“Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) is a condition in which your thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough of certain important hormones.  Women, especially those older than age 60, are more likely to have hypothyroidism.  It upsets normal balance of chemical reactions in your body.  Unlikely symptoms in the early stages, but over time, untreated it can cause a number of health problems, such as obesity, joint pain, infertility and heart disease.”

MAYO Clinic

“The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) has developed the CAGE questionnaire to help the alcoholic or family to determine if alcohol use is problematic.

• Have you ever felt you should Cut down on your drinking?
• Have people Annoyed you by criticizing your drinking?
• Have you ever felt bad or Guilty about your drinking?
• Have you ever had a drink the first thing in the morning to steady your nerves or get rid of a hangover (Eye opener)?”

Go to striveforgoodhealth.com and learn more in Alcohol Awareness Month in Part II.

“More than 7 percent of all American adults have an alcohol use disorder. These adults drink too much, too often, and in ways that harm their health, their happiness, and their relationships. An intervention, in which the family outlines alcohol’s consequences, can push these people to enter treatment programs. Once there, counseling sessions, relapse prevention coaching, and support group work can help to support recovery.”

AmericanAddictionCenters.org

“Nearly 1 in 5 women and 1 in 67 men in the U.S. have experienced rape or attempted rape at some time in their lives. The more we spread awareness and educate folks on the issue, the more allies we have in the effort to support survivors and prevent sexual violence before it happens.”

NSRVC (National Sexual Violence Resource Center)

Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) is an annual campaign to raise public awareness about sexual assault and educate communities and individuals on how to prevent sexual violence.  It is observed in April.

Each year during the month of April, state, territory, tribal and community-based organizations, rape crisis centers, government agencies, businesses, campuses and individuals plan events and activities to highlight sexual violence as a public health, human rights and social justice issue and reinforce the need for prevention efforts.

Prevent sexual assault before it starts.

Sexual violence is a hard topic to many to be able to talk about if not at least awkward to many.  Yet sexual assault is a very serious public health problem that affects millions of women and men that the public should be made aware about.

In the United States, 1 in 5 women have experienced completed or attempted rape, and about 1 in 15 men have been made to penetrate someone in their lifetime. Most victims first experienced sexual violence before age 25.

Statistics underestimate the problem because many victims do not tell the police, family, or friends about the violence.

Our ultimate goal is to call attention to and stop sexual violence before it begins.

Sexual violence also includes

• Unwanted sexual contact
• Non-contact, unwanted sexual experiences (such as verbal sexual harassment)

Sexual violence can be committed by anyone.

• A current or former intimate partner
• A family member
• A person in position of power or trust
• A friend or acquaintance
• A stranger, or someone known only by sight

Sexual violence impacts health in many ways and can lead to long-term physical and mental health problems. For example, victims may experience chronic pain, headaches, and sexually transmitted diseases. They are often fearful or anxious and may have problems trusting others. Anger and stress can lead to eating disorders, depression, and even suicidal thoughts.

The key is PREVENTION:

How?

1. Define the problem.
2. Identify risk and protective factors.
3. Develop and test prevention strategies.
4. Assure widespread adoption.
5. The ultimate goal is to stop sexual violence before it begins.

For further info. go to the internet covering this topic in more detail like the National Sexual Violence Resource Center or MAYO clinic or CDC.

Enjoy your Easter Weekend!!

“Easter Eggs can have health benefits – just go for dark chocolate which contains high cocoa content. Dark chocolate is made with a high proportion of cocoa and also contains large amounts of flavonoids, which act as powerful antioxidants and lower blood pressure.”

bodyandsoul.com

Easter is a day of celebration and indulgence in hearty casseroles and sugary sweets. While it’s easy to go overboard in the Easter feast, it’s all about balance. Yes, you are allowed your Cadbury Eggs, but use these tips to keep you from completely falling off your diet plan.

1. Start with the real breakfast of champions. You may not be able to control what’s served at the lunch table, but you certainly can control what you eat when you wake up. Make a giant green smoothie so you load up on nutrients and fiber, or try a protein shake, eggs or greek yogurt for filling protein.
2. Drink plenty of water. Drink a glass of water before you endulge in your meal in order to make you feel fuller, faster. Try place thin cucumber and lemon slices in your glass for a clean and refreshing twist.
3. Fill up on greens. Before you dive into the cheese plate or Easter basket full of candy, munch on a plate full of veggie sticks or salad. The fiber will fill you up, so you are less inclined to overindulge in the bad stuff.
4. Remember your serving sizes. Serve half of the plate with veggies, a quarter with grains, and a quarter with protein. If you prefer stricter measurements, forget the cups and teaspoons, and use your hand as a measuring cup. Two fingers equals one serving of cheese. An open palm equals one serving of meat. A closed fist is one serving of fruit or vegetables. A cupped hand is one serving of grains.
5. Enjoy bread and candy last. After you’ve filled up on veggies and protein, then enjoy the bread and butter, Peeps, jellybeans, or chocolate-covered caramels. While it’s tempting to inhale five or six candies in one sitting, slow down and thoroughly savor each bite.