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Dear
Athena: Never, did I dream I would be complaining about my life. About nine years
ago, I decided to take a part-time job to give me something to do, and of course,
the extra money is great. Today, I don't know whether I am coming or going and
feel pressured to a point of feeling tense nearly all the time. I know this is
not good, so I would appreciate a few words of advice from you. Thank you, as
always, your columns help so much, Pushed.
Dear Pushed: I think many
of us have that feeling of "being pushed" today. Look at the drivers,
it is unbelievable how fast they are squeezing in and out of traffic - especially
with kids in their SUVs and cars.
But, that is today's nervous energy -
and, it is contagious.
Whenever I give a talk to a group that is in the 30s
to 50s, I plan the contents to fit their lifestyle. If, the group is semi-retired
or work part-time, I go down another road.
We need to see how things are
being done today - no matter what age bracket we fall into. Here is a quick set
of "rules" to keep us from becoming overworked and unnecessarily fatigued.
Rules
.
Lay out a schedule for two weeks, never more than that. Select a large calendar
and write in the space for each day what items you will cover - with only for
three places, one more. If, there is part-time work, put that in and allow the
remaining hours for no more than two other items, period.
. Shopping can
become a good and bad thing. After work, many people find it is a relief to change
the scene, and pick their favorite store, mall or plaza, where they enjoy losing
themselves. Need I tell you, the backfire of that small bad habit? No need to
become frustrated, leave your credit cards at home and take no more that $20.
With you, that way you can keep it low and comfortable when springing for a small
item.
. Start tomorrow, pick one hour a day, for the next 30 days, that
you can leave home, or work, and do -nothing. That may be stunning! What does
a person do? You will be surprised - and relieved.
. Here is where a few
people have discovered the small secret to their success of being in charge of
their life. This one magical hour can yield an enormous gift that many have not
considered - ever. Make a determination to begin doing yoga. Ask around, find
the place that will be suitable for you. We know, there are different versions
of all things - available to us. It is a matter of style. Before plunging into
something that may not be your cup of tea, ask to attend one session - pay for
it, but be honest.
. The other "stress-releaser" is Modern Dance.
Ask around, call several places, maybe they can recommend a place conveniently
located near you. I can personally say, this was a saving grace at one time for
me. The idea of letting go of the tension in the body is difficult to describe!
One is never too old, or too out of shape for this wonderful form of movement.
When you try it, I can tell you, your whole life will change.
. Once you
have made up your mind that the solution is in your hands, you will begin to see
things differently. Cut your work hours, or, an activity that worked before, we
all change, only we need to be reminded. Look at yourself as the person in charge
of a week's schedule. Get a cleaning person, find a pet walker, assign a garden
person to take care of your lawn and shrubs, do what will it takes to get that
load off your back - and increase your energy.
Join Athena on "High
Noon with Athena" on WXBR AM radio on Fridays, noon - 1 pm. Athena will discuss
how we can develop a peaceful mind and body - at any age. Or, write her, P.O.Box
218, Holbrook, MA, 02343, or by e-mail AthenaPark@aol.com
|
| | Dear
Athena: Please do not think I am crazy, but for some reason, I feel I have not
achieved what I am capable of in this lifetime. This tends to make me depressed,
quite often. I am in my early 60s. Thank you, so much. Dreaming
Dear
Dreaming: Don't give it up! You know, that is what keeps us moving along - no
matter how old we get.
I could name a few people who achieved remarkable
things - way into their older years, because they never gave up.
You know,
I always urge people to look down that long road ahead and see themselves getting
better and better each day in their efforts. Pushing oneself is a must.
We
all tend to get a bit dejected when things are at a standstill, from time to time.
This
brings me to the questions: Do you have a goal? Have you ever had a goal? Where
did it go and how can you pick it up and run?
Here is a schedule for you
to work on each day - no excuses!
