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Free March 13, Web Conference Helps Family Caregivers
Identify Depression in Aging Parents
The nonprofit National Private Duty Association (NPDA) has announced that it will host a consumer education web conference entitled Depression and Older Adults – What Every Caregiver Should Know on March 13, 2012, at 8 p.m. EST (7 p.m. CT). The live and interactive program will provide advice on how family caregivers can work with professionals to identify this condition and develop an effective plan of care for a loved one with depression. Caregivers will learn how to identify key issues and problems, locate needed experts and resources, and outline a plan to provide the best care for a parent. The event is free of charge to participants.
The web conference topics include diagnosis of depression, association between depression, anxiety and memory loss, understanding which medications are safe and effective, along with resources and tools for monitoring treatment and improvement.
“One out of three older adults suffers from major depression,” said Sheila McMackin, president of NPDA. “Our goal is to provide information to help family caregivers increase the quality of life and identify beneficial treatment and care options for their loved ones.”
The event’s expert presenter is Steven C. Fox, D.O., Medical Director, Wellspring Personal Care. For the past 30 years, the primary focus of Dr. Fox’s clinical practice, teaching and research has been on the care and treatment for the elderly and disabled. He has been a trend-setter in the area or geriatric and Alzheimer’s care since the mid 1970’s. Dr. Fox provides hands-on consultation and oversight for families to assess a loved one's limitations and capabilities and create a plan of care that will enable the person to stay in his/her own home. Dr. Fox was the founder of Wellspring Gerontological Services in Chicago in 1985. He is an active member of several medical associations addressing aging and health issues.
Pre-registration for the event is required. Sign up today by visiting the registration link at www.privatedutyhomecare.org.
The NPDA is the first and only association in the country dedicated exclusively to private pay home care providers. The NPDA, a nonprofit organization, currently represents more than 1,300 home care agencies in forty-four states and Puerto Rico.
The Mt. Rainier Shooting and PTSD: How the Media Got It Wrong
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:
The problem? It wasn’t true.
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.
Health Benefits
Pretzel Crisps®: Excellent Food for Healthy Eating
As a Registered Dietitian and Certified Diabetes Educator, I am always looking for great portable snack ideas for my clients to help them maintain or achieve a healthy lifestyle. Pretzels Crisps® are a great alternative to potato chips and other snack foods. They contain 110 calories per serving and no fat (10-11 crisps) compared with 150 calories and 10 gram of fat (1 g saturated) per one ounce serving for potato chips.
The American Dietetic Association and American Heart Association recommends that the public should not consume trans fat and keep saturated fat consumption to a minimum. The American Heart Association recommends that individuals attain five to nine serving of fruits and vegetables daily, as well. Studies show that trans fat and saturated fat contribute to heart disease and raising bad cholesterol levels. Unfortunately, the majority of my clients, as well as most Americans, find it difficult to reduce their calorie and fat intake without sacrificing taste. Pretzel Crisps® are a great option for my clients to maintain a heart healthy, low calorie diet.
For those with special medical needs like diabetes and/or high cholesterol, Pretzels Crisps® does not contain trans or saturated fats and have only 21-23 grams of carbohydrate per serving (1 ½ carbohydrate exchanges). People with diabetes can easily fit Pretzel Crisps® in carbohydrate meal plan as a snack or with a meals not raise blood glucose levels dramatically. They also do not contain any saturated and trans fat so they a great choice for those following a diet to reduce their cholesterol and manage their heart health.
Pretzel Crisps® easily fit in car glove compartments, lockers, backpacks, purses and desk drawers, making them great for travel or the “on the go” busy professional. These fat free and low calorie treats never sacrifice taste and definitely satisfy that “salt craving” we all house. Pretzel Crisps® come in a variety of different flavors so you never get bored. You can also add these crunchy and versatile snacks to your favorite yogurt, as a salad topper, or create something new on your own. Have fun with them. I know I do.
Emily Mitchell, MS, RD, CSSD, CDE
Registered Dietitian
Certified Sports Specialist Dietitian
Certified Diabetes Educator
Sharp Stacker
Sesame Pretzel Crisp®
Sharp cheddar cheese
Sliced apple
Zesty Fiesta
Original Pretzel Crisp®
Sliced salami
Jalapeno cheddar cheese
For a zesty combo great for barbecues or buffets, top a savory Pretzel Crisp® with a folded round of salami and a thin wedge of spicy jalapeno cheddar.
Recipes
JALAPEÑO JACK MAC N’ CHEESE
- 2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked
- 2 cups milk
- 1 Tbsp. butter
- 1/2 Tbsp. mustard powder
- 1 Tsp. salt1 cup grated cheese of choice or combo, plus extra
- 4 cups Jalapeño Jack Pretzel Crisps
In a sauce pan, combine the milk, dried elbow macaroni, salt, butter and the mustard powder and stir. Bring milk and macaroni mixture to a simmer on medium heat stirring frequently as it comes up to a simmer. Turn the heat to low so the macaroni will cook in the milk. Keep stirring and cook for about 15 minutes. Once the milk is absorbed into the macaroni, stir in the grated cheese or combo of cheeses.
