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Public Spark is the blogging site that ignites your thoughts, creativity, and personal development powers. My goal in creating such a site came from my passion of wanting to reach as many people as possible and enrich lives. Through this site I hope to co
Recent Posts Tagged With 'difficult issues'
Coping with feelings of abandonment after a break up
After a relationship is over, one can feel overwhelmed with feelings. One can feel angry, frustrated, sad, and one of the uncomfortable feelings can be a sense of abandonment. Here are tips on ways to cope with feelings of abandonment. Know that ...
Helping children cope with feelings of abandonment after a new sibling is born
The birth of a sibling for a young child can be a happy occasion, but it can also be a rude shock and create feelings of jealousy and abandonment. Here are some ways to prevent children from feeling abandoned. Let the older child know ahead of ti...
How to teach an child with Asperger’s Syndrome to read
This is continued from the previous blogs on how to teach a child with Asperger’s syndrome in the classroom. Here are some tips on teaching a child with Asperger’s syndrome to read. Set a routine Spend time creating and planning activ...
Teaching a child with aspergers syndrome using a lesson plan that includes games and activities
This is continued from the previous blog on how to teach children with asperger’s syndrome in the classroom. Here are some websites that provide lesson plans for children with autisic spectrum disorders. A to Z Teacher Stuff Great forum on t...
How to teach children with Asperger’s syndrome in the classroom
Asperger’s syndrome is a type of autism is characterized by rigidity of thought and behavior, limited verbal and non-verbal communication, difficulty with social relationships, motor delays. It requires great effort by parents, teachers, and ...
Different stages of quitting cigarettes
When someone is considering smoking cessation, it is important to think about the different stages. Stage 1: Breakthrough Smoker has identified themselves as being concerned about their health as well as those around them. This is the stage where...
8 Ways to stop thinking about smoking cigarettes
Thinking of the role smoking plays in your life. Seeking out opportunities to talk about smoking with others. Observing ways nonsmokers respond to situations which you respond by smoking. Observing other smokers carefully, paying special att...
3 reasons why it is so difficult to quit smoking and tips on how to get ready to quit
Everyone knows that smoking cigarettes are bad for themselves and for people around them. Most also know nicotine is addictive. What people may not know are the psychological barriers that make it difficult for smokers to quit. Fear of failing. ...
Living with someone who has a brain tumor
Sometimes the demands of caring for your loved one who has a brain tumor combined with stress of everyday life can be overwhelming. Here are 7 tips to help you care for yourself and your loved one. Recognize signs of stress in yourself. Form a su...
Signs of brain tumors in adults and treatment options available
This blog is continued from previous blog on what brain tumors are Signs and symptoms of brain tumors in adults Headaches Typical “brain tumor headaches” are often described as worse in the morning and they do not usually respond to the...
General description and types of brain tumors in adults
General Description Brain tumors are masses of abnormal cells that have grown out of control. American Cancer Society estimates that 22,070 malignant tumors of the brain or spinal cord (12,010 in men and 10,060 in women) will be diagnosed during 200...
September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month-understanding emotional link to medical conditions.
This blog is continued from the blog series on Prostate Cancer Awareness Month. Having a medical condition such as prostate cancer can put a tremendous emotional strain on someone. Several studies showed elevated risk of depression in prostate canc...
September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month-symptoms and general medical treatment options.
This blog is continued from yesterday’s blog on risk factors for prostate cancer. Symptoms: Urinary Problems (difficulty urinating, needing to urinate often, weak flow, pain or burning sensation). Difficulty having an erection. Blood in U...
September is Prostate cancer awareness Month- looking at the risk factors
September is prostate cancer awareness month. Other than skin cancer, prostate cancer, is the most common cancer in American men. About 1 in 6 men will be diagnosed during his life time. American Cancer Society estimates that in the United States ...
8 more tips for parents on how to cope when your child leaves for college
This blog is continued from the previous blog on 8 tips for parents on how to cope when your child leaves for college Be kind to yourself. Enjoy a bath, read a good book, go out with your friends, etc. Email what’s happening at home. Keep ...
8 tips for parents on how to cope when your child leaves for college
When millions of teenagers leave home for college this fall, it can be an exciting, but anxiety-provoking time for not only the student, but also the parents. Here are some tips to help with a smooth transition: Talk about credit cards and finance...
Suicide Prevention
Recently I attended a seminar on suicide prevention. The most recent statistics (taken from the 2005 data from American Association of Suicidology) are staggering: There are 33,000 suicides per year. Suicide accounts for more deaths than homicid...
Treatments for self-injury
There are treatments available for self-injury. Problem Solving Therapy: Professional therapists help clients identify and resolve problems they encounter. Also they teach clients general coping and problem solving skills. Dialectical Behavior T...
Signs and symptoms of self-injury
This blog is continued from the previous blog on risk factors. Here are some signs of self-injury: frequent or unexplained bruises, scars, cuts or burns. consistent, inappropriate use of clothing designed to conceal wounds. secretive behaviors...
Risk factors for self-injury
This blog is a continuation from yesterday’s blog on self-injury. There are a variety of risk factors that can lead to self-injury. Biological: female adolescents peripheral serotonin neurological abnormalities low concentrations of ...
What people should know about self-injury/self-harm
This imaged is by Christiaan Tonnis, licensed under CCbySA. When I was an EMT, I encountered a case that to this day, stays with me. I met someone who had cut marks on her arm. This person was immediately provided psychiatric help, linked with sup...
5 ways to treat depression
Medications (after consulting with doctor or psychiatrist) Antidepressants can help restore brain chemicals to the right levels. Common side effects include headache, dry mouth, constipation, stomach upset, drowsiness, trouble sleeping, and nervousn...
6 types of depression in people with chronic illnesses
Normal Depressed mood This is what most people feel time to time. It is a natural reaction to life stressors such as changes in work, relationships, etc. Person recovers after a short period of time. Major Depression Begins similar to a normal de...
Spreading the word beyond the golf world: breast cancer awareness
I am a huge fan of golf and in particular professional golfer Phil Mickelson. 1 1/2 weeks ago, Phil Mickelson announced that he would suspend the PGA tour schedule after finding out that his wife Amy was diagnosed with breast cancer. Support was see...
What people should know about triggers for depression
Depression is more than having the “blues.” It can affect anyone including the famous celebrities. In order to understand depression, it is important to first identify triggers. Here are 6 causes of depression: Loss or stress Grievin...
How to help your child if they have Asperger’s Syndrome
This blog is continued from the blog series part 3 Asperger’s Syndrome can be challenging for both the affected individual and their parents. Here are 5 tips to help your child adjust and offer support: Learn about the disorder. Look into ed...
Treatment options for Asperger’s Syndrome
This blog is continued from blog series part 2 Medications: There is no one specific medication to cure Asperger’s Syndrome. Often professionals treat based on specific target symptoms. For example to help with obsessions, one might prescribe...
How to find out if a child has Asperger’s Syndrome
This blog is continued from the blog series part 1 Because the symptoms of Asperger’s Syndrome are often hard to differentiate from other behavioral problems, it’s best to let a doctor or other health professional evaluate a child’s...
What is Asperger’s Syndrome
This is the first of 5 blog series dedicated to Autism awareness month. Asperger’s syndrome is one of the autism spectrum disorders or pervasive developmental disorders, which is categorized based upon abnormalities of social interaction and co...
How mandated reporters make a report
This is a continuation of blog last week’s blog. How to report: By telephone: Child Protection Hotline (1-800-540-4000). Within 35 hours of telephone report, a written report or online report (link to LA county) must be made. Information to ha...
