Cervical Health Awareness Month

Glaucoma Awareness

Blood Donor Month

You're off to Great Places! Today is your day! Your mountain is waiting, So... get on your way! - Dr. Seuss

As We Start a New Year Yahweh Creates Time Gen 1:3-5 Then God said, "Let there be light"; and there was light. And God saw the light, that it was good; and God divided the light from the darkness. God called the light Day, and the darkness He called Night. So the evening and the morning were the first day.

The Lord indeed created time yet He dwelt in a dimension that is beyond time and space. Time and space is where the sovereign God would meet with His highest creation, man.

Lord of Their Calendar It would be several hundred years after the flood of Noah that the Lord would reveal Himself to Abraham, the first Hebrew. Later in Hebrew history the Lord spoke to Moses on Mount Sinai and revealed to him His Covenant with man and the "appointed times" that they were to come together as a congregation.

It was through these special days throughout the year that the Lord would reveal Himself to them that He was in control of every moment in time and that He was Lord of their calendar. http://www.bible-history.com/jewishyear/jewishyear_overview.html

Better keep yourself clean and bright; you are the window through which you must see the world. - George Bernard Shaw

Preparing for the Epiphany of the Lord

12th day after Christmas

Matthew 2:1-12 The Magi seek out Jesus and do him homage. The visit of the Magi occurs directly before the story of the Holy Family's flight into Egypt. Matthew's Gospel tells a version of Jesus' birth that is different than the one in Luke. Of the actual birth of Jesus, Matthew tells us little more than, "When Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, in the days of King Herod..." The story of the census is found only in Luke's Gospel, but we hear about the visit of the Magi only in Matthew's Gospel.

We know little about the Magi. They come from the East and journey to Bethlehem, following an astrological sign, so we believe them to be astrologers. We assume that there were three Magi based upon the naming of their three gifts. The Gospel does not say how many Magi paid homage to Jesus. In Matthew's Gospel, they represent the Gentiles' search for a savior. Because the Magi represent the entire world, they also represent our search for Jesus.

http://www.loyolapress.com/sunday-connection.htm?sId=26745&utm_campaign=sunday-connection_December-31- 2012&utm_medium=email&utm_source=sc&utm_content=Sunday-Connection&utm_term=body-top

Mistletoe

Oklahoma!

Mistletoe is the state floral emblem of Oklahoma. Adopted in 1893, it's Oklahoma's oldest state symbol.

Martin Luther King Day

Martin Luther King, Jr. by Paul on January 18, 2010 “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, “What are you doing for others?” [Martin Luther King, Jr.]

As a 53 year-old, I believe that I am leading a rich and exciting life and that I am doing my little bit to make the world a better place. But look at Martin Luther King, Jr. He, too, was a clergyman and did his best. He never held public office and yet is one of only 4 individuals honored by a National Holiday. King’s contribution to our making our union “more perfect” cannot be overstated. His participation in the nonviolent campaign for Civil Rights ended with his assassination in 1968 when he was only 39 years old.

Thank you, Lord, for the gift of Martin Luther King, Jr. http://peopleforothers.loyolapress.com/2010/01/18/martin-luther-king-jr/

Martin Luther King Jr. with his son by his side removing a burnt cross from his front yard, 1960 Life's most urgent question is: what are you doing for others? - Martin Luther King, Jr.

We must learn to live together as brothers or perish together as fools. - Martin Luther King, Jr. Never succumb to the temptation of bitterness. - Martin Luther King, Jr. Cowardice asks the question - is it safe? Expediency asks the question - is it politic? Vanity asks the question - is it popular? But conscience asks the question - is it right? And there comes a time when one must take a position that is neither safe, nor politic, nor popular; but one must take it BECAUSE it is right. - Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Daily Inspiration - Daily Quote

King Day "The heights by great men reached and kept, were not attained by sudden flight, but they, while their companions slept, were toiling upward in the night." - Henry Wadsworth Longfellow At the end of a matter (year) ask, "What will I learn from this to make me better?" - Mary Anne Radmacher

"Always bear in mind that your own resolution to succeed is more important than any other one thing." - Abraham Lincoln

A Look Back in History

On January 31, 1961, Ham, whose name was an acronym for H olloman A ero M ed, became the first chimpanzee in space, aboard the Mercury Redstone rocket on a sub- orbital flight very similar to Alan Shepard's. Ham was brought from the French

Camaroons, West Africa, where he was born July 1957, to Holloman Air Force Base in

New Mexico in 1959. The original flight plan called for an altitude of 115 miles and speeds ranging up to 4400 mph. However, due to technical problems, the spacecraft carrying Ham reached an altitude of 157 miles and a speed of 5857 mph and landed

422 miles downrange rather than the anticipated 290 miles. Ham performed well during his flight and splashed down in the Atlantic Ocean 60 miles from the recovery ship. He experienced a total of 6.6 minutes of weightlessness during a 16.5-minute flight. A post-flight medical examination found Ham to be slightly fatigued and dehydrated, but in good shape otherwise. Ham's mission paved the way for the successful launch of America's first human astronaut, Alan B. Shepard, Jr., on May 5,

1961. Upon the completion of a thorough medical examination, Ham was placed on display at the Washington Zoo in 1963 where he lived alone until September 25, 1980.