Turn off the heat and cover with a lid for 5 minutes. While the macaroni is sitting with the lid on, place 2 cups of Jalapeño Jack Pretzel Crisps on the bottom of a baking dish. Once the 5 minutes is up, stir the macaroni and pour into the baking disk on top of the Jalapeño Jack Pretzel Crisps. Add another layer of Jalapeño Jack Pretzel Crisps to the top of the macaroni. Add extra grated cheese and bake in a 350 degree oven for about 10 minutes until the cheese is melted. Be careful not to burn the Jalapeño Jack Pretzel Crisps.
-Contributed by Angela Bitetto, PattycakesnPancakes.com
PRETZEL CRISPS CRUSTED CRAB CAKES
- 2 lbs. Crab meat (for best results, use combination of 1 lb. lump with 1 lb. special or backfin)
- 1 Tbsp. olive, peanut or canola oil
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 2 Tbsp. Dijon mustard
- 1 Tbsp. Old Bay seasoning
- ½ Tsp. Worcestershire sauce
- 1 7.2 oz. bag finely ground Pretzel Crisps (can be Original, Everything or Sesame variety)
- ½ cup Panko (optional)
- Serve with tartar, remoulade or sweet chili sauce (our favorite, ginger sweet chili sauce)
Combine the mayonnaise, mustard, Old Bay seasoning and Worcestershire sauce in a large mixing bowl. Beat until the mixture is well blended. Fold in the crabmeat and 3/4’s of the ground Pretzel Crisps. Cover and refrigerate the crab cake mixture for at least an hour.
Remove the crab cake mixture from the refrigerator. Form the crab mixture into approx. 18, 2-inch patties. Coat the crab cakes with the remaining 1/4 package of ground pretzels mixed with ½ cup Panko.
At this point, the crabcakes may be frozen for up to 3 month. When ready to use, thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then let them sit out for one hour to become more room temperature.
In a nonstick skillet, heat the oil to medium high heat. Add the crab cakes and cook over moderate heat until browned on the bottom, about 3 minutes. Turn the crab cakes and brown second side.
PRETZEL CRISPS BUFFALO WING CHICKEN STRIPS
- 1lb chicken cut up into strips
- 1/2 bag of Buffalo Wing Pretzel Crisps®
- 2 eggs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/2 cup flour
- salt and pepper (according to your taste buds)
Pre-heat oven to 375 degrees. In a small bowl, mix the eggs and milk together. In another bowl, combine salt, pepper, and the flour. Grind the Pretzel Crisps® in a food processor or you can put them in a Ziploc bag and break them up. Make stations for dipping the chicken. 1st dredge the chicken in the flour, then dip into the egg/milk mixture. Then roll the chicken pieces into the broken up pretzels. Place the coated chicken strips onto a baking sheet and bake in the oven for 15-20 minutes.
-Contributed by Angela Bitetto, PattycakesnPancakes.com
DELICIOUS HOT CRAB DIP
- 8 oz cream cheese (very soft)
- 1 lb fresh crab meat
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon onion juice (optional)
- 1 teaspoon mustard
- 1 teaspoon powdered sugar
- dash of salt
Mix all above ingredients together then add 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce; mix well. Bake at 300 degrees until it bubbles then keep it hot – serve with Pretzel Crisps®.
SMOKED SALMON DIP
- 1 pint (2 cups) sour cream
- 1 tablespoon double concentrate tomato paste (from a tube)
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons drained, jarred capers
- 1/2 medium red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 pound smoked salmon, shredded (ask your deli counter person for the end pieces)
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
In a medium bowl mix the sour cream, tomato paste and lemon juice until smooth. Stir in capers and red onion. Fold in the salmon and season with the salt and pepper. Refrigerate until ready to serve. Serve with Pretzel Crisps®.
PUMPKIN CHEESE DIP
- 4 cups confectioners sugar, sifted
- 2 (8 oz each) packages cream cheese, softened
- 1 (30 oz) can pumpkin pie filling mix
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
In a large mixing bowl, combine sugar and cream cheese, beating until well blended. Beat in remaining ingredients. Store in airtight container in refrigerator. Serve with Pretzel Crisps®.
Serving in a small hollowed-out pumpkin is a great way to present the dip!
CARAMEL APPLE DIP
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup white sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1 teaspoon caramel extract
- 1 cup finely chopped peanuts
- 2 chopped, unpeeled apples
Whip ingredients together with electric mixer. Add chopped apples to dip. Serve with Pretzel Crisps®.
CRANBERRY HOLIDAY DIP
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- zest of one orange
- 2 tablespoons orange juice concentrate
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 cup chopped dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans
Blend first five ingredients with mixer until well mixed and “fluffy.” Stir in cranberries and pecans. Refrigerate at least 1 hour. Can be rolled into a log or ball and coated with additional chopped pecans before refrigerating for more decorative serving. Serve with Pretzel Crisps®.
BLEU CHEESE DIP
- 3/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
- 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese
- salt and pepper
Combine all ingredients; chill for an hour or two. Makes about 1 1/2 cups. Serve as a dip for Buffalo Wing or Garlic flavor Pretzel Crisps®!
BASIL CHEESE SPREAD
- 6 fresh basil leaves
- 3 medium cloves garlic
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup chopped walnuts
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- fresh basil leaves for garnish
In food processor, process basil and garlic until finely chopped. Add cream cheese, parmesan cheese, walnuts, and olive oil; process until smooth. Transfer spread mixture to a serving bowl and garnish with fresh basil leaves. Serve with Original or Everything flavors.
