What is the Future of Global Health Care in 2012: Global Health Care is on the Upswing

Global health care is on the upswing, although there are those who may not see it that way. Gloom and doom predictions are always a part of the larger picture, when there are predictions about the future. This is also true in the realm of global health care.

The nature of global health care reveals some major implications for the year 2012. While it is impossible to predict exactly what will happen, the outcome is relatively obvious to a discerning eye.   

Many things appear promising in terms of helping to meet the needs of people with respect to global health care associated with other expressions of humanitarian care, concern and compassion.

There are also major changes happening in global health care. For example, the word medical tourism refers to the growing practice of medical care across national and international borders. 

Imminent health care concerns for 2012 include:

The rapidly growing world population
The rising cost of global health care
The ongoing global economic recession
The increasing number of homeless people 
The unpredictability of natural disasters

On the other hand, there are positive aspects to global health care for the year 2012. 

Some of these include:  

Improved medical-health care relief and management in disaster areas   
Increased awareness of the need for immunization and disease prevention
Advancing Internet technology with improved health care communication
Expanding horizons of academic research and education in health care   
Growing health care product production, marketing and availability
Increased global networking of health care professionals
Improved global heath care facilities
Ongoing global health care reform 
Growing awareness of health care needs for people everywhere
Improved delivery of health care services

To keep health care in its proper perspective in the year 2012 is extremely important for everyone.

Gloom and doom thinkers will continually focus on the negative aspects of global health and enlarge the negative in such a way that there is an ever-increasing attitude of helplessness and hopelessness.

On the other hand, those who take a positive approach to global health care in the year 2012, will continue to work towards what appears to be possible.

The appropriate allocation of available funding in terms of health care is important for the year 2012. Philanthropic humanitarian projects may continue to meet some of the other, unexpected health care needs in this regard.

Next time you look at the word impossibility, imagine the little imp that is always negating the positive.

Possibility is a mindset that allows room for growth, achievements, advances, progress and innovative new developments. It offers hope for positive changes in the health care system in the year 2012. Global care, concern and compassion prevail with respect to achievers who seek to bring about the fulfillment of their dreams.

How to Find a Job After a Long Illness: Addressing a Health Issue

Be optimistic, as finding a job after a long illness is possible.

“The Chronicle of Philanthropy”suggests,  “To improve your chances with a prospective employer, try simply stating in your cover letter that you used the time off to "successfully address a health issue…be factual and succinct, and assure the employer of your ability to do the work."

You might also consider the following tips regarding potential employment, after a long illness.

Discuss your return to work with your physician.  

Be honest with your doctor. He or she may have higher expectations than you have with respect to the likelihood of you being able to return to work. It is important to talk to him or her about any potential plans you are making for finding a job. Your doctor should be able to verify your ability to function in the required capacity of your previous job or advise you to seek employment in another capacity because of your health status.    

Be realistic about your current employment potential. 

You are the person who understands your employment potential in the light of your long illness, best. You know your current strengths and your weaknesses. You are also aware of what you are able to do versus what seems too difficult for you to tackle. Be honest with yourself and others, particularly potential employers.

Are you afraid to try to find a job? 

Do you hate rejection? Remember that fear can be a major obstacle after a long illness. You may have to face those fears head on, in order to overcome them. Keep a positive attitude regardless. You will find a job if you are serious about getting one.      

Check first and see if your previous job is still available. 

This is a good place to begin job seeking, as you are familiar with it. It may still be available depending upon the job description, your ability to work and the compassion of your previous employer. He or she may offer you employment in a different capacity. Perhaps he or she may also have suggestions about other departments or appropriate places where you can work. You may need to seek employment elsewhere depending upon your current health status. Do not be afraid to change occupations. 

Prepare your resume carefully. 

As you begin to plan to return to work, draw up a resume that accurately reflects your previous academic, employment and skills-related experience. Include any recent skills or training you have acquired during your illness. You may use references from anyone you have been in contact with during that time, for example, health care professionals or volunteer agencies. 

