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Self-Help News
October 2005
 

Greetings!

In this issue...

Foods to Help You Feel Fuller


Do you find yourself feeling hungry shortly after you have eaten a big meal? Maybe you should take a closer look at what you are eating instead of focusing on the amount of food you consume.

Studies have shown that certain types of food will actually make you feel full faster. By making some different choices in your meals, you may feel more satisfied as you go on through your day. Think of your body as the most valuable tool you have and choose foods that will allow it to perform optimally.

Read on..

 Stepping Out of the Shadows


Laveranues Coles, an All-Pro wide receiver for the New York Jets, made headlines recently when he revealed having been sexually abused as a young boy.

Mr. Coles spoke eloquently about the pain that the sexual abuse caused for him, and made references to the professional help he received that played a role in his recovery. Although he said that he has been able to put the abuse behind him, he indicated that there are still times when the subject resurfaces and there is a need to talk about it again. He also pointed out that denial holds us back as a society from acknowledging the full scope of this problem.

Read on...

 Minimize Stress by Getting a Jump on the Holidays


The holidays will be here before you know it. Here are some steps you can take now to make them a little less stressful:

Start holiday shopping now. Avoid the crowds and watch for sales.

Buy gifts in bulk. If you find a unique or fun gift, consider picking up a few.

Hang outdoor holiday lights now, especially if the weather is warmer, so all you need to do is plug them in when the time comes. (Be sure to test the lights first!)

Read on...

Ask Dr. B: Concern About Nephew's Twitching


Dear Dr. B.:
My ten year old nephew is really twitchy. Sometimes he will get into blinking, rolling his eyes, or shaking his head, and will do it for weeks. Other times he will do things with his tongue, or make the same sound over and over again. My sister and brother-in-law are at their wits’ end. They have tried everything, including punishment and time out, but he keeps doing these things. His younger sister who is five, has had a few serious medical problems, but is fine now. Do you think this is my nephew’s way of getting attention for himself? Or is he just a nervous kid?

- Richard W.

Read on...

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Foods to Help You Feel Fuller


Do you find yourself feeling hungry shortly after you have eaten a big meal? Maybe you should take a closer look at what you are eating instead of focusing on the amount of food you consume.

Studies have shown that certain types of food will actually make you feel full faster. By making some different choices in your meals, you may feel more satisfied as you go on through your day. Think of your body as the most valuable tool you have and choose foods that will allow it to perform optimally.

The Benefits of Fiber

One of the reasons that fruits and vegetables are a good choice in your diet is that they contain so much water and fiber, resulting in you feeling fuller faster. Try adding an additional piece of fruit or vegetable to your meal rather than concentrating on cutting back on calories. Whenever possible, add fiber, which provides slow-release energy to get you through the day. Choose whole wheat bread and cereal to sustain you until your next meal.

Don’t Forget Protein

Foods high in protein will also make you feel fuller longer. You don’t have to cut out carbohydrates completely. Try adding peanut butter to your bagel in the morning. Small snacks during the day that include high protein foods may also help keep the hunger away. Try to avoid traditional high sugar snacks. Instead, try cheese, protein bars, or fruit.

Foods to Avoid

Everyone knows that sugar filled snacks and fatty foods are not good for you, but there is another reason to limit these types of food. They are not efficient sources of energy and will not fill you up for long. Stay away from empty calories in soda or juice, which also only provide a temporary fullness. Try a glass of low-fat milk (even chocolate) and you will stay satiated longer.

Finally, it is important to learn to listen to your body and stop eating when you feel satisfied not when you are full. When you are finished eating, your stomach should feel good, not uncomfortable. Be good to your body when it comes to the food choices you make and it will do great things for you!

By Barbara McGill

Top of newsletter

 Stepping Out of the Shadows


Laveranues Coles, an All-Pro wide receiver for the New York Jets, made headlines recently when he revealed having been sexually abused as a young boy.

