JANUARY 2018 THE NEWS. Our Stories. All Paths To Healing - Ocarta
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M A G A Z I N E
THE NEWS. Our Stories. All Paths To Healing.
JANUARY 2018
PAGE 3
PAGE 25
CONTENTS
HOW NEW TREATMENTS FOR PTSD ARE HELPING AMERICAN VETERANS....................3
BEYOND THE DIPLOMA: HELPING TEENS FORGE THEIR FUTURES...................................5
HOLIDAY GUESTING 101.................................................................................................7
DIY HOLIDAY HOME DECOR .........................................................................................9
THE MYTHS AND FACTS ABOUT DEPRESSION:.............................................................11
4 THINGS VETS AND SERVICE MEMBERS NEED TO KNOW WHEN BUYING A HOME...15
OVERCOMING SELF-DOUBT WHILE LIVING WITH A CHRONIC ILLNESS........................16
HUMANS' INTIMACY WITH TECHNOLOGY:.....................................................................17
HOW TO PREPARE FOR YOUR NEXT ADVENTURE OR STAY-CATION.............................21
THE TIME IS RIGHT TO SEEK NEW INCOME OPPORTUNITIES..........................................23
TIPS TO AVOID SCAMS AFTER STORMS AND NATURAL DISASTERS.............................24
5 COLD-WEATHER HACKS FOR WINTER DRIVING...........................................................25
JUST FOR FUN...............................................................................................................27
DIY HOLIDAY HOME DECOR........................................................................................29
ENGAGING RECOVERY MAGAZINE is proudly produced and edited by Wallstone Publishing
Company (wallstoneonline.com) using licensed media and content, submitted articles,
letters, and other materials. Material contained herein is copyrighted by Wallstone or is
licensed or has been released to us for publication. Images without caption are generally
licensed to us, although some are in the public domain. You may email comments,
opinions, questions, and considerations for publication to editor@wallstoneonline.com.
Page 2
HOW NEW challenge for any service member. But for someone
suffering from PTSD, it can be a crisis,” says Captain
Keith Stuessi, M.D., a former Navy doctor and member
TREATMENTS FOR of the board of Help Heal Veterans, the nation’s largest
provider of free therapeutic arts-and-craft kits to U.S.
PTSD ARE veterans and active duty military personnel.
Because the science of PTSD was not well understood
HELPING until recently, past treatments varied from heavy drugs to
hospitalization to simply telling patients to forget about
AMERICAN
their experiences. But today, clinicians increasingly be-
lieve it’s important to employ emerging therapies along
with psychotherapy and medication in a holistic treat-
VETERANS ment approach.
StatePoint ● Mindfulness. According to a new study, adding
mindfulness to traditional therapy could be bene-
ficial for soldiers with PTSD. Mindfulness means
W HEN U.S. servicemen and women return from
war, they often return home plagued by anxiety, depres-
sion and sometimes Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
focusing attention on sensory perceptions and
bodily sensations and includes meditation, yoga,
breathing exercises and tai-chi. Mindfulness has
been shown to decrease heart rate and blood
pressure.
(PTSD), a disorder that develops in some people who
have experienced shocking, frightening or dangerous ● Art therapy. When someone expresses feelings
events. And while the number of affected veterans is through art, the mind can begin to let go of
high, emerging treatments are improving their chances trauma by transferring images and ideas to anoth-
for recovery. er object of the patient’s creation. Art therapy can
help veterans communicate memories, relieve
stress and reduce symptoms of trauma-related
disorders.
● Craft Therapy. Craft therapy has been proven to
be an extremely effective PTSD treatment, and
ample evidence suggests it has a positive overall
impact on brain function. Foremost, craft therapy
helps vets take their minds off events that may
have led to their illness. Engaging in craft activi-
ties has been shown to address cognitive, neuro-
logical and sensory-motor needs by targeting
performance skills. It has been shown to help
(c) Monkey Business - Fotolia.com promote the use of right- and left-brain function-
ing and help maintain cognitive functioning.
According to the Department of Veterans Affairs, More information about craft therapy can be
PTSD afflicts up to one in five from Iraq and Afghani- found at HealVets.org.
stan in a given year, and as many as one in three veterans
from earlier conflicts, like Vietnam, during their life- “I’ve seen firsthand how instrumental these emerging
times. As of 2013, roughly 400,000 veterans affiliated therapies can be. Craft therapy, in particular, gives veter-
with the VA carried this diagnosis. These figures suggest ans a sense of pride, purpose and productivity, as well as
that psychological trauma is a staggering burden on opportunities to connect with family and friends,” says
active-duty troops, veterans and society. Joe McClain, Captain USN (Retired), CEO of Help Heal
“Returning home and resuming normal life can be a Veterans. “The sad reality is that many vets will come
Page 3
home with psychological wounds. Fortunately, the med- Council's Measure of America report.
ical community is learning more about effective treat- Within this problem, though, is an opportunity for
ments every day.” these youth. The U.S. has a record 6 million job open-
ings, even as 6.8 million Americans are looking for
employment.
BEYOND THE Two groups have come together to help young people
pursue these in-demand jobs by providing resources to
DIPLOMA:
prepare them for college and their careers.
Through a $3 million partnership, Boys & Girls Clubs
HELPING TEENS
of America and The Hartford will help develop the next
generation's workforce by creating 30 college and career
centers in the next three years. The centers will be built
FORGE THEIR in Boys & Girls Clubs across the country, reaching
70,000 teens per year.
FUTURES "This partnership is part of The Hartford's commit-
ment to help build successful communities through tar-
geted philanthropic investment and employee
volunteerism," said Diane Cantello, vice president of
BPT
corporate sustainability at The Hartford. "We are proud
to partner with Boys & Girls Clubs of America to give
teens access to relevant and inspiring resources as they
W HAT'S THE KEY to optimism? From a career
standpoint, it's having a vision where you see yourself
climbing and thriving, and you know there will be a
plan their futures."
