What is Co-Dependency?

Co-dependency is defined as an unhealthy pattern of behavior in relationships. Initially, the label was created to describe the people around an alcoholic (spouse, children, employer) who were negatively affected by the drinker's behavior. 

Over time, it became apparent to clinicians in the counseling field that the co-alcoholic often drifted from one alcoholic to another. How is it that one woman would find, and marry, more than one alcoholic in her lifetime? Why is it that a child of an alcoholic chooses to an alcoholic? These were determined to be more than coincidences; in fact, there is a personality or pattern of thinking, feeling, and behaving, that seems to fit the label of "co-dependent." 

Co-dependents place their happiness second to others, often unaware of their own emotional experience because they wait for the interpretation of others. "How do you like this?" "How is she responding?" "I'm okay only if you're ok." Co-dependents filter and perceive their reality through others...best described as "walking on eggshells" or "waiting for the other shoe to drop."

Co-dependents are often anxious and exhibit poor sleep and/or eating patterns, and suffer from physical complaints (stomach ache, headache.) A co-dependent has often learned these traits in early childhood, but not always.

The first step in co-dependency awareness is recognizing body cues, "my stomach is upset," or, "when he walks in the door my jaw tightens." Fear of displeasing others is a great preoccupation for the co-dependent. Wanting to be liked is everything, "I don't want to hurt her feelings" is their battle cry. For these reasons, mental health treatment involves therapy for the whole family.

*****

email Christina

VA Embracing Alternative Therapies (Meditation, PTSD and Veterans)

VA EMBRACING ALTERNATIVE THERAPIES
More studies will determine effectiveness of treatments JEANETTE STEELE U-T  Published: January 9, 2012Mike Hanes, a 35-year-old former combat Marine, sometimes closes his eyes and murmurs to himself when life gets tense.

He repeats one word over and over, and it works as a "pause button" for his mind. It's a form of meditation, one learned at the Department of Veterans Affairs hospital in La Jolla.

Nationally, the VA is embracing alternative therapies to help returning waves of veterans deal with combat stress and the physical pain that's sometimes a memento of military service.

Veterans can be referred to yoga classes, acupuncture, tai chi and meditation and, in other parts of the nation, music therapy, energy healing and even sweat lodge sessions.

Some patients report that these therapies have allowed them to rely less on pain medication and sleeping pills. However, a VA research conference in May concluded that evidence on the effectiveness of these therapies for post-traumatic stress disorder — possibly the signature wound of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars — is still thin.

Now VA researchers in San Diego, which has the largest population of post-9/11 military veterans in the nation, have received funding to conduct more studies.

"We've done a lot of work in many areas of PTSD research that has produced effective treatments, but we are not done," VA Deputy Secretary W. Scott Gould said at the May conference in Washington, D.C.

"That is why we need to keep our curious minds open and receptive to new ideas."

Dr. Stephen Ezeji-Okoye, a Palo Alto physician who chairs the VA's alternative medicine committee, said the effort began after a 2002 White House Commission report that encouraged the VA to look at the topic. To naysayers, he responds that the VA is moving slowly and carefully.

"We're looking at it not as, 'Is it alternative medicine or Western medicine?' We're looking at it as, 'Is it effective medicine?'?" he said.

Hanes, who was in elite Marine force reconnaissance during the Iraq War and came to the VA to deal with combat stress, is a believer in meditation. He also is taking the La Jolla VA's yoga series for back pain.

"I noticed before, it was easier to fly off the handle," said Hanes, who chose the word "shalom" as his meditation mantram, or mantra, as it's more commonly known. "But now, you take that 10 seconds of saying your mantram, and it puts you back in focus instead of doing something that you can really regret.

"I was very surprised to see the VA is offering this, and I think they should do a lot more of this type of stuff."

With some young male veterans, meditation, tai chi and other New Age therapies are a harder sell.

Joe Qualls, an Army infantryman in Iraq, said he has witnessed some of his tough-guy friends balk a bit when asked to do deep-breathing exercises for relaxation. He would like to see the VA focus on offering recreational sports programs year-round, such as basketball leagues.

"The physical piece is the key, at least for this generation," said Qualls, 31.

"Exercise allows us to focus on one thing, nothing else. We burn off the extra adrenaline and anxiety."

That's one step toward being in the right state of mind for traditional sit-down therapy for PTSD, he said. And, "there's less the medication has to work on."

Jill Bormann, a VA nurse researcher in La Jolla, has pioneered the institution's work on word-repetition meditation.

"Compared to case management alone, we have seen significantly greater reductions in PTSD-related depression and hypervigilance, and improvements in quality of life," she said, referring to the results of two pilot studies and one large randomized trial.

Bormann has received approval to do two new projects on meditation and post-traumatic stress.

In the hope of attracting young veterans — a previously elusive group for any VA research — she plans to hold the sessions in the evening and on weekends. Another tactic she uses is rebranding. She calls meditation a "pause button" for the mind.