He then was moved to the North Carolina Zoological Park in Asheboro. Upon his death on January 17, 1983, Ham's skeleton would be retained for ongoing examination by the Armed Forces Institute of Pathology. His other remains were respectfully laid to rest in front of the International Space Hall of Fame in

Alamogordo, New Mexico.

A Look Back on Plastic Surgery

Walter Yeo, one of the first people to undergo advanced plastic surgery. His eyelids were damaged in World War I, and he got a skin transplant to replace them. Thought of the Month

Just a few weeks ago, we celebrated the birth of the Savior. By now, the trees have been stowed away, the presents opened, and the carol music replaced by other songs. Yet the God we celebrated is still just as worthy of praise as the God we praised on December 25th.

The psalmist declared that God is Lord over all of life — from the skies to the bottom of the ocean. God gives us the good gifts of love, righteousness, and justice, and God does so in a steadfast way. That means God is faithfully committed to us. It’s not a love that’s put away when the tree is put away or the presents are unwrapped. God’s love endures beyond anything we can imagine. Will we continue to celebrate the Lord our God — whose love for us is so faithful — even when it’s not the holiday season? Will we be faithful to God the way the Lord is faithful to us?

Spirit, thank you that your love does not change with the seasons. Thank you for a love that endures. Amen.

Open your heart now as you would a brightly-wrapped package, Confident that the Giver of Life has provided you the greatest gift, The gift of life. Live today as a celebration, a time of giving back— To God And to all the world.

Laura Rector

http://www.d365.org/todaysdevotion/ I'm starting with the man in the mirror I'm asking him to change his ways And no message could have been any clearer If you wanna make the world a better place Take a look at yourself and then make a change by David Stehle

Picture of the Month

OH MY…

It was a much better Holiday season than I imagined!!!

Health Tips of the Month

What will you gain when you lose?

“What will you gain when you lose?” Lose 50 pounds and you’ll gain a new wardrobe. You’ll gain self esteem. You’ll feel better. Yes, your back and knees won’t hurt.

“What will you gain when you lose?” When you lose the tobacco addiction, you’ll breathe better. Your endurance will increase. Your bank account will increase. You’ll find non-smoking friends.

“What will you gain when you lose?” When you lose your bad habits, you stand to gain a lot. So ask yourself that very critical question often. This year, work on losing what’s hurting you and gain good health.

Permalink: livewellthy.org/2013/01/06/what-will-you-gain.aspx

Benefit Updates

Nov. 6, 2013

Webinar: The Medicare landscape in 2014

It’s open enrollment season—both for Medicare Part D and health plans, and for the new Health Insurance Marketplaces. Our November webinar will help answer questions you and your clients may have about what they need to do. Join us on Nov. 15 to learn about what’s going on in Part D in 2014, who can use the Marketplaces, and how to transition from the Marketplace to Medicare. Register for the webinar

Now available: Parts A & B costs for 2014

On Oct. 28, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced the Medicare premium and cost-sharing amounts for 2014. The monthly Part B premium is $104.90, same as in 2013. The Part B deductible will also remain unchanged at $147. Get the rest of the numbers in our updated Parts A and B cost-sharing chart. Read the CMS update | Download the 2014 Parts A & B cost-sharing chart | Learn more about Medicare Parts A & B costs

Part D Extra Help/LIS in 2014

As you work with beneficiaries this open enrollment period, consider using our updated LIS eligibility and benefit chart to help you screen for and explain LIS benefits. We’ve updated our chart to include the 2014 benefit amounts. Note: The eligibility levels (income and resource limits) may change in 2014. CMS usually announces the annual resource levels for the coming year in the fall (October/November), while the income levels are tied to the federal poverty guidelines, which are usually announced in late January. We’ll update these charts as soon as new levels are made available. Download the LIS chart | Learn more about Extra Help/LIS

5 quick questions for 2014

The Center for Benefits is planning our webinar series for 2014, and we want to hear from you! Take our brief, five-question survey to tell us a little about yourself, what benefits you assist clients to enroll in, and what topics you’re interested in learning more about in the coming year. Take the survey

Social Security announces 1.5% COLA in 2014

The Social Security Administration announced that beneficiaries will receive a 1.5% cost of living adjustment (COLA) beginning in January. The increase—slightly lower than last year’s 1.7% COLA—will benefit the 57 million people with Social Security retirement benefits, as well as the 8 million people receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Learn more

Don't miss these resources...

 Dealing with Cuts: Helping Clients Make the Most of Their SNAP Benefits— Read how the expiration of stimulus funding on Nov. 1 affected SNAP benefits, and how you can help clients maximize deductions to reduce the impact of the cuts.  CMS Open Enrollment Center—Download and order outreach materials for Medicare Open Enrollment (Oct. 15 - Dec. 7) from CMS.  MapRx 2014 Enrollment Questions and Answers—Get answers to frequently asked questions about Medicare open enrollment.  To Switch or Not to Switch: Are Medicare Beneficiaries Switching Drug Plans to Save Money? Get the answer in the latest issue brief from the Kaiser Family Foundation.  Social Security Keeps 22 Million Americans Out of Poverty: A State-by-State Analysis—Read what’s working in this new brief from the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities.

