Working Together

Posted on March 2, 2015 by Patricia Thao

There are many ways to work together whether it is at school, at work, or with friends. Being part of group means there will be more ideas and opinions on different projects. Here are some effective tips to work as a team:

Make sure everyone gets to participate. It isn’t a teamwork without everyone’s effort. Whether you are a listener, follower, or a leader, it is best that everyone had a chance to be part of the group.
Be open minded and respectful of others. Chances are that your group mates may not share or like the same idea that you have. That’s okay because everyone has different opinions and ideas. Just don’t take it personally. It’s not about what one person, but what the entire group wants.
Assign roles to your team members. If you’re a leader or just want to help make things progress a little bit smoother, giving everyone a role will help a lot. For example, roles like a recorder, a writer, a speaker, etc. This help the group to not procrastinate and instead, becoming productive.
Make a goal. There must be something the group want to achieve out of working together. Finalizing a goal can help the group members imagine the results they want to see.
Take it on step by step. Working together is about taking steps and progressing as a team together. It can be from working on the deadlines, being organize, meeting a requirement, or more. Don’t rush into anything and make sure that everyone is on the same page.

Remember that working together is doing almost everything as a team. It’s not about following one person’s lead, but a team agreeing on one thing. Although there will be moments where each member has their on individual tasks needed to be done, it is the group work that will count at the end.

Risks of Tobacco Use

Posted on February 27, 2015 by Patricia Thao

We should always help educate youth about tobacco use and its risks. One of the many reasons why is because many people die each year due to using or smoking or being exposed to tobacco. According to www.cdc.gov, more than 480,000 deaths occur annually (including deaths from secondhand smoke). Here are some risks of tobacco exposure:

Being second handy exposed to tobacco can cause you to develop health risks as a normal person using tobacco
Tobacco can increase the risk of cancer which can form in most of your organs. The highest death rates are found in patients who developed lung and heart cancer.
Nicotine is found in cigarettes and it is proven to be an addictive substance (http://www.drugabuse.gov). A stimulant can make the user feel adrenaline and become more alert. In this case, cigarettes can do the same and even produce a calming effect on the user.
Many youths are influenced to use or smoke tobacco due to their social environments such as peers, families, stress, genetics, and more.

Comparing the lungs between a non smoker to a smoker, you can see the drastic difference in their health and conditions.

http://www.drugabuse.gov/

One of the best thing to do is avoid using or being exposed to tobacco. Don’t let anyone influence you to put yourself at risk. As a growing person, you may be influence to make decisions that you personally don’t want to. So be aware of who is a positive and negative influence in your life. Sometimes the best thing to do is just say “No”.

Playing vs. Exercising

Posted on February 20, 2015 by Patricia Thao

Sometimes we are active in playing and it can even result in a smaller version of the body exercising. But playing and exercising are two different activities. Playing is for the enjoyment of the moment, being entertained and can even be social. Exercise is rigorously being active and burning body energy/fat. So if you want to be active instead of ‘playing’, allow your body to feel the burn.

How do you know when you actively exercising? It is quite easy to tell from these common signs that your body gives off in response:

Sweating frequently
Heart rate increases and remain at a high rate for the moment of working out
Muscles are used more than usual
Feel thirsty and the intake of water increase

You don’t have work out like the traditional ways if you like being entertained at the same time. Sometimes, people say that exercising is boring and yes, it can be so boring just doing the same thing over again. But finding ways to preoccupied your mind can help you get started. Like for example:

Listen to music that pumps you up
Mix exercise routines from jogging to yoga to dance, etc.
Take advantage of technology and watch your favorite shows while jogging, step climbing, etc.
Best thing to make it easier: Work out with a partner or a friend!

So remember to play frequently and exercise daily. Both are good for the body and the brain. Being active and sociable is always a plus!

White Rice or Brown Rice?

Posted on February 13, 2015 by Patricia Thao

www.details.com

There are many articles that debates whether it is healthier to eat white rice or brown rice. It is a controversial topic as many people do share different opinions about their risks and benefits. But at the end of the day, it really just depends on the individual. Here are some important points that you should know because not exactly one is worse than the other.

1. If you have been eating white or brown rice since young and on a daily basis, it won’t cause a dramatic difference in your health. Compare this situation as opposed to those who just or recently started consuming rice on a daily basis. Their bodies may not be showing great responses, but it doesn’t mean that rice is bad for everyone. It could be how their bodies process rice differently (which may cause weight gain/loss, etc.) or the brand of the rice that they’re consuming. So don’t assume that just because eating rice isn’t well for others, it doesn’t mean that it’s a bad food.

2. Many other cultures rely on different based carbs (besides rice) like wheat, oatmeal, grains, and more. They come in many varieties as breads, noodles, bagels, pasta, and more. So if you want to cut out rice completely from your diet, there are other available options for you to choose from.

