Are You Prepared for a Disaster?

With the devastating tornado that ripped through Moore, Oklahoma, experts are asking individuals and families to develop an emergency plan in preparation for any type of disaster.  Although it is not easy to always predict the extent and severity of the damage, the American Red Cross believes that having a preparedness plan can prove beneficial in times of crisis.  A spokesperson for the organization recommends that families pick a room where everyone can gather, and that there are no windows should high winds be present.  Furthermore, it should be discussed where everyone will meet should individuals and/ or family members get separated. In case of power outages, cell phones and all electronic devices may not be available.  Rehearsing different evacuation routes can also help should unexpected situations arise.

In addition to having an evacuation plan, it is recommended that people stock up on non-perishable food and water, as well as an emergency kit, flashlight, batteries and a prepared backpack with clothes, medicine and items should you need to evacuate.  The American Red Cross has also provided information on how to stay safe in times of disasters, which can be found here.

Information on how to get your household ready for an emergency can also be found here.

Photo by:  BalajiB. on Flickr            License:  Creative Commons

Free, Confidential Counseling Services for New Yorkers Affected By Hurricane Sandy

The Health Department today launched an ad campaign highlighting the free, confidential crisis counseling services available to help New Yorkers cope with the effects of Hurricane Sandy, particularly in Brooklyn, Lower Manhattan, Queens, and Staten Island. Project Hope crisis counselors, going door-to-door in blue vests, provide emotional support, and help people find ways to cope with the traumatic impact the storm has had on their family and their lives. The ads will run in subway cars, on buses, and the Staten Island Ferry beginning today through the month of August.

For more information, please visit http://www.nyc.gov/html/doh/html/pr2013/pr016-13.shtml.

Project HOPE (http://www.nyc.gov/html/doh/html/em/project-hope.shtml)

More information can be found on www.nyc.gov

This Space

This space,

This space right here,

Is so big that

For a moment

This long, heavy coat that

I’ve made of myself

Slid right off my shoulders

And onto the floor.

Composed By: Cindy Copp

Aesop’s Fables: The Peacock & The Crane

A peacock bragged to a crane that its colorful plumage was far superior to the letters drab hue. To which the crane replied, that he could soar to heights, while the peacock had walk with the birds of the barnyard.

MORAL

Fine feathers do not make fine birds.

Have you made plans for the summer yet?

Have you made plans for the summer yet? I’m not talking about jobs, internships, summer school, or any of that busyness continuum. I’m talking about going to the beach, walking through the park, getting some friends together for a powwow bonfire, or even sitting out on the lawn with a nice book.

MAKE A LIST

List your top ten favorite activities to do in the summer time. When September rolls along see if you were able to do all the things you listed.

HERE’S SOME IDEAS

-Go to the beach
-Go upstate hiking
-Camping
-Pitch a tent up in the back yard
-Plant a tree
-Barbeque
-Volunteer
-Revamp your diet with healthier foods
-Go on a family/ friendly bike ride
-Pick up an instrument
-Go to the zoo/aquarium
-Road trip with amigos/amigas
-Lay under the night sky
-Start a workout/ training regiment
-Movie marathons on rainy days
-Read a new book. Once you finish, pick up another
-Relax with good company/the good company of self

RELAX and TRANSITION into the summertime ease with the video below from DJSteaven:

Prevent Migraines by Changing Your Diet

People who suffer from migraines describe this type of headache as a throbbing and/ or pulsing pain that tends to be located on one side of the head, and can be accompanied by nausea, vomiting and sensitivity to light and sound.  Some people even report experiencing a smell or visual aura prior to getting a migraine.  Migraines can last for a few hours to a few days, and is usually alleviated by resting in a quiet, dark place.  Although not one factor can be attributed to the cause of migraines, doctors and nutritionists believe that diet plays a significant role in causing these severe headaches, in addition to alcohol, caffeine, tyramine (found in fermented and over- ripened foods), and tannins (found in coffee, tea, red wine and apple juice).  Food additives, such as Aspartame, MSG, and nitrates have also been found to trigger migraines in some people.

By keeping a food and migraine journal, you can learn to identify which food group, chemical and/ or additive tends to trigger your migraine, and then find alternative solutions when preparing meals or eating out.  Also taking certain vitamins and herbal supplements can reduce the chance of developing a migraine, such as magnesium, feverfew, butterbur, Riboflavin (B-2) and Co-Q10.  For a complete list of which food groups, beverages and additives can possibly trigger migraines, please click here.

Photo by:  Life Mental Health on Flickr              License:  Creative Commons

Castor Oil and Healing

Castor oil is derived from the Ricinus communis, or castor bean. Castor oil may be applied directly to the skin or consumed in very small amounts. The benefits of castor oil are thought to be due to the oil’s unique chemical composition. Castor oil’s main ingredient is ricinoleic acid, which is credited with the oil’s many health and beauty benefits.

Castor oil and healing date back to ancient Egypt. To date, Ayurvedic medicine, Chinese medicine, and Naturopathy recommend castor oil packs due to its ability to promote healing and to reduce inflammation. Castor oil packs are known to improve elimination and circulation of the lymphatic system. Castor oil packs aid with Hepatitis C, Hyperthyroidism, pelvic pain, Tendonitis, Kidney stones, Fibroids, Ovarian cysts, swollen joints, Irritable bowel syndrome, and other digestive disorders.

