Health in Oklahoma
So, a while back I did an article on the health in Oklahoma (you can view the blog on my website, www.timekatylerpr.com). A lot of people loved it. I am a health nut, I like to eat healthy, partake in activities that cater to my health, and I am always looking for effective ways to enhance and maintain not only my health but the health of my children and even loved ones. I say all that to show a little gratitude towards myself for this week’s blog on…….. HEALTH
The Oklahoma County Health Department obviously is dedicated to the health in Oklahoma. They provide resources and information surrounding a variety of different health issues and topics. This will be the fourth year that the Oklahoma County Health Department hosts the Health at Work Conference. This conference is dedicated to promoting and enhancing worksite wellness efforts in Oklahoma.
So let’s get straight into it. The unemployment rate in Oklahoma is at 5.0% (http://www.ok.gov/oesc_web/Services/Find_Labor_Market_Statistics/) which means that there are a lot of people employed in this state. The majority of the employed spend a significant amount of time at their jobs. Talk about successful marketing, it makes total sense to implement health and wellness programs within the work place in an effort to improve our state’s health. I spoke to Jodi Smith with Health at Work about the goals and the impact thus far that worksite wellness programs have made in Oklahoma. The main goal of the Health at Work Conference is to educate businesses across the state about the importance of worksite wellness. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn the basics of starting a program all the way to enhancing programs to encourage and support long term behavior change. With this being the 4th annual conference, I had to ask about the feedback and participation from local businesses and I was pleased to hear that this works. Jodi let me know that in just three years they have seen an increase in companies embracing worksite wellness, she went on to say that after the conference each year, the Oklahoma City- County Health Departments ‘s Health at Work program sees a surge of participation in its coalition and businesses looking to start wellness programs.
AMAZING!!!! So there you have it, health is extremely important and promoting health and wellness in the workplace is SUPER SMART. I urge businesses and/or individuals to check out the Health at Work Conference. This year’s conference will take place on 5/22/13. For more information you can visit the Oklahoma City County Health Department Website (https://www.occhd.org/community/healthatwork).
Social Media Moms
How interesting is it that years ago conversations between mothers and children consisted of the mom not understanding what it is about this “social media technology STUFF”, to now the children begging their parents to get off of this same “social media technology STUFF.
I do a lot of work with teens and young adults and there seems to be a bit of a trend that everyone’s parents are on fb, twitter, and even instagram. I find this to be so hilarious and it hits me personally because my mother has fb, and instagram. LOL, and it’s not like these moms are getting accounts so that they can spy on their children, they are actually engaging and enjoying social media.
Although it can be a bit embarrassing at times and looking on the bright side of things, I think it is slightly neat that our superiors are keeping up with technology. The more you know the more you grow……. Right?
BUT in the meantime, share your personal experience if you have one with your Social Media Mom. Here are some traits to better help you distinguish if you have a Social Media Mom or not.
- Likes ALL of your pictures leaving you with 71 notifications ALL FROM HER
- Is friends with ALL of your friends
- Comments on your wall and pictures, and your friend’s wall and pictures
- Has mobile apps and text notifications coming directly to their phone
- Knows all of the latest social media gossip BEFORE YOU
- Logs on at crazy hours of the night and morning
It took for me to stop and think one day about the increase in moms that I have seen create accounts on different social media sites. It’s amazing how different trends are so big that they began to overtime grow on EVERYONE. SHOUT OUT TO ALL SOCIAL MEDIA MOMS WE LOVE YOU
Development
When you think of development what comes to mind?
Development is a specified state of growth or advancement. Understanding that there is human development, as humans we HAVE to stop and THINK. Human Development involves the biological, physical, cognitive, and social aspects of growth throughout one’s life.
Now, I can confidently say that I am sure you all are aware of all of that. So let’s move on. We are informed, we have the knowledge, but are we applying it correctly?
Did you know that when you take that knowledge and apply it, it could make a HUGE difference in someone’s life? See, not everyone has the capability to think past the current experiences that they face in today’s society. When you have that capability, you are in a good position. Good position because more than likely you are pretty successful, and good position because you have the chance to make a difference in someone’s life which than makes you successful and significant. WOW!!
Learning about development increases your understanding of other situations outside of the ones that you experience personally. When you understand something, you are well informed on that topic. As the leader that you are, take that information and share it with someone who is not as fortunate as you.
As humans, people go through changes, they develop. They are developing as humans in a society that does not really cater to their development. THAT’S CRAZY; but it’s true.
So just ponder on that. Today’s youth is developing FAST and we have to understand that so that we are able to reach them and teach them.
Having so much knowledge is hard sometimes, understood, but don’t be stingy with what you know, lend a hand where a hand is needed. You never know how big of an impact you could have on someone by just sharing beneficial information that could shape their future.
Alcohol abuse and dementia
With St. Patrick’s Day and all of the talk about alcohol, it reminded of some valuable information that I could share.
