WHO'S AFRAID OF THE ONLINE TROLL? By Wendy Harmer

February 29, 2012

Trolls…

I've had a few.

But, then again…

Too few to mention.

We're having this encounter online.

Not down the shops, not in a car park, in a footy grandstand or in a slow-moving queue.

I can't see you. You can't see me.

In cyberspace, no-one can see your face when you’re shouting mindless, ugly abuse.

I was reminded of this yesterday when, stuck in a traffic jam my fellow drivers wound down their car windows to watch a disturbing road rage incident unfold.

Shouts. Swearing. Fists shaking. Cars refusing to move after the lights turned green as the argument raged. Ugly stuff. Frightening.

Those of us nearby were noting number plates and had 000 on speed dial. A few got out of their cars to see what was up. We acknowledged each other with a nod, knowing we were there as witnesses in the event things became physically violent.

That sort of support is not there when you are at home, alone and the abuse comes through on your computer screen.

It can make you feel very vulnerable indeed.

There's hardly a human posting their opinion online who hasn't complained of being bombarded with ugly, cruel and explicitly violent comments from anonymous 'trolls'.

NB: In internet slang, a 'troll' is someone who makes comments with one aim in mind – to provoke and upset.

Doesn't matter if you are male or female; whether you're in the depths of despair or celebrating your triumphs, seems there's always some 'anonymous' who is there to rain on your parade. To make you feel small and unworthy.

Now we have the chance to peek behind the mask thanks to a brilliant report from News Ltd. journalist Claire Connelly who interviewed three such 'trolls'.

Source: http://thehoopla.com.au/afraid-big-bad-troll//

Older Adults Do Get a Good Night's Rest, Survey Finds (3/1/2012)

Older Adults Do Get a Good Night's Rest, Survey Finds

Sleep disturbances, daytime fatigue not a given in later years.

By Lisa EspositoHealthDay Reporter
THURSDAY, March 1 (HealthDay News) -- The older you get, the better you sleep, according to new research that challenges conventional wisdom that a good night's rest is harder to come by with age.

In a survey of 150,000 adults, people in their 70s and 80s had the fewest complaints of sleep disturbance, while those between the ages of 18 and 24 had the most. Except for a bump in complaints in middle age, sleep appears to improve steadily over the course of a lifetime.

One big implication of the study is that health-care providers should not just dismiss poor sleep as a normal part of aging, said study author Michael Grandner, a research associate at the Center for Sleep and Circadian Neurobiology at the University of Pennsylvania.

The study, which appears in the March issue of the journal Sleep, looked at responses to a phone survey conducted in 36 U.S. states and territories. People described how often they had experienced sleep disturbance or daytime drowsiness in the previous two weeks.

"In women, you saw very clear increases in both sleep disturbance and daytime tiredness [in middle age]; in men you also saw an increase in later middle age," Grandner said. "I think in women, you're seeing an effect of pre-menopause and menopause. With men, it's a little later. That's where career peaks -- and peak stress -- occurs, in the later 50s."

Men in that age group are also at higher risk of sleep apnea and other health problems, he noted.

Health problems -- especially depression -- had a significant effect on sleep, the survey found.

"One of the most important findings was that depression was a significant predictor for sleep problems," said Michael Vitiello, a professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at the University of Washington in Seattle, and an expert on sleep and aging.

"I applaud the investigators for this labor-intensive and comprehensive examination of the question," he said. "I've been on the 'It isn't aging, it's illness' bandwagon for many years. It's a treatable disorder. Much of the sleep disturbance seen in older adults is not driven by aging, but by illness."

Healthy older people sleep better, both experts said. They don't necessarily nap more, and dozing off at the opera or movies is by no means a given.

In his own research, Vitiello said, "we looked at napping in older adults -- but not as large a sample, and found that, like sleep complaints, napping is driven by illness burden. If an older person complains [of sleep problems], something's going on and it needs to be dealt with. A physician shouldn't say, 'OK, you're old.' "

Treatment could include referring a patient to a sleep clinic or to a psychiatrist, Vitiello said. And Grandner said patients have been helped by combinations of psychotherapy and relaxation therapy.

Because of the nature of the study -- a "cross-sectional" survey -- the authors said they can't conclude that a cause-and-effect relationship exists between aging and sleep.

Vitiello did point out some methodology issues with the survey, such as an overall response rate of only 40 percent. And, because the study was landline based -- no cellphones -- he added that could affect participation rates among different age groups.

"The common knowledge is that sleep deteriorates with age," Grandner said. And, he added, many sleep-lab studies have shown "certain aspects of sleep get worse as you get older. Older people tend to take longer to fall asleep, they have more awakenings. A lot of the restorative and healing functions of sleep tend to happen less in older people.