SPINACH CHEESE DIP
- 1 package chopped spinach
- 1 cup salad dressing/mayonnaise
- 1 package vegetable soup mix
- 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 can water chestnuts, chopped fine
Cook spinach about 2 minutes and squeeze dry. Add to sour cream and mayonnaise; add water chestnuts and soup mix. Cut top of loaf of rye bread and scoop out the center, leaving 1/2 inch shell. Put spinach mixture in shell; replace top and wrap in foil. Bake 30 minutes at 350 degrees. Serve with Pretzel Crisps®.
Delicious, Easy-To-Make Recipes For Holiday Entertaining
Cabot, VT – (December 15, 2011): The farm family owners of Vermont-based Cabot Creamery Cooperative are gearing up for the holiday season with easy-to-make recipes the whole family will enjoy. Whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Muharram or any other special holiday, Cabot has a wide range of delicious dairy products and recipes for you and your family.
“The holiday season is a time to celebrate family and friends,” says Claire Poupore, whose family owns and operates PAPAS Dairy in North Bangor, New York, one of the 1200 farm family owners of Cabot Creamery Cooperative that are located throughout New England and upstate New York. “The PAPAS Dairy name is an acronym from the first names of my sons (Peter, Alan, Patrick, Aaron and Scott). We lost Patrick due to an accident, but his brothers and their children - and even some of the grandchildren - now run the farm. We gather together each Christmas to celebrate the season, share our blessings and enjoy each other’s company,” Claire said. “And of course, we always enjoy great food. One of my favorite recipes for the holidays is my Cheesy Broccoli Casserole. It’s a big hit with the entire family, and it’s easy to make. Best of all, it’s loaded with delicious Cabot Sharp Cheddar. If you want to give it a little more kick, you can substitute the Cabot Sharp Cheddar with Cabot Extra Sharp Cheddar. Is it a hit with family and friends? “Well,” Claire exclaimed, “I’ll say this, I’ve never had to worry about leftovers!”
Everyone knows the holidays can be hectic, but they don’t have to be a nightmare. All it takes is a little, okay, a LOT of planning! And if anyone knows how to plan for the holidays, it’s Bob and Beth Kennett, owners of Liberty Hill Farm Inn located in Rochester, Vermont. Like the Poupore family, the Kennetts are also one of the 1200 farm family owners of Cabot. Fall foliage season and the holidays are the busiest times of the year at Liberty Hill. The Kennetts plan well-ahead for the all that goes on between running their 240-acre farm, tending to more than 270 cattle, and operating one of the most beautiful and popular Bed and Breakfast-style Inns in Vermont.
“The holidays can get pretty hectic,” Beth says. “So Bob and I have to plan carefully for all that goes on. We’re full-time farmers and full-time inn-keepers so there’s always plenty to do. The trick is to plan ahead and to keep things simple. There’s no need to overdo things. After all, the holidays should be about family, friends and good food. That’s not to say you can’t get creative with your cooking,” she adds. “But you need to prepare ahead of time. For example, don’t wait until the last minute to go grocery shopping. The crowds will stress you, and you might not find what you need. Prepare as many dishes as possible in advance and save only the ones that must be made at the last moment for same-day preparation. And don’t be afraid to ask for help! When it comes to the holidays, too many cooks CAN’T spoil the soup,” she laughs.
“One of my favorite holiday appetizer recipes is my Vermont Cheddar Gougeres with Smoked Salmon Filling, “Beth said. “They sound complicated, but they’re not. They’re made with Cabot Salted Butter, King Arthur Flour, Cabot Seriously Sharp or Cabot Private Stock Cheddar, Cabot Vermont Premium Creme Cheese and Cabot Regular Sour Cream. They’re easy to make, and your guests will love them.”
What’s the one piece of advice that Claire and Beth want to share with everyone this holiday season?
“That’s simple,” they said. “Slow down, enjoy your family and friends, and don’t sweat the little things. There’s plenty of time for that next year!” they teased.
From everyone at Cabot Creamery Cooperative, “Cheers to all for a joyous holiday season and a Happy New Year!”
Shop online for your favorite Cabot products at: https://www.shopcabot.com/
Cheesy Broccoli Casserole
Makes 10 servings
Ingredients:
Cooking spray
1 large egg
1 (16-ounce) bag frozen cut broccoli, thawed
1 (10 3/4-ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
6 ounces Cabot Sharp Cheddar or Extra Sharp Cheddar, grated (about 1 1/2 cups)
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1small onion, chopped
1 sleeve Ritz crackers, crushed
1 stick (8 tablespoons) Cabot Salted Butter
Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly coat 9-by-13-inch baking dish or large skillet with cooking spray.
2. In large bowl, lightly beat egg with fork or whisk until well combined; add broccoli, soup, cheese, mayonnaise and onion and stir together well.
3. Spread mixture evenly in prepared baking dish or skillet. In small bowl, mix crackers with butter; sprinkle evenly over broccoli mixture.
