Ways to Help Cope With Social Anxiety

Posted on June 19, 2015 by Patricia Thao

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Being in a social environment can be daunting and very uncomfortable to many people. It is a problem that many of us face when being put an socially awkward position. Or even the thoughts of having to socialize or being in a social place can make people anxious. Some people may have social anxiety worse than others or experience it in different ways, locations, and situations.

According to http://www.webmd.com/, social anxiety or social phobia is an “anxiety disorder in which a person has an excessive and unreasonable fear of social situations. Anxiety (intense nervousness) and self-consciousness arise from a fear of being closely watched, judged, and criticized by others.” Some symptoms include:

Experiencing intense anxiety
Sweating
Increase in heart rate
Avoidance of social situations
More at -> http://www.webmd.com/

Here are some ways to help people cope with social anxiety:

Make sure to go to your doctor or local clinic to help you if you think you are experiencing social anxiety in unusual or extreme ways. If it is heavily impacting you, it would be very helpful for you to receive help and be aware of your medical condition. Ask your doctor if there is a possibility that it could be linked to another illness or a result of medications that you may be currently on.
Practice your social skills with close family, friends, and relative members. The more comfortable you are with yourself, you can start to relax and worry less. They will help you slowly communicate and adjust to social situations. Try different conversation starters, questions, and follow-up responses. Put yourself in social settings so that you can become more used to social settings.
Try to avoid thinking about what other people think about you. Whether they may or may not be judging you, you are in charge of how you feel about yourself. Concerning yourself over how you appear to others is not worth your time. Other’s judgements does not evaluate you as an individual.
Understand that you are not the only one who experience or goes through this. As part of growing up and developing, expect to be placed in weird situations, expect to be given endless criticisms, expect to have unwanted judgements, and above the all. You can’t stop it or avoid it, but you can learn and grow from it. You will eventually develop your own resilience, have thicker skin, and understand that not everyone wants to be your friend or perceive you in positive ways.
Your mental health is very important because it determines how you perceive and respond to stressful situations. Invest in some time for yourself to reorganize your thoughts, worries, goals, and such. Do little things that help make your life easier, simpler, or healthier.

AMA Radio Talk Show (2012) – Korean

Posted on June 15, 2015 by Patricia Thao

AMA Radio Talk Show – Korean

Date recorded: 2/22/2012 Wed 5:00 pm

Host: Sungho Park

Guest: InSook Jung, ChunYoung Park, KyungSoon Shin, JungHae Oh, MoonSup Kang

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Sungho (SH): Introduced self, REACH program, and Asia Media Access

InSook (IS): Introduced self – She has lived in Minnesota for 36 years and been retired.

ChunYoung (CY): Introduced self – He immigrated to Minnesota in 1936.

KyungSoon (KS): Introduced self – She has lived in Minnesota for 30 years.

JungHae (JH): Introduced self – She has lived in Minnesota for 30 years. She is a restaurant owner in downtown in Minneapolis.

MoonSup (MS): Introduced self – He has lived in the U.S for 36 years and been retired.

SH: Introduced today three questions – 1. What are the three most important factors for a healthy Korean community in Minnesota? 2. What are the three most important health issues in a Korean community in Minnesota? 3. What are the three most risky behaviors against a healthy Korean community in Minnesota?

SH: What are the three most important factors for a healthy Korean community in Minnesota?

IS: Strong family relationship, healthy life style, and religious or spiritual values are the three most important factors. Strong family relationship can improve our community in many ways like low crime rate, child education, safe neighborhoods, etc. Keeping healthy life style will be helpful for our community to become healthy. Religious values are the most important one.

SH: I agree with that strong family relationship is one of the three most important factors. When one’s home is happy, all goes well.

CY: Overall atmosphere in Minnesota is very active. Because of cold weather, Caucasian is majority in the population. There are many professional jobs in Minnesota. Many Koreans in Minnesota have professional jobs. Also, high education standard is one of characteristics of Minnesota. A good educational environment is the most important factor, too.