The VA isn't the only group doing work on meditation. Last year, film director David Lynch's nonprofit foundation launched Operation Warrior Wellness with $1 million in funding to teach transcendental meditation to veterans.

Yoga is another popular alternative therapy at the VA and elsewhere. For example, the group Yoga For Vets NYC is offering free weekly yoga sessions in the Big Apple.

The La Jolla VA began offering yoga for lower-back pain in 2003.

According to questionnaires filled out by students between 2005 and 2007, people who attended the once-a-week class — and stretched at home — showed significant improvement in pain, depression, energy level and general mental outlook.

VA psychologist Erik Groessl and others published a paper about the results, but they were stunted by the informality of the study. Groessl is hopeful that he will be successful this year in securing funding for a more scientific trial, after years of applying.

Navy veteran Silas Cochran, 50, was one of nine men in a recent yoga class, held in a VA classroom with the desks pushed back. Cochran's military-style combat boots were lined up neatly next to his yoga mat.

He rode a bus from Escondido to attend the session, so he really wanted to be there — despite being the leading jokester when the teacher gave commands such as "curl back like you are a beautiful flower."

Seriously, though, as someone with bipolar disorder, he doesn't want to take medication for his back pain.

"I notice a difference here when I leave the class," Cochran said. "It helps me relax and get in touch with my body, and maybe even get in touch with my mind."

On any given week at the Oceanside VA clinic, veterans get needles poked in their ears for pain relief.

Dr. Kristin Bell, a VA primary care physician, has been offering acupuncture for chronic pain since 2003. Veterans are referred to her for chronic pain, most often in their backs and necks. But Bell said she gets patients who also have post-traumatic stress, and they report some relief, too.

"I have quite a number of patients who have PTSD, both new and old veterans, who say it really helps them be calm and improves nightmares," Bell said. "Frequently people report improved well-being, mood and sleep even before they get pain relief."

She asks patients about how acupuncture affects the need for medication.

"I have a lot of patients who have been able to lower their meds, or even go off chronic narcotics altogether," Bell said.

As attractive as that might sound, Bell said she has room for more patients.

And Bormann, the meditation researcher, is looking for veterans for her PTSD studies. Anyone interested in participating, call the La Jolla VA at (858) 642-1616.

Illustration: 2 PICS

Copyright 2012, U-T San Diego

Lux Museum Family Friday, Free Event in Encinitas, January 27th.

About LuxLux Art Institute is redefining the museum experience to make art more accessible. At Lux, you don't just see finished works of art; you see the artistic process firsthand, engaging with internationally recognized artists in a working studio environment.
Lux Art Institute is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.

Family Friday

Friday, January 27 1pm-5pm (during regular open hours) FREE and open to the public Schedule a play date for Family Friday at Lux Art Institute, one Friday each month, starting this week! Bring your kids and take a tour with a kid-friendly, do-it-yourself guide that promises a fun and interactive journey through artist Lila Jang's exhibition.   Afterward, take the nature trail down to the Lux Classroom for a hands-on art project, led by a Lux instructor. Make an afternoon of it by packing a lunch or after-school snack to enjoy outside before your tour.  Ages: Recommended for kids ages 4+. Cost: Free for members and guests under 21. $5 for non-members. Art project is free for up to two children with paid adult admission. Additional children are $5 each. No reservations necessary.  Email education@luxartinstitute.org or call 760-436-6611 for more information.

Lux Art Institute

1550 S. El Camino Real, Encinitas, CA 92024, 760 436 6611

How Not To Enable A Friend or Family Member

"Enabling" refers to the unhealthy reactivity from those around a person making poor choices. While family and friends may think their behavior is "helping" the sick person, in fact, enabling prevents the sick person from getting better, learning new coping skills, and changing. In the most severe cases, enabling can also lead to dangerous results (incarceration and/or death).

Any extreme human behavior (i.e., overeating, compulsive gambling, spending, eating, drug or alcohol use) gravely affects our loved ones.

While a mother may believe that giving her drug-addicted son money for a motel room so he can "be safe for a night," it is more likely that her son will buy more drugs, possibly resulting in his overdose or arrest. How is that helping?

A wife who calls in sick for her husband, claiming a severe flu, when he is hungover, is simply breaking his fall and prolonging his alcohol dependence. These maneuvers avoid natural consequences and prevent change.

While making excuses for other people seems to pay off in the short run, it makes things harder in the long run. A loved one might say, "Its the only way I can help" or "I just love her so much."

Psychoeducation is the factual understanding of unhealthy behavior and mental illness.

These are things that do not help:

• Crying
• Shaming
• Making them feel guilty
• Threatening
• Cutting off affection
• Pleading
• Becoming angry
• Withholding love

New Lipitor vs Generic FAQ's for 2012

Lipitor Patent Ends; Generic Available: What now?