Be prepared to answer employer questions about your long illness. 

Employers may want to ask you about the period of time you have been unemployed because of your illness, so be prepared to answer questions related to it, honestly. Going into detail about your illness is probably not necessary.   

Begin updating your existing employment skills. 

You probably have an idea of what you want to do in terms of a job, but you may not necessarily have the required skills. Do online research in terms of the job skills and retraining programs. You may be able to train on a job or it may be necessary to upgrade at a local college.

Consider making your new career one related to your current passions or hobbies.

Do research regarding job availability in interesting, different or unusual employment opportunities. 

Your previous education, training and experience may be sufficient for you to qualify for a higher level of employment. It may be just a matter of job availability. Consider moving to another area of employment or a different region for employment if necessary. Sometimes starting fresh in a new area is an excellent idea.        

Be aware that persistence is the key to finding employment so stay positive. 

It is not always easy to find employment after a long illness, as some employers may be skeptical about your ability to work. It may be necessary for you to accept part time work rather than full time employment, at least for a while. Employers will likely request a doctor’s certificate and may require you to take tests in certain areas to ensure that you can work safely on a job. They may also offer upgrading programs for which you qualify. 

Remember that currently, there is a high level of unemployment and that finding a new job may not be easy. 

Keep your options open. 

Be willing to try a new job even though it may be different or have a lower salary. It may have other benefits. Taking that first step may be the most difficult. Luck is a factor in job seeking, and you may just be lucky. Your illness may prove to be the best thing that ever happened to you in terms of getting a better job or a promotion.   

How to Rectify Relationship Problems With Family Members: Are You an Active Listener?

“Rectifying family relationships with family members, “ ERICDigest.org suggests often presents a challenge. 

Ideally, there should be no relationship problems in families, but unfortunately, in a less than ideal world, every family has relationship problems between family members. Many of the family problems may be suppressed, hidden or less apparent, while some are immediately obvious.  

At times, there is a communication breakdown and relationships can be restored using good listening techniques.   

“Listening techniques including restatement of content, reflection of feelings, taking turns expressing feelings, and nonjudgmental brainstorming are some of the methods utilized in communication skill building.”

Rectifying more serious family relationship problems is possible too, but it takes time and concerted effort on the part of everyone. Be aware not everyone in a family necessarily wants to rectify family problems. In fact, some family members prefer not to do so, because it may mean accepting responsibility as a family member, assisting other family members financially or otherwise being there for them and perhaps wasting their own valuable time. 

Remember that every family member lives in a busy world.        

Consider the following tips with respect to how to rectify relationship problems with family members.

Family is family. 

Remember that each person in a family is a unique individual who needs and wants the love of other family members. Let family members know that you love them unconditionally, regardless of past or present family relationship problems. Mutual forgiveness goes a long way in terms of restoring family relationships.   

Give family members enough time and space to resolve their own personal issues and concerns. You may need some time and space to identify the source of the family relationship problems. Be aware you are not necessarily the problem. In fact, the problem might not have anything to do with you. If you think you might be the problem, or the cause of family relationship problems, offer an apology. It may or may not be accepted. Do not be offended if your apology is not accepted. Some family members may acknowledge it, while others never acknowledge it.

Do not try to be the fixer-upper in all problematic, family relationship scenarios. You may only make matters worse for them and for yourself. Family members may see it as you meddling in their personal affairs, even if that is not your intention. Any family members involved in excessive nicotine, alcohol or substance abuse will likely not respond to attempts at resolution of family relationship problems, because addiction is central in their lives. Sibling rivalry and family jealousy may be difficult to overcome.

Spend quality time with family members when possible, setting a good example of peace and harmony for them. Gifts, even small ones, can go a long way in terms of mending relationship tears. Try to maintain a positive, constructive and motivational attitude towards what family members are attempting to do or are doing.