"However, what we found [in the study] was that even if their sleep objectively might be worse, their experience of their sleep is better," he said. Part of the explanation may be that older people have other health problems that leave sleep issues lower on their radar. "Somebody who's much younger [might have] a much higher expectation of how they're going to sleep," he said.

It could also be that people in poor health -- who are more likely to have sleep problems -- are less likely to survive to older ages, he said.

For his part, Vitiello said, "If you're healthy, you're probably sleeping quite well, even into your 80s. So, if you see an older person who is having a lot of problems staying awake during the day, you shouldn't just excuse that as, 'Oh, that's just an old-people thing.' "

Source: http://www.womenshealt.gov/new/news/headlines/662278.cfm/

MADONNA AND 21ST CENTURY DADBy Duncan Fine

January 3, 2012

LESSON NUMBER EIGHT: Kids need screens (not just the sun kind).

Madonna with David and Mercy in Malawi.

Can we have a cup of tea and a quiet chat about Madonna?

Now I do not want to diss Madonna. I spent too much time in my formative years trying to pick up girls in nightclubs while doing silly dances to her music to complain about anything she does.

Except for one thing.

Madonna has banned TV in her house altogether.

Evidently, when they heard about the TV ban, her two adopted kids, Mercy and David, had to be physically restrained from jumping on the first flight back to war-torn, poverty-stricken Malawi.

As British writer Helen Pidd remarked, it's unclear exactly what Madonna's children do while every other kid is enjoying The Simpsons, "but the smart money is on something joyless and painful like cross-country running".

Now, Madonna probably has several hundred full-time nannies to do most of the hard work of parenting.

On the other hand, you and I stumble through our days from dawn to around 9pm trying to juggle the hundred small jobs that go into being a parent.

That being the case, hands up anyone who hasn't got down on their hands and knees and thanked the gods for an afternoon at the cinema or an evening in front of the TV for giving you some badly needed peace and quiet?

And come on! These sluggish slow-paced school holidays drag on for six full weeks of long languid summer days – each one full of lethargy and the drowsy drone of cicadas and cricket.

So I say it's time to stop feeling guilty about movies and TV. I say it's time to take a stand against Madonna!

It's time to take a stand against all those psychologists in their lab coats who wag their stern fingers at us and tell us how we are rotting out kids’ minds with computer games and TV and how we must be Really Terrible Parents (yes, it's so serious they have to use capital letters) who are using screen entertainment as a way of avoiding parental responsibility.

In particular, it's time to take a stand against organisations like Young Media Australia.


http://id.she.yahoo.com/new/http://thehoopla.com.au/madonna-21st-century-dad//

ADHD Drug Shortage Pushes Parents to Seek Substitutes (1/6/2012)

ADHD Drug Shortage Pushes Parents to Seek Substitutes

But experts say medication switches must be done carefully.

By Serena GordonHealthDay Reporter
FRIDAY, Jan. 6 (HealthDay News) -- If the current shortage of some drugs used to treat attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) has left you searching for something else for your child to take, experts suggest you choose a substitute carefully because the effects of these medications can vary widely.

For example, "generics can sometimes be less bioavailable [how much of the drug is absorbed into the bloodstream], and that can make it harder to get an exact dose match between medications," explained Dr. Eric Hollander, director of the Autism and Obsessive-Compulsive Spectrum Program at Montefiore Medical Center in New York City.

"If the dose is too high, sometimes kids can get more withdrawn or weepy. If it's too low, they can't get adequate control of their symptoms during the day, and they can get a rebound later in the day. The new medicine may wear off faster. It's also not easy to switch from extended-release formulas to immediate-release," Hollander said.

The driving force behind the shortage is a U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) policy that sets limits on the manufacturing of ADHD drugs, to limit the supply of these drugs to people who might use them illegally, according to a report by The New York Times. In some cases, drug companies manufacture both generic versions of ADHD drugs as well as the more expensive, branded versions, which can limit choices even further.

"This is the unfortunate result of well-intentioned policies combined with free market forces. It's a very substantial issue, and one that's affecting some families more than others," said Dr. Andrew Adesman, chief of developmental and behavioral pediatrics at the Steven and Alexandra Cohen Children's Medical Center of New York in New Hyde Park.

Whatever the reason behind the shortage, several drug companies that produce amphetamine products, including Adderall, have reported shortages to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. And, companies producing various forms of methylphenidate are also seeing shortages.

Both Hollander and Adesman said they've had reports from parents that Adderall and its generic equivalent have been harder to get. They both suggest that parents call from pharmacy to pharmacy in their area to see which one might carry the needed medication.

If you can't find any pharmacy that has the medication you're looking for, let your child's doctor know. If the medication isn't available, they can first try another medication in the same class of medications. For example, Adderall is an amphetamine derivative. Vyvanse is another medication in that class. However, some insurance companies may balk at paying for medications that aren't on their preferred drug list, and you may have to pay a higher co-pay.

