March 30, 2008

Politics in the Media: Reading Between the Lines

A vast amount of information is being thrown at the American people at break neck speeds these days, with the election race being at the top of the agenda. One minute we’re hearing about this senator, that senator, this mayor or that governor. The human brain is good, but it isn’t that good. It quickly uses what’s available which draws upon our individual experiences–our maps. It is now more critical than ever to learn how to adequately sort through all of the information and draw rational, sound conclusions allowing us to take decisive action.The reason it is more important than ever is because we have been at war for quite some time now, and there seems to be yet another war on the horizon–Iran War. Now I can’t speak for anyone else, but it is of my opinion that war should be avoided at all costs, wherever possible, namely because of the waste and carnage of the lives of human beings it leaves behind.As a success coach and specialist in NLP, I make it an essential point to stay abreast of all the current events and topics that people deem as significant. I also spend a great deal of time exploring the responses of the people to these issues and news events. One of the chief ways I do this is by reading the comments posted on the various message boards and in chat rooms. And the conclusions that I’ve come to as of late, is that our people are very tired. We are angry and upset with all of the events that are taking place, as we are seemingly helpless, and not making many of the decisions that affect us and our children.One of the principle presuppositions of neurolinguistic programming (NLP) is that “the map is not the territory.” What that really means is that everything isn’t always as it seems. My beliefs, no matter what the issue will be different from yours. What I believe to be essential and important are going to be different for you. There is no right or wrong in that; it’s just simply what it is. The beliefs and tenets we use to navigate our way through our world essentially is our reality, so if my experience is such that I view certain things to be a certain way, then my map(what I use to arrive at conclusions) is going to be my territory. This kind of thinking will be limiting to my personal growth. I have observed this in people and have helped many overcome. The problem is, they are relying on outdated maps, because as you know these things must change over time in order to effectively serve the people using them.Those responsible for deciding what gets aired, and how have decidedly their own maps as well. This is the first election cycle in our nation’s history when a woman and an African-American are seriously being considered for the highest office in our land—President of the United States. Whether either of them actually takes office is incidental; the key is to realize that this is an apparent sign that the territory has changed; so now our maps must change as well. Now whether we are able to achieve that feat remains to be seen. The reality is, until we find a way to accomplish this, we collectively will reap many consequences in the not so distant future.! A Call-To-Action: As you read and listen to the various news media and politicians, learn to read/listen between the lines. Ask yourself, “What are they really saying to me, without exactly saying it?” Tune into, but do not immediately turn on. Use critical thinking skills first and foremost even with those candidates you particularly like. Listen to candidates whose views you do not agree with and pay attention to news sources from different parts of the world. Whether your chosen candidate wins or not, understand that election cycles are always a time for learning, development and growth.—Aunice Reed is a Professional Success Coach and NLP Specialist, specializing in Women’s Personal Achievement and Self-Discovery Work. Visit:http://www.myunlimitedsuccess.com to learn more.

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Catastrophic Injuries: Paralysis, Amputation, Burns