KS: I agree with Mrs. Jung’s opinion. Strong family relationship is important. Religious belief supports for our healthy life. Korean church is supporting immigrants to be adapted to the U.S. Healthy life style will be built in a way volunteering to community and caring other neighborhoods by a religious belief.

MS: The most important thing is to understand a culture of America and social system. Since there are many difference between the cultures in Korea and America, understanding them will be very helpful for us to be adapted in the U.S. Also, solving language problem will help since it is much effective way to understand the America culture by learning the language.

SH: We can think religious belief, strong family relationship, and understanding America culture are the three most important factors for a healthy Korean community in Minnesota.

SH: Are you satisfied with the health care system in Korean community?

SH: Student insurance does not cover many common health problems like dental problems.

JH: Costs of a private health insurance are high. Some of Koreans are still working to pay their health insurance. We have a private health insurance before 65 years. We need to have a solution for this.

BREAK

SH: Welcome back to our discussion. We start at the second question. What are the three most health issues in a Korean community in Minnesota?

MS: Many Koreans usually do not exercise. This life style will cause high blood pressure and cardiac disorders.

SH: I think regular exercise is very important. When I regularly exercised, I felt less fatigue.

CY: Because of cold weather in Minnesota, there are many winner sport events. However, many Koreans do not participate.

IS: There are many fitness centers in Minnesota. Our environmental conditions for exercise are good. Therefore, their will of exercise is important.

SH: The health issue that is the most important in the Korean community was health problem caused by lack of exercise.

SH: What detail efforts do you think that can improve community health?

IS: We can make an exercise group or regular meeting. Every one encourages each other. Also, if there is someone who can lead the exercise group or meeting, it will be better.

SH: I heard annually there is a Korea shorts event in Minnesota. It is a great way to encourage people to exercise.

MS: However, only few people participate in the event. Many people do not participate. This is a problem. Although we make many sports events, only few people will participate. We need more participation. I think generally Koreans do not tend to participate in public events. To encourage people to participate, we need to make our events more interesting and well-prepared.

SH: We can think health problems associated with lack of exercise. As a solution, we can organize exercise group or make regular meetings for exercise. To encourage people to participate in the events, the agency needs to make well-prepared and interesting sports events.

BREAK

SH: We are back. Welcome back to our discussion. What are the three most risky behaviors against a healthy Korean community in Minnesota?

JH: Bad eating habits and lack of exercise are the most risky behaviors against a healthy Korean community in Minnesota. In my case, sometime I skip meals and overeat at late night since I am very busy on my business. I know exercise is important and I need to exercise, but it is difficult to afford my time for exercise. I think if we work together like in a group and encourage each other, it help improve our health.

KS: I think exercising together is a good idea. After exercising, I feel less fatigue. Our family try to eat healthy foods like fruits and vegetables.

SH: I agree with that these two behaviors are the most risky behaviors against a healthy Korean community in Minnesota. I want to add another factor. Smoking might be one of the most risky behaviors. Surprisingly many students are smoking while few seniors and middle-aged males are smoking. It is a problem since the students will be following generation in the Korean community. What efforts do we think that can reduce the smoking population?

JH: Smoking is addiction. Their will of quitting smoking is more important than social regulations. Despite of very cold weather, many heavy smokers smoke outside since they cannot smoke inside a building.

SH: I think so. In my school, there are many programs for quitting smoking. However, very few smokers participate.

IS: Also, there are some gamble problems. I was some of cases. Some people have gambling debts and some of them are in bankruptcy.

SH: How do we prevent and solve these problems? Can you educate them?

IS: We already have the program for quitting smoking and gamble problems, but they do not participate in those programs.

MS: We really need their participation. Moreover, we need to get their interest.

IS: Currently, there is no specialist for these matters. If there are enough specialists who can make more effective program, it will be really helpful. We need them.

SH: Okay, that sounds like the biggest reason is their will. Bad eating habit, lack of exercise, smoking, and gamble problems are caused by lack of their will. Also, as the solution and prevention, we think making programs for these problems with specialists in those fields.