RULES
. This is a must; plan
each day be faithful. Take ten minutes a day to mentally and physically relax.
Take the time to visualize, picture your goal. This is the time to charge up your
energy about your destination in life. This should be a standard time-out after
a shower/bath; relax, meditate, dress and start
your day.
. This time can
also be a serious meditation session before starting each day. A person can train
themselves to relax on cue - then meditate. Allow the mind to become free, then
slowly, you'll see what needs to be worked on to accelerate the energy in reaching
your goal
. In order to change the habit of negative thinking, you need to
change your thoughts. The minute you start
getting a negative feeling, quick,
see - CANCEL, CANCEL - stamp out your thoughts. Make the words big and overwhelming.
Take a deep breath, change to your positive frame of mind. This technique is strongly
recommended, as it works!
. Perhaps your goal has evaded you because either
you or your dream have outgrown the present moment. That is possible. Recharge,
reframe, adjust your plans. Things are moving so fast today, you might take a
right turn on the road - something very simple, to make things happen.
. Those
of us who have passed the 50s mark, may be hanging onto our old habits. This is
one of the most difficult things to do. Old ways, old techniques worked well once,
but may need to change. Small changes can work wonders. Is there someone who you
can talk to who would understand you and your frustration? Sometimes, a different
point of view opens doors.
. Focus. That word comes in when we talk about reaching
our goal. Perhaps a new twist or new angle is needed to excite your imagination.
Getting into a rut and staying there is easy. Finding a way to get where you have
dreamed about, takes guts, courage and determination. Good Luck!
Join Athena
on "High Noon with Athena" on WXBR AM 1460 radio on Fridays, noon -
1 pm. Athena will discuss how we can develop a peaceful mind and body - at any
age. Or, write her, P.O.Box 218, Holbrook, Ma 02343, or by e-mail AthenaPark@aol.com
| | | Dear
Athena: Do you have any suggestions for healthy sandwiches? I need to watch my
lunch breaks, they are breaking the bank! Thanks, Sylvia
Dear Sylvia: Yes,
especially during the holidays. Try these easy ways to satisfy your hunger - and
your pocketbook!
Goat Cheese Sandwich
1/2 cucumber
1 small
onion
a few watercress sprigs
2 tbs. borage oil
4 oz. soft goat cheese
2-4
slices whole wheat bread
Sea salt to taste
Black pepper to taste
1 tbsp.
Sunflower kernels
Peel and halve the cucumber, and scoop out the seeds
with a spoon. Grate half of the cucumber, cut the other half into fairly thin
slices. Peel and finely chop onion. Wash and shake dry the water cress, then finely
chop.
In a bowl, mix the borage oil, watercress and goat cheese until the mixture
is smooth.
Spread the cheese mixture over 2 slices of the bread, dividing
evenly, and top with the sliced cucumber, pressing down lightly.
Season with
salt and pepper, sprinkle with the sunflower kernels, and serve open-faced or
topped with 2 additional bread slices for a brown-bag lunch. Serves 2
Goat
cheese contains less cholesterol than other types of cheese - keeping the circulatory
system healthy - and it is easier to digest than cow's milk cheese. It also contains
lots of vitamin A, which keeps the skin smooth and the eyes shining.
Tuna
and Egg Sandwich
1 can Tuna (6 oz.)
3 tbsp. Olive oil
1 hard-boiled
egg (peeled)
1 tbsp. fresh lemon juice
2 tbsp. capers
Black pepper to
taste
Worcestershire sauce to taste
2 whole-wheat rolls
Drain the
tuna. In a blender, blend the tuna, egg yolk, and lemon juice to a paste. Pour
into a bowl and stir in the capers, pepper and Worcestershire. Halve the rolls
and spread with the tuna paste. Chop the egg white and sprinkle over the tops.