Lipitor patients may be switched to a generic or may continue to get Lipitor (and for less), depending on insurance company deals with Pfizer. Here's a guide.

Atorvastatin calcium tablets are a generic form of Lipitor, but Pfizer discounts could make the name brand even cheaper. (Bill Gallery / Associated Press / November 15, 2011)

By Lisa Zamosky, Special to the Los Angeles Times

January 16, 2012

Lipitor is the most prescribed name-brand drug in America — nearly 3.5 million people take it every day to control their cholesterol. Since the statin entered the market in 1997, it's earned New York-based pharmaceutical giant Pfizer Inc. $81 billion, making it the best-selling prescription drug of all time, according to IMS Health, a Danbury, Conn.-based healthcare information company.

So when Lipitor's patent protection came to an end Nov. 30 and a generic alternative became available, an awful lot of patients had a decision to make: Should they stick with the drug they knew or switch to something less expensive?

But a funny thing happened on the way to the pharmacy.

In a concerted effort to hang on to its customers, Pfizer cut deals with insurers and with companies that process prescriptions as part of an elaborate effort to keep Lipitor available at prices that are just as cheap as — or even cheaper than — the generic competition. The company has also appealed directly to patients to stick with the brand instead of switching to generic atorvastatin with a program that makes Lipitor available for as little as $4 for a 30-day supply.

It was an unprecedented effort, but the motivation was clear: When a drug loses its patent protection, more than 80% of its prescription sales are replaced by generics within six months, according to IMS.

Usually when a drug goes off patent, patients are forced by their insurance companies to switch to generics they may not want; in this case, consumers who want generic Lipitor may not be able to get it.

Here's a guide to what's going on with the blockbuster drug.

Is atorvastatin as good as Lipitor?

The expectation is that the generic will be just as effective as the name-brand drug.

But contrary to popular belief, generics aren't identical to brand-name drugs, says pharmacologist Joe Graedon, co-creator of the consumer health column the People's Pharmacy. In fact, he says his website has become a magnet for reporting problems with generic drugs, which occur for three main reasons: the contents of a generic's inactive ingredients are usually different from those found in the brand-name drug; uninspected foreign manufacturing plants sometimes produce contaminated chemicals; and generics can be released into the bloodstream differently from how it acts in the brand-name version.

Graedon says Lipitor's release mechanism is not unique, and he doesn't anticipate trouble with atorvastatin.

Besides, Lipitor may not be much different from a variety of other statins that already are sold as generics, says Dr. John Santa, director of health ratings for the nonprofit Consumer Reports. Generic statins — the class of cholesterol-lowering drugs to which Lipitor belongs — are just as good for 95 out of 100 people, Santa says. These include lovastatin (Mevacor), pravastatin (Pravachol) and simvastatin (Zocor).

In fact, Pfizer's incredible success with Lipitor may primarily be a function of the company's marketing brilliance, Santa says. "Pfizer was able to convince millions of Americans to ignore less expensive and just as effective drugs," he says.

My doctor wrote me a prescription for atorvastatin, but I was given Lipitor instead. Why can't I get the generic?

It's because of the deals Pfizer has made with insurance companies and pharmacy benefit managers, which negotiate drug prices for insurers.

Normally, one drug maker gets exclusive rights to make the low-cost generic version of a medication for the first six months after it goes off patent. After that, additional generic drug makers enter the market, causing prices to drop even further. At that point, demand for the brand-name drug all but disappears.

But Pfizer is trying to rewrite that story. It agreed to pay rebates to insurers and pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) to eliminate the cost advantage of atorvastatin. In return, some of the companies are offering only Lipitor.

Pfizer spokesman MacKay Jimeson says the deals allow patients to get the brand-name medicine at generic prices. It seems to be working. According to the Dutch business intelligence firm Wolters Kluwer Pharma Solutions, Pfizer has managed to hold on to about 57% of all retail Lipitor sales since Dec. 1.

That sounds sneaky. Is it legal?

Read whole article here

Copyright © 2012, Los Angeles Times

Free Fun Event - San Diego Chinese New Year (Year of the Dragon)

Free Event...Chinese New Year Festival

The 30th Annual 2012 San Diego Chinese New Year Food and Cultural Fair is scheduled for:

Saturday, January 28 and Sunday January 29, 2012
Both days 10 AM - 5 PM
Rain or Shine

Downtown, San Diego
Third Ave and J Street

Chinese New Year is January 23, 2012 (4710)
Year of the Dragon

This is a FREE, family friendly event! Come celebrate our 30th annual San Diego Chinese New Year Food and Cultural Fair. We will also be celebrating the 40th year of service by the San Diego Chinese Center for the community

North County Lifeline Jacket and Sweatshirt Drive

How to Help A Teenager Suffering from Anxiety - Yoga!

