A Nap is good for the mind, body, soul and spirit

re-blogged from Well Within You by, Richard Pagoda-By Richard Pagoda    
                 "Make the most of your Nap"

   

    Taking a Nap is very good for the human body, mind, soul and spirit.  Most people know that I love to take naps and cozy up to a good novel and nap in between sitting on my comfortable couch.  In many countries, especially in Europe and Central America, the banks, schools and small business close down between 1-3pm.  People go home to eat and take a nap before returning back to work.  I thoroughly enjoyed this experience during my travels to Central and South America and Europe.        Here are more reasons why there are physical and mental health benefits for Napping.
All the best, Dr. Anderson

 

 

It used to be that naps were thought to be only for the idle, the lazy or super-young. In fact, scientific studies conducted years ago showed that napping reduced the quality of overnight sleep and could, in effect, do more harm than good to our health.
The fact is that the more we study the human body, the more we learn. Fast forward from the old studies to today and the latest studies show that napping, if done correctly, is beneficial.  Napping can promote good physical health, emotional health and even mental health.

    What do studies show?
The National Institute of Mental Health published studies that show napping boosts creativity, increases the ability to learn, improves understanding and information processing, enhances happiness, reduces anxiety and may even be linked to a lower risk of heart disease.In fact, in studies that compared how effective increased caffeine intake was to a short power nap, the nap won out.  Participants stated that napping helps to reduce fatigue, enhance mood and sharpen motor skills better than that cup of java.  Scientists speculate that that the brain may get fatigued during the day and a short nap helps the brain to catch up, although research is ongoing with regard to that theory. 

    Length of time
The most effective naps last only 10-20 minutes.  The reason is that a person only goes through the first stage of sleep, which is a very light sleep.  This means that upon wakening, there is no grogginess, but there is a noted increased in alertness and concentration.
A 60-minute nap, in which a person usually goes through sleep stages one, two and perhaps even three will show improvement when it comes to memory performance and information process. The downside is that a person is very groggy and slow upon waking.
After a 90 minute nap, in which one goes through at least one REM cycle, a person will show improvement in terms of creativity and emotional processing.  They may wake up less groggy than the 60 minute nap, but a longer nap may also affect the ability to sleep that evening.
Helpful hint: In order to sleep for only 20 minutes, you can drink a cup of coffee right before you take your nap.  Caffeine starts to kick in 15-20 minutes after consumption and will help you wake back up at the right time. 

    Tips for better napping

• Nap during the middle of your day.  For those who sleep from 10 pm to 6 am, a nap taken during the 1 pm to 3 pm hours is best. 
• Make the napping location quiet and dark. 
• Get into the habit of taking a nap. 

If you’re trying to add naps, but find you just can’t snooze, don’t worry!  Fifteen minutes of concentrated relaxation and meditation are the next best thing.  And once you get into the habit of resting during the middle of the day, you will find it easier to nod off during that time
- See more at: http://wellwithinyou.com/articles/make-the-most-of-your-nap.html/?source=mail&emd5=f359f8c366af68b4373434638e5c1ec7&token=00000008657328e#sthash.6AZ2yTdU.dpuf
Make the Most of Your Nap

We Did It! 100,000 Signatures received to restore the Sickle Cell Treatment Act

Sent along to the SCDAA Pennsylvania-Delaware Valley Chapter from the Sickle Cell Disease Foundation of California tonight!

At about 10:00 pm Sunday night we met our GOAL!!!

We just want to say thank you to all who helped out in this endeavor. It was close!!   If you tweeted, facebooked, emailed, chatted, yelled from roof tops and in the streets, we truly appreciate your support to get our voices heard. Not only did we get the required signatures, we also brought awareness to many about sickle cell disease.

THANKS AGAIN Thanks to EVERYONE who helped make this happen!!

You still have until Wednesday, 10/22/2014 to Sign!

Sickle Cell Treatment Act

 

Head of her class and Homeless

Re-blogged from NPR, At The Head Of Her Class, And Homeless

Amazed and truly inspired by this young leader, Rashema Melson who graduated from high school and valedictorian (4.0 GPA) of her class despite being homeless. More remarkably, Rashema did not hide her family’s situation from her friends and schoolmates but did not offer up the sharing. Rashema states, “ I don’t like sharing with kids because they start to pity you or they start to look at you in a different way.” No pity here-just resilience and tenacity to pursue a goal to become a Forensic Psychologist.