4. Bake for 45 minutes to 1 hour or until golden and bubbling.
Vermont Cheddar Gougeres with Smoked Salmon Filling
Makes 24 appetizers
Ingredients:
Gougeres:
1 cup water
1 stick (8 tablespoons) Cabot Salted Butter, cut into cubes 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon sugar 1 cup King Arthur Unbleached All-Purpose Flour
4 large eggs
6 ounces Cabot Sharp Cheddar, Extra Sharp Cheddar, Seriously Sharp Cheddar or Private Stock Cheddar, grated (about 1 1/2 cups)
1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
1 teaspoon dry mustard
Pinch ground red pepper (cayenne)
Filling:
8 ounces Cabot Vermont Premium Cream Cheese, softened
1/2 -1 cup finely minced smoked salmon*
1/4 cup finely chopped fresh chives
1 tablespoon hot sauce
About 3 tablespoons Cabot Regular Sour Cream
1/4 cup finely chopped red bell pepper
Directions:
To make gougeres:
1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. Line baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In saucepan, heat water, butter, salt and sugar until butter is melted.
3. Add flour all at once and stir vigorously until mixture breaks away from side of pan and forms smooth ball.
4. Remove from heat and let rest for two minutes. Beat in eggs one at a time, stirring quickly so egg doesn't cook, until dough is firm, smooth and waxy.
5. Add all of cheddar, all but 2 tablespoons of Parmesan, mustard and red pepper, and stir until well blended.
6. Transfer mixture to a pastry bag fitted with large plain tip. Pipe dough into two dozen small round mounds, evenly separated. Sprinkle tops with remaining Parmesan.
7. Bake for 10 minutes. Reduce oven temperature to 375 degrees F and bake for 20 to 25 minutes longer or until completely golden brown.
To make filling:
1. Beat together cream cheese, salmon, chives and hot sauce.
2. Stir in sour cream to achieve proper consistency for filling. Stir in red peppers.
3. Make small slit in side of each gougere. Scrape filling into pastry bag or plastic bag. Cut off corner and squeeze some of filling into each gougere.
*or use crumbled bacon or minced ham
Recipe courtesy of Liberty Hill Farm, Rochester, VT
Blue Diamond is known for growing some of the world’s finest almonds from the orchards of California. Now, their almonds are carefully blended with coconut to produce a rich, creamy non-dairy milk which is under 100 calories per serving! Light, refreshing and like nothing you have ever tasted, this newest beverage to the Blue Diamond family will be making its debut nationwide in January 2012!
The four new flavors of Breeze™ Almondmilk Coconutmilk Blend include Original (60 calories per serving) & Vanilla (70 calories per serving) and Unsweetened Original & Unsweetened Vanilla (45 calories per serving).
Making their way into select stores nationwide in January 2012, Breeze™ Almondmilk Coconutmilk Blend will be available at Whole Foods or the natural foods section in your grocery store, or online at www.bluediamond.com.
Destination Maternity
Schedule of Events
January 2012
“Everything a pregnant woman could ever want or need, featuring a huge selection of Maternity Fashion”
FREE CLASSES
Mondays:
11:00 AM – 12:00 PM Baby Plus Yoga with Siri Krishna (Babies 6 weeks to 12 months)
12:30 - 1:30 PM Signing Tots with Courtney (Beginning walkers up to age 3)
Tuesdays:
5:15 - 6:30 PM Hatha Prenatal Yoga with Jessica
6:35 - 7:50 PM Hatha Prenatal Yoga with Jessica
Wednesdays:
10:00 – 11:00 AM Baby Itsy Bitsy Yoga with Mardi
Thursdays:
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM Mommy and Me Yoga with Siri Krishna (Babies 6 weeks to 6 Months)
12:30 - 1:30 PM Kundalini Prenatal Yoga with Siri Krishna
Fridays:
11:00 AM -12:00 PM WeeHands with Courtney
Saturdays:
9:15 – 10:30 AM Hatha Prenatal Yoga with Jessica
10:45 AM – 12:00 PM Prenatal/Postnatal Hatha Yoga with Jessica
Childbirth Education Classes
www.birthinggently.com
To register for these classes please send an email to class@birthinggently.com
Saturday, January 7
12:30 - 4:30 PM Childbirth Education
4:30 -7:30 PM Breastfeeding
Saturday, January 14
12:30 - 4:30 PM Childbirth Education
4:30 – 7:30 PM Newborn Care
Class Descriptions
Mommy and Me Yoga
A licensed yoga instructor leads this class for new moms and their little ones. All levels of yoga students will find this postnatal class beneficial. If you have delivered within the past year, this class will address the new needs of your body from recovery to breastfeeding and baby carrying. Postnatal yoga moves the body with flowing postures that are challenging, grounding, uplifting and strength building all at the same time, while bonding with your new bundle of joy.
Prenatal Yoga
Relaxing exercise in gentle yoga postures will increase flexibility, strength, circulation, balance and the mind- body-spirit connection for expecting Mothers. Licensed yoga instructors will guide mom through beginner movements and techniques.
WeeHands
American Sign Language is taught as well as 15 songs to sing to and with your baby. Language strategies appropriate for newborn to walkers. Long before your child can speak they have the ability to understand speech and want to communicate. Most babies are able to sign back to you by the time they are 8-12 months of age.
Signing Tots
Parents and toddlers will learn American Sign Language (ASL) vocabulary words for play, eating, bath time and every day. We will be learning through interactive songs both familiar and new. Flashcard games and books will also be used. No ASL experience is needed. Class is appropriate for beginning walkers up to age 3.
