Public Spark Rotating Header Image

Posts from ‘September, 2009’

Teaching a child with aspergers syndrome using a lesson plan that includes games and activities

This is continued from the previous blog on how to teach children with asperger’s syndrome in the classroom.

Here are some websites that provide lesson plans for children with autisic spectrum disorders.

How to teach children with Asperger’s syndrome in the classroom

Asperger’s syndrome is a type of autism is characterized by rigidity of thought and behavior, limited verbal and non-verbal communication, difficulty with social relationships, motor delays. It requires great effort by parents, teachers, and professionals to help children with Asperger’s grow professional. Here are 10 tips on how to teach children in the classroom setting.

  1. Setting a routine

    Students with Asperger’s work best with a particular routine, so it is beneficial for the student to have a clear structure and a set daily routine. When anything happens different from his/her routine he/she may demonstrate stereotype behavior such as rocking, shouting or screaming. When routines need to be changed, provide a written time table showing the daily schedule on their table so that they can be warned of change.

Different stages of quitting cigarettes

no_smoking2.png

When someone is considering smoking cessation, it is important to think about the different stages.

  • Stage 1: Breakthrough

    Smoker has identified themselves as being concerned about their health as well as those around them. This is the stage where smokers are wondering if they should quit or cut down.

  • Stage 2: Resourceful

    Smokers begin to seek and gather information about how to quit smoking. They also begin to explore more healthier alternatives.

  • Stage 3: First steps

    Smokers begin taking steps to change their smoking habits. Ex. cutting down on the amount, getting more exercise, coping through family and friends.

8 Ways to stop thinking about smoking cigarettes

bw_no_smoking.png

  • Thinking of the role smoking plays in your life.

  • Seeking out opportunities to talk about smoking with others.

  • Observing ways nonsmokers respond to situations which you respond by smoking.

  • Observing other smokers carefully, paying special attention to the negative aspects of the habit.

  • Seeking out friends who recently quit smoking.

  • Beginning regular fitness program.

  • Practicing one stress reducing activity-deep relaxation techniques, yoga, reading a magazine.

  • Keeping a smoking journal where you write down your thoughts about smoking.

Resources:

3 reasons why it is so difficult to quit smoking and tips on how to get ready to quit

no_smoking_3.png

Everyone knows that smoking cigarettes are bad for themselves and for people around them. Most also know nicotine is addictive. What people may not know are the psychological barriers that make it difficult for smokers to quit.

  1. Fear of failing.

    Most smokers try to quit smoking several times before they finally succeed.

    How to overcome that fear:

    Each attempt gives a smoker new information about what works and what doesn’t work. It is important for smokers to learn from their past experience to their current effort. The only way to fail is to stop trying.

Living with someone who has a brain tumor

Sometimes the demands of caring for your loved one who has a brain tumor combined with stress of everyday life can be overwhelming. Here are 7 tips to help you care for yourself and your loved one.

  • Recognize signs of stress in yourself.

  • Form a support network of friends and family to share duties.

  • Make time for yourself to do things that you enjoy.

  • Maintain contact with others and try not to give up your hobbies.

  • Encourage your loved on on how well they are doing.

Signs of brain tumors in adults and treatment options available

This blog is continued from previous blog on what brain tumors are

Signs and symptoms of brain tumors in adults

  • Headaches

    Typical “brain tumor headaches” are often described as worse in the morning and they do not usually respond to the usual headache remedies. Keeping a “headache journal”- when they occur, how severe they are, other symptoms that happen at the same time, and the type of remedies you try in an attempt to relieve your symptoms will provide the doctor with a good overview of the nature of your headaches.

General description and types of brain tumors in adults

General Description

Brain tumors are masses of abnormal cells that have grown out of control. American Cancer Society estimates that 22,070 malignant tumors of the brain or spinal cord (12,010 in men and 10,060 in women) will be diagnosed during 2009 in United States. This would account for about 1.5% of all cancers. There are a variety of risk factors that may contribute chance of getting brain tumors:

  • Being male

    Generally tumors are more common in males than females.

  • Race

    Brain tumors occur more often among white people than among people of other races.

September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month-understanding emotional link to medical conditions.

370px-light_blue_ribbonsvg.png

This blog is continued from the blog series on Prostate Cancer Awareness Month. Having a medical condition such as prostate cancer can put a tremendous emotional strain on someone. Several studies showed elevated risk of depression in prostate cancer patients due to loss of functional capacity and somatic symptoms. These are some of the depressive symptoms a cancer patient may have:

  • Sleep disturbances-This can mean too much sleep (hypersomnia) or too little sleep (insomnia).

  • Lack of energy or feeling tired

  • Difficulty concentrating

  • Suicidal thoughts

  • Feeling guilty, helpless, or worthlessness

September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month-symptoms and general medical treatment options.

370px-light_blue_ribbonsvg.png

This blog is continued from yesterday’s blog on risk factors for prostate cancer.

Symptoms:

  • Urinary Problems (difficulty urinating, needing to urinate often, weak flow, pain or burning sensation).

  • Difficulty having an erection.

  • Blood in Urine or semen.

  • Frequent pain in lower back, hips, or upper thighs.

General Medical Treatment: Please consult your MD to develop a treatment plan that is right for you.

  • Active surveillance-regular PSA blood tests, DREs and biopsies of the prostate.

  • Prostatectomy-surgical approach to prostate cancer treatment involves removal of all or part of the prostate.