With career preparation in mind, it's never too early
for any teen to start thinking about how to achieve
workforce success. Here are some tips from Boys &
place in the world for your skills and knowledge. Girls Clubs of America and The Hartford to help young
Unfortunately, there are many teens and young people people find traction.
who have a much bleaker vision of their futures. Ask Set short-term and long-term goals. From passing
them where they see themselves in five years, and they next Friday's test to graduating high school and pursuing
may shrug, draw a blank or get that tight feeling in their a college degree, focus on setting and achieving individ-
stomachs. They worry about living their lives adrift or ual goals that ladder up to your vision of success. Take
being left behind. time to think about the progression of steps that need to
take place between now and where you hope to see
yourself in the future. At the same time, don't get over-
whelmed. After all, each journey begins with a single
step. And each step can shape your future in ways that
are both large and small.
Learn how to look for a job - and how to stand out.
Whether you're looking for a part-time job, or starting to
put together your resume, learn about what hiring man-
agers are looking for. Spend time revising your applica-
tion and resume, and ask trusted adults to help you
fine-tune it. It's also worthwhile to put your video camera
to use to practice job interviews. Do some research on
common interview questions and then film yourself as
you answer. Learning to respond to these questions with
confidence and poise will help you stand out above the
It's more prevalent than you may think. Approximate- crowd.
ly 5 million young people between the ages of 16 and 24 It's never too early to network. Perhaps you've heard
- or one out of seven - are not enrolled in school and are the saying that "the more
unemployed, according to the Social Science Research things change, the more they (CONTINUED ON PAGE 11)
Page 5
days, looking at your phone is almost as habitual as
HOLIDAY GUESTING breathing, and chances are you don't mean to appear
standoffish or rude by sneaking a quick peek. However,
101 playing with your phone can detract from time you get to
spend with family and friends, many of whom you prob-
Family Features ably don't get to see often. Tuck away your phone for the
party and live in the moment.
This article was intended for the December issue. Since Pitch in to help clean. No host likes to be stuck in the
it’s still winter, we thought you would enjoy the recipe
at the very least. - Editor kitchen while the rest of the party carries on. After the
meal, offer your help to clear the table, put away perish-
If you manage to avoid hosting duties this holiday able items and get the kitchen back in order so your host
season, you may be dodging some of the hardest work, can join the merry-making. If you'll be opening gifts,
but remember that being a good guest goes beyond grab a garbage bag and collect debris to help keep the
arriving on time and taking your shoes off at the door. mess under control.
This holiday season, ensure your host gets to enjoy the Find more holiday recipes and tips at Crock-Pot.com.
festivities by putting these ideas to practice - it may earn
you an invitation for years to come. Slow Cooker Banana Cake
Make a holiday playlist. Offer to put together a
holiday playlist for the host who will undoubtedly have Prep time: 15 minutes
his or her hands full prepping for the holiday celebration. Cook time: 4 hours
Try to choose songs specific to the guests, host and Servings: 12
overall theme. A good playlist can be a conversation
starter for everyone at the party. Crock-Pot(r) Cook & Carry Slow Cooker
nonstick cooking spray
3 cups flour
1½ teaspoons baking soda
pinch of salt
3-4 ripe bananas
2 lemon wedges, juice only
3/4 cup butter, softened
1½ cups honey or 2 cups white sugar
3 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
1½ cups almond milk
cream cheese frosting
Photo courtesy of Getty Images.
● Grease slow cooker with nonstick spray.
● In medium bowl, combine flour, baking soda and
Don't arrive empty-handed. Even if your host shrugs salt; set aside.
off an offer for help, a gesture of appreciation is always ● In small bowl, mash bananas and lemon juice
appropriate. It may be a bottle of wine, a seasonal flower together; set aside.
arrangement or, better yet, an appetizer or dessert to ● In large bowl, use mixer to cream butter and
share, such as this mouthwatering Slow Cooker Banana honey. Add eggs and mix well. Stir in vanilla
Cake. This crowd-pleasing cake is made using a Crock- then milk. Gradually add flour mixture. Once
Pot(r) Cook & Carry Slow Cooker, which has a locking combined, stir in mashed bananas.
lid and travel clips to help you get to your holiday ● Pour into slow cooker. Cover; cook on low 6
celebration without making a mess. The 6-quart, remov- hours or high 4 hours, or until center of cake no
able pot can be used as a serving dish, and is dishwasher longer looks gooey.
safe to make clean-up a breeze. ● Uncover and let cake cool. Once completely
Stay off your phone. It may seem obvious, but these cooled, frost cake and,
if desired, top with (CONTINUED ON PAGE 9)
Page 7
(CONTINUED FROM PAGE 7) sliced bananas and walnuts. Glue can hold up to 2,000 pounds and only takes 30
seconds to dry. It's a perfect tool to have in your home
Notes: If adding bananas, do so just before serving or for any holiday DIY projects or quick fixes that may arise.
they will brown. If using a non-oval slow cooker, cook 1
hour less on high heat or 2 hours less on low heat.
DIY HOLIDAY HOME
DECOR
Family Features
T HE HOLIDAY SEASON can get expensive, especial-
ly when purchasing thoughtful gifts for loved ones. The
last thing you want to spend money on is generic holiday
Photo courtesy of Getty Images
decorations that don't make your home stand out from Deck the Walls: There's no need to stop the holiday
the rest. decorations at your table and front door. Keep your walls
Creating unique, do-it-yourself decorations is an ac- festive by hanging some holiday themed decorations
tivity that can help you bond with family and friends, but such as homemade snowflakes. All you need is plywood
also give your home decor a fun, seasonal twist. molding and pieces of thin balsa wood, a circular medal-
The experts at Krazy Glue suggest these festive DIY lion, spray paint in your colors of choice and a strong
crafts that can get your home prepped for the holiday adhesive.
season without breaking the bank.
Statement Centerpiece: A staple of holiday home Find more holiday DIY projects at krazyglue.com.
decor is selecting the perfect centerpiece for your table.
Most people defer to flowers or generic baubles that can Metallic Clothespin Wreath
be overlooked, but you can make your table stand out
with a festive tree made of common utensils. Grab some Supplies and Tools:
silver spoons, metallic spray paint, a plastic foam cone 350-375 mini clothespins
and an adhesive to create a DIY centerpiece. Gold spray paint
Festive Front Door: When guests arrive at your Silver spray paint
home for the holidays, one of the first things they see is Flat wood wreath form
the front door. While it's easy to go out and buy a Krazy Glue Maximum Bond
pre-made wreath at the store, creating a unique, holiday-
themed option is simple, budget-friendly and fun. Divide clothespins into two sections. Spray-paint one
If you have clothespins lying around the house, repur- section gold and one section silver; let dry.
pose them into something creative and beautiful this Turn clothespins over and spray-paint other sides.
year. Create this one of a kind Metallic Clothespin Spray-paint wood wreath form silver; let dry.