Serves
2
Bulgur Salad with Garlic
4 cloves garlic
1 1/4 cups of vegetable
stock (plus more if necessary)
4 oz. bulgur wheat
Sea Salt to taste
Black
pepper to taste
1 red bell pepper
2 bunches fresh Italian parsley
1 tbsp.
olive oil
1 tsp. borage oil
2 tbsp. capers (drained)
4 oz. feta cheese
Peel
the garlic and cut into thin slices. Pour the stock into a saucepan, add the garlic
and bring to a boil. Add the bulgur wheat, season with salt and pepper, and simmer
gently for about 5 minutes over low heat. Let cool.
Meanwhile, halve the
bell pepper and remove the stem, ribs, and seeds. Rinse off the pepper segments,
cut them lengthwise into strips, then cut the strips into squares.
Wash
and shake dry the parsley, pull the leaves from the stalks, and coarsely chop
the leaves. Add the bell pepper, parsley, olive oil, borage oil, and capers to
the bulgur and mix well.
Finely crumble the feta cheese over the bulgur
mixture. Mix and season well with salt and pepper, adding a little more stock
if the salad needs moistening.
Serves 2
Bulgur is crushed dried wheat,
which cooks up like rice. You will find it in most health-food stores and supermarkets.
It contains large amounts of protein and B-complex vitamins.
Join Athena
on "High Noon with Athena" on WXBR AM 1460 radio, on Fridays, noon -
1 pm. Athena will discuss how we can develop a peaceful mind and body - at any
age. Or, write her, P.O.Box 218, Holbrook, MA, 02343, or by e-mail AthenaPark@aol.com
| | | Dear
Athena: My friend was in the class at Massasoit College recently where you were
guest speaker. She said you made it sound easy, yet knows it has taken a great
deal of time and effort for you to master these suggestions on achieving confidence.
The subject was, what to concentrate on when presenting oneself. Any tips for
us? Interested
Dear Interested: Thank you for your kind words.
Being
invited to lecture at Massasoit was very exciting as I recalled teaching several
courses, for 18 years, starting in 1984. It is interesting how the mind recalls
the focus of the subject.
Confidence grows with practice. Eliminating the
negative emotions is where one begins in all areas of confidence-building. The
younger a person is, the easier it becomes to develop this ability to present
oneself.
In this case, the students were of all ages in this continuing
education course.
Let me see if I can give you a few pointers that can help
- a few principles that set the foundation of confidence while a person is putting
their best foot forward in any field.
Granted, many people are in an overburdened
state these days, and tend to put off getting things done when necessary.
But,
as they say, if a person is determined to change by improving themselves, there
is no time like the present.
Is it the climate of anxiety you feel, or
has the excitement of charging forth in your life lagging?
Let's get a
quick brush-up on our values, which we all have. It has been found, when a person
begins to drag physically, and emotionally, they are in an undecided state and
find their life is being altered, or even stalled.
Here are a few points:
Positive
Values
. Good health . Honesty . Cheerfulness . Love and Warmth
Negative
Values
. Depression . Anger . Frustration . Rejection
Sit down and make
your list. I am sure they are on the tip of your tongue. We generally know what
it is that is keeping us stuck in this down state, not being able to go forward.
Start
by relaxing your mind and reflect at a time your were "cooking" with
energy, good feelings and achieving positive steps forward. Go back to a good
time. The mind is a filing cabinet, it has all the information you need in there.
While
you are taking inventory, notice how your body is reacting. Is it feeling good,
as you recall the various incidents at a certain time? Do you sense a comfortable
state even though you worked hard in achieving a certain goal?
If a sense of
discomfort alters the picture, breathe easily and allow the picture to slow down,
see what transpired, and you will immediately sense what was happening.
This
is a dramatic, but very effective way to strike the nail on the head. Our emotions
guide our lives. Become comfortable in recalling days, times, incidents that contained
the positive and negative emotions that have a way of changing a person's direction
in life.
