Overcoming anxiety forever

If you have recently been diagnosed with anxiety or even just suspecting that you are suffering from some kind of anxiety disorder, you are probably feeling scared, overwhelmed and powerless, very alone and frustrated that people around you just do not understand what you are going through. Overcoming anxiety is not an easy work to do but there are some practical things you can perform in order to regain the control of your feelings and your life. In addition to this, a panic away program is a powerful and effective method to release stress and to get your life back.

The first thing to do if you want to overcome anxiety is to stop being judgmental about you and your disorder and not agonize about how you got in this situation. You are dealing with a difficult situation and from this moment you must have a positive attitude and focus on how to move on and feel better. You have to admit that panic attacks and anxiety are medical disorders and doesn't make sense to be dramatic because chemical and physical changes in your body are the main cause of this problem. It is just another illness that requires special attention and you must involve all your efforts and positive attitude in order to push panic away from your life. Understanding this disorder and the reasons why it occurs is already a major step in the process of overcoming anxiety. If you experience sensations such as dizziness, nausea, light headedness and a pounding heart and sometimes they even occur simultaneously, the first thing to do is to regulate your diet and your body and then regulate your mind and emotions. You also need dedicated examination and therapy and avoid anti-anxiety drugs and antidepressants because they can only help you on short-term.

Overcome anxiety is actually possible and you must strongly believe this and learn to deal with your worries in more productive ways, making any necessary anxiety-reducing lifestyle changes. Learning and practicing relaxation techniques such as deep breathing and and meditation will help your nervous system to become less reactive and thus you will have an increased resistance to stress and anxiety. It is also very important to learn how to self-sooth because this can make a great difference in your struggle to push panic away. This is an effective method that usually incorporates one or more of your physical senses, the senses of sight, sound, smell, touch and taste. If these self-help methods are not enough and the anxiety and panic attack persists, you should combine them with therapy or other treatments which are very useful and also side-effect free.

Regarding this matter, panic away program is a natural technique which doesn't involve medication because it is based on cognitive behavior therapy. Moreover, most of these techniques can be implemented in just a few minutes and they provide long-term relief and the possibility to eliminate anxiety forever. When you deal with this kind of problems you need to find a permanent solution to keep panic away and this program might be just what you need. This program has a proven formula and it instructs you how to break the panic cycle, to reestablish you self-confidence and get in control of your life.
Panic away program is different from other treatments since it fully empowers you instead of just instructing you ways to manage and deal with panic attacks once they have happened. The reliability of this program is proved by the fact that it has the largest collection of testimonials than any other treatment program and they can be affirmed thus panic away might be your chance to live a normal life.




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Panic Attack Symptoms

Let’s start by clarifying a misconception.

Strictly speaking the word ‘symptom’ is used when describing the effects caused by a physical illness.

Now anxiety and panic are not physical illnesses – they are behavioural responses to a thought or thoughts inspired by an outside stimulus. Therefore the resulting sensations from feelings of anxiety and panic are not strictly speaking symptoms.

They are just that – sensations.

Anxiety and Panic are normal feelings

Feelings of fear are perfectly natural and are created by built-in body reactions designed to switch on when encountering warning situations that might require a quick decision or action to be made.

It is this awareness of fear that triggers the ‘fight or flight’ mechanism that man has needed in order to survive.

When activated, this mechanism heightens the senses needed to make quick decisions and take appropriate action and causes the heart to pump harder.

So we see that fear and anxiety reactions are an important and necessary part of life. Everyone, to a greater or lesser extent, experiences moments of anxiety when, for instance, faced with a big, important exam or a major speaking occasion. Or, maybe, feelings of vulnerability or threat when walking through an unlit back street.

This response though is only normally triggered when there is the actual or perceived presence of real threat.

Anxiety and panic response triggers experienced at times when no potential threat is apparent is described as ‘Inappropriate Anxiety’ – all the sensations of fear but without the presence of actual fear.

The heart starts to race and the mind begins to create all sorts of totally irrational ‘what if’ scenarios which then compound themselves creating even more irrational thoughts and build up to a panic attack with all the attendant, very unpleasant, sensations. All this based on a false fear.

This though is not to belittle the often-frightening sensations felt when experiencing a panic attack.

Typical panic attack symptoms

These very often include:

· pounding, rapid heart beat,
· chest pains,
· heavy perspiration,
· visible shaking
· dizziness
· nausea
· hot flushes
· shortage of breath
· muscle pain.
. . . and there are so many more.

In fact, sufferers can often feel as though they are experiencing all the symptoms of a heart attack and in extreme cases have found themselves reporting to the local hospital .

Do be reassured though that nobody has ever come to physical harm as the result of experiencing a panic attack.

Although horrid and frightening, the sensations experienced are totally harmless.

The important thing to understand is that an inappropriate anxiety or panic attack is the result of a disorder caused by an imbalance in the body’s natural warning mechanism.

Realise that you are not alone.

Approximately 2.4 million (1.7%) of American adults in the 18-54 age group experience Panic Attack disorders.

Good news

The good news is that you don’t have to suffer this way.

If you are concerned about your attacks then a visit to your doctor would be advisable.

But do realise that you can control and overcome these attacks yourself.

To find out how you can effectively overcome these unnecessary panic attacks, visit http://panicattacksallgone.com


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Know the Cause of Your Panic Attacks

In order to begin to eliminate your panic, it's critical for you to be aware of what causes panic attacks. When you know what causes a panic attack, you can be prepared and alert to the signs and symptoms. Awareness is the first step to making any kind of change, for if you are not aware, then you can't change it.

What Is A Panic Attack?

A panic attack is an unforeseen surge of severe, overpowering anxiety and fear. Your heart may pound or it becomes difficult to breathe. You feel dizzy and sick to your stomach. You may even think like you're dying or going crazy. And the worst part of it is that panic attacks may occur any time, anywhere, unpredictably!

Panic is a Body-Mind Process

Although the exact causes of panic attacks and panic disorders are unclear, both the mind and the body are active in causing panic attacks.

Stressful life transitions such as getting married, having children, getting a job, etc. can cause panic attacks. The death of a loved one, a divorce, or job loss can also trigger panic attacks.

Panic attacks may have physiological roots. Some scientific investigation suggests the tendency to have panic attacks may be partially genetic, and studies with twins have shown the possibility of inheriting the panic disorder.

There also appears to be a relation with coming down with major illnesses and having panic attacks. An increase in the rate of panic attacks has been observed in some women when they are pregnant.

Possible Physical Causes of Panic Attacks

If you're noticing symptoms of panic (read about symptoms here: http://panicsolutions.info/symptoms-of-panic), it's important to visit a doctor to rule out the following physiological conditions as possible causes of panic attacks:

* Mitral valve prolapse, a minor cardiac problem that occurs when one of the heart's valves doesn't close properly
* Hyperthyroidism
* Hypoglycemia
* Stimulant use (amphetamines, cocaine, caffeine)
* Medication withdrawal

Other Known Causes

The following non-exhaustive list of what causes panic attacks is here for your reference.

* Adjustment disorder
* Agoraphobia
* Amphetamine abuse
* Anxiety disorders - certain other types of anxiety disorders can lead to panic attacks:
* Chemical poisoning - Jet Fuel-4
* Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
* Cocaine overdose
* Ecstasy withdrawal
* Hashimoto's Thyroiditis
* Hyperventilation
* Inborn amino acid metabolism disorder
* Marijuana abuse
* Marijuana overdose
* Myoclonic dystonia
* Obsessive-compulsive disorder
* Panic disorder
* Panic disorder with agoraphobia [link]
* Panic disorder without agoraphobia
* Post-traumatic stress disorder
* Premenstrual dysphoric disorder
* Rett's syndrome
* Separation anxiety disorder
* Social phobia (affects over 10 million Americans)
* Specific phobias
* Stress
* Substance-induced anxiety disorder

Medications known to cause Panic Attacks

* Cannabis
* Catovit
* Charas
* Ecstasy
* Hash
* Marijuana
* Mazindol
* Prolintane
* Sanorex

These causes of panic attacks affect over 1 million Americans:

* Agoraphobia
* Hashimoto's Thyroiditis
* Obsessive-compulsive disorder
* Panic disorder
* Post-traumatic stress disorder

If you have a panic disorder, without treatment, you may develop a fear of having panic attacks! This often actually causes a panic attack and the cycle begins. Often, the sufferer of panic will persuade himself/herself so convincingly that they are dying that many feel the need to obtain emergency treatment.