According to the National Law Center on Homelessness and Poverty

-Number of homeless people in the US 1,750,000

-Number of Americans who now live in hunger or on the edge of hunger 31,000,000

-Number of families who are lodging nightly in city shelters in New York City 6,252

-Number of children in the U.S. who live below poverty level. 12,000,000

-Annual number of food stamp recipients who are children 9,300,000

-Average monthly income for a homeless individual $348

-Percent of homeless that do not get enough to eat daily 28 %

-Percent of homeless that have problems with alcohol, drug abuse, or mental illness 66 %

-Percent of homeless persons that have been sexually assaulted 7 %

-Percent of homeless that have been homeless for more than two (2) years 30 %

-Percent of homeless women claim to have been abused within the past year. 25 %

-Percent of homeless women who claim domestic abuse as the reason for their homelessness 22 %

-Percent of homeless population that are Veterans / Vets 40 %

-Percent of homeless persons who are employed 25 %

-Percent of cities surveyed-identified domestic violence as a primary cause of homelessness 46 %

On Wednesday, Rashema Melson will graduate at the top of her class as the valedictorian of Anacostia High School in Washington, D.C. She's headed to Georgetown University this fall on a full scholarship. Even Melson isn't sure how she's managed to successfully juggle school (a 4.0 GPA), athletics (cross-country, track, volleyball) and homelessness. "I just know when I have a goal, I try not to let anything get in the way," she says.

"I would just say keep your head up because you never know what's going to happen," she says. "You just have to have hope and faith and don't let it change who you are. Don't become ashamed and don't be embarrassed. And just know who you are inside. Because you live in a shelter — that's not who you are, that's just where you reside at for the moment."

Picture by Meredith Rizzo/NPR

She says it's the best advice she can give; it's what she tells herself. Rashema Melson lives in the D.C. General homeless shelter with her mother and two brothers. "Because you live in a shelter — that's not who you are, that's just where you reside at for the moment," she says.

All the best Rashema. The future for you looks very bright as your pursue a degree in Forensic Psychology!

Dr. Anderson

7th Annual Bethel -Father's and Daughter Dance

An Evening of Elegance- November 15, 2014 from 5-10pm at the Chase Center

Bringing Fathers and Daughters Together for an Evening of Elegance

Pediatricians Say School Should Start Later for Teens

re-blogged from NPR Pediatricians Say School Should Start Later For Teens' Health

by Nancy Shute August 25, 2014 1:18 PM ET

Teenagers should get 8-10 hours of Sleep/day. Here is why...

Studies have found that lack of sleep in teenagers increases the risk of traffic accidents, and makes them more vulnerable to depression and obesity. Teens who get more sleep do better academically, with better standardized test scores and better quality of life. Caffeinating to get through the day or sleeping more on weekends doesn't make up for the sleep deficits.

Your Health Matters: President Obama-Restore the Sickle Cell Treatment ...

Your Health Matters: President Obama-Restore the Sickle Cell Treatment ...: Please sign the Petition to restore the Sickle Cell Treatment Act-HR Bill 5125 and re-establish Sickle Cell Treatment Centers throughout the...

President Obama-Restore the Sickle Cell Treatment Act

Please sign the Petition to restore the Sickle Cell Treatment Act-HR Bill 5125 and re-establish Sickle Cell Treatment Centers throughout the US. In 2009, funding was cut to the (10) Sickle Cell Treatment Centers and subsequently programs and jobs were lost at the centers around the country. I was fortunate to work at the Marian Anderson Comprehensive Sickle Cell Center at St. Christopher's Hospital in Philadelphia, PA. Our sickle cell center was supported by the Sickle Cell Treatment Act and your tax dollars. Working at a world renowned treatment center with psychologists, researchers, nurses, doctors and social workers was like working with an All-Star Team. Most importantly because we were all working to improve the quality of life for children, young adults and adults with sickle cell.

I recently met one of my patients, mother and grandmother at the Sickle Cell Conference in Baltimore, MD -October 2014. She literally brought tears to my eyes! Iyanna was a resilient but very fragile and shy child. Thanks to the sickle cell team of healthcare providers at the Sickle Cell Center and new medications like hydroxyurea, Iyanna is heading to college next year! Her mother and grandmother are still active in community organizations and advocating for Iyanna. "It takes a village to raise a child." Let's continue to support and re-establish Sickle Cell programs for Iyanna and thousands of other people living with sickle cell across the country. Dr. Anderson

WE PETITION THE OBAMA ADMINISTRATION TO: Declare Sickle Cell Disease a national health priority and support legislation to expand and establish SCD programs. Dear President Obama, Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) is Real! SCD is a major public health concern causing critical healthcare impacts in the nation. Reauthorization of the Sickle Cell Treatment Act – Bill H.R. 5124 will expand the national newborn screening program, develop a comprehensive adult transition program, continue public surveillance, expand research efforts and establish up to 25 sickle cell treatment centers throughout the US all in an effort to support the creation of a sustainable comprehensive model of care for individuals affected by SCD. We request acknowledgement and declaration of SCD as a national health priority; support of legislative Bill-H.R. 5124 and return funding for SCD programs in the President’s budget. Sincerely SCDAA & SCD Community sicklecelldisease.org Created: Sep 22, 2014 Issues: Family, Health Care Click on, https://petitions.whitehouse.gov/petition/declare-sickle-cell-disease-national-health-priority-and-support-legislation-expand-and-establish/jFgQrMJ7