Join Athena on :High Noon" on WXBR AM 1460 radio, on Fridays,
from noon to 1 pm. Athena will discuss how we can develop a peaceful mind and
body - at any age. Or, write her, P.O. Box 218, Holbrook, MA 02343, or by e-mail
AthenaPark@aol.com
| | | Dear
Athena: You would think acne is a teen's problem, not a person at 23 years of
age. Just why does this happen to some people? S. E.
Dear S.E.: Acne,
or pimples appear on faces of nine out of ten young people - both girls and boys,
between the ages of about ten to about twenty-four.
As a licensed cosmetologist
and aesthetician, one learns early on that this particular condition is troublesome
and causes much misery.
So, just what is acne?
Medically speaking,
there are tiny, oil-producing glands, just under the surface of the skin. Their
job is to keep the skin "lubricated", but during puberty they frequently
become overactive.
This means that those glands are working overtime to
produce oil. At this time of life, a person may notice that not only the skin,
but the hair, is oilier than ever. The reason for this is that there are oil glands
in the scalp, as well.
The extra oil these glands produce then clog the pores
- those tiny "holes" through which the skin breathes and secretes waste
material in the form of perspiration - forming whiteheads.
When these blobs
of congealed oil come in contact with the air, chemical changes occur which causes
blackheads. If infection develops, too, acne pimples are the result.
It
takes a bit of effort, time and caring for the skin properly, if a person is concerned
about whiteheads/blackheads.
It is recommended that a young person that
experiences pimples, early on, see their doctor for a physical checkup. They will
undoubtedly tell the patient that they are not a slob, but they need to keep their
acne under control with simple skin care.
Telling a young person to use
a good soap/cleanser three times a day, especially in these hectic days, is a
bit overwhelming, to say the least.
Again, they are told this face is the only
one they have, and need to be taking care of it, especially after exercise, physical
exertion, and during the hot weather.
The surprising thing is, when the
acne condition hits a steady stride, the emotional part of a person's concerns
kick into a nervous mode - producing more pimples, than ever.
We will be
covering a simple routine for acne, next week.
Join Athena on "High
Noon with Athena" on WXBR AM 1460 radio, on Fridays from noon - 1 pm. Athena
will discuss how we can develop a peaceful mind and body - at any age. Or, write
her, P.O. Box 218, Holbrook, MA 02343, or by e-mail AthenaPark@aol.com
| | | Dear
Athena: My health is fair at this time, but I have enjoyed your positive outlook
at keeping ourselves healthy with our state of mind. I am a longtime reader, have
clipped and saved your articles that have come to mean so much, especially when
I lost my sister eight years ago. Can you give us a bit of your philosophy at
this time of year? Thanks, an Old Fan
Dear Old Fan: Your words mean
so much, as I often wonder if the information is understood and enjoyed by others.
Apparently, it is.
During our lifetime, we can remember certain times that
became the bridge to a different area of understanding for us. Certain events
drove us to look at things from another point of view.
Dr. Bernie Siegel,
a cancer doctor and surgeon, developed a unique therapeutic approach to people
who are facing a chronic, or catastrophic illness.
He believed love heals.
This
was in 1988, in California as he presented a weekend workshop for therapists who
deal with patients with cancer.
He gave us exercises on how to listen to
the body. We had an opportunity to learn how to do drawings and interpret the
hidden aspects of conflict and disorder in our lives.
We were shown the
simple method of talking to our inner self. We can give ourselves healing messages
using meditation, visualization, and most important, learning to relax completely,
was priceless.
This was great information for all of us - sick or well.
With
the coming of the New Year, it is an appropriate time to shift gears, and make
a determined effort to begin with a fresh, new outlook on life.
He strongly
believed that each one of us must resolve conflict, before healing takes place
within the body. There is a need for unconditional love in one's life, to allow
the energy from within to flow and be directed towards prevention of illness.
His
book, "Peace, Love and Healing" outlined a few principles for staying
well - heading the list:
. Love yourself, love others. Make loving the
purpose and primary expression of your life.
