Mindful Meditation

Have you thought about Mindful Meditation? Meditation is a state of thoughtful self-awareness in the mind & body in which the body is in a profound state of peace & calmness. I actually took a Meditation class because my sister Rachel meditates every morning before she goes to work. She’s a Middle School Language Teacher! Anyone who is a teacher knows that middle-school is a challenging age group to teach. But, Rachel always appears in a clam state of mind. Initially, I had some reservations about taking the class but was willing to try anything to help me learn to relax. Unwillingly, I learned the ‘basics’ of this practice from a wonderful Yoga & Meditation instructor. Meditation taught me how to re-channel my nervous energy & put me in a more relaxed state of mind. Leaving the class left me refreshed but in order to maintain this sense of calmness during everyday challenges requires work and practice. Russell Simmons, the entertainment mongul is a Buddhist & practices Trancendental Meditation. According to Global Grind, meditation allows the “thinking mind to effortlessly settle down and experience the transcendent-the field of silence within.” Health benefits of meditation increase with regular practice such as: infertility, pain, blood pressure, immunity and ect. Why not try Meditation and make it apart of your overall mind, body, and spiritual wellness?

Buyer Beware: E-Cigarettes

E-Cigarettes is a new product being found in stores all across this state and country that has gained popularity especially among people under 18. Perusing the store, the bright-colored packages are visible with a variety of sweet flavored vapors that brings many consumer over to look at this new product. E-Cigarettes are an electric cigarette that uses nicotine vapor liquid instead of tobacco products. The News Journal featured the headline, E-Cigarettes Could Be Banned which talked about state legislation that aims to ban the purchase of e-cigarettes in Delaware. The Department of Health and Social Services and the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) reports that the percentage of U.S. middle and high school use of e-cigarettes doubled between 2011 and 2012 and there was a 4.7 increase in the state of Delaware. While there are those who do not think that e-cigarettes are necessarily dangerous, most people feel banning minors from using these products will reduce the risk of smoking in the long-term. Many research studies show the harmful risks that tobacco products and health benefits of quitting such as, reducing risk of heart and lung disease and cancer (National Cancer Institute). According to the Delaware Division of Public Health chief, Dr. Rattay, “smoking is the leading cause of death in Delaware” and preventing addiction to this harmful substance is foremost. Overall, there are limited studies looking at the long-term risks of e-cigarettes which contain harmful chemicals: diethylene glycol (a toxic ingredient found in antifreeze), toxins and carcinogens (cancer causing agents). On the national level, health agencies and organizations are pushing for the FDA & the Division of Alcohol & Tobacco Enforcement to test and regulate e-cigarettes. Overall, there is great concern therefore, the unknown risks from an addictive substance requires the Buyer to Beware. Do you think E-Cigarettes are Bad?

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