Summary

There are many possible causes of your panic attacks, ranging from stress to life changes to substance abuse and side effects of medication. When panic attacks repeat, the sufferer may actually become afraid of having another attack that you will cause one, creating a draining cycle.

By knowing the potential causes of panic and panic attacks, you can better control your situation and your state of mind, helping you head off the situations that cause panic in you.

------
This article is intended only to provide general information and is not intended as an exhaustive source of information for the topics discussed. This article does not replace your relationship with any health care professional you are consulting with or consult with in the future.

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Did Matt Lauer Get Hair Transplants?

One of the most public of all hair transplants was those inflicted on Today Show host Matt Lauer. When it became apparent that Matt Lauer was losing his hair, photographs were taken of his balding spot in the back of his head. These were splashed all over the tabloids and the internet. There was full page spread about his hair follies, as they were called, as Matt Lauer continued to show up with hair, without hair, in a hat and now, finally, with growing hair. This leaves no doubt that the Today Show host had hair transplant surgery.



Matt Lauer is far from alone when it comes to hair transplants. Although his initial hair transplants were bad, his new hair transplants appear to be much more natural and are doing as they should, growing new hair on his head. In fact, Matt Lauer seems to be getting hairier as days progress. Unfortunately for him, he has a job that entails he be in the studio on a daily basis. While most stars who have had hair transplant surgery can hide out for weeks or months until the look is more natural, Matt Lauer did not have this luxury. His hair transplants, both bad and good, were played out for the world to see on a daily basis.



Refined methods of hair transplant surgery have made hair restoration look more natural. If done correctly, they can not only look natural, but also will allow for the transplanted hair to grow. This is done by transplanting healthy hair cells into the scalp and allowing them to take root. The healthy hair follicles are usually pulled from the back of the hair, although cloning hair is now on the horizon and may be an option for some in the future.



There is no doubt, judging by his daily appearances and hair look, that Matt Lauer has had hair transplant surgery. The main difference between his hair transplants as opposed to other stars is the fact that his hair problems were witnessed by everyone who watched the Today Show. Unlike the many other celebrities who had hair transplants, he did not have the luxury of hiding out until the new hair took hold.







Find a San Francisco hair loss, Miami hair loss, or Dallas hair loss professional.


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3 Top Unknown Key Lifestyle Factors For Better Skin Health

Check your skin health using a simple DIY test

The main physiological parameters for normal work of skin cells are their oxygenation and blood supply. Low skin oxygenation (tissue hypoxia) and inadequate blood supply are normal features for acne, eczema, dermatitis, and psoriasis. People with normal oxygenation and circulation never develop these and many other skin problems.

How to find out or measure body oxygenation? After exhalation, observe how long the person can hold their breath without any stress or discomfort. Do the stress-free BHT (breath holding time) test. Here are the steps to follow. After your usual exhalation, pinch the nose, and close the mouth. Hold your breath, but only till the first distress or discomfort. It will appear at certain moment of time and will start to grow. Release your nose and resume breathing exactly at the beginning of this stress. If you do the test correctly, your breathing after the test will be the same as before it.

[Warning. Some, not all, people with heart disease, migraine headaches, and panic attacks may experience negative symptoms minutes later after this light version of the test. If this happens, they should avoid this test.]

Why does circulation influence this test? Should breath holding be only about body oxygenation? Well, if blood supply to tissues is reduced, oxygen delivery will be reduced, and body oxygenation will suffer. Hence, good breath holding abilities are possible only when circulation is good.

Normal values for the breath holding test are about 40-60 s. People with normal breathing parameters can do such breath holds easily. If your result is less than 40 s, your skin circulation and oxygenation are compromised. You need to change your unconscious breathing pattern and correct lifestyle factors which influence oxygenation.

Top lifestyle factors

1. Mouth breathing drastically reduces index of oxygenation! People with normal oxygenation and circulation never breathe through their mouth. First, observe breathing of people with skin problems. It is often heavy, visible (chest movements), and audible (sighing, panting, coughing, yawning, etc.). Breathing of healthy people, who naturally have long breath holding time is invisible and inaudible 24/7, except of course, physical exercise. Second, you can check the effects of mouth breathing yourself. Measure your BHT when you breathe through the nose. Then pinch your nose with a clip and breathe through your mouth for about 20-30 minutes and you will notice that mouth breathing can reduce body oxygenation index (the stress-free breath holding time) by about 30-70%. Note that people do not notice their own mouth breathing. You need to ask somebody else to observe and correct you. Children may do this simple task with no difficulties, especially if you give them a reward later and inform about it now. Hence, breathe only through your nose. If your nose is often blocked, learn the therapy described in the article "The breathing exercise to unblock the nose" (http://www.normalbreathing.com/Articles-unblock-the-nose.php).

2. Mouth breathing during the night can produce devastating health effects. Not only oxygenation and blood supply to the skin and vital organs significantly drops, we can suffer from snoring, sleep apnea, morning fatigue, dry mouth syndrome (dental and oral symptoms), brain oxygen de-saturation, stroke, heart attacks, asthma attacks, and many other serious problems. If your mouth is dry in the morning, learn the mouth taping technique. Mouth breathing is the modern health disaster noticeable in modern people and, especially, children. This phenomenon was very rare 50-100 years ago.

3. When we sleep on the back at night, the breath holding time drops almost 2 times. Again, you can easily check this during the night. Put a ticking clock near your bed so that you can measure your oxygenation without turning on the light. After sleeping on your chest, check the body oxygen stores. Do the same test after spending more than 10 minutes on your back. You will also notice that your breathing, when you sleep on your back, is much heavier. Hence, prevent sleeping on your back, if this is your problem. The therapy is described in "How to prevent sleeping on one's back*" (http://www.normalbreathing.com/Articles-Prevent-sleep-back.php).

These are the most common causes of low body oxygenation in modern people. Other factors are: overeating; stress; lack of physical activity; overheating; nutritional deficiencies (especially, EFAs, folic acid, magnesium, zinc, calcium, and copper); poor posture (slouching); talking too much; talking with deep inhalations; and many others.

There is one holistic therapy which uses the oxygenation index (stress-free breath holding time after usual exhalation), as the main parameter of health of the person. This therapy was developed by Soviet physiologist and Doctor Konstantin Buteyko. The Buteyko breathing method focuses on improving tissue oxygenation. The method has 2 main parts: breathing exercises for better oxygenation and correction or normalization of lifestyle factors.

Doctor Buteyko taught his method to about 200 Soviet and Russian medical professionals. They applied this therapy in practice and helped thousands of people with various health problems.

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Different Types Of Yoga Apparel

Yoga is all in rage lately. Everyday, a number of people decide to engage in Yoga for the conveniences it brings, from the physical aspect down to the spiritual and mental health.

Various forms of Yoga correspond to different people of different walks of like, ages and lifestyles. Yoga is open to all who can accommodate it. And one can perform or do Yoga as often as he wishes without restriction. The effects and benefits are seen as time goes by and it is not surprising that many people are inclined to it.

Yoga includes equipments, clothes, accessories as well as facilities to initiate learning. So how are you going to get up and choose what you wear on Yoga activities?

Yoga clothes should always be inclined to giving the best comfort. Although there is no particular Yoga clothe or apparel that you are supposed to wear during or when performing Yoga, it is necessary that you are comfortable with what you wear.

