An alarming and increasing number of teenagers attempt and succeed at suicide. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), suicide is the third leading cause of death for 15 to 24-year-olds. For the overwhelming majority of suicidal teens, depression or another psychological disorder plays a primary role. In depressed teens who also abuse alcohol or drugs, the risk of suicide is even greater.
Because of the very real danger of suicide, teenagers who are depressed should be watched closely for any signs of suicidal thoughts or behavior. The warning signs include:
1: Talking or joking about committing suicide.
2: Saying things like, “I’d be better off dead,” “I wish I could disappear forever,” or “There’s no way out.”
3: Speaking positively about death or romanticizing dying (“If I died, people might love me more”).
4: Writing stories and poems about death, dying, or suicide.
5: Engaging in reckless behavior or having a lot of accidents resulting in injury.
6: Giving away prized possessions.
7: Saying goodbye to friends and family as if for good.
8: Seeking out weapons, pills, or other ways to kill themselves.
Friday, September 17, 2010
Signs and Symptoms of Teens Depression
Teenagers face a host of pressures, from the changes of puberty to questions about who they are and where they fit in. The natural transition from child to adult can also bring parental conflict as teens start to assert their independence.
With all this drama, it isn’t always easy to differentiate between depression and normal teenage moodiness. Making things even more complicated, teens with depression do not necessarily appear sad, nor do they always withdraw from others. For some depressed teens, symptoms of irritability, aggression, and rage are more prominent.
Under Standing of Teens Depression
Here are as many misconceptions about teen depression as there are about teenagers in general. Yes, the teen years are tough, but most teens balance the requisite angst with good friendships, success in school or outside activities, and the development of a strong sense of self.
Occasional bad moods or acting out is to be expected, but depression is something different. Depression can destroy the very essence of a teenager’s personality, causing an overwhelming sense of sadness, despair, or anger.
Whether the incidence of teen depression is actually increasing, or we’re just becoming more aware of it, the fact is that depression strikes teenagers far more often than most people think. And although depression is highly treatable, experts say only 20% of depressed teens ever receive help.
Unlike adults, who have the ability to seek assistance on their own, teenagers usually must rely on parents, teachers, or other caregivers to recognize their suffering and get them the treatment they need. So if you have an adolescent in your life, it’s important to learn what teen depression looks like and what to do if you spot the warning signs.
Occasional bad moods or acting out is to be expected, but depression is something different. Depression can destroy the very essence of a teenager’s personality, causing an overwhelming sense of sadness, despair, or anger.
Whether the incidence of teen depression is actually increasing, or we’re just becoming more aware of it, the fact is that depression strikes teenagers far more often than most people think. And although depression is highly treatable, experts say only 20% of depressed teens ever receive help.
Unlike adults, who have the ability to seek assistance on their own, teenagers usually must rely on parents, teachers, or other caregivers to recognize their suffering and get them the treatment they need. So if you have an adolescent in your life, it’s important to learn what teen depression looks like and what to do if you spot the warning signs.
Teens and Depression
Teenage depression isn’t just bad moods and occasional melancholy.
Depression is a serious problem that impacts every aspect of a teen’s life. Left untreated, teen depression can lead to problems at home and school, drug abuse, self-loathing—even irreversible tragedy such as homicidal violence or suicide.
Fortunately, teenage depression can be treated, and as a concerned parent, teacher, or friend, there are many things you can do to help.
You can start by learning the symptoms of depression and expressing concern when you spot warning signs.
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
17 Ways to Safeguard Your Heart
Twenty years ago, when Nieca Goldberg was in medical school, heart disease was known as a “man’s disease”―something most apt to befall a 55-year-old businessman. Today the disease is the number one killer of U.S. women, claiming nearly 500,000 lives annually. Goldberg, now 50, devotes her career to helping fellow females protect their hearts at Total Heart Care, her practice in New York City. She also teaches the science of heart health as a clinical associate professor of medicine at New York University. But the doctor doesn’t have to look to research for evidence that diet, exercise, and stress management can prevent future problems. Even though she has a family history of heart disease, her habits have kept her health in check. “Making consistent, small, smart choices can have a huge effect,” says Goldberg. To find out how to care for your heart for the long haul, learn from this doctor’s daily practices.