Benefits Alert is published by the National Center for Benefits Outreach and Enrollment and National Council on Aging. Your contributions and comments are welcome and should be sent to [email protected].

The National Center for Benefits Outreach and Enrollment helps organizations enroll seniors and younger adults with disabilities with limited means into the benefits programs for which they are eligible so that they can remain healthy and improve the quality of their lives. For more information, visit www.centerforbenefits.org.

Faith Help of the Month

Breaking Unhealthy & Unwanted Behaviors

Are there unhealthy behaviors or thinking patterns in your life that you haven't been able to shake off? Perhaps you might consider them a stronghold.

Applying the 'wisdom' of the world that you read in magazines or see on TV will likely not work to bring about a change if the problem is of a spiritual nature. You must rely on the weapons that God offers like prayer, submission and dependence on the power of the Holy Spirit.

"The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds." 2 Cor 10:4

I encourage you to ask God to reveal to you if you're trying to demolish what might be a stronghold in your own strength. If you are, turn more deeply to God for his help.

Your Motivation - God wants you to be well so that you're able to more fully live and have lots of fruit in your life..... for his glory! http://www.faithandhealthconnection.org/

Thought for the New Year

Take some time in a quiet place to contemplate the balance between being of service - both to this generation and to generations yet unborn - and renewing your vitality with play and celebration. Without play, one becomes old and dry. Without service, life becomes meaningless. - Jonathan Lockwood Huie

Ideas/Plans for the Year

1. Become familiar with food labels, including portion sizes 2. Better yet, eat more whole/fresh fruits and vegetables - Mother Nature doesn't require labels 3. Eat whole fruits; don't drink fruit juice 4. Swap out soda for water (add a wedge of lemon, lime, or cucumber slices for a refreshing taste) 5. Plant a garden - containers can provide a lot of fresh food and herbs (healthy tip: herbs can replace salt in recipes) 6. Plan and prepare meals at home - try something new 7. Pack lunches/snacks to help avoid vending temptations 8. Eat less red meat - try a Meatless Monday menu for a few weeks 9. Squelch cravings by being physically active - take a walk before you grab a cookie or chips 10. Keep a journal to document all of the positive changes you notice in yourself and in the world around you 11. If you mess up, forgive yourself (and others) 12. Take time to reflect on how far you have come, not how far you have to go 13. Never give up! Submitted by: Teresa, Indianapolis

www.INShapeIndiana.org

New Years Day Meal

Lucky New Year food Hoppin John

New Year's Day in Alabama: black-eyed peas, ham hock, and pepper sauce

In the Southern United States, eating black-eyed peas on New Year's Day is thought to bring prosperity in the new year.

The "good luck" traditions of eating black-eyed peas at Rosh Hashana, the Jewish New Year, are recorded in the Babylonian Talmud (compiled circa 500 CE), Horayot 12A: "Abaye [d. 339 CE] said, now that you have established that good-luck symbols avail, you should make it a habit to see qara (bottle gourd), rubiya (black-eyed peas, Arabic lubiya), kartei (leeks), silka (either beets or spinach), and tamrei (dates) on your table on the New Year." However, the custom may have resulted from an early mistranslation of the Aramaic word rubiya (fenugreek). A parallel text in Kritot 5B states one should eat these symbols of good luck. The accepted custom (Shulhan Aruh Orah Hayim 583:1, 16th century, the standard code of Jewish law and practice) is to eat the symbols. This custom is followed by Sephardi and Israeli Jews to this day.

In the United States, the first Sephardi Jews arrived in Georgia in the 1730s, and have lived there continuously since. The Jewish practice was apparently adopted by non- Jews around the time of the American Civil War.

NOTE: The planting of crops of black-eyed peas was promoted by George Washington Carver because, as a legume, it adds nitrogen to the soil and has high nutritional value. Black-eyed peas contain calcium (41 mg) folate (356 mcg), protein (13.22 g), fiber (11.1 g) and vitamin A (26 IU), among other nutrients, all for less than 200 Calories, in a 171-g, one-cup serving.[3]

To find out about the Civil War and its influence, click link below http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black-eyed_pea …

Mayo Clinic’s Dietitian's tip: Most dried peas and beans, including black-eyed peas, are an excellent source of folate. One serving of this dish provides 70 percent of the daily recommended amounts. http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/healthy-recipes/NU00372/rss=1 …

Healthy Eating Tip Look for grains in their least processed form, and try to eat them everyday. Some immediate benefits you might notice are stable blood sugar, less hunger between meals, and better weight management. Food Network

Olives, The Wonder of Olives

Given this phytonutrient richness, it's not surprising that olives have documented health benefits that extend to most of our body systems. Olive benefits have been demonstrated for the cardiovascular system, respiratory system, nervous system, musculoskeletal system, immune system, inflammatory system, and digestive system. We believe that many of these diverse systems benefits are actually related to two underlying health-support aspects of olives, namely, their unusual antioxidant and anti-inflammatory nutrients. In this Health Benefits section, we will focus on those antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of olives, as well as some anti- cancer benefits that seem especially important with respect to this food.

http://whfoods.org/genpage.php? tname=foodspice&dbid=46&utm_source=rss_reader&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=rss_feed#heal thbenefits

Although olive oil has great health benefits, it also has a lot of calories. Its 100 percent fat, and like all liquid oils, contains about 120 calories per tablespoon. Food Network Quote of the Month

Habitual Behavior -

If we want to direct our lives, we must take control of our consistent actions. It's not what we do once in a while that shapes our lives, but what we do consistently. - Anthony Robbins Senior Ministry

Aging is THE master teacher of life, not a thief in the night.