If there's a shortage of generic methylphenidate, the brand-name versions (Concerta, Focalin, Ritalin, Metadate and Daytrana) may be available.

There are also non-stimulant medications for ADHD, such as Intuniv, Kapvay and Strattera, that may be an option, Adesman said.

Dr. Michael Hobaugh has more experience than he'd like with having to switch children's ADHD medications. Most of his patients are on public insurance, which means he has to follow the state prescription drug formulary for these patients. And that formulary often changes several times a year.

"Sometimes, the switch is easy. It's very patient-dependent. Usually there is a similar product that's close enough, but some kids have trouble," said Hobaugh, who is the chief of medical staff at La Rabida Children's Hospital in Chicago.

"It can be a difficult trial-and-error process to figure out what works for some patients," he said. "Their lives aren't uniform from day to day. Is it a side effect of the medication, or does the child have a virus or stress, or maybe didn't get enough sleep? And trying to assess what the ideal medicine is for school readiness is difficult because there's so much you can't control. This introduces another factor you can't control."

There have been several ADHD drugs that have been difficult to get in the past year, Hobaugh noted, often because they're manufactured only by one company. That means if there's a production issue, there's no other manufacturer to fill in the gap.

"And, with generic drugs there may not be a whole lot of profit, so they're not a priority," he added.

Along with discussing the shortage with your child's doctor, Adesman suggested that parents can call or write the FDA, or a local government representative, and let them know that they're having trouble getting necessary medication.

"Patient advocacy is always important," he said. "It's the squeaky wheel that gets the grease."

Source: http://www.womenshealth.gov/new//news/headlines/660423.cfm/

New Year Style Resolutions

With the New
Year just around the corner it's time to take a fresh look at your wardrobe and
make some style resolutions. So forget about the celebrity diets and the
extreme exercise regimes, and make some resolutions that are sure to help you
look better and feel better in 2012.

Be Sale Savvy

With the January
sales this year predicted to be bigger and better than ever, the temptation to
snap up an armful of bargains may prove irresistible. But sales are the time
when we are likely to make the biggest style mistakes, ending up with another
sequin dress that will get worn once then shoved to the bottom of the wash
basket, and a pair of must-have heels that are so painful they will never leave
the house.

Preparation is
the key to successful sale shopping, make a list of things you need or want
before you head out and you're less likely to end up with a pile of unworn
purchases – if you wouldn't wear something when it cost £100 are you any more likely
to wear it now it's £50? My top tip for sale shopping is to up-shop. So if you
normally shop at Zara and Topshop why not try visiting Whistles and Cos during
the sales, you'll probably be spending a similar amount but should end up with
better quality items that will look good for longer.

Size Matters

Not the size of
your body, but the size of the clothes you buy. We've all picked up a dress in
a size smaller than we really are in the hopes that we may either lose enough
weight to squeeze in to it, or it may miraculously make us look smaller just by
wearing it - but we all know that we won't and it doesn't!

In fact dressing
in the wrong size clothing is the quickest way to make you look bigger than you
are, so this year make the resolution to only buy clothes that fit and flatter
your figure. Whether that's a size 6 or a size 16 you will look instantly
better wearing clothes that are the right size for you.

Find your Signature Style

If you make one
style resolution this year it should be to work on finding your signature
style. Whatever your age, shape or budget, everyone has a look that suits and
defines them best, from sophisticated and ladylike to vampy and vintage, what
you wear can be a fun and creative way to express who you are and what you love.

A signature
style is not about dressing the same all year round or sticking slavishly to
one particular look, it's about experimenting with different colours,
silhouettes and fabrics to find a style that enhances your assets and brings
out your personality. If you're struggling to find your signature style take
inspiration from your favourite celebrities - do you admire the chic and
feminine look of the Middleton sisters, or do you aspire to the sexy and fun
style of popstars like Rihanna and Beyonce? Take elements from these
celebrities and develop a look that is 100% you.

Be Braver with Fashion

Part of the key
to finding your signature style is to be brave and try wearing things that you
may not usually consider. It's easy to get stuck in a bit of a fashion rut and keep
buying the same items over and over, but you don't have to make a radical style
change in order to achieve  a fresh new
look.

If you normally
wear mini-skirts to elongate your legs, try a pair of tailored, high-waisted
shorts with opaque tights instead, it will make your legs look endless whilst
giving you a more sophisticated and modern edge. Or if you're clinging to a
uniform of skinny jeans and riding boots this winter, a more feminine and
fashion-forward option would be a knitted maxi skirt and suede ankle boots.