However, there are some considerations when choosing your Yoga clothes.

First and foremost is comfort.

Since you are going to perform different positions or Yoga postures, you must wear clothing that will not restrict you from moving freely in any manner. Your clothes should offer ease of movement and must be attuned to letting your different body parts to twist and stretch in various ways and postures.

It is advisable to choose a clothing which is made from pure organic cotton because this will provide maximum comfort. With this kind of material, the body is allowed to breathe as it should be. In addition, the clothing you choose must be sweat absorbent so that you will not feel sticky and moist when you sweat during the activity.

Although there are far more attractive and appealing designs of yoga clothing that you can choose from, always keep in mind to consider the clothing that fits you right and that fits your body frame.

Next consideration is the expenses.

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Panic and Anxiety Attacks Can Be Cured

Panic and Anxiety Attacks Can Easily Be Cured

If you suffer from anxiety or panic attacks, you are not alone. According to the National Institute of Health, 1 out of 75 people have these attacks at some time in their lives. It is estimated that twice as many women than men suffer from this disorder. Some cases are much more severe than others.

It is very controversial what causes these attacks. Some researchers believe it is hereditary, while others believe it is an imbalance of two neurotransmitters in the brain: dopamine and serotonin. For many, just the thought of having another anxiety attack can bring one on, so it becomes a vicious cycle which can be extremely difficult to break.

Many symptoms are tightness in the chest and stomach, dizziness, lack of oxygen, fear which cannot be controlled, and a feeling of passing out. Some may experience anxiety or panic attacks while driving in rush hour traffic, boarding a plane, giving a speech or an experience where they feel they are not in control. The fear of losing control is usually the strongest contributor or causation to bring an attack full speed ahead.

I suffered from anxiety and panic attacks for many years. While many resort to medication or therapy for this condition, that was not the route for me. I didn’t want to deal with the side effects of pills or become dependent on them for the rest of my life. Therapy was useless for me. However. I was bound and determined to beat this disorder once and for all.

I found the most amazing cure and it has totally changed my life. I will never have another attack. I have learned how to stop them dead in their tracks before they even begin. It was so easy to learn and has made such a difference in my life. Now I feel confident and in control of every situation.

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Why Alcohol Causes Anxiety and Panic Attacks

More and more people experience panic attacks nowadays and it looks like alcohol may be one of the main reasons that causes anxiety panic attacks. If you're wondering if alcohol can cause panic attacks, the answer is YES. The more alcohol a patient consumes while suffering from panic disorder the greater the risk is to increase the anxiety levels and panic attack intensity.

Researchers found that alcohol increases the heart beat and automatically sets your nervous system into a high state of hyperactivity, which will most likely cause a panic attack.

You might drink alcohol thinking that you'd be able to calm nerves and be more relaxed, however in reality you only worsening your condition and increasing the risks of triggering future panic attacks. There's no real medical proof that a glass of wine for example will affect you, actually drinking 50 ml of red wine once in a while will improve your blood circulation but it can cause panic attacks. It's best to stay away from alcohol altogether.

Some other drinks that should be avoided while suffering panic disorders are: Energy drinks (Redbull), coffee, dark English tea and acid drinks.

Conclusion: If you have had concerns about what possibly may cause you panic attacks then the first thing to keep in mind is that alcohol highly increases the risks to have panic attacks.

Most people do not take into consideration the natural ways to cure panic attacks and only rely on medication although there are many alleged cures and treatments for anxiety panic attacks available now for a fast and permanent cure, you only need to follow the exact steps that others have used to completely free themselves from anxiety, panic and stress.

If you're serious to treat your anxiety and panic attacks naturally and permanently then Anxiety Cure is the place to visit.

Read our reviews of the top anxiety guides available on the market today: http://www.relief-anxiety.info

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Acrophobia - Overcoming Fear of Height Quickly and Permanently

Acrophobia or the fear of heights is one of the most common phobias know to man.

It is normal to have fears of certain things but a phobia is much worse and often irrational. Almost everyone would feel a degree of anxiety peering over the edge of a cliff on a windy day.

However, someone suffering for acrophobia is so afraid of heights that they fear climbing a ladder, walking onto a balcony or crossing a bridge.

I have a friend who covers her face and hides under the dashboard of a car whenever her husband drives across any kind of bridge.

The symptoms of acrophobia can vary. Typically when a persons phobia is triggered the heart rate, breathing and body temperature increase. They may feel nauseous, dizzy, weak or shake. They perceive the situation to be much worse than it really is so their body goes into a fight or flight mode.

In addition to the uncomfortable physical symptoms of acrophobia a persons life can be disrupted in serious ways. For example, an aspiring executive might decline a promotion if meant the office was on a higher floor.

Or they might not be able to put up Christmas lights or get an errant frisbee off the roof or out of a tree. Some are even unable to stand on a chair to change a light bulb without a heightened degree of anxiety.

Treatments for acrophobia are important to secure as soon as possible. Talking to professional therapist can be helpful. Sometimes talking about the fear with someone who is removed from the situation can be helpful.

However, in the final analysis overcoming acrophobia involves learning to manage your thinking and reactions.

Treatments for Acrophobia

The first step in overcoming a fear of heights is learning to control the physical symptoms. When faced with a threatening situation, taking slow, deep breaths can help slow the heart rate and increase the oxygen flow to muscles to keep from tensing up.

If possible, a few minutes of meditation may be effective in relieving some tension. Relaxing music, aromatherapy, and even some stretching or light massage can help relieve the physical symptoms of a phobia.

Many acrophobic people treat their fears through avoidance. Choosing to live in a single-story house, not putting holiday lights on the roof, and hiring someone to clean the gutters are all ways that an acrophobe could avoid heights in their daily life.

Though it may appear helpful because the person no longer experiences the anxiety, avoidance is not a realistic long term treatment. Unexpected situations occur that force a person to face their phobia, and knowing how to overcome it helps build confidence and reduce anxiety.

Behavior therapy is another one helpful way to treat acrophobia. In this form of treatment the acrophobe is encouraged to take small steps to desensitize himself to the phobia. This might include seeing pictures taken from a height, climbing one stair at a time and then incrementally increasing the height. At each additional step he learns to control his breathing and his physical symptoms thereby

training his mind to accept the the once feared situation as safe. Progress can be swift depending on the patient.

Flooding is another method of desensitization which involves "flooding" the patient with the fearful situation without any gradual desensitization. The theory is that the flight or fight reaction to the phobia is very intense but wears off after a while. Then the patient realizes that the situation is not a bad as he believed it was and repeat the process until the fear is conquered. This works only with patients who do not have health conditions that can aggravated by their reactions to their fear. This would include persons with heart or high blood pressure or any other of a variety of conditions.

Medications like prescriptions for tranquilizers and anti depressants help some individuals cope with this fear by minimizing the physical symptoms to the phobia. Anyone choosing to use medications must be aware of the possible side effects such as impaired abilities and addictions. Furthermore medications do not address the underlying issues driving the fear.

The most effective way to treat acrophobia begins in the mind. The physical symptoms acrophobia are very real but they are an exaggerated response to the thought process about the situation. If the thinking is changed so is the reaction.

With the right direction the thinking can change in very short period of time so you can begin to enjoy life without the anxiety of acrophobia. To learn how to do that in the comfort and safety of your own home click on relief from acrophobia - the fear of heights.

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What Your Anxiety Symptoms Are Really Telling You?

Copyright 2006 John Halderman

Are you suffering from the gnawing nagging feeling of overwhelming unsettled emotional discomfort? Is it effecting your self-esteem and motivation?

Most are familiar with the general anxiety disorders that can be triggered by fears, impending doom, obsessive-compulsive, post-traumatic stress and more. But what about other not so obvious things that raise apprehension and uneasiness that you can't explain?