Wreath with metallic spray paint, mini clothespins, a flat Beginning in center of wreath form, glue circle of
wooden wreath form and a strong adhesive. Simply gold clothespins to wood wreath form; let glue dry.
spray-paint the clothespins different metallic shades and Add layer of silver clothespins to inside of wreath.
glue them to the wooden wreath frame in different layers Attach pins by clipping onto first row of gold clothes-
once dry. pins. Glue in place and let glue dry.
To help make the wreath and other DIY projects Add another layer of silver clothespins to inside of
shine, it's important to have a strong adhesive that can wreath. Attach pins by clipping onto first row of silver
withstand the test of time. Just a single drop of Krazy clothespins. Glue in place and let glue dry.
Page 9
(CONTINUED FROM PAGE 5) stay the same." While it's for people experiencing symptoms to reach out for help.
true that the economy isn't It's time to learn the facts.
exactly stable and technology is rapidly transforming the
job market, the most valuable resource in a job search is
people. Talk to teachers, guidance counselors, mentors
and parents about your career interests; not only can they
provide feedback on what fields they see as a potential
fit, they can also connect you with people in those ca-
reers for a job shadow or informational interview.
Volunteer. If you already know what you want to do,
finding a volunteer opportunity is a great way to get
hands-on experience. Or if you're not sure yet, volunteer-
ing allows you to try out different things and discover
what you find interesting. Take the opportunity to volun-
teer - on top of all the other benefits to yourself and
others, community service stands out to employers, so be
sure to include these experiences in your resume and talk MYTHS AND FACTS ABOUT DEPRESSION:
about them during your interviews.
Pursue your passions. Discovering what you're pas- MYTH: Depression only affects mood.
sionate about is a lifelong pursuit that will evolve and FACT: Many people think of depression as simply
change over time; however, you will spend a significant being sad. But depression is more than sadness. Other
portion of your life working, so why not make it as symptoms include loss of interest, tiredness or insomnia,
enjoyable as possible? Think about the things you love difficulty concentrating, change in appetite or weight,
most and areas where you excel, then consider potential noticeably moving or speaking slowly, or feeling a lot of
career options that align with those interests and skills. guilt. People with depression do not all experience the
And above all, don't be afraid to fail. If you discover at same symptoms, and the severity, frequency and dura-
some point that your chosen path isn't the best fit after tion can vary.
all, it's disappointing, but don't be discouraged. Learning
these things now will only help you find the career path MYTH: Most people with depression seek profes-
that's right for you. sional help.
FACT: Based on an epidemiology survey, only 50
THE MYTHS AND percent of adults who met the criteria for a depression
diagnosis for one year actually receive some form of
FACTS ABOUT treatment for their condition.
DEPRESSION: MYTH: Depression is not that common.
FACT: There are approximately 14 million Ameri-
cans ages 18 and older who live with depression annual-
Be in the Know About One of the Most ly. That's more than 6 percent of U.S. adults.
Common Mental Health Conditions MYTH: Depression is purely psychological.
FACT: Depression is thought to be caused by a
combination of genetic, biological, environmental, and
BPT psy0chological factors.
Major depressive disorder (MDD, depression) is one
of the most common mental health conditions in the
T HERE ARE SOME myths about major depressive
disorder (MDD, depression) that may make it difficult
United States and nearly 35 million Americans over the
age of 18 will experience depression in their lifetime.
Many people think depression is just sadness and it's
important people understand all of the symptoms of this
Page 11complex medical condition. especially sudden changes in mood, behavior, thoughts
"After talking to my doctor about all of my symp- or feelings. Call your healthcare provider right away if
toms, together we figured out a treatment plan for me. symptoms such as anxiety, irritability, impulsivity, trou-
After taking TRINTELLIX® (vortioxetine), I started ble sleeping, aggressive behavior or suicidal thoughts are
to notice an improvement in my overall depression new, worse or worry you. TRINTELLIX has not been
symptoms," said Ruth, a working mom who was diag- evaluated for use in patients under 18.Do not take TRIN-
nosed with depression. TELLIX if you:
There are many people who experience symptoms of
depression and remain untreated. Due to the complex ● Are allergic to vortioxetine or any of the ingredi-
nature of depression, some people experience a few ents in TRINTELLIXTake a Monoamine Oxi-
symptoms while others may experience many symptoms. dase Inhibitor (MAOI). Ask your healthcare
"Symptoms of depression may affect people differ- provider or pharmacist if you are not sure if you
ently, including the way they think, feel and act, contrib- take an MAOI, including the antibiotic linezolid;
uting to the complexity of the disorder," said Dr. do not take an MAOI within 21 days of stopping
Gregory Mattingly, Associate Clinical Professor, De- TRINTELLIX; do not start TRINTELLIX if you
partment of Psychiatry, Washington University School stopped taking an MAOI in the last 14 day-
of Medicine. "It's important that people talk to their sTRINTELLIX may cause serious side effects
doctor about their symptoms and find a treatment plan including:
that works for them." ● Serotonin Syndrome: A potentially life-threaten-
ing problem that can happen when medicines
● People who may be experiencing symptoms of such as TRINTELLIX are taken with certain
depression should talk to their doctor. other medicines. Symptoms may include agita-
● For more information about depression and a tion, hallucinations, coma or other changes in
potential treatment option, visit mental status; problems controlling movements
TRINTELLIX.com. or muscle twitching, stiffness or tightness; fast
● TRINTELLIX is available as 5 mg, 10 mg and heartbeat, high or low blood pressure; sweating
20 mg tablets. or fever; nausea, vomiting or diarrhea.
● TRINTELLIX is a prescription medicine used to ● Abnormal bleeding or bruising: TRINTELLIX
treat major depressive disorder (MDD) in adults. and other serotonergic antidepressant medicines
● TRINTELLIX helped improve overall symp- may increase your risk of bleeding or bruising,
toms of major depressive disorder based on a especially if you take the blood thinner warfarin
standardized depression rating scale in clinical (Coumadin®, Jantoven®), a non-steroidal
trials. Individual results may vary. anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), or aspirin.
