when a parent leaves their side. Clever parenting skills can be used to their advantage here.

Specific phobias

A specific phobia is the irrational fear of a specific object or situation, maybe a spider, or a trip to the dentist, or maybe swimming. Others may include thunder, Monsters,the dark, heights, needles and medical procedures.

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) Has been seen in kids of a very young age but normally will surface approximately at ten years old. If in Girls then its usually during adolescence, but on the whole, boys will show signs of OCD before puberty. OCD is based on obsessions and the sufferer feels they must perform rituals and routines to try to aid their anxiety.

Symptoms and signs of Depression

Concentration levels can swing - Trouble at at school - Doesn't want to go to school - Self harming or worse thoughts - Frequent crying - Depression - swings in mood - changes in eating habits - Anger/Mood swings - Feeling worthless or restless - Withdrawing from friends and social life - Lack of energy - Low self worth.

Thankfully, with the proper treatment such as cognitive behavioral therapy or "play therapy", your child can learn to cope and treat the symptoms of this cruel affliction and lead a normal life again.

Is Depression a Disease? 3 Main Points For Consideration Regarding Depression

Three main points of view constitute the current thinking on the causes of Depression. The most popular opinion is that it's part of, or a combination, of all three.

1. A hormonal and/or neurochemical imbalance causes Depression and it's therefore a disease.

2. The different types of thinking cause Depression.

3. Unfortunate circumstances or experiences cause Depression.

Each of these carries a strong argument as to cause, but a lot of important questions are left unanswered. Most certainly, Depression causes physical symptoms and occasionally has physical causes, but it is emphatically not a disease.

While it's a fact that thinking styles play a major part in Depression, we have to ask whether being a pessimist is a cause?

Naturally enough, sadness, trauma and some of life's upheavals can seem to trigger Depression. An interesting question, however, is why do some people experience relatively minor setbacks and contract Depression, while others suffer the most frightful episodes in their lives, yet don't experience any form of Depression whatsoever?

How can the way you think cause the awful physical symptoms of Depression? Let's have a look at these 'causes,' try to piece together some sort of understanding and explode a few myths along the way.

1. Depression As A Disease The physical symptoms are exactly what they say they are. Symptoms. They're not causes. The feeling of Depression can morph itself into physicality because of the exhaustion and pain you feel so often, together with your appetite and sleep changes. One key we seek is the link between the emotionally arousing thoughts, dreams and exhaustion, and then at how the physical effects are caused by these entities.

2. Depression And Thinking Styles Just because things go wrong for us sometimes does not mean that Depression's the obvious outcome. Were that the case, then we'd all be wandering around in that awful fog. Different people have different ways of re-acting.

One thought that is common is guilt. Not over what they've done, but for having the illness in the first place. Some people may face enormous disadvantages and setbacks, yet are never struck down by Depression.

It's most important to remember that there are many different ways of dealing with problems and setbacks. Yet again, I can remember a man suffering from Depression when I was in hospital, and he admitted to me that he had no idea why. He had a good job, a loving wife and family, so why the sudden onset of Depression?

3. Depression And Events In Our Lives Depression is often linked to bad experiences, but as I've just illustrated, it works both ways. If something frightful has happened to you, then naturally you'll feel angry, sad, hurt or in a state of shock. Traumatic events, too, may be linked to Depression. However, this doesn't necessarily mean that they cause it.

(A particularly unpleasant condition, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, is obviously a depressive situation. To have your life interrupted during your waking hours by horrific memories is a horrible experience in itself, but it's the emotional arousal this form of condition can create that can bring on Depression).

We'll go ever deeper into this in a forthcoming article