Aging teaches me ...

to honor the many lessons I have learned over the years.

Aging is a part of the living water that Jesus offers us every day.

www.senioradultministry.com 1714 Big Horn Basin St. Louis, MO 63011

636.273.6898

Google’s Random Facts

During your lifetime, you'll eat about 60,000 pounds of food, that's the weight of about 6 elephants.

The Doctor’s Voice

The Doctors Voice

Stewart B Segal, MD

The Retrospectroscope Knows All

During the next few weeks, many of us will be busy preparing for the holidays, excited to be with family and friends, looking forward to the New Year. The New Year brings many things, starting with the New Year’s resolutions. While most of us look forward to a new beginning, hopeful that things will be better, many spend time pondering about the past and saying “what if?” and “if only I had”. Thirty years in practice has taught me that ruminating on the past and the “what if” question and the “if only I had” reply, is detrimental to your health. After all, you cannot change the past. While you are busy regretting past errors, you may be missing future opportunity. Not long ago, a friend told me that one of the most important moments in her life was when I helped her through a moment of self doubt and self recrimination. She had made a decision many years ago that had long term consequences for her child’s health. At the time she made that decision, it was the right decision. Many years later, it was still the right decision, but when viewed through the “retrospectascope”, could be questioned. (Aretrospectroscope is a mythical device for looking backward in time.)

All of us are called on to make decisions on a daily basis. As individuals and parents who do not have a crystal ball with which to look into the future, we make the best decision we can. All of us, when looking back in time through the “retrospectascope”, realize that some of those decisions turned out to be wrong, some foolish, and some absurd. What is critical is to remember they were right at the time we made them.

When you make a decision that affects you or a love one, take the time to gather as much knowledge as you can. Follow your heart and your mind! Give pause, then decide and carry out that decision with great care. Later, if the decision turns out to be the wrong choice, live with it. Learn from it. Do not do the “what ifs”. “What ifs” serve no purpose. They lead to self doubt, anxiety and depression. They make you less capable and, therefore, more likely to err in the future. Residing too long in the past steals your future. Look forward to the future and all of its possibilities.

Permalink: livewellthy.org/2012/12/09/the-retrospectroscope-knows-all.aspx

"I hold the year in My Hands in trust for you. But I shall guide you one day at a time. Each day I supply the wisdom and the strength."

http://remindersfromgod.net/

Senior Health Exercise and physical activity

People in the U.S. are living longer than ever before. Many seniors live active and healthy lives. But there's no getting around one thing: as we age, our bodies and minds change. There are things you can do to stay healthy and active as you age. It is important to understand what to expect. Some changes may just be part of normal aging, while others may be a warning sign of a medical problem. It is important to know the difference, and to let your healthcare provider know if you have any concerns.

Exercise and physical activity are good for just about everyone

The following four exercises comprise Stage 1 of the Growing Stronger Program. When you've been doing the exercises of this stage for at least two weeks, OR if you are fairly fit right now, you can add the exercises in Stage 2. Remember to always do the Warmup and Cooldown as part of each exercise session.  Squats  Wall Pushups  Toe Stands  Finger Marching  http://www.cdc.gov/physicalactivity/growingstronger/exercises/stage1.html

Talk to your doctor to make sure your balance is good enough to do the “strength Building exercises”. This is a good place to start during the winter months. If not or, if you are confined to a chair:

Chair exercises might be right for you

 Chair Exercises For Older Adults - Live Well Age Well www.livewellagewell.info/study/2007/12-ChairExercisesUGA113006.pdf · PDF

The University of Georgia 1 Chair Exercises For Older Adults Many of these exercises were adapted from these sources: National Institute on Aging, Exercise: A Guide

Feature of the Month

Change/Resolutions

 Smart Planning  Seeing the Bigger Picture  New Habits  Healthy Environments  Connecting with God

Three thousand years ago, King David grasped this truth. He realized his only chance to succeed was appealing to God, and he penned words that have guided Jews ever since: “From the depths have I called to You, oh God” (Psalm 130:1).

In ancient times some synagogues even contained indentations in the floor where people could lead prayer “out of the depths”. Doing so – appealing to God when we realize we can’t succeed on our own – can bring us closer to the Divine, giving us both the strength and the resolution to succeed in our goals.

When the going gets tough, try opening a dialogue with God. This can be as formal or informal as you like. Get used the idea of asking God for help with your resolutions. This dialogue can help us clarify exactly what it is we’re trying to achieve and why, and it can also help give us the energy and spiritual sustenance to succeed in our goals.

