Hand Hygiene: A Big Deal Before Covid

There is more to know about hand hygiene than you would think.  First, poor hand hygiene is the number one cause of the spread of infectious disease in a hospital system.  When you wash your hand you should no skimp on the soap, not the time.  To prevent chapping or side effects form lots of washing you should pat your hands dry over rubbing them dry.  Also after washing your hands you should turn the water off with a towel rather than touch the handle and get your hands dirty again.  Rings are not recommended while working.  They have sharp edges which can cause injury.  Germs seem to gather under a ring.  And finally those who wear a ring have a tendency to wash their hands less often.

E-Training: Hazardous Materials

The most important detail here is to be aware if you work with hazardous material you are entitled to see the Material Safety Data Sheets.  These sheets include identification of the material, identifies the manufacturer, safe handling, description and what to do for crisis situations.  I don't work directly with these materials but they are around at home and at work.  It is best to know what you are doing when using them

**E-training: Cultural Diversity

Working in  county with people from all over the world it is important to have respect for people from all cultures.  I like one of the standards suggested, remember that people are individuals even inside their culture.  Other suggestions include showing respect for all people, know how your own culture influences you, be sensitive to the culture of others, provide services in a native language or through interpreter if necessary.  Culture includes customs, language, religion, ethnicity, heritage and community.

**E-Training: Fire Safety

This hits home in my life right now as I heal from a burn on my back after lighting myself on fire.  Fire is something you have to be carful with, and there are many sources of burns in our homes and at work.   Fire requires three things, heat, oxygen and fuel.  You fight fire by removing one of these things.  When you discover a fire in the hospital RACE--Rescue or remove those at risk, Initiate alert system, Contain the fire (such as closing door) and Extinguish.  As for using the extinguisher pull the pin, aim at the base, squeeze the handle and sweep from side to side.

**E-Training: Infectious Diseases

The things I took from this training is that the two most important methods to avoid spreading germs and disease is to wash you hands frequently and the second is to cough correctly; not into you hand but into the crook of your elbow.  Being aware of these two measure will go a long way to prevent the spread of disease.

**E-Training Tuberculosis

I always have about 20 e-trainings to do each year.  I also have to get checked door TB annually, and got my poke yesterday, to be read tomorrow.  Risk of Tb is greater for those from countries with high tuberculosis, those with low resistance, and for those in close contact with others, such as in group settings or in jail.  Regular checks are important for these people.  Also of importance is the rapid increase in treatment-resistive tuberculosis.  For this reason it is important to verify that people take their medication.

**Podemos Ayudar: Santa Clara County Suicide and Crisis Hot Line: Spanish

**Repaso de Folleto: Si tira el aceite usado nos empapara a todos

La idea en este folleto es si tire el aceite, este sigue al mar, yd todos entonces tenemos que jugar en el aceite.  En vez de hacer esto, debe recicle el aceite, y tambien los filtros usados.  Si se cambia el aceite en un shop entonces la gente alli van a reciclar el aceite.  Si no, es importante hacerlo Ud mismo.

bolsa des reciclar.  Puede cerarse.

**Pamphlet Review: When You Dump Used Oil We All Get Soaked

The idea behind this pamphlet is that if you dump your oil in the gutter (which flows to the ocean eventually) then you are making it so everyone has to play in your used oil.  It suggest using a recycle station as an alternative.  By recycling used oil and oil filters (which can contain 45 percent oil by weight) we can protect the environment and prevent water pollutions, public health situations and preserve natural resources.  Of course if you have your oil changed at a shop, this does not apply.

This is a sealable bag for you used oil filter.

**Pain Isn't Always Obvious: Know the SIgns

**Poster: Pain Isn't Always Obvioius

Another poster reminding us that suicide is preventable.  There are now over 80,000 suicides annually in the United States.  Too many families are effected by this tragedy.  If you are feeling suicidal, reach out for help.  The Santa Clara County Suicide and Crisis number is 1-855-278-4204.  If you think someone you know may be suicidal, please take action.  You can call the same number for advice.

**Early Patient Engagement Tied to Psychosis Outcomes

Early patient engagement tied to psychosis outcomes by Whitney McKnight Clinical Psychiatry News Nov 2015; from the American Journal of Psychiatry 

This article concludes Integrated, patient-centered treatment delivered earlier in people with first-episode psychosis leads to better outcomes than standard community care.  Dr. Thomas R. Insel outgoing director of the National Institute of Mental health said, “These results demonstrate the importance of early detection, early engagement, and integrated care following the onset of psychosis.”  This is based on a study by RAISE, Recovery After an Initial Schizophrenia Episode.  Key clinical point is that early integrated treatment for firs-episode psychosis delivered in a community setting can help patients stay functional and productive.  Also quality of life is improved as demonstrated by Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale for Shizophrenia. 

