Monday, June 16, 2008

Waiting For the Official Job Offer

By Linda Matias At the end of the third job interview, Helene was told by the hiring manager, Congratulations, I am going to recommend you for the position. Expect a call from HR. Helene breathed a sigh of relief because her job search of six months was finally over. Helene went straight home and waited by the phone all day. The phone never rang. As the week drew to a close, Helene began to get nervous. She hadnt heard from HR. She wondered what had happened. She convinced herself that everything was fine, that the HR department must have been swamped. She wasnt exactly sure what would be more important than calling and welcoming her onboard, but she knew the HR department had a good reason. After all, Helene was the most qualified candidate; the hiring manager told her so. Days went by and still Helene heard nothing. Confused by the situation, she anxiously glanced through the Sunday morning classifieds wondering what had gone wrong. Unfortunately, this happens to many jobseekers. They are offered the position by the interviewer and they never hear from HR or it takes months before a firm offer is made. But there are steps that you can take as a jobseeker to minimize your risk of being strung along by an employer. An easy and often neglected step is to find out what comes next after each interview. Establishing the next step gives you some control over the hiring process, and helps avoid the guessing game. Make it a point to leave each interview with a clear understanding of what you are supposed to do and what the hiring manager is supposed to do. E-mail, fax, or snail mail a follow-up letter thanking the interviewer for the job offer and that you are looking forward to hearing from the HR department. Sending a note stresses to the interviewer what you heard and if there was any confusion on your part, compels the interviewer to contact you and address the misunderstanding. If you haven’t heard from the employer in a timely fashion, call to reiterate your interest in the position. Heres an example of an effective follow-up call: “Thank you for your time and for a very informative interview last week. Based on our last discussion, you are seeking an Executive Assistant who can effectively serve as a corporate liaison, manage administrative affairs, and support organizational goals. After a series of interviews, you were enthusiastically going to recommend me for the position but I have yet to hear from the Human Resources department. The Widget Corporation is my #1 choice and I am very interested in joining your team. Unfortunately, I will be forced to consider other options if I dont receive an offer in writing by Friday at noon.” By providing a timeline you create a sense of urgency and put the employer on notice that you are in demand. This may encourage them to move the process along. But only use this tactic if you really do have other options because setting a deadline that an employer is unable to meet could get you dropped from consideration. Although I recommend that you follow-up with a phone call, dont become a nuisance and call everyday. If you reach out to an employer several times without receiving a courtesy response, stop calling and move on. As frustrating as it may be, you must always remain professional. Keep in mind that, until you are officially hired, every conversation you have with the employer is part of the interview process. In conclusion, realize that a definite maybe does not qualify as a firm job offer. Therefore continue job searching until you receive an official offer. If an employer is interested in you, they will respect your time, return your phone calls, and make a concerted effort to keep you updated. Dont waste your time waiting by the phone. You deserve more than that. About The Author Recognized as a career expert, Linda Matias brings a wealth of experience to the career services field. She has been sought out for her knowledge of the employment market, outplacement, job search strategies, interview preparation, and resume writing, quoted a number of times in The Wall Street Journal, New York Newsday, Newsweek, and HR-esource.com. She is President of CareerStrides and the National Resume Writers Association. Visit her website at www.careerstrides.com or email her at careerstrides@bigfoot.com. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Linda_Matias http://EzineArticles.com/?Waiting-For-the-Official-Job-Offer&id=15003 hard money lender instant personal loan florida online car loan online-personal-loan
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Thursday, June 12, 2008