Yoga Helps Teens Manage Mood

 
Have a teen sitting around gaming or texting all weekend? Wishing you could find something cool to captivate their attention? Or a young athlete looking to enhance their performance, focus, and energy? Are your kids asking for a workout that’s easy to learn, requires little equipment, and soothes the restless soul while toning the body? Yoga!

Yoga may help teens curb anxiety, be more resilient and effectively manage anger and fatigue, suggests a June 2011 study out of Harvard Medical School published in The Journal of Behavioral Health Services and Research.

See Iyengar of North County for Further Classes

Free Wellness Week in Encinitas, January 22-28th (I'll Be There!)

Sunday, January 22

1-4pm OPENING DAY EXPO at the Encinitas Library: Come experience and learn many ways to improve your well-being. Sample acupuncture, chiropractic care and Reiki, with mini-treatments offered at regular intervals. Get free health screenings and exams. See Pilates, yoga and cooking demonstrations. Take your kids to ongoing children’s wellness activities. And much more!

6:30-7:30pm Join co-author Lisa Monaco-Gonzalez at Detour Salon as she
shares her inspirational story of overcoming childhood sexual abuse. Check
out more about the event and her book “Ubreakable Spirit” here

Monday, January 23

8:30-10am Free entry-level class at Yoga Tropics.

12:30-1pm Toddler Yoga.

1-1:30pm Preschool Yoga 

Tuesday, January 24

8:30-10am Free entry-level class at Yoga Tropics.

1-2pm Silver Yoga

2-3pm Zumba 

4:30-5:20pm “Nature’s Number One Secret to Lasting Health Revealed”
Complimentary chiropractic adjustments and presentation by Dr. Joseph P. Kametz,
DC of the Encinitas Chiropractic Studio, at the Encinitas Library.

5:30-6:20pm "Introduction to Reiki" presentation and demonstration
by Tricia "Satya" Hurley, Satshanti.

6:30-7:20pm New Year New You: 12 Powerful Wellness Secrets for a Healthy Happy 2012!
This high energy wellness program is led by local wellness experts Drs. Ian & Lindsay Hoffman. 
You will be coached through a simpleprocess to increase body awareness, reduce stress, lose
weight, get fit, detoxifythe body, increase energy, and create optimum health without drugs.
BONUS #1: Receive Dr. Ian & Lindsay Hoffman's 52 Health & Lifestyle Tips e-book for free.
BONUS #2: A Free Exercise Diary and Food Journal with instructions on how to use them.

7:30-8:00pm "Reclaim Your Health and Revive Your Energy through Gentle Detoxification"  
presentation by Susannah Sunderland, L.Ac., Pathways Acupuncture.

Wednesday, January 25 

8:30-10am Free entry-level class at Yoga Tropics

1:30-2:30pm Silver Yoga.

3-4pm “Health Starts Here” Wellness Tour and $5.99 salad bar at Whole Foods Market.

5:30-6:20pm "How to Make Raw Chocolate" demonstration by Jessica Cole, L.Ac., Get Your Qi On.

6:30-7:20pm "Eat, Move and Think Well!" presentation by Dr. Ryan Caringola, True Chiropractic.

7:30-8:00pm "Ayurveda for Health" presentation by Dave Lesinski, Yoga Blend Seven. 
Ayurveda is an ancient, time-tested style of holistic medicine that supports one in allowing
better health and happiness into life. “Ayur” translates into life or longevity and “Veda”
translates into knowledge or truth. Combining the two words leaves us with “Knowledge of
Longevity” or “Truth of Life”. As one applies the “knowledge of longevity” they begin to
experience the “truth of life”…that every moment of every day can be filled with love, peace
and happiness.  Ayurveda is an ancient,time-tested, style of holistic medicine that focuses on
prevention of this presentation to learn easy to apply techniques to keeping your body healthy,
immune system strong and mind and emotions balanced.  There's no greater gift then good health.

Thursday, January 26 

8:30-10am Free entry-level class at Yoga Tropics

2-3pm Gentle Yoga.

6-8:00pm Film Screening: “Food Inc.” 

Friday, January 27 

8:30-10am Free entry-level class at Yoga Tropics

11:30-1pm “Health Starts Here” Sampling Event at Whole Foods Market

4:30-5:20pm "Child and Teenage Obesity" presentation by Kristen Enyedi, USA Teen Fit.

5:30-6:20pm "Natural Soothes for Winter Blues - Homeopathy for Cold and Flu Season"
presentation by Lynn Georgens, Vibrant Health Homeopathy.  Homeopathy is used very
successfully for treating colds and flu as well as chronic health issues. It is one of the most
trusted and widely practiced complementary medicines in the world. The concept is: Treat
the root of the problem, not just the symptoms, with natural ingredients. Homeopathics
have a great record of being safe and effective with no side effects or drug interactions.
That is why they are a wonderful choice for any age. We will talk about many different
remedies for colds and flu, how to choose the right one and how to take them effectively.