There is hope, but early intervention is vital.  This seems a common theme for many illnesses.

**Does Psychiatric Treatment Prevent Suicide?

Does psychiatric treatment prevent suicide: by Dinah Miller M.D.Clinical Psychiatry News, November 2015.

The title of this article presents an interesting question.  More than ever Americans take antidepressants.  However more than ever, Americans commit suicide.  The medications are effective in treating depression, and with depression suicidal thoughts.  However, the statistics do not match for some reason.  40,000 Americans died of suicide in 2013.  At the same time 11 percent of Americans over the age of 12 take antidepressant medication.  It would seem these two stats are at odds with each other.  The author points out it is hard to have a closed sample where study of why this would be can take place.  However, studies are beginning to show that medications with talk therapy are an effective means of preventing suicide and treating depression.  [personal thoughts on the topic and I am not a doctor; sometimes antidepressants work on increasing energy, which is also a symptom of depression, before dealing with the suicidal ideation.  The low energy often keeps patients from acting on suicidal thoughts.  However with increased energy, and if these suicidal thoughts aren’t adequately dealt with in therapy or treatment, there is a period where patients are at risk.]  The conclusion is that more study needs to be done to figure out why these statistics are not congruent. However combining therapy with medications greatly reduces the risk of suicide.

**Folleto: Proteja a su Nino Contra el Plomo

Este folleto habla de cosas que podemos hacer para proteger a nuestra familia contra el plomo.  Lavarse las manos es muy importante, comer comidas saludables, a veces los dulces de otros paices contienen plomo.  Limpiar bueno la casa es importante.  A veces la pintura contiene plomo.  Los ninos no deben morder las paredes.  Pero tambien la pintura puede cambiar a un polvo ye se debe evitar esto.  A veces productos para para servir comida como platos y vasos contienen el plomo.  La tierra tambien puede contener plomo.  Por esta rason debe sacar los zapatos al entrar la case.  tambien debe cubrir la tierra.

**Pamphlet Review: Protect Your Child from Lead

This little pamphlet suggests plenty of places where lead might by hiding, and gives suggestions to reduce the risk.  Keeping a child's hands clean is a good way to avoid lead, as well as germs.  We all know about old paints, and not letting a child chew on walls, etc.   The paint also turns to powder, so it is important to keep surfaces clean.  Other sources of lead may be imported dishes,   soil can also be a culprit.  It is important to avoid having spots of open soil where children play.  A ground cover of bark or grass is important.  They also give the idea of leaving shoes at the door as ways to avoid the spread of lead.  This is the first time I heard a good reason for living shoes at the door.  Changing clothes after work will avoid spreading lead you may have accumulated during the day.  Bullets and wishing sinker and stained glass supplies contain lead.  If you fear your child may have too much lead you can ask his/her doctor for a test.

**10 Aqua Smart: Water Safety

I found this pamphlet at one of the health fairs.  I am not sure why it is in Spanish, but I will translate.  It gives ten rules for water safety:
1. Learn to swim.
2. Wear a life jacket.
3. Learn to float.  This is referring to safety measures for if you fall in a river or body of water.  Float towards the shore.
4. Reach, throw, row.  This rule deals with how to help someone needing assistance.  Always reach first, then throw a flotation device to them, and finally row to them.
5.  Look before you jump.  Always be sure you swim in an safe area.
6. Don't overfill your boat.  This also deals with balancing your boat.
7.  Stay with you boat.  If your boat should tip over, the safest place to be is with your boat until someone comes to rescue you.
8. Learn the rules for boat safety.
9. Alcohol, drugs and driving a boat don't mix.
10. Be careful to not litter.

**Book Review: Body Battles

Body Battles by Rita Golden Gelman illustrated by Elroy Freem, Scholastic Press, New York, 1992.  This is a children's book, but gives a very good description of things that protect our bodies starting with skin.  Other body defenders are cilia and mucus, earwax.  These substances help keep stuff out and from getting in either through our noses or ears.  Stomach acid helps kill stuff that gets in through our mouths.  Of course our immune system also helps when stuff gets through our defenses.  The use of poisons or drugs makes it so these systems don't work properly.  Therefore we have our brains to assist us in making good choices about what we take into our bodies.