Mr. Coles spoke eloquently about the pain that the sexual abuse caused for him, and made references to the professional help he received that played a role in his recovery. Although he said that he has been able to put the abuse behind him, he indicated that there are still times when the subject resurfaces and there is a need to talk about it again. He also pointed out that denial holds us back as a society from acknowledging the full scope of this problem.

Like many children, Mr. Coles was abused by someone close to him – in this case by his step-father. Once he disclosed the abuse, his mother took immediate steps to protect him, divorcing her husband and seeking out treatment for her son. Unfortunately, not all children are as fortunate. Some never find a way to disclose the abuse, while tragically, others reveal the abuse but are not believed or adequately protected by the adults in their lives

While some entertainers and professional athletes seem to use their celebrity status only for selfish purposes, there are also those who, like Mr. Coles, try to use the platform they have to make a real difference in people’s lives. He said that he was making this information public in the hopes that it might help other children who are being abused to come forward for help. I believe that his actions will have such an impact.

Many people, particularly boys and male adolescents, look upon a star athlete as the embodiment of strength, courage, and masculinity. Mr. Coles has set a wonderful example for them – and all of us - to emulate. He has shown true fearlessness when it really counts, and in doing so, has offered comfort and hope to many victims of sexual abuse, young and old alike.

By Richard Bedrosian, Ph.D.

Top of newsletter

  Minimize Stress by Getting a Jump on the Holidays


The holidays will be here before you know it. Here are some steps you can take now to make them a little less stressful:

Start holiday shopping now. Avoid the crowds and watch for sales.

Buy gifts in bulk. If you find a unique or fun gift, consider picking up a few.

Hang outdoor holiday lights now, especially if the weather is warmer, so all you need to do is plug them in when the time comes. (Be sure to test the lights first!)

Take photos for greeting cards and have them printed now.

Suggest picking names among family members, relatives, friends, and co-workers, so that it will not be necessary to buy gifts for everyone.

Consider charitable options. Choose to donate to a favorite charity in lieu of giving gifts - especially for adults.

By Caren Kenney

Top of newsletter

Ask Dr. B: Concern About Nephew's Twitching


Dear Dr. B.:

My ten year old nephew is really twitchy. Sometimes he will get into blinking, rolling his eyes, or shaking his head, and will do it for weeks. Other times he will do things with his tongue, or make the same sound over and over again. My sister and brother-in-law are at their wits’ end. They have tried everything, including punishment and time out, but he keeps doing these things. His younger sister who is five, has had a few serious medical problems, but is fine now. Do you think this is my nephew’s way of getting attention for himself? Or is he just a nervous kid?

- Richard W.

Dear Richard,

Your nephew sounds like he is experiencing motor and vocal tics. These tics are often interpreted by lay people and even some healthcare professionals, as symptoms of stress or anxiety. However, the kinds of tics your nephew is experiencing may more likely reflect an underlying neurological disorder, such as Tourette Syndrome. His parents should ask his pediatrician to refer him for a thorough evaluation by a pediatric neurologist, preferably one who specializes in “movement disorders”. While they are waiting for the evaluation, they may also want to contact the Tourette Syndrome Association (http://www.tsa-usa.org/ ), which is a great source of support and information on tic disorders.

Dr. Richard Bedrosian is a clinical psychologist, president and founder of MySelfHelp.com, Associate in Psychiatry at the University of Massachusetts Medical School, and author of “Treating Family of Origin Problems: A Cognitive Approach”.

Send your questions for Dr. B. to info@myselfhelp.com. You will remain anonymous if your question is printed in an upcoming newsletter.

Top of newsletter

New Program to Help You Cope with Grief

The new Coping with Grief program is now available from MySelfHelp.com. This interactive, online program provides comfort and support for those struggling with the loss of a loved one. Interactive exercises teach new strategies for coping with the challenges of these difficult times.

The program was developed through a grant from the National Institute on Aging, part of the National Institute of Health, and helps you:

  • Overcome misconceptions about grief
  • Accept and express your emotions
  • Use your support system more effectively
  • Find positive ways of remembering your loved one
  • Learn strategies for handling difficult days

Learn More

 

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