I have been hearing a lot about alcohol abuse causing dementia through the years, but I am beginning to hear more about it nowadays. So let’s start here, what is alcohol abuse? Moderate drinking is one drink a day for women and two drinks a day for men. Anything above that is abuse, we will just say that.
Excessive alcohol consumption has a horrible effect on the central nervous system. Your central nervous system is vital and is responsible for some of the main functions of your body. Alcohol also affects the brain, your brain sends signals to different functions of your body, and these signals tell them what to do. When you consume large amounts of alcohol, your blood absorbs it and messes with the regular functions of it.
There is no guarantee that alcohol consumption causes dementia, but it is guaranteed that it could potentially have a perpetual effect on your health. It is now being said that even moderate drinking can lead to different forms of dementia. The need for more studies on this is high, so that there can be more accuracy in the findings. Of course if you drink heavy amounts of alcohol consistently for a long period of time, then your chances are higher. They previously conducted a lot of studies on the elderly and Alzheimer patients screening them for alcohol abuse. Recent studies on this have been controversial and have had different findings, either way the facts remain the same. Alcohol abuse is dangerous and can lead to long term health concerns, so during the holidays and summer months, take it easy and be careful.
Still Cruising?
I have been following the story about the Carnival Ship.
For all who do not know about it, there was a cruise going on and the Carnival that hosted it had an engine fire break out. As a result of this fire, the main power source was crippled along with the water and plumbing systems which left no electricity on the ship and NO PLUMBING SYSTEM. There were over 3500 passengers aboard on this cruise.
That is just the beginning of it.
Imagine being on a cruise. When I think of cruise, I think of luxury, beauty, relaxation……PURE HARMONY. Opposite of my imagination, this cruise on the Carnival Triumph was HORRIBLE.
Here is an idea of just how horrible conditions were: there was no electricity, toilets would not flush, only FIVE bathrooms were working (mind you there were over 3500 passengers), and there was no air conditioning; they underwent these conditions for a whole week.
So the passengers…….. Their harmonious cruise turned into a nightmare. They were forced to sleep outside due to the temperature. There were ridiculously long lines for food and for the restroom. The toilets began to overflow so the carpet reeked of urine and although there were lines for food, there wasn’t much food available. No electricity means they couldn’t cook and were surviving off of onion and cucumber sandwiches.
I COULD NOT IMAGINE……… my mouth dropped and stayed open from the first day I heard about it up until…………….well I’m still in utter shock about this so let’s just say, this is a Jaw Dropping story.
How would you react if this were to happen to you? What would you want to happen as a result of it?
The cruise line, Carnival, is giving all passengers 100% refund for the cruise expenses as well as gratuities. AND passengers that were boarded on the Carnival Triumph receive a DISCOUNT on future cruise trips.
I would really be interested in knowing how many of those passengers take advantage of that discount.
Insanity
So there is this workout video that has been the talk of a lot of people lately. The Insanity Workout is an insane workout that last only 30 minutes and is filled with hardcore aerobics, plyometric drills, nonstop intervals of strength, power and resistance, ab training moves, and core training moves.
OUCH!! Sounds pretty insane right?
So after hearing the stories and looking at the videos on YouTube of the workout, I think it really is kind of insane.
I heard a story of a lady’s body giving out on her after she participated in this workout, the dental assistant at my son’s dentist was having a horrible morning after a night of insanity, and my little sister is ready to back up on her goal to lose weight. LOL
I personally think that this is a pretty good workout, and it fits into all of the excuses that people give as to why they can’t work out.
• “I don’t have the time” — Well you don’t really need much time, these workouts last 30 minutes. If delegating 30 minutes of your time is not worth it to get in shape and lose weight, then … you probably aren’t really dedicated to the cause.
• “I’m too big, plus I am not fit nor am I in shape” — You can never be too big to work out, you just gradually do it and eventually you will be able to pick up the pace along the way. The more you work out, your body will began to get used to it and that begins the whole getting fit process.
• “I work out enough at work” — This has to be the funniest, just because you may be tired or exhausted … Doesn’t mean that you have necessarily worked out.
I am going to take a whack at the Insanity Workout and see how I do and if you are looking for alternative ways to tone and/or lose weight, then you should try it and share your experience. It’s like you’re insane if you do it and you’re insane if you don’t.
Are you insane?
New year, new me … or not
Lose weight, gain weight, change of attitude, control temper, budget money, spend more time with family, focus on school, raise grades, set goals and reach them …
I think I’ll stop there.
This is just an everyday goal for some, a starting point for things that certain individuals wish to accomplish in life. For others, it’s a new year’s resolution.
Wikipedia defines a New Year’s Resolution as a commitment that an individual makes to a project or the reforming of a habit, often a lifestyle change (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Year’s_resolution).
So, it is safe to say that a lot of people take the new year as a time to reflect on things that they want or need to change in their life. In my opinion, we should reflect daily not only on things that we want or need to change in our life, but we should also reflect daily on the many blessings that we have.
Each year, people have these resolutions, in which some have the same ones every year just to never fulfill them. Each year as a country we find ourselves entering into another year grieving and mourning losses and tragedies …
I say all this to say that you have one life, and in some cases one chance. Quit waiting on the new year and EMBARK on it NOW.