SH: We discussed today all questions and could see that religious belief, strong family life, and understanding America culture are the three most important factors for a healthy Korean community in Minnesota. Also, the most important health issue in the community was health problems associated with lack of exercise. As a solution, we can organize exercise group or make regular meetings for exercise. To encourage people to participate in the events, the agency needs to make well-prepared and interesting sports events. From the third question, we could know bad eating habit, lack of exercise, smoking, and gamble problems can be considered as the most risky behaviors against the healthy community. Also, as the solution and prevention, we think making programs for these problems with specialists in those fields.

SH: It was great time to discuss about our current life condition. Thank you for your participation today, again.

Guests: Thank you!

National Men’s Health Month

Posted on June 12, 2015 by Patricia Thao

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June is National Men’s Health Month, a public awareness campaign organized by Men’s Health Network (MHN). The MHN is a national non-profit organization committed to improving the health and wellness of men and their families with health prevention messages and tools, screening programs, educational materials, advocacy opportunities, and patient navigation. According to the Men’s Health Network, the program is celebrated across the United States each June with screenings, health fairs, and other health education outreach activities.

The purpose of National Men’s Health Month is to heighten awareness of preventable health complications and encourage early detection and treatment of diseases among men and boys. It is a great way to help promote healthy living and health awarenesses among different communities.

View the MHN’s June 2015 Calendar of Events and find what upcoming events will take place in your local area in recognition of Men’s Health Month. The site will provide more in depth information and other calendars with different events. Make sure to check it out!

Here is a quick view of the Men’s Health calendar.

Source: Men’s Health Month Website

Living is a State of Mind

Posted on June 8, 2015 by Patricia Thao

Your perspective on life is a very important part of how you may think about the world, society, people, and more. It is up to you to decide whether you want to go through life negatively or positively. Although you can’t control everything that happens to you, you can control how you feel about them. It is all about perspective and what you are going to do that can make your life better.

Take the time to appreciate all the things you already have and don’t worry about what you don’t have. Whether it is your bed, your pets, your books, your family, or anything. It is the little things in life that can make you happy.
Don’t compare yourself to others. You are always going to be you and you can’t change that. Trying to be like others or comparing your social status (in real life, on social media, academics, sports, etc.) won’t make you feel better. Everyone goes through their own journey and challenges to find themselves. So be who you are as an individual and focus on yourself.
Change is inevitable and unavoidable. Some things may stay the same, but remember that many things will change. You’ll experience changes within yourself and the people surrounding you. It’s about embracing the changes and not avoiding it.
Surround yourself with positive people. Being with negative people are going to make you feel negative. They will do you more harm than good. It is best to leave those people behind and move on. Sometimes, you need to evaluate who are the right people for you. They are the people that can help better improve yourself and are going to support you along your way.
Having more responsibility means you are growing as a person. Don’t think of it as a hassle or a burden. Everyone will eventually grow up, but not everyone will be able to mature. Also, if you feel stressed out about it, then break things down step by step. See what you need to do and what you want to do.

This Month in Japan | June

Posted on June 5, 2015 by Patricia Thao

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Minazuki, the old name for June, means “water month.” Tsuyu, or heavy rainfall season takes place during the months of June and July and lasts about 6 weeks. Ajisai or hydrangeas are the rainy season flower, because they are considered by many to be most beautiful when wet and enshrouded in mist. The rainy season can vary in duration from year to year. Other areas of Japan may be experiencing more humid or overcast weather except Hokkaidō where it is the least affected. Travelers, locals, and visitors can still enjoy their stay in Japan in places such as onsens, mountains, and temples.

In Japan, there are no official holidays in June. June is the start to many summer festivals and firework events, like the well-known Sanno Matsuri of Hie-jinja Shrine in Akasaka district. It is a parade in Tokyo where people dress in traditional costumes with portable shrines, drums, and horses.

But there are still many festivals during June. The Yosakoi Soran Festival is from June 10-June 14 and is held at the Odori Park (Sapporo). It is a festival that host a Yosakoi dance competition with competitive teams from all around Japan.

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Another festival is the Hokkaidō Shrine Festival that is held at Maruyama Park (can vary in dates). It features festive food, temples, shrines, parades, and activities that draws out 1 million people. There are probably visitors, travelers, and locals who are attending this popular event; so, it can be quite crowded.