Baby Itsy Bitsy Yoga
BIBY is for babies 6 weeks to almost crawling. It is yoga for your baby, which may help your baby sleep longer and better. This yoga is a fun and developmentally-centered program for young children and their caregivers. BIBY is a calming and nurturing yoga practice filled with ways to enhance bonding and makes babies happier and more comfortable in their own bodies. No yoga experience necessary.
Baby Plus!
Baby Plus is the next stage of yoga for your little one. Babies from 6 -12 months with their moms are welcome here. Partnering with a parent is natural, fun and encourages a home yoga practice. We will start simply and repeat often, using lots of fun music. Moms will also get a chance to do a bit of yoga alone as well as doing parent-child yoga games. The instructor is a certified Radiant Child Yoga Instructor.
Childbirth Education (4 hours)
Coverage of pregnancy, labor, birth and postpartum recovery. We will discuss the anatomy and physiology of all the phases of labor and birth. You and your partner will learn many invaluable tools for each phase that will help prepare you for a positive birth experience. You will gain an understanding of the medical interventions that may be encountered including medication and anesthesia options. (This course places equal emphasis on natural methods and medical interventions.) We will help prepare you for all the steps of birth from knowing when to leave for the hospital to taking care of yourself after birth.
Breastfeeding Basics (3 hours)
Your significant other is a part of the breastfeeding experience as well and is encouraged to attend. Topics to include the following: The Anatomy & Mechanics of Breastfeeding, Breast milk: What’s in it?, Feeding Cues, Positioning and Latching, Establishing milk supply & Maternal nutrition, Expressing breast milk Storing & Handling breast milk, starting off right: overcoming breastfeeding challenges,& we will summarize with a Breastfeeding video.
Newborn Care Class (3 hours)
The physical and emotional changes in the postpartum mother, Normal newborn appearance, newborn procedures, postpartum planning and returning home, hands on diaper and swaddling practice, newborn care (bathing, dressing, etc.) We will end with a video on sleeping cycles, and soothing techniques.
104 WORCESTER ST (Rte 9)
Natick, MA 01760
508-653-1605
destinationmaternity.com
Stand Downs Connect Homeless Veterans with Valuable Services
VA Photo by April Eilers
For some homeless Veterans, a Stand Down means a hot meal and a haircut.
For others, it’s a day that turns their life around.
In times of war, a Stand Down means a break from the battles. For some Veterans who fought those battles and came home to fight other conflicts in their private lives, struggles that left them lost and homeless, a Stand Down can be a chance to embark on the road back to their lives. For homeless Vets, a Stand Down is a break from the street, the hunger, the despair, a time to connect with other Vets, a time to find out what’s available to get them off the street and help them return to a life they once knew. VA is working hard to get as many homeless Veterans to as many Stand Downs as possible.
Lisa Pape runs the VHA Homeless Program and is confident that, “Stand Downs provide hope for our Veterans. It tells them VA cares and there are services available to help them.
“Vets are always so thankful and appreciative that we can get them a bed, give them a meal, help them regain their hope and pride.
“We have a great call center to help homeless Veterans. I hope that family members, community agencies, or just anyone who wants to help a homeless Veteran will pass this number along — 1-877-424-3838.”
Stand Downs are one-to-three day events providing health screenings, VA and Social Security benefits counseling, and referrals to a variety of other necessary services, such as housing, employment and mental health and substance abuse treatment.
The original Stand Down for homeless Veterans was modeled after the Stand Down concept used during the Vietnam War to provide a safe retreat for units returning from combat operations.
“A sense of hope”
Pape, who organized Stand Downs for Medical Centers, describes the atmosphere at the events as, “Very busy, very dynamic, with a great feeling of welcoming. There is a pervasive sense of hope by the Vets that there is a way out of their situation.
“Most of the Vets at Stand Downs are Vietnam and post-Vietnam Vets but we are also starting to see some Veterans coming home from Iraq and Afghanistan.”
Stand Downs are intended to be collaborative, grassroots events coordinated between local VAs, other government agencies, and community agencies which serve homeless Veterans. In addition to this coordination role, staff from local VA facilities typically provide volunteer support for local Stand Downs particularly in health screening, triage and services, mental health assessments and referrals, and increasingly, screening and referrals for housing placements.
Pape, National Director of the VHA Homeless Programs, is very passionate about her job and gets emotional when talking about her goals. “Any homeless Vet on the street is a travesty. We have to end that. I have the privilege and honor to help those Vets get the help they need. I couldn’t work in a better place.”
Daughter of an Army Veteran, Pape knew from graduate school that she wanted to work with Veterans. “I was hired by the VA right after school and have always worked in the homeless program.”
Specific services typically provided at a Stand Down include:
■Shelter
■Meals
■Personal care (haircuts, personal care supplies, clothing)
■Picture ID services
■Health care screening (HIV/AIDS, TB, Hepatitis C, etc.)
■Health care services (provided by health care professionals)
■Eye care
■Dental care
■VA benefits
■General benefits counseling (Social Security, Food Stamps, local health and human services)
■Substance abuse counseling/recovery groups
■Mental health counseling
■Legal services
■Employment services (job referrals, employment counseling)
■Housing services (referrals to programs)
■Spiritual services
■Activities to empower homeless Veterans and create a “community” (town meetings, tent leaders, open mike, entertainment, graduation).