Avoid negative criticism of your children and grandchildren, as well as others. Find something positive to dwell on instead. Do not waste your time or energy on anger, rehashing the past with siblings or making unreasonable demands on family members, particularly financial ones. Family events are not the time for anyone to create more problems.

Listen closely to what family members are saying, being aware that the actual, relationship problems may not be what you are hearing or seeing.

Pay close attention to the needs and desires of family members. You may be able to help them, but do not try to force your help on them. At times, it is wiser to let them come to you and ask for help. When that happens and it will eventually, be available to them. You may be able to clarify misunderstandings, or gently bridge the existing gaps between family members.

At times, if you recognize the family relationship problems are out of your realm, it is a better idea to send them or take them to their family doctor or to a professional, health care counselor. Even then, rectifying relationship problems with family members may take time, so have patience. 

Understanding Your Genetic Structure in Relation to That of Your Siblings: Gene Tracking, A Pathway of the Future

Are the genes of siblings related? Understanding the genetic structure of siblings presents a challenge, as is comprehending your own genetic structure.

“Do my sister and I have the same genes? How can this be possible if the color of our eyes is different? We do look alike in some other ways.” 

In this particular instance, a young man wants to know if his genetic structure is identical to or different from that of his sister because other than the color of their eyes,  their photographs reveal other, distinct similarities in appearance. 

A basic explanation of genes, genotypes, gene structure and genetic mapping will help to answer his questions and some of yours. 

What are genes?

MedlinePlus offers some basic information about genes.

“A gene is a short piece of DNA, which tells the body how to build a specific protein. There are approximately 30,000 genes in each cell of the human body. The combination of all genes makes up the blueprint for the human body and its functions.”

What is a genotype?

“A person's genetic makeup is called a genotype.”

Discussing genetic structure further may help to answer more questions.

“Genes are located on strands of DNA, just like beads on a string. The DNA strands make up the chromosomes. Chromosomes contain matching pairs of one copy of a specific gene. The gene occurs in the same position on each chromosome.”

Chromosomes, like sex chromosomes that determine gender, come from the parents of siblings. For example,

“In females, one sex chromosome gets its gene from the mother; the other matching sex chromosome has the gene from the father. In males, a single X chromosome comes from the mother and a non-matching Y chromosome comes from the father.”

Genes control traits that are evident in siblings, for example, their eye color.

“Dominant traits are controlled by one gene in the pair. Recessive traits require both genes in the pair to work together to control the trait.”

Thus, in siblings, including yours, there may be similarities or differences in eye color, but these traits are not inherited from each other or transferred in any way from one to the other. One sibling can inherit blue eyes, which is a dominant trait and the other brown eyes, as a recessive trait. For example, a male sibling may have blue eyes similar to those of his mother, while the female sibling has brown eyes similar to those of her father.

Note that genetic structure does not just involve the parents of siblings, as there are grandparents, great-grandparents, etc. many generations back, to consider. Like the siblings, each parent or grandparent is born with a unique, blue print that has specific, unique traits that siblings can inherit from their parents. Siblings do not necessarily inherit the same trait.  

Gene tracking enables one to follow genetic similarities and differences in genetic structure from generation to generation. On the other hand, genome mapping involves creating a genetic map that designates or assigns DNA to a specific chromosome. This is currently proving to be useful in terms of ongoing medical research. 

Genome mapping is a relatively new science open to further discovery with respect to anyone seriously interested in finding more answers related to the genetic structure of siblings or desiring to pursue the study of genetics further.

Siblings born of the same parents can have a similar genetic structure, but many questions remain unanswered with respect to the relationship of genetic structure in siblings.

The Importance of Confidentiality Training in the Work Place: Confidentiality Works in Two Directions

Confidentiality training in the workplace is vital. Non-disclosure of information to unauthorized individuals is a basic principle of confidentiality. This is something employers have to practice and employees have to learn, wherever they work.Confidentiality works in two different directions, that of the employer and also that of the employee.