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For a quieter and smaller scale festival, there is the Sanno Festival that occurs in Tokyo. It happens in mid June and there are less people who are involved in it due to traffic complaints in the past. But people can see the parades and visit shrines depending on their individual public time. The parade usually starts at Hie Shrine in the morning and then they continue their way throughout Tokyo.

Sanno Festival Parade Guide

http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3065.html

Credits belong to rightful author.

Road traffic noise linked to heightened risk of midriff bulge

Posted on June 2, 2015 by Xian Ping He

Recent research indicated that noise from traffic, airplanes, and trains could be responsible for expanding waistlines.

According to the research result, there was an association between road traffic noise and waist size, with a 0.21 cm increase for every additional 5 dB increase in exposure, although this was only significant among women.

At the same point, there was a link to waist:hip ratio, with a change of 0.16 for every 5 dB increase in noise exposure to road, this is specifically for men.

In addition, when people were exposed to more noise pollution at the same time, they had higher possibility to get central obesity.

However, socioeconomic factors, and lifestyle do not affect the findings, age is a critical factor. Those who are below the age of 60 are found the connection between central obesity and road traffic noise.

TIPS for preventing from traffic noise:

Barrier Wall: Construct a barrier wall between your home and the source of the traffic noise.

Buildings: consider putting up buildings to block the traffic noise place a garage, a storage shed.

Water feature: water features do not reduce traffic noise, but they provide a more pleasant background sound, helping to mask it.

Hedges: hedges are not dense enough to combat loud road noise on their own.

SOURCE for help:

Trafficnoise.org: Road Noise Impact Control

Japan’s Onsen

Posted on June 1, 2015 by Patricia Thao

“Onsen” means “hot springs” in the Japanese language. Japan has literally thousands of geothermal onsen scattered throughout the country, due to its volcanic activity, as well as “sento” or indoor public bathhouses with heated water. Onsen is really popular among tourists and in Japanese culture. Here are some facts and benefits about the onsen culture in Japan:

Before entering into the hot springs, people are required to shower first. In this way, you can clean your body and allow your body temperature to adjust to the heat of the hot springs. Also, onsens are for people to soak in the water and not for people to clean themselves in.
Onsens are enjoyed by being fully nude. Outsiders might find this quite odd, but you are allowed to bring a small cloth with you. And men and women are separated so it should more comfortable.
Did you know that people with tattoos aren’t allowed to show it or have to pay extra fees to be able to use onsens? Tattoos in Japan have been long outdated and ban in many areas because they can associate it with being part of the yakuza.
Some of the benefits of using hot springs for health is to help control blood temperature, massage body muscle, relieve painful joints, and much more. Here is a quick link about onsen’s effect on the body.
Best of all, it helps people to physically and mentally relax. Often times, onsen may have services such common rooms, foods, traditional clothing, and other traditional aspects that customers can enjoy to fully experience the onsen culture.

References belong to rightful owner.

9 Ways to Flatten Belly Without Dieting & Exercise

Posted on May 29, 2015 by Patricia Thao

Achieving a better body is a challenge for anyone because we are all different. Some things may work for another person, but not for you. It is hard to find motivation to start working out and dieting. But don’t worry, there are some other steps you can take to feel more confident. Here are some ways in which you can easily achieve those goals:

1. What about the body posture? “Yes, needless to say that having a good and perfect posture will surely reflect a better figure and diet. Kim Lyons, a Biggest Loser coach, says that straightening up your body will not only be good for our bones but also for our physique. “When your posture is good, you’re automatically engaging and toning your stomach muscles.” He advised that if you tend to forget to stand up straight, sticky notes that are strategically placed will constantly remind you. It’s not bad to try this at all. It may come difficult and tiring at first but trust me you’ll get used to it.”

2. Bowel movements? “You definitely need to take bad toxins and wastes out of your body. Train yourself to have a bowel deposit every day. This will help you avoid feeling bloated and constipated. It’s also a good way to list in your daily routine for a good diet planning.”