● Manic episode: Symptoms may include greatly
IMPORTANT SAFETY increased energy; severe trouble sleeping; racing
thoughts; reckless behavior; unusually grand
INFORMATION FOR
ideas; excessive happiness or irritability; talking
TRINTELLIX (VORTIOXETINE) more or faster than usual.
● Visual problems: May include eye pain, changes
Suicidal Thoughts and Actions and Antidepres- in vision, swelling or redness in or around the
sant Drugs eye. Only some people are at risk for these prob-
lems. You may want to undergo an eye examina-
Antidepressants may increase suicidal thoughts or tion to see if you are at risk and receive
actions in some children, teens or young adults within preventative treatment if you are.
the first few months of treatment or when the dose is ● Low salt (sodium) levels in the blood: Symptoms
changed. Depression or other serious mental illnesses are may include headache; difficulty concentrating,
the most important causes of suicidal thoughts or actions. memory changes or confusion; weakness and
People who have (or have a family history of) bipolar unsteadiness on your feet; and in severe or sud-
illness, or suicidal thoughts or actions may have a partic- den cases hallucinations, fainting, seizures or
ularly high risk. Pay close attention to any changes, coma. If not treated, severe low sodium levels
can cause death.
Page 13Before starting TRINTELLIX, tell your healthcare pro-
vider if you have or had liver problems, seizures or
convulsions, bipolar disorder (manic depression) or ma-
nia, low salt (sodium) levels in your blood, bleeding
problems, drink alcohol, have any other medical condi-
tions or if you are pregnant, nursing, plan to become
pregnant, or plan to nurse.
TRINTELLIX and some medicines may interact with
each other, may not work as well, or may cause serious
side effects when taken together. Tell your healthcare
provider if you plan on or are taking any other prescrip-
tion and non-prescription medicines, vitamins and herbal
supplements including medicines for migraine head-
aches, such as triptans; medicines used to treat mood,
anxiety, psychotic or thought disorders such as tricyclics,
lithium, SSRIs, SNRIs, bupropion, buspirone or antipsy-
chotics; MAOIs including linezolid (a specific antibiot-
ic); over-the-counter supplements such as tryptophan or
St. John's wort; and the following medicines: aspirin,
NSAIDs, warfarin (Coumadin®, Jantoven®), diuret-
ics, rifampin, carbamazepine, phenytoin, quinidine, tra-
madol or fentanyl.
Common side effects of TRINTELLIX include: nau- Indication for TRINTELLIX
sea, constipation or vomiting. These are not all the possi-
ble side effects of TRINTELLIX. TRINTELLIX is a prescription medicine used to treat
Do not start or stop taking TRINTELLIX without Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) in adults.
talking to your healthcare provider first. Suddenly stop- To see complete Prescribing Information, and Medi-
ping TRINTELLIX when you take higher doses may cation Guide for TRINTELLIX, visit
cause you to have side effects including headache, stiff www.TRINTELLIX.com or call 1-877-825-3327.
muscles, mood swings, sudden outbursts of anger, dizzi-
ness or feeling lightheaded, or runny nose.
Talk to your healthcare provider.
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of
prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit
http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch or call 1-800
FDA-1088.
Page 144 THINGS VETS
sics and smart spending, also contains a compre-
hensive guide on home-buying.
AND SERVICE ● Before assuming you won’t qualify for a loan,
talk to a lender. Be sure to tell the lender that you
MEMBERS NEED have served or are currently serving in the mili-
tary. They can inform you about the options
TO KNOW WHEN available to you, such as a Veteran’s Administra-
tion (VA) loan. A VA loan is a home loan guar-
BUYING A HOME
anteed by the federal government, designed to
help those who’ve served in the military obtain
homeownership. They can sometimes be ob-
StatePoint tained with zero down payment. Gifts or grants
can be used to help cover down payment and
closing costs, subject to program requirements,
I F YOU’RE A veteran, reservist or active duty service
member, it’s important to know that there are special
benefits you may be eligible for when buying a home.
and no mortgage insurance is required.
● A large portion of qualified buyers aren’t taking
advantage of the low-to-no-down-payment mort-
gage options available through VA loans. Indeed,
“Veterans and service members have earned the op- more than 21 million veterans and service mem-
portunity to become homeowners, and it’s crucial that bers live in the U.S., however, over the past five
they are well-informed about the benefits and options years, a mere 6 percent of them bought a home
available to them,” says Greg Murray, military mortgage using a VA home loan, according to the Depart-
program manager at Wells Fargo, who is also a U.S. ment of Veterans Affairs. This may be due to the
Navy veteran. common myth that active duty service members,
National Guard members and reservists are not
eligible for VA loans (in fact, they may be eligi-
ble).
Many also are unaware that unmarried, surviving spous-
es of veterans who died as a result of service or service-
related causes are also eligible.
● Individual banks, not the Department of Veterans
Affairs, offer VA loans, allowing you to work
with a lender who understands your needs and
makes you feel comfortable.
“A specialized team member who understands unique
Specialized loan officers can help military customers make the most of military needs, such as a Wells Fargo Military Lending
earned benefits.
Specialist, can help you make the most of the home loan
benefits you’ve earned,” says Murray.
To help, Murray has identified the top four things to
Developing a relationship with this lender is also a
know when buying a home.
good idea, as you may later choose to refinance through
the VA Interest Rate Reduction Refinance Loan (IR-
● There are special financial education resources
RRL) program.
designed for military personnel and veterans.
To learn more, visit wellsfargo.com/military.
Take advantage of these free online resources so
If homeownership seems daunting, remember that
you can be a savvier home shopper. For example,
taking advantage of VA benefits can make it more finan-
Wells Fargo’s Hands on Banking for Military,
cially and logistically viable.
which offers courses on topics like banking ba-
Page 15TURNING SELF-DOUBT self
OVERCOMING SELF-
INTO
love
DOUBT WHILE
For people living with a chronic condition like RA,
LIVING WITH A it's important to remember that you don't have to settle.
That's why taking one day at a time is critical in any
CHRONIC approach to self-care.
Take the first step by becoming more aware of your
ILLNESS
emotions and feelings when it comes to the management
of your RA. Own your experience with the disease by
recognizing and accepting feelings of frustration, anxi-
ety, or guilt about your RA in order to refocus your
BPT emotions toward resilience, hope, and joy.
M ANY PEOPLE IMPACTED by rheumatoid arthritis
experience feelings of self-doubt - but a head-on ap-
proach can lead to self-love.