7-8:00pm Concert: “Tibetan Sound Healing” by Diane Mandle.

Saturday, January 28

10am-2pm CLOSING DAY FESTIVAL at Moonlight Beach Visit the expo in the main parking
lot, featuring dozens of exhibitors, food, music and performances. Head down to the beach 
to enjoy a beach workout, an obstacle course,a fitness challenge, a volleyball clinic and Qi
Gong classes. Take the Wellness Walk around downtown Encinitas for free classes,
demonstrations, treatments and other special offers.

http://www.encinitas101.com/events/wellness-week/wellness-week-calendar-of-events/

How to RSVP for an Argument

Target & Nordstrom, Kudos!

Target's newest model is an adorable 6-year-old with Down syndrome

Target

Ryan's mother says "the whole process of modeling is an extreme confidence booster" for the young model.

By Julia Rubin, Styleite

For all the controversy surrounding some child models, it gives us great pleasure to dote on the latest pint-size star. His name is Ryan, and he has Down syndrome.

The adorable 6-year-old’s latest modeling gig is for Target, and he also appeared in a Nordstrom catalog this past summer. Daddyblogger Noah’s Dad posted both of the photos, and Ryan’s proud mom commented:

We are very pleased that Nordstrom placed Ryan in their catalog. The whole process of modeling is an extreme confidence booster for him. He received so much warmth and caring from the Nordstrom crew that he thought they were there just for him! We are honored that Ryan is making the Down Syndrome community proud. He is a beautiful boy inside and out. He makes us better parents, and a better family.

Nordstrom

Nordstrom's newest pint-size model, Ryan, is just one of the gang.

The best thing about Target and Nordstrom’s casting of Ryan is that he’s not singled out in any way — he’s just another super cute kid smiling for the camera. The ads are inclusive, yet they aren’t trying to prove a point. They come across as completely ordinary, which in this case is a really wonderful thing.

Art After Dark, Oceanside Museum of Art

 

OMA: Join the Museum for a Great Night 

Friday, January 27, 2012

7:00 - 10:00 p.m.

$30 Nonmembers
$20 OMA Members
Purchase tickets online, make reservations by calling
(760) 435-3721 or get your tickets at the door
the night of the event
OMA welcomes guests 21+, ID required

Purchase Your Tickets Today!

Due to the popularity of OMA events we strongly recommend that guests purchase tickets to all OMA events in advance. OMA events often sell out and we cannot guarantee tickets at the door for any event.

 

OMA currently holds four Art After Dark events a year, each inspired by a different theme that often relates to the museum’s exhibitions. Recent events have grown exponentially, with attendance reaching over 700 patrons. Art After Dark is a program designed to attract an array of audiences interested in broadening their understanding and appreciation of art. This entertaining “art party” provides members and new visitors with a sensational evening intended to support the museum’s dynamic exhibitions and events. Creatively charged with live music, performance, interactive stations, stunning thematic art, and delectable food and beverages, guests enjoy an artistic sensory overload. In addition, guests will have the opportunity to view four art exhibitions during the Art After Dark event on Friday, January 27, 2012: The Point of View: William Glen Crooks, It’s Not My Fault: The Art of Everett Peck, A Matter of Space: Cathy Breslaw and Ian Ross.

Art After Dark is made possible by the James Irvine Foundation.

How to Be A Cool Brother

Sticking Up For Little Brother

No Link between PTSD, Combat Duty, and Killing

The Mt. Rainier Shooting and PTSD: How the Media Got It Wrong

January 6, 2012 by Alex Horton

The massacre at Ft. Hood two years ago stunned the nation in its cold-blooded calculation. The high body count was just as shocking as the fact soldiers were killed not in combat, but on the grounds of a military installation. Before the slain soldiers were buried, many in the media speculated on a link between combat stress and the shooting, the correlation being that war trauma had driven a soldier to commit those crimes.

When news reports finally explained that Nidal Hasan hadn’t deployed during his Army career, the narrative shifted to secondary PTSD. The thought was that his work as a psychiatrist could have caused it. The reality, however, was that Hasan’s personal beliefs about the United States and the military were among the chief motivations behind the killings. Taken together, the prevailing narrative from those early reports—intentional or not—was this: Post-traumatic stress is a strong factor in violent crimes, and anyone who has deployed to a combat zone is capable of the same.

That narrative—fairly common since John Rambo hit movie screens in 1982—bubbled to the surface once again with the killing of Park Ranger Margaret Anderson on January 1st by Benjamin Colton Barnes, a 24 year-old Iraq Veteran. Within hours of the Rainier shooting, journalists and writers clamored to mention Barnes’ war record, combat stress, and even his duty station in a dizzying effort to find a connection:

Ex-soldier in Mount Rainier killing stationed at deeply troubled base
Mt. Rainier killing sparks concern for war veterans
PTSD Help Available for Local War Vets: Park Ranger Slaying Suggests Link to War Stress
Washington’s Mount Rainier Gunman Illustrates Problem of PTSD Among Our Veterans
The Killing of a Park Ranger on Mount Rainer Reminds Us to Help Returning Soldiers

The problem? It wasn’t true.