3. Drink more water! “Try to at least drink 7-8 glasses of water a day. Keep all the fluids coming! It’s also helpful for your body so that it’ll flush away those toxins. Who knew that water therapy is the best diet for a flat tummy.”

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4. Eating healthier is always a plus! “Many of us don’t know about how to properly eat our food. Some just scarf down the meals meaning they just eat the food really fast and hastily. The right way is to chew each bite or intake at least 8-10 times before swallowing. Dr. Reichman says,” The body has to work overtime to break down good in the stomach and intestines, which can lead to major gas and indigestion.” In addition to this, when you’re eating fast, you’re actually swallowing some air too which could be a cause for developing a round stomach. So, chew your food thoroughly and don’t gulp. Take your time to eat the food.”

5. Walking is exercise? “Now, you might say that walking is an exercise, and yes it truly is! But to take a walk is already part in our everyday lives and we can’t get rid of it knowing that it is really helpful in burning some fats plus it helps you take toxins and ailments out of your body. “Try to squeeze in a 30-minute walk daily. The simple boost in metabolism will help you burn the waistline fat more efficiently. And if you want to work out, skip those gadgets that promise “miraculous abs in minutes”. Remember that you don’t get things easily. You need to work hard for it. And going for a basic exercise such as walking will give you better results.”

6. Does taking supplements help too? “C.W. Randolph, M.D., author of From Belly Fat to Belly Flat, says that excess estrogen causes the body to retain fat around the waist. The supplements, calcium D-glucarate ( 1,000 milligrams ) and B- complex, have been shown to help you excrete the hormone, which can cause to a reduced belly fats around the stomach.”

Of course, do your research and make sure that supplements you take are good for your body. And read the directions on how many you can take per day because taking too much of anything can do more bad than good.

7. Chewing gum less is a good thing? “Researchers at the American College of Gastroenterology say that chewing a gum is also swallowing some air which can also lead to an increase size in the middle. Plus, some artificial sweeteners, such as sorbitol that is found in some gums, give out gas.”

8. What should I eat more of? “Probiotics are ‘good’ bacteria that help your digestive system break down food, preventing the gastrointestinal issues that can keep you from having a flat stomach,” says Jonny Bowden, Ph.D. He suggests that we should consume a daily serving of probiotic-rich food like yogurt, ginger beer, mild, dark chocolate or taking supplements containing at least 50 milligrams of probiotics.

9. Time to relax? Dr. Reichman says that when you’re completely frazzled, your body increases the production of stress horomones and sterious, which negatively affects your digestive system, causing a major constipation. Did you know that stress pumps up the production of cortisol, a steroid hormone, which sends excess fat directly to the midsection of your body. He greatly recommends you to take at least 20 minutes a day to relax and go for something that minimizes your stress.

Information and picture belongs to original source.

Bicultural Healthy Living Can Help Memory Loss

Posted on May 25, 2015 by Patricia Thao

(NaturalNews) As we grow older, we tend to worry more and more about our memory. Lapses in memory that we didn’t give much importance to when we were younger now seem to have a new meaning. It is common to do such things such as misplace things like car keys, eyeglasses and cell phones, to draw a blank on a friend’s name, to walk into a room and forget why we went there in the first place. However, although we all have had these experiences, as we age, we tend to worry about what these lapses could mean. It is important to realize that, contrary to popular belief, memory loss is not a natural process of aging. Our brains are capable of making new brain cells at any given age.

Memory loss becomes serious when it interferes with our daily activities

Examples of this are:

Not being able to perform daily tasks, such as paying bills, dressing properly, tending to daily hygiene, etc.
Getting lost in familiar places, such as an immediate neighborhood
Repeating the same phrases and questions in the same conversation
Being unable to recall recent events
Repeatedly misusing or garbling words
Difficulty in making choices
Exhibiting socially inappropriate behavior.

In these cases, a diagnosis is needed to determine the root of the cause.