The mind is directly interconnected with your physi-
cal body, and while this stands true for everybody, it is
something people living with a chronic illness are re-
minded of every day.
For people living with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) - an
autoimmune disease of the joints that impacts approxi-
mately 1.6 million people in the United States - it can be
challenging to stay mentally and emotionally positive
Here are some additional tips and tricks to combat
when your health is always on your mind. The symptoms
self-doubt:
of RA and their effect on physical functioning can im-
pact overall well-being, which can lead to feelings such
● Ground yourself: Balance out the negative by
as self-doubt.
thinking about the positive aspects of your life. In
doing this exercise, remember that sometimes the
DOES OUR PHYSICAL health affect positive things are small and simple: a bouquet of
our mental health? fresh flowers on your dining room table, a book
that makes you laugh out loud, or a phone call
with an old friend. Directing your focus toward
When first diagnosed with a chronic condition like
these positive aspects of your life can make a
RA, many patients may struggle to accept their disease.
huge difference!
The emotional process to acceptance can be difficult, but
try to understand your condition better and make a con-
● Set a timeline: It's okay to acknowledge negative
scious choice to face it head-on.
feelings sometimes, but don't let this go on for
Further, managing symptoms such as joint pain and
too long. Give yourself a deadline for when it's
stiffness, and fatigue can make it difficult to do common
time to mentally shift your focus.
everyday tasks, which can lead to mental and emotional
impacts.
● Invest in yourself: Take some time each day to
So how can you overcome self-doubt?
read, listen, or watch something that uplifts you.
Page 16HUMANS' INTIMACY
● Set the mood: Create a set of your own sound-
tracks! One playlist might bring back good mem-
ories, another might make you feel motivated to
take on a busy day, and perhaps another makes WITH
you feel calm and relaxed. Music is a powerful
tool, and setting the mood through music is a fun
and easy way to practice self-care and redirection
TECHNOLOGY:
of your energy.
Are we all becoming cyborgs?
● Reflect on your self-perception: Focus on what
defines you as a person and learn to accept who BPT
you are. Remind yourself of a time when you
overcame self-doubt. Ask yourself, "Am I talking
to myself the way I would talk to my spouse or
my friend?"
● Connect with others: Surround yourself with
D O YOU THINK you could live without your mo-
bile phone? What about the navigation and backup cam-
era in your car? Could you drive as well without them?
people who love and encourage you. You may
also find solace in connecting with others living Could you get by without your smartwatch reminding
with RA, whether it is online or in-person. you how often to get up from your desk to keep healthy
or weather conditions for the day so you know how to
● Most importantly: Understand your own body dress?
and your own needs on your journey to self-love. Our obsession with technology and the information it
delivers daily has progressed beyond the point of exter-
Above all, make time for yourself; this alone is an act nal mobile phones and smartwatches to implanted heart
of love toward yourself! Making time for yourself can monitors and Fitbits. At one time, consumers were too
take on many forms, including those listed above as well paranoid to enter their Social Security or credit card
as things like going for a walk, taking a bath, even taking number online, but now, they are willing to implant
a moment to enjoy the view out of your kitchen window! sensors and other wearable technologies into their bod-
Making "me time" happen is what can ultimately help ies. In turn, companies are leveraging these devices to
you look beyond the negative! collect as much data about their potential customers as
"When I was first diagnosed, I struggled to keep possible.
things going," says Elaine R., patient advocate and ad-
ministrative assistant living with RA. "Even though I THE LATEST FASHION: Wearing
was unable to do my usual yoga routines, I did feel a data
sense of relief from my yoga music and deep breathing.
I think focusing on the positive things in your life, no Think about it: You're carrying (and generating) large
matter how small, is a great idea. Little joys are a neces- amounts of data everywhere you go with wearable and
sity." implanted technologies. This means 24/7 data collection
If you have a chronic disease like RA, it's important for the companies that manufacture those devices, which
to remember that it does not define you and there are in turn helps them create a 360-degree view of the pa-
steps you can take to better manage lifestyle challenges tients, athletes or customers they serve with the appropri-
as a result of your condition. With research and commu- ate products, services and marketing campaigns.
nication with your rheumatologist or other healthcare According to research by Talend, a cloud and big data
professional, there are ways to prioritize your health and integration software company, 33 percent of consumers
choose self-love over self-doubt. already own wearables like the Apple Watch or smart
For more tips on how to overcome self-doubt and clothing, and another 30 percent are expected to make a
negative emotions, and choose self-love while living purchase within the next three years. That's a lot of new
with RA, visit www.Arthritis.com. sources of data for companies to utilize - and a plethora
Content was provided by Pfizer. of information companies can use to more accurately
define the preferences and needs of its customers.
Page 17HOW WE'RE USING wearables many, for others, biochip implants present a way to make
life easier.
Topping the list of today's most common consumer-
use cases for embedded wearables is healthcare (57
ESTABLISHING TRUST: Should you
percent), privacy (28 percent) and convenience (20 per- be worried about privacy of
cent), all contributing to the rapid dissemination and information?
uptake of these devices.
While the results of Talend's survey seem to point to
the fact that consumers are getting more digitally com-
fortable, with greater trust from consumers comes great-
er responsibility for companies to understand the many
ways they need to protect customer data.
According to Talend's survey, the most likely scenar-
io that would drive consumers to break up with a brand
and take their business elsewhere is a breach of personal
data. In fact, 78 percent of consumers want to be assured
they have full visibility into what companies are doing
with their data. But as implanted and wearable technolo-
gy becomes increasingly common and technology im-
proves, the trade-off between data privacy and
convenience will only increase.
Consider a future of augmented reality where im-
Healthcare is the leading use for implanted technolo- planted contacts could allow you to visualize and interact
gies, with the introduction of advanced-tracking devices with the world around you in practical ways, or a future
such as Medtronic's FDA-approved Reveal LINQ Insert- with implanted audio wearables that translate languages
able Cardiac Monitor with TruRhythm Detection, intro- in real time. Would that convenience and experience
duced in March of this year, which is designed to move you to adopt wearable technology even if it means
accurately identify abnormal heartbeats. This life-saving relinquishing more of your personal information and
device is implanted just beneath the skin and communi- privacy? At what point of technology adoption do we all
cates wirelessly with the patient's bedside monitor, essentially become cyborgs, guided each day by the
which uploads device data to the Medtronic CareLink obvious and subliminal information being fed to us via
network. Once the data is loaded, algorithms can be run embedded and external devices? The day of total auto-
to determine if the patient is experiencing slower than mation may be here sooner than you think.
average heart rate, which can deprive the brain and other
organs from getting enough oxygen. This advanced use
of embedded wearables and machine learning helps phy-
sicians find answers for patients at risk of cardiac ar-
rhythmias to better manage a range of patient populations.