As more information became available on Barnes, it grew clear that his troubles had little to do with his service in Iraq or his assignment at Joint Base Lewis-McChord. According to The Seattle Times, Barnes was apparently disturbed before he entered the Army—having been expelled from school as a teenager. Additionally, military records show Barnes served in a headquarters communications job in Iraq. A spokesman at Lewis-McChord told the Times there was no record of Barnes having received a Combat Action Badge, indicating he probably never came under fire in Iraq.

While violence is undoubtedly a potential consequence of war-related trauma, highly publicized crimes by active duty members and Veterans cast the overwhelming majority of law abiding Vets in a horrifying—and typically unfair—light. As one Army officer pointed out recently, sensational stories devoid of context (like those about Barnes) inhibit the ability for people to assess likelihood and frequency in a given population. He cites the availability heuristic, which says people “predict the frequency of an event, or a proportion within a population, based on how easily an example can be brought to mind.”

When I asked her today, VA clinical psychologist Dr. Sonja Batten said that “despite this image in pop culture of the dangerous, unstable Veteran, there is no direct, causal link between combat-related PTSD and the type of violence shown at Mt. Rainier. Although PTSD is associated with increased anger and irritability in some individuals—whether civilians or Veterans—this sort of negative portrayal of Veterans is unfair and does a disservice to those individuals who have served our country. We work every day in VA to dispel these negative and inaccurate stereotypes.”

In other words, the misguided and incorrect correlation between military service and violent crimes like murder can lead to damaging stereotypes that can inhibit the success of Vets once they leave the military. The Texas Veterans Commission says some employers have reservations about hiring Veterans because they may show signs of post-traumatic signs in the workplace. Hiring managers may think they’re getting a Travis Bickle instead of a “Sully” Sullenberger.

In an MSNBC article about the Mt. Rainier shooting, reporter Alex Johnson connected Barnes to the “deeply troubled base” of Joint Base Lewis-McChord. While he later walked the piece back, his original reporting joined the media-constructed narrative that JBLM is in crisis without offering a valid explanation why. There were no mentions of inadequate mental health services or of a distinct culture of the base that would indicate a trend of violence—only some data showing that violent incidents happen there and in the surrounding communities.

But Johnson made no mention that those who murder are overwhelmingly men between 15-30 years old, and that men make up 92 percent of the U.S. Veteran population. If you accept that folks in the military represent a cross section of society, it will always attract the best and the worst our nation has to offer, from Sal Giunta to Benjamin Barnes.

That simple reality didn’t jive with Johnson, whose angle wasn’t helped by the fact that, despite problems with violence around the base, Veterans in general are incarcerated at half the rate. of non-Vets.

I’m a former infantryman who saw combat in Iraq. I was based at JBLM my entire Army enlistment. And I know dozens of those just like me—representing a larger sample than that from which Johnson and his cohorts seemed to draw. All of us are men and most of us are between 25 and 35 years old, like Barnes. And many of us dealt with the residual effects of combat trauma, like hyper-vigilance, an inconveniently short temper, and substance abuse. As far as I know, none are guilty of murder or any violent crimes. Unless evil spirits inhabit the base, I see no connection between that facility and the murderous tendency of one of its former dwellers.

To his credit, Johnson published an update with a warning from Brandon Friedman, my boss and fellow combat Veteran. Friedman cautioned against linking post-traumatic stress to Barnes’ behavior before facts were established, adding that “having PTSD doesn’t signify a propensity to murder Americans.”

We must confront the serious issues of mental health that affect those who served. Post-traumatic stress is one of the most common subjects on this blog—and one of the most vital aspects of VA’s presence online has been connecting Veterans in crisis with support services. At the same time, Veterans, the public, and the media must do two things.

First, we must step out of the feedback loop that both feeds and informs the stereotype of the broken, mentally unstable Vet. The damaging caricature proved to be difficult for Vietnam Vets to overcome. And with a new generation coming home from Iraq and Afghanistan, history will repeat itself until we take a moment and realize that faulty assumptions are dangerous and that anecdotal, sensationalist conclusions are designed to help sell newspapers and generate hits rather than responsibly inform.

Second, we must overcome the availability heuristic by keeping perspective on the prevalence of post-traumatic stress and, more importantly, violence committed by those who experience it. A 2008 RAND study estimated that 18.5 percent of Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans have symptoms of post-traumatic stress or major depression. But the vast majority of folks with post-traumatic stress recover successfully with support from family, friends, community, and effective treatment. PTSD and other mental health issues don’t just lead to challenges, but also to post-traumatic growth for many people. And that’s a story that needs to be told more often.