Often though, there is a physical reason for these memory lapses. For example, there may be a nutritional deficiency or it could be due to a faulty thyroid. In older adults, dehydration could be the cause. Excessive alcohol consumption creates brain toxicity and increases the risk of such conditions as Alzheimer’s and dementia. By the same note, smoking can cause vascular disorders that can limit oxygen to the brain.

Keeping cognitive functions in a healthy state entails leading a healthy lifestyle

Making sure that the body gets the nutrition it needs includes:

Regular physical exercise which decreases the risk of memory loss and encourages the production of new brain cells.
Exercising the brain is also important. Activities such as reading, working crossword puzzles, and playing strategic games such as chess or scrabble will lower the risk of mental decline.
Proper nutrition that focuses on lots of fruits, vegetables, and foods containing Omega 3 fatty acids. The antioxidants in fruits and vegetables serve to help keep the brain healthy and Omega 3’s help to retain memory.
Giving the body the rest it needs. Sleep is necessary for all aspects involving cognitive function. Sleep deprivation leads to poor memory, concentration and decision-making.
Avoding stress. Stress is a very common cause of memory loss. Stress dramatically increases the ability of toxins to pass through the blood-brain barrier. Also, prolonged stress results in high cortisol levels in the body which results in impaired memory. Efforts should be made to alleviate stress. One effective way is by laughing. As opposed to emotions that affect only specific areas of the brain, laughter affects wider areas. After all, they say that laughter is the best medicine.

Supplements that prevent and help to reverse memory loss

Ginkgo Biloba has been used by the Chinese for thousands of years to treat memory loss.
Colloidal Gold improves memory, concentration, and mental focus.
Acetyl-I Carnatine also improves mental focus, as do amino acids such as L-Tryptophan, 5HTP, and Tyrosine.
B-Complex Vitamins help to prevent memory loss.
Inositol helps the brain to process information.
Choline helps in overall brain function.
Fortify your brain with antioxidants which include carotenoids, flavonoids, vitamin C, vitamin E, selenium and NAC (N-Acetyl Cysteine).Sources:
http://helpguide.org/life/prevent_memory_loss.htm
http://www.fi.edu/learn/brain/stress.html

About the author:
Luella May is a natural health advocate helping people to heal naturally. She partners with Tony Isaacs, who authors books and articles about natural health including “Cancer’s Natural Enemy” and “Collected Remedies” Luella contributes to The Best Years in Life website for baby boomers and others wishing to avoid prescription drugs and mainstream managed illness and live longer, healthier and happier lives naturally. Luella co-moderates the CureZone “Ask Tony Isaacs featuring Luella May” forum as well as the Yahoo Health Group “Oleander Soup” and hosts her own yahoo group focusing on the natural wellbeing of pets “The Best Years in Life Natural Health for Pets“

Learn more: http://www.naturalnews.com/035394_memory_loss_natural_remedies_alternatives.html#ixzz3b07zTfV8

Credits to original author.

A Chinese Way of Living

Posted on May 22, 2015 by Patricia Thao

In this day, many Asian cultures have some Chinese influences in them whether it is food, religion, holidays, lifestyles, and such. You don’t have to be a certain race or ethnicity to live a bicultural lifestyle. It is about combining cultures together in positive ways. Here are some things you can do to incorporate some Chinese ways of living:

A common thing found in across Asian cultures that originated in China is tea. There are many varieties of them and ways to consume tea. Teas can be enjoyed during different occasions and are versatile in what you can do with them. Also, they are easily found anywhere and can be made at home.
Many Chinese cuisine nowadays are Americanized so they don’t taste as well and authentic. So other ways to enjoy them is seeking out local small Chinese owned restaurants, Asian groceries, flea markets/towns, and having connections to Chinese communities/friends/families. You may be able to see how they’re made and will be more likely to taste true Chinese cuisine.
Chinese medicines are very popular, especially among the older generations because of its healthy benefits. Many traditional Chinese medicines are a mix of herbs, plants, roots, and such. Trying them out could be an healthier alternative and more natural process of eliminating sicknesses.
Tai Chi is a form of Chinese martial arts and is known to be good for the body and mind. It helps the body exercise, relax, and destress. Anyone can take part of it and it can be done with a group or solo.