$20 Million Dollars Worth of Help
Since 1994, Operation New Hope (ONH) in Hillsborough, NJ, has served as the distribution hub for surplus clothing and materials supporting homeless Veteran Stand Downs. For this current year to date, ONH has processed, sorted, stored and shipped materials valued at $20,670,124 to 112 Stand Down events nationwide.
Last year, while most VA Medical Centers had previously held Stand Downs, there were 13 sites that held their first Stand Down. Stand Downs were held in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico.
The total number of Veterans served during 2010 Stand Downs was 44,325. Of these individuals, 40,729 (92 percent) were male Veterans, and 3,596 (8 percent) were female Veterans. In addition, 5,905 spouses/companions and 1,790 children of Veterans attended, for a total of 52,020 Veterans and family members served.
The Veterans served at recent Stand Downs reflect the challenges faced by our newer generation of Veterans. Of the 512 Veterans who participated at the Winterhaven Homeless Veterans Stand Down held in Washington, DC this past January, 37 were women Veterans and six were from the current conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq (OEF/OIF/OND).
Stand Downs are very dependent on volunteer support to be successful. More than 27,000 volunteers supported Stand Downs during 2010, an average of 141 volunteers per event.
There is a Stand Down almost every week somewhere in America. The full schedule is posted on the VA website.
The Art of Showing Your Stripes at Work
As I walked the parking lot and aisles of Costco as an employee, I kept something from many of my coworkers. Something that prevented glances of worried suspicion and morbid curiosity that have met me many times over the last three years. I knew from the past that revealing my military and combat experience could define who I was before I had a chance to do it myself. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and mental instability are shortcuts civilians use to judge war Veterans, and I didn’t want to give them a chance.
It was a pleasant surprise to learn about a robust effort to combat this issue during a panel at the National Veterans Small Business Conference today. Veteran business owners have descended on New Orleans to attend classes and workshops designed to help Veteran-owned businesses win federal contracts, as well as provide a space for Vets to learn more about small business operations and networking and marketing. One important lesson of the conference is how to integrate Veterans in the workplace, where barriers to employment make it difficult for Vets to find (and hold) jobs.
Lisa Stern of the Department of Labor’s project America’s Heroes at Work gave a presentation that aimed to demystify the stereotypes that surround PTSD and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), especially in the workplace.
This effort comes as Veterans find themselves unemployed at a higher rate than non-Veterans. Despite an accelerated learning curve, dedication to a team, and an ability to thrive under pressure, Vets are often at a loss on how to bring their military experience to the table as an asset. Many find it difficult to translate their skills into civilian terms or exemplify how they thrived individually in a team-oriented environment. Or just like me, many Vets avoid a self-inflicted stigma wound that could endanger their ability to land a job or associate with peers.
Stern debunked the longstanding myths that PTSD and TBI have a negative impact on workplace safety and productivity. She cited that 46 percent of HR managers surveyed claimed PTSD poses a hiring challenge, despite no evidence that suggests folks with PTSD are prone to violence or dampened efficiency. And for employers who think accommodations for Veterans with PTSD or TBI would be expensive or complex, solutions like flexible work schedules or written instructions instead of just verbal directions can be easy and effective ways to help Vets thrive in the workplace.
The simple act of going to work can even help ease the symptoms of PTSD, says Stern. People who regain employment following onset of a disability report greater life satisfaction and better adjustment than people not employed. The reason is simple: An occupied mind leaves less time to dwell on past experiences, and a steady paycheck can help assuage financial issues that may inflame PTSD symptoms if left unchecked.
We know civilians must overcome their own prejudices that act as barriers in the hiring of Veterans, and we know Vets need to make their skills shine on their résumé. Check out the resources below to make sure both of those things begin to happen in the workplace, so that no more Vets are forced to cover up their stripes.
Six Ways to Maximize Your Education Benefits
It would be difficult to name a piece of legislation that has done more for the country than The Servicemen’s Readjustment Act of 1944, otherwise known as the GI Bill of Rights. The law recognized that service was an inherently selfless act which demanded a certain amount of compensation. Some mistake the GI Bill as free money or free college; rather, it’s an investment made during service that pays dividends in the form of access to higher education. As a result of the bill, nearly half of the 16 million Veterans of World War II went to school and received an education that rejuvenated the post-war economy, spurred the middle class and established the American dream. The bill transformed not only the lives of Veterans but the fabric of our nation.
Today’s Post-9/11 GI Bill carries the same legacy of education opportunities as the original GI Bill, and even though it has undergone recent changes, the bill gives recent Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans (and their spouses and children) a chance to improve their lives and invest in their future. However, the benefits received end after 36 academic months, whether you earn a diploma or not. You have one shot at completing your education, and these six guidelines are ways to ensure that shot hits its mark.
1. Ask How, What, Where
You’re now out of the military and want to attend school on the GI Bill. Where do you go? Ask yourself three questions when deciding on a school:
a) How will you attend school: on campus or online? Evaluate your employment schedule, family circumstances and a commute. You might have to relocate to be close to a university campus. Some traditional universities have begun offering online degrees, and many for-profit institutions specialize in online education. Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of taking classes online, and pick a method of learning that best suits your lifestyle.
b) What do you want to study? This question should help narrow down where you want to get an education. Schools offer different kinds of programs, degrees and certificates, and not all are equal. Some value programs over others or have particularly strong departments. Identify what you want to study early so you can save credits by not changing degree plans in the future.
c) Where do you want to be when you graduate? In the competitive job market, where you went to school may help or hinder your chances at employment. A degree from a private school in one state might be prestigious in its borders but overlooked elsewhere. Choosing a nationally recognized school can help when employers evaluate your educational background.