The rush to connect Barnes’ wartime service to his horrific crime makes for good drama but bad journalism. There are serious mental health consequences that stem from serving in the line of fire, but we do a disservice to those who suffer from those problems—as well as those who do not. Our communities need the experience and skills Veterans bring now more than ever before. But before that happens, we must chase away the lurid cloud of stereotypes and conjecture that hang over Veterans as they try to find their way after war.

If you feel you might be struggling with post-traumatic stress, visit our PTSD resource directory for information on symptoms, treatments, issues specific to female Veterans, and more. For immediate help, call the Veterans Crisis Line at 1-800-273-8255. It’s open day and night, along with our online chat. If you prefer text messaging, send a message to 838255.

original publication below:

http://www.blogs.va.gov/VAntage/5650/the-mt-rainier-shooting-and-ptsd-how-the-media-got-it-wrong/

NHL's Willie Mitchell on His Recovery from Multiple Concussions

Concussion took its toll on Willie Mitchell

The Kings' defenseman, who was injured while with Vancouver two years ago, speaks of the emotional aspect of the condition.

Los Angeles Kings defenseman Willie Mitchell seen here against the San Jose Sharks, compares playing in the NHL to getting into nightly car crashes. (Tony Avelar / Associated Press / December 30, 2011)

• 
• 
• 

By Lisa Dillman

December 31, 2011, 6:12 p.m.

When Willie Mitchell suffered a concussion almost two years ago, getting back to hockey became secondary to living a normal life.


"It's tough. You can't do anything. You can't read. You can't drive your car. It hurts," said Mitchell, the Kings defenseman who was then with the Vancouver Canucks. "Living in pain, it's almost like, I always say, it's like a snippet into a terminal illness, so to speak. It gives you a little snippet because not only physically it bothers you. But it's also the emotional aspect of it, as well as that.

"You wake up every day and you don't feel better and that can take its toll."

His cabin in remote British Columbia provided at least a physical escape from fans' constant questions about his future. He didn't know what to tell them, and that just increased his stress.

"Everywhere I'd walk: 'How's your head? How's your head?' " said the 34-year-old Mitchell, who is in his second season with the Kings. "That's the last thing wanted to talk about. I just wanted to disconnect from that. So that's what I did. I went to my place in the middle of nowhere in the forest and just chilled."

The pressure didn't ease until after the Canucks were eliminated from the playoffs by Chicago in May 2010. Mitchell described his improvement, saying: "All of a sudden, boom," as he soon was able to resume daily activities without pain or discomfort.

The Kings were the only team willing to give him more than a one-year deal, signing him for two years and $7 million. Mitchell has been generous about sharing his concussion story, speaking with reporters at length recently after practice. He was also able to offer reassurance and a personal perspective to teammate Mike Richards, who had been sidelined with a concussion.

"Think about it, right? The human body is really not supposed to go into those areas," Mitchell said. "We play this great game. I get in a car wreck six times a night. I do.

"How many people get in a car wreck in their life? I get in a car wreck six times a night, 82 times a year plus playoffs. And this is my 13th season at a professional level."

At one time, many wondered if he would find his way back to the NHL.

"He didn't look normal, physically," said Canucks President and General Manager Mike Gillis. "His eyes. His mannerisms. It wasn't the same Willie that we knew. He looked different. He didn't start looking normal until I saw him in the summertime.

"Willie is a really good person. I'm glad it's worked out for him There was a period of time there where I know we were wondering if he would play again because it lingered so long."

Recovery from a concussion can be difficult on many levels. Gillis referred to the extra level of attention and scrutiny Mitchell faced in Vancouver.

"The pressure to get back and play, the internal pressure that these guys put on themselves is something that can't be evaluated very well," Gillis said. "And they're big, strong guys and they're not used to these kind of injuries where there is nothing visible.

"You don't have stitches or you haven't been operated on or you don't have an X-ray showing a broken bone. A lot of them have a really difficult time with the symptoms that come with it."

lisa.dillman@latimes.com

Tom Waits with NPR's Fresh Air, Terry Gross, and Meditation in San Diego

 

My next Beginning Meditation is now open and ready for student registration at www.sdadulted.com. 

Meditation can be especially helpful for  people with insomnia, depression, and anxiety. I'd love to have you in the class. Appropriate for all ages and conditions and the cost is very affordable. Class will fill so register early please.

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I'm not a big Tom Waits fan, but I appreciate his brilliance. Here is an interview that recently aired on NPR's Fresh Air, with Terry Gross. You can "listen here" to the whole piece. He speaks on numerous other musicians, life, creativity, and suffering. Enjoy.

Simple Breathing May Help GERD

I've long been a believer in Nauli Breathing (search youtube for examples) for help with Gastroenteritis and other intestinal disorders. Please read below. 