It is important because a breach in confidentiality by an employee can result in serous problems, including his or her instant dismissal. Employees expect confidentiality from their employers. Confidentiality becomes even more important when it comes to medical ethics, research and bioethics.

Dictionary.com suggests confidentiality is “the principle in medical ethics that the information a patient reveals to a health care provider is private and has limits on how and when it can be disclosed to a third party.”

Imagine the distress of a dying patient when his or her personal information and medical history, suddenly appears on the Internet. That should not happen regardless of who the health care provider is for this particular patient. Inappropriate disclosure of medical information, constituting a breach in confidentiality, may have severe consequences adversely affecting other family members. A breach of confidentiality can result in a serious lawsuit in the medical realm.

A breach in confidentiality has implications in other areas because confidentiality implies “the nondisclosure of information except to another authorized person”. There are times when disclosure of information to others is appropriate and essential. For example, a physician has to refer his or her patient to a specialist. Disclosed medical information leads to more advanced medical care. 

In the realm of scientific research, confidentiality implies “protection of study participants such that an individual participant’s identity cannot be linked to the information provided to the researcher and is never publicly divulged.”

For instance, genetic research may reveal personal information a person may not wish to have disclosed to others. For example, a young man learns who his real father is, but does not want other family members to have information that would disclose the reality of his heritage.        

“A substantive rule in bioethics saying that the information a patient reveals to a health care provider is private and has limits on how and when it can be disclosed to a third party; usually the provider must obtain permission from the patient to make such a disclosure.”

Even in non-professional employment circles, confidentiality is an important aspect of employee training. 

Every job description contains some element of confidentiality and non-disclosure to protect the company or organization, as well as the employer. For example, a company bookkeeper and accountant will have access to the financial records of a company, but others do not. It is not pubic knowledge and may affect the company’s future.

Employee’s personal information only goes to authorized individuals, so confidentiality works in the employee’s favor too.  

In every workplace, employees receive training with respect to maintaining confidentiality. Adherence to basic principles of confidentiality by employers and employees is vital.

Healthy Weight Loss For Men: Do You Know Your BMI?

Men who take the time to learn how to lose weight in a healthy manner, have a distinct advantage over those who do not, particularly in terms of their physical attractiveness and sexual appeal. Losing weight is beneficial to men in terms of maintaining their heart health, as well as an important determining factor in longevity. 

Employers prefer to hire men who lose weight, thereby increasing their level of productivity. The image a man projects by his weight is important to him, his wife and family, his peers and his employer. Some men lose weight purely for cosmetic reasons. Weight loss can also be for medical purposes, for example, pending surgery.

With these thoughts in mind, consider the four following healthy weight loss tips for men:

Begin with a physical examination:

Men contemplating healthy weight loss should undergo a physical examination by a physician or other health care professional, in order to determine whether a weight loss is appropriate or necessary.  

Body mass index:

What is a BMI calculation and why is it important? 

“Body Mass Index (BMI) is a simple index of weight-for-height that is commonly used to classify underweight, overweight and obesity in adults. It is defined as the weight in kilograms divided by the square of the height in meters(kg/m2).”

The calculation of a man’s BMI is beneficial in terms of establishing an ideal, as well as setting a healthy weight loss goal for men. While many men do not see the merit of a BMI calculation, it is a global health standard established for men, as well as for women. The relationship of weight and height is equally important for both genders.

Exercise and level of physical activity:

One cannot underestimate the merit of exercise and physical activity when it comes to weight loss for men. Each man is unique and so is his body build. Note that while many men have regular employment that entails a high level of physical activity, others do not. Men often seek to increase their level of physical activity by engaging in healthier life styles, that involves increased heavy exercise or physical activity like weight lifting, cycling, hiking, jogging, swimming or other sports activities. Each kind of exercise helps to burn calories. Some are more effective than others. Exercise and other physical activity is always a crucial factor in weight loss. Gardening, as well as doing house or yard maintenance, is a healthy way to lose weight.

