Nc Entertainment spotlight magazine

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Strength The path of least resistance is all to common among people struggling with any number of issues. This is because we are all hoping that our struggle will be easy. If we dedicate ourselves to getting better we will find that healing is harder than we thought. The results of gaining strength the correct way in any situation yields amazing results that we can be proud of for years to come. This is weath-



Hope How we decide to view our life determines the outcome we get. You can either see life as half full or half empty. Without hope and simply settling for life, along with being a very pessimistic person we can expect our results to reflect. On the flip side of the same coin we can achieve amazing results if we stay optimistic and hopeful. The saying “Life is what you make it� gives many of us the confidence to face situations today that we thought we could never face yesterday.




Healing The healing process is different for everyone and every situation. Although no matter what the situation or who we are it is hard to face adversity. When we are struggling and feel as though we can not take another step fight harder. No matter what we face if we put a hundred percent of our strength into it the odds are now stacked with us and not against us. One day we will all be champions.






Pets can help with memory problems For patients living in nursing homes and assisted living facilities who are experiencing memory challenges, therapy dogs can help recover happy memories, Dr. McBride says. That’s because while most people with dementia have problems with short-term memory, they often maintain their long-term memory for a while. “They may not be able to tell you what they had for breakfast, but they can tell you things about their experiences in World War II or their high school football,” Dr. McBride says. “So, when people have positive memories of a family pet, interacting with a dog can help recover some of those warm, positive memories from a long time ago.” Enjoying an animal’s attention can also help relieve stress or anxiety in patients with dementia. “If a senior with dementia is feeling anxious or agitated, a lot of times that’s because they’re confused,” he says. “They don’t know where they are, what they are supposed to be doing, and a lot of that is tied up in their


he many physical benefits of maintaining a balanced, healthy diet are well-known. However, you may not know how those same simple dietary tips can help to elevate mood, energy levels, and an overall sense of well-being. When you’re feeling depressed, or even negatively affected by a change in the seasons, knowing the right foods to eat can help you overcome those symptoms and keep depression at bay.


Sometimes, when they’re depressed, people eat to help them cope or to make them feel better. Unfortunately, the foods people turn to have the opposite effect. Eating junk food when you’re depressed can actually make you feel even worse. Some of the worst culprits are foods that contain large amounts of the following:  saturated fat  refined sugars  heavily processed ingredients  caffeine Sticking to a healthy diet and making sure that you exercise regularly can help you manage your depression symptoms. It may even make them go away entirely. Foods to Avoid Eating regular meals at regular intervals is the first step of a healthy diet. The next step is picking the right foods. Caffeine and Sugary Foods Caffeine may be difficult for many people to completely eliminate from their diet. However, it is good to only have caffeinated drinks in moderation, particularly when you are experiencing depression-like symptoms. Caffeine can disrupt sleep patterns and make you feel anxious, both of which won’t help your depression. People who drink more than 400 milligrams of caffeine a day, the equivalent of four cups of brewed coffee, should consider cutting back. Avoiding refined sugar is another way to help your mood. Sugar may make you feel more energized at first, but it won’t take long for you to crash. Instead, stick with foods that will keep your blood sugar at an even level. Eating the following foods will give you a steady level of energy:  lean protein  complex carbohydrates, such as whole grains fruits and vegetables Alcohol and Illegal Drugs When you’re feeling depressed, it can be easy to turn to alcohol or other methods of “self-medication.” You may feel short-term relief, but these substances usually only make things worse. Alcohol and drugs throw off your sleep cycles, and cause mood swings and anxiety. If you’re taking any prescription medications, alcohol and drugs can make you experience negative side effects, and they can even stop your medications from working. Talk to your doctor if you’re having trouble abstaining from drugs or alcohol. They can recommend you to programs that can help you get sober.  fish  nuts,  canola oil  flaxseed oil  nuts dark-green leafy vegetables


VITAMIN D Several studies have shown that people who have deficient levels of vitamin D are more like to experience depression-related symptoms. You can get vitamin D from the sun, but you can also get it from your food. Make sure you regularly eat foods containing vitamin D, such as:  fish  tofu milk Selenium Selenium is an element that is essential for good health. Several studies have suggested a link between selenium deficiencies and depression. Some additional research studies have indicated that taking selenium may decrease feelings of depression. Selenium can be found in:  nuts  whole grains  beans  seafood  lean meats Too much selenium can be toxic, however, so talk to your doctor before taking any selenium supplements\

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