What is at the root of your anxiety symptom? It may be buried deeply in your subconscious, but most likely you are just not currently aware of the cause. There are many possible things that can be the source of the disharmony leading to undesirable emotional feelings. What do you feel that you can't cope with? Does it relate to the general condition of your life?

What if you are feeling anxious because deep inside you know that you are not thinking and acting in ways that support your core self? You may not even be consciously aware of what is truly important to you, but your incongruent behavior is causing internal friction that your emotions are responding to. Not being aware of why you feel the way you do supports the anxiety, you feel powerless and unsure. But why are you uncertain?

It is normally based on your perception and subsequent interpretation of something. There can be some subtle things that are the cause of stress and anxiety.

Here are 5 places to look for some possible root causes of your anxiety symptom:

1) Personal integrity is compromised -- Are some of your thoughts and behavior not in alignment with your most important values? This situation can be tough to detect until you look for it, as you may not be clearly aware of your deep values. If there is a conflict between your behavior and your deepest core values you will feel emotionally unsettled. Your thoughts and actions must be congruent with your deepest values in order to feel harmonious.

2) Less than honest interactions -- Are you less than honest and forthright in your interactions with others? If you are living even small lies you may be fooling some of the people some of the time, but never yourself. Deep within, you know what's going on and your inner self will let you know when something is not right. However, if you are not aware of your inner thoughts and feelings you may not be sure what your anxious feelings are based on.

3) Cheating Your Potential -- Are you not utilizing all of your potential? Do you make excuses for not using all your potential? Are you full of reasons and justifications in an attempt to feel right about your less than full effort? You know this inside; you can't cheat yourself and get away with it. When you are consciously not aware of it you can feel out of control without knowing why. Not utilizing your full potential can be stressful and anxiety symptoms will come from your feeling not in control.

4) Stuck in the Procrastination trap -- You know that you are not getting done what you want to get done and what you are capable of doing, but can't seem to do anything about it. Also you become unsure that you can do anything about it since you have not been able to up to this point. When you get stuck in this cycle the frustration with yourself can turn into anxiety, as you don't know what is behind it, plus worrying whether you can ever change it.

5) Fearing your future without knowing why -- This relates to the first four items, in that if any of the above conditions are present you can easily feel unsure of your future. Facing the future with self confidence requires that you be well grounded in who you are and in touch with your potential. Not being secure and feeling unsure whether you can do anything about it is stressful and can lead to anxiety.

Stress and anxiety can go hand in hand as you are continuously aware of your feelings of uncertainty and the resulting fears. It can even be the cause of depression if the situation seems like it's hopeless.

The key is to root out these base causes of your emotional feelings, reassess them and change your perception to better align with the life you want.

Anxiety symptoms are red flags your inner referee is throwing up to notify you that something is not right, out of balance. If you let it go, just like a physical ailment, it gets worse and becomes more and more established. These self-concepts originated from some perceived need to protect or satisfy in some way. Since you are feeling unsettled, they are likely no longer supporting your best interest. Your inner self is making you aware of an opportunity to change for the better.

To discover what the sources of your stress and anxiety are and what were the benefits, ask yourself some probing questions to peel open your thoughts. Once your thoughts are revealed, then reassess and establish a new perception and interpretation of the situation or idea.

Start with a blank tablet and a pen or pencil. Get yourself calm and relaxed. Write the first question at the top, then without thinking write what ever thoughts come up without analyzing or judging -- just write. For example --

~Why am I feeling this way?

~What is my biggest fear in life?

~What is the worse that could happen regarding this fear?

~Why do I fear this?

~How can I think differently about this that will better serve me today?

~What am I most uncertain about today?

~Why am I uncertain about this?

~What benefit do or did I get from thinking this way?

~Do I need to continue thinking this way?

~What can I learn from this?

~What is a better way of looking at this?

Asking questions of yourself may not be easy at first, as your mind is not accustomed to thinking in this fashion. But with diligence, you will learn to allow your thinking to open up revealing much more about yourself than you were previously aware of, but it's there.

Also useful method to help to reveal your inner thoughts is to meditate on it. Meditation helps to calm and quiet the surface chatter that keeps you distracted and separated from your inner thoughts, allowing for their rediscovery.

Another beneficial self-improvement activity is to clarify, establish and define a solid foundation for yourself. Just as a tall building cannot be stable without a strong foundation, neither can a successful life. You can solidify your place in the universe, discover your purpose, align with intention, and establish a vision and a personal mission. You can clarify your core values, your potential, your strengths and how you will support your purpose.

With establishing a solid foundation for yourself you will elevate your self-concept, self-esteem, self-confidence and self-motivation --it's how to relieve stress, anxiety and depression. You will be able to grow and change without excessive fear, doubt and worry.

Continuous self-improvement with a positive attitude leads to happiness, positive thinking and unlimited possibility.
------
John Halderman
Design A Life System

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African Americans: A Look in the Mirror, Part 1

“Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced.” James Baldwin

At present, African Americans stand at the crossroads of great hopes for wealth and freedom exceptional for the great-and great, great-grandchildren of former slaves and great despair caused by family disintegration, generational poverty, educational disparities and the digital divide. The threat is that we will form a permanent underclass is this new society as the demand for skilled and highly educated workers and new business owners reaches a peak.

You might not like me too much for the data I present in this chapter that reveals the depths of our situation. Bill Cosby has been speaking out about these things and has taken some heat for his coarse rhetoric. We can’t change our situation until we know what we are changing. I believe that once you see the data, you will be compelled to make some changes. If that is the case, I am confident that you will finish the rest of this solutions-oriented guide.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, over 70% of black children are born out of wedlock. Many times, the father is absolutely out of the picture. Single moms have the toughest job there is in this country. No work demands as much immediate attention and delayed gratification. You cannot pay someone enough to do this job yet the single black mom is the poorest demographic in our society. An unimaginable 39% of black female heads of household and 33% of black children are living below the poverty line compared to 18.6% of white female heads of household and 9.6% of white children. The true shame is that all odds are stacked against these families compounding every challenge normally faced with raising children into healthy, confident and independent adults. They face long odds when it comes to living in poverty, being victimized by violence, lacking quality education, low self-esteem and poor role models.

Having a loving father around is a spiritually, mentally, emotionally and financially stabilizing force needed by every child. The numbers bear this out to be true. Only 7.1% of black married couple families live below the poverty line and only 3.3% of white married couple families live below the poverty line. God created the family to consist of both a father and mother and all other arrangements are sub-optimal for children. Be that as it may, everyone must also make the best of their situation as it may be right now.

The reality is that 300 years of slavery has devastated the African American family unit. There are many African American families that are loving and meeting the needs of their children that we don’t here about that share in the values and beliefs that stable families are good for our children. The challenge is that we were deliberately denied the benefits of family for too long. Saving the African American family needs to be the number one priority of every organization that says its purpose is to help black people. A father is the first competitive edge any young person can have in this world. A young person of any race that is raised in a fatherless home has several strikes against him or her already.

Building and strengthening African American family is the first preliminary step we need to take to get started on the track to building wealth as a people in this society.

The seven critical 21st century skills outlined in the book, The 7 Simple Secrets to Wealth Building: An African American’s Guide to Wealth Building in the 21st Century and Beyond, will work for anyone however, accomplishing anything will always be more difficult for those with so many odds against them that they must overcome and being fatherless is a long odd, indeed. This data presented here is not designed to discourage anyone. Hopefully, it will encourage each of you to more carefully consider the needs of Black children and to find ways to provide them with what they need to flourish in this new economy starting with a responsible, loving father figure.
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Facts about Skipped Heart Beat with Upper Back Pain

A person that is normally in excellent health may suddenly feel a skipped heart beat with upper back pain. A large variety of things could cause skipped heart beat with upper back pain and people will be surprised to learn that it is far more common than they think. Upper back pain and a skipped heart beat can feel like a pressing back pain along with a fluttering, pounding, or racing heart. Some people experience back pain combined with a strange heart sensation, while others experience shaking limbs and hands, back pain, and palpitations felt in their neck. These feeling can make a person feel lightheaded, dizzy, sleepy or very weak. Never try to diagnose yourself if you experience skipped heart beat with upper back pain but instead, call your physician immediately.