. Make a commitment to health
and well-being. Develop a strong belief that totally good health and well-being
are a given.
. Take the advice of health experts, but do not become enslaved
to them. A person's own strength and purpose of life is very important.
. Accept
yourself. This is very difficult for many to do. Learn to forgive yourself. Again,
this becomes so important, it is difficult to underscore it enough. Mistakes happen
- give it up!
. Release all negative emotions. Resentment heads the list. Anger
is close behind in second place. It is thought to be a deadly emotion for some,
who cannot let go of events, or difficult situations that have long gone by the
board.
. Begin to release negative thoughts. Not easy to learn, but definitely
works wonders. Envy still stirs among many - foolish and can be destructive.
.
Learn to enjoy life - allow your sense of humor to develop, crushing stress and
illness with a flick of the mind!
Join Athena on "High Noon with Athena"
on WXBR AM 1460 radio, on Fridays from noon to 1 pm. Athena will discuss how we
can develop a peaceful mind and body - at any age. Or, write her, P.O.Box 218,
Holbrook, MA 02343, or by e-mail AthenaPark@ aol.com | | | Dear
Athena: It has become so confusing, what do you look for while selecting a mattress?
Gone are the good old days. This is getting silly. Can you give me an idea what
is what? Thanks, G.W.
Dear G.W.: I did the research, and this information
should be put to good use for the many who are planning to purchase a new mattress.
Let
me list the points to follow:
. Measure your bedroom. Make sure the size
bed you are looking for will fit into the room, before adding a night stand, a
bureau or chair.
. Beds are constructed in 3 different types. A. The TempurPedic
brand, or other memory foam mattresses claim to mold to your body and give greater
support and comfort with no springs. B. The traditional kind is a wire-tied inner
spring mattress - basically one continuous coil. C. A second, more expensive is
a pocketed coil, in which each coil, wrapped in a resilient fabric, reacts to
pressure independently.
. One measure of quality is coil count, the number
of coils or springs in the mattress. If the coil count is in the high 600s for
a queen size, then you're talking about a mattress that's desirable.
. Many
people lie down on a bed when trying them out. Make sure you are fresh and feeling
good, if you are tired after a long day's work, any mattress will feel good.
.
When testing a mattress, lie on it for at least 15 - 20 minutes to get a good
idea what the bed would be like to sleep on. If you are sharing a bed with someone
else, you shouldn't feel motion as the other person leaves the bed.
. They
say size is everything - it certainly is when you are talking about a mattress.
A full mattress provides enough sleeping space for a person who is less than 5'
5" tall. Queen mattresses work better for taller individuals or couples.
King size is, of course, the ultimate choice.
. Try to purchase a box spring
and mattress that belongs, instead of just purchasing a mattress. Often, the match
is off-center and comfort will be a problem.
. Suggestion: Take your time when
seeking the right box springs and mattress for your comfort. Remember, the items
are placed in a large airy showroom. We seldom think about the size fitting the
available space in our home. Carrying the box spring and mattress up the stairs
can become an issue.
. Like most items we select for a long period of time,
the more time you spend researching the various sizes, types and prices, allow
yourself several weeks of thorough checking. Do not make a snap decision.
.
A bed can mean comfort, ease and a great night's sleep. Take your time when making
a final selection - it is quite a valuable decision.
Join Athena on "High
Noon with Athena" on WXBR AM 1460 radio, on Fridays from noon - 1 pm. Athena
will discuss how we can develop a peaceful mind and body - at any age. Or, write
her, P.O. Box 218, Holbrook, Ma 02343, or by e-mail AthenaPark@aol
| | | Dear
Readers: Once in a great while, an emotional happening occurs in the region.
There
is no question, the resulting loss of the Patriots in the Patriots/Giants football
game last Sunday was felt by thousands in New England.