**Positive Thinking Book: Ask...(LIfe's Most Important Answers Are Found in Asking the Right Questions)

This little book has a long title.  It goes on to ask 244 questions for an individual to make sure their thinking is on the right track.  It divides the questions into three sections:  Looking Inward, Looking Outward and Looking Upward.  Looking inward explores our self talk.  DO we ask ourselves the right questions so as to be ready to step out when opportunity comes.  Looking outward concerns our relationships with others.  Looking upward concerns our relationship with God.  Is prayer a regular habit? Are we Grateful?  Do we do what God asks?  Are we willing to ask, How can I help you God?
A very good book and can be reread to seek further inspiration.  It is written by John L. Mason.

**Are Bananas Good for You

I have seen a lot of advertisements that imply bananas are not good for you.  They have a picture of a banana saying what are the worse foods for you.  When you click on them they want to play a movie, and then don't want you to leave their website.  So I don't know what they actually say.  However this article from "Eat This, Not That!" definitely says bananas are good for you.  Now as a diabetic, I know bananas have lots of carbohydrates, two servings worth in a medium size banana--or in other words half of your carb allowance for a meal.  This article admits this, but focuses on the strengths of the banana:
1. Magnesium in bananas helps you become leaner and have more muscle mass.
2. Potassium in bananas helps your muscles recover faster from exercise.
3. Folate from bananas helps with mood control so you are likely to be happier.
4. Tryptophan from  bananas helps with serotonin usage in the body.  Serotonin is a natural antidepressant which also helps with anxiety,  irritability, agitation, anger and aggression.
5. Tryptophan also help melatonin which is a natural sleep aid.
6. Bananas help fight bloating by supplying bloat-fighting bacteria in the stomach and also supply potassium which reduces fluid retention.
7. Because a banana has 12 mg of choline they help to fight fat and encourage flat burning.
8. Bananas can encourage sugar control.  However they should be eaten with proteins and helathy fat to slow the absorption of the sugar from a banana into your blood stream.
9. By eating a banana for a snack between meals will result in less cravings.
10. Underripe bananas can make you feel fuller because they contain resistant starch.  Because the banana is underripe it may be a bit bitter, but great to add to a smoothie.
11. Phytosterols in bananas can lower cholesterol.
12. Prebiotics in bananas act as good bacteria for easier digestion.  Also the fructose molecules help with digestion.
13. High fiber in bananas helps you be more regular.
14. The prebiotic fructooligosaccharides (number 12) help with calcium absorption.
15. Bananas provide lots of energy with glucose.
16. Although they do not contain vitamin A they help with vitamin A absorption.
17. Delphinidin in bananas is an antioxidant that helps to fight cancer.
18. Bananas are low in sodium and high in potassium which lowers blood pressure.
19. Bananas contain iron which helps with blood.
20. Bananas can help with eye sight with antioxidants as well as vitamin A support and vitamin C.
21. Pectin in bananas is a natural way to detoxify.  They can help clean many unwanted chemicals from our bodies.
I must admit, I do not care for bananas when they are underripe, but I do love bananas for the most part.  I have been worried about eating them, but this article explains their helpful benefits.

**Article: Holiday Stress

The article below is taken from the Santa Clara County Wellness website.  As we enter the Holiday season it seems appropriate to share it.

Surveys taken on the average American indicate that more than 8 in 10 Americans expect their season to be stressful.

Many factors contribute to the stress. We often operate on a busy schedule that gets even busier during the holiday season. More travel, more expenses, more things on your to do list; but coping isn’t beyond your reach.

There are things you can do to make this busy time of year easier.

1. Set a budget – Track your spending and keep to it. The holiday season is about family and friends not excess spending or overwhelming debt.
2. Set your priorities - You can't do it all. It's ok to say "no" so you can focus more energy on the people and activities that are important to you.
3. Have realistic expectations - Keep things as simple as possible so you can enjoy this special time of the year. Focus on the experiences with your loved ones and not on the perfect decor, table setting or holiday dinner!
4. Make memories with your loved ones. They will remember the love, support and cheer long after they’ve forgotten about a purchased gift. Try alternative gifts, maybe a family photograph, a homemade treat or special one-on-one time with that best friend where you do something fun together.  
5. Try volunteering or giving to those less fortunate. You might find personal gratification that lasts beyond the holidays.
6. Rest and relax -  Take time off from having a hectic holiday party season. Instead, allow yourself to kick up your feet, take a meditation class, go to a museum, or work on craft projects.
7. Maintain your daily routine. Keep sleep hours, physical activity minutes and eating times as normal as possible. Stepping too far out of your routine sets you and/or family members up to be more frazzled and stressed by the hectic season.   
8. Seek out help if you do feel blue or anxious. Talk to someone that you trust. 