Your doctor will want to give you a thorough physical examination and check for any disease or abnormalities in your back, lungs, and heart. They will normally run tests such as urine and blood tests, stress test, EKG or electrocardiogram, chest x-rays, and a echocardiogram. You may be required to wear a heart monitor that tracts any skipped heartbeats you are experiencing. Your doctor may prescribe medication to control the skipped heart beat with upper back pain symptoms.



There are several common causes of skipped heart beat with upper back pain such as too much caffeine, strenuous exercise, stress, clogged arteries, and even pregnancy. Some prescription and over-the-counter medications such as, high blood pressure beta-blockers, asthma inhalers, nicotine from smoking, acetaminophen, some herbs, and decongestants are known to cause skipped heart beat with upper back pain. Some illegal drugs including ones that make a person feel hyperactive such as cocaine, eightballs, and speed can cause upper back pain and skipped heartbeats.



In this fast-paced world, stress is often the cause of skipped heart beat with upper back pain. Many people do not realize how stress can actually cause physical problems as well as emotional ones. Other signs of stress include panic attacks, stomach problems, anxiety, back pain, sleeping problems, and headaches. If your doctor diagnoses your skipped heart beat with upper back pain symptoms as stress related, you need to learn stress management skills and ways to reduce the stress in your life.



It is important to seek the proper medical care and once diagnosed, follow your doctor's advice. Although a skipped heart beat with upper back pain is a frightening experience and should never be ignored, there are ways to recognize and treat the problem.



Are you suffering from Upper Back Pain? Find the answers you need at Upper Back Pain Guide

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Anxiety Disorder Symptoms

Worry, fear, and anxiety are a normal part of our life. Have you experienced feeling anxious before taking an exam and later find out that you got a higher result more than what you’ve expected? Or, feeling anxious for a job interview and ended up getting hired, or feeling frightened walking down an alley where bad things often happened? Normal anxiety helps us cope in any stressful situation, it also keeps us watchful.

Mental health professional are not concerned with normal anxiety. But, if your anxiety suddenly occur without apparent reason and lasts for weeks to months and happens in most days than not, that is another issue. If anxiety persists in most days than not, and takes longer than six months, it has become an immobilizing disorder.

An anxiety disorder is a recurring and excessive anxiety and worry about events or activities without logical reasons at all lasting for more than six moths and it is interfering with everyday activities, such as going to work, and socializing. A person experiencing anxiety condition finds it difficult to control the feelings of worry and fear. The thing about people with anxiety disorder is that they actually know that what they think of feel is not real and that they are just made-up.

The common anxiety disorders are Panic Disorder, Social Phobia, Agoraphobia, Specific Phobia, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Separation Anxiety, Post-traumatic Stress Disorder, and Selective Mutism.

A person with anxiety condition may suffer different anxiety disorder symptoms. And because no two individuals are the same, the anxiety disorder symptoms may vary from one person to the other.

The physical symptoms of anxiety disorder are cause by brain sending messages to parts of the body to prepare for the flight-to-fight response. The lungs, heart, and other parts of the body work faster and the brain releases stress hormones, including adrenaline, and that explains that physical symptoms.

Anxiety disorder symptoms may experience physically can include but not limited to:
Abdominal discomfort
Diarrhea
Dry mouth
Rapid heartbeat or palpitations
Tightness or pain in chest
Shortness of breath
Dizziness
Frequent urination
Difficulty swallowing

Anxiety disorder symptoms may experience psychologically can include:
Insomnia
Irritability
Inability to concentrate
Fear of going crazy or dying
Feeling unreal and not in control of your behavior

There are several types of anxiety disorders and sometimes they are associated with physical problem such alcohol and drug abuse. Anxiety is the main symptoms of other mental illness called anxiety disorders. Anxiety disorder symptoms may differ from the symptoms of other anxiety disorders, but all the symptoms cluster around excessive, irrational fear and dread.

For people with anxiety condition, cheer up! Your world does not stop there because there is cure for anxiety disorder. Anxiety disorders are curable and there are two types of treatments available for anxiety disorder- medication and psychotherapy. But, it is said that the proven most effective way to treat anxiety sufferers is psychotherapy.

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Panic Attacks - What is Fight or Flight Response?

The first step in helping yourself deal with panic attacks is to understand that anxiety and fear are normal emotions. These feelings are actually mechanisms to help, not hurt us.

This mechanism stems back to primitive man who was hunting wild animals for his food and surviving in the wild. When our ancestors were faced with the kind of dangers most of us can´t imagine now, the anxiety and fear triggered the fight/flight response and moved our ancestors into action to protect themselves, through fighting the oncoming danger or running.

The body takes over and you are able to respond to a threat with very little notice. Think about driving, we are able to swerve out of the way of oncoming dangers with very little notice or thought. We do things all the time in our lives, automatically, without much thought to avoid dangers. This is our highly attuned and trained body responding to danger.

Our nervous system triggers this instant action, surge of adrenalin and response but it also triggers a reaction that brings us back to calm when the danger passes. Eventually, regardless of the situation, your nervous system will seek to restore calm to your body. Your body will not allow you to spiral endlessly in an ongoing surge of anxiety and fear.

Think about your panic attacks, did they last forever; did you continue to feel the effects forever? Of course not, your body realized there was no danger and triggered the calming effects of your nervous system.

During a panic attack you need to try to remind yourself that the effects you are feeling will not overwhelm your body.

For example, when having a panic attack, most people experience a shortness of breath or tightening of the chest. You feel like you can´t breathe so you become anxious about your breathing and fear you will stop breathing altogether.

This is the key - Your panic attack will not stop your breathing! Try holding your breath forever. You can´t do it, eventually your body forces you to take that gulp of air.

A panic attack is no different, you don´t need to take over for your body and tell yourself when to breathe. Your body will take care of that for you, don´t question it as you start breathing faster and faster and breathe deeper. This is your body feeding itself oxygen for its fight or flight response.

Panic attacks also trigger a rush of blood to your fight or flight muscle groups such as your thighs and calves so you can prepare to spring into action. This means blood is draining away from your fingertips, toes and skin leaving you feeling tingly and possibly numb. This sensation leads many to believe they are having a heart attack.

Fight or Flight response can make you feel dizzy as your blood rushes away from your head, can make you see stars as your pupils dilate and make you nauseous as your digestive system slows down.

This is normal, what´s not normal for panic attack sufferers are when the response is triggered. Panic attack sufferers have their fight or flight engines triggered in situations where it is unwarranted.

You can manage that and reduce the likelihood of your panic attacks by understanding what is happening and employing calming techniques.


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Be Careful! What You Put in Your Mouth Could Be Causing Headaches, Neckaches, TMJ, IBS, Panic Attacks, and More

Many people self-destruct by unknowingly ingesting medicine, food, and/or beverages that aggravate the migraine syndrome. The migraine syndrome may consist of headaches, neckaches, TMJ, IBS, panic attacks, fibromyalgia, hypoglycemia, and vertigo. People that are subject to the migraine syndrome have bodies that are sensitive to light, sound, smell, food, and/or stress. This sensitivity to food, beverages, and/or medicine can cause physical and mental symptoms. The purpose of this article is to enlighten people who may have a body sensitive to certain substances that they may put in their mouths.

There are a number of other medicines with which people subject to the migraine syndrome should be aware of potential problems. This is a list of medications with the possible side effect of aggravating migraines: commonly blood vessel dilators (nitroglycerin, angina meds, Viagra, Cialis, and Levitra), occasionally hormones (oral contraceptives, estrogens, medicines to manipulate estrogen), some blood pressure medicines, Tagamet, Zantac, sulfa antibiotics, and rarely antidepressants (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors—SSRI’s and Wellbutrin). However, many antidepressants and blood pressure medications are used to decrease stress and prevent migraines. Most medications have an extremely low potential for aggravating migraines. But as I tell my patients, if the odds of having problems are one in a million and you are the one who has problems—it is 100% for you. Another common problem is rebound. Rebound symptoms occur when pain medications are taken too often and result in ultimately causing pain instead of the desired effect of relieving pain.