Disinterested people
asked in amazement, "Hey, it was only a football game, how come people are
so depressed and unhappy about this?
Whether you like football, or not,
this was a team effort among the citizens of New England, that was put out there,
in a form of a contest - showing the world that men, can be nearly perfect in
a sport. The record shows, the nearly impossible was almost done.
Again,
we are talking about young men who were performing in a difficult sport, which
takes physical and mental effort, plus a great deal of emotional control
The
physical part can be seen. Obviously, the blows, collisions, and slamming of the
body on the hard ground can leave permanent reminders, all in the name of the
sport.
Think about a time when a stumble and fall on the ground left traces
of aches and pains that would not leave your body - that's just one time.
Now,
fast-forward to the game. Imagine the guys enduring those pounding blows and crashes.
Yes, they are trained, groomed and they can handle it.
After all is said
and done, the fans are ordinary people who have a true love for the sport and
for the guys that put their lives on the line during the season, and want to see
their team win.
So, this is what happened Sunday night. A let-down. A complete
blow to our ego. Just how are we going to handle this thing? We just did not think
for one instant that this could happen - did we?
If you can pull yourself
away from the emotion of the night, and allow yourself to become totally disconnected
about feelings, pertaining to the contest, just look at the picture.
The
frenzy the week before, the fanfare of planning a winning part at home - before
winning, I might add, pumped up the ego accelerator to the breaking point.
We
humans know no boundaries. We command our lives, we push to the tenth degree,
we just know we are good, and that is that.
Or, are we?
If we could
ask Paul Brown that question.
Paul Brown was an exceptionally successful coach
and the greatest innovator who organized the Cleveland Browns in the 1940s.
In
Ohio, we lived for football, and the Cleveland Browns inspired us all as they
won three National Football League titles in the 1950s.
Today, a week later,
people are still talking about this monumental event, and the guessing game goes
on. What is your take on it? What interfered? Now, that is the question.
What
would have happened if the Patriots won? Would that have made them the "Impossible
Team" with many up and coming teams giving up before starting?
Let your
imagination go....
Join Athena on "High Noon with Athena" on
WXBR AM 1460 radio, on Fridays from noon - 1 pm. Athena will discuss how we can
develop a peaceful mind and body - at any age. Or, write her, P.O. Box 218, Holbrook,
MA 02343, or by e-mail AthenaPark@aol.com | | | Dear
Athena: Do you have any recipes for people who are allergic to certain foods?
I miss the old-fashioned dishes, but cannot have any corn, egg, milk, wheat or
gluten in my preparations. Would appreciate it, if you can find something for
me. Pat
Dear Pat: Today, more than ever, people are experiencing food
allergies. We have been writing about the extensions in foods that can cause a
disturbance - call it an allergy, and what you mentioned is right on target.
Here
is an old-fashioned dish for you. I have added a meat extender, if you like meat.
Beans
and Rice
1 cup navy beans
1 medium-sized onion, finely chopped
1
green pepper, finely chopped
3 T. safflower oil
1 tsp oregano
1 clove
garlic, minced
1 T. chopped fresh parsley
1 cup tomato sauce
1 cup reserved
bean-cooking liquid
2 tsp. sugar
1 tsp. vinegar
1 tsp. salt
1 T. molasses
1
small bay leaf
Soak beans overnight. Drain. Cover with fresh water and
cook 1/2 hour. Drain. Cover again, with water, and cook until tender. Drain, reserving
1 cup until onions are golden. Lower heat. Add oregano, garlic, and parsley. Cook
about 3 minutes, or until spices are well incorporated. Add tomato sauce, bean
liquid, sugar, vinegar, salt, molasses, and bay leaf. Simmer 5 minutes. Remove
bay leaf.
Serve as a meat substitute over cooked brown rice. The combination
of the beans and the brown rice makes a complete protein - replacing meat.
If
meat is preferred: Brown the beef or meat of your choice. Season with salt, pepper
and onion powder. Stir into cooked bean mixture. Serve over brown rice.