My take: A budget is easier talked about than actually done.  Setting priorities is a little easier to.  I love to write things down and then make check marks.  Realistic expectations comes down to accepting yourself as your are and others as they are, rather than comparing to some idealistic illusion.  Making memories is important.  It is not about how much money you can spend.  Volunteering and giving to others is a great way to make the holiday season memorable.  Resting and relaxing is something I don't do enough of during the holidays.  I do try to maintain my daily routine.  

Addiction, Mental Health and Stigma

This list is from American Academy of Pediatrics

Halloween Safety Tips

Halloween is an exciting time of year for kids, and to help ensure they have a safe holiday, here are some tips from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). Feel free to excerpt these tips or use them in their entirety for any print or broadcast story, with acknowledgment of source.


ALL DRESSED UP:

• Plan costumes that are bright and reflective. Make sure that shoes fit well and that costumes are short enough to prevent tripping, entanglement or contact with flame.
• Consider adding reflective tape or striping to costumes and trick-or-treat bags for greater visibility.
• Because masks can limit or block eyesight, consider non-toxic makeup and decorative hats as safer alternatives. Hats should fit properly to prevent them from sliding over eyes.
• When shopping for costumes, wigs and accessories look for and purchase those with a label clearly indicating they are flame resistant.
• If a sword, cane, or stick is a part of your child's costume, make sure it is not sharp or too long. A child may be easily hurt by these accessories if he stumbles or trips.
• Obtain flashlights with fresh batteries for all children and their escorts.
• Do not use decorative contact lenses without an eye examination and a prescription from an eye care professional. While the packaging on decorative lenses will often make claims such as "one size fits all," or "no need to see an eye specialist," obtaining decorative contact lenses without a prescription is both dangerous and illegal. This can cause pain, inflammation, and serious eye disorders and infections, which may lead to permanent vision loss.
• Review with children how to call 9-1-1 (or their local emergency number) if they ever have an emergency or become lost/

 CARVING A NICHE:

• Small children should never carve pumpkins. Children can draw a face with markers. Then parents can do the cutting.
• Consider using a flashlight or glow stick instead of a candle to light your pumpkin. If you do use a candle, a votive candle is safest.
• Candlelit pumpkins should be placed on a sturdy table, away from curtains and other flammable objects, and should never be left unattended.

 HOME SAFE HOME:

• To keep homes safe for visiting trick-or-treaters, parents should remove from the porch and front yard anything a child could trip over such as garden hoses, toys, bikes and lawn decorations.
• Parents should check outdoor lights and replace burned-out bulbs.
• Wet leaves or snow should be swept from sidewalks and steps.
• Restrain pets so they do not inadvertently jump on or bite a trick-or-treater.

ON THE TRICK-OR-TREAT TRAIL:

• A parent or responsible adult should always accompany young children on their neighborhood rounds.
• If your older children are going alone, plan and review the route that is acceptable to you. Agree on a specific time when they should return home.
• Only go to homes with a porch light on and never enter a home or car for a treat.
• Because pedestrian injuries are the most common injuries to children on Halloween, remind Trick-or-Treaters:
• Stay in a group and communicate where they will be going. 
• Remember reflective tape for costumes and trick-or-treat bags.
• Carry a cellphone for quick communication.
• Remain on well-lit streets and always use the sidewalk.
• If no sidewalk is available, walk at the far edge of the roadway facing traffic.
• Never cut across yards or use alleys.
• Only cross the street as a group in established crosswalks (as recognized by local custom). Never cross between parked cars or out driveways.
• Don't assume the right of way. Motorists may have trouble seeing Trick-or-Treaters. Just because one car stops, doesn't mean others will!
• Law enforcement authorities should be notified immediately of any suspicious or unlawful activity.

HEALTHY HALLOWEEN:

• A good meal prior to parties and trick-or-treating will discourage youngsters from filling up on Halloween treats.
• Consider purchasing non-food treats for those who visit your home, such as coloring books or pens and pencils.
• Wait until children are home to sort and check treats. Though tampering is rare, a responsible adult should closely examine all treats and throw away any spoiled, unwrapped or suspicious items.
• Try to ration treats for the days following Halloween.