Start With Breakfast
Have a low-cholesterol breakfast. Every morning Goldberg and her husband eat breakfast together. “I have a bowl of high-fiber, low-sugar cereal, like Kashi GoLean, with low-fat milk and antioxidant-rich blueberries,” she says. Fiber is filling, and the soluble form―found in oatmeal, beans, fruits, vegetables, and this cereal―can lower cholesterol. Aim for 25 grams of fiber a day.
Take a supplement, if necessary. “A healthy diet is still the best way to get your nutrients,” says Goldberg. “A bag of chips washed down with a vitamin isn’t a good solution.” However, she does suggest taking an omega-3 fatty-acid supplement daily if you don’t eat fish regularly. Choose one with the two forms of the acids that aid the heart: eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Or twice a week set a goal for having two to three servings of natural omega-3 sources, like a small handful of walnuts or a 3 1/2-ounce portion of salmon. (For those with high triglyceride levels, she recommends prescription-strength omega-3s.)
Related: Fast, Healthy Breakfast Ideas
Be honest with your doctors. Goldberg implores patients to see her as a nonjudgmental confidante. “I’ve had people on cholesterol-lowering drugs neglect to take them and not tell me. So I then check their blood and consider increasing their dosage unnecessarily,” she says. “No one should ever be embarrassed when it comes to their health. Your doctors can give you the best help only when they really know all the information.”
Take baby aspirin, if needed. For those people who are at high risk for heart disease, who have it, or who are over the age of 65, Goldberg often suggests taking a daily baby aspirin (81 milligrams). “I tell many of my patients to take one,” she says. “This is a cheap and effective prevention strategy.”
Take a supplement, if necessary. “A healthy diet is still the best way to get your nutrients,” says Goldberg. “A bag of chips washed down with a vitamin isn’t a good solution.” However, she does suggest taking an omega-3 fatty-acid supplement daily if you don’t eat fish regularly. Choose one with the two forms of the acids that aid the heart: eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Or twice a week set a goal for having two to three servings of natural omega-3 sources, like a small handful of walnuts or a 3 1/2-ounce portion of salmon. (For those with high triglyceride levels, she recommends prescription-strength omega-3s.)
Related: Fast, Healthy Breakfast Ideas
Be honest with your doctors. Goldberg implores patients to see her as a nonjudgmental confidante. “I’ve had people on cholesterol-lowering drugs neglect to take them and not tell me. So I then check their blood and consider increasing their dosage unnecessarily,” she says. “No one should ever be embarrassed when it comes to their health. Your doctors can give you the best help only when they really know all the information.”
Take baby aspirin, if needed. For those people who are at high risk for heart disease, who have it, or who are over the age of 65, Goldberg often suggests taking a daily baby aspirin (81 milligrams). “I tell many of my patients to take one,” she says. “This is a cheap and effective prevention strategy.”
Cut Back Where Needed
Drink caffeine conservatively. The doctor enjoys a mug of coffee but tells anyone prone to heart palpitations to keep their caffeine intake to less than 300 milligrams a day, which is the equivalent of two to three cups. Or consider an alternative, like green tea, which has less caffeine but is rich in antioxidants that can improve the flexibility of your arteries, which may help prevent plaque from building up in them.
Eat sweets sparingly. A 2008 study found that women with elevated blood-sugar levels had a risk of developing coronary heart disease similar to that of women with full-blown diabetes. “If you want dessert, make it one that has heart benefits, like dark chocolate,” Goldberg says. “Have a small piece made with 70 percent cocoa so it’s high in antioxidants.”
Tweak family recipes. Instead of frying foods, the doctor bakes or grills, and she uses whole-grain pasta and brown rice in lieu of basic white. She makes healthier versions of the things she grew up eating and incorporates fresh vegetables into them whenever possible: “When I make my mom’s chicken soup, I toss in a bag of baby carrots or use a mandoline to quickly slice and add antioxidant-rich onions or scallions.”
Make small changes. (They work.) Goldberg had a patient who smoked, didn’t exercise, and had a family history of heart disease. She prescribed statins to help reduce the patient’s cholesterol while the patient slowly cut down on smoking and started exercising more and eating better. Within a few months, Goldberg was able to lower the patient’s medication, since the patient’s modest efforts had made a huge impact. “Your health is not pass/fail. Just having risk factors does not mean you’re doomed,” Goldberg says.