Modern research echoes this wisdom. Scientists have found that this sort of regular, detailed planning is much more effective than more general, sweeping goals. Spend some time honestly thinking about your strengths and weaknesses: try to anticipate the challenges you face, and work on coming up with strategies that will help you towards your goals. http://www.aish.com/sp/pg/Sticking-to-Your-Resolutions.html?s=nb

Spiritual Thought

REMEMBER

TRANSITION by Sam Portaro

God is with you and with me in every moment, every experience of every day. There's no place where God is not, and no human experience that isn't holy. Good or bad, happy or sad, God is with us. Every human life is a spiritual journey and for Christians the most profoundly fundamental spiritual practice is embracing Emmanuel—the gospel proclamation, and affirmation, that God is with us—with each of us, with all of us.

http://credoveni.wordpress.com/2013/09/22/transition/ Featured Website

Featured Website: What’s On Your Plate? In or Out of the Classroom

Levels: E: Elementary; M: Middle; H: High; G: General, all levels; SN: Special Needs; T: Teachers

Subject Areas: LA: Language Arts, English, Reading, Writing; M: Math; S: Science; Health; SS: Social Studies, Current Events; FA: Fine Arts; Music, Art, Drama; FL: Foreign Language; PE: Physical Ed; C: Career; A: All

Charts Bin - “ChartsBin is a web-based data visualization tool that will allow everyone to quickly and easily create rich interactive visualizations with their own data.” (L:G; SA:A)

Global Bookshelf - “Ever wish you could find a story that would connect you to the trip you were planning? Maybe you’ve tried to find books and stories about your dream destination, but…

· You’re looking for a specific type of book, from a specific region, and just can’t find it…

· You don’t have time in your crazy schedule to sift through book after book after book that isn’t what you’re looking for…

· You can’t find a resource that lists books by country or region of the world… · You want to read small, personal, stories and don’t know where to look to find them…

· Whenever you search for books about a place all that returns is guidebooks…

Then The Global Bookshelf is for you!” (L:G; SA:A)

Zoos and Animals - take a virtual tour of zoos through Google Maps Street View (L:G; SA:A)

Overcoming Obstacles - “When faced with a bump in the road, sometimes we forget we have a choice: overcome the obstacle or let it overcome you. Steven Claunch, who was born without fingers on his right hand and with one leg shorter than the other and has excelled in basketball nonetheless, explains why obstacles can provide an opportunity to both inspire others and develop character.” (L:G; SA:A)

DIY! - “DIY is a place for kids to share what they do, meet others who love the same skills, and be awesome. The big idea is that anyone can become anything just by trying – we all learn by doing. With skills each of us can build our world.” (L:G; SA:A)

Rewordify - Rewordify.com is powerful, free, online reading comprehension and vocabulary development software. It helps people understand difficult English faster, and helps them learn words in new ways. (L:G; SA:A)

Examtime - “ExamTime is changing the way students learn by providing free study tools for students and teachers. ExamTime has been developed to help students make studying more than just a mind exercise. It can be a “do” activity.” (L:G; SA:A)

Lingual.ly – Boost your vocabulary in different languages. (L:G; SA:LA, FL) Volunteer Spot – “VolunteerSpot is the leading FREE volunteer management software that's so easy, anyone can use it! A simple online sign up sheet makes organizing everyone easier and faster. VolunteerSpot's free volunteer scheduling software lets organizers quickly set up volunteer needs in an online calendar and invite volunteers to sign up from their computer or smart phone. Use it for anything including service projects, school carnivals and walkathons, class parties, swim meets, tournaments, charity races, Scout campouts, parent teacher conference scheduling, and more! Automatic reminders help volunteers keep their commitments and easy online calendar editing, reporting, and messaging saves organizers more time and energy so they can do more good!” (L:T; SA:A)

Edmonton Corn Maze – through Google Maps, take a virtual tour through the corn maze (L:G; SA:A)

Original Image: Tools by Pat Hensley

Posted on the Successful Teaching Blog (http://successfulteaching.net) by loonyhiker (successfulteaching at gmail dot com). Study on Music

And Autism Stanford study shows different brains have similar responses to music

"These right-hemisphere brain areas track non-linguistic stimuli such as music in the same way that the left hemisphere tracks linguistic sequences," said Menon.

In any single individual listening to music, each cluster of music-responsive areas appeared to be tracking music on its own time scale. For example, midbrain auditory processing centers worked more or less in real time, while the right-brain analogs of the Broca's and Geschwind's areas appeared to chew on longer stretches of music. These structures may be necessary for holding musical phrases and passages in mind as part of making sense of a piece of music's long-term structure.

"A novelty of our work is that we identified brain structures that track the temporal evolution of the music over extended periods of time, similar to our everyday experience of music listening," said postdoctoral scholar Daniel Abrams, PhD, the study's first author.

The preferential activation of motor-planning centers in response to music, compared with pseudo-music, suggests that our brains respond naturally to musical stimulation by foreshadowing movements that typically accompany music listening: clapping, dancing, marching, singing or head-bobbing. The apparently similar activation patterns among normal individuals make it more likely our movements will be socially coordinated.

"Our method can be extended to a number of research domains that involve interpersonal communication.

We are particularly interested in language and social communication in autism," Menon said. "Do children with autism listen to speech the same way as typically developing children? If not, how are they processing information differently? Which brain regions are out of sync?"