©2015 American Academy of Pediatrics

- See more at: https://www.aap.org/en-us/about-the-aap/aap-press-room/news-features-and-safety-tips/Pages/Halloween-Safety-Tips.aspx#sthash.CvD9vmSD.dpuf

**Pamphlet: Hay Fever by Breathe California

 No pamphlet on hay fever would be complete without giving you a couple ideas of how to prevent it.  This pamphlet suggests: wear glasses and mask when working outdoors, garden in the evening or on cloudy days, don't dry clothes outdoor when pollen counts are high, wash pets frequently, avoid touching hands and eyes when working outdoors, rinse you nose with salt water, shower, wash hair freqently and wash clothes frequently.  However for me, I think the biggest preventer of hay fever is to keep my CPAP machine clean.

**What Should I Do When I See Pornography?

What Should I Do When I See Pornography?

This is a Mormon.org video by young people for young people.
1. Name it
2. turn it off and turn away.
3. Talk to a trusted adult.

**Pamphlet: Influenza

 This pamphlet has the best comparison of a cold to flu that I have seen.  I have always wondered how to tell the difference.  It points out the best defense against influenza is the flu vaccine which is changed every year in an attempt to battle that years germs.  The shot is most important for the elderly, those with medical complications and the young.  It is also important for health care workers.  Influenza results in over 200,000 hospitalizations a year and over 36,000 deaths.
Pamphlet published by Breathe California.

**Pamphlet: Smokeless Tobacco: Spit it Out

SO: here is the scoop on smokeless tobacco.  It is not safe.  It has nicotine and other cancer-causing chemicals.  Because you hold it in your mouth, more of the harmful chemicals can be absorbed into your system.  It can cause cancer of the mouth, it gives bad breath.  Spitting is gross.

**Pamphlet: How Tobacco Effects Your Body

 I think the point of this pamphlet is that cigarettes contain 7,000 chemicals.  They effect all parts of your body,  Tobacco makes your teeth yellow, can cause cancer of the throat, can cause a cough and lung cancer, increases risk to other organs, can cause eye problems and is related to hearing loss, keeps oxygen from getting to your muscles.  The nicotine in  cigarettes can effect your brain and your heart.

**Pamphlet: Third-Hand Smoke: What It Is and How It Hurts Your Family

Tobacco smoke is full of toxins.  We all know this.  However those toxins can effect those who don't smoke, or who aren't even around someone who smokes.  This is because those toxins can into stuff around us,  Th couch, the curtains, the pillow, stuffed animals--all of these things can be permeated with toxins.  This toxins may be released when this stuff is moved or disturbed.  All can breathe in third-hand smoke, but those who are most vulnerable to third-hand smoke are babies and pets; however the wife cleaning or the made can also be susceptible.  Can you imagine the maids at a hotel.
The best way to protect your family is to quite smoking.  Barring that, never smoke in the house or car, or where children play.  Wash your hands after you smoke.  Where a jacket, and then leave the jacket outside so the smoke doesn't get to your kids.  Lastly it may be necessary to avoid the homes of those who smoke, especially with your young children.

**Article Review: 10 Hidden Hazards in your House

This article appears in October 2015 "Parents" magazine.  The ten hidden hazards listed are:

mesh clothing hampers; the wires can come loose and injure eyes

Magnets; no good if swallowed

Button batteries; ditto

Detergent pods; look fun but they aren't and can injure throat esophagus

Hard candy; choking hazards (aka chokies)

Immersion blenders; very sharp

Prescription drugs

Falling televisions; wall mounted best

Spray bottles; look fun but often have chemicals

And lastly recalled items.

**Step 12: Service - Erik’s Story about Drug Addiction Recovery

Step 12 - Service: Having had a spiritual awakening as a result of the Atonement of Jesus Christ, share this message with others and practice these principles in all you do.

Here we have the story of someone who over doses on drugs, and then jumps off a three story balcony.  He is rebuilding his life by serving as a facilitator.
My own nephew had problems with drugs.  After he was able to maintain his recovery, he too served as a facilitator, and in doing so was able to help many people who were having problems.  

**Step 11: Personal Revelation - Lindsay’s Story about Heroin Addiction Re...

Step 11 - Personal Revelation: Seek through prayer and meditation to know the Lord’s will and to have the power to carry it out.
In this story we see a woman who is choosing her drug over her children, and in fact gives them to her mother while she pursues her habit.  However, she does eventually enter recovery, and is able to teach her children primary songs, and to pray.  Prayer doesn't have to be formal, but just directed to God who wants to hear us.