Castor Oil as Treatment for Skin and Hair

Castor oil benefits the skin. Castor oil is an effective moisturizer and emollient. Castor oil is commonly used as an anti-wrinkle treatment. When applied regularly, castor oil will increase skin elasticity, make the skin appear more soft and diminish the appearance of wrinkles. Many people have also found castor oil effective in getting rid of stretch marks.

Castor oil seems to improve the quality of the hair. Castor oil applied to the hair will lock in moisture, soften the strands, add shine and protect against heat and other damage. Castor oil rubbed into the scalp, actually makes the hair grow faster. Some people even apply castor oil to their eyelashes to increase their volume and length. The many cosmetic benefits of castor oil make this oil an inexpensive, widely available and extremely healthy beauty treatment.

Castor Oil to Fight Infection

Castor oil acts as an antiviral, antifungal and antibacterial when applied directly to the skin. Castor oil’s antifungal properties have made it a popular treatment for ringworm. It also works as an antifungal, many people rid themselves of warts by applying castor oil to their skin on a regular basis. Studies show that using castor oil packs can improve thymus gland function and increase the production of lymphocytes which help to fight infections.

Make a Castor Oil Pack

Castor oil packs are constructed with several layers of flannel and cold-pressed castor oil. When placed on the affected area, the pack acts to draw out infection, dissolve cysts, scars, and tumors.

Materials to gather:
A soft, clean, thick material like flannel, wool, or cotton (preferably organic cotton)
•Castor oil
•A glass bowl or glass jar that you can pour the castor oil in over your flannel
•A hot water bottle or heating pad
•Old clothes that you don’t mind getting stained since castor oil will stain fabric
•A plastic bag
•A large towel

Instructions:
1.Put on your chosen older clothes.
2.Take a piece of flannel, or organic cotton place it in your bowl or glass container, and pour enough castor oil over it to saturate and soak it.
3.Obtain your hot water bottle or heating pad ready.
4.Place your towel on a flat surface. For additional protection, put down a garbage/plastic bag so that your bed, couch or floor will not be stained from castor oil that may drip. It will drip onto the protective plastic cover.
5.Lie down and place the saturated flannel or cotton over the affected area of your body.
6.Cover the pack with plastic.
7.Place the heating pad or hot water bottle over the pack and let it sit for at least 45-60 minutes. During this time, just rest, listen to music, or read a book of your choice.
8.When the time is up, remove the pack and clean the area with water and a bit of baking soda.
9.The castor oil pack may be kept in a plastic bag in a cool place or in your refrigerator.
10. For the next session, add another tablespoon of castor oil.

Castor Oil is not without Side Effects, particularly if you ingest it. All alternative therapies must be discussed with your primary care physician or medical provider.

For more information on Castor oil and its healing properties click here or here, and here.

Photo by: pmarkham License: flickr – Creative Commons

Summer Martial Arts!

Women’s Kickboxing & Self-Defense

This class is geared for women who are looking to build strength in all areas of their lives through the ancient practice of Martial Arts. This is a safe, non-judgmental training space where no previous experience is needed. Get a great work-out while learning effective self-defense techniques. Pre-registration and purchasing sparring gloves and focus pads ($50) that you keep is a requirement. Please email jmerriweather@sjcny.edu to register. Once you are registered you will receive the necessary information to purchase the sparring equipment.

LIVING TIPS

1. Be honest at all times.
   Lies lead to nothing but trouble. Being known as trustworthy is an excellent trait to maintain and essential to having integrity.
2. Travel. 
   Anyone who has ever gone anywhere will tell you that traveling is one of the most exciting and life-changing activities that you can do. Observing a different culture will expand your mind while making you further appreciate the life you already live. This goes back to becoming an explorer: this world is your jungle so go explore! Who knows, maybe you’ll find a place you love so much that you decide to move. Imagine the positive repercussions a new environment could have on your life.
3. Read “Bringers of Light” and “Conversations with God” by Neale Donald Walsch.
   These books will help you decide what you want to do in this life and how to get to that point. They will also profoundly change the way you look at the purpose of existence. Read them!
4. Figure out what your goals and dreams are.
   So many people wander aimlessly through life simply go for whatever small thing they want moment by moment. Instead, decide what your perfect life consists of and begin to put the steps in motion to reach that place. The most satisfying thing in the world (yes, better than sex, much better) is overcoming a challenge and reaching a goal. We are the happiest when we are growing and working towards something better.
5. Start your day off right.
   Wake up and set aside an hour for personal development activities (meditation, self-introspection, observing nature, etc.) Do the things that make you feel blissful, optimistic and empowered so that you can set a positive tone for your day. I guarantee that once you start doing this, your days will be more enjoyable and fulfilling. Today is going to be the best day of your life. Duh.

Pet Adoption Fair, Inside/Out

 

(Rain Date: Saturday, June 1)

Your new best friend is waiting!

On Saturday, May 18 Sachem Public Library’s Inside/Out garden will be filled with love, loyalty, and laughter as you come face-to-face with adorable furry friends looking for their forever home.

Choose from dogs, cats, puppies, kittens, and an assortment of small animals. Animal rescue organizations and advocacy associations will be on hand to help you choose the perfect pet.