If
you prefer kidney beans, they may be used instead of navy beans.
Join Athena
on "High Noon with Athena" on WXBR AM 1460 radio, on Fridays from noon
- 1 pm. Athena will discuss how we can develop a peaceful mind and body - at any
age. Or, write her, P.O. Box 218, Holbrook, MA 02343, or by e-mail AthenaPark@aol.com | | | Dear
Athena: I did not think I would resort to writing for advice, but I cannot overcome
this problem. I am a male in my twenties, and have landed a great job, which I
want to make a go of it. My problem is distracting me. My problem is my oily scalp.
Towards the afternoon, my hair looks like a block of grease. Is there a solution?
Thanks, so much P.T.
Dear P.T.: As a cosmetologist, schooled in the
field of face and hair, you would think I could solve this problem easily - but,
we are dealing with the chemistry of your parents - oily hair is inherited.
I
researched ways to help the situation from people in the dermatology field. I
have come up with a couple of ways to control the oily residue.
First,
and most important step, is to find a shampoo that contains tar. The tar soaks
up most of the oil That is number #1. Read the label on the package, it should
be one of the primary ingredients - not near the end of the contents in the package.
The tar content should be a major ingredient.
. The next step requires
extra time - no rushing for this important step. When you get into the shower,
apply the shampoo and leave on your head for at least five minutes. You need to
let the shampoo soak into the scalp - cleaning it thoroughly. Do not hurry! Make
this a good time to do some deep breathing exercises - kill two birds with one
stone, as the old saying goes. A great time to unwind, increase your energy by
pacing yourself.
. After showering, shampoo your scalp, rinse thoroughly with
warm, to cooler water. Have a plastic bottle of witch hazel handy - place where
you can reach easily. Have a large cotton ball handy to go over your scalp, as
a final rinse, removing all traces of leftover shampoo.
. Once out of the shower,
rub your body briskly with a towel, and use a clean, dry towel to dry your hair.
Here is an important point. Many people rush through this step by rubbing too
hard - or too lightly, barely picking up much water from the scalp. On the other
hand, it is a known fact, when men and women tend to rub too much or too deeply,
the action causes the roots to carry oil from the scalp to the ends of the hair.
.
And, for those who love to work out, the sweating continues and the oil flows,
more than ever. Some people choose to sponge off, and let the hair be washed later.
If you go to the gym during your lunch hour, and do not shampoo, you need to change
your routine. Sweating is causing your oil problem. Focus on your pattern, when
you shower, wash your hair and make the appropriate changes.
Suggest you put
effort in solving the problem with these relatively easy ways.
Join Athena
on "High Noon with Athena" on WXBR AM 1460 radio, Fridays, from noon
- 1pm. Athena will discuss how we can develop a peaceful mind and body - at any
age. Or, write her, P.O.Box 218, Holbrook, MA 02343, or by e-mail AthenaParker@aol.com | | | Dear
Athena: I have finally decided to admit to myself, my house and office is a mess.
This is it. No more telling myself everybody lives like this. Tell me. Is there
an answer, or are half the people living like me? Sloppy
Dear Sloppy:
You are saying what a lot of people are saying, believe it or not.
Paperwork
seems to accumulate faster than ever. Copies multiply easily. Today, we are surrounded
by paperwork, whether a person is involved in a business or not. Being just an
ordinary citizen will yield copies. And, it is not surprising, anyone who is involved
in daily paperwork, feels like you do.
I have found, we are creatures of
habit. When we started out several decades ago, the routine, the practice of filing,
sorting and keeping records was rather simple. Whether we realized it or not,
duplication and additional paperwork began to pile up.
Today, more than
ever, we need to keep paperwork for various reasons, and it is important.
The
rule seems to be, certain paperwork has to be kept for at least seven years. In
one way, this makes one file cabinet special.
