Winter blues prevention: SAD tips, post-holiday letdown, cabin fever relievers | Examiner.com

 When the days of November turn gloomy, winter blues can set in. Call it Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), holiday burnout, Christmas depression, post-holiday letdown or even cabin fever, all these conditions share depression as a common theme. And all can be treated similarly. Here are winter blues prevention tips and cabin fever relievers. Beat depression with holiday spirit pick-ups and mood-lifters.Winter blues prevention: SAD tips, post-holiday letdown, cabin fever relievers | Examiner.com

FDA may crack down on e-cigs, regulate vape e-liquid flavors to lose kid appeal

The Food and Drug Administration admits it's pretty much clueless about electronic cigarette dangers. Nevertheless, the FDA may crack down on e-cigs and regulate vape e-liquid flavors to lose kid appeal. Fox 43 reported August 12 that smoke shop owners find FDA crackdowns problematic. Possible FDA e-cig regulations are prompted by concerns that kids are attracted to vaporizer electronic cigarettes because they use tasty e-liquid. The hookah and flavored tobacco crazes of a few years ago caused similar concern (despite hookah having no nicotine).   FDA may crack down on e-cigs, regulate vape e-liquid flavors to lose kid appeal - Grand Rapids News | Examiner.com

Synthetic marijuana use almost tripled: Spice, K2 drive crime, ODs, violence

Statistics show that synthetic marijuana use has almost tripled CNN reported August 4, that police are finding that synthetic pot, also called Spice and K2 push crime, ODs, violence and bizarre acts. Users of the deadly fake weed are known to strip naked, rants and go berserk. Acts of violence have been committed, notably on homeless and helpless people. South Carolina police are considering whether Spice caused a dad to kill his five kids. The horrifying 2012 case of the "Miami Face Eater" was reputed to be linked to bath salts, a designer drug that causes similar behavior to Spice.   Synthetic marijuana use almost tripled: Spice, K2 drive crime, ODs, violence - Grand Rapids News | Examiner.com

A-Z appetite suppressants: Curb hunger, burn fat, control Type 2 diabetes - Grand Rapids News | Examiner.com

Obesity is a growing and frightening problem. There's a coffin-shaped future for very overweight people. But there's also hope. A new study found that obesity and and related Type 2 diabetes are reversible with diet, weight loss and increased activity. I can attest to this. I gained 120 pounds and was headed toward Type 2 diabetes. But since I lost over 100 pounds (no drugs or surgery) and got my BMI to normal, my sugar numbers are normal too. I feel better, am no longer depressed either. I was able to quit my antidepressant.



Dieting isn't easy. Cravings and constant hunger derails many from losing weight. The trick is to curb cravings naturally. Here are A-Z appetite suppressants to control hunger so it doesn't control you.A-Z appetite suppressants: Curb hunger, burn fat, control Type 2 diabetes - Grand Rapids News | Examiner.com

Memorial Day travel guide, Parents survival tips for holiday travel with kids

It's the Memorial Day weekend and your family is heading out for much needed vacation. But wait--traveling with kids--that sounds like more hassle than holiday. So remember these parent survival tools when traveling by car with childrenMemorial Day travel: Parents survival tips for holiday travel with kids

CDC faults e-cigs for failed cigarette smoking cessation, creating more smokers

As more public places go smoke-free, the popularity of electronic cigarettes has sparked. Smokers are "vaping" in areas where cigarettes are prohibited. Teenagers are turning on to vapor "e-cigs" reported the Press Association on March 31. E-cig makers claim that they're safer than cigarettes. But the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention blows smoke in the face of those claims. A CDC anti-smoking ad faults e-cigs for failed cigarette smoking cessation.  CDC anti-smoking ad faults e-cigs for failed cigarette smoking cessation 

Catholic Lenten fasting for children, teach kids why giving up for Lent is healthy

On Ash Wednesday, Catholic and Orthodox Christians begin the penitential season of Lent. During this 40-day period, we follow Christ’s temptation in the desert. The Lenten season ends with Holy Week, the Easter Triduum of Christ's passion, death and resurrection. During Lent we fast in imitation of Jesus's sufferings. We practice abstinence. Here are tips for Christian parents to teach kids what to give up for Lent, how to fast. and why we do it.Catholic Lenten fasting for children, teach kids why, what to give up for Lent - Grand Rapids Holidays | Examiner.com



 

Celebrate Valentine's Day, or just survive the love holiday, when you're single

 Valentine's Day is fine for happy, committed couples. A little kitschy, with the overemphasis on superficial fluff. But Valentine's Day can be miserable if you're single or in a dissolving relationship. How do you celebrate (or just survive) a day devoted to romantic love when you're not in a romance? The Washington Post suggests we just skip Valentine's Day schmaltz or at least dial down the hype. Here are other suggestions for singles to survive Valentine's Day.Celebrate Valentine's Day when you're single, or just survive romance schmaltz

Froggatt earns Golden Globe for Downton Abbey rape scene, raises awareness

Superbowl and Golden Globes are January's TV holy days of obligation. Viewers anticipate them with a holiday-like spirit! The 72nd Golden Globe award ceremony saw predictable red carpet glitz, a few wardrobe fails and lots of award schmaltz. But there was a serious note when Joanne Froggatt won Best Supporting Actress for BBC's wickedly popular "Downton Abbey, reported People Jan. 12.



Fans adored Lady Mary's maid Anna from the start. Froggatt has always given the role sterling service. When drama around her beloved Bates hurt Anna, fans rose en masse as much in her defense as his. But when our heroine, the most gentle and loving of the entire Downton Abbey menage, was viciously attacked, we came unglued. It was Froggatt's rape scene portrayal that won her the award says the Boston Herald.

Froggatt earns Golden Globe for Downton Abbey rape scene, raises awareness