Acupressure Is Different To Acupuncture

By Eric Cho A form of touch therapy that utilizes the principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Acupressure is a lot like Acupuncture. The same pressure points are used in both systems. The only difference is that while Acupuncture relies on the use of needles to stimulate the pressure points, Acupressure is non-invasive. In Acupressure, the practitioner makes use of the finger tips to apply pressure. Herbal remedies, Acupuncture, Acupressure, Acutouch, Shiatsu, diet, lifestyle changes, and meditation are all a part of the comprehensive healing techniques found in China. Legend has it that both Acupuncture and Acupressure developed when early Chinese healers treated the wounds of warriors. These systems of healing came to the West in the 1970s. Acupressure massage performed by a trained practitioner is used both as a preventive as well as a therapeutic healing technique. Many health conditions including but not limited to headaches, migraine, cold, flu, arthritis, allergies, asthmas, sinus problems, sprains, tennis elbow and even toothaches can be treated using acupressure. Emotional and mental strain, tension and nervous tension can also be eased using this technique. Acupressure also helps increase positive energy within the person thus creating a sense of well-being. It can be used to stimulate the immune system, thus keeping many ailments at bay. Acupressure can also be used to alleviate sexual dysfunction. Acupressure, unlike acupuncture is easy to learn and does not need any formal knowledge. The techniques of acupressure are fairly easy to learn and provide quick, cost-effective and immediate relief from symptoms. Acupressure is used as a treatment by message therapists and acupuncturists. Most massage schools in America include a course of acupressure as part of their program. Acupressure, like Acupuncture, is based on the Chinese belief of Yin and Yang. Unlike medical practices in the West, Chinese medicine does not consider the body as a separate entity. Both body and mind work together to form the person. Thus disease cannot be diagnosed as the breakdown of a purely physical system. The damage starts from the inside and slowly spreads to the organs and expresses itself. The ordinary man is so removed from his own body that he cannot detect the underlying cause of his disease. Chi is the fundamental life force or energy that flows through the body and ensures the innate health and balance of the body. There are 12 major meridians in the body that support the transport of Chi. Acupressure works on the pressure points and unblocks the circulation of Chi so that it can once again flow freely. Acupressure seeks to stimulate the points on the meridians that pass closest to the skin. These are the points that are easiest to stimulate using finger pressure. The techniques of acupressure are so easy that it can even be used as a self-treatment for common aches and pains. An acupressurist will evaluate the symptoms and general health of the patient through gentle palpitations. Then he begins his therapy on the different meridians of the body. A session of acupressure is generally very relaxing and pleasurable. Some people experience immediate relief while others take some more time to experience benefits. For chronic conditions several sessions may be necessary. Alternative Health Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Eric_Cho http://EzineArticles.com/?Acupressure-Is-Different-To-Acupuncture&id=261819 get-an-automatic-payday-every-day unsecured personal loan companies payday loanes ocd and repeated payday loans
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Sunday, June 8, 2008

Saving for your Children

By Emma Butler Most of us will face expenses in later life such as university, new car, wedding and first home. If you can afford to start saving for your children, a nest egg in later life can be a huge benefit. Saving just 30 a month for 18 years at an interest rate of 4.5% will amount to almost 10,000. Bank and Building Society AccountsMost banks and building societies offer savings accounts specifically designed for children. These savings accounts are open to children of a certain age ranging from birth to 24 years. The interest paid on these savings accounts is often higher than that paid on standard accounts. Some childrens savings accounts have restrictions as to how many withdrawals can be made without losing interest. How you can access your savings depends on which account you choose. Some may not require notice to be given to withdraw cash; they may be branch-based savings accounts or come with a passbook or cash card. Some providers also offer regular savings accounts for children that come with restrictions on the maximum and minimum amounts that can be invested each month. They usually have a restriction on the number of withdrawals, which if exceeded can mean a dramatic drop in the rate of interest paid or even that the savings account has to be closed. A certain number of monthly payments also have to be made into these savings accounts each year to prevent loss of interest or closure. Tax on childrens accountsInterest on savings is usually taxed at 20% before it is paid. However, children also have a personal tax allowance which stands at 5,035 for the 2006-07-tax year. When opening an account for your children, you can complete a Form R85 for each account to receive interest without tax deducted. Young people aged 16 or over complete this form themselves. Obviously there is no limit to the amount that you can invest for your children, but be aware that the interest may be taxed if they are under 18 and are unmarried. Parents and step-parents each have a 100 limit on interest earned. This means that if money given produces interest of more than 100 a year, that interest is treated as the income of the parent who gave the money. However, each parent has a 100 limit, so you can receive interest of 200 a year without having to pay tax. Grandparents or friends and other relatives can give as much money as they like without interest being taxed as their income. Inheritance tax exemptions may mean that tax will not have to be paid on cash gifts given to children but if the provider dies within seven years this may change. Child Trust FundsThe Child Trust Fund (CTF) is a Government savings scheme that came into effect on 6 April 2005, for children receiving Child Benefit who were born on or after 1 September 2002. Under the initiative the Government provides a minimum of 250 in the form of a voucher, to be presented to one of the Child Trust Fund providers to open a tax-free account on behalf of the child. Parents, grandparents and friends can make additional deposits, up to a maximum of 1,200 each year. When the child reaches the age of seven, the Government will donate a further sum, currently proposed at a minimum of 250. At age 16 the child can begin to make decisions about how the money is managed. No withdrawals are permitted until the child is 18. Once the child is 18, the CTF will close and the resulting funds will be made available to him/her. If an account is not opened before the voucher expires (12 months from issue) HM Revenue & Customs will open a stakeholder CTF account.National SavingsChildrens Bonus Bonds With these savings bonds you can invest in your childs name and all returns are tax-free for children and parent. They can be opened for children under the age of 16 and you can invest 25 to 3000 for a five-year period. The interest paid on these savings bonds is fixed. Index-linked savings certificates These are tax-free investments where the rate of interest is guaranteed to increase in line with inflation. 100 to 15,000 can be invested in each issue and terms can be either for three or five years. Emma Butler is the Web Editor at Moneyfacts.co.uk, the independent and unbiased financial comparisons website. We’ll help you find the right saving account for you and the best saving account rate. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Emma_Butler http://EzineArticles.com/?Saving-for-your-Children&id=243390 50k unsecured loans same day payday loan 1500 bad credit loan payday game by parker brothers
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Wednesday, June 4, 2008

Diet Preparation, Part II–Why Do We Need Sleep?