2. The GI Bill as an Investment
Like I mentioned earlier, the GI Bill does not last forever. You are granted 36 academic months to finish your degree plan–whether it’s to get a certificate, undergraduate, or graduate degree. The bill comes to you on behalf of taxpayers, but it’s not free and should not be wasted. Many people change majors in the course of their life, but it’s a risk when it comes to the GI Bill. There is not much room to adjust and take different classes once your basics are out of the way. Weigh your different degree options and make your decision before taking major-centric courses. Doing so will minimize the risk of exhausting benefits and paying out of pocket for the rest of your classes.
Be prepared to research the quality of education offered by the school you want to attend. Consider both the graduation rates of students and the percentage of default rates on student loans. While Veterans usually don’t need federal student loans while using the GI Bill, default rates of individual schools can help indicate the ability to secure a job that pays high enough to pay down loans. The Department of Education’s National Center of Education Statistics utilizes a school search directory to evaluate schools on these grounds. Look up schools you’re interested in and find out how graduates fare after they walk the stage.
3. Anticipate the Unpredictable Job Landscape
Another reason to take post-military education seriously is the unforgiving job market. Veterans leaving the service after deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan–those most able to take advantage of education benefits–face a disproportional amount of unemployment compared to civilians. In January of this year, the unemployment rate for recently separated Veterans was 15.2 percent (up from 11.7 percent in December), compared to the seasonally adjusted rate of nine percent among civilians. Society as a whole feels the burden of the recession to be sure. But Veterans face a civilian work force that doesn’t understand their skills and worries about the burden of traumatic brain injury and post-traumatic stress. And according to a VA-sponsored study, Vets often earn less than their civilian counterparts, even with degrees in hand. The takeaway is this: Veterans already enter the workforce at a disadvantage, so make your education bullet point on your résumé stand out just as much as your military experience.
4. Trust, but Verify
Schools will always welcome your dollars, whether you pay them through loans, scholarships or GI Bill tuition. Unfortunately, some schools use aggressive and questionable practices to enroll students and deliberately exaggerate the earning potential of degrees earned. Resources like Payscale can help determine earning power right out of school, and break down how much you stand to make depending on the type of college you attend: public, private, and for-profit. If an enrollment adviser says you will make big money after graduating, think back to the used car lots that litter the roads outside of military bases. They might be selling the equivalent of a car with 200,000 miles for a low interest rate of 18 percent.
5. Beware of Questionable Research Aids
Go to Google and search for “GI Bill schools.” The first link you get isn’t a page run by the Department of Veterans Affairs. The first result is GIBill.com, and it uses the name of the most recognized public education program in existence to its financial benefit. It appears to be a legitimate site for information, but a cursory search of its privacy policy shows it is owned by an online marketing firm that, according to a major business publication, specializes in directing students to for-profit schools through its page. It’s a questionable marketing strategy that seeks to legitimize a page that serves little purpose other than to funnel student Veterans and convince them their options for education are limited to their advertisers. There are 6,500 schools across the country that allow GI Bill benefits; only use VA’s school locator to find qualifying programs. Avoid suspicious websites drowning in advertisements.
6. Reintegration is Key
In September of 2007 I was a combat infantryman patrolling the streets of Iraq. Less than twelve months later I was sitting in a classroom for the first time in years with kids half a decade younger than me. The challenges of schoolwork paled in comparison to the difficulties of finding my footing in an unfamiliar civilian world–it took me only a few classes to understand I was a changed person after my service. As painful as it was, the reintegration process exposed me to different people and ideas that put me on a path to feeling normal again. For many Veterans, education after the military acts as a first exposure to college and the first challenge of reintegration. Therefore the campus becomes training wheels for the professional world and allows you time to comfortably adjust to the slower pace of civilian life. If you’re undecided between a physical campus and an online school, consider the benefits of surrounding yourself with other students before you enroll.
Do What’s Best for You
Since 1944, the nation has used different iterations of the GI Bill to repay the enormous debt it owes its servicemen and women, from World War II to the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. The quality of education a Veteran receives with his or her benefits is a serious matter that can’t be taken lightly, and it is with these tips that we hope Veterans can fully maximize their hard earned benefits. The GI Bill is a return on an investment that was measured in sweat and blood, often drained on foreign soil. Make it count.
Former Army Nurse Now Veterans' Greatest Advocate
As a nurse receiving some of the most severely wounded in Afghanistan, Tracey-Lee Baker held the hand of injured servicemembers and helped them talk through the fear and the pain.
Today, those experiences enhance her role as a Transition Patient Advocate at the Orlando VA Medical Center.
Her years as an Army Nurse Corps Officer enabled her to understand the uncertainty and bewilderment of some Veterans transitioning from Department of Defense medical care to the VA. Once again, she is able to take their hand and, this time, guide them through the forms, explanations and regulations on their way to the care they have earned from their service.
The former Major Tracey-Lee Baker learned her nursing skills at Norfolk State University, Virginia, a long way from her home in Kingston, Jamaica. Before her tour of duty in Afghanistan with the 48th Combat Support Hospital, she served three years in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at Walter Reed Army Medical Center.