3. Brown rice is really not that much ‘better’ than white rice in terms of fiber and health benefits as the media like to say. When brown rice is produced, the outermost layer is the only layer removed which still leaves some of its nutrients and fiber behind. It is an healthier alternative to white rice since white rice are basically stripped of everything besides the starchy component. But don’t rely on brown rice as source of fiber because “each cup of brown rice contains only 3.5 grams of fiber for every 45 grams of complex carbohydrates.This means you would have to eat FIVE cups of brown rice (225 grams of extra carbs) just to get HALF of your daily fiber intake”. – http://4cyclefatloss.com

Instead, try to consume more vegetables and fruits daily. They contain more fiber without you eating too much calories. The best part is that you can put them into many different kinds of foods and dishes such as stir fry, salads, side dishes, spices, and more.

4. It’s not about what you eat only, but what you do to stay active. Just by switching out one type of food out isn’t going to help you lose weight or maintain a healthy lifestyle. Sure, it’s okay to eat better and you may even see results. But it has been provender by people and data that exercise and diet really does go hand in hand together. When you are consistent and doing both at the same time, you are bound to be more healthier than just doing one.

5. Just mix both! If you really can’t decide between the two and don’t want to give up either, eating them together solves it easily. Mix rice is another great alternative for people to try because it can help the body adapt to the different types of rice better. Suddenly switching out one kind of rice to another won’t let your body have the time to process the rice and it can cause a negative reaction.

Making Future Decisions

Posted on February 9, 2015 by Patricia Thao

Are you wondering what is your next goal or step to take at the moment? Well, making an decision can help you in ways that could be either or both positive and negative. But don’t worry too much because every choice you make should reflect what you want/need at the moment. It doesn’t mean you’ll always get what you want, but you will at least the after effect of your decision. Here are some advises on how to make your future decisions:

1. Weigh the outcome. If you are looking for a result, make sure you are aware of any consequences. Are there going to be more positive than negative results? Or otherwise? Sometimes, some decisions requires you to think more deeper.

2. Who is going to be affected? Sometimes your decisions may not just affect you, but other around you as well. Such as friends, family, teachers, and more. So if it’s going to be about yourself it would be easier, but it involves many people than go to 3.

3. Talk to others about it. If it’s a hard decision that may affect others, it is probably best to hear about other people’s perspective that you value. They could influence to make better choices or help you avoid making mistakes.

4. How will it change you? So will your choice give you the opportunity/chance that you are looking for? Is it to change, to deliver, to make new friends, to get a better grade, or become a better athlete? You may want to think about the different outcomes of how your decision in different ways.

5. Be true to you. Remember that at the end of the day, your decision should reflect who you are as person. Don’t make a choice that you wouldn’t want to do. It will never be the way that you want it to be or have a good outcome. So think about what you want and how you would it to be like.

Become Determine

Posted on February 6, 2015 by Patricia Thao

Becoming determine is something can be either easy or hard to do. The only way to develop your own determination is to become inspire (by literally anything). Inspiration can come from different things such as dance, art, music, and any experiences you’ve had. Whatever your goal is, don’t stress about the end result and think more about the beginning process. Here are tips on how to become determine:

1. Start out small. Make your goal by thinking realistically. Set out the times and steps of how you want to achieve you goal. Don’t try to jump onto the middle or the end instantly. You will not get the results you want.

2. It takes time. Nothing comes easily or quickly. Patience is really the key to achieve anything. Don’t rush or slow down the time you set out for yourself because by doing so may lengthen the wait.

3. Be consistent. Keep up with your schedule to stay motivated; you must try to keep up with every step. Try to avoid falling behind because it may cause you to feel less motivated to continue.

4. Actions speak louder than words. If you want to become determine, actually do something about it by taking the steps and following the plans you set out for yourself. Feeling and believing that you are determine is a much better way to motivate you to achieve your goals.

So the point is that if you set out a goal that you believe you can achieve by following through with your plans, it’s possible to reach it. After all, the ending reward will make you feel even more accomplished.

Exercising Differently

Posted on January 30, 2015 by Patricia Thao

Exercising can be a difficult thing to do. Not everyone particularly enjoy it or can develop a habit of working out. It is hard because there may be not enough time, motivation, and everyone’s body is different, etc. But if you’re struggling to decide who you can be active, here are a few tips what to do.

1. Yoga

Yoga has been long known to be great for the body and mind. It can help relax the body in ways that releases stress, increases flexibility, and usage of different body muscles. The best part is that anyone from beginner to expert can learn, even together. Yoga ranges from different types such as hot to spiritual to healing and more.