Clear out the Clutter

Having a serious
clear out is often top of people's new year's resolutions list, but this year
make your wardrobe top priority for a thorough de-clutter. Anything that you
haven't worn in the past year (apart from vintage heirlooms or your wedding
dress!) should go, as it's unlikely you will wear it next year either.
Unflattering items, or clothes that you no longer fit in should also be tossed,
it will only make you feel bad to look at a rail full of clothes that you've
outgrown.

By stripping
your wardrobe back to just the items you really love and regularly wear, you
will get a great idea of what pieces you need to buy, if any, and will probably
find it easier to put together  your
outfits in the morning. Some of the most stylish women in the world are big
believers in the capsule wardrobe, so don't be afraid to be ruthless with your
clear out – just remember to take all your unwanted items to the local charity
shop so someone else will benefit from your hard work.

Carrie Greene

Source: http://womentalking.co.uk/new//topics/fashion/new-year-style-resolutions/

A Life-Saving Lesson That Took Decades to Learn (12/30/2011)

A Life-Saving Lesson That Took Decades to Learn (12/30/2011)

By Dennis ThompsonHealthDay Reporter
FRIDAY, Dec. 30 (HealthDay News) -- Doctors diagnosed Ronda Keys with type 2 diabetes when she was 19 years old and a student at the University of Maryland.

Now 38 and living in Montgomery Village, Md., Keys had been suffering the classic symptoms before her diagnosis -- fatigue, extreme thirst, frequent urination. "That prompted me to just go to the doctor," she recalled. "That's when I found out."

But the news wasn't completely out of left field. Her father was diabetic, as were her grandmother and several aunts and uncles.

"There's a long line of it in my family," Keys said. "It wasn't really a surprise once I was told that I had it, but I guess I had never thought of myself as getting it, especially that young."

Nonetheless, Keys admits, she took the diagnosis with a small amount of resentment. "I was a little taken aback," she said. "I didn't do anything to go out and get this. I thought it was kind of unfair. You're just told you have this, and oh, by the way, there's no cure."

Keys's doctor put her on oral medication and encouraged her to exercise more and eat a healthy diet. But she was young and at college and found it hard to reconcile her diabetes treatment with her lifestyle.

"The issue for me was just being different from my friends," she said. "I didn't want to be the odd ball out. I just wanted to fit in with everyone else."

Those college years established a pattern for Keys. She would half-heartedly pursue self-treatment for her diabetes, and then get serious about it when she began to feel really sick. "I would try for a while, and then I would fall off the wagon and stay off," she said.

Things continued that way until three years ago, when Keys was hospitalized with a serious infection. Her body didn't respond to treatment, which she was told was due to her diabetes.

"My blood sugar was fighting against the medicines the doctors were giving me," she said. "I was very, very sick. As a result, I had to go on insulin, which I had been fighting."

Keys was hospitalized for 14 days. The insulin helped save her life, but she hated having to resort to it. "It just felt like failure," she said. "Insulin equals failure. You didn't do what you were supposed to do, and now you have to take insulin."

That feeling didn't last long, though.

"I found out it was the best thing that could have happened to me," Keys said. "I love to travel, and I'm very active, and I didn't feel well. I was getting sick. I was having trouble with my kidneys. After going on insulin, it was an immediate turnaround for me."

Since then, Keys also has become more serious about her exercise and diet, getting to the gym three times a week and practicing moderation when she eats.

"I'm doing a lot better than three years ago," she said. "I feel better. I'm able to do everything I want to do. I'm very active. Diabetes is not stopping me now."

Source: http://www.womenshealth.gov/new//news/headlines/657409.cfm/

For most women live without make-up is not possible

Nearly the average modern woman knows familiar with Neon lips, blue eye shadow, glitter shimmering, golden bronzers and
When in fact men more like women who use make-up simple
Well for that following a few tips so you will be perfect if only to use simple makeup.

 Neon lipstick: Customize colour's election in accordance with the clothes you wear this color so that you are using does not appear dominant, and thus would seem simple and not overdone.

 Too thin eyebrows: Many women in busy with thin eyebrows when I wake up, and spent his time plucking her eyelashes because they feel not beautiful eyelashes. "Actually you do not have to do that because there are some men who actually liked the thin eyelashes that give the impression section. But if you still want it have a lot of eyelashes planting services to reduce your busyness.

Bold eye-shadow: use eye shadow to add polish on your face because your eyes will be looking fresh and emit energy that can make men bow, yet be careful because the application must be done properly because when I make a mistake they look messy total, "Look for or ask a friend who understands makeup."

 Rosy cheeks: to eliminate the impression of the face pale, almost some women react rouge, yup ..! But not too much because it will reduce its natural impression. "


Eyelash: "recognized by most men that they were struck by the stunned even suggestion every word of the woman who has a beautiful eyelash and tapering, like when you are in the exhibitions most men are interested in buying a product because the sales promotion girl has eyelashes makes them pretty carried away.

So everything I say is based on my observations, about right or do not see around you. Regards