By Mark Fuqua The first article in this series stressed the importance of being prepared to begin any weight loss program. Without proper diet preparation, you will set yourself up for weight loss failure instead of success. This entire series deals with diet preparation as it relates to sleep and stress. If you are in a stressful period in your life, you probably aren’t getting enough sleep. Or the sleep you are getting isn’t the kind of sleep that is doing for the body what a good night’s sleep is supposed to do. If you aren’t getting good sleep, your body will suffer, particularly if you are trying to lose weight. The American Insomnia Assocition (AIA) states that insomnia is defined as trouble falling asleep or staying asleep. Different types of insomnia include: * Acute / Transient Insomnia Lasts from one night to a few weeks and is often caused by a temporary situation in a person’s life, such as an argument with a loved one, a brief medical illness, or jet lag. * Intermittent Insomnia Occurs on and off and most commonly in people who are temporarily experiencing: stress, environmental noise, extreme temperatures, changes in the surrounding environment, sleep/wake schedule problems such as those due to jet lag, or medication side effects. * Chronic insomnia Occurs on most nights and lasts a month or more (sometimes years). Chronic insomnia can be secondary to causes such as medical, physical or psychological conditions, sleep disorders (i.e., sleep apnea, restless legs syndrome, etc.), medications or other substances. Any of the above sound familiar? You see, the importance of sleep is emphasized by the effects of sleep deprivation. Coordination, judgment, reaction time and social functions will likely be harmed by lack of sleep. When you dont get enough sleep, several things can occur: * Impaired memory: Drowsiness during the day interferes with your brains ability to concentrate, learn and remember things. * Physical impairment: Simple tasks may prove more difficult to perform and complex tasks may become seemingly impossible. * Emotional response: You may become anxious, moody, and impatient, and notice increased difficulties during interaction and cooperation with others. Well, it’s not we who typically notice that we are difficult to get along with, but everyone around us sure notices it. * Particularly as it relates to successful weight loss, sleep helps the body restore and rejuvenate in many different ways including: * Memory, Learning and Social Processes Sleep enables the brain to encode new information and store it properly. REM sleep activates the parts of the brain that control learning. The parts of the brain that control emotions, decision-making and social interactions slow down dramatically during sleep, allowing optimal performance when awake. * Nervous System Some sleep experts suggest that neurons used during the day repair themselves during sleep. When we experience sleep deprivation, neurons become unable to perform effectively and the nervous system is impaired. * Immune System Similarly, sleep also enables the immune system to function effectively. During deep sleep, the bodys cells increase production while proteins break down at a slower rate. Without proper sleep, the immune system becomes weak and the body becomes more vulnerable to infection and disease. * Growth and Development Children need much more sleep than adults. Growth hormones are released during sleep, so sleep is vital to proper physical and mental development. The effects (positive and negative) of sleep for babies and children are magnified. Tired children are often cranky, fussy and become easily frustrated and difficult. It is often easier for adults to interpret and remedy the effects of tiredness in children than for them to listen to their bodys own signals for more rest. Well even if you aren’t a medical doctor or a member of the AIA, it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure this one out does it? If you really want to lose the weight, you have to establish healthy sleep patterns and ways to deal with stress. Don’t forget to look for the next article in this series. In that article, Part III, I will give you tangible and easy ways for you to get the sleep you need and establish those healthy patterns. Until then. . . . Cheers! to your weight loss success! P.S. Check this out for more information on Diet Preparation! Mark Fuqua Editor-in-Chief and Consultant Diet Basics With 3 earned degrees and more than 16 years of experience as spiritual leader, pastor, director of marketing and investment banker, Mark Fuqua brings to the discussion table a breadth and depth of unique experience coupled with academic acumen. He is Consultant and Chief Editor of Diet Basics, a website dedicated to healthy weight loss success. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mark_Fuqua http://EzineArticles.com/?Diet-Preparation,-Part-II–Why-Do-We-Need-Sleep?&id=69178 payday 5000 cash loan bad credit personal loan lenders payday loan law colorado
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Friday, May 30, 2008

Organizing Your Embroidery Designs – On A Budget!