2. Eating clean(er)

If you can’t work out first, then start being healthier by eating cleaner. Eating habits are challenging because we are so used to eating what we want. Not only this can help with self discipline, but improve your overall health. Recommended foods that should be cut or consume less is processed and fast food. Those are often filled with unhealthy fat, sugar, and oil. Try to eat fresh (better if also organic) produces or simply cook your own dishes. This way you can control how much you eat and know what you are putting in your body.

3. Tai Chi

Tai Chi is a type of Chinese martial art that has been practiced by many different kinds of people for a long period of time. In today’s world, it is still practice for its healthy benefits. It can help the body (and mind) meditate, condition, flexibility, and strength. Many believe that by practicing Tai Chi can help lengthen the life of people. This form of exercise is great for beginners to start out with something simple and easy to learn.

4. Become part of a group!

If you dislike being active alone, join a group/club that requires you to be active. Dance groups, outdoor cleaning programs, garden clubs, sport teams, and even participation in social events will allow you to be active with other people. You can become more encouraged and motivated to be active by being socially engaged. Just make sure to find the right one for you.

Understanding Substance Abuse Challenges

Posted on December 19, 2014 by Patricia Thao

People who have gone through substance abuses are often misunderstood in many ways. Some may not understand why they do what they do or why can’t just stop. There are many different level of reasons why because everyone’s situation is different. Also, it requires other people in their lives to be understanding without being judgmental like families and friends. If you know somebody who may be going through substance abuse challenges or yourself is going through that, here are some tips that could help you out:

Identify the problem. You can only start helping yourself or someone else in need if you properly know what they’re struggling with. By helping others/yourself to acknowledge that there is a problem is not something to be ashamed or embarrassed about. Substance abuses can increase or be results of stress, anger, addiction(s), emotional distress, unhealthy treatments, or more. Problems could lead to bigger issues and early help can prevent more negative things from occurring.

Communicate with people. Talking things out well help sort out the emotions they’re facing and you understanding their situation more. With yourself, you can talk to families, friends, or seek professional consultation. Being able to have another person’s perspective on your struggles can help you understand the situation more.

Take the step to seek for help. There are so many resources out there in the U.S. to help people face/solve their issues. In today’s world, established centers will definitely help anyone out if people reach out to them. Sometimes, it’s really up to those people or yourself to help themselves. Remember that people are willing to help you or someone you know who needs help.

Here’s a link to another credible source for extra information.

Mental Health in Youths

Posted on December 15, 2014 by Patricia Thao

Mental health in youths is an important part of development and understanding the world around them. It impacts youths on how they adapt to new situations and perceive life. Different situations allows youth to develop in self improvement, morals, sense of justice, and more. Remember that it is important to take care of your psychological health because it directly impact your feelings, moods, physical body, responses, actions, and more.

According to http://www.findyouthinfo.gov/, youths that are able to develop their mental health in positive ways can help:

navigate successfully the complexities of life
develop fulfilling relationships
adapt to change
utilize appropriate coping mechanisms to achieve well-being without discrimination
realize their potential
have their needs met
develop skills that help them navigate the different environments they inhabit

If you are going through or know someone who may need the extra support and understanding, make sure to reach out for help. There are so many ways to help guide someone or yourself to have a healthier mentality. Another source to look at with many information about this topic is here.

Remembering Where We Came From

Posted on November 26, 2014 by Patricia Thao

www.digitween12-2.flatclassroomproject.org

Many of us came from our parents and our parents came from their parents and so on. Everyone must’ve came from somewhere in the world to get to the place that they are now. As time passes on, we can forget our cultural roots and traditions that has faded due to many reasons. Such as assimilation, none to very little exposure to our own cultural heritage, or/and untold/forgotten stories, values, folktales, and traditions.

Thankfully, we have many resources nowadays if we want to learn where our ancestors come from, where they live, and such. But the real reason why it’s important to know your own cultural background is because it has to do with your identity. It is about learning more about your ancestors and understanding that as an individual, you and everyone else all connect somehow and are a part of a bigger world.

For example, the struggles of our ancestors directly impacts us how we may live life or make decisions today because we learn from our right and wrong choices. Idealistically, people like to become more advanced/better over time and without our ancestors going through the challenges that we didn’t have to, our present lives was made easier by little factors.

Some people in your life like your parents, grandparents, and elderly relatives had to go through hard times to provide for their families and themselves. Whether it was giving up their own education to find a job, leaving their home country to emigrate to a different country, sacrificing their time to invest in their offspring, and shedding blood, sweat, and tears for the sake that everyone present today has a better life and more opportunities.

Also, it is thanks to our ancestors that today the world have so many different kinds of ethnic groups, languages, religions, civilizations, and intellectual knowledge about life, space, animals, and more. Our ancestors made some impact in the future where we can arguably say that we do live in a better world in some aspects.

Bicultural Healthy Living

A Balanced Approach to a Bicultural Healthy Life

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