Dietary management for men:

Dietary management for men is vital in terms of weight loss. Men often allow their spouses to manage their food and fluid intake, not really taking into serious consideration the reality that men themselves,. need to be in control of what they eat or drink. Eating to please someone else will not guarantee weight loss success. 

Learning to say no is vital in terms of weight loss and later, weight management for men. Remember that caloric intake is just as important as burning those excess calories later.  

These four factors, namely undergoing a physical examination, calculating your BMI in order to establish your ideal weight and set a goal for weight loss, increasing your level of exercise and physical activity, as well as appropriate dietary management, bring about effective and healthy weight loss for men.

Memory Loss in Men: Gender Differences in Memory Loss

The article, “Men's risk for memory loss may exceed women's”, published on the CBC News-Health web site, reveals some interesting research results on memory loss and men. It suggests

“Men may be at higher risk of mild memory loss as they age than women…”

If this is true, then there may be future implications for elderly individuals, couples, their families, communities and countries, as well as global concerns. At the same time, this may be nothing new or different.

Is it going to change the role and responsibility of men and women, as they age? Will it affect their health care, in any way? What about implications with respect to nursing home care availability for men or women, or housing for them?

“Those who were not married or had less education were also more likely to develop memory loss.”

A statement like this with respect to Alzheimer’s disease does not appear surprising. Mental stimulation appears to be a central factor in memory loss and retention, for both males and females.

This particular research project included men and women with symptoms of mild cognitive impairment, between the ages of 70 and 89. Dementia was not a factor in this study initially, but a larger number of men than women experienced symptoms later. There was no reference to Alzheimer’s disease in this research either, which was surprising.

Note that gender related studies on memory loss are only in their early stages. While they may have merit and probably will, does it imply serious short or long term sociological implications for the elderly, in conjunction with their gender?

There are a number of important factors to consider with respect to memory loss in men and women. Their mental, emotional, spiritual and physical health status is important when comparing the degree of memory loss between them. So is their basic DNA structure and thus, further genetic research may be indicated.      

Caution is important, too. Not all men or women fit into the same category in terms of research. In other words, with respect to race, creed and culture, there can be distinct similarities and differences that may necessitate extensive research in the field of memory loss. Note that this particular study was on people of European ancestry.

Use of alcohol, nicotine and substance abuse of any kind is an important consideration when comparing memory loss between men and women. Appropriate dietary management and an increased level of physical activity appear to make a difference in terms of preventing memory loss with both genders.      

What men choose to remember or focus on in terms of memory may differ from that of women. This may also vary from year to year in terms of importance, as they age. In other words, the area of testing for men and women with respect to memory loss may need to be different.

One must suggest that the greater the memory bank that has been compiled over a man’s lifetime, the longer it will take to unravel. The same is true of women. In other words, memory loss may be different.

Gender bias in memory loss research could alter results and color conclusions. In other words, men might prefer to sway research in favor of men, while women might sway it in terms of women, even though ethical research methodology should not allow gender bias.  

Another word of caution is in order with respect to drawing conclusions in respect to memory loss in men and women. Globally, the lives and roles of men differ from those of women, and the emphasis placed upon different aspects of memory loss varies considerably, as well. Premature conclusions are possible, but at the same time, any research may reveal an alarming trend. Preventative measures are important. Will they differ with gender?

This time, at least in this study on memory loss, women fared better. That may not happen in the next study depending upon its focus.

Understanding Depression: Recognizing the Difference Between Depression and Depressive Illness

Understanding the nature of depression as opposed to depressive illness is vital when it comes to being supportive of a friend with depression.  