By Dan Wyszynski While there are many software packages out there that will help you organize and catalog your items (whether it be designs, images, music, etc.), many, if not most, are costly, confusing and yet-another-thing to learn. Today I want to tackle the task of organizing your designs on the cheap. We will just use the standard Windows file system (though this can be readily done on a Mac). I am going to talk about methods of organizing, not any OS-specific functionality, so this can be readily applied to any type of file on any system. So the first thing we need to analyze is what kind of designs we have, and what would be our best strategy for beginning to organize them. With that in mind, we need to figure out how many ways we can categorize them. Off the top of my head, I can think of a few possibilities right away: Few or same designers (One/Few particular company(ies) or your own) Many designers Design collections Genre or sub-type of designs (animals, flowers, etc.) Size of designs (We should make a mental note about these, since changing the size by more than 20% degrades the quality of the design, and from my experience, thats even pushing it). Organize Let’s see if we can create some possible structures for the examples above. Let’s take the first case of having just a few different designers, or you digitize your own designs. If we are sure that the amount of designers is going to stay static and you will not be growing the number of different design suppliers, then it would make sense to start thinking about what kind of designs you have. If you have a specific target audience, let’s say you do baby clothing or pet items, then your categories could be limited to Boy/Girl/Pet type, Seasons, Holidays, etc. One thing to keep in mind as we start subdividing the categories is that you can get pretty granular, but there’s a point of diminishing returns. What we want is the ability to think, “OK, I need a bib design for a baby girl that has a cute Christmas saying” and be able to know exactly where in your computer it resides. So let’s start building our catalog. We have, as examples, the following starting directories: [top-level]/Baby Designs/Boy/Holidays/Christmas [top-level]/Baby Designs/Boy/Holidays/Thanksgiving [top-level]/Baby Designs/Boy/Holidays/New Year [top-level]/Baby Designs/Girl/Holidays/Christmas [top-level]/Baby Designs/Girl/Holidays/Thanksgiving [top-level]/Baby Designs/Girl/Holidays/New Year Notice how we structured based off the gender. If your business is less reactive (on-demand), then a variation of the above could be more beneficial to you: [top-level]/Baby Designs/Holidays/Christmas/Boy [top-level]/Baby Designs/Holidays/Christmas/Girl [top-level]/Baby Designs/Holidays/Thanksgiving/Boy [top-level]/Baby Designs/Holidays/Thanksgiving/Girl [top-level]/Baby Designs/Holidays/New Year/Boy [top-level]/Baby Designs/Holidays/New Year/Girl The choice of how to subdivide the categories is very important, and can only be done after analyzing your own personal needs. If our business is not as targeted, and we use many different sources of designs, then we have a different situation. What we need todo is, once again, look at our customer base and the type of work we’re asked to do. [top-level]/Designer 1/Holidays/… [top-level]/Designer 1/Animals/… [top-level]/Designer 1/Flowers/… Again, this is subject to how you work. We could just as well do the following: [top-level]/Holidays/Designer 1/… [top-level]/Animals/Designer 1/… [top-level]/Flowers/Designer 1/… Putting it all together, we could have the following structures: [top-level]/Baby/Bibs/Bunnies [top-level]/Baby/Bibs/Bears [top-level]/Baby/Bibs/Flowers [top-level]/Bags/Fleur De Lis [top-level]/Bags/Lace [top-level]/Shirts/Holidays/Christmas [top-level]/Shirts/Holidays/Halloween [top-level]/Shirts/Holidays/Thanksgiving [top-level]/Socks/Holidays/Christmas/Snowmen [top-level]/Socks/Holidays/Christmas/Snowflakes So there you have some suggestions on how to organize your designs, and keep things where you can find them. Next column, I will build on this concept, and show you how you can tag the designs you own for easy searching. Dan Wyszynski Any comments you may have, please contact me at dan@embuniverse.com or through the website at: EMBUniverse.com. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dan_Wyszynski http://EzineArticles.com/?Organizing-Your-Embroidery-Designs—On-A-Budget!&id=413148 unsecured loans with bad credit payday loan lenders secured personal loans for bad credit cash advance portland oregon
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Wednesday, May 28, 2008