Note: This story has been adapted from a news release issued by the Stanford University Medical Center Without your health, everything else pales. No amount of money can make a truly sick person happy or Wellthy. Life offers many choices forcing us to prioritize one over another. Prioritize your health over all others. Work at being happy! Happiness is a choice. We’ve all heard it before. Stewart B Segal, MD Useless Knowledge?

The expression "it’s so cold out there it could freeze the balls off a brass monkey" derived from the Civil War. To stack up cannonballs, they were placed into a pyramid formation known as a brass monkey. But when the weather got frigid outside, they would fracture and split off ... thus the popular aphorism.

"Always bear in mind that your own resolution to succeed is more important than any other one thing." - Abraham Lincoln

Healthy Eating Tips Don't feel as if you have to clean your plate, especially when eating out. Mayo Clinic

Skill is successfully walking a tightrope over Niagara Falls. Intelligence is not trying. Anonymous

Got cabin fever? It's easy to feel a bit bored and restless as winter marches on.

Check out our ideas for shaking off the blahs. From indoor adventures to trying something new to enjoying the brisk outdoors -- safely -- we've got something for everyone.

Neil Izenberg, MD Editor-in-Chief/Founder Cold, Ice, and Snow Safety In ice and snow, accidents can happen easily. Find out how to keep your family safe - and fit - while the weather is chilly.

Community Service: A Family's Guide to Getting Involved One of the most satisfying, fun, and productive ways to unite as a family is volunteering for community service projects. It sets a good example for your kids and helps the community.

Cooking With Preschoolers It may take a little flexibility and prep work, but time in the kitchen with your preschooler can be a culinary adventure you'll both enjoy.

Safety Tips: Skiing Skiing is fun but also has some very real dangers. Make sure your kids follow these safety tips to learn how to stay safe on the slopes.

Bad-Weather Fun Snow day? Here are ways to keep the kids entertained and off the couch when the weather's bad.

Humility is the only true wisdom by which we prepare our minds for all the possible changes of life. - George Arliss

Respiratory Health

Why Are Cockroaches an Indoor Air Problem?

Cockroaches, those unpleasant and unsightly pests, are not just a problem to look at. They also produce substances, or allergens, that aggravate asthma and cause allergic reactions in people who are sensitive to those substances. The allergens produced by cockroaches are likely concentrated in their fecal matter and in fragments of their body parts. These tiny particles can become airborne and contaminate the air in your home. 1 How Do Cockroaches Affect Health?

http://www.lung.org/healthy-air/home/resources/cockroaches-and-pests.html

For more information on cockroaches, visit http://www.epa.gov/asthma/pests.html.

Best Ad of the Month :o)

Winter of My Discontent!

And so it begins, this long, "Winter of My Discontent." Twenty-one consecutive five day work weeks! One-hundred-thirty-nine work days. One-thousand-one-hundred- twelve work hours until my next scheduled holiday off! Honestly, I'm not sure I can do that kind of hard time! May 27th seems like a distant, unattainable dream at this point. How will I ever get through it?

Unfortunately, I can't use any of my sick days, as I used them all up last summer when I went camping at the lake with friends. Umm, I mean when I was out sick with the flu!

To make matters worse, I carelessly squandered all of the best day off excuses prior to Christmas, including two employee classics; "my sister's having a baby", and, "my favorite turtle died". I even went so far as to use the very risky combination excuse; "my sister is having a baby AND my favorite turtle died".

Clearly, I need a new excuse...let's see...my computer came down with a virus? No, that's lame. I got lost in the "Fog of War"?..No, that only works for the White House...Oh! I know! Lindsey Lohan stole my car, drove it to a party, got drunk, got in a fight, then ran over someone's foot with the car when she was leaving and now I have to go to the Police Impound to get it back? Ahh, who am I kidding? No one would ever believe that about America's sweetheart!

Great products, great prices, and maybe even a day off now and then.

Only at... JewelrySupply.com

In the News

Orthopedic surgeons offer tips for cold-weather workouts.

SUNDAY, Jan. 20 (HealthDay News) -- The outdoor winter sports season is in full swing, which means it's a good time to remind people about winter sports safety tips, says the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.

"As with all sports, there are numerous things to consider before getting in the game. Winter sports are no different," orthopedic surgeon and AAOS spokesperson Dr. Anand Murthi said in an academy news release.

The AAOS offers the following general winter sports safety advice:

 Check the weather before heading outdoors. Pay attention to warnings about storms and severe drops in temperature. Make adjustments for icy conditions, deep or wet snow, and bad weather.

 Dress properly. Wear several layers of light, loose clothing that's both water- and wind-resistant to stay safe, warm and dry. Wear appropriate safety gear -- such as goggles and helmets -- and ensure that all equipment is in proper working order.  Don't go out alone. You should always be with a partner and remain in sight of each other. Make sure that someone else knows about your plans and whereabouts during your outdoor activity. It's also a good idea to carry a cellphone with you.

 Warm up thoroughly before your activity in order to prevent muscle, tendon and ligament injuries.

 Drink lots of water before, during and after outdoor activities.

 Stay in shape and condition your muscles before the season begins. If you are over age 50, consider having a medical check-up before you start participating in a winter sport.

 Know and obey all the rules of your sport. Take a lesson from a qualified instructor, particularly in sports such as skiing and snowboarding.