Dr. Anderson Speaks at People's Settlement on October 12th

SICKLE CELL ANEMIA: AN UNSPOKEN DIEASE OF UNCERTAIN SUFFERING

Sunday, October 12, 2014 @ 1:00 pm

Peoples Settlement Association

408 East 8th Street Wilmington, DE 19801 Phone: 302) 658-4133 www.psassociation.org/

History of Peoples Settlement

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Sarah Webb Pyle was born in Wilmington, Delaware on March 6, 1869. Miss Pyle received her formal education at the Northfield (Massachusetts) Seminary graduation in 1899. After working for a short period of time in New York City she returned to Wilmington to found the People's Settlement in 1901. She devoted over fifty years of her time and talents to the children of "East Wilmington through the People's Settlement." She retired in 1952 and moved to Daytona, Florida. Peoples Settlement Association (PSA) was founded in 1901 by Sarah Webb Pyle. Ms. Pyle created the organization to address the needs of the European immigrants settling on the Eastside of Wilmington. The organization's primary focus was to assist them in making the necessary adjustments to their new home and to provide recreational activities for the family. Ms. Pyle initiated the organization with a mere monthly stipend of $15.00. She managed to support herself and provide recreational activities from a three room shack with her small income. Soon after, Ms. Pyle realized that in order to better serve her community she needed both funds and adequate space. Ms. Pyle placed her pride and shyness aside and sought out the assistance of one of Delaware's most prominent individuals, Mr. P.S. duPont. Mr. duPont admired the motivation and dedication that this woman had for her community and gave her $5,000.00 toward the building fund that ultimately resulted in the current structure located at 408 East Eighth Street. PSA, often called the "Miracle of East Eighth Street," became a safe haven for many in the 1940's. Ms. Pyle initiated the Peoples Settlement Association with little knowledge as to how it would maintain itself, yet she moved forward on faith in the future and in her community. It is this kind of faith and dedication that will forever embellish upon the legacy of PSA. Under the guidance of its founder, Sarah Webb Pyle and the executive directors which have included Mayor James H. Sills, Jr. and presently Mr. Keith Lake, PSA has continued its legacy of public service to Wilmington residents. Miss Pyle received many honors for her work. She was known as "the little mother of the East side" and also as the "Jane Addams" of Delaware. In 1951, the Lions Club presented her with a plaque designating her as the outstanding woman of Wilmington. Miss Pyle was also an honorary member of the Quota Club and a member of Grace Methodist Church. When the Wilmington School Board named the Sarah Webb Pyle School in 1953 they broke with tradition. Previously, no school had been named to honor a living person. Sarah Webb Pyle passed away on March 4, 1959

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Ebola, Ebola, Ebola

First Imported Case of Ebola Diagnosed in Texas

Ebola, Ebola, Ebola is been heavily broadcasted in the news and media over the last several weeks. The first case of Ebola was confirmed on September 30, 2014 from a traveler leaving West Africa to Texas. The person developed symptoms of the virus after 5-days of arriving in the U.S. The Center of Disease Control (CDC) has up-to-date information about the virus and provides question and answers for both the public and travelers alike (www.cdc.gov/vhf/ebola).

Ebola, previously known as Ebola hemorrhagic fever, is a rare and deadly disease caused by infection with one of the Ebola virus strains. Ebola can cause disease in humans and nonhuman primates (monkeys, gorillas, and chimpanzees). Ebola viruses are found in several African countries. Ebola was first discovered in 1976 near the Ebola River in what is now the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Since then, outbreaks have appeared sporadically in Africa.

Transmission: The natural reservoir host of Ebola virus remains unknown. Researchers believe that the virus is animal-borne and that Bats are the most likely reservoir. Ebola is spread through Direct Contact (through broken skin or mucous membranes in, for example, the eyes, nose, or mouth) with: • blood or body fluids (including but not limited to urine, saliva, sweat, feces, vomit, breast milk, and semen) of a person who is sick with Ebola • objects (like needles and syringes) that have been contaminated with the virus • infected animals • Ebola is not spread through the air or by water, or in general, by food.

Symptoms of Ebola include: • Fever (greater than 38.6°C or 101.5°F), severe headache, muscle pain, weakness, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal (stomach) pain, unexplained hemorrhage (bleeding or bruising). Symptoms may appear anywhere from 2 to 21 days after exposure to Ebola, but the average is 8 to 10 days. Recovery from Ebola depends on good supportive clinical care and the patient’s immune response.

Recommendations:

Seek ER Medical Attention for Fever >101° F and ‘flu-like’ symptoms- based on exposure and person’s travel history.