**Take Control of Your Health: and Reduce your Cancer Risk

This is a pamphlet which was put out by the American Cancer Society.  I have never felt my family had much risk for cancer, as my grandparents all succumbed to heart related issues.  However, in the past couple months two of my close relatives have been diagnosed with, and treated for cancer, my sister with esophageal cancer and my nephew with thyroid cancer.  I guess I can no longer live in LaLa land.  This pamphlet suggests eight things to reduce risk of cancer:
1. Stay away from tobacco.  I have no problem there other than avoiding people who are smosking on the train platform where there is a no smoking rule.
2. Maintain a healthy weight.  My healthy weight is 100 pounds lower than I am now, but I am working for a loss of 65 pounds.
3. Get moving.  I walk considerable, but obviously not enough.  I need to add cardio and strength.
4. Eat healthy.  Here they are suggesting high fiber and avoiding processed foods.  I am fair to poor in this category.  We do eat whole grain bread which is good, but also we eat process meats and such.
5. Limit how much alcohol you drink.  I don't drink.
6. Protect your skin.  I usually wear sun screen and a t-shirt at the beech. I also wear a t-shirt when I swim.  I also like to keep to the shape whenever possible.  Manteca has a great deal of sun.  However I could do better so an average grade here.
7. Know yourself and your risks.  In some ways who I am is OK, but in others not.  I now know there must be some genetic risk.  However some of my health habits are good, walking, no tobacco and no alcohol.  Some are wanting, too much weight, too much processed food, not enough exercise.
8. Have regular checkups.  I am do for an MD appointment.

**Step 10: Daily Accountability - Adrienne’s Story about Cocaine Addiction...

This is a story of a labor and delivery nurse, who is also a Cocaine addict.
You can't help if a bird lands on your head, but you don't have to let it make a nest there.
I can do scary things; I can do hard things.
Step 10 - Daily Accountability: Continue to take personal inventory, and when you are wrong promptly admit it.

**Step 9: Restitution and Reconciliation - John’s Story on Drug Addiction ...

Through the process of reconciliation we can receive God's mercy.  This individual relates the difficulties he had in putting his life back together.
Step 9 - Wherever possible, make direct restitution to all persons you have harmed.

**Step 8: Forgiveness - Larry’s Story about Drug Addiction Recovery

Larry describes giving and getting forgiveness as a poison draining from your body, from your heart and mind.
Step 8 - Seeking Forgiveness: Make a written list of all persons you have harmed and become willing to make restitution to them.

**Step 7: Humility - Holly’s Story about Drug Addiction Recovery

Finding Humility can be hard, but a necessary part of recovery.  In this story, Holly begins her climb to recovery after a suicide attempt.
Step 7 - Humility: Humbly ask Heavenly Father to remove your shortcomings.

**Step 6: Change of Heart - Aram’s Story about Drug Addiction Recovery

This portrays a man who turns to drugs to deal with the grief of the death of his parents, and the murder of his younger sister.  He goes through the steps; but feels something is still missing.  He then comes back to step 6:
Step 6 - Change of Heart: Become entirely ready to have God remove all your character weaknesses.
It is difficult to turn your weaknesses over to God.  
He finishes with what he says is an African proverb, "If there is no demon within, the demon outside can do us no harm."

**Step 5: Confession - Moroni's Story about Addiction Recovery

https://youtu.be/0brsdTeKef8

Moroni's story about addiction from a young age and how was able to make headway by confessing his wrongs.

Step 5 - Confession: Admit to yourself, to your Heavenly Father in the name of Jesus Christ, to proper priesthood authority, and to another person the exact nature of your wrongs.

**Step 4: Truth - Austin’s Story about Addiction Recovery

Step 4 - Truth: Make a searching and fearless written moral inventory of yourself.
One thing to remember about step four is that being truthful in your inventory includes taking an honest look at your strengths as well as your weaknesses.

**Step 3: Trust in God - Sharon’s Story about Crystal Meth Addiction Recovery

Step 3 - Trust in God: Decide to turn your will and your life over to the care of God the Eternal Father and His Son, Jesus Christ.
This story presents a middle age woman, who is obsessed with losing weight.  As a result she tries crystal methamphetamine and becomes addicted.  She struggles with pride, and applying step three.  She does not want others to tell her how to do things.  This is a very good presentation.