"I miss the work in the ICU. Although we didn't always have all the supplies we needed during my deployment, we were able to stabilize the most severely wounded and prepare them for flights to Germany or the states. Every day, we would see the real sacrifices these young men and women make for their country."
At the Orlando VA Medical Center, Tracey-Lee is part of the team that welcomes home and makes transition easier for Veterans from Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom (OEF/OIF).
The great job her team does was recognized by a special award from Representative Corrine Brown of Florida's Third Congressional District, "In recognition of outstanding and invaluable service to the community."
Tracey-Lee reaches out to returning Veterans in numerous ways, one of which is participation in the Department of Defense "Yellow Ribbon" program where VA staff provide "boots on the ground" for events for each of the services during the post-deployment cycle, meeting with returning servicemembers. VA has supported over 665 events Nationwide, reaching over 80,000 service members and 54,000 family members.
"You Need to See Tracey-Lee"
One story demonstrates why the VA is saluting Tracey-Lee during the celebration of National Nursing Week 2010: A Veteran who had initially not been happy with the VA was about to give up when his buddy told him, "No, man, you need to see Tracey-Lee."
The next day he did. She escorted him around the medical center, filling out all the forms, taking him to see the right people and even made an appointment for him to see a doctor that day.
His reaction: "I am so glad I came to see you…nobody has ever treated me that way." He still stops in to say hello whenever he comes in for an appointment.
Tracey-Lee explains, "That's my job. I will do whatever I can to see that Veterans transitioning to VA care get the service they deserve."
Some weeks, her team sees 12 new Veteran patients. Some weeks, it's 50.
The mother of three, Tracey-Lee proudly points out that her oldest boy, Paul, is 21 and in the Army. When he's home, they celebrate with her famous curry goat, a delicious part of her Jamaican heritage. She also relaxes by reading the latest novel by James Patterson, one of her favorite authors.
For this retired Army officer, who thought she wanted to be an accountant in high school, choosing a career in nursing turned out to be one of her most satisfying decisions. "It's a wonderful career," she quietly concludes.
Training to Fight PTSD
By Alex HortonWhen PTSD is discussed, it always seems to be about treatment–after the wounds have been made. From medication to group therapy and now adventure therapy, the means to cope follow weeks, months and often years after traumatic events, when the damage has already been done.
Four years ago, when my platoon lost a soldier in Iraq, it wore us out. It felt like we aged a decade in one morning. But instead of wallowing in pity, we kept going on missions, we kept laughing, and most of all, we kept together. Home might as well been on another planet, so we couldn’t rely on families or wives or girlfriends. It had to be one another, and the buy-in had to be absolute. When the fighting intensified, no man faltered or broke down in the face of the enemy. I credit that to how we dealt with stress and mental fatigue before it manifested itself in serious ways.
The Marines have taken that informal theory and transformed it into a common sense practice in Afghanistan
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LUSH USA
Let LUSH help you set a sexy scene for your special someone this Valentine’s Day. This year’s offerings include a solid love potion, a perfume created for a very special LUSH wedding and the return of some fan favorites. Make this Valentine’s Day one to remember with LUSH!
Sweetheart soap ($4.95 for 3.4 oz)
This sweet smelling soap is chock-full of aphrodisiacs like jasmine, sandalwood, ylang ylang and bergamot to help lift the spirits and give you a boost of confidence to take your relationship to the next level.
Love Potion massage bar ($9.95)
Give your love a little rub and cast a spell with this sensual massage bar. Delicately scented with the fragrance of Love perfume this heart stopper is sure to put you, and keep you, in the mood.
Leap Frog bath bomb ($4.95)
Ladies the world over will be popping the question as 2012 is a leap year, and it’s the girls’ turn to do the asking! LUSH has created the Leap Frog bath bomb, made with the sultry scent of jasmine, sandalwood, ylang ylang, rose and neroli, to help ladies everywhere get a ring on their men. Once he gets a whiff, he’ll have to say yes!
A Million Kisses lip tint ($8.95)
A perfect partner to Chou Chou...I Love You, this gorgeous red lip tint is scented with the same rose fragrance and will leave lips soft, supple and tinted a romantic hue…all ready to give your beau a million kisses! Pop on your cheeks for a bit of lustful blush. Available all year round!
25:43
25 minutes and 43 seconds is the amount time it took Mark Constantine, our founder and Gorilla Perfumer, to make this fragrance for his son Simon’s wedding. The main notes are lime tonka accord with sweet warm hay and a fresh green citrus top that are sure to have your lover smitten in no time flat!
Lots of Love ($49.95)
Give ‘lots of love’ Valentine’s Day with this beautiful hat box. Full of the most amorous products, like the French Kiss bubble bar, Soft Coeur massage bar and Lust soap for a bit of excitement, all wrapped up in red hearts and a bow. Contents: French Kiss, Ro’s Argan Body Conditioner, Soft Coeur, Lust soap, Rose Queen bath bomb, Sex Bomb bath bomb, 1000 Kisses Deep perfume
Do Knot Disturb Knot Wrap ($28.95)
This is one knot we wouldn’t mind undoing! Inside you’ll find four products sure to make your Valentine’s Day a little more special. The paper band around it can be used as a door hang once cut out, wink wink... Contents: Soft Coeur, Lust soap, Sex Bomb, French Kiss