Eat sweets sparingly. A 2008 study found that women with elevated blood-sugar levels had a risk of developing coronary heart disease similar to that of women with full-blown diabetes. “If you want dessert, make it one that has heart benefits, like dark chocolate,” Goldberg says. “Have a small piece made with 70 percent cocoa so it’s high in antioxidants.”
Tweak family recipes. Instead of frying foods, the doctor bakes or grills, and she uses whole-grain pasta and brown rice in lieu of basic white. She makes healthier versions of the things she grew up eating and incorporates fresh vegetables into them whenever possible: “When I make my mom’s chicken soup, I toss in a bag of baby carrots or use a mandoline to quickly slice and add antioxidant-rich onions or scallions.”
Make small changes. (They work.) Goldberg had a patient who smoked, didn’t exercise, and had a family history of heart disease. She prescribed statins to help reduce the patient’s cholesterol while the patient slowly cut down on smoking and started exercising more and eating better. Within a few months, Goldberg was able to lower the patient’s medication, since the patient’s modest efforts had made a huge impact. “Your health is not pass/fail. Just having risk factors does not mean you’re doomed,” Goldberg says.
Watch Your Diet
Stick with fresh foods. “Almost nothing in my meals comes from a package,” Goldberg says. “I snack on fresh fruits, especially clementines and peaches, and vegetables. I also like dried fruit, like unsweetened apricot slices, because it’s easy to pack and eat on the go.” In addition, Goldberg has at least one vegetable-laden salad a day. The base is dark greens, such as spinach, which she tops with lean grilled chicken or egg whites. She throws in lycopene-rich tomatoes and orange and red peppers for their antioxidants. “At a salad bar, I avoid anything glistening or creamy looking,” she says. “Two clues that they’ve got a lot of artery-clogging fat.”
Snack smartly. “I have a handful of almonds or walnuts when I get home or while cooking dinner,” says Goldberg. “This prevents me from overeating at night.” The walnuts have omega-3 fatty acids, and almonds contain arginine, which helps keep arteries strong.
Try a Mediterranean diet. Studies have shown that people who follow a Mediterranean diet have a 50 to 70 percent lower risk of recurrent heart disease, and those who get at least five servings of vegetables a day have about a 25 percent lower risk of a heart attack. So Goldberg consumes plenty of fish, grains, vegetables, fruits, and olive oil. “I think this is a great nonfad diet. Most people who start it usually stay with it,” she says. “It’s tasty and easy to live with.” Indeed, her copy of The Mediterranean Diet Cookbook is well-worn.
Snack smartly. “I have a handful of almonds or walnuts when I get home or while cooking dinner,” says Goldberg. “This prevents me from overeating at night.” The walnuts have omega-3 fatty acids, and almonds contain arginine, which helps keep arteries strong.
Try a Mediterranean diet. Studies have shown that people who follow a Mediterranean diet have a 50 to 70 percent lower risk of recurrent heart disease, and those who get at least five servings of vegetables a day have about a 25 percent lower risk of a heart attack. So Goldberg consumes plenty of fish, grains, vegetables, fruits, and olive oil. “I think this is a great nonfad diet. Most people who start it usually stay with it,” she says. “It’s tasty and easy to live with.” Indeed, her copy of The Mediterranean Diet Cookbook is well-worn.
Do a Little More (or Less)
Go with red wine. “I’m actually allergic to alcohol, so I don’t drink. But if you like to, opt for wine, and limit it to one glass a day,” Goldberg says. Red, in particular, has a high concentration of the antioxidant resveratrol, which can help maintain blood vessels’ health. “But grape juice has the same benefits―something wine lovers don’t always want to hear,” she adds.
Throw salt overboard. Since excess salt can increase blood pressure, Goldberg tells her patients to keep their sodium intake to less than 2,300 milligrams a day, which many people hit from processed foods alone. “Simply remove the salt shaker from the table,” she says. “One of the best substitutes is chopped chives. Sprinkle a few teaspoons on soups, salads, or pasta for a salty kick.”
Do better than butter. Goldberg occasionally uses a spread, like Benecol or Smart Balance, on bread. Both have plant-derived stanol esters, which can help lower bad cholesterol. “The labels tout this, but don’t think of these products as medicine,” she says. “You certainly don’t want to ingest the amount it would take to make them work that way. They’re just better choices than butter or margarine.”