It is not just pills you take orally that can give you problems. You may need to be careful of certain foods and beverages. If anyone has had a “hangover headache,” then that person was having a migraine! “Hangover headaches” are migraines. That may be the only time that migraines bother that person, but probably there are other manifestations of the migraine syndrome. Alcohol can be risky, but knowing a bit more can be helpful in avoiding reactions. There are other chemicals which may be risk factors. Tyramine is a chemical found in Chianti wine, aged cheeses, sour cream, yogurt, smoked fish, and yeast extracts. Many of my migraineurs (people that get migraines) can drink white Zinfandel in moderation without consequences. Red wines, vermouth, champagne, brandy, and beer are the usual offenders. A headache expert told me that he avoided red wine for years in fear of triggering one of his migraines. Finally, he kept a diary and found out that he could enjoy red wine with his dinner. Sulfites are found in wines and also used as a preservative, especially at salad bars. Sulfites are used to preserve beer, cider, apple juice, mashed potatoes, and dried apricots. Remember: triggers are additive; therefore, what is a trigger one time, may not be at another time. If you are tired, had a stressful day, time of the month, or bright lights at work, you may be a set up for the migraine syndrome.

Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is a name with which many of you are unfortunately very familiar. Chinese restaurants are notorious for using MSG in food preparation; however, MSG is used in most processed foods. Reading labels is essential but do not just look for the words monosodium glutamate. MSG may be called hydrolyzed, or hydrogenated, vegetable or plant protein, natural flavoring, calcium or sodium caseinate, or Kombu extract. Look especially at seasoned salt, instant foods, canned soup, bullion cubes, frozen dinners, pizza, and potato chips. Sodium nitrite is used as a preservative in meats; for example, hot dogs, sausages, lunch meats, and dried, cured, or smoked meats.

Aspartamate (NutraSweet, Equal), an artificial sweetener, can trigger headaches. However, if aspartamate is consumed regularly, then it may seem “normal” to be suffering from the migraine syndrome. Two to three months of abstinence from aspartamate is worth a try. Sucralose (Splenda) was supposed to be migraine safe, but I can tell you that in my family it spells disaster. Caffeine can help migraines or cause them. If consumed daily, then the absence can cause headaches. Sometimes foods or beverages are not liked by someone, and the person does not know why. Often the object of dislike turns out to be a trigger, and the migraineur has been wisely but unknowingly avoiding problems. I have often said, “Cigarette smoke and NutraSweet are major causes of fibromyalgia.”

I have included a list of possible dietary triggers.

Dietary Triggers

Alcohol: especially red wine, vermouth, champagne, brandy, beer

Caffeine: coffee, tea, chocolate, soft drinks

Dairy: aged cheeses, sour cream, whole milk, buttermilk, yogurt, ice cream

Breads: sourdough, yeast, some types of cereals

Vegetables: some types of beans (lima, lentil, soy), sauerkraut, onions, peas

Snacks: nuts, peanuts, peanut butter, pickles, seeds, sesame

Meats: fish, meats with nitrates, organ meats, dried or cured or smoked meats

Fruits: most citrus fruits, bananas, avocados, pineapples, raisins, papaya, passion fruit, red plums, raspberries, plantains, figs

MSG: seasoned salt, canned soup, frozen dinners, pizza, potato chips

Desserts: chocolate, licorice, molasses, cakes and cookies made with yeast

Soups: soups containing MSG or made from bouillon cubes

Seasonings: soy sauce, some spices, garlic or onion powder, meat tenderizer

Hunger: missing meals, dieting, fasting

For more information, go to http://www.migrainesyndrome.net.

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Foods To Combat Anxiety

Anxiety is a common problem in modern day society and is a common symptom of stress. In stressful situations, anxiety is normal, it's when anxious feelings start to take over your life that it becomes a problem. Typical symptoms of anxiety are feelings of dread, worry, panic, apprehension, doom, insomnia, loose bowels, sweating, muscle tension, dizziness, hyperventilation, flushing, irritability, fatigue, palpitations, stomach problems, tremor, sweating and restlessness. These symptoms are usually associated with what may happen. In some people who feel anxious, anxiety is linked with depression so it is always wise to consult your doctor if you have anxious symptoms.

To combat anxiety, it is best to find out what is causing the stress, try to reduce the stress by taking up counselling, meditation, group therapy, yoga and relaxing more. Some people who suffer from anxiety have found acupuncture beneficial. Avoid stimulants such as caffeine and substances that contain caffeine such as coffee, carbonated drinks, tea, chocolate and caffeine containing medication. Many anxieties suffers find that the herbs Valerian and Kava Kava help them to feel calm and reduce the symptoms of anxiety. There are many different makes of relaxing supplements that can be bought in health food shops that contain these herbs mixed with others that help you to feel calm. Some people also find Bach Rescue Remedy helpful when suffering from anxiety.
The following supplements may help if you are suffering from Anxiety.

B group vitamins

Calcium

Chamomile

Hops

Kava Kava

Magnesium

Multivitamins and multiminerals

St John's wort

Valerian

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Does The Linden Method Work?

The Linden Method created by Charles Linden offers all anxiety sufferers a new natural way to cure themselves. Charles Linden has been suffering for more than 10 years from anxiety .. that is 6 ahead of me.. Wow ! Considering this course gives you the real chance to cure anxiety completely. I cannot guarantee success, however over 90,000 people worldwide have used his techniques successfully.



He explains the step-by-step techniques that will finally let you overcome your fears.. while his approach does not include outdated techniques such as deep breathing, meditation which you might have heard of before.



Let have a look.. how many people do you know that have been cured of anxiety completely using medication ? I haven`t head any..



So.. will medications ever cure anxiety ?



The answer is straight forward ! NO it does not. Unless you try to manage your emotions and try to find out what really triggers your anxiety and panic attacks.



Did you have sudden panic attacks for no reason at all ? Where do they come from ?



The fear is only up in your mind.. and you are the only one that can manage to cope with it.. It can`t be done in one single day, it needs practice ..



The Linden Method by Charles Linden seems to be a very firm advocate of the well known principle : one size fits all and provides an easy method to beat anxiety and panic attacks that you may have or get in the near future.



What I like about the Linden Method is that it does not come packed with ever lasting video and audio tutorials, but provides its content in a simple format, that makes it more easier for anyone to comprehend and practice it. If you are going to download The Linden Method, Charles includes a special offer of free counseling and email support, that you should require it in the future, this offer lasts for one year after the purchase.



Since I can not guarantee 100% success you can go on and find out for yourself if The Linden Method is the right cure for your anxiety ! I know I made it !



It is important to know that medications are not the only way to cure anxiety, therefore you can learn how to stop panic attacks using natural remedies for anxiety, go on and visit : Anxiety Cure - Top Rated.

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Who's Behind the Mask?

Halloween is a great time to wear a mask and set aside your inhibitions to become somebody else for a short time. It’s a lot of fun because you get to choose who you want to be. On this one particular night, you can be someone totally different from how others see you and it is accepted. You can be anything you want from Frankenstein to Einstein or from Cinderella to the Chainsaw Killer. But what if someone else chooses the disguise for you? In our lives we are faced with this dilemma all the time. People will try to give us masks to wear, and in the right situation we will be willing to wear them.