Overview:A catastrophic injury or illness usually occurs suddenly and without warning. Injuries may be considered catastrophic when they disrupt a person’s life and livelihood, or ability to earn a living. Management of catastrophic injuries is complex and may require the expertise of a team of health care professionals as the injured person moves from hospital to rehabilitation, and return to home and community.The financial fallout from a catastrophic injury makes essential the careful valuation of the claim by an experienced personal injury attorney working with economic and vocational specialists, life care planning specialists, and specialists in rehabilitation medicine.The goal of an attorney handling these matters is simple: to secure for the client the Best Possible Future.ParalysisOne type of catastrophic injury is paralysis.Definition: “Complete loss of strength to an affected limb or muscle group.”Normal muscle function requires unbroken nerve connection from the brain to a particular muscle. Damage at any point along this path reduces the brain’s ability to move a muscle and may cause muscle weakness. Complete loss of the nerve prevents movement and is called paralysis.Weakness may sometimes lead to paralysis. Other times, strength may be restored to a paralyzed limb.While paralysis may affect an individual muscle, it usually affects an entire body region. Some types of paralysis are:Quadriplegia: where the arms, legs and chest are paralyzed;Paraplegia: where both legs, and sometimes part of the chest, are paralyzed;Hemiplegia: where one side of the body is paralyzed.Paralysis may be caused by damage to the spinal cord or brain.Damage to the brain may come from a stroke, tumor, certain diseases and a fall or blow to the head. - Damage to the spinal cord is most often caused by trauma, such as a fall or car accident. There may be other causes, such as a herniated disc or various diseases or conditions. The type of paralysis may give important clues to its origin. Paraplegia, or paralysis of the legs, occurs after damage to the lower spinal cord, and quadriplegia occurs after injury to the upper spinal cord, at the shoulders or higher. Spinal cord damage too high on the neck will affect the nerves serving the lungs and heart paralyzing the muscles that circulate blood and cause breathing, resulting in death.Not all paralysis is treatable. But for non-permanent paralysis, the only way to treat paralysis is to repair its underlying cause. Rehabilitation may include: physical therapy to rebuild the muscles; occupational therapy to help restore the ability to perform daily activities, such as bathing, getting dressed; respiratory therapy to help breathing; vocational rehabilitation to retrain for a job; social worker to help adjust to one’s condition; speech-language pathologist; nutritionist and others.Legal consequences: In a lawsuit from an accident causing paralysis, an injury attorney may have to consult many of these specialized experts, in addition to medical doctors, to best understand what the future holds for a paralyzed accident victim and how best to present that person’s claim to a jury.Where the paralysis affects the injured person’s ability to earn a living, there may also be coordination with Medicare, Medicaid, private health and disability insurance, and other alternative sources of income or payment for medical care.AmputationAnother type of catastrophic injury is amputation.Definition: “Loss of a body part.” Usually a finger, toe, arm or leg, due to an injury, accident or trauma.Sometimes an amputated body part can be re-attached, especially when care is taken both of the body part and site of the amputation.In a partial amputation, some tissue remains connected. Re-attachment may or may not be possible.Complications common to this type of injury include bleeding, shock and infection.50% to 80% of amputees experience the phenomenon of “phantom limbs.” This means that they feel as if the missing body part is still there. These phantom limbs can itch, ache and feel as if they are moving.Some causes of amputation: factory, farm or power tool accidents or from motor vehicle accidents.Amputees may require long-term care which may include a prosthesis and training in its use.In a lawsuit from an accident causing amputation, an injury attorney will have to focus on rehabilitation and the injured client’s ability to earn a living. Vocational and occupational experts are frequently consulted. The question often arises about future expenses, such as future medical costs and care and replacement of the prosthesis.BurnsFrom kids washing under a too-hot faucet to the accidental steam explosion from a car radiator, burns are a potential hazard. Babies and young children are especially susceptible to burns, as they are small and curious and have sensitive skin.Common causes of burns are:Scalding (from hot liquids or steam) - contact with open flame or heated objects (stove,fireplace, etc.) - chemical burns (bleach, battery acid, etc.) - electrical burns - sun burn Types of burns:First-degree: Mildest. Limited to top layer of skin. Redness, pain minor swelling. No blisters.Second-degree: More serious. Involve skin layers beneath the top layer.Third-degree: Most serious. Involves all layers of skin and underlying tissue. Nerve damage may mean little pain.What to do:Seek medical assistance if:Burned area is large or looks infected (swelling, pus, redness, etc.); Burn is from a fire, electrical or chemical source; Smoke was inhaled; - Burn is on the face, scalp, hands or genitals. A lawsuit for an accident involving burns can require sophisticated engineering assistance to show negligence, particularly in the cases of chemicals and/or defective products. An experienced legal team is essential.—FREE books and reports! For more information about New York car accidents and personal injury request attorney & author Gary Rosenberg’s FREE book: Warning! Things That Can Destroy Your Car Accident Case (And the Insurance Companies Already Know These Things), at www.GreatLegalBooks.com . For more information and FREE reports, visit my website, www.GaryRosenberg-Law.com .

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Radiesse Following in the Footsteps of Botox to Treat Wrinkles

The FDA has recently approved Radiesse, dermal filler, as an alternative cosmetic procedure for the eradication of facial folds and wrinkles. It has rapidly gained momentum here in the United States as the new standard for treatment to facial wrinkles. It follows in the wake of the vanguard of injectables, Botox, and other similar plastic surgery techniques currently popular with the clientele searching for ways to appear more youthful. The two primary selling features of this newer dermal filler are its cost effectiveness and lower risk as compared to other related cosmetic treatments available on the market. A major advantage to using Radiesse is that the patient isn’t required to undergo an extensive allergy testing regimen prior to the administration. The reason for this is that the constituents found in Radiesse are similar in structure to those found in the human body. Thus, no immune response is triggered and the costly allergen testing is eliminated. Radiesse utilizes a microspheres technology in its make up. These microspheres contain synthetic calcium hydoxylapatite which are suspended in a water-based gel matrix of carboxymethylcellulose. Calcium hydroxylapatite is a natural component of human bone and teeth. The compound carboxymethylcellulose is routinely used as a thickening agent and is found in such familiar items as toothpaste and ice cream. It has been shown that the microspheres in Radiesse are safely and naturally reabsorbed by the human body Besides the elimination of allergen testing, it is important to note that individuals that have undergone a Radiesse treatment have reported positive results with less office visits. Clinical studies have shown that the desirable effects of this procedure can last for a year or more depending on the individual. The patient may experience a savings in time and money with less office visits. Radiesse is not a newcomer in the arena of plastic surgery. For a number of years this product has been utilized worldwide in a variety of prosthetic implants used in dental, facial and orthopedic surgeries. One unique attribute of this dermal filler is its ability to stimulate collagen production at the site of administration. Studies have found that new collagen gradually replaces the synthetic compound over time as it is reabsorbed by the body. The total replacement of Radiesse by new collagen is complete in about three months. Another important clinical finding is that this compound also provides facial volume to counteract some feature of the aging process.The actual procedure itself is simple to perform and minimally invasive. A mild local anesthetic is used to numb the area before procedure. The numbing effect of the anesthetic normally wears off within a half hour. The drug is then administered to the site via injection. The lingering effects of the procedure are reported to be minimal and there will be some slight swelling due to the expansion of the facial tissue. This is normally resolved within a day. None of the patients that were interviewed have complained about any long term pain. Patients can resume normal activities within just a few short hours. However, there are certain things that one should avoid for at least 48 hours after the procedure is performed such as strenuous laughing, drinking through a straw, and singing. Before selecting this type of treatment, it is imperative that the patient do the appropriate research to ensure that the physician that they select is qualified to perform this procedure.For injectables such as Radeisse and Botox, San Francisco men and women seek out the excellence of experienced, board certified surgeons. One San Francisco plastic surgeon offering a variety of injectables has information, procedure before and after pictures, and financing options at www.drkim.com.

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