**Step 2: Hope - Preston’s Story about Drug Addiction Recovery

Step 2 - Hope: Come to believe that the power of God can restore you to complete spiritual health.
This short portrays a young man who is hooked on heroin and cocaine.  He and his brother were drug partners.

**Step 1: Honesty - David’s Story about Sex Addiction Recovery

Here is the first of twelve videos presenting the twelve-steps form a Mormon point of view.  These videos are available through Mormon.org.  This step is a struggle with honesty.  "Step 1 - Honesty: Admit that you, of yourself, are powerless to overcome your addictions and that your life has become unmanageable."  I do not know if these are people telling their own stories or actors making the presentation.  The wife seems very familiar.

**Landscape of the Mind: Addiction Explained

This is an introduction into a series on Mormon.org.  In this short film Dr. Kevin McCauley gives a good lecture on the brain, and how there are two points in the brain that effect addiction.  However it is deep down in the brain that becomes broken when one is an addict.  He begins to talk about ways to heal this part of the brain.  However I am looking forward to the other films in this series.

**Why Is It so Hard To Quit?

This short clip is one of several posted on Mormon.org which gives ideas about addiction and how to overcome addiction.  I like these clips because they add Jesus to the equation of gaining  recovery.

Modesto Walk for Suicide Prevention:9/19/15

Walk in Modesto for Suicide Prevention

This walk is sponsored by the American foundation for the Prevention of Suicide.  People walk to raise awareness about suicide.  These walks are called "Out of the Darkness Walks."  This is the sixth annual walk in Modesto.  The Modesto walk has now only raised 40 percent of their goal.
I have taken a couple quotes from their website.

When you walk in the Out of the Darkness Walks, you join the effort with hundreds of thousands of people to raise awareness and funds that allow AFSP to invest in new research, create educational programs, advocate for public policy, and support survivors of suicide loss. 

Why We Walk

Every year suicide claims more lives than war, murder, and natural disasters combined, and yet suicide prevention doesn't get anywhere near the funding given to other leading causes of death. It's up to Walkers like us to make a difference. Together we can change the conversation about mental health and put a stop to this tragic loss of life.

Out of the Darkness Community Walks

The core of the Out of the Darkness Walks, the Community Walks are proof that when people work together, they can make big changes in our world. The walks raise awareness for suicide prevention as they raise the resources we need to carry out our mission. With nearly 200,000 people walking in 350 cities across the country, they are AFSP’s biggest fundraiser and the driver of the suicide prevention movement.

**A Review of Infertility: On line CEU

Training on Infertility through NetCE.

I did a recent online training on infertility.  Much of it was over my head, as they presented a lot of technical stuff.  Terms primary and secondary infertility, never pregnant versus pregnant before.  Infertility is unable to conceive after a year of unprotected sex.  80 percent of couple conceive within 6 monthly cycles, another ten percent (subfertile) within 12 cycles.  There are 10 percent who are identified as infertile.  Infertility can be woman cause, man caused or a combination of both.  Infertility has increased among women as the age of reproduction has increased.  Infertility is classified into three types, ovulatory (the woman is not producing eggs) tubal Occlusion, and sperm disorders.  There are risk factor for infertility including obesity, diabetes, sexually transmitted diseases, alcohol usage, tobacco and caffeine usage, other controlled substance usage (this includes marijuana) and environmental issues.  Treatments are many, starting with something as simple as a lifestyle change.  Reduction of stress, along with exercise and better physical condition can increase the chances of fertility.  Cessation of tobacco, alcohol or illicit drugs can also make a difference.  There are some medications treatments, and then also physical procedures including surgery to improve blood flow to the male as well as tubal repair and other procedures for women.  Other courses of treatment include artificial insemination, as well as assistive reproductive procedures.  

One important factor about infertility is the training made the point that infertility is stressful, and can have negative emotional effects.  Up to 30 percent of women have bouts of some type of depression.  

Lastly, infertility can also cause marital discord.  Often the wife is more vested in becoming pregnant and couple  must be careful to not let infertility disrupt their relationship.  

**Pamphlet: Tobacco and Stress

Many people who smoke or use tobacco, do so because of the stress reduction.  However much of this is a false benefit.  For many, the nicotine addiction causes the stress, so of course using nicotine relieves this temporarily, however the long term effect is just the opposite.  Sometimes the stress reduction is related to the activities you might do with smoking, such as taking a break from work.
The exciting part about this pamphlet is the list of alternative suggestion to reduce stress.