Advertising Effectively – Using Continuity with Promotional Products

By Rick Sheldon No matter what your marketing aspirations are, using the concept of continuity can assist you in materializing your goals. Remember, the more times that an individual is exposed to a marketing message, the more likely they are to be impacted by it. When companies use continuity in their images, brand, advertising, and messages, the public notices and recalls their work. Even if you are the owner of a small business, employing continuity can enhance your customer loyalty, sales, and popularity. What are your companys needs? Do you want to attract new customers? Are you interested in greater sales? Do you want to develop brand recognition? Do you want to attract more visitors to your web site? Do you want to increase office or trade show traffic? What types of clients are you attracting now? Who do you want to attract to your business? Work with the idea of continuity under the guidance of a promotional consultant and incorporate it into your marketing plan. A Basic Approach One basic approach to using continuity in your business is demonstrating client or employee appreciation. Send out promotional items as gifts during different periods of the year, but make sure that the gifts are related to each other in some way. Of course, each promotional gift should be customized, imprinted with your companys name and information, or a special message. Giving such items in honor of appreciation helps create and maintain a your business positive image. For the lead trainers opening a new upscale fitness center, a company might send a series of useful promotional gifts at various intervals. For example, the trainers might be the recipients of customized towels, sport water bottles, and a duffel bag. It is important to develop a theme and give away items that relate to the overall idea. Themes can really add to the success of a promotional campaign. If you are struggling for ideas, consult the help of promotions professional for their assistance. Build Stability We work in a job market with many questions looming. What jobs will be around tomorrow? What are the projected budget cuts for next year? Who will still have a job? With certain institutions these factors are out of our control. However, as a leader in your own business, you can help establish a feeling of security and stability. Install programs like teacher of the month, employee of the year, and weekly sales awards winners and give away products that demonstrate continuity. There a number of ways to recognize people and make them feel comfortable and solidified in their position. Often these awards are simple and cost very little, but the satisfaction from earning such an honor is priceless. In addition to these ideas, long-term high-reward programs can also be very effective and can encourage employees to win points that work toward achieving large prizes, such as trips, appliances, and technology. Continuity is Everywhere We have all been exposed to continuity programs as consumers. In fact, many of us participate and enjoy such programs without even knowing it. We subscribe to book and movie clubs. We compile frequent-flyer miles. We save labels to win certain prizes. We use customer cards at the register for discounts. These are all examples of continuity campaigns. It involves rewards, and returning with loyalty to the same company for the benefits. From major corporations to local small companies, successful business leaders know that continuity works. Consider the McDonalds Monopoly game. When customers purchase certain sizes of food items, they receive Monopoly game pieces. These pieces correspond to the McDonalds Monopoly game board. Whether or not a customer unveils Boardwalk, Park Place, or the B&O Railroad is completely random, but the public seems to enjoy participating in this game with the hopes of winning the big prizes. The McDonalds company boosts sales, enhances customer loyalty, and generates new clients each time they repeat the Monopoly campaign. Whether your marketing goals are to show client or employee appreciation, foster company loyalty, increase brand recognition, or build community within your firm, continuity is a concept that can work for you. The basic principle is as simple as this: The more we are exposed to a marketing message, the more likely we are to remember it. In what ways has continuity worked for you in the past? How have you utilized this tool? How do you envision it improving another area of your marketing? A professional promotional consultant is available now to assist you in implementing continuity into your advertising process. Author: Rick Sheldon has 18 years experience in the Promotional Products Industry and is currently CEO of Save on Promotional Products Inc. a Discount Online Promotional Products Company He can be contacted at 1-800-826-8706; email: rick@justpay10.com or go to our site: Promotional Products Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Rick_Sheldon http://EzineArticles.com/?Advertising-Effectively—Using-Continuity-with-Promotional-Products&id=517404 equity loan for bad credit failing to pay back payday loans payday loans va work at home for prepaid card or payday loan
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Wednesday, May 21, 2008

House Cleaning Services – Choosing The Right House Cleaning Service For Your Home

By Fayola Peters Today our time is eaten up by work, commuting, study, and so on and so on. We don’t have much time left over to clean our own homes anymore. So we hire house cleaning services to help clean our homes. If you are one of the thousands of people looking for house cleaning services there are four (4) steps that you can take to help you to choose the right house cleaning service for you. 1. Decide and write down what house cleaning you want done in your home by the house cleaning service you will eventually hire. You can write down which rooms you want cleaned, what items or furniture you want cleaned, like laundry, floors, carpets, ceilings, dishes. You can even decide on whether you want the house cleaning service you hire to make beds. 2. Next to your list write down the price you would be willing and can afford to pay for the house cleaning services you listed for step one (1). State the price that you would be willing to pay per month. There are many house cleaning services out there, to help you find one that’s right for you and matches closely with what you have listed in step one and two you can… 3. Make a list of potential house cleaning services to hire by: asking for recommendations from friends and/or neighbors who use house cleaning services. using the classifieds and the telephone directory using the internet (to find places online where you can find a prescreened maid service or find prescreened cleaning contractors go to http://www.housecleaning-tips.com/cleaning-services.html 4. Most house cleaning services offer free consultations. Using the list you made for step three (3), contact the prospective house cleaning services and set up appointments. During these appointments you can find out what house cleaning services they offer, what they charge, as well as get an idea of there personality and professionalism. If you follow the steps listed above, Im sure that you can make an informed decision and choose the right house cleaning service for you. About The Author Fayola Peters is the webmaster of Housecleaning-Tips.com. Check out the house cleaning services page at her website at http://www.housecleaning-tips.com/cleaning-services.html and find a prescreened maid service or cleaning contractors in your area. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Fayola_Peters http://EzineArticles.com/?House-Cleaning-Services—Choosing-The-Right-House-Cleaning-Service-For-Your-Home&id=19881 payday lenders in rhode island sba loan for oil and gas production international loan agencies for personal loans instant no fax payday loans for military
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Monday, May 19, 2008