 If you're in pain or feeling tired, call it a day.

 Seek shelter and medical attention if signs of hypothermia or frostbite affect you or a companion. Early symptoms of frostbite include numbness and tingling, lack of feeling and poor motion in your fingers or toes.

More information

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission offers more winter sports safety tips.

SOURCE: American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, news release, January 2013

http://www.healthfinder.gov/News/Article.aspx?id=672318&source=govdelivery Quote of the Month

Let us touch the dying, the poor, the lonely and the unwanted according to the graces we have received and let us not be ashamed or slow to do the humble work. - Mother Teresa Cancer Inspiration

“Cancer teaches me to find new freshness in living by celebrating my faith. Lord, today I celebrate!” by Richard Johnson PhD:

Health Tip of the Month

Radon Risk Its Perils Can be Prevented If you’re buying a new home, you may need to test it for radon. Radon is a colorless, odorless, radioactive gas. You might not be able to see or smell radon, but it can still harm you—slowly, and in ways that you can’t detect. Read more about radon risk.

Mental Health

Beat the Winter Blues Shedding Light on Seasonal Sadness As the days get shorter, many people find themselves feeling sad. What is it about the darkening days that can leave us down in the dumps? And what can we do about it? Read more about seasonal depression.

Life Tip of the Month

3 Steps for Making Intentions Stick in the New Year Whether your intentions for the year have to do with work, parenting, stress, relationships, procrastination, compassion or any other areas of your life, setting goals is an integral piece to making change. Here are three mindful steps you can take to make your intentions come alive

Glaucoma Awareness Month

This program is designed to raise awareness about glaucoma among people at higher risk, their families and friends and health professionals who work with them.

Key Target Audiences: People at higher risk including African Americans over age 40, everyone over age 60, especially Mexican Americans, and people with a family history of glaucoma. Key Program Messages

 Glaucoma has no warning signs.  Left untreated, glaucoma can lead to permanent vision loss or blindness.  People at higher risk for glaucoma should receive a comprehensive dilated eye exam every one to two years.

Glaucoma

This program is designed to raise awareness about glaucoma among people at higher risk, their families and friends and health professionals who work with them.

Key Target Audiences: People at higher risk including African Americans over age 40, everyone over age 60, especially Mexican Americans, and people with a family history of glaucoma.

Key Program Messages

 Glaucoma has no warning signs.  Left untreated, glaucoma can lead to permanent vision loss or blindness.  People at higher risk for glaucoma should receive a comprehensive dilated eye exam every one to two years.

Resource Spotlight

Keep Vision in Your Future: Glaucoma Toolkit Outreach Opportunities

 Educational Resources  Community Activity Ideas  Glaucoma Focus Group Findings PDF*  Health Observances  Social Media Messages

Additional Resources and Materials

Join health professionals, public health educators, and community organizations in raising awareness about glaucoma by using the resources below.

Materials for Patients and the Public

Share and distribute glaucoma information for people at higher risk and those living with glaucoma. For Health Professionals and Community Educators

Reach and educate people at higher risk for glaucoma with the use of these resources in your office or other educational setting.

Audiovisuals and Graphics

Radio and print public service announcements, simulations and podcasts can be used for educational purposes in a variety of outlets. Our resources are not copyrighted and may be reproduced without permission.

Glaucoma Education Website This website provides a consumer-friendly forum where people can learn important information about early detection, treatment, and follow-up care for glaucoma. Available in English and Spanish.

Cervical Health Awareness Month

Cervical Health Awareness Month face

Cervical Health Awareness Month is a chance to raise awareness about how women can protect themselves from HPV (human papillomavirus) and cervical cancer.

About 20 million Americans currently have HPV, the most common sexually transmitted disease. HPV is a major cause of cervical cancer.

The good news?

 HPV can be prevented with the HPV vaccine.

 Cervical cancer can often be prevented with regular screening tests (called Pap tests) and follow-up care.

Cervical cancer screenings can help detect abnormal (changed) cells early, before they turn into cancer. Most deaths from cervical cancer could be prevented by regular Pap tests and follow-up care. How can Cervical Health Awareness Month make a difference?

We can use this opportunity to spread the word about important steps women can take to stay healthy.

Here are just a few ideas:

 Encourage women to get their well-woman visit this year.

 Let women know that the health care reform law covers well-woman visits and cervical cancer screening. This means that, depending on their insurance, women can get these services at no cost to them.

 Talk to parents about how important it is for their pre-teens to get the HPV vaccine.

How can I help spread the word?

We’ve made it easier for you to make a difference. This toolkit is full of ideas to help you take action today. For example:

 Add information about HPV and cervical cancer prevention to your newsletter.

 Tweet about Cervical Health Awareness Month.

 Add this Web badge to your Web site.

 Sample Announcement

 Sample Tweets

 E-cards

 Web Badges

 Get Involved

 Related Tools on healthfinder.gov

 Resources

Get the Word Out

Sample Media and/or Newsletter or Listserv Announcement Sample Tweets

Lower your risk of getting HPV (human papillomavirus) – the most common sexually transmitted disease. Find out how: http://1.usa.gov/TIwCaE Tweet This!

