April - 2011 Newsletter

• Give yourself at least five positive affirmations each day
• Stay close to positive people and positive influences
• Get rid of negative or "toxic" people in your life. Yes, even relatives
• Set realistic goals, but be sure to set them! A goal is a written statement
• Realize that 95 percent of things we worry about never actually happen
• Most choices are not between "right" and "Wrong", but rather between options
• Find healthy ways to diffuse anger and frustration
• Spend a few minutes each day removing clutter from your home or office
• Simplify your life by reducing obligations. Learn to say "No" or "Not now"
• Screen your calls. Always use an answering machine or voicemail to screen your calls.
• Spend ten minutes each evening planning your next day. Make a list.

TO NAP OR NOT TO NAP?

Research does indicate that an afternoon nap can increase your mental abilities, learning and memory even better than a cup of coffee or an energy drink. After lunch is a time when the human brain is naturally at a low point and in need of rest. An afternoon nap not only helps restore alertness but also improves neurocognitive functioning to a higher level than before the nap. Sleep, especially stage 2 sleep, seems to be the time when certain types of information are integrated into the brains existing fund of knowledge, clearing the way for new information. Midday naps, particularly if they are 45 minutes or shorter consist primarily of stage 2 sleep. As executives and high tech workers have discovered, the short afternoon or "power" nap can have a dramatic effect on improving alertness and learning ability. Obtain your bosses permission when conducting your own nap experiments.

WHERE TO LIVE IF YOU HAVE AUTISM

The greater New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Cleveland, Philadelphia and Boston metropolitan areas are among the ten best places in America to live for people who have autism, according to the results of an online survey released today – the first day of Autism Awareness Month and the eve of World Autism Awareness Day. These locations have the best resources and seem to be more aware of the needs of individuals on the Autism Spectrum. Northern New Jersey, Minneapolis/St. Paul, Seattle and Milwaukee are also among the top ten listed. Among the states faring worst in the survey, in terms of the percentage of negative responses from that state, were Texas, Virginia, Tennessee, Ohio, Florida, Michigan and California.

NEW, OLD RESEARCH ON FOOD COLORING AND HYPERACTIVITY

Artificial food coloring may worsen hyperactivity in some children. This connection was reported extensively during the 1980's and 90's, and the research is back in the news today. The effects on behavior are due to a unique intolerance to these substances in some children and not because the coloring is inherently toxic or dangerous in any way. The colorings do not cause hyperactivity. The FDA has not released any final conclusions as of this date, so don't panic. For now, HPS suggests limiting the following colorings for children prone to hyperactivity: Blue #1 and #2, Green #3, Red #3 and #40, Orange B, and Yellow #5 and #6. Read labels!

RULES FOR DATING

• Make sure your date is emotionally available and can express personal feelings.
• Use the rule of threes for online dating: Three emails before the first call, three calls before the first date, three dates before making any commitments, three months before determining if you are in love.
• Relationships have a direction. If you don't know where its going, it's not going anywhere.
• Your date should know what they want and what they are looking for in a relationship. If you ask, "What are you looking for?" there should be an answer. "I don't really know" is not acceptable.
• Nobody is perfect, but any three "red flags" and the relationship should be over. These include bitterness, excessive talking about previous relationships, lack of commitment, excessive drinking, drug use, anger problems, etc. (hostility or abuse counts as three red flags!)
• Never go back to a previous relationship to give them a "second chance". It probably will not work.
• The inability to express emotions openly is a defect. It will likely not improve.
• What you see is what you get. People grow, but rarely change. You need to love the person for what they are right now, not some future possible potential.
• Pay close attention to the relationship your date has with their own friends, family, parents, business associates and even with their pets. All of these should be normal and warm. The way your date treats the waitress or waiter in a restaurant is a great indication of how you will be treated!
• Significant age differences can work in relationships, but they usually do not. Find someone within seven years of your own age.
• The expression, "I love you, but I am not IN love with you" is an excuse. Don't accept it.
• If your date wants to "see other people", tell them to watch a baseball game. The relationship is over.

HPS NEWS!

We are pleased to welcome our newest staff members: Cicely Horsham-Brathwaite, PhD and Karen Jason, PhD. Find out more about them by visiting our website: www.Therapy-Now.com.

Please have your friends and family members sign up for this free newsletter at our website: www.Therapy-Now.com.

We accept all major insurance plans. Call today for an appointment: (631) 427-6669.