Unemployment Blues: Maintaining Emotional Balance

By Virginia Bola, PsyD When we are under stress, we start to experience wide swings in mood. In a new relationship, for example, we are ecstatic when the telephone rings, depressed and tearful when we dont hear anything for two or three days. When we are ill, we are elated when tests come back negative, fearful and exhausted when a problem is identified. Working under a demanding tyrant, we are upbeat with any hint of praise and despondent when the inevitable criticism splashes in our faces. The pervasiveness of being out of work touches so many parts of our lives: our finances, our family, our egos, and our inner sense of self. Because the anxiety of unemployment reaches to the core of our comfortable lifestyles, we suffer from a changing array of intense emotional ups and downs. Some kind of emotional balance is necessary if we are to stay healthy, maintain our relationships, and be able to effectively function in job search. Reaching such a balance is difficult and made more so by our own inner turmoil. How do we re-establish that balance that will make us feel like our old selves, whole, optimistic, and complete? Here are a couple of strategies to try. 1. Regain a broader perspective. When we are confronted by a host of problems, we tend to put on blinders and only see the obstacles that are staring us in the face. We lose touch with what else is happening in the greater world we inhabit. Our conversation narrows to the one subject that dogs us night and day the need to find work. Friends become bored with our egocentric outlook and relationships suffer from our obsession with our present misfortune. We may become prickly because of the fear and anger we are experiencing. We may still harbor anger at being laid off and our bitterness seeps into the affectionate ties we have with others. Despite the discomfort and dangers of your present situation, remember that a whole universe exists out there that is totally ignorant and indifferent to your fate. Try to live in both worlds. During the time you have scheduled for job search, make that your total focus. For the rest of the day, enlarge your view to see what else is happening around you. Read the newspaper, watch the news, keep up with a changing world. Spend time finding out what is happening in your childrens lives and how the workday went for your spouse. Take a walk and visit with neighbors to talk about local events and community politics. Not only will you be more welcome when you are no longer totally consumed by your jobless state, but you will feel more like your old self, a cog in the real world rather than an isolated alien. 2. Develop your empathy. We all need to learn, as the old adage says, to walk a mile in anothers moccasins. You are so anxious and fearful about the future that it is easy to dismiss the worries of others that seem petty in comparison. Remember that to someone who has just been diagnosed with a terminal disease, your layoff may seem trivial. The significance of our problems is always relative. Because they are so close to us, and dominate our minds, we tend to feel that OUR problems are the biggest and that no one really understands the challenges we face. To turn our backs on our own concerns, at least occasionally, and to reach out to understand and help others with their own difficulties, gives us some distance from the ballooning fears that threaten to overwhelm us. Distance confers objectivity and detachment, qualities we desperately need if we are to develop creative solutions. Bury yourself for a while in the problems of others and you start to see that nothing is quite as awful as those who are involved believe it is. Youll find that, as a dispassionate outsider, you can readily see the options and alternatives available. Your teenaged daughters devastation over her boyfriends rejection may seem like a gross over-reaction. Try to look at it from her point of view and youll notice the similarity to your own situation the pain and discomfort of a personal world turned upside down. Explore the frustration and anger of your brother-in-laws stymied career and youll experience the same emotional dejection at his lack of success as you feel after an interview that didnt look promising. Our problem-solving abilities thrive with practice and helping others is a marvelous way to develop your own skills while giving them your much needed support. Start to personally identify with the victims of natural disasters who not only have no job, but are also without a roof over their head and desperately missing loved ones who were lost. Every time we move a little out of our circumscribed personal worlds, our vision expands and our problems shrink in comparison, allowing us to rise above them and deal with them forcefully as we never can when they loom large and insurmountable. Virginia Bola operated a rehabilitation company for 20 years, developing innovative job search techniques for disabled workers, while serving as a Vocational Expert in Administrative, Civil and Workers’ Compensation Courts. Author of an interactive and supportive workbook, The Wolf at the Door: An Unemployment Survival Manual, and a monthly ezine, The Worker’s Edge, she can be reached at http://www.unemploymentblues.com Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Virginia_Bola,_PsyD http://EzineArticles.com/?Unemployment-Blues:-Maintaining-Emotional-Balance&id=148238 christmas cash advance now get a paycheck working online with no sign up fee how does pretax help my paycheck payday loans va
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Thursday, May 15, 2008