Humble we should be, no matter how successful we are
Appreciative of goal-reaching, no matter how near or far
Patient of things that we diligently strive for
Pleasured that we are able, breathing and alive
Young in spirit despite of our age
Never giving up, no matter how bad the rage
Enlightened by the good as well as the bad
Willing to keep pushing whether happy or sad
Yes, we should answer when we know that we can
Especially when it’s for the good of lending a hand
Aware of our strengths as well as our flaws
Ready to conquer even after we fall
Yes it’s a new year, but it is just another day, the same opportunities maybe just a different way. No need for a resolution to a problem that you wish to solve, because as humans we constantly grow and continue to evolve. So let’s be real, there is no need for a New Year’s Resolution, when 365 days ago you could’ve come up with the same solution.
HAPPY NEW YEAR, EVERYONE!
The truth about Santa Claus
Happy Holidays to all of our loyal readers. With Christmas just around the corner, I am sure there is a lot of anticipation from the children and some adults to regarding what outstanding gifts they will receive this year.
I must admit, me and my family love all the Christmas movies and programs that are on surrounding Santa Claus and his suspected trip delivering everyone’s gifts. These programs have raised a HUGE argument as to whether Santa is real or not.
I do a lot of charity work so I am able to speak to a variety of people in all age ranges. I decided to start taking a poll, especially from children, on their thoughts about Santa.
There were an amazing amount of children over the age of 10 that still believe in Santa Claus. I’ll be honest, I was a little shocked. I was under the assumption that not as many parents fed their children the whole Santa story around holiday season.
I was too scared to give my opinion because these children were so passionate about their thoughts and feelings towards the whole topic. They were at each other’s throats if their fellow mate didn’t agree with them; it was the cutest thing ever.
At the end of it all, after I calmed them down, it opened up room for us to share stories about what we wanted, what we were thankful for, and even things that we wanted “Santa” to help us with. It was a beautiful experience; but now I am eager to know, what do you tell your children about Santa Claus and the Christmas holiday?
Comments would be nice, but even if you just ponder on it, that would be awesome as well. Children have these enormous imaginations, and they hear and learn a lot from outside sources that are not their parents, so what conversations is everyone having with their children nowadays regarding Santa and the Christmas holiday?
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year again to all of our loyal readers; have a Blessed one.
The inappropriateness of television
There are parental controls and a number of settings that allow parents to monitor and/or prevent certain programs on TV from being accessible by their children, but does that really do the job?
Being a mom myself, and knowing the effect that society has on people in general, I am extra careful with what I allow my son to watch on TV. I actually just buy him DVDs now but even then, some of these cartoons are saying the craziest things.
Cartoon Network for instance; when I was growing up, staying up late watching Cartoon Network consisted of reruns of Scooby Doo or when it got too late, boring infomercials were on. Now they have Adult Swim, which totally takes away from the “cartoon kid friendly” network that this channel used to represent.
And then … The new millennium of “kid stars”. It almost seems as if one year this new very adorable kid is a new, hot character on your child’s favorite television show, and then the next year, they are in the tabloids for doing not so kiddy things. These shows are so popular however, that they still run on air which then gives children yet another wonderful role model to look up to.
Now, Family Guy is hilarious I get it, but it is obviously an adult cartoon but yet they sell the Family Guy merchandise in children’s clothes, toys, etc. Why would a child need to be affiliated with a cartoon like Family Guy?
As adults, we sit back and wonder why all the violence, why do we have so many kids disrespecting themselves, elders, property, life … The list goes on and on.
The moral is, look at what the new generation(s) are exposed to, have been exposed to, and will continue to be exposed to. We no longer have to worry about Internet, or friends of our kids, or what they will be exposed to outside of the home, because sometimes right on television in all of these cartoons, children learn everything that most parents would not want them to learn.
Scam alert
Technology is on the rise; the holidays are coming and going. The scammers are out and pulling out some of what they think are their best tricks.
We are all very aware of the calls, texts, and e mails, promising vacations and free luxury items if you just call this number and give some “minor” information.
Some consumers are more aware of things like this than others so as good citizens, if you know someone that believes every good thing that they hear … WARN THEM.
Here is what is new or it can be old and just new to me and a few comrades that I have spoken with.
There are marketers calling and saying that you are late on certain utility bills and in order to prevent automatic termination of service you have to pay a certain amount, they are demanding credit/debit card information on the spot.
There are websites with some amazing deals on them, telling you don’t waste time in lines at the stores when you can just order your items on their site and receive them before the Christmas holiday.
The catch on that is, you pay for the items and then you find out days later that those items had to be back ordered and then were never available so they cancel the order as a whole … BUT they have your information and do as they please with it.
Of course text and e mail marketing is booming around this time so BE CAREFUL what you believe and what sites you give sensitive information to because believe it or not, it can happen to you, me, or a loved one.
Let’s look out for one another and SHOP SAFELY.
