Consider Accupuncture instead of an antidepressant

Sometimes people's lives are turned upside down by tragedy. Initially, people may lose sleep, concentration, appetite, and inability to function. At this point, people may become depressed. Depression is a psycho-neurotic or psychotic disorder marked especially by sadness, inactivity, difficulty in thinking and concentration, a significant increase or decrease in appetite and time spent sleeping, feelings of dejection and hopelessness, and sometimes suicidal tendencies (Merriam-Webster Dictionary). Unfortunately, some people make an appointment with a medical doctor who will prescribe antidepressants like Zoloft. However, antidepressants have side effects and can make an individual feel worse. For those seeking alternative treatment for depression, I highly recommend Acupuncture based on personal experience. Acupuncture is a part of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), has been practiced for thousands of years in Asia, and aims to restore and maintain health through the stimulation of specific points on the body (AAOM, 2011).

Two years ago I experienced a loss in my life. Consequently, I did not sleep for two weeks, lost my appetite, lost 10 pounds, suffered from severe headaches, was unable to concentrate, and cried all day. After visiting my cousins and confiding in them they immediately took me to their acupuncturist to be treated for insomnia. After Dr. David did his assessment he provided treatment for insomnia and prevention of depression. I received treatment once a week. Treatment included the placement of very thin needles on my skin in specific regions of the body. As a result, my acupuncture treatment prevented the onset of depression. I went through the grieving process and healed at an impressive rate. I attribute healing to Dr. David's acupuncture treatment and the support of my family.

References
depression. 2011. In Merriam-Webster.com. Retrieved September 18, 2011, from
http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/depression?show=0&t=1316362816

NCCAM Publication. (December 2007). Accupuncture: An Introduction. Retrieved from
http://nccam.nih.gov/health/acupuncture/introduction.htm

Prevention of Stress

Recommendations for preventing stress during final exams:

1. Time Management: Prioritize and increase studying time. If possible reduce work schedule hours. Minimize
extracurricular activities including social events, online chatting, social networking sites, games, and shopping.
2. Studying: Choose a study environment with adequate lighting. Avoid areas with distractions and noise. Have study
materials organized and easily accessible. Take a ten minute break during each hour of studying. Suggested study
breaks include taking a walk and having a study snack.
3. Sleep: Get enough sleep. Adequate sleep (optimum 8 hours) is necessary for improved performance during exams.
Sleep is essential for consolidating short term memory into long term memory
4. Exercise: Physical activity is a great source of alleviating and reducing stress. Suggested exercise includes walking,
yoga, and cardio equipment.
5. Professor Office Hours: If you need clarification on any material that may be on an exam consult the exam expert-your
Professor.
6. What to eat: Fresh fruit, green leafy vegetables, lean protein.

AVOID
Procrastination
Fatty food
Food products high in tryptophan (poultry, dairy products, eggs, rice, and beans). Caffeine beverages (coffee, tea, soda).
* Caffeine reduces clarity of thinking.

College Students -Targets of Clinical Trials

College students are actively targeted by clinical trials in student newspapers, radio advertisements, flyers in bathroom stalls, and posters around college campuses. Some students are solicited while visiting student health centers! Clinical trials monetary compensation is appealing to students who are struggling with money. Some students see clinical trials as harmless and an easy way to make money. Is easy money worth the potential dangers of participating in a clinical trial? Clinical trials have serious consequences including illness and death. Before college students consider participating in a clinical trial they need to be well informed so that they are not exploited.

Clinical Trials Basic Facts

A clinical trial is research conducted on human participants to determine the safety and effectiveness of medication, treatment, and medical techniques. Research studies include prevention options, new and existing treatments, screening and diagnostic techniques and quality of life trials.

Informed Consent

Clinical trials are required to provide potential participants with key facts about a clinical trial prior to participation. Participants must be provided the informed consent document, details of the study, including the purpose, duration, required procedures, contact information, risks, potential benefits, and explains the rights as a participant. At anytime during a study a participant has the right to refuse treatments and test. A participant can withdraw from the study at anytime.

Clinical Trials Infamous History In Third World Countries

In India and other third world countries pharmaceutical companies conduct clinical trials testing medications and various pharmaceutical products. Participants of these studies are not given informed consent nor informed that they are participating in a clinical trial. Clinic health workers conducting the clinical trials directly lie to participants. Participants are falsely led to believe that the medication or product is safe, no reactions will occur, and the product has been tested before. Clinical trials target impoverished people by promising monetary benefits including land, livestock, and money. Participants never receive monetary compensation. Some people are forced to participate by physical force or withholding salary. When participants experience negative side effects from medication or products they are not allowed to withdraw from the study.