About Hypothyroidism – a Common Health Problem

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Knut_Holt] Knut Holt By hypothyroidism, the thyroid gland is producing too less hormones to stimulate the metabolism or the body is not able to utilize the hormones. The lack of thyroid hormones slows down the metabolism and thus all the activities in the body, giving a combination of many symptoms related to slowness of bodily processes. Hypothyroidism is common, but the frequency of the condition is not well determined. Some authorities estimate that 0.5% of the total American population have the disease to some degree. The frequency is much greater among people over 50 years of age than among young people. THE SYMPTOMS AND COMPLICATIONS OF HYPOTHYROIDISM The most common early symptoms are: Mental and physical fatigue, weakness, weight gain or over-weight, and depression. One or more of these symptoms also use to appear early: Constipation, sensitivity to coldness, cold hands and feet, thick tongue, decreased sweating, dry hair, thin brittle hair, thin brittle nails, muscle and joint pain, pale or yellowish skin. One or more of these symptoms usually appear later: Poor memory, slow thought process, drowsiness, slow speech, thinning of eyebrows, hoarseness, poor circulation, dry and flaky skin, decreased taste and smell, menstrual irregularities, skin thickening, puffy face, puffy hands and feet, swelling of extremities, overall swelling, muscle spasms, muscle atrophy, joint stiffness. In children or young persons hypothyroidism may give developmental problems, like disturbed tooth development and short stature. Hypothyroidism increases the risk of elevated cholesterol levels, heart disease and diabetes (diabetes mellitus). This occurs even by moderately decreased thyroid production. THE THYROID GLAND AND ITS HORMONES To understand the hypothyroidism, some knowledge about the thyroid gland and its hormones is essential. The thyroid gland produces hormones that accelerate and in other wise regulate metabolism. A part of metabolism is the process of breaking down energy containing nutrients, and using the energy to produce molecules that all the processes and activities in the body use as fuel. Another part is the production of molecules that the body use as building materials. The thyroid makes four hormones: Thyroxin (T4), triiodothyronine (T3), diiodothyronine (T2) and monoiodothyronine (T1). The hormones contain iodine, and the figures tell about the number of iodine atoms in each hormone molecule. T3 is not made directly, but is produced from T4. T3 is a more efficient hormone than T4. Therefore this conversion is important. The pituitary, a gland under the brain, produces a hormone called thyrotropin or thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) that enhances the activity of the thyroid gland. If the body has too less thyroid hormone in the blood, the pituitary produces more thyrotropin. This makes the thyroid gland speed up its own production. By a too heavy thyroid hormone concentration, less thyrotropin is produced by the pituitary, and the thyroid gland slows down. This feed-back mechanism regulates the metabolism of the whole body. THE MECHANISMS AND CAUSES OF HYPOTHYROIDISM By hypothyroidism the body does not get enough thyroid hormone, or the hormones do not work effectively in the body. This causes the metabolism to slow down. When the metabolism decreases, the processes in the body do not get enough fuel and building materials, and all the body activities will therefore slow down. Energy containing nutrient will also be stored as fat, since they are not broken down. Serious variants of hypothyroidism are called myxedema. This is a rare condition. However, less serious, but painful variants are common. There are several reasons for hypothyroidism, each giving a variant of the disease: *An autoimmune reaction against the thyroid tissue can destroy the capability of the thyroid gland to produce hormones (for example Hashimoto’s disease). *Sometimes the production of T3 by conversion from T4 is impaired. The total amount of hormones may be normal in these cases, but the body is still lacking T3, and gets the symptoms of hypothyroidism. *Iodine deficiency can cause hypothyroidism, since the thyroid hormones contain iodine. In Europe and America the food is seldom short in iodine, but bad nutrition may result in iodine deficiency. *Surgery or radiation at the thyroid area can destroy enough tissue to cause hypothyroidism. *Injury or disease in the pituitary or of the part of the brain controlling the pituitary may cause a decrease in secreted thyrotropin, and then the thyroid will respond by producing less of its own hormones with hypothyroidism as a result. *Some people have symptoms of hypothyroidism even though the amount of thyroid hormone in the blood is normal. One of the symptoms is raised levels of thyrotropin, indicating that the body signals need for more thyroid hormones. This variant may be caused by conditions elsewhere in the body that make it difficult for the hormone to reach their destination in the cells. In many of these cases the immune system produces anti-bodies against the thyroid hormones. This variant is called sub-clinical hypothyroidism, and responds to the same treatment as ordinary hypothyroidism. *Some types of food can contribute to a depressed thyroid function or aggravate hypothyroidism when eaten raw in great amounts: Brussel sprouts, broccoli, corn oil, cabbage, cauliflower, kale, kohlrabi, radishes, rutabaga, soy and turnips. By cooking these vegetables, the depressing effect is decreased. *Factors suspected for causing hypothyroidism are: The artificial sweetener aspartame, mercury pollution, dental fillings containing mercury, fluoride and heavy metal pollution. HOW CAN HYPOTHYROIDISM BE TREATED For serious hypothyroidism caused by tissue destruction, external supplement of thyroid hormones is necessary. When the condition is caused by lack of iodine in the diet, dietary changes and iodine supplements will be a part of the treatment. Less serious, but painful hypothyroidism is sometimes also treated with hormone supplements. In these cases it is difficult to find the right dose, and treatment may result in hormone poisoning. You can sometimes alleviate hypothyroidism by reducing the amount of food suspected for depressing the thyroid function: Brussel sprouts, broccoli, corn oil, cabbage, cauliflower, kale, kohlrabi, radishes, rutabaga, soy, soy products and turnips. However, these food types are valuable in many ways, so it is probably not wise to cut them out totally. Also try to avoid artificial ingredients like the sweetener aspartame, conserving additives and fluoride. Changing out mercury dental fillings and avoiding mercury or heavy metal exposure may help to ameliorate the condition. You may also alleviate the condition by eating food that stimulates the thyroid function according to practical experience: Chia seed, dulse, fish from the ocean, flax seed, pumpkin seed, seaweed, coconut and brewer yeast. You can find nutritional supplements to help for hypothyroidism. The compositions of these products vary: *They may contain building materials that the thyroid uses to make its hormones, for example: iodine, acetyl-L-tyrosine or L-phenylalanine. *They may also contain vitamins and minerals that stimulate the mechanism of hormone production by being a part of necessary enzymes, or by helping the absorption of the ingredients that hormones are made from, like: Magnesium, zinc, selenium, copper and vitamin E. *They may furthermore contain constituents that stimulate tissue regeneration by being part of tissue building enzymes, and thus helping to restore a degraded thyroid, for example: Folic acid or folate, vitamin B2 (riboflavin), B3 (niacin), B5 (pantothenic acid or pantothenate), B6 (pyridoxine), B12 (cyanocobalamin) and molybdenum. Knut Holt is an internet consultant and marketer focusing on health items. TO FIND anti-aging supplements and natural medicines against hypothyroidism, joint pain, heart disease, hemorrhoids, depression, acne, eczema, rosacea, scars, wrinkles, other skin problem and much more PLEASE VISIT:—- [http://www.abicana.com/shop2.htm] http://www.abicana.com/shop2.htm —-Free to reprint with the author’s name and link. Article Source: [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Knut_Holt ] http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Knut_Holt [http://ezinearticles.com/?About-Hypothyroidism---a-Common-Health-Problem&id=132618 ] http://EzineArticles.com/?About-Hypothyroidism—a-Common-Health-Problem&id=132618 hard money lender for oil and gas deed 3500 loan bad credit easy bad credit auto loan personal or business loan
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Tuesday, May 13, 2008