Outside of healthcare, the second biggest use for
embedded wearables is physical security. Several com-
panies have started utilizing biochip implants to replace
card keys and manual entry codes for employees. For
example, Three Square Market offered employees im-
planted chips in July to make purchases in their cafeteria
and break rooms, open doors, log in to computers and
use the copy machine. Approximately 50 employees
underwent the minimally invasive procedure, many of
whom believe the chip is worth any potential discomfort,
as it helps to streamline their daily processes. Though
this may seem like a massive invasion of privacy for
Page 19behind the sights. All city guidebooks include a pull-out
HOW TO PREPARE map with a street index, transportation maps, and even
more information on getting around your next vacation
FOR YOUR NEXT destination. To learn more, visit www.dk.com.
ADVENTURE OR LEARN ABOUT ANIMALS
STAY-CATION
Bringing animals, habitats and up-to-date research to
life for readers, “Animal” explores the creatures that
fascinate and inspire humans, from intrepid Emperor
StatePoint penguins to fierce Siberian tigers, to the very intelligent
and highly communicative humpback whale. Produced
in association with the Smithsonian Institution, an updat-
W HETHER YOU SEEK adventure from the com-
fort of an armchair or the top of a mountain, great books
can either help you get your travel fix or prepare you for
ed edition features photos and descriptions of over 2,000
species and habitats, and introduces the olinguito, a
recently discovered mammal that looks like a cross be-
tween a cat and a teddy bear, and the Skywalker gibbon,
found in the tropical forests of Yunnan Province in
that next big trip. southwest China and Myanmar.
Here are some new books that can help you get ready
before you get going. EXPLORE NATURE
DISCOVER TRAVEL’S HISTORY From the spectacular granite domes of Yosemite to
the reefs of the Bahama Banks and the ice sheets of the
Human journeys arise from all manner of impulses, Antarctic, “Natural Wonders of the World” surveys of
from migration and the search for food, to pilgrimages, the most beautiful natural treasures. Combining land-
trade and scientific curiosity, or simply the quest for scape photography and illustrations with three-dimen-
adventure. Produced in association with the Smithsonian sional terrain models and other explanatory artworks, the
Institution, “Journey,” an illustrated account of human book reveals what lies beneath the surface and explains
movement, travel, exploration and scientific discovery, the geological processes to show how the features were
tells the story of human travel, from the first trade net- formed. Plants and animals that inhabit each environ-
works in ancient Sumer to the epic Voyager missions. ment are also featured.
The book also features biographies of conquerors, ex- Inspire your sense of wonder about the world with
plorers and travelers; stories of technological innovation; great works designed to explore the far reaches of the
literary journals; and works of art. Themed spreads and globe.
feature panels capture the romance of travel with evoca-
tive accounts, archive images, historic maps and arti-
facts, while catalog spreads add glamour and nostalgia,
showcasing objects and documents associated with the
rise of travel, such as postcards and passports.
PLAN A TRIP
For decades, bestselling DK Eyewitness Travel
Guides have helped travelers experience the world
through the history, art, architecture and culture of their
destinations. Expert travel writers and researchers pro-
vide independent editorial advice, recommendations and
reviews on more than 200 destinations worldwide. Thou-
sands of photographs, maps and custom illustrations
bring each destination to life, while in-depth cultural and
historical information ensures readers know the stories (c) Tinatin/stock.Adobe.com
Page 21RIGHT
sales representatives since they opened. The direct-sales
THE TIME IS business is still booming, with a record 20.5 million
people involved in the U.S. alone in 2016. The estimated
TO SEEK NEW direct retail sales of $35.54 billion in 2016 was the
second-highest in direct-selling history.
INCOME Is working in direct sales right for you? Benefits of
working in the industry can include:
OPPORTUNITIES ● Flexibility - You determine your schedule, and
you choose to work as many - or as few - hours
BPT as you want. If you have a knack for direct
selling, you could ultimately make it your main
source of income.
W HETHER YOU PLAN to watch the ball drop in
Times Square this New Year's Eve or be in bed by 10
p.m., one thing is certain: a new year is coming, and with
● Personal growth and development - Take advan-
tage of the tools and training offered by your
direct selling company to help you build your
business.
it comes a chance for change. It's a time to reflect on
what works best for you and reset your course for the
● Companionship - Connect with fellow sales rep-
coming year. Research shows that 41 percent of Ameri-
resentatives and prospective customers, any of
cans usually make New Year's resolutions, and after
which can lead to lasting relationships.
spending the holidays indulging in food and festivities,
it's not surprising that the most popular resolutions in-
Passion for travel and financial freedom prompted
clude weight loss, improved fitness and healthier eating.
Wayne Nugent, founder and "chief visionary officer" of
As the holiday bills start coming in, it's also common
WorldVentures, to launch his direct sales business in
for people to focus on getting their finances into better
2005. "We've been changing the way people take vaca-
order. The Federal Reserve Board discovered in a survey
tions for more than a decade, all while helping our
of working Americans that nearly half of U.S. adults
independent representatives discover their potential and
don't have enough cash on hand to pay for a $400 emer-
experience more in life," says Nugent. "We have a
gency. If that's a concern for you, consider joining the 44
world-class product and we embrace a culture of suc-
million Americans who have found ways to make money
cess."
in addition to their main source of income. Common
WorldVentures, a direct seller of travel and leisure
options include waiting tables, working retail, becoming
club memberships, is just one of many opportunities
a rideshare driver and direct selling.
waiting for you. Whether you decide to go into direct
sales, housesitting or part-time bartending, the possibili-
ties for supplemental income are limited only by your
imagination.
Direct selling, also called direct-to-consumer sales,
has been around for over 160 years, and companies like
WorldVentures, Avon, Tupperware and Amway have
been offering new business opportunities to independent
Page 23TIPS TO AVOID ● Make sure potential contractors are fully insured.