When we are children our parents have certain expectations of what they expect of us. We are told that we are expected to go to college and become someone special. We are taught to have manners and to respect others. We are advised to obey laws and to set lofty goals. These set of expectations are healthy and positive. Oh, if only we were that lucky to have these sets of masks! What happens if our parents put a different expectation on us? “You will never grow up to be anybody.” “Your mother and I expect you to run the family business.” “Since you are a girl, you really don’t need an education.” “You are such a disappointment in the family.” “You just can’t do anything right can you?” When we hear these kinds of words from our parents, we have a different vision of our potential. We will do anything to make them right. Our subconscious mind is wired that way. We will wear those masks to make others happy and in return we will feel that we have earned their love. These maskshowever are destructive and limiting. But since they are so subliminal we put them on and act out that character to perfection. We will wear a mask to fit into society. We will wear a mask to be accepted and loved by our families. We will wear a mask to have our spouses be proud of us. These masks, unlike the Halloween masks are invisible, yet very powerful. These masks are harder to take off because they are hidden and somehow along the way we have made them part of our psyche. If the mask doesn’t fit and we want to take it off, now there are consequences involved. If I remove my mask will I still be loved? If I remove my mask will they find out that I am an imposter? “If I remove my mask I won’t feel safe anymore.” Isn’t this the age old fear: what if I’m just myself and they don’t like me?

After wearing many masks growing up, I discovered that we have two choices in life. We can choose security or we can choose freedom. Security involves going with the flow and not making any waves; being accommodating and wearing the masks that are expected. There is certainly nothing wrong with this choice; but it is safe, and since very few risks are involved, there is little chance for growth. The other choice is freedom. Freedom involves removing your masks. Freedom is living life on your terms, but this requires risk and the high potential of failure before you get it right. When you remove your mask, you will automatically change the dynamics of your relationships; some will improve and some will end. The fear of losing certain people in our life is too much of trepidation to bear; therefore we place the mask back on. It is like the battered wife that goes back to her abusive husband. She knows that is not the best choice, but because of fear and the risk of losing hersecurity she goes back. The gay community faces this predicament; do I come out and remove my mask or keep things safe, just as they are? Children from close knit families have these decisions; do I make my parents happy and work in the family business or do I defy them and choose my own career? It’s all about the masks we wear and the choices we make and our choices will create our future.

Halloween is a night of choosing a mask that can be an adventure for one evening, but it can also make us conscious of the masks we wear in our real lives. While we are having fun on this ghoulish occasion it can give us insight to discovering who we really are and who we aspire to be. The important thing to remember is that a mask can be a good thing as long as it fits and it is our choice.

Marla Sloane, Ph.D.
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Why Do I Get Panic Attacks?

Why Do I Get Panic Attacks?

The people that suffer constantly with panic attacks can testify how uncomfortable they are. These attacks start with an occurrence of extreme anxiety which brings on emotional distress and a high level of fear. When these feelings happen they make the person become discombobulated, and in a prime condition to be overwhelmed by all the fear. This can be very debilitating, keeping the person from leading a normal life. This is the reason it is so necessary to fully understand the many attack causes. Often comprehending these attack causes helps the person find a treatment that works.

In some cases the attack causes are due to the person constantly being under stress. Dealing with a lot of difficulty and pressure in professional, family, and personal settings can cause anxiety to be deeply embedded into the person's psyche. Then the seriousness of the situation becomes so bad it brings on major panic attacks after awhile. These environmental factors can be quite disappointing due to the fact that it is not the person's choice to go through them, and it can cause the person to have a disabling psychiatric condition.

Another reason for a person to start having serious attacks is factors in their genetic make up. This means that the person is born with the panic attacks instead of them being caused be external influences. This can be so much more confusing for the person to deal with because they don't really comprehend why they are having the attacks or what to do about them. Many times this situation is due to the amount of serotonin in the person's brain. There are many methods of controlling this condition; anti-anxiety prescribed medications are some of the most used treatments for turning around the debilitating effects that the attacks causes.

Behavioral and lifestyle habits could bring on the panic attacks causes too. The people who drink and eat foods that are laden with caffeine and sugar are setting up the conditions for anxiety to overwhelm them. This in turn causes numerous problems mentally. Over imbibing on energy drinks that stimulate the system can also bring on problems. And when a person uses illegal drugs they can over stimulate themselves into panic attacks causes. Paranoia can be brought on by other drugs too which leads to similar problems. Don't think though that when one stops taking the drugs and any foreign substance that the panic attacks just magically go away. Over time these substances create negative effects which can cause a problem to be ingrained into a person's psyche. This problem is not solved by just stopping the body's exposure to these foreign substances, mainly since serious damage has already happened.

These are just a few of the panic attack causes, it would be hard to list all the reasons this condition happens. The secret is to comprehend the main causes so correct measures can be taken to lower the effect or to get the right treatment for this issue.

For more information from Edward Michaels on what causes panic attacks and additional articles on dealing with anxiety and panic attacks please visit our website at http://www.Panic-Attacks-Help-Center.com

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Television as a Force for Good

There has been much debate about the ill effects on children of television viewing. But there are several positive aspects too and we should keep these in mind when television bashing gets going in full swing. With the proper guidance, T.V. makes a wonderful teaching tool and the earlier a child is introduced to the concept of using the TV as source of information, the better he/she will learn to avoid the less redeeming programs that are also available for viewing.

Enlarging Horizons

One of the benefits of having a vast network of channels is the number of programs available covering a range of topics. From the environment to music, animal welfare to fashion, science, art, religion, sport, politics - everything is discussed, debated and commented upon. The listeners are introduced to ideas and beliefs that may be alien to them or that they disagree with. What a wonderful opportunity for expanding a child's interests and intellectual curiosity.

Awareness of World Events

At no time in history has there been such easy access to world news, yet paradoxically children of all ages are amazingly unaware of what is happening around the world. Even when they have heard of an event, most have just the vaguest notion of who the actors are, the causes and the consequences of the occurrence and how or whether it would affect them. The future will be shaped by today's youth and it does not bode well if they profess an indifference to what goes on around them. With competing channels slanting the news according to their preference, children of today should be taught to listen, question and form their own opinions so that they do not become passive participants in their own destiny.

Sensitization to Evils of Violence

T.V. has often been blamed for children indulging in violent acts. Surely a truer explanation is that no one ever put the violent scenes seen on the small screen into their proper perspective for the child. Watching scenes of war or assault with a caring and concerned adult helps the child understand its terrible futility, how little is gained by resorting to force and the inevitable aftermath of such acts.

Enhances Sense of Empathy

Everyday brings its own tales of woe from different parts of the world. Does this make a child "tune out" due to overload or does it sharpen his sense of empathy, make him more altruistic, make him determined to do something positive with his life? Children are generally idealistic and have a strong sense of right and wrong. It is the manner in which these traits are developed or not that determines the type of adult the child will grow into.

Enables Parent to Talk about Sensitive Subjects

Sometimes it is difficult for parents to broach a topic with their child either because they feel embarrassed or are not sure of the response on direct questioning. It may be about drug use, sexual issues, adoption, problems at school, choice of friends - anything that involves the child and his/her life. Sometimes the older the child is, the greater the hesitancy seems to be. Watching a program on T.V. together, concerning a subject the parent wishes to talk about, opens the door to discussion in general terms which in turn can lead to the specific.

Technology plays a larger part in our lives than we ever imagined and it is only right that instead of wasting the opportunity or turning our backs on it, we harness its great potential to mould and develop our children's attitudes and responses to the world we all inhabit.

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Calendars and Personality Type

I recently conducted a survey to look at the relationship between an individual’s personality type and his or her organizing and time management style, and noticed that the majority of participants said they have a calendar system that works for them. As there are so many time management systems available, both paper-based and electronic, I thought it would be interesting to find out which calendar systems are most popular with each personality type, and asked my ezine subscribers and visitors to my website to describe their time management system, what they like and dislike about it, and their personality type according to the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator® (MBTI®). The MBTI measures your preferences in four areas:

The source of your energy (Introversion / Extraversion)

Taking in information (Sensing / INtuition)

Decision-making (Thinking / Feeling)

Dealing with the outer world (Judging / Perceiving)

Because the Judging / Perceiving preference pertains to the way you deal with the outer world, it has the greatest influence on the way you manage time and space, however, the other preferences also come into play, as described in earlier articles. Your preferences in the four areas listed above combine to form one of 16 different personality types.