I really like the idea of playing with your pet.  You can relax without the cigarette.  Stress reduction can become a life style which includes reading, enjoying music, gardening, meditation, exercise, eating well, getting plenty of rest, and talking over your problems with someone.

**Public Health: Peaceful Community

Because a peaceful community is a more healthy community, public health has created this pamphlet and website.  The website allows people to tell their stories of how they are promoting a peaceful community.

**Domestic Violence: Leading Cause of Injury in Adult Women

This little flyer is presented by AACI Asian Women's Home in San Jose.  It includes resources for victims of domestic violence in Santa Clara County.  It says, "If you or someone you know is being abused help is available!  You are not alone."  It also makes this statement, "Domestic violence is the leading cause of injurt to women between the ages of 15 and 44 in the U.S. (more than car accidents, muggings and rape combined).

If you can't see the numbers try clicking on the picture or you can get a copy of the flyer at (408) 975-2730 ex 222.

**Danger of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Came across a pamphlet which offers a few hints with regards to carbon monoxide gas.  300 people die annually in the United States due to carbon monoxide poisoning.  Well insulated homes lack ventilation, if you get bad gas in your home it is likely to stay.  A carbon monoxide detector may be helpful.  Never use the barbecue in the house, nor a kerosene heater or gasoline powered engines.  Maintain you fuel fired appliances.  If your detector goes off, get out of the house.

**Diabetes and Sharps

A major problem for diabetes is what to do with you testing materials, and if you are using insulin what to do with the sharps  The trash is not the correct answer as they are considered biomedical hazards.

I have found I can get the container at a local pharmacy and they are inexpensive.  I could probably ask my pharmacy for one but that is a pain.  The Valley Medical pharmacy does have a sharps return bin such as seen here.  It is a pain to carry them from home, but I have a sharps container at home and one at work, which is at Valley MediCal Center.

**Pamphlet Review: Can E-cigarettes Help You Quit Smoking?

The jury is still out on this question, as we don't have the total picture.  I wasn't even sure what an E-cigarette was or how it worked.  Now I know that a vapor is heated and converted to steam which you then inhale like cigarette smoke.  It does not have as many side chemicals as a cigarette.  However it generally does contain nicotine which is still addictive.  Other drugs can be included in the mix if desired.  It is possible to vary the dose of nicotine based on the dosage in the liquid.  However it is important to be safe around children, who could accidentally consume a vial of nicotine which is a very toxic poison.
At a recent training I was at, one woman swore that E cigarettes helped her kick the smoking habit after many years.  She was able to also quit the E cigarettes.  Some people just change their nicotine source.
The pamphlet concludes the best ways to kick smoking is with some type of support, and perhaps with other nicotine replacements such as gum or lozenges.

**Train Safety: Choo Choo The Big Train

**Breaking Nicotine Addiction (Pamphlet)

This is a nice pamphlet which gives nine key points and steps to breaking the nicotine habit.
1. Nicotine is a drug.  It effects the central nervous system.
2. Nicotine is very addictive.  It is as addictive as cocaine and heroine.
3.  The secret to quitting is to deal with the addiction.  Withdrawal symptoms start within a few hours of quitting.  Coping with cravings and stress is key to staying smoke free.
4.  Different people need different ways to deal with addiction.  Some can quit cold turkey, for some replacement therapy is key.  Support groups can help.
5.  Nicotine replacement can help.  Nonprescription options include gum, lozenges and patches.  Prescription options include inhalers and nasal sprays.  Using a replacement doubles you chances of staying smoke free.
6.  Other medications can help ease cravings.  These include some antidepressant medications.
7.  Hang in there the first several weeks.  Withdrawing form nicotine you may feel cranky, lightheaded, anxious, sleepy.  You may crave sweets.  These feelings are only temporary.
8.  Other tips including: drink lots of water, exercise, join a support group, avoid coffee, tea and soda.  Acupuncture may also help.
9.  Don't give up.  If you slip don't give up.  Most people need several attempts.

46 million Americans have kicked nicotine addiction.  For more help check out  www.smokefree.gov

**Portion SIze

Portion size can sabotage any diet.  It is so hard to have an accurate diet if you cannot control the portions.  Additionally, if you are diabetic, counting portion size, and especially carbohydrates is extremely important.  Perhaps this flyer will help.  I can relate more to the size of a fist because I always have them with me.