Reduce your potential insurance risk by only
SCAMS AFTER working with insured contractors and make sure
you get proof of Liability Insurance.
STORMS AND ● Ensure proper licensing. To make sure the job is
NATURAL done right, ensure contractors carry the right
licenses and know all the state and local codes
DISASTERS
and rules.
● Confirm potential contractors’ affiliations. A rep-
utable contractor will take additional classes and
StatePoint earn certifications to be affiliated with a major
national manufacturer. For example, those affili-
ated with Owens Corning, work to meet high
A S IF THE damage from a natural disaster isn’t
enough, consumers trying to rebuild after a natural disas-
standards and satisfy strict requirements, includ-
ing a commitment to customer service, business
stability and quality; carrying all required state
and local licenses; holding at least $1,000,000 in
ter often face a different danger: a flood of fly-by-night general liability insurance; and going above and
contractors -- ultimately raising the risks of sub-par beyond local code, with things like proper prod-
repair work and outright scams. uct usage and nailing patterns.
“Unfortunately, there are bad apples who blow into
storm damaged areas and natural disaster locations with ● Check with the Better Business Bureau. Make
intentions to cheat and steal from consumers, making it sure potential contractors have a good reputation.
harder for honest businesses and contractors to serve Check to make sure they have no bankruptcy or
their communities the right way,” says Eric Miller, Ow- leans on the business. You can find out through
ens Corning Roofing and Asphalt. “It is more important the Better Business Bureau at bbb.org.
than ever for buyers to beware and fully educate them-
selves before engaging with any contractor.” Looking for a trustworthy and reliable contractor in
According to many reports, hundreds of criminal your area, but don’t know where to start? Visit
cases are still pending due to fraudulent work in the wake owenscorning.com for a list of reliable, vetted indepen-
of hurricanes Katrina and Sandy. Many properly li- dent contractors in your area.
censed and insured contractors are providing counsel and
repair to the thousands of homeowners and businesses
hard hit by recent storms, but consumers need to watch
out for those providing misleading quotes and services.
To help educate consumers on how to identify the
right contractors to help them recover, while avoiding
scammers and other potential pitfalls, Owens Corning
Roofing and their network of independent Preferred
Contractors have joined together to offer tips and advice.
● Know the basics. Understanding the basics of the
damage to your home will help you avoid the
worst cheaters and make you a better, more in-
formed consumer. For example, if someone says (c) mokee81/stock.Adobe.com
your entire roof needs to be replaced but you are
unsure, get a second opinion, especially on a Don’t let a bad situation get worse. As you pick up the
newer roof. pieces after a storm or natural disaster, be sure to work
Page 24with only reputable contractors who will do the job much-needed traction to get out of a snowy situation. As
properly. an added bonus, the additional weight over the rear axle
(especially for trucks and rear-wheel-drive cars) will
further add traction. Floor mats can also come in handy.
Place them under your tires in the direction you're look-
5 COLD-WEATHER ing to travel. The mats create a mini runway of traction
for your vehicle.
HACKS FOR HERE COMES THE sun
WINTER When the snow starts to pile on the driveway, nearly
a quarter of Americans (24 percent) rely on someone else
DRIVING to dig their vehicles out of the snow, according to the
Gauge Index. In fact, 18 percent simply wait for the
snow to melt! To help with the backbreaking chore, park
your vehicle overnight facing east. The rising sun can
BPT help melt the snow before you even get out of bed.
RAID THE PANTRY
A S DRIVERS BUNDLE up to take on Old Man Win-
ter this season, having a few tricks up your sleeve can be
By using some items commonly found in your pantry,
you can make your morning routines that much easier.
For example, fit resealable freezer bags over your side-
a big help in keeping your cool on the road. Here are five view mirrors to help prevent ice from forming. Other
hacks for battling the elements and staying safe on the household items like cooking spray can also help melt
roads. ice. Spray it on your mirrors, let it sit for a few minutes,
then wipe off the ice. You also can apply the spray to the
GOT STUCK? Snow problem! rubber seals of your door on particularly cold nights.
Hazardous winter weather requires that drivers take This will help keep your door from freezing shut or
additional precautions. According to the latest Hankook damaging the rubber seals if you force open the door.
Tire Gauge Index, 72 percent of drivers indicated they
would not want to drive in icy conditions. Further, 84 RIGHT TOOLS FOR the job
percent of Americans recognize the dangers of black ice, When the going gets rough, it's important to make
the most dangerous weather condition for driving. sure your car is well equipped for the conditions you're
driving in. As temperatures drop, so can your tire pres-
sure, decreasing about one psi for every 10-degree drop
in temperature. If your car was built after 2000, you
likely have a Tire Pressure Monitor System that will alert
you when pressure drops below the manufacturer's rec-
ommended levels for your vehicle. It's also important to
be able to identify the TPMS symbol, as the Hankook
Gauge Index found that 1 in 3 (35 percent) Americans do
not know what the warning symbol means.
With 13 percent of drivers unsure of what category
tire is on their car, understanding the difference in how a
snow tire performs in relation to its summer and all-
season relatives can go a long way in terms of safety and
performance. For enhanced traction in low-grip situa-
tions, tire chains can be very useful, but as indicated in
If you find yourself stuck in the snow and ice, apply the Gauge Index, 65 percent of drivers are unsure how to
a bag of cat litter or sand under your wheels to provide install them. Be sure to practice once or twice at home
Page 25before venturing out on wintry roads. And when you
have chains on your tires, drive slowly - generally no
more than 30 mph.
ALWAYS CARRY A spare ... pair of
socks!
Packing emergency clothes in your trunk is always a
great idea should you find yourself stranded and in need
of extra warmth. Interestingly, your socks may be your
most versatile piece of clothing, and drivers can benefit
from carrying an extra pair in the glove compartment.
When expecting snow, simply lift your windshield wip-
ers off the glass and place a sock over each blade to help
keep snow off the blades and ice from forming. Addi-
tionally, when socks are put over your shoes (yes, that's
right) they can provide an added level of traction when
walking on ice.
Hopefully, some of these tricks can help if you find
yourself locked in a battle with the elements this season.
Have a favorite winter hack we missed? Let us know at
Hankook USA on Facebook or Twitter with the #Winter-
Hack tag!