Throw salt overboard. Since excess salt can increase blood pressure, Goldberg tells her patients to keep their sodium intake to less than 2,300 milligrams a day, which many people hit from processed foods alone. “Simply remove the salt shaker from the table,” she says. “One of the best substitutes is chopped chives. Sprinkle a few teaspoons on soups, salads, or pasta for a salty kick.”
Do better than butter. Goldberg occasionally uses a spread, like Benecol or Smart Balance, on bread. Both have plant-derived stanol esters, which can help lower bad cholesterol. “The labels tout this, but don’t think of these products as medicine,” she says. “You certainly don’t want to ingest the amount it would take to make them work that way. They’re just better choices than butter or margarine.”
Stick to a Routine
Make exercise nonnegotiable. Goldberg works out five times a week, alternating between personal-training sessions, Spinning classes, and a little Pilates. “I wouldn’t miss an appointment with a patient, and I don’t cancel my appointment to exercise, either,” she says. “It makes me feel so good afterward, and it keeps my cholesterol and blood pressure under control.”
The Secret of a Better Workout
Take stress seriously. Constant stress can lead to elevated levels of adrenaline and the hormone cortisol, which makes arteries more vulnerable to plaque. “For me, reducing stress is all about saying no and planning alone time,” Goldberg says. To unwind, she watches the Food Network, schedules a manicure, and recently instituted “no e-mail” weekends.
Sack out early. Studies show that people who get less than seven hours of shut-eye a night can have higher blood pressure. Lack of sleep also leads to higher levels of cortisol and even weight gain. “I go to bed around 10:30 each night and wake up most mornings at 6:20,” says Goldberg.
The Secret of a Better Workout
Take stress seriously. Constant stress can lead to elevated levels of adrenaline and the hormone cortisol, which makes arteries more vulnerable to plaque. “For me, reducing stress is all about saying no and planning alone time,” Goldberg says. To unwind, she watches the Food Network, schedules a manicure, and recently instituted “no e-mail” weekends.
Sack out early. Studies show that people who get less than seven hours of shut-eye a night can have higher blood pressure. Lack of sleep also leads to higher levels of cortisol and even weight gain. “I go to bed around 10:30 each night and wake up most mornings at 6:20,” says Goldberg.
Wold Star News: Anna Nicole Smith Went On Long Sleep After Taking ...
Wold Star News: Anna Nicole Smith Went On Long Sleep After Taking ...: "Anna Nicole Smith drank medication that put her into a slumber for two days as her frantic boyfriend Howard K. Stern cried and tried to shak..."
6 Sure Ways to Have Healthy and Beautiful Hair
Drew Barrymore’s multi-toned hair color (at left), as created by Tracy, is the go-to style of the season, and many celebs are going after the same look that gradually fades from darker roots to lighter ends in the same color family. "When I do Drew’s hair this warms up her face a little bit without really changing her hair color."
At the salon
"Do not ask somebody to highlight you and stop two inches from the root," says Cunningham. "That’s ridiculous and it’s a waste of money. Get your hair highlighted to the root. When it’s over, have them put a semi-permanent hair color on top, avoiding the hairline."
At home
This is a great fall style, since your summer highlights will already be growing out. Choose a dye that looks like your natural hair color and dye only the top part of your hair. Cunningham says to be very careful when rinsing out to lift up your ends so the dark dye won’t transfer. "That’s a really important tip, because there’s no refreshing the blond.”
"It only takes one picture of a celebrity looking really gorgeous with bangs and then everybody wants them again," says Cunningham. “If you’re going to get bangs, get bangs. Don’t get that wispy little bang to the side, because you’ll just end up hating that. They’re never great."
At the salon
You'll definitely want to have a stylist cut your new bangs, and since there are so many kinds it’s crucial to bring in pictures of the style you want. Cunningham suggests a heavier, longer bang that can go to the side, or split in the middle. Think Katy Perry (at right) or Zooey Deschanel. Sure they’re a commitment, but they’ll dramatically change up your look.