Nokia 8600 or Motorola RIZR Z8 – What’s Your Style?

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Elizabeth_Wills]Elizabeth Wills As more and more mobile phones make their way to the highly thriving phone market everyday, eager aficionados get to spectacle and even experience these products in newer and exciting categories. Following up to the immense success of some cleverly introduced genres like music phones, multimedia phones and camera phones, manufacturers have rolled up their sleeves in creative enthusiasm to present phones that reflect surreal aesthetics. Moreover, a clever strategy of making these phones available in various phone deals like pay as you go mobile phones and contract mobile phones have done wonders for the industry. The Nokia 8600 and the Motorola RIZR Z8 are prime instances of such fashionable phones that bring more pizazz to the mobile experience. The Nokia 8600 Luna is a Quad Band technology based slider phone in an attractive stainless steel body with a smoked glass cover to protect the keypad and the camera lens. The sporty phone flaunts a 2.0 megapixel camera with 4 x digital zoom and a photo editor with a QCIF video recorder streaming videos in various formats. Even the high quality music player of the Nokia 8600 supports several formats and is flanked by an FM radio to offer smooth entertainment to users. Apart from the usual connectivity channels and Internet browsers, the phone has some smart features like Nokia Xpress Audio Messaging, 3D stereo ringing tones and flight mode. The Motorola RIZR Z8 is a 3G HSDPA technology based smartphone that promises to be an absolute delight for the professionals and multimedia lovers. Shaped in the most uniquely stylish curvy frame, the slider phone runs on a Series 60 3.1 software based Symbian 9.2 operating system. A host of modern features have been bundled up with the phone to make it a really desirable device. A 2.0 megapixel camera with 8 x digital zoom, LED flash and Red Eye reduction and a second VGA camera for video calling makes it an amateur photographers delight. Both the Nokia 8600 and the Motorola RIZR Z8 [http://www.bestphoneshop.co.uk/]mobile phones are absolute beauties with brilliant features, although the later seems to carry more potential to be a winner amongst the two. To get some of the best deals on latest handsets like [http://www.bestphoneshop.co.uk/nokia_8600.shtml]Nokia 8600 and [http://www.bestphoneshop.co.uk/motorola_rizr_z8.shtml]Motorola RIZR Z8 in UK, please visit the site. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Elizabeth_Wills http://EzineArticles.com/?Nokia-8600-or-Motorola-RIZR-Z8—Whats-Your-Style?&id=607428 sba loan package unsecured bad credit personal loan payday loans for tennessee borrow money overseas lenders
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