 

Simple Breathing Exercises May Help GERD

(January 4, 2012) Are you looking for a way to treat gastroesophageal reflux (GERD) symptoms while using less medication? A recent scientific study suggests that learning a simple breathing exercise may help.

Reflux occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), which is surrounded by the diaphragm, becomes weak. In a recent scientific study, a group of people who had active GERD without esophageal erosion, were trained to practice abdominal breathing exercises to strengthen the diaphragm muscle. After a month, they reported an average reduction in symptoms compared to a control group who did not practice deep breathing. After nine months, they reported using less on-demand reflux medication than the control group, as well.

The study was very small, so further research is needed before we know if this is an effective treatment for GERD symptoms. Also, not all of the study participants were able to stick with the breathing exercises through the whole month – some reported that they were just “too lazy,” or that using medication was easier. So you’ll need to be dedicated about practicing these techniques if you hope to see results.

_{Source:  Eherer  AJ, Netolitzky F, Högenauer C, et al. Positive effect of abdominal breathing exercise on gastroesophageal reflux disease: a randomized, controlled study. Am J Gastroenterol advance online publication 6 December 2011; doi: 10.1038/ajg.2011.420.}

Want to try an abdominal breathing exercise for yourself? Follow the instructions below:

A Simple Breathing Technique Typically, our breathing is either shallow and irregular (chest or thoracic breathing), or deep and regular (abdominal or diaphragmatic). Shallow chest breathing is often associated with muscle tension. Deeper abdominal breathing, on the other hand, is associated with reduced muscle tension and relaxation. There are many breathing techniques that can be quickly and easily learned. While initially the positive effects are often subtle, benefits increase over time. Here is a simple breathing technique: Sit straight in a comfortable position with your arms and legs uncrossed Breathe in comfortably into your abdomen – the area between your chest and your hips. (If you are not used to diaphragmatic breathing, place your palm over your belly button to feel it rise and fall with each breath.) Pause briefly before you exhale. Each time your exhale, count silently to yourself, “One…two…three…four.” Repeat this cycle, counting your exhalations in sets of four, for five to ten minutes. Notice your breathing gradually slowing, your body relaxing, and your mind calming as you practice this breathing technique. Excerpted from IFFGD publication #526, “Nonulcer Dyspepsia” By: W. Grant Thompson, M.D., Emeritus Professor of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

The New Pure Hydrocodone Pill - Addiction and Big Pharma, Here we Come

Pure hydrocodone pills could be in U.S. market by 2013

Andrea Parrish December 27, 2011

Pure hydrocodone pills may be on the market within a year and a half. Image: Flickr / amayzun / CC-BY

Four separate pharmaceutical companies have filed paperwork with the FDA for approval of new, purer forms of hydrocodone. While these drugs are intended to be used for pain management, addiction researchers are very concerned about their potential misuse.

The hydrocodone problem

Currently, there are several different drugs on the market that contain the painkiller hydrocodone. OxyContin is the most powerful of these drugs. Hydrocodone medications are currently mixed with more innocuous painkillers, such as acetaminophen. Hydrocodone is a highly addictive narcotic, though the less powerful painkillers the drug is mixed with have a tendency to cause liver damage when taken in high doses. OxyContin is one of the most-abused painkillers currently on the market, and there are certain formulations meant to discourage abuse, but the drug is used properly as often as it is abused.

Zohydro and other pure hydrocodones

At least four pharmaceutical companies in the United States are in some stage of the approval process for newer, more powerful hydrocodone painkillers. The one closest to approval is Zohydro from Zogenix. The painkiller would be pure hydrocodone, designed to release slowly, over a long period of time. The idea is to remove liver-damaging acetaminophen from the mix, allowing for another option in long-term pain management. Crushing up and ingesting these new pure hydrocodones, however, would provide a much stronger high than the current OxyContin that is favored by many narcotic painkiller addicts.

Trying to mitigate addiction

While pain management is considered a legitimate use for many narcotic painkillers, addiction is a very large part of the $10 billion per year market. In the state of Florida in 2003, hydrocodone drugs contributed to at least 2,713 deaths. The Drug Enforcement Agency estimates that there were more than 90,000 emergency room visits as a result of hydrocodone in 2010. A “squishy” form of OxyContin has been introduced that won’t crush. These new drugs, however, will not include safety measures such as this.

Sources

Time.com: http://healthland.time.com/2011/12/26/powerful-new-painkiller-has-addiction-experts-worried/

Daily Mail: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2079029/New-painkiller-Zohydro-10-times-stronger-Vicodin-developed.html?ito=feeds-newsxml

International Herald Tribune: http://health.heraldtribune.com/2011/12/27/new-painkiller-zohydro-worries-abuse-experts/

Addiction Experts Are Worried - Read More Here from MSNBC