For example, a university friend, Marilee, was normally busy, active and happy. Over a period of several weeks, she gradually became quiet, contemplative and increasingly reluctant to participate in class projects or extra-curricular activities. She seemed to wear an aura of sadness, was tearful at times, but seemed well, otherwise. Her friend, Margaret became increasingly concerned about her, realizing that there was a problem. This was not normal behavior for Marilee, who did not want to talk about whatever was happening in her life.

Was Marilee depressed or did she have a depressive illness?

Knowing Marilee well, Margaret decided that being her friend would be the best way to help her. She was determined to be there for her and hoped Marilee’s depression would pass in the near future.   

The Public Health Agency of Canada suggests that depression and depressive illness differ, stating that  

“Problems and misfortunes are a part of life. Everyone experiences unhappiness, and many people may become depressed temporarily…”

Note the use of the word, temporarily. Perhaps that is the key to understanding how to support a friend with depression. You, like Margaret, can be there, at least for a while, for a friend who seems to be depressed. 

While it may be time consuming for you to be a friend, it is effective in terms of supporting a friend with depression.

Note some of the other key aspects to supporting a depressed friend.  

Margaret began to search for answers, because she suspected something has happened to Marilee recently. She was right, but she did not learn the truth until much later.

Life events often trigger depression.

Margaret suspected that Marilee’s depression was the direct result of some event in her life that she could not or would not talk about, at this time. She decided to be gentle and kind with her, leaving the door open for Marilee to discuss what had happened. She knew that Marilee would do the same for her. Her listening skills were relatively good and there was no rush.    

“Experiences in failure commonly result in temporary feelings of worthlessness and self-blame, while losses cause feelings of sadness, disappointment and emptiness.”

While failure brings about negative or adverse feelings, as it is not easy to deal with, but these emotions are temporary, too.

Over the next few weeks, Margaret made a point of inviting Marilee to share her thoughts, over lunch. She decided not to pry into Marilee’s personal affairs. Instead, she chose to do random acts of kindness for her. This seemed to work, as it gradually brought Margaret out of her state of depression.          

“Such feelings are normal, and they usually pass after a short time. This is not the case with depressive illness.” 

Note that Margaret did not make any inference to Marilee or others, about the possibility of her having a long-term, mood disorder or depressive illness. In fact, she avoided doing that, hoping that it would only be a matter of time before Marilee became her normal self again.

Time is a great healer of wounds and this seemed to work. Marilee gradually returned to being her busy, active and happy self.

Years later, Marilee thanked her for being her friend during that difficult time and explained what had happened to her.

“That was when I learned about my birth mother for the first time, but I could not bring myself to share it with you then.”

Learning the truth had given her a sense of loss with respect to her birth mother, but also triggered feelings that she needed to deal with in respect to her adoptive mother. Having sorted out her mixed feelings, she was able to share them with Margaret, but only much later. After giving birth to her own daughter, Marilee knew that every birth mother loves her baby and that it is possible to have an adoptive mother who loves you too.

Note that this was a temporary depression, not a depressive illness which would have required professional medical treatment. Margaret proved to be a supportive friend to Marilee during her difficult time.

  

Substance Abuse and Children as Drug Addicts: Responsible Parenting in Foster Homes

With respect to substance abuse in any family and possible substance abuse by children in a family, child welfare and safety are paramount.

The article entitled, “Effects of parental substance abuse on children and families” suggests that prevention of addiction and the survival of children exposed to substance abuse often entails “adaptive distancing, a technique in which the child separates from the centrifugal pull of family problems in order to maintain pursuits and seek fulfillment in life, school and friendships.”

There is no question that substance abuse creates major, sociological problems, as well as potential mental, emotional and physical problems for children. Their general health and well-being must be a primary concern.

While it may not appear to be the intention of any specific family member to harm another family member, particularly a child, substance abuse entails addiction and is more serious than most addicts realize. 

Substance abuse by parents or other family members may result in children becoming substance abusers. They may wind up trafficking unknowingly, because of the example set by parents or other family members. With persuasion from them and others, children learn marketing strategies and begin to sell various kinds of street drugs, not realizing the seriousness or implications of what they are doing.