Again, it all depends on
the type of work a person is involved in, making material available when needed.
Round
up those plastic boxes, and mark one "old" file, and "current",
remember to use shelves for info that is needed on certain occasions.
Once
upon a time, a person did all this cleaning and sorting out at the end of the
year. We started a new year with a new routine. Today, with the computers spilling
over with info, this just does not work that easily.
I am sure there are
plenty of people out there who are faced with this situation, and if you are one
of those who has found the answer to an orderly office, give us a shout and give
us a few tips, please. We would be grateful.
As to the messy house, there
are more people looking at an accumulation of "things" than ever before.
When
we think about it, not too long ago, we purchased items as we needed them. It
all happened slowly, quietly and without too much fanfare.
Little by little,
this habit of "picking up things" became a habit, and many homes have
become cluttered.
Ah! Where does anybody start? Do we harness our habits,
or do we stop going into stores?
This is a subject that needs some serious
probing.
Join Athena on "High Noon with Athena" on WXBR AM 1460
radio, on Fridays,
from 11am - 1pm. Athena will discuss how we can develop
a peaceful mind and body - at any age. Or, write her, P.O. Box 218, Holbrook,
MA 02343, or by e-mail AthenaPark@aol.com | | | Dear
Athena: We are thinking about getting our young son a dog. He is always asking
when and what kind we will choose. We are at a loss as to what breed is the right
one. Can you help point out some of the factors that would not be a good choice?
Thanks, E.F.
Dear E.F: Personally, we have always had dogs in my family,
ever since I was a child, and have until a few years ago. We had to consider the
space, and schedules. I miss not having them, as they become a habit.
I
was curious myself, and did some research on this subject.
Can you judge
a dog by its breed? Partly.
Rottweilers and mastiffs were originally used
to guard property and bred for suspicion toward strangers. Pit bulls and Akitas
were bred to fight and kill other dogs.
What breed bites the most?
Research
usually points to German shepherds, pit bulls, chows, Dobermans, rottweilers,
Siberian Huskies, malamutes, wolf-hybrids, Akitas, Labradors, cocker spaniels
and golden retrievers.
The problem with Labs, goldens and cockers isn't
with their breed - the problem is that there are so many of them. They are carelessly
overbred, and aggressive ones have surfaced.
Besides the breed, other factors
make a difference. Dogs between one and five years are most likely to bite. Male
dogs inflict about 75 percent of all reported dog bites and at least 80 percent
of severe bites. Intact males bite more than neutered males. Large dogs, over
50 pounds, bite more than a medium-size or small dogs. Over 90 percent of reported
bites are from owned dogs, not strays.
Contrary to myth, very few dog attacks
can be traced to teasing and tormenting. Other human behaviors and characteristics,
however, do make dogs more likely to attack them.
One is being very young.
Infants make a large proportion of fatal attack victims. These occur because dogs
mistake tiny babies for prey. Never leave any dog alone with a baby.
Children
under the age of 10 receive more bites than any other age-group.
Teach children
to stop, keep still and fold their arms if chased by a dog.
Dr. Marder, clinical
assistant professor at the Tufts University School of Veterinary gives us several
points:
Prevention:
. Research breed history before buying a
dog.
. Check out other puppies with the same parents.
. Do obedience training.
This helps establish the owner as the dog's leader, making the dog less likely
to "do what comes naturally." Training should start at 8 - 16 weeks
and continue in some form for the rest of the dog's life.
. Teach kids that
all dogs are not nice. Teach them to observe if a dog growls, or curls their lip.
Never bother a sleeping dog, or one that is eating.
Join Athena on "High
Noon with Athena" on WXBR AM 1460 radio, on Fridays,
from 11 am - 1 pm.
Athena will discuss how we can develop a peaceful mind and body - at any age.
Or, write her, P.O. Box 218, Holbrook, MA 02343, or by e-mail AthenaPark@aol.com |
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