At home
Cunningham feels cutting your own bangs is a mistake, but says trimming them at home once they've initially been cut by a professional can be easy. "One trick I have is taking the hair and pulling it all together and just snipping it off." That said, most salons offer bang trims for free, so be sure to take them up on that.
Soft curls are all the rage on the red carpet right now, and are fun to create on all hair types. They're also a fairly simple way to change up your look, day or night.
At the salon
Bring in a photo of your favorite celeb 'do, and remind your stylist to start the curl lower down—we’re not going for the '80s perm effect anymore. Don’t be shy to speak up about your likes and dislikes.
At home
To get a beautiful style like Kate Beckinsale’s (at left) at home, Cunningham suggests starting with clean, damp hair. Mist with a strong hair spray like Redken’s Wool Shake, and blow dry. Next use a 1" barrel curling iron (nothing wider, or the curl will be too loose), and coat your hair with more hairspray for extra staying power. Those with fine hair will need to go heavier on the product. Not so skillful with an iron? Set your hair with hot rollers!
Thanks to stunning stars like Christina Hendricks, everyone wants to be a redhead, and luckily, many people can pull off the hue. "There are shades that work with different skin tones," says Cunningham, who insists "you don’t have to be red-red to feel a difference. You can do a burnt auburn on dark hair...and if your natural color is ashy and you warm it up it just makes you feel so much better."
At the salon
"When they say a picture is worth a thousand words, it could be more," says Cunningham, who feels you should never walk into a salon without a photo. "If I say, 'I want to be auburn,' and you say, 'oh great! My grandma is auburn, I love that color!' But we might be thinking of two different colors." No offense to Grandma, but her lovely shade might be a far cry from Emma Stone's, as seen here. As for color maintenance, a little bit of exposed root growth is considered cool right now. If roots drive you crazy, you may need to visit every few weeks.
At home
Cunningham says you can absolutely score the perfect red on your own. Deborah Ann Woll of "True Blood" recently admitted her color comes courtesy of L'Oreal Excellence Hair Color in Strawberry Blonde 9RB. “When you’re looking at a red box, go for the box that looks like a natural hair color," says Cunningham. "Stay away from the purple-maroon colors. They don’t look good on our skin, and they don’t look natural." Unfortunately, red dye fades the fastest, but you can keep your color fresh with hair care products for color-treated or a shampoo that contains actual red pigment.
Layering isn’t just for your fall wardrobe! Chopping it up can add volume and movement. Though Cunningham cautions that layers look best on people with long hair like Vanessa Hudgens (at left). "Not everyone can rock a Joan Jett look."
At the salon
Tell your stylist how long or short you’d like your layers to be, and don’t spring this on your stylist after they color your hair. "Definitely get your layers cut first, and then get the highlights last" advises Cunningham. "Usually you would do color first, but here you want to see where the color will fall."
At home
If you can’t afford a trip to a salon, Cunningham says to skip a style that involves more training to achieve. "If I were at home and I didn’t have a lot of money, I would just keep my hair all one length, and add some wispy little pieces in the front. I think that’s ultimately the prettiest look."
Those with wavy, curly, or kinky hair may seek to straighten their locks for a more polished look. And let’s face it—silky, shiny hair never goes out of style.
At the salon
Thanks to straight styles like Beyonce's (at right), the Brazilian Keratin treatment has increased in popularity. It’s only semi permanent and it makes things easier for you at home if you don’t have the motor skills for a good blow out. But Cunningham wonders about its safety. "I’ve done it twice, but my eyes water. So I’ve been doing a lot of investigating. When your eyes water, it’s a sign of formaldehyde. Last week the European Union recalled a lot of those products because they were over the legal limit [of formaldehyde concentration]." When it comes to more permanent and expensive treatments like Japanese straightening and Thermal Reconditioning, you can expect great results but frequent touch ups. "Your hair grows in curly or wavy, but the ends are dead straight," she says. Bottom line: if you’re just going for a quick fix, get a blow out.
At home
Smoothing shampoos will get your hair slicker, and straightening products can prep your hair for heat. For a sleek look, blow dry using a large round brush, and once hair is totally dry, go over them with hot tools. "It’s so hard to get a good finish on your hair, but if you use a curling iron or a flat iron it will make your hair look shinier," says Cunningham. She feels investing in ceramic irons makes a huge difference as will using Moroccan Oil products, which work on all hair types.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)