Exposure to various kinds of substance abuse on a regular basis leads to serious, health-related problems, as well as the likelihood of childhood addiction.

Consider this example.

Marita is a five-year old child living with her forty-year old mother. The child’s father and grandparents, as well as numerous other family members of different ages, visit them regularly. Some are teenagers who use various kinds of substances while babysitting Marita. Everyone in the family drinks in excess, smokes and uses street drugs. So do many of their friends, also of various ages.

Marita’s mother only has sporadic work at a local tavern and difficulty earning enough income to keep a roof over their heads, as well as feed and clothe her young daughter. She is addicted to street drugs. On the side, she is bootlegging alcohol, cigarettes and various substances to supplement her sparse income. People of all ages come and go from their home known as the party place, at all hours of the night.  

The health problems for her daughter, Marita are complex. She appears pale, thin and malnourished and is confused, disoriented and weak, at times. Marita has to breathe whatever substance those looking after her are smoking, as well as continual, second hand smoke from her mother’s cigarettes, when she is at home. Over time, Marita becomes sicker and sicker, suffering with repeated bouts or respiratory illness including infections, croup and bouts of asthma. She spends a lot of time in the hospital.

An altercation between Marita’s mother and one of her clients results in violence, a visit from the police, as well as a court order for permanent placement of Marita in a foster home.

Marita immediately tries to get her foster parents to purchase street drugs for her, arguing that she has to have her medicine. “I love it,” insists Marita. “I always get it when my mom sleeps in the daytime.” Marita suggests to her foster parents that her mother can provide smokes and booze for them, too. “No offer is ever turned down by my mom. Sometimes, it is free.”

Her foster parents are appalled as Marita is a child who is obviously addicted to something, as well as trafficking for her mother. They have no idea how much alcohol or what other harmful substances have been part of her past life.

Understanding the nature of substance abuse enables proper parenting, including the safety and protection of children. While it is a difficult decision for the courts to make, at times, removing a child from that kind of an environment enables a child to have a safe and healthy life and thus, proves to be the best possible decision they can make.

The Correlation Between Dysfunctional Families and Substance Abuse: Combating Sustance Abuse and Restoration of Dysfunctional Families

A global increase in substance abuse heralds an increase in the number of dysfunctional families. While there are those who are attempting to combat the rapid spread of substance abuse, others perceive trafficking as a potential source of income. The correlation between dysfunctional families and substance abuse is growing increasingly obvious.

For anyone caught up in this kind of a scenario, an article entitled, “Overcoming Drug Addiction: Drug Abuse Treatment, Recovery, and Help” suggests

“Consider the things that are important to you, such as your partner, your kids, your career, or your health. How does your drug use affect those things?”

Ask yourself, how much can you afford to lose?

Any individual, couple or family can become a potential target for addiction. Smokers and their children are particularly vulnerable. Substance abuse addiction starts easily with enticement, increasing pressure to conform and the availability of various kinds of addicting substances.

How does addiction work?

An addicting substance introduced into the human body immediately creates the need for more. The difficulty with addiction is that more becomes a relentless demand for more and more. Its highs may appear to be a feel good scenario, but its lows are not. Any attempt to quit or withdraw, creates symptoms demanding satiation, as the human body is continually demanding more of that addictive substance.

Individuals, couples and families, knowingly and unknowingly, sacrifice their lives, health and status in a community, in order to meet the growing need that addiction demands. The sociological implications of substance abuse are horrendous, as financial demands to pay for substances of various kinds take priority over basic needs of individual, couples and families.

Subversive and serious criminal activity related to substance abuse use and trafficking can result in radical changes that destroy families and communities, en masse.

Consider this example. A young, innocent teenager in a community obtains various kinds of substance to which he or she becomes addicted. He or she involves other teens. No one in the family is aware of what is happening until the police become involved after the teens break into a store and steal money to obtain the illegal substance to which they have all become addicted.