HPV (human papillomavirus) is the most common sexually transmitted disease out there. Find out how HPV affects men: http://1.usa.gov/Y1tCN

Tweet This!

Ask your child’s doctor about the HPV vaccine! Boys and girls both need the HPV vaccine at age 11 or 12. http://1.usa.gov/lWWco0

Tweet This!

Find out what to expect during a pelvic exam: http://mayocl.in/S333my

Tweet This!

You can help prevent cervical cancer by getting regular screening tests (called Pap tests) and follow-up care. http://1.usa.gov/uclfGR

Tweet This!

E-Cards

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) E-cards

 Cervical Cancer: The most preventable female cancer

Web Badge

 Cervical Health Awareness Month - Get regular Pap tests

Get Involved

Take action to raise awareness about cervical health.

1. Partner with other local groups, like cancer networks and community health clinics.

2. Encourage healthcare providers to offer free or reduced-cost “Pap Days.” 3. Start a local National Cervical Cancer Coalition (NCCC) chapter in your community.

4. This January, encourage local radio stations to air public service announcements (PSAs) to raise awareness about cervical health.

5. Recruit local bands to perform a benefit concert to raise money for cervical cancer prevention in your community.

Adapted from the National Cervical Cancer Coalition (NCCC). Contact the National Cervical Cancer Coalition at [email protected] more information and materials.

Quick Guide to Healthy Living

 Get Tested for Cervical Cancer

 Get Your Well-Woman Visit Every Year

 HPV Vaccine: Questions for your child’s doctor

 STD Testing: Conversation starters

Personal Health Tools

 Pap Test Presentation

 Family Medical History Tracking

 Build Your Questions for the Doctor

 HPV (Human Papillomavirus)

 Pap Test

 Cervical Cancer

 Women’s Health

Resources

 The National Cervical Cancer Coalition Cervical Health Awareness Month Sponsor  Human Papillomavirus (HPV) – Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

 Genital HPV Infection Fact Sheet – Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

 Cervical Cancer Prevention – National Cancer Institute

 How can I be sure I don't get cervical cancer? – Office on Women’s Health

 How do I protect myself from HPV? – Office on Women’s Health

 HPV and Cervical Cancer Prevention – National Cervical Cancer Coalition

 Pap Test Fact Sheet – Office on Women’s Health

View More Resources

Blood Donor Month

Give the Gift of Life

The American Red Cross is the nation’s largest blood collection organization, supplying more than 40 percent of the blood and blood products used in our country.

Each year, the volunteers and employees of American Red Cross Blood Services collect approximately 6.5 million units of blood, from roughly 4 million generous volunteer blood donors. From these donations, the Red Cross is able to distribute around 9.5 million blood products each year, including 6 million units of red blood cells, to patients at approximately 3,000 hospitals and transfusion centers across the country. Host a Blood Drive

BLOOD DONORS HELP SAVE LIVES The Red Cross thanks all those who roll up a sleeve each year to help save lives because the stability of the nation’s blood supply relies on the generosity of volunteer blood and platelet donors. January can be a challenging month for blood and platelet donations because of inclement weather and seasonal illnesses, yet the need for blood and platelets continues. It is important for eligible donors to make and keep appointments to help patients in need.

HOW TO GIVE To schedule a donation time, or for more information about giving blood, people can call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit redcrossblood.org. A blood donor card or driver’s license, or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age (16 with parental permission in some states), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.

Nervous about giving blood? Learn what to expect.

Become a lifesaver.

Reluctant to donate blood? Don’t be.

This and That How zinc starves lethal bacteria to stop infection

Posted: 11 Nov 2013 06:11 AM PST

Researchers have found that zinc can ‘starve’ one of the world’s most deadly bacteria by preventing its uptake of an essential metal.

"It's long been known that zinc plays an important role in the body's ability to protect against bacterial infection, but this is the first time anyone has been able to show how zinc actually blocks an essential pathway causing the bacteria to starve," says project leader Dr Christopher McDevitt, Research Fellow in the University of Adelaide's Research Centre for Infectious Diseases. TO READ ARTICLE: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/11/131111091136.htm? utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+sciencedaily%2Ftop_news %2Ftop_health+%28ScienceDaily%3A+Top+News+--+Top+Health%29&utm_content=Yahoo%21+Mail

Protect Yourself Against HPV Block This Cancer-Causing Virus More than half of all sexually active people get a genital infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV) at some point. Fortunately, vaccines are available to protect against the most harmful forms of HPV. Read more about preventing HPV infection. Comic Relief Pole Dancing First Grade Drawing -

A first grade girl handed in the drawing for her homework assignment.

The teacher graded it and the child took it home.

She returned to school the next day with the following note:

Dear Ms. Davis,

I want to be perfectly clear on my child's homework illustration.

It is NOT of me on a dance pole on a stage in a strip joint surrounded by male customers with money.

I work at Home Depot and had commented to my daughter how much money we made in the recent snowstorm.

This drawing is of me selling a shovel.

Sincerely,

Mrs. Harrington

[email protected]

Prayer: Grant That I May Radiate Thy Light, Thy Love, Thy Healing, Thy Joy, and Thy Peace, to All Those Around Me and All Those in My Thoughts This Day and Ever More. - Jonathan Lockwood Huie