This article is a summary of the responses I received, according to the participants' stated personality type. Where specific time management products were named, this information has been included.

Due to their preference for planning and their attention to detail, the Sensing Judging types are generally considered natural organizers with a strong attachment to schedules and deadlines. Most formal time management systems on the market were designed by and for SJ types.

Although one ISTJ participant stated that he doesn’t use a time management system at all, the others showed a preference for a paper-based system. Most like the week-at-a-glance format, either the Day Runner® or the Taylor Planner®, because it allows them to visualize what they have to do. One student supplements her daily planner with a wall-mounted dry-erase calendar as well as a dry-erase board containing her weekly time map.

ISFJ participants also showed a preference for a paper-based system. Although one stated that she loves technology and was given a Palm Pilot®, she has no desire to give up her Day-Timer®, which has a monthly calendar that allows her to see her commitments at a glance. It also includes two pages for each day, with space for a to-do list and daily schedule, as well as blank space for jotting down phone messages and important thoughts. Others are less concerned with scheduling, but use daily to-do lists.

The only ESFJ who responded to the survey indicated a preference for the Palm Pilot®, which allows her to easily search for and retrieve information and to sync with her Outlook® calendar. She prefers to use paper for ideas that she needs to "sketch" visually and for face-to-face situations with clients where the Palm Pilot® might seem a distraction or even rude.

Unfortunately, no ESTJ's took part in the survey, but according to Sandra Krebs Hirsch & Jean Kummerow, authors of LifeTypes, and Larry Demarest, author of Out of Time: How the Sixteen Types Manage Their Time and Work, ESTJ's like to-do lists and use a calendar or planner to keep track of what has been done and what still needs to be addressed. ESTJ's typically plan thoroughly, scheduling preparation time for meetings as well as for the meeting itself.

Although a wide variety of systems were reported, due to their preference for Intuition, INtuitive Feeling types generally prefer time management systems that allow them to see the big picture.

ENFP's reported using multiple calendars for different functions. One uses a Palm Pilot® for scheduling, but creates a daily to-do list using Microsoft Word®, so that she can cross out tasks as she completes them. Another uses an electronic calendar and task list along with a manual tickler file consisting of a folder for each day of the month and a folder for each month, where she keeps all the paperwork to back up her electronic system. A third uses a Day-Timer® system, one page per day, folio size, with monthly calendar inserts to keep on track, along with a calendar on the kitchen fridge to keep track of family activities.

INFP's had the widest participation rate in the survey, and reported a variety of time management system preferences, encompassing both paper-based and electronic systems. One successfully manages her busy schedule with a PDA to schedule personal and private practice appointments. She schedules job appointments on her computer at work using Outlook® and syncs her PDA and work computer upon arrival and again before leaving work. Another uses the Palm Pilot® for scheduling and alarms, along with Microsoft Streets and Trips® to find locations and download to the PDA. She likes the ability to print her calendar and have the entire month in front of her.

Another uses a Franklin Planner® “when she thinks of it,” sometimes recording tasks that have been completed, in case she need to remember when she started something, and uses the Microsoft Works® calendar occasionally as well. One INFP designed her own multi-ring planning system.

All INFJ participants identified very strong preferences in terms of their time management tools, although their preferences varied widely, and included both paper-based and electronic systems. One likes the compactness, durability, and portability of her black leather Day-Timer®, in the week-at-a-glance format. She doesn’t feel her computer is reliable enough to use as a time management tool. Another tried using the Outlook® calendar, but found it wasn’t functional for her, since she isn’t always at her computer. She believes a PDA would be useful as it would allow her to easily transfer information between the two, but until she can afford one, she uses paper Day-Timers®, one page per day format. She likes the monthly planner for seeing the whole picture and the one page per day gives her enough space to "explode the detail" when necessary. She also keeps a family calendar in the kitchen. Yet another makes maximum use of technology, combining a Palm Pilot® with desktop contact management software, and synchronizing the two regularly.

The only ENFJ participant uses Outlook® combined with a Palm V®. She likes the ability to set recurring meetings and dates like birthdays, organize a list of tasks and memos by category, flag email for follow up, and set reminders. Other benefits she enjoys include only having to handle paper when she chooses to print something, and the Palm®'s compactness. On the downside, she mentions the Palm's fragility and the risk of losing data.

Individuals with preferences for iNtuition and Thinking also reported using a wide variety of time management tools.

All of the ENTJ's who participated in this survey reported using a combination of paper and electronic systems. One prints her own calendar from MS Outlook® on Day-Timer® computer paper (Desk size, 7-hole punched) and uses several of the Day-Timer® accessories that are available. Another uses a combination of "brain power, paper calendar and electronic organizer".

ENTP's reported a distinct preference for portable electronic systems. One found a Palm Pilot® to be effective because she could sync it with her computer, but no longer has the technology available to her. She has had little success with paper calendars. Another uses a Palm Zire71® with the Palm Desktop® system. The features she considers most important are the color screen, the ability to take hand-written notes, and alarms and snooze buttons. She found that a paper planner was too much trouble to carry around.

INTJ's, on the other hand, showed a preference for paper-based planners. One stated a reluctance “to go the Blackberry® route” because she likes to flip ahead to whole weeks of appointments and to staple information to pages in preparation for various events.

As no INTP's responded to the survey, I will share the following quotation from Larry Demarest’s Out of Time:

INTP's tend to be conceptual planners – their plans being neither specific nor fully developed. They work in blocks of time, and what gets written down may be sketchy and seem incomplete. INTPs are not likely to use the planning categories, structure, or systems provided by the manufacturer of an organizer (unless it somehow happened to make good sense to a particular individual). Like many other aspects of life, most INTP's will find their own way of planning and organizing. (Though, this may not be typical, one INTP reported using three calendars – two electronic and one hard copy).

As I found with my previous surveys on organizing and time management, not many people with preferences for Sensing and Perceiving responded. It may be that as action-oriented, spontaneous individuals, they are not likely to be interested in doing Internet surveys or in the topic of time management itself.

In fact, the only SP respondent, an ISTP, said about time management, “I think those words do not go together for my type.” She uses a thin 2-year monthly at-a glance calendar, and writes appointments with a time and an initial e.g. 5-T, which is enough to remind her. She puts labels of frequently called names, addresses, and numbers in the back and keeps a paper clip at the front to attach temporary notes.

In Out of Time, Larry Demarest states that ISFP's keep track of what needs to be done in a variety of different ways. Some use the popular calendars and organizers while others attend to due dates and plan for the priorities, leaving considerable leeway to be flexible and spontaneous about remaining work.

Demarest also states that many ESTP's don’t use a calendar or planner and that those who do tend to use them selectively. For example, one reported using a planner for work but not for his social or personal life. Another records only the important activities for each day. Some think and work in terms of chunks of time rather than hour-by-hour. ESTP's also report using electronic calendars and organizers.

ESFP's keep track of their work, according to Demarest, in a variety of ways, ranging from the prevalent, more formal systems and computer calendars to relying on reminders from team members and keeping a simple to-do list or a mental list.

Before the new year arrives, take some time to evaluate your current time management system, and if it’s not working for you, consider what other people of your personality type find effective. If you’ve never taken the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator®, maybe it’s time that you discovered the many ways that a deeper understanding of yourself can benefit you, both personally and professionally.

Although there are many online assessments claiming to be the same as the MBTI®, the best way to understand your personality type is to take an official MBTI® instrument from a professional who has met the standards necessary to be "qualified" to administer the test.

Further Reading

Out of Time: How the Sixteen Types Manage Their Time and Work by Larry Demarest

LifeTypes by Sandra Krebs Hirsch & Jean Kummerow
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