While initially, this is appears to be one individual living a life based on the pleasure principle, his or her friends, siblings, as well as other family and community members wind up being involved, much to their dismay. 

Break and entry, theft or other kinds of criminal activity become the source of income to feed the individual’s habit, but wind up destroying lives, marriages and other familial relationships, at the same time.

A change in work ethics of formerly responsible individuals to being irresponsible individuals results in high levels of poverty in many communities. Marriages break up. Childcare suffers as parents seek only to please themselves. Their children have to fend for themselves, find food, clothing and shelter on their own. Parents and others may use children to further their trafficking.  

There is no end to the kinds of tragic scenarios that result from substance abuse that spreads like wildfire from one individual to families and then, throughout a community.

Overcoming substance abuse addiction with restoration of dysfunction families is possible with proper guidance from addiction counselors, but many times, individuals, couples and families find themselves at the bottom of the pit, or the end of the rope, before they seek assistance. Depression, suicide and mental illness run rampant where there is substance abuse. Dysfunctional families prevail.

Being aware of the serious nature of substance abuse addiction and its relationship to dysfunctional families is the first step towards the actualization of effective treatment. From then on, deciding to take action to end substance abuse is a pro-active way to regain control of one’s life. Even one individual, couple or family in a community, taking a stand against substance abuse can make a huge difference in terms of dysfunctional families.

What Are the Major Obstacles to Weight Loss? Persistence Pays Off

Weight loss requires emotional involvement and personal commitment. Not only does a person’s physical image differ when undergoing weight loss or after he or she has lost weight, but also his or her thoughts, feelings and emotional reactions to losing weight or having lost weight may change, too.

“Experts estimate that 75% of overeating is caused by emotions.”

There is a huge gamut of emotions that include love and hate, fear, joy and sorrow that are instrumental in how a person perceives his or her own weight or weight loss.

Assuming control of one’s life and thus, one’s weight, means establishing and maintaining priorities in spite of any possible emotions that can create potential obstacles associated with weight loss.

Love and hate 

Love is central to the emotions associated with weight loss. Setting one’s priorities properly involves loving the divine, others and oneself. Most people trying to lose weight know that it is difficult to do particularly on one’s own. The emotional wrestling and inner turmoil can be horrendous.

Finding strength and courage in the love of the divine, helps overcome emotional obstacles like self-hatred.

Loving others gives added incentive for weight loss, as well as for later weight loss management, because it takes the focus off self or one’s ego. Wanting to please others who you love is a good reason to lose weight. 

Love of oneself acts as an additional incentive. Many overweight people hate themselves and their image to varying degrees, but drag their feet instead of doing something about it.        

Coupled with love in its complexity, diversity and multiplicity of expression, there is care, concern and compassion for oneself and others that all play an important role in weight loss. These can help to counter any possible emotional obstacles that might interfere with or prevent weight loss.    

Fear

Fear is a major obstacle in tackling weight loss, as failure is a possibility. Overcoming fear of failure is never easy especially, if it is associated with possible rejection. Unanticipated fears can arise, like “What if I cannot lose enough weight?” or “What if I don’t like the way I look after I have lost weight?”

Add to that, the question of “What if my parents or boyfriend don’t like the way I look?” There is also the likelihood that they will love the way you look.

Fear of possible illness associated with sudden, or drastic weight loss can be an obstacle and professional medical guidance in accordance with one’s body mass index (BMI) is a good idea.

Joy and sorrow

There is a certain amount of joy and sorrow associated with weight loss, joy in terms of success and sorrow in terms of possible or actual failure. To someone who is positive, proactive and constructive, no matter how often he or she fails there is always the possibility of success in the future.

Even though weight loss may appear to be an emotional struggle, persistence pays off and it does have its rewards. The joys of weight loss far outweigh the sorrows associated with the ongoing struggle to lose weight.