Page 26Ignoring Scientology, L. Ron Hubbard was a great
JUST FOR FUN science fiction writer2. Battlefield Earth and his 10-
volume science fiction satiric series Mission Earth were,
My Fascination With Science Fiction in my opinion, masterpieces.
Making a movie out of a book is a lot of work, and it
takes skilled screenwriters, directors, actors, prop-mas-
DANNY STONE ters, etc. to do it right. Battlefield Earth (2000), partly
Wallstone, OKC worked. Based on the scope of the book, it should have
been broken into two movies, the first telling the story of
the alien invasion and its aftermath, and the second
I F MEMORY SERVES, I first started watching Star Trek
(the original series) in the 4th or 5th Grade. To be useful
to the reader, that was about 1974 or 1975.
detailing the resistance in the 31st Century. As is, we get
a movie missing almost all of the details that made the
book a masterpiece.
Then comes Will Smith in I, Robot (2004.) Other than
I loved it, as it introduced me to the idealism that the Laws of Robotics, some character names and events,
“normal” is a misnomer that barely applies to most of the they basically ignored the book. Because of great action,
“real” world. Of course, this made me “out there” com- special effects, actors, voice-overs, and a screenplay that
pared to the other kids. was at least plausible, it worked, with a 7.1 IMDB rating
Space exploration is a dream to a youngster, and compared to Battlefield Earth’s 2.4. I consider Plan 9
stories that included it stroked my overactive imagina- From Outer Space to be the worst movie I’ve ever seen,
tion. We didn’t have ADHD as a diagnosis back then, but but the public gave it a 4.0.
more than likely, I have it now, even as an adult. Babylon 5, Andromeda, Stargate SG-1, and of course
I did a little research (kids call it “Googling”), and it Battlestar Galactica made for a lot of fun in the first
turns out that 2/3rds of children with untreated ADHD, decade of 2000. Star Trek Enterprise makes that list as
well, but I do not appreciate the disrespectful way they
will become adults with ADHD1. This certainly would
chose to end it.
explain many of my trials and tribulations, but that’s a
Speaking of Star Trek, next month I’ll be comparing
story (book?) for another time.
The Orville to Star Trek Discovery. The first objective of
I started hungering for science fiction movies, al-
any type of recovery treatment is to make sure your own
though most before 2001: A Space Odyssey had horrible
recovery comes first. I do that by writing and entertain-
special effects. My favorite movie until I finally saw Star
ing others.
Wars on HBO in 1983. A friend of mine had recorded it
to Betamax (the first videotape format, which lost to
VHS in the Videotape Wars of the 70s and 80s) was
Them!, and my mother suggested it.
Them! is a movie about ants around nuclear testing
sites becoming giant human-eating monsters through
genetic mutation. They would destroy houses and find
their human food sources. The government was looking
for a way to stop them from destroying civilization.
Had I seen When Worlds Collide in the 70s instead of
the mid-90s, it would have easily beaten Them! Still,
both are great movies.
I used to read a lot of Star Trek and Star Wars books,
including fan fiction and even a few publisher-rejected
books. Although my mother had tried to get me to read
the I, Robot and Foundation series by Isaac Asimov, it
wasn’t until the 90s that I started reading them – and
couldn’t put them down.
2 SOMEONE AT a coffeehouse once commented that they thought Scientolo-
1 HTTPS://www.additudemag.com/can-children-really-outgrow-adhd/ gy was his best science fiction book ever.
Page 27DIY HOLIDAY HOME Deck the Walls: There's no need to stop the holiday
decorations at your table and front door. Keep your walls
DECOR festive by hanging some holiday themed decorations
such as homemade snowflakes. All you need is plywood
molding and pieces of thin balsa wood, a circular medal-
Family Features lion, spray paint in your colors of choice and a strong
adhesive.
This was also intended for December issue. - Editor
Find more holiday DIY projects at krazyglue.com.
T HE HOLIDAY SEASON can get expensive, especial-
ly when purchasing thoughtful gifts for loved ones. The
last thing you want to spend money on is generic holiday
Metallic Clothespin Wreath
Supplies and Tools:
350-375 mini clothespins
decorations that don't make your home stand out from
Gold spray paint
the rest.
Silver spray paint
Creating unique, do-it-yourself decorations is an ac-
Flat wood wreath form
tivity that can help you bond with family and friends, but
Krazy Glue Maximum Bond
also give your home decor a fun, seasonal twist.
The experts at Krazy Glue suggest these festive DIY
Divide clothespins into two sections. Spray-paint one
crafts that can get your home prepped for the holiday
section gold and one section silver; let dry.
season without breaking the bank.
Turn clothespins over and spray-paint other sides.
Spray-paint wood wreath form silver; let dry.
Statement Centerpiece: A staple of holiday home
Beginning in center of wreath form, glue circle of
decor is selecting the perfect centerpiece for your table.
gold clothespins to wood wreath form; let glue dry.
Most people defer to flowers or generic baubles that can
Add layer of
be overlooked, but you can make your table stand out
silver clothes-
with a festive tree made of common utensils. Grab some
pins to inside of
silver spoons, metallic spray paint, a plastic foam cone
wreath. Attach
and an adhesive to create a DIY centerpiece.
pins by clipping
onto first row of
Festive Front Door: When guests arrive at your
gold clothes-
home for the holidays, one of the first things they see is
pins. Glue in
the front door. While it's easy to go out and buy a
place and let
pre-made wreath at the store, creating a unique, holiday-
glue dry.
themed option is simple, budget-friendly and fun.
Add another
If you have clothespins lying around the house, repur-
layer of silver
pose them into something creative and beautiful this
clothespins to
year. Create this one of a kind Metallic Clothespin
inside of
Wreath with metallic spray paint, mini clothespins, a flat
wreath. Attach
wooden wreath form and a strong adhesive. Simply
pins by clipping
spray-paint the clothespins different metallic shades and
onto first row of
glue them to the wooden wreath frame in different layers
silver clothes-
once dry.
pins. Glue in
To help make the wreath and other DIY projects
place and let
shine, it's important to have a strong adhesive that can
glue dry.
withstand the test of time. Just a single drop of Krazy
Glue can hold up to 2,000 pounds and only takes 30
seconds to dry. It's a perfect tool to have in your home Photo courtesy of Getty Images
for any holiday DIY projects or quick fixes that may arise.
Page 29You can also read