References for Clinical Trials Infamous History:
Brown, Peter J.
1998 Understanding and Applying Medical Anthropology. California: Mayfield Publishing Co.
Coffman, C.C.
2001 Medical Anthropology, class given at University California, Irvine, Summer 2007
Deepa Dhanraj.
Something Like A War. England: 1991

Hookah Smoking

Hookah and US Society







Hookah smoking is a popular growing trend among young Americans. It is a market that is offered in Hookah Lounges and Cafes throughout the United States. Popularity of Hookah smoking has captured the interest of health organizations and legislators.

Health organizations are focused on creating awareness about health related risks of hookah smoking that includes various forms of cancer and lung disease. Health organizations are actively conducting research to reveal the so called myth “hookah smoking is less harmful than tobacco use”. More research needs to be conducted to actually determine whether cigarette smoking or hookah smoking is more harmful. Some health organizations are conveniently claiming that the hookah smoking myth is true. Fair and impartial research must be conducted so the public at large is exposed to the truth about health related issues of smoking cigarettes compared to smoking tobacco via a hookah.

Local and state legislators across the nation have targeted hookah cafes and lounges imposing sanctions that burden these businesses. I believe that such sanctioning is not motivated by the well being of the public. My conspiracy theory is that the notorious Tobacco Industry feels threatened by the booming Hookah business thus resulting in sanctions by so called elected officials who are just the Tobacco Companies Puppets.

Brief History
The exact origin of hookah cannot be limited to one country. The origin is attributed to India, Persia, and African southern countries. Hookah smoking has been practiced for a minimum of 500 years. Hookah was introduced to the Middle East and North Africa beginning in the 14^th Century. Today hookah smoking is practiced in the Middle East, India, Pakistan, Malaysia, North Africa, South Africa, United Kingdom, Mexico, USA, and Canada. Hookah smoking is a practice of smoking flavored tobacco using a water pipe. Hookah smoking is referred to as water pipe, nargile, shisha, okka, kalyan, and Ghalyan. Hookah lounges and cafes are increasingly popular locations near college campuses.

Hookah Popularity
Hookah is an inexpensive group activity. Patrons of hookah bars and cafes spend an average of $5 to $25 per smoking session. A smoking session last about 60 minutes which turns out to be less expensive than social activities including bowling, laser tag, a film at a local theater, and bar hopping. Owning a hookah is inexpensive. A hookah ranges from $25 to over a hundred dollars depending on how ornate the hookah is. Flavored tobacco (shisha) is less than ten dollars. Charcoal ranges under $15 depending on the quantity.

Hookah smoking is a group activity that enhances social dynamics. While people in a group take turns puffing the hookah people are in a relaxed state and engaged in conversation. The experience is enhanced by the hookah lounges ambience and friendly atmosphere. Hookah smoking does not cause dangerous side effects of social drinking alcohol such as inhibition or hangovers. However studies indicate that tobacco causes cancer and lung related diseases.

Hookah smoking is a pleasurable experience. Hookah smoking is enhanced by the tobacco flavors including apple, mint, peach, raspberry, mango, strawberry, jasmine, coconut, rose, and many more. The smoke is cooled, softened, and aromatic. Hookah smoking infuses the senses and encourages slow meditative breathing.

Children's State Health Insurance

There are currently no updates on bush's anticipated veto.

Contact your Legislators

Some people express criticism about various political issues including Iraq, health insurance, gas prices, education, crime, and taxes. People use various forms of communication to express their political opinions including blogging, editorials, casual conversations, bulletins, and radio broadcasts. These are excellent forms of free speech however people need to consider a progressive avenue. I strongly encourage individuals who take the time to criticize such issues to invest some time by contacting legislators. This is a direct approach that has the ability to cause change. Currently, big businesses use lobbying which has had a major impact on legislation that has not benefited society, but big business. Now is the time for people to lobby legislators progressively by contacting them via e-mail, telephone, letters, and office visits. I foresee that if Americans progressively communicate with legislators concerns will be addressed. Take action now and influence change. Please utilize the links provided to contact state and federal legislators.

The fat check to veto the State Children's Health Insurance

My prediction that the Tobacco Companies were writing fat checks to insure that the State Children's Health Insurance would get vetoed has been confirmed. An estimated 12 million dollars has been spent by the tobacco industry. The money should have been donated to the Children's Health Insurance program rather than bribing the so-called elected officials. If the tobacco company contributed funds directly to the Insurance program the amount of taxes on tobacco products may have been reduced. However the tobacco company clearly will pay any cost to prevent an increase on their products. In addition payment to insure the veto